The myth of the Black Suit

My assistant greets me with an iced energy drink and her tablet.

We enter the VP elevator.

Did you get my 10 am appointment filled as I asked?

“Yes ma’am, I managed to get the 3 companies you requested for your 10 am appointment”

Excellent work, Flora. As for our deal, I will send HR an email and approve your 2 week paid-vacation request.

“Thank you so much! You are the best boss ever, I promise to bring you back a souvenir!”

There’s no need to thank me. We made a deal and you did your part. I’m just doing mine. It was a great challenge you accepted but I knew only you would be able to get it done. I am proud of you, you have learned well.

“I’m flattered, Ms. Olina! I value my position and you as my boss and hope to never let you down when it comes to my work!”

..Flora, you should know. If something were to happen to me. You are the only person who would be able to do what I do to keep the company moving, at least until I’m replaced of course..

“Ms. Olina..? What are you talking about? You aren’t even 25 yet. I know you’re wearing black today but there’s no reason for you to be so hard on yourself”

What do you mean? What’s wrong with my black suit? I like this suit.

“Yes, you are absolutely stunning as always, Ms. Olina. But black suit means..”

*DING*

WE HAVE ARRIVED TO YOUR FLOOR

I stare at Flora.

Well, what does it mean?

“Hmm. How about we walk to your office and pretend we are talking and you just listen closely to the office staff”

Okay..

One foot out of the elevator, I blink. Second foot out of the elevator..

*whispers*whispers*

“black! Its black, her suit is black. Shhhhh! Shhh! Be quiet!”

“I hope you finished that report or it’s gonna be you!”

*silent cries*

“It’s gonna be me. A black cat walked passed me this morning and I knew it was going to be a bad day”

*whispers*

Flora and I enter my private hallway to my office.

Well what was that all about? I’m not going to fire anyone, how childish.

“Ms. Olina, can you send that email to HR please? And then we can continue this conversation?” Flora says as she giggles playfully

So if everyone thinks my black suit means someones getting fired, why are you so confident that it wouldn’t happen to you?

“Ms. Olina! I would never think that way! Of course I believe it can apply to me… but I also know for a fact that I am your favorite person in this whole company other than the CEO Nicholas Denroux himself since he is the ultimate gentleman and actually knows how to do his part of the company almost as well as you do yours, I mean I am a very up front and honest person and you know whatever you need I will get it done and HE, he chose you to be the V.P out of 49 other qualifiers, when you were only 20 years old because of your perfect 10 year plan proposal you presented during your 3rd part interview which has kept this company flourishing ever since! And then you miraculously called for me one day and chose me as your assistant and I’ve been on your side all these years, so I know exactly how to work with you! You amazing woman, you!”

*Breathe*Flora*Breathe*

“Ms. Olina, your black suit to us office workers just means that you are 200% locked in and will fire the first person you feel is out of place, without hesitation and that is not a bad thing at all. Out of the 92 previous employees that you’ve removed from the company while on black suit day, were all either knowingly doing something they weren’t supposed to or have been here too long and are not filling the needs of the company. Since I have been your assistant, I have always wondered if you were doing this on purpose knowing the people you terminated were corrupt but seeing your honest reaction to what I’m saying right now, I can see that you are just clearly the greatest woman to walk this earth and I will forever look up to you and hope one day to be even half the woman you are today”

Flora gets on her knees as though to bow and worship an emperor

Flora! Get up! Stop messing around, I understand what you’re saying. Thank you for your insight. Now go back to work while I send my email to HR.

“Yes Captain Lina!”

Flora salutes me and marches out of my office like a soldier before she plops down onto her seat.

I begin my Tuesday workload.

I’m glad Flora knows that she is my favorite person in this company. Flora reminds me of my younger self a lot, I guess that’s why I have this sense to look after her as though I am looking out for myself.. She is also the person who gifted me “Valerion Kingdom” book series on my birthday 2 years ago. When I looked up the series online it said that only 100 first edition sets were made before the author just disappeared and stopped writing. Definitely made the books more interesting to read.

*RING*RING*

9:45 am

Oh, time flew by quickly.

I exit my office and Flora is up awaiting my first step.

“I have your files and documents that you requested specifically for this meeting digitally put into slides for the presentation and I also have printed hard copies for you and our quests.”

I chose Flora as my right hand for a reason.

Are you ready to play another game, Flora?

“Yes ma’am! On your cue!”

Perfect, let’s get this done with no mistakes.

We walk in the office halls towards meeting room 6, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone is working so diligently. My black suit is definitely doing it’s part. I make eye contact Flora before we open the meeting room doors.

10:00 am

And cue.

*Flora opens the door*

Good morning Mr. Deckman!

*I gasp while looking at all our guests*

What’s going on here, Flora?