Finding Harmony

3. Shadowing Margaret

When I turned fifteen, I got a job shadowing assignment in school. I became Margaret Blaine's assistant. I wasn't sure exactly how my school counselor managed it, after all the woman was a MI5 agent. I had wondered then what sort of connections my counselor had, it wouldn't be the last time I wondered the same thing.

I had to sign all sorts of NDAs before I was brought into her office. She was a rather brusque woman, ordering me around and then one day she suddenly changed. She was still stern but occasionally I'd catch the smallest giggle escaping her as she looked over her work.

Unlike her previous self, this version of her seemed to get a kick out of my sarcasm and jokes.

I even caught her gazing at me with the odd fondness one would look upon a feisty cat on their stoop.

Then one day she shooed away her assistant and said, "Come along, pet. We are going to have some fun."

She was rather chipper on a day where the world was panicking about the crashed alien ship in the Thames.

To Downing Street we went. As soon as we arrived Margaret Blaine commandeered a vacant secretary's desk by the cabinet's doors, before setting more paperwork in front of me to sign.

"Sit there and fill these out."

I looked down to find more NDAs, "Great more autographs."

A giggle came from Margaret and then a couple of farts.

"Sorry, nervous stomach."

"Would you like me to get you something for that, ma'am?"

"It will be all better soon enough." She pointed at the seat behind the desk, "Now sit and behave."

A couple of others, one in a suit and another in uniform, arrived speaking about the disappearance of the prime minister before adjourning in the cabinet room.

Margaret looked back at me, "Behave and I'll bring you a treat."

"I'm not a puppy." I mumbled as she left with a secretive smile.

My head was down over the paperwork just as I heard the man who had taken over for prime minister fart, "Blimey!" before leaving for the other room as well.

I could just make out some chuckles before the door clicked shut.

Margaret didn't come out, even as the windows outside no longer brought in daylight instead were dark as night crept in.

I was tempted several times to leave but I was given a cup of coffee and so I stayed, playing pinball on the office computer when the paperwork had been done hours ago.

I was nodding off when a woman began speaking to the more official secretary across the way from my desk. I could barely make out something about a legislature as my mind was foggy from not sleeping. The woman was quickly shooed away when the cabinet door opened.

Margaret's gaze looked surprised as she looked upon me, "My I've never had such a loyal pet. Nap pet, but be ready when I need you or face the consequences."

The pet comments were getting old, and glancing at the officers at the doors I had a feeling I wouldn't get far if she'd ordered me to stay. With a sigh, I bent over on my arms and napped. I was woken later in the night, well early morning when the sound of loud voices down below came filtering through.

"The experts have arrived. Stay here, I would suggest straightening yourself up." The male secretary eyed my no doubt bedraggled look with barely withheld disdain.

Margaret came through just as I finished setting my hair to rights and wiping the drool from the corner of my lips.

"Good girl, right where I left you."