Chapter 3 The invitation

Do you know the best thing about working from home? your office attire can go from "business casual" to "business pajamas" real quick! Plus, the commute from your bed to your desk? Now that's a daily record you can't beat! Despite the evening setting in, I've practically spent the entire day here on the floor in front of the table, making it feel like I've been in my office all along!

I remained firmly planted on the floor, my focus fixated on the laptop screen as I typed away, determined to complete the task at hand. As I hadn't gone to the office today, Shelly, my efficient PA, forwarded a list of documents for me to review and sign.

Despite her organizational skills, it was apparent that these particular documents hadn't received her thorough scrutiny with each file presenting its complexities. From morning until now, I was still grappling with the 11th document out of twenty, which still required my signature.

As the hours passed, I looked up at the clock which seemed to mock my progress. I wondered how a seemingly straightforward task had morphed into an all-day affair. Glancing at the remaining stack, frustration settled within me.

Today had been really hectic, especially with Chelsea returning home from school in tears. I attempted to comfort her, but she blew me off, concealing whatever was troubling her. But I knew all too well what was eating at her.

Months earlier, Chelsea had confided in me about being bullied by her classmates. In a fit of anger, I stormed to the school, creating a huge scene-which I hadn't realized I did - as I confronted the authorities about their negligence in handling student bullying. Little did I realize the chaos I caused until Chelsea later approached me, questioning my actions. She was annoyed that I reported the girls harassing her, because I was sure they were at it again.

Her distress amplified when boys compared her to me, highlighting her insecurities, which struck me as foolish, particularly because I've always harbored jealousy toward Chelsea, envious of her innate beauty since the day she was born.

I felt guilty for the entire day as I reflected on all the impulsive actions I've taken till now. Seeing Chelsea upset, bearing the brunt of my misguided attempt to protect her, tore at my heart. But no matter what I was going through, no matter how hard life was for me now, despite my useless insecurities, my sister would always take precedence. I've always told her that she didn't need to conform to any standard, especially not the unrealistic ones set by others.

I sighed, knowing if I let my mind dwell on such matters, I might turn into a depressed old woman and get wrinkles too early.

Just then, the doorbell rang, bringing me out of my reverie. I should get it but I was too lazy to stand up. Chelsea was here, Chelsea could get it. "Chelsea" I called out, no reply. I was sure she was in the kitchen "Chelsea, could you please get the door? Pretty please?"

Chelsea strolled out lazily from the kitchen, a buttered slice of buttered bread dangling from her mouth. "You know I need to eat to stay alive, right?" She said, grumbling about interruptions.

I chuckled "Of course you do!" I say sarcastically "My hands are just...full"

Chelsea rolled her eyes, retorting, "Or you're just too lazy to get the door." I playfully removed the pen holding my messy bun and tossed it in her direction, which she effortlessly dodged with the bread still in her hand.

"Go on, get the door, will ya?" I urged.

"Whatever," she replied, flashing a mischievous smile as she picked up the pen and threw it back, skillfully landing it on the table. She eventually relented and begrudgingly made her way to the door, a look of mild annoyance etched on her face.

Curious about the delay, I called out, "Chels, who is it?"

"It's... someone," she mumbled, her voice slightly muffled. "Coming!"

Moments later, Chelsea returned holding a box, prompting me to look up from my laptop with curiosity.

"A box? I didn't order anything," I say "Hey, what's in the box?" I ask "Who's it from?" I ask again making her chuckle

"Calm down sis," She says and proceeds to sit down with me, and starts unboxing it. When she finishes unboxing it she smiles. Curious, I ask again, peering over, trying to catch a glimpse. "Hey, what's in the box?"

"It's a surprise," Chelsea teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Come on, Chels, spill the beans," I urged, shifting closer to her and she immediately got up and started laughing.

"Just hand it over" I sigh. With a grin, she handed me the box, nudging, "Open it!"

"Who's it from?" I asked as I began to unbox it. As I lifted the lid, I found a beautifully wrapped golden invitation to a charity event nestled inside.

"Oh, it's from the delivery guy, obviously," she replied sarcastically.

Rolling my eyes, I retorted, "Of course I know that, smarty pants. I meant, who sent this invitation?

"Just read the goddamn thing, will ya!" she groans

"It's an invitation to the charity event this weekend," I announce with a frown, puzzled by why the Hartley Corps, a smaller company, would be invited to such a prestigious event usually reserved for larger corporations.

"What is it?" My sister asks once she notices my frown.

"I won't be going," I declared, frowning at the invitation

"Wh..whattt??" Chelsea looked at me in confusion "What do you mean by 'You're not going' Madz?"

"It is what it is," I replied, rising from my seat. "I am not going to attend this ridiculous event for rich people."

"You do realize we're not poor, right?" Chelsea pointed out. "And why pass on an opportunity for our company's growth?"

I hesitated, pondering her words. "I'm not sure, Chels. It feels a bit odd for us to attend such a grand event. What if we're out of place?"

Chelsea groaned "But think about the connections we could make, Madz. This could be a big step forward for our company. You could make connections... and not to mention, you'll have the chance to meet influential people and potentially strike deals that could really boost our growth. Or maybe meet a rich groom" she winked

Chelsea was right. I hadn't considered this in this direction. We might surprise ourselves and find opportunities we hadn't even considered. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and the prospect of expanding our business was appealing to me. "Okay," I conceded reluctantly, "I'll consider it."

"Awesome!" Chelsea exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. "I can't wait to see you in 'the' dress." She flashed me a smile filled with anticipation. "Now, please let me finish my bread in peace!" She stuck her tongue out playfully and dashed off to the kitchen before I could respond.

Seating myself on the floor in front of my laptop, I gathered my hair into another messy bun using the pen from the table, contemplating how the weekend's charity event might unfold.

After a while, I called Shelly and informed her about the charity event and told her to book an appointment "Hey, Shelly," I began, "we've got that charity event this weekend. Can you do me a favor and book me in with my designer?" I ask with a tired sigh.

"Of course, ma'am," Shelly replied cheerfully. "I'll get right on that for you."

"Perfect, thanks so much!" I expressed my gratitude, feeling relieved that Shelly was handling the arrangements. "Also, make sure they understand the urgency; I need something stunning for this event."

"Absolutely, I'll emphasize the importance of this appointment," Shelly assured me.

"Thanks, Shelly. Oh, and also, can you find out more details about the event? Location, timings, the works," I requested.

"Sure thing. I'll gather all the necessary information and pass it along to you," Shelly confirmed.

"Awesome, thanks a bunch. Let me know as soon as everything's sorted," I concluded, feeling grateful for Shelly's efficiency.

A few hours later, Shelly called me back to tell me that the designer is going to show up tomorrow. I say great and hang up the call, feeling the urge to rest.