Changes

Viola swallowed, what kind of announcement is coming in? Are we in trouble, am I in trouble for giving him lip the other day?

Geez, I imagine today is going much better for Robin.

All the chatter around the office went mute as Randall entered the floor, stepping lightly as he took the center stage before clearing his throat. Everyone stood up straight, all eyes on him.

"Very well, nice to see I have everyone's focus. As you know, last week's outage sent us back a few days in progress and that's not coming back so we'll have to step it up if we are to cover those days. You've seen the numbers before so I expect you should finish this much faster than before. Also, the boss-"

"The big cheese!" Someone shouted, drawing several laughs from the employees. Frankly, Viola was surprised to see even Randall chuckle at that.

"Yes well, he wasn't quite too thrilled to have us take yesterday off. Monday's may be a killer-"

"Amen!" This time a female voice, seems people felt much more courageous after the first interruption.

Randall rolled his eyes. "No more please, not until I'm done. He's not happy, but that's not all. We've been keeping an eye on our employees throughout the month and took note of our hardworkers..."

Everyone looked around, several of us shrugging or whispering I don't know to one another. Viola felt herself shrink, you don't get a promotion after hearing that your boss is upset, that wouldn't fit.

"Along with our slackers. In fact, you can say we have our own paperwork upstairs regarding your own work ethic heh." He said that much too casual, hinting that it wasn't a bluff. They were seriously taking notes of us, anyone who sat down or spent a few minutes talking were now a suspect in these crimes. Not surprisingly, that left everyone present as a suspect.

"So! We have proposed a change! Starting today, several of our workers will be exchanging seats with others as a rearrangement, a sort of exchange of hats if you will, minus the hats. We looked into it, and I'm proud to say you guys are the most productive floor so far. Congratulations, none of you will be moved."

Everyone relaxed as the relief began to settle, but before anyone could celebrate Randall cleared his throat once more. "That is not to say you won't be getting any new employees your way. Get ready, tomorrow you will be adding a new member to the family. Viola, Gary, step forward please?"

Cindy turned around to catch a wide-eyed redhead hiding behind her before nodding nervously. Viola swallowed, feeling her feet move on their own. It felt so aggravating, everyone was watching like vultures judging at the new meat on display. Please, look away. I think I'm sweating.

"You two will be in charge of setting the rookie straight! He's a college grad so don't hold back, and I expect him to be ready by next Friday am I clear?"

"Crystal sir!" Both employees shouted in unison. Stacey grinned, that girl managed to keep a front despite her insecurities.

"Good, and Viola?"

"Y-Yea?"

"Move these document's down to fifth for me. Assign them to the proper desk. Thank you everyone, that'll be all!" He smiled, combed his hair aside and walked off into the elevator. Seemed the air remained thin until the ding let everyone now he was gone. Quickly, Stacey and Cindy rushed over to their friends, poking at Gary on the ribs and shaking Viola's arm.

"So, work husband and wife eh?"

Viola blinked. "Tch- not funny Stacey!"

"Relax V, I'm kidding. So we're getting a new guy eh? That wasn't so bad."

"Pray tell, I was embraced for the worst." Cindy admitted, leaving room for Gary to breathe.

"No kidding, my heart was racing when he called us up. Good thing we got it covered, right V?"

Viola nodded and smiled. "Right." All in all, not too bad I guess.

"Well, you'll be needing this." Cindy called, bringing her the office cart.

Stacey lit up and reached for the file at her desk. "Perfect! Got a mission for you V, gunna need you to slip this back for me!"

"W-What? No way!"

"C'mon, don't be a wuss. Just leave it on a desk, it's what you'll be doing down there anyway, it's like soooo perfect!"

Gary shrugged as if to say she has a point, much to Viola's dismay.

"Fine."

"Whoop! Love ya V!" She beamed, kissing her on the cheek. "Good luck now, careful not to bump into Joey hehe."

"What? What does that mean?"

"Oh nothing, gotta go!" She scurried off, leaving her alone with a cart full of documents just as the elevator door opened for her.

Why me?