The Twenty Five Step Plan

Prologue:

[A/N -  Angie might speak directly to you. Do not be alarmed. It's only a character in an awesome book.]

Today was the day. 

The day I got promoted to Editor and Chief of Asthetica Magazine. This is what I have putting in the extra hours and late nights for. Victor has been dropping hints around the office all month about a promotion.

He's even said that the next Chief may very well be the youngest ever given the position. I mean, I'm only twenty four. But I've been working here since I was twenty. Applied for a job when I was fresh out of college but they took a chance and hired me anyway and look where I am now; promoted to being the Chief. 

Today, I made an extra attempt at my appearance. I wrapped the shortest lock of my hair into a mini bun and let the rest fall in loose curls. I threw on my usual black attire and even borrowed my sisters shoes.

Minutes later I was stumbling towards my car and putting my folders and photos in the back seat. I got in behind the steering wheel, took a breath and exhaled loudly. Today was the day.

*

I walked into the office with seven minutes to spare. When I got to my desk, I started sorting the photos and files; then, very loudly and obnoxiously someone cleared their throat behind me. I turned around to meet Kristen Matthews. 

"Oop, Angela? Is that really you darling? You look different." She said and put up the smile of a Cheshire cat. 

"Yes, its me." I said, trying to find my voice. I cleared my throat and tried again. "Thank you." I finished and went back to sorting out the pictures on my desk. I don't know why Kristen is always this insincere to everyone in the office but I do know that she's slept with Victor enough times to have anyone who works in the building fired. So I've kept my mouth shut and my arms out when she's around. But soon that'll change. 

"So, we're both up for promotions today. Promise me that my victory... or failure will not affect how we do our work. " She said and walked away. It was only when she rounded the corner to go to her office that I continued sorting my photos silently.

"Alright everybody! Time for the meeting! Everyone in the board room." Victor yelled from his office.

Everything inside me was going haywire. This is it. I'm about to make history. A smile made its way unto my face and I couldn't pry it off if I tried. I walked into the board room and sat in the middle of the table. Not too close to Victor and not too far. Kristen on the other hand sat in the closest seat next to him and if I saw right, I could swear I saw him mutter in discontent. After everyone is in and settled, he began to speak.  

"Well everyone, its been a good twenty years!" He said and cleared his throat again. "You've all been wonderful employees and I'm glad I hired each and everyone of you! I've helped to train you, and build you up to form one of the best magazine teams in the world and I want to thank you." He paused for us to applaud for a short moment then continued.

"Before I let you know who will be taking over for me I'd like to acknowledge some employees and give little tokens of my appreciation. Bentley, a cheque, for two thousand dollars. For the year that you've worked here, you've never been tardy." He said and handed him the cheque while everyone clapped. "Kristen, Abigail, Sydney and Felicia, five thousand dollars for always doing what the boss asks." I'm almost sure that I'm the only one who was scared to roll their eyes at the company sluts. 

"And last but not least, Angela. Since we hired you two years ago you've done everything you could to help. Here's five thousand dollars as well." Even though I'd been working here for four years and I'm pretty sure he couldn't even remember my last name if I told him, I didn't care. I didn't care because it'd only look better for me to be Editor and Chief with only two years. I took my cheque from him and sat back down and waited for my name to be called again. "Everyone else gets a five hundred dollar bonus at the end of this month." He finished then moved from behind his podium to speak.