The Secretary {Once-ler x Reader}

Am I Fired? (Chapter 3)

     N covered her mouth, regretting her sudden outburst. She looked down, expecting the words 'you're fired'. But The Once-ler was quiet.

     N looked up and saw her boss lean back in his chair, something of a smirk on his face.

     "You... knew," N said, realizing that he was just trying to get her to crack. Well, it worked.

     "I passed by the area earlier. That picture wasn't like that until you showed up," he said.

     "Am I... fired?" N asked, bracing herself for the worst.

     But the worst never came. Instead, Once-ler ignored her question and asked one himself.

     "Why did you do it?"

     He didn't sound angry, he sounded curious. N relaxed, but just a little bit.

     "Because... the trees..."

     "Trees? You're worried about trees? What do they have to do with this?"

     "You're cutting them down," she said. "The air's not the same anymore, and the animals are losing their home."

     "You're exaggerating," he said, rolling his eyes and standing up. "Look, what's worse? Losing a few trees, or losing a job?"

     Now it was N's turn to be quiet.

     "A lot of people are counting on me," Once-ler continued. "They love my thneeds. And what am I supposed to do, shut down my company and destroy the economy? Hmm?"

     "I-I just..."

     N sighed, trailing off. Once-ler walked to the balcony and said, "I'll need those files organized before tomorrow."

     "Hmm? Uh, pardon?"

     Once-ler turned his head to look at her. "Well, get going. No slacking on the job, secretary."

     Before he turned away again, N thought she saw a smile appear on his face, but she assumed it was her eyes playing tricks on her.

     "Yes sir, I'll do that right away!" N exclaimed happily, almost running out the door. Outside, she leaned against the door, out of breath. She couldn't believe it; she wasn't fired!

     But the plan didn't work.

     N had to find another way to get through to her boss, but what could work?