Finding the Holidays

One

This is a picture of Lena Davis.

I was given one task.  To buy out the Spruce Peak Lodge Resort by Christmas.  That would get me promoted.  That would get me the money and power I've long needed.  Easy as cake.  Little did I know that this would be one of the most eventful times of my life.  But, I'm getting ahead of myself.  Let's start where most days start off- getting out of bed.

I woke up to my alarm at six thirty in the morning.  I brushed out my dirty blonde hair and curled it so it looked professinal.  I slid on a tightly fitted navy blue business dress and heels.  I put on my silver wristwatch, Pandora charm bracelet, and my diamond shaped silver earrings, with fake dark blue sapphires in the centre.  I exited my bedroom and made my way to the living room, where I found my little sister, of all surprises, awake and watching TV.

"Delaney!" I groaned, rubbing my eyes, "Why are you up so early?"

"Apparently you haven't hit the coffee machine yet, Lena!" Delaney said excitedly, bouncing in her spot on the couch.  

"You didn't answer my question.  What are you watching anyways?" I asked, moving to get a better angle of the television.  I saw a red leather purse which looked completely unaffordable.  "Well, first the shopping channel, then the Santa Claus Parade!" Delaney explained, sipping her coffee before bouncing again.  Wow, at twenty one years old my little sister is very energetic.  But, what lowered my mood from a five out of ten to a two out of ten was the Santa Claus Parade.  "C'mon, it's not even December yet!" I said, "And they record the Santa Claus Parade live every year!  Doesn't it get a little same old, same old?"

"Apparently we have a Grinch in our apartment this year." Delaney said, rolling her eyes, "And no, it does not get 'same old, same old'.  In fact this will be the last year this parade will be ever airing on TV.  Or ever existing at all for that matter."

"Really?  Why?" I asked, trying to contain my excitement.

"Because Spruce Peak Lodge Resort sponsors it every year, but this year the company you work at is buying it out!" Delaney said mournfully.

"Oh, right!" I replied, "They're telling us who's going to do that today!  I gotta hurry!"  I was about to go when Delaney caught my arm.  "Please don't buy it, if you're chosen." Delaney pleaded, her light blue eyes growing huge, "It's ruin Christmases for so many people!"

"Oh, just a few five year olds who will grow out of it eventually!" I laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

"That's not funny, Lena, and you know it." Delaney grumped at me.  Gee, someone's in a mood.  I sighed, my baby sister needs to learn how to grow up.  She's so immature for twenty one.  Whenever there's a holiday is when she's at her worst, though.  Delaney will literally stop at nothing to make sure every single tradition is celebrated in a meaningful way.  It's all about tradition.

Stupid tradition.

I prefer change.  Everything changes at some point.  And it's always the most powerful things that come out on top, which I've always loved.  I want power like that.  And maybe with this new job I have, I can get it.  A nice promotion, a new office, I can be my own boss.  And Lena Isabella Davis will come out on top! 

"Well, don't you have somewhere to be?" Delaney inquired archly, giving me a look.

"Oh, yeah!  Work!" I exclaimed, snapping back to present day, "Later!"  Delaney said nothing as I left, swinging my purse over my left shoulder.  What a great way to start the morning, an argument with your sister!  "Oh, she'll get over it!" I huffed, "She always does."  I hopped in my car and drove off to what I considered to be a powerful company, Collins Corp.

Collins Corp is a multi-billionaire dollar company which mainly focuses on engineering and power plants.  We construct them all over the world, it's a huge global company, and I am lucky to be working here!  I stepped into the modern day building, with huge glass windows and high ceilings, and smiled.  I fit in so well here.  I loved the organization, tidiness, and the professional feel to the building.  I pressed the elevator button and went up to the second floor, to my tiny cubicle in a crammed, but organized work space.  

"Lena!  Lena!"  I turned to see my friend Lesedi walking fastly towards me.  She moved to America when she was eighteen all the way from South Africa, and studied hard.  Lesedi was so smart they landed her a job in the financial section of Collins Corp.  She monitors how much money other companies owe us and how much money we've been spending.  It's serious work and I don't know anyone who could do it better than Lesedi.  "Hi, Lesedi." I said warmly, showing a grin.  

"Mr. Kingsley needs to see you." Lesedi told me immediately.

"Okay, just let me put my stuff in my office-" I began, sliding my purse off my shoulder.

"He needs to see you now." Lesedi said quietly, looking sympathetically frightened for me.  Mr. Kingsley is the manager of our floor.  It's usually a bad thing when someone goes to see him.  "Okay..." I said, forcing a pained smile, "I guess I'll go now."

"Miss Davis!"

That was the first voice I heard when I entered Mr. Kingsley's office.  He said it in a loud tone, like he was frustrated over something.  I gulped.  This can't be good.  I just hope I still get the job, I want my promotion, my money, my power!  "Yes?" I said meekly, gently shutting the door behind me.

"I have some news for you!"

That's what I assumed, Mr. Kingsley, I thought.  However, the words that came out of my mouth were, "Oh, is that so?"

"You know the job for buying out Spruce Peak Lodge Resort?"

Oh no.  This is it.  I've lost the job!  "Yes?" I managed to squeak.

"You're going there.  Today.  I've payed for your train and cab tickets.  You're going to personally be there when you buy out the business." Mr. Kingsley said.

"W-wait, I'm going there?" I asked, relieved and excited that I had the job, but upset that I had to actually be there.  I don't want to go to some cheesy Christmas place!  "I thought you were supposed to buy the resort online!" I said.

"Yes, but plans have changed.  I was hoping you could get familiar with the crowd who works there, so maybe you can get a lower buying price for us." Mr. Kingsley explained, "I really don't think the CEO would like to pay three million for the resort."

"Gosh, no sir!  I'll do my best!" I said, straightening my spine and squaring my shoulders.

"I know you will, you are a hard worker, Lena." Mr. Kingsley said with a smile,

"Not even Christmas will get in your way."