Head First
Chapter One-Change of Plans
Chapter Song: I Will Not Bow-Breaking Benjamin
"Hey Angela," I called as I exited the elevator.
"Hey Bella. Here are Jason's messages," she said, handing me the stack of slips. "Is Nessie at school?"
"Yes. Hey, do you want to do lunch today?"
"Sounds good."
"Okay, I'll see you around eleven or so."
I waved the slips in the air and stalked towards my desk outside of Jason's office. I'd been working as his PA for almost two years. We were friends, and it was nice to be able to get along with your boss. Plus, my daughter Nessie was friends with his two little girls, Jane and Emily. I loved my job; my boss was nice, my co-workers were nice, and it was a great environment.
Mr. Jenks walked around the corner then and gave me a warm smile, asking how my morning had been.
"It's been good, Jason. How about yours?" I asked in return.
He let out a huff of breath. "Helen was having some trouble with the girls, and she had to be at the hospital early, so I had to help get them motivated. Then traffic was a little hectic, but all in all, I'm a little late, but things haven't been too bad. Just a little backed up."
"Well, here are your messages," I handed him the slips and continued, "You have a nine o'clock meeting in about an hour, then lunch whenever that's finished."
He looked a little confused. "Why is that the only meeting this morning? I usually have at least two, then more work backed up in my office. Lately, I haven't had very many things sent down to me."
"It's the Volturi client, sir. They wanted to buffer out a few expenses with their account. I'm sorry, I didn't know why they wanted your entire morning, but since they are important clients, I didn't argue." I shrugged it off. I hadn't done anything wrong. I knew Jason wasn't angry with me, he was just a little perplexed.
I gave him an apologetic look, and he nodded while walking into his office. Things have been a little slow around here lately. I think he was more nervous than anything. The Volturi account would bring us back up in the marketing world, and we really needed things to go as smoothly as possible.
Forty-five minutes later, I had the conference room set up and was at my desk readying myself for lots of solitaire and taking messages for the next few hours.
After about twenty games of solitaire, and winning only two, I realized it was time for lunch. My stomach rumbled in annoyance of being empty. I was gathering my things and headed to Angela's desk when I realized Mr. Jenks hadn't returned from his meeting. It was normal to be in a meeting for a few hours, but never this long.
"So where are we eating?" I asked as I approached Angela waiting for the elevator.
"How about Jolie's? It's right around the corner, so we can walk," she stated.
I nodded in approval as we stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor.
When we arrived at Jolie's, we ordered our food and began small talk.
"So how's Nessie liking school?" she asked, starting the conversation.
"She loves it. I've never seen someone so eager to wake up and go learn in my entire life," I said, smiling cheekily. Everyone I knew could tell how proud I was of my daughter. She was always the focus of my conversation and my thoughts.
"She gets it from her mother. Bella, you've done such a good job at raising her on your own. I've never met such a sweet and polite little girl. She's so smart, beautiful, and outgoing."
I felt tears welling up in my eyes. It was one thing for me to gloat about my daughter and how she excelled in life, but it was entirely another when someone else spoke so highly of my little girl. It wasn't the easiest thing growing up so fast. I was only twenty years old when I became pregnant with Nessie. I finished college online and received my degree in art. When reality hit me, I decided I had to move back in with my mother Renee and take care of Nessie for a while. After she was a little older, we got our own place, an apartment suite in central San Diego, and I would take her to day care after I got a small job as a secretary at a law firm.
A few years later, Nessie started school, and I got the job here as Jason's assistant. Nessie was now in third grade, and doing exceptionally well in her classes. She went to a private school across town. It was a better schooling program, and we could afford the tuition. She loved school, homework, and reading. She was every mothers image of the perfect child. I didn't push her to do the extra little things she did, I just wanted her to do her homework and get good grades. She would insist she liked getting ahead in her work, and reading that extra chapter in the book. She was polite, and I would never catch her being rude to anyone. I had never been more proud of someone in my entire life, and we did it together. Just the two of us, so when someone complimented how great she was, it was one of the greatest things in the world.
"Thanks, Ang. You know that means a lot to me," I said, willing the tears to stay behind my lids.
"Honey, you know you did a great job raising that little girl on your own. No one needs to tell you that," she retorted.
"It's good to hear, just the same."
"Yeah, especially after her dead beat dad skipped town," she muttered under her breath, taking a sip of her water and averting her eyes to look around the restaurant.
If only she knew I was the one to skip town.
I never told her the truth of my past. I just let her come up with her own assumptions. I don't like what I did, not at all, but with the way things have turned out, I wouldn't take back anything I decided upon. No way in hell.
Flashback
I sighed and rolled over on my stomach and dove my toes into the sand, grabbing my book from beside my bag and opening it up to the middle of the book.
Tanya had gone to cool off in the ocean, but I decided to stay put for a little while, telling her I'd join her later. It was only a little past noon, and the sun was radiating heat all over my body. I was burning up, but it wasn't everyday I got to see the sun. Back home, in Forks, the sun would only come out when it wasn't being stubborn, which was practically never. I was going to take advantage of this little Spring Break trip.
I wasn't usually one to up and leave for a crazy road trip out of nowhere, but I needed a break from the college atmosphere.
We'd arrived last night and we were going to be here for a week. I was going to let loose and have my fun. I wasn't going to worry about consequences, professors, or all the crazy essays I needed to get finished before school was back in session.
At least that's what I kept telling myself.
I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice when a frisbee came flying in my direction and smacked into my forehead.
"Ow!" I yelped, dropping my book and clutching my head.
"Oh, shit! I'm so sorry! Emmett was being an idiot and I wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?" someone asked frantically.
I sat up and looked up into the most amazing pair of green eyes I had ever seen on a man. "Um, yeah, I think so," I said still rubbing my forehead.
He smiled this crooked smile that literally took my breath away. It was then that I noticed his disheveled hair that was wild, crazy, and couldn't decide which direction it wanted to go. It was a reddish brown, and sexy as hell. I kept looking down and noticed he was sitting in a crouch with his hands resting in the sand to hold himself steady. That didn't block my view of his muscular chest and six pack abs just screaming to be touched. His legs were just as toned, sticking out from a pair of black and green board shorts. My gaze followed up his toned arms and lingered on his toned biceps. He wasn't too bulky, where it was a little disgusting and have muscles on top of your muscles. I tore my gaze from his arms and looked back at his face that was still holding that sexy grin. His face was beautiful. He had the kind of face any model would give their left nut for. Literally, he was that gorgeous.
He chuckled and held out his strong hand and long fingers to me, "Edward Cullen," he said introducing himself.
"Bella Swan," I said grabbing his hand.
"Nice to meet you."
I was snapped back from my rambunctious thoughts and shuddered. I didn't like to think of those days from back when. No matter how many times I pushed them into the far depths of my mind, they always somehow managed to creep up on me, and pop up out of no where.
"You okay?" Angela asked.
"Hm? Oh, yes, I'm fine. Just thinking," I countered. "Did you notice Jason was still in the conference room when we left?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I wonder why. I've been getting a bad feeling about things lately. I was going over some review sheets and noticed that we've lost over half of our clients."
"What?!" I couldn't get my jaw off the table.
"Yeah, ever since the Volturi account started. I guess things have just been so wrapped up in them we've lost our attention to other clients, forcing them to go else where."
I hadn't heard anything about losing clients. Maybe that's what was bothering Jason. I tried to change the subject.
"So anyways, how's Ben?" Ben was Angela's husband and high school sweetheart. They were the ideal couple, really.
"He's fine. A little stressed over work. He wants to open another store in L.A. but the guys don't think it's a good idea since they aren't that high up on profits yet. They want to wait until next Spring, but he thinks it would bring their profit up hastily."
Ben opened his own clothing store a few months back, and it was the hottest thing right now. However, in order to make money, you have to spend money. They've been spending every dime they made on advertisements, and getting top label companies to put their clothing in their stores. Things were actually going pretty good as far as entrepreneurs go. Usually you would see a new store on the block, and the next week, the lot would be up for sale again.
"Well, I can see where his thoughts are headed. He wants to expand, but maybe he should take things a little slow Ang. I mean, L.A. isn't going anywhere. Maybe they can compromise and open one up in the fall," I tracked.
"Good point. I'll mention it to him. Thanks Bells," she gave my hand a reasurring squeeze on top of the table.
We finished eating and headed back to the office, and I left Angela at her desk, while heading to mine. It didn't pass my notice that the conference door was still closed.
About an hour later, I saw Jason coming around the corner with a far away look and appearing to be deep in thought. His tie was loosened and the top few buttons of his shirt were undone. He had his jacket slung over his shoulder, and his hair looked like he'd ran his hand through it one too many times.
"Jase? Are you okay? You look like shit," I stated honestly.
We were friends as well as co-workers, and we were brutally honest, so me knocking on his appearance wasn't a big deal to either of us.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, long meeting."
With that, he headed into his office and shut the door.
I didn't see him when I left the building.
"Mommy! Look what I made you!" Nessie yelled as she got into the car and I started pulling away from the school.
I was sitting in traffic when she handed me a picture of two stick people and what looked like the beach.
"Wow honey. This is great! Is that us?" I asked. Of course I knew it was, but I could tell she wanted to speak of the drawing.
"Of course Moma! Who else would it be?" she smiled.
Nessie never asked about who her father was. She had a few times over the years growing up. Asking why all her friends had a Mommy and a Daddy, and she only had a Mommy. I told her it was because God thought she was special and only needed one. If she had both, other children might be upset that she did. She just smiled and said 'so that means I'm extra special, right Moma?' I told her of course. She never seemed to ask anymore as she got older. I never brought it up, and only spoke of it when she mentioned it, but luckily, she hadn't spoken about it either.
"Moma, can I still play with Jane and Emily today?" she had been excited all week for today. Every Wednesday we went to Jason's home so she could have her weekly tea party. We went every week, but she never cease to ask.
"Yes baby. You just have to change out of your uniform first, then we will head over there."
We arrived at the apartment a few minutes later and headed inside. I've never seen an eight year old girl change so fast.
"Okay I'm all ready to go! Come on mommy, let's go! Let's go!" she grabbed my hand and started dragging me to the door. I decided to play with her, and stopped walking. She turned around and pulled on my arm with full force, before running behind me and pushing me forward.
"Mommy, let's go! We have to get there soon or they will think we aren't coming!" she said, still pushing on my lower back.
"Oh, honey... losing... balance... strength..." i feigned being tired and off balance, and collapsed on top of her, crushing her under my body chuckling.
"Mommy, get up!" she laughed struggling to get free.
I laughed at her efforts and reluctantly got up, taking her hand and helping her up before walking out the door.
"Evening Ms. Bella. Wednesday tea party?" my neighbor, Gianna, asked. She was an older woman, and very kind. We spoke every now and then.
"Yes, Gianna. Can't you tell? I think she's about to tear off my arm," I said, motioning to Nessie, who was still tugging on my arm, trying to get me down the stairs.
I waved a goodbye before I fell face first down the steps.
We got in the car and drove the the Jenks's house.
Nessie knocked on the door and rang the door bell at the same time until a flustered Helen opened the door. She had the same look on her face her husband was wearin earlier. I looked back to the driveway and saw his car. Something was going on, and it wasn't good.
"Hello, Mrs. Jenks. I am here for the tea party. Are Emily and Jane here as well?" Nessie asked in her 'polite' voice.
"Why, yes, Nessie. They are in the playroom awaiting your arrival," she said moving to the side so a squeeling little girl could get through and run up the winding staircase.
"Hello Helen. It's good to see you again. How are things?" I asked, trying not to sound concerned. Apparently it didn't work as well as I thought it did.
"Bella, it's good to see you too. Please, come in. Jason is in the den. He would like to speak with you."
I followed her into the den, where Jason was sitting in a leather, wingback chair sipping on a glass of scotch.
"Bells, I've got bad news, and I don't know how I'm going to tell you all of it, so I'm just going to get to the point, and let everything out. You may want to sit down," he said pointing to the couch. His wife took the arm of the chair he was seated in, and started rubbing soothing circles on his back.
"Okay. Just let me know what's going on Jason," I said worridly.
Was I getting fired? I hadn't done anything wrong. Nothing comes to mind at least.
"Bella, the company has been bought out."
I nodded, still a little confused. 'So someone else owned the company now? Big deal. The world keeps spinning Jason.' I wanted to say.
He must have noticed my look, because he let out a puff of air before continuing. "The company that bought us out is not planning on keeping any members of the office. I was told we were bought out by another firm, but no one will tell me who. From what I understand, they are buying out companies to expand theirs, you know, make their company the only choice for anyone."
I didn't know what to say. We'd all lost our jobs? Me, Jason, Angela, even Sam in the mail room? What was going to happen now?
"We are all going to be told in a meeting next week, and we are to all be out of the office by no later than Wednesday of next week. Bella, is there somewhere you can find a job?" he leaned forward and looked very worried.
"I don't know. I won't find one that pays as well, I know tha much," reality began to sink in, and I was starting to realize the severity of the situation. "I won't have enough money to pay for our apartment suite. It's too pricey. And Nessie's school tuition! I haven't paid for the second semester yet! How can they just yank our jobs away from us! Jason, what are we all going to do?! What are you going to do?!" I was having trouble breathing. I realized my face was wet with tears, as was Helen's.
"I don't know Bells. I just don't know," he slumped his head down and looked defeated. There was nothing we could do. I knew that. Jason could find another job by next week, but me and Angela? We were secretaries that made way more money than was probably legal. Well, technically, I was a PA, but that was just like being a secretary.
"Look, I called around, and I found you a job. I'm not sure if you want it, but I'm offering," he added.
"What is it?" I asked,trying to be a good sport.
"It's the same as Angela's job, and you would make almost what you made with me, but a little less."
"Well, that sounds fine. I'd rather take a pay cut, then be unemployed."
"Well, here's the catch, and it's a big one," he began, while I waited, "it's in New York."
"No. Not happening. I'm not moving my daughter all the way across the country. There has to be something here!" I was standing up being frantic again, but they didn't seem to care.
"Look, I'm not going to tell them you said no, I'll tell them you're thinking about it, and you can look for a job. If you don't find one, and decide you want to take it, all it takes is one phone call, okay?"
I nodded, but told him not to hold his breath.
"Wait, does Angela know about his?"
"Yes, she's going to go into business with her husband," Helen answered.
I didn't realize how long we had been talking until three little girls entered the den, and we all plastered fake smiles on our faces.
"Mommy! We had tea, and they let me be the guest of honder!" Nessie exclaimed.
"It's honor honey, and that's great," I said, trying to keep my composure.
Helen shot me an apologetic look while she escorted us to the door.
"Nessie, honey, go wait in the car for mommy, okay?"
She nodded and ran down the stairs to the car.
"Bella, think about what Jason said okay? I know it's a big change, but things aren't going too good here. Take the job, start fresh. You won't be able to find a job making as much money as you did before, but this job will be as close as you can get," she said.
"I'll think about it," I told her, not meaning what I'd said.
When we got home, Nessie grabbed my hand and pulled me to the couch.
"Moma, I know something's wrong. What is it?" she asked.
The child comforting the mother, how ironic.
"Sweetie, mommy isn't going to be working with Jason anymore. She needs to find a new job, but it's going to be very hard," I knew she'd understand what I was saying. She was smart for an eight year old.
"Well, mommy, if we need to go somewhere else where you can work and make money, I'll go with you without complaining. I'll be fine with whatever we do," she grabbed my hand, "it can be our little adventure mommy! We can travel across the country and find you a good job and me a good school! As long as I can take my books!"
How was this little girl her age? She seemed to have the brain of someone much, much older.
As much as I loved her enthusiasm, I couldn't help but scold myself. I was going to take her from her school, her friends. Mom and Dad died a few years back, so we had no family, and Angela was pretty much my only friend. Nessie, though, she had tons of friends, and loved it here, I couldn't tear her happiness away like that. She deserved so much better. I couldn't aruge with the fact that I didn't many options though, but that didn't go without trying.
I smiled, "I know sweetie, let's just stay here for awhile while mommy looks for a new job. Okay?"
"Okay moma. I'm sleepy. Will you read me a story after I get ready for bed?"
"Of course, baby."
A month. It's been a damn month and I hadn't found a single suitable job. Sure, you could say I was being picky, but that wasn't really the case. We had a lot of bills that needed paid, and a McDonalds salary just wasn't going to cut it. I'd tried everything. I've scanned the paper and internet looking for openings, I've made calls, I've made appearances, but I still came up empty handed.
Nessie was always being supportive. She kept telling me to not give up, and that she belived in me. She always made me smile when I needed to. She knew she was the center of my world, and that moving some place new was all about her, and she kept asking me when we were going on our adventure. She said she didn't mind leaving everything behind. She could make new friends, and she was sure she'd like her new school.
I didn't know what else to do. I'd pulled out all the stops and nothing. I gave it a month, and then I did the last thing I wanted to do.
I called Jason.