Here Comes Treble (andy bernard)

Chapter 1: Another Day in Scranton

Times were confusing for the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. They had so nearly avoided downsizing, fortunately being chosen to stick around over the failed Stamford location. It was hard to believe, considering the Scranton office never seemed to work.

A sudden merger was brought to the two branches, with Stamford employees who wished to keep their job being forced to migrate over to Scranton, Pennsylvania. It may have seemed like an easy move for any regular group of people, but neither branch was such.

Catherine Reed held one end of the bright yellow sign while Pam Beesly struggled with aligning the other. Whenever Catherine pulled it down, Pam would tug it too far up. After a few minutes of useless fidgeting, Catherine decided to use her last resort.

"Michael, could you please help Pam and I with this sign?"

The cameras turned to the direction of their star, Regional Manager Michael Scott, who was particularly excited about the new arrivals.

Interview with Ryan Howard

"Michael's really psyched about the new victims-sorry, employees-from Stamford. Have you guys seen them yet? Are they hot?"

"Of course, Catty! Anything for my favorite office ladies." Michael exclaimed loudly enough for both Phyllis and Angela to hear. The upset women turned their heads to their boss and frowned before looking at the camera and continuing their work.

"What did I tell you about calling me Catty?" Catherine asked Michael with the same tone a mother would use when disappointed with her son. She stepped aside as Michael, followed immediately by an overly helpful Dwight, began to reposition the ugly welcome sign.

"I believe that you said... you prefer Chatty Cathy?" Michael mumbled, looking at the camera. Catherine sighed and pinned the banner in place.

"No. I said to never call me that again, remember?"

"No, I am afraid I do not remember since it was a long time ago."

"Michael, I told you this yesterday."

With a curse under his breath, Michael retreated quickly to his office and shut the door. Catherine looked into the camera and rolled her eyes, knowing Michael would realize she was right when he watched this documentary back.

"Cathy?" Michael said quietly through the tiny crack of his very slightly open door.

"Yes Michael?" Catherine sighed again, not bothering to correct him.

"Could you please tell me when the newbies get here?"

"Of course." Catherine smiled, deciding to brighten her mood before the guests arrived. "And Michael, I am sorry that I acted so harshly before. Angela put a lot of pressure on the party planning committee to make this day run as smoothly as possible, and I guess I took my stress out on you."

Michael kept the door cracked open, but hesitated to accept Catherine's apology. So Catherine decided to speak in a language Michael would understand. "I guess I was being too catty."

Michael let out a chuckle and fully opened the door. Catherine opened her arms for an embrace, to which an emotional Michael accepted. After a moment, Catherine tried to let go, but of course he latched on. "You can let go now." Catherine whispered, to which he did.

Interview with Michael Scott

"Yes, even I get emotional at times. People say that I have a gentile heart, that sometimes... I love too much and too hard... That's what she said! Ha!"