Capitulo 2
Regina walked out of Rpbin''s office with a sour expression on hter face. Her hand placed on her stomach as she walked toward her own new office.. Jefferson spotted his friend as she walked across the office and followed her. "What's going on Reg?" he asked
She looked at him and rolled her eyes. "My stomach is all messed up man."
Jeff laughed, Why? did you figure out you were getting married in september to a harpy of a man?" Regubna stiooed abd kiijed behind her before walking into her office and heading for her desk..
"No, I'm in serious trouble Jeffy." She said reaching in her drawer for her antacid.
"What? did Robin figure out you're gay as fuck and sleep around with women when you go to work functions? "
"No, he just wants his best friend Lily to be my secretary." Regina said taking a chug of the liquid inside.
"Wait, she's hot! you ought to be thanking him." Jeffy stated.
Regina looked at her best friend and smiled sweetly. "Yeah you like her?"
"GOd yes."
"SO you want to cibdemn me to be spied upon swenty fore Seven? DOn't love me too hard Jeffy." She oritested abd driooed ger gead back in the chair.
"Oh please don't be so paranoid." Jeferson said.
"I had to yell at the HR manage r in front of my father. Because I really needed someone eficient in the position." Regina stated and sort of laughed. in truth I would love someone gorgeous, but I don't need to be watching my back from the only person I am supposed to trust.
Jefferson laughed. "Where can you find a Hot and efficient girlfriend?"
"I'm hot and efficient." Regina retorted.
"And as you know you are one of a kind." Her friend stated.
"I have an alternative. There was another resume in the file super impressive, with a masters degree. but Ursula said that she did not give off a polished first impression."
"SO?" Jefferson said.
"She's ugly, Jeffy and I have to look at that all day." Regina moaned.
"But Robin should feel safe with her around right? THere is no way he will think that you're a secret lesbian sleeping with every model that walks through the door of your studio."
"I guess.," Then Regina looked at her watch and walked toward the conference room. where she met RObin and the two called THe Emma swan in.
Shortly after the plain Jane girl entered the office they were Joined by Henry who was also taken aback. He hurriedly took a seat and asked Emma to sit back down as she had stood up to greet him.
The bespectacled girl reiterated her qualifications and Regina nodded impatiently. She voice on this eyesore annoyed her and she just wanted to prove her point to Robin who sat by silently and said nothing.
"Yeah sure, we read this in your CV, but Ms Swan, I have one question for you." Regina paused and looked the mousy haired girl in the eye. "Do you know anything at all about Film and Production?"
Emma blanched and shook her head. "I really don't. I have spent most of my time studying and being good at what I do. I know the company and its assessment well. I know the profit margins and scale. I have attempted projections based on the economic trends. So I know I can be invaluable for this position."
"Where did you learn all of this Ms Swan?" Henry asked about the depth of knowledge this woman had on his business.
:"There's this thing called google I'm fond of. It is very useful when researching and planning for a business of your own." Emma quipped. Regina raised a sculpted brow at the hidden wit of this ugly duckling. "So, no I don't know anything about film but I do know what the company needs and exactly where I can be useful to you outside of the secretarial role as well." The three executives looked at each other.
Robin looked perturbed, because he knew that this woman far surpassed anything Lily could do . Henry was satisfied that she would be the best, though he wasn't so sure he wanted her greeting the guests of the Magazine. Regina sat back smug because at least she knew she wouldn't have to hire Lily. Ms. Swan was more than Capable.
"Great, You are very capable, so Are you SURE you want to be a secretary?" Regina asked, leaning forward, interested in what this intelligent woman had to say.
"I want to learn more about this sector of the economy. I know that with you I can learn a lot, Ms Mills. Maybe some of it will rub off on me." Ema blushed at the words that came out of her mouth and rolled her eyes looking down at her lap. Damn Ms. Mills was hot as hell.
Robin quirked a brow, catching the blush on the girl's cheek. She was going to be Regina's right hand and he couldn't control her. The Blond man could see it, and already decided that there was no way he was going to allow Emma to stay.
"Great, I would like to talk to my colleagues. Would you please step out for a moment?" Regina asked, hardly able to stay still.
Emma walked out of the office and as soon as she stepped out onto the hallway she couldn't stop the grin that appeared, no matter that the people around her were averting their eyes. She thinks she may have impressed the owners, she cannot wait to start working at High Concepts Productions.
Inside the conference room Regina let out a breath. "Damn she is uglier than Cruella." Regin said with a slight chuckle. "But she is much better qualified for the job than Lily so I want her."
'"Oh no, she does not have better qualifications. The most important ones." Robin said. 'The ones you see the moment you lay eyes on her.'
"Who said I need a beautiful woman sitting at my secretary's desk?" Regina insisted. "I need an efficient candidate. And Ms Swan is the most competent in that area."
"That's not true Regina," Robin said,'' Fortunately your father is here to be the moderator for this decision. A High rated Ad company needs to look like it knows something about image. Admittedly Ms. Swan knows nothing about it, and we aren't here to educate a grown woman about what is a good image is." He paced the room, " It's like going to a dermatologist with bad skin, or an unhealthy trainer, your fathers secretary , she wasn't a model type but she was stylish right Henry?'
Henry nodded agreeing with Robin but he didn't say anything choosing to pick his words wisely.
Regina seemed to be listening to Robin's very logical argument.
"If Ms Swan is this qualified, put her somewhere else in the company, but not as your secretary." Robin insisted.
"There's nowhere else to put her." Regina stated
"Great then just send her home," Robin stated as if the case was closed. "Because logically she just doesn't work. I want to show you exactly what I mean. I asked Lily to come in today as well." Robin said standing up and heading toward the door. He called them both into the room.
Both Lily and Emma stood side by side and Lily and Emma stood tall. Emma withered standing next to the gorgeous brunette in her frumpy shapeless sweater.
Regina stood before the two women super uncomfortable with Robin's attempt at humiliation. "Robin. That's enough." The brunette turned to the two women and said. "Ladies please just wait for me in the lobby."
The two women started to walk out, but Lily turned back. "Regina, I just wanted to let you know I appreciate you seeing me and I hope you understand that I am the most appropriate person for this job."
Regina nodded, "No, Yeah you're right. I am completely convinced of what I want to do."
"Okay." Lily said then turned to her friend. "I see ya later Robin." then walked out of the office entirely.
Robin stood there smugly, as if showing how pretty Lily was compared to Emma was something to be proud of.
"Was the body shaming necessary Robyn?" Regina asked her look disgusted. "It felt like I was auditioning models, that's not what I am here for. Or didn't you notice how humiliated Ms Swan was.?"
"Regina, Please.. I didn't humiliate anyone." Robin said. "I just wanted you to compare the differences between them. You saw the results."
"It seems incredible to me that we're fighting about this," Regina said, "because I want an ugly secretary. I thought it would bother you if I hired a beauty. But if you want a secretary from Casting.. Somebody call the modeling agency!"
"It's not necessary. You already have Lily." Robin said, dismissing Regina's insult. "Look, Regina. Speaking as a stockholder of the company. Other than the duckling, Lily is your best option. Now I'll talk to you as your fiancé. If you don't accept Lily, I'll take it personally." He moved closer to her. "Why? Are you afraid of me observing your intimate life? That means that you're hiding something because you don't plan to change. Make whatever decision you want. I'm not going to pressure you." He kissed her then walked out of the office leaving Father and daughter behind.
"Calm down Regina, please sit." Her father said as she paced her office floor.
"I can't stand that he is trying to insert his little spy Daddy." she said stopping in front of her father "I know what he's doing, and he's crazy I am not going to stand for it." she sat down. "What do you think Daddy??'
"I think the both of you are right."
Out in the lobby, Emma walked up to the bookish secretary sitting at the desk she was applying for. "I think it's better if I leave. Miss Mills is probably busy. If she does come out and ask for me, tell her that I waited for her as long as possible. And she can call my cell if anything."
The bruette woman nodded but as Emma nade ger way toward the elevator ,Ms. Mills came out of the office. "Oh, Ms Swan!" Regina paused and Emma looked at her. "Go over to HR with Ursula Marin, so that you can sign your contract of employment."
"Really?" Emma said joyfully.
"Yes, you can start first thing tomorrow morning." Regina answered.
"I'll be here at six Ms Mills." Emma said.
"No, no… Eight is just fine Ms. Swan." Regina stated. Emma smiled wide showing all of her braces.
"Ms Mills, The woman at the desk speaks up. "The printer is calling."
"I'll take it out here." Regina said and went to answer the phone.
With a shouted thank you, Emma walked confidently to HR.
Regina returned to her office and her father very literally handed over the keys to the company. There was a door inside her office that she never knew what it was. Her father finally opened the large storage room and said that he never quite knew what to do with it and maybe she can find use for it after all.
Regina looked at the space and nodded. She knew exactly what to do, and she got people to come in and empty the room out.
Emma walked into her house. She attempted to school her features as her mother and Father ere still at the breakfast table eating like retirees very leisurely. Her mother stands when she saw Emma approaching. "Did you get the Job?"
Emma smiled and nodded," yea I did. I start tomorrow"
"As an executive assistant?" her father asked
"Uh, yeah." she said with a smile.
Her father smiled and came over to her holding her like an infant. "I knew all your hard work would pay off eventually. You get your knack with numbers from me. '' he said proudly.. "You see, you didn't have to settle. If you had, you could be working as some guy's secretary or something."
Emma continued to smile, resolving not to tell him yet. "Thanks"
"Uh, Emma, are you going to be with your boss all the time, or will you have your own office"" Her father asked, trying to mask his concerns.
"I don't know yet." Emma said
"Be careful. Some bosses like to take advantage of naive young girls like you." her father said.
"Come on David," Her mother said. "Let me show you the people that own that company." She picked up her phone and googled the family. "Her boss is the lovely young woman here. Regina mills."
Emma is pretty sure he got the picture but just to cement it. But she added for good measure. "That's Ms Mills and her fiance Robin." Emma stated and sighed. "Besides, if she liked women she wouldn't want me. I'm hideous."
"No way," David stated. "You deserve everything your heart desires. But tell me, hows the money?
Emma smiled. "It's good."
"Great," David said with pride. "Well lunch is over, I'm headed back to the office"
"Bye Dad!" Emma stated just as the doorbell rang.
As her father opened the door, there stood killian. "Hi Mr. Swan, Mrs Swan."
"Hi, Killian," Emma's mother said. "I'm gonna go Check on Henry He's gone really quiet, that's never good with toddlers."
"Thank's mom." Emma said and Killian sat across from her at the dining table. Then she smiles at her best friend. "I'm so glad you're here I have so much to tell you I'm bursting."
"You got the job!"
"Even better."
"You got the Assistnant Job!!" Killian said, blue eyes wide in shock behind his glasses.
"Oh plese, as if…" Emma stated dismissing the thought. "Regina defended me, everyone wanted her to get the pretty one, and she fought for me.
"So…tell me…" Killian said "how hot Is Lillith Page"
"So, Hot… "
"Then your boss is definitely straight," Killian said with a sigh
"Concidering she is marrying a man…" Emma said to him with a glare.
"Mommy?" Henry said walking back to the dining room with his grandma.
"Yeah Kid?' Emma asked turning to look at her baby boy.
"Can we go to my castle?" He asked. Emma smiled, who knew if she would be able to take him into the park as often anymore.
"That sounds like fun." she looked at Killian "Want to go?"
"Sure, could be fun." He said and the three of them headed toward the door.
"Mom, see you later!" Emma said to her.
"Be back before dinner." her mother stated and the three of them set out of the door.
"So I had to hire her." Regina said sitting in Jeffer'son's visitor's chair later. "Oh my god, what am I going to do with her."
"You know you have that closet in your office. It's big enough for a small office set up." Jefferson answered. "Did you seriously defend her?
Regina looked at him.. "I told you Jeffy, I don't want Lilly in my business all day. She's Robin's best friend."
"I just don't get it Regina," Jefferson said. "You already told the world that you are engaged. All the people you could want to be with are aware of your relationship status. THat means no one is going to mess with you now."
"What don't you get? I'm getting married Y ya!"
"Yes well get married, do it quietly Don't go telling the entire world about it." Jefferson states. "Women do not likepeople who are in committed relationships. They do like the fact that you are able to fall in love though. And Let's be real, They love it when you are with a man and doubting. But With the pending marriage… The doubt seems settled." Jefferson stopped and thought a bit then said. "Why don't you call in a retraction of your announcement with the press?"
"Are you Crazy?" Regina said. "Robin would kill me. He is already out of his wits with me going over his head and hiring th economist."
"That's another thing… What the hell were you thinking hiring such an eyesore?" Jefferson stated. "I have never seen such a disaster walking before. I mean , sure, Lilly doesn't have the brains for the job."
"Yeah and th other one has more brains than you and I put together… but she's sooooo " she shuddered at the thought of her. "Ugly…."
"Regina… " Jefferson said leaning forward in his chair. "You've changed, and that's worried me."
"Jeffy please." Regina scoffed.
"I'm serious. They should jail you for violating Asthetics laws." Jefferson stated.
"Regina sighed. "You and your beauty standards."
"Yeah now you are going to be surrounded by the ugliest of people for the rest of your days." Jefferson said and Regina chuckled. "This mistake is going to follow you until you die."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"It's true, mark my words."
"Did you tell your parents that you're a Secretary?" Killian asked as he and Emma Swing Henry between them.
"No," Emma stated.
"When will you tell them?" He asked.
"I'll tell them when I get that promotion. It won't be long." Emma stated with a smile. "And when I am in charge, you've got a job waiting for you."
"Me? How are you gonna do that? You gonna fire the security guard or something?" Killian said and the two of them laughed.
The next morning it was Emma's first day. Emma arrived early and with a smile on her face. She walked up to the security guard and said. "Good morning."
"Why do you keep showing up here?" Graham asked.
"I'm the secretary to the president."
Graham let out a bark of laughter. "Yeah Right."
"It's true," Emma said. "I am sure you have a way to confirm it. My name is Emma Swan."
He turned and looked in his computer, her name showed up, as allowed through the gate. She has not been processed yet. "Go right on through."
She headed up to the Executive floor and walked toward the person sitting at the desk in front of the president's office. "Good morning!"
The brunette behind the desk raised her pretty green eyes and smiled. "Hey, glad you are here, so um we need to have you go to HR and get your pictures taken and process you in so that you aren't stalled at the entrance anymore.
Emma blinked the woman didn't even really greet her, just talked to her as if she had been working here all along. "Yeah, of course." Emma stated
"I've got to get to my desk. See you in a bit." The brunette said and ran off.
"Thanks." Emma said and sat at the desk, just happy to be starting her job.
She sighed and looked at the expanse of her desk. Just as the elevator opened and a Robin Locksley and Lillith Paige walked off the elevator laughing. Lilith stopped in her tracks and looked at Emma. "What is that sitting at my desk?"
The two of them glared at Emma, and Regina walked up from the other side of the hall and kissed Robin good morning. "Hi Love, Good morning." She said and turned to Emma. "You , Young Lady come with me. Edna right? Edna come."
Regina turned and walked away as fast as she could. "It's Emma, Miss Mills," Emma said running behind her.
Robin and Lilly were left looking at them in shock.
"I'll show you to your office." Regina said leading her into her own office and off to the side. There were three sets of doors to Regina's office. The one they'd just walked through. One just to the left of the door from the hallway, and then another to the back of the room near Regina's desk.
That was the door Regina led her to as she marched through her offices. From inside the door there was a scream and a little blonde woman flew out of the room with a broom in hand. "They're attacking me!!!"
Regina paused and looked at Emma. "They're cleaning it out…"
Emma looked at the office, then at Regina and back. The little blonde girl swept and vacumed. Some bigger burlier janitors brought her a desk and a chair. And set up a computer for her that had been waiting for the desk.
All emma could do was watch and smile as her little space came together. She loved the idea of having this office away from the eyes of gawkers by. She was aware of her short comings. And was glad to have a place in which to do her work away from the eyes of others.
"Thank you" Regina said to the janitors and looked over at Emma. "Edna, your space will be done in about 15 minutes. I hope this is okay. I know there isn't a window for you but hopefully this is just temporary."
Emma smiled at the older woman. "It's Emma."
"I'll let you go over to HR so that you can get processed."
"Yes, Ma'am" Emma said following Regina out of the office.
When they entered Regina's space, The Brunette from earlier was in the room placing something on Regina's desk. "Ah, Belle! Do you still have the box that my Father's secretary had for you?'
"Yes I do." Belle said.
"Give them over to Edna please."
"Emma," The youngest woman in the room insisted.
"Yes, yes," Regina dismissed. "Give her my father's complete agenda please"
"Of course," Belle said and walked out of the room.
Emma moved to follow the brunette. But instead stayed with her boss.
Regina looked up and frowned at her. "You're still here?"
"Yes ma'am" Emma stated.
Reginna nodded and leaned forward on her table. "You know what i don't like? I really dislike slowness… so please, hurry to HR and get processed."
Emma jumped back taken aback at being called slow and practically ran to follow Belle.
Regina sighed and sat in her chair. She lamented the fact that she had that eyesore to look at all day. It wasn't five minutes that she left, that Lilly walked into her office.
Lilly angered her to no end. What did she want? "Regina your parents have arrived."
"You know you could pick up your phone and let me know." Regina sniped.
"Uh, huh." She said and opened the door to the office. "Come right on in please."
Regina had to swallwo her anger at this woman and blew out a breath as her parents walked into the room. Regina stood up and walked toward her parents. Regina kissed her mother's cheek and then her fathers. When there was a clatter in the room next door.
Regina nd her parents looked toward the door. "Excuse the mess they are preparing the office for my private secretary.
"Regina, I'm sorry dear, but we will not be able to be at your event today." Her father Henry said as soon as they sat at Regina's desk.
"Why not?" Regina asked sitting at her seat.
"We are waiting for the movers that are getting our things ready for our move to London."
"So you are leaving me alone with Maleficent?" Regina stated Her parents laughed and her father glanced over to the still open office door to his daughter's right.
"By the way, Why are you putting that girl in that room. It's inhumane."
"There was no option, I would have had to redesign the front room, and we didn't have time. But that's a good place for her and she didn't object." Regina answered
"But I have one." Her mother spoke up. "What do you need two secretaries for Regina?"
"That ugly one, she is very skilled and i see the value of her skills to help me move High COncept forward. And Lilly is just cute. Better for my image."
"Cora," Henry stated. "She truly is an asset and hiering her was a boon. She can help Regina in the Finance areas. Admittedly the area that Regina struggled the most with."
"Daddy!" Regina scoffed. Then nodded in concession. "I am much better at it now than iI used to be, but I would appreciate the help."
"But then you're paying two salaries." Cora insisted.
"It was approved by Robin," Henry said
"And, The ugly one is taking the minimum pay for her position. As opposed to Lilly who is getting paid three times more as an executive as a favor to Robin."
Cora frowned. "And you column't just stick with Lilly what do you have against her?"
"Robin put her there so that she could spy on me." Regina stated. "I don't appreciate him trying to control me."
"Knowing you and your reputation, I would have done the same."
"Que paso? Mama no me ayudes!" Regina stated in spanish making her father chuckle. Knowing that irritated Cora when Regina did that. SHe always resented him sending Regina to a boarding school in Mexico when she was younger. But Regina insisted that she wanted to learn spanish that she would hear every day. "He is obsessed with everything I do all the time."
"Robin has put up with a lot from you. Your explorations and experimentations precede you. And to this day we hear of your escapades with the models from the commercials."
"Wait mother, come on. I have made a commitment. There will be no more of that."
"I trust that she will keep her words. She defended that ugly girl. Regina could have gotten some other girl or guy that was better suited to her tastes but she chose her and that means she is changing for the better." Henry stated defending his daughter.
"Are you sure you're regina's secretary." A young blonde woman said. Emma rolled her eyes and folded her arms over her chest.
"Leave her alone Ash, don't you see we're trying to get her in here." Belle stated from behind her computer. "
"I swore what I had seen was a beautiful thin and sexy brunette," Ash stated looking Emma over. "What happened to you on the way over here?"
She and Bell began to laugh. Emma didn't find it funny and rolled her eyes. "Regina hired two secretaries." Bell said to her. Ash nodded in understanding. "Em if you're ready, Ursula is ready to get your signature.
"Yeah , alright, thanks." Emma said and walked away to see the interviewer that had mostly ignored her during the interview.
She signed the contract then headed for the bathroom, where there she found Six women all sitting in the room who went quiet when she walked in. Emma smiled a full toothy smile showing off all of her braces.
The group included Belle and Ashley, and the little Blonde Janitor from before. There were three more women that Emma had yet to meet and they seemed to be laughing at her. She knew she was ugly, but damn. She thought at least she would be able to make friends.
Then there was another presence at the door. "If you gaggle of witches are done with your Meeting. You are needed at your desks." Ursula the HR manager stated then she walked away.
Then the entire group dispersed and headed to their place, leaving Emma alone in the bathroom.
Then she left the bathroom and approached Regina's office hearing the tail end of their conversation. And sighing happy to have been given a chance by the enigmatic woman behind the closed door
"Hey!" Emma heard from behind her. She looked back and saw Lillith Paige standing there with an air of superiority. "What are you doing standing there?" she asked. Emma was tongue tied and only stood there gawking. She couldn't blame Killian for wanting in her pants. "You can't go in that office, Regina is with her parents."
Emma was about to respond when suddenly the door opened and out stepped the three Mills'. "I'll see you both Soon." Regina was saying to her parents as the two secretaries stood in a face off.
