X and Y Axis

The Lady Boss

I glanced at my watch, it's 8:00 AM and today's April 14. It's been a year since I marked this as my 'big day'. The day of my promotion as the Editor-in-chief of Axis Press. It's the turning point of my life. As I walked through the hallway, my 5 inches red stilettos echoed.. I glanced at the glass window as I passed by and stared at my reflection. My seductive red lipstick highlighted my pouty lips. My emerald eyes were covered by dark mascara and eyeliner that intruded my innocence for a while.. I wore a velvet dress that emphasized more of my curves.. I am not what I used to be. I have changed.

"Good morning, miss EIC." A staff greeted me.

I clasped the handle of my Hermes bag and lowered my eyes. I nodded and smiled to my sports editor, Louisa. For the second time, I looked back at my reflection. I have really changed.. I am now... fierce.

I shook my head and distracted myself to that thought. I opened my office and as expected there were documents on my table. until someone knocked on my door.

"Open it." I said as I sat on my favorite swivel chair. It was just a dream before to sit this way, now it isn't anymore.

"Ma'am, good morning. The news for today's up. The president spoke up about the issue. Our press did a good job yesterday. Here's our headlines." Maggie, my news editor came to me.

I scanned their draft and it's exceptionally formal and regimented. It's been a year since I dealt with different 'all-inclusive' people around.. I wasn't used to deal with elites since this is not the place I used to call 'home'. But, here I am.. The sun was getting intense and it was telling me I need to get my things prepared. Unfortunately, I've seen papers on my table. It's messy and I hate it. I think I need to fix these things first. I grabbed my iPhone and dialed my secretary's number.

"I'll be down for 30 minutes, Lou, I'll..." I interrupted as I pressed the loud speaker button on my phone. "I'll just fix some papers here."

"Okay ma'am. Your driver said that the car's ready." She replied.

"Okay, thank you." I was about to hold it up when she spoke once again. I've seen different drafts of literary pieces on the floor and I picked all of it and scanned them one by one.

"Oh, ma'am! There is an urgent call coming from the head of the Axis Press. Our boss' secretary said the boss wants to meet you and congratulate you in person because since the day you got promoted, Axis Press became number one in ranking in distributing newspapers. Maybe the boss will meet you by 9 AM, today ma'am."

It's already 8:30 AM! I was overwhelmed by the news that the big boss of this press wants to meet me in person. I have never met the boss. Some older editors said, Mr. Rodrigo Suarez, the owner of the Axis Press died last year because of an accident but there was this someone who replaced him immediately. His son, daughter or wife, perhaps. That is why it was such an honor for me to meet the big boss. My mood shifted when I remembered something.

"Of all the days, is it really today? It's my leave." I replied.. I was disappointed. Of all the days, why now? I have scheduled this for almost months! I reserved this day. I have to go through to that place. A door where I threw and locked everything in and decided not to open it anymore. I've thrown the key. I found it, now. I have to go and open that door again...

I sighed. Will I risk this day for my own... again?

Before I can answer, I've seen one literary piece.