CHARMED

Chapter 1 - Second In Command

It was a bright and sunny morning and I could already feel it was going to be such a lovely day as I rolled out of bed. My bedside clock says 7.am but gone where the days I had to be up and running by 5.am just because I had to get to work early.

I have been the assistant Editor in chief at the Mode Magazine Miami, Florida for five years now and the editor in chief will be retiring today and would also be announcing the new editor. Now you understand why I am so excited.

I take my time while bathing, soaking in my scented soaps. When I'm done, I slowly dry my hair, careful not to straighten the waves then pack it up in a ponytail. I know no one would see but I still choose my best Victoria secrets lingerie white set for good luck. I apply my makeup, very light and sultry with red lipstick. Red just makes you feel edgy and chic.

I open my closet then select a Versace gown, Zanotti shoes and a Louboutin purse. I have to look my best when I'm announced as the new Editor in chief.

By 8.30am I'm ready to go and I stand in front of the mirror one last time to assess myself. People say I am very beautiful and most of the time I think I am too.

Standing in front of the mirror, my slightly chubby 5'6ft tall self stares back at me. My ass and hips are probably the most prominent and loud part of my body but for me, my eyes would always be my best feature. My eyes are hazel with golden flecks at the edges; like I just mentioned the pretty eyes, nice pouty lips and a small nose that is more defined than pointed.

I continue to assess myself, my flaming red hair flowing in the ponytail behind me, my hips filling out my gown, my lips sultry red and my fine legs looking sleek in my shoes. I smile at my reflection feeling satisfied. I spray my perfume and grab the key to my Porsche as I step out of the house.

I get into the car and drive off, stopping by my favorite coffee stand to buy a cup of coffee and chocolate croissants. Since today was a special day, I decided to have a different and special breakfast.

Because of my breakfast stop, I finally ended up arriving at the office at exactly 9.am. I walked in with an aura, holding my shoulders up high and feeling like there's a halo above my head. I greeted the few people that walked past me and those I passed by on my way towards the direction of my office. Closing the door of my office behind me, there's a huge smile plastered on my face because I'm thinking that very soon I would be moving to a much bigger office where there would be a much better view of the city and the ocean.

My phone rings and I immediately check the caller ID and smile when I see Lindy's name. Lindy is my best friend, my sister, my everything in the world. My mum was a single mother and I never got to know my dad before she passed away when I was still in college.

Lindy's parents took me in and took care of me like one of theirs. Lindy was always my best friend but she naturally became my sister too and we have been inseparable ever since. Her parents were god sent to me and I owe them everything I am today.

"Hey sis," I say smiling when I pick up the call.

"Hey boo," she says with her normal excessive exuberance.

"So how are we celebrating when you become the editor?" She continues

Laughing I reply "Calm down Lindy, I have to actually be named before I can celebrate."

"Yea yea, I know you will. So I'm thinking sushi, been craving it in a while." she says. Trust her to think that everything will work out the way she wants it to just because that's what she wants. Her positivity is one of the things I really love about her though.

"Hahahahaha. Well if I'm actually named editor and we decide to celebrate, then I get to decide how we celebrate not you. Plus you know I hate sea food especially sushi. Ewww." I say already feeling nauseous.

"Yea I forgot you have such a queasy stomach." she replies coolly rolling her eyes.

"Stop rolling your eyes," I say chuckling.

"Urgghh. You can't even see me, how did you know?" She asks.

"Well I've lived with you since forever. I know you more than you know yourself." I reply which makes her laugh and soon I'm laughing too.

"Just called to wish you luck Jules, though I know you don't need it. Mum says to wish you luck too." she says calmly.

"Thanks Lindy, that really means a lot and mum also texted me this morning." I reply. Yea I call Lindy's mother mum, she insisted on it.

"Okay then. Call me once the meeting is over and give me the good news."

"I will boo, thanks again." I reply.

"Love you,"

"Love you too, kisses." I reply before hanging up and just then there's a knock on my door.

"Come in,"

"Miss Barber, the meeting is about to start. Everyone's presence is needed in the conference room in the next twenty minutes." My secretary Tanya says quietly.

"Okay, thanks." I reply before she turns and leaves, shutting the door behind her.

Few minutes later, all the department managers, assistant editors and editors are assembled in the conference room. The inevitable soon happens and it's time for the press conference where the new Editor in chief will be announced. We all settle down in the conference room waiting for the soon to be retired editor to come in and start the meeting.

He soon walks in smiling and everyone stands up but he gestures for us to sit. He starts by commending everyone for their hard work and saying he would definitely miss it here.

"Get on with it." I mutter impatiently under my breath. I'm too anxious and can't wait for the announcement to be made.

"Finally, for the announcement we have all been waiting for, the new Editor in chief of Mode magazine," He begins.

I smile and I'm about to stand up when I suddenly realize the name he is about to mention wasn't going to be mine.

"My godson, the former CEO of the Verizon Industries who finally decided to accept this office thereby granting me my wish of handing my business over to him and keeping it in the family. Everyone, please welcome Mr Brandon James." They all stand and clap as he walks into the conference room.

"The bastard. After all the years and time I put into this job and he still leaves me as second in command." I try my best to smile and stand to take a look at the so called grandson. I already hated him without even knowing him. That is, until I saw him.

Too bad for Jules.. I really understand her though, it sucks when you work hard and expect to be rewarded but you aren't.

Anyways please let me know your thoughts by commenting and don't forget to vote.