"Maybe We Can Stay And Watch ?"

Debbi had immersed herself completely in the task at hand, to have the new software ready for the customer in time for the new year deadline. She had driven the team hard and could not give a fig about morale. But she had reaped the rewards and was now concluding her presentation to the three visiting retail managers. She looked every inch the aspiring young executive with her smart power suit and calf length skirt. "Thank you so much for all your efforts Debbi" Angela, the one female member of the customer delegation congratulated her. Angela was accompanied by two male colleagues, Robin and Dominic.

"You must let us treat you to a meal now to celebrate a job well done" Robin told Debbi. "That would be wonderful, thank you. I'll just phone Carol my assistant" Debbi replied. After she had told Carol of her intention to leave with the customers for a slap up meal, there was a prolonged silence as Debbi held the phone to her ear, punctuated by the occasional 'oh' and 'I forgot'. Debbi turned awkwardly towards Robin. "I'm really sorry, I'm going to have to pass on your invitation, much as I'd love to accept. I'd forgotten a silly pageant we'd agreed to put on for the staff as some appeasement for working the holiday. Jeff and I have been roped into it" she explained.

"Well, that's a shame" answered Robin. "It sounds like fun to me" Angela interrupted. "Maybe we can stay and watch and then all go for a meal later ? What's the pageant ?" she continued. Debbi had left that to Carol to organise and didn't know any details. "I'm not altogether sure. Something silly. Something to do with it being new year and ringing out the old for the new. Would you not be too bored ? I'd love to still come and dine with you ?" "Not at all, that's fine" Robin agreed. "We'll just wait and enjoy the show !" "Great, I'm sure it won't take too long" said Debbi.

Debbi hurried down to the canteen where Carol had said they would be gathering. Carol was waiting by the rest room. Debbi laughed when she caught sight of Jeff, dressed in a long white cloak, carrying a shepherd's crook and with a wig of long flowing white hair and a false beard. "What are you ?" she chuckled. "Old Father Time. I'm the old year" Jeff answered. "And you're going to be the new year" said Carol, displeased by Debbi's frivolity and the way she had been swanning around with the customers all week. "We have to hurry up and get ready. Quick, take your clothes off !"