The room is silent.
A pin could drop, and it would be the loudest thing in the room.
Waiting for her in her father's office were two women and one man. Capricorn, her father's lawyer, Kagura from Human Resources who sat silently and Brandish from Public Relations who smirks behind her cup of coffee. Just looking at the green haired woman, makes a shiver run down her spine.
"Lucy, please take a seat," Her father motions to the chair across from his desk. "At this point I request that all who are present please turn off your phones or anything that can be used as a recording device of any sorts."
"As stated in the hiring contract," Capricorn reads, "Article 3, Section 2, Clause 4, by signing the document everyone present agrees to this instruction and are asked not to leak a transmission of this meeting and have full discretion. Failure to do so will result in a breach of contract lawsuit."
"Thank you, Capricorn." Jude nods. "Now that we are all gathered here, we are to discuss the "Sherry Blend video incident."
Video incident?
Her father reads off a document, "according to Warren Rocco, Sherry Blendy uploaded a video ar5:39pm. Approximately four hours after meeting with junior editor Lucy Heartfilia." He flips the page. "Ms. Blendy came in with a complaint to the Human Resources department, Ms. Mikazuchi."
Kagura clears her throat. "Ms. Sherry Blendy came to the department and filed a complaint against Ms. Lucy Heartfilia for "workplace rudeness" for the following reasons. She states that she went because she was concerned about her article not being published in the upcoming magazine issue. While being there Ms. Heartfilia became hostile and started to berate Ms. Blendy's work calling it and she quotes, "unappealing in comparison to others" end quote."
Kagura begins to pace, "Downplaying her efforts, Ms. Heartfilia continues, her tyranny. Her words not mine." The human resource lady quickly clarifies. "Ms. Lucy Heartfilia then proceeds with the following words, quoted as "Are you finished? Or do you plan to waste any more of my time? If that's all, you may leave. Better yet stay, I don't mind having security escort you out of my office. End quote."
"Anything to say for yourself?" Her father turns to her as he rests his chin on his hands.
Lucy digs her nails into her palms as she tries to make her face look neutral, "She came to my office wanting to know why her article was not considered for publication, that much is true. However, what she failed to mention is that I gave her the opportunity to rewrite the article."
Capricorn hands her father another document, "Yes the article was based on," He reads. "Top Ten Foundations Nobody Can Stop Raving About."
She nods, "While insightful, I noticed that nowhere in the article was there an option for a foundation of lesser value, something that can be deemed affordable for the average consumer. The items that Ms. Blendy recommended were priced at ten-thousand jewels or more," She keeps her tone even. "I suggested that if she were to replace a product or two with an affordable option, we would be able to reach out to certain groups that may have been untapped. Making the magazine appealing, to stand outin comparison to others."
"She didn't take the suggestion well?" Her father inquires.
"No," She exhales deeply. "I gave her two days to rewrite and resubmit the article, unfortunately she took it as an offense."
Jude Heartfilia makes a note, "Now to the other dilemma. Capricorn, please play the video.
Sherry Blendy sits on a lime green sofa chair in what looks to be her home office.
"Hello beautiful and lovely B-Cubers this is your beauty and love guru, Sherry Blendy." She says in a sing-songy voice. "And if you're new to my channel welcome. Usually in the beginning of my vlogs I have written down words of affirmation that I not only read for my sake but also for you lovely human beings, because in a world of unpretty things we need to be like roses with thorns. Lovely to see, but you will not mess with me." Her tone does a 360, becoming deep and serious. "Which brings me to a new segment I would like to call "thorns."
"Capricorn can you fast forward the video to 17:31." Jude Heartfilia rubs his temples.
Capricorn nods.
"…bitches." Sherry curses. "My lovelies I am not a person to lose my composure, I try to see everyone with eyes of love and beauty, however, there are some people that are the exception. Pull up a chair because it's story time."
Shelley crosses her arms and zooms the camera on her face. "Everyone knows I work as beauty journalist for a very-very well-known magazine. I have even made video reviews and interviewed some of my fellow journalists. Because in my channel we support women supporting women "hashtag Girl Gang."
Lucy cringes.
"So," The woman clasps her hands together. "I have been with the company for many lovely years, met different people, and have developed a keen eye in what is "in" and what is "not." Trusted by my colleagues to do my job correctly, I enjoyed every minute…until today. By making this video, I know I might be breaking some rules, but my truth needs to be set free. Today it is me, tomorrow it could be one of my lovelies."
"Recently an editor who for so many years struggled, miraculously…and I'm being kind here, managed to become the lead editor on a future issue of the magazine which is supposed to hit the stands very soon."
Miraculously!
Her Father had been putting her through the ringer. Always making her work under Irene like her subordinate, even though they were supposed to both co-junior editors. Then there was stupid—detestable competition to be lead editor of a publication issue. Pitting her against the witch or as she liked to refer to that woman the personification of Scarlett Despair.
Shelly clicks her tongue,"Now this person, has no artistic talent whatsoever, worst of all she happens to be born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Let's refer to her as Princess, not the type that is nice and pretty, but dumb and evil. Moving on, Princess has been trying for two entire years." The number two floats above her head. "In the two years that she has been vying to be the lead editor, it's until now that she has managed to secure the issue. If you ask me, she got lucky or should I say, "daddy took pity on her and finally gave her the job she wanted." Boo Hoo. Poor little Princess can't do anything, not her job, not even stand up for herself."
She pretends to dry her eyes with a tissue. "Anyways, I begin to write my reviews for the products that are sent to me, and my lovelies I need you to know that I put my entire soul into these reviews. I don't care if it's foot cream or the newest foundation, I will give it my all. Fast forward three weeks later and I find out my article isn't on the "approved" list. I was not getting the publication I deserve!" Sherry slams her palms against the sofa chair's arm rest. "And you want to know why?"
Just looking at the woman made Lucy want to shout some "not so professional" words at the screen.
Shelly pauses for affect, "She is obviously jealous of my talent—of everyone's talent because she doesn't have any. It may sound harsh but it's the truth. Leave the work to the real artists. Like the other editor who's been getting publications before Princess was even born. She deserves the title of being the real editor not her. It's sad because she's being overlooked and taken advantage just because she is not related to the man "in charge."
Irene, overlooked!
Lucy likes to believe that she is a rational—emotionally stable person, able to handle whatever is thrown at her. But Sherry Blendy was five seconds—.
"My Lovelies I ask that you stand with me in solidarity and promise not to buy the upcoming issue of the magazine, to prove to everyone around that we stand against nepotism and fight for the underdogs."
Capricorn pauses the video.
Jude Heartfilia closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, "As of now Warren states that the video is "trending" and has more than a million views. I assume trending is supposed to mean popularity, yes?"
"That is correct sir." Capricorn adds.
"As our PR head, what do you think should be the next step?"
The green haired woman brings out a tablet from her bag, "I have been looking over the contract that HR sent me this morning and with the help of Mr. Capricorn, we were able to see that she did not breach her contract," She uses her fingers to scroll down.
"Can we sue her for defamation against the company?" Jude turns to his lawyer.
The silver haired lawyer takes off his glasses and cleans them with the edge of his suit, "As it stands it is word of mouth because she has not presented any evidence nor has, she explicitly named any names or the magazine's' for that matter."
Jude takes a sip from his water and slams the empty glass cup against his desk, making everyone jump a little. "Do you expect me to wait until my magazine is down the drain! Is that it!" Her father turns literally red in the face. "I believed when I hired you—"
The ever-stoic lawyer puts his glasses back on, "With all due to respect sir, there is no need to enter into despair—if anything I would compares this mishap as something akin to "the boy who cried wolf." Capricorn turns to Brandish. "I believe Ms. Brandish can further corroborate to my words."
Lucy's father doesn't give the woman a glance and begins to pour himself another glass of water, "Brandish."
The woman is question gives the lawyer a perplexed look, "I…." She turns to her notes. "As Capricorn has assured Ms. Blendy is "crying wolf," and there won't be an enormous repercussion towards the reputation of the magazine in the long run. However, it would be "ignorant" and "foolish." The green haired woman rolls her eyes at Lucy. "To ignore the effects that are present."
"And what do you suggest?"
"Well, this is an obvious ploy against Lu—Ms. Heartfilia, with hopes of maybe being compensated for the injustice treatment or with hopes of being dismissed herself." Brandish clicks her tongue, "Either way Sherry comes out unscathed and still looks like the victim."
"I see." Jude clenches his fists.
"As for the magazine, I suggest we don't make any statements regarding the video," Brandish then turns to Lucy and begins to smirk. "And instead focus on the internal issue."
Lucy digs her nails deeper into her palms, feeling skin tear apart.
"I understand." Her father turns his back towards everyone in the room. "That will be all for today, everyone, dismissed."
Lucy closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and begins to gather her things, not wanting to be the last one out.
Her right foot crosses the door's threshold when she hears her father turn in his chair.
"Lucy, stay."
The room becomes colder.
She looks downwards. Not wanting to face her co-workers who were in front of her. Especially Brandish who she knew must be stifling a laugh.
"Good luck." She could hear the green haired woman smiling.
If Lucy wasn't stunned by her father's request, she would have smacked…okay imagined wiping the smile off her face.
"Close the door."
Too anxious to sit down she stands behind one of the chairs.
"I'll make this brief," His back still towards her. "Ms. Belserion will be leading September's publication and you are dismissed for the day."
The color drains for her face, her composure breaking like a mirror with cracks. "May…may I ask why, sir."
"Do you not comprehend the trouble you have caused to the magazine, to the company!" He huffs. "In my 37 years in this industry not once have I received a complaint—to have such thing happen means that I was not doing my job properly." He turns on his heel. "When I made you an editor, I told you not to interact with those working beneath you, because time is wasted dealing with insignificant people."
But in journalism, it is a team effort and to ignore is contradictory to the job we do, she keeps that thought to herself.
"You showed a lack of discipline," He begins to pace. "And became emotional. It's your greatest flaw."
She doesn't respond.
"All those years attending school—seeing firsthand how this industry works, and this happens. As you are now you show no backbone—I only see the downfall of my company." Jude slams his palms on his desk making a pen fall to the floor. "Fix that pathetic mindset because the wolves smell blood in the air, and they will come to attack!" Her father takes his seat back in the chair and begins to write something down. "Dismissed."
She wants to respond, but her tongue betrays her, hiding behind her teeth as she walks out of the office. Closing the door, she feels her feet fly in front of her, her heart beating in her ears, her mouth becoming dry, her chest tightening, and tears threatening to fall any second.
Stop it, she chastises herself. Crying is a sign of weakness.
I AM NOT WEAK!
The air is becoming thicker, she can't breathe, and her hands begin to shake.
DON'T CRY!
A traitorous tear rolls down her face, running down her chin.
She could hear people playing Shelly's video around her. The stares. The whispers.
No. No. NO!
"What a bitch." Someone whispers.
"Daddy's little girl." Someone adds.
STOP CRYING!
Crying will not make you feel better.
"Hey is she—."
"No way." She hears another person chuckle. "She's crying."
She powerwalks—runs out of sight towards her office, running past Natsu's desk.
A warm palm grabs at her elbow, stopping her.
Natsu.
Lucy didn't have to turn around to know that her secretary was stopping her from entering her own office.
She's tempted to look back but can't afford to show this face—this weakness to anyone.
She opens her mouth, ready to tell him off. His warm palm on her elbow slides down her forearm landing in her own cool palm.
She looks over her shoulder at their hands.
Natsu interlocks his fingers to hers.
A warmth washes over her.
"Let's go," Lucy looks up to her secretary, "C'mon." Natsu grins.
Many thoughts come racing to her mind.
Her father, her mother, societal expectations, work—everything, everyone.
Rationale be damned.
Lucy clasps her hand around Natsu's, and let's the pink haired man lead the way.
A/N: I know this is a short chapter, but it wraps up nicely. Now we're getting to the good stuff, I know I've been saying that since the last chapter, but from now on Lucy and Natsu's relationship will only increase. Too put it simply if chapters 1-6 was sparks, 7 and on we'll get start to get some smoke. I'm really excited to show what I have in store for all of you. Once again thank you for the comments, favs and follows. I love reading comments because they inspire me on days when my brain decide to go into energy saver mode. I love hearing what characters you want to see and your theories. As always thank you very much. Without you, there wouldn't be a story.