Dress Code Pt 2

(And now back to the story! Remember, this is based off of Prinny 77's picture)

Jenny was right about one thing, it was a mostly easy morning. Sandra had a small problem with the phone system at first and ended up transferring a few calls to the wrong people, earning her some strange looks, but she simply smiled at them and they shrugged and returned to their work. At least she hadn’t messed up the call to Paul, who gave her a thumbs up as he picked up the receiver. She felt herself blush and was glad the mask did not show that. As the morning progressed, she began to get more and more used to her new role. When she was not transferring phone calls and leaving messages, making and running copies, or greeting visitors, she worked on Jenny’s list. She was just crossing off the last item when she heard someone clearing his throat above her. She looked up, straight into the eyes of Mr. Crump. Sandra gasped and jerked backwards in her chair, covering her mouth unconsciously.

“M-Mr. Crump, g-good morning sir” She stammered as the nerves that had been slowly fading over the course of the morning, came rushing back at once.

Mr. Crump frowned and raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem?” Oh no, he suspects something! Oh, he’s going to find out! I’m going to get in so much trouble! Sandra yelled inwardly. Mr. Crump’s face suddenly darkened and he leaned in. “Has Sandra been bothering you again, Jenny?” He asked in a lowered voice. Sandra felt her face flush, but inside she felt giddy with relief. He doesn’t know it’s me! He thinks I’m Jenny! Banishing her fears to the back of her mind, she slowly shook her head.

“No sir, you just surprised me. You were moving so quietly” She said, smiling at her boss, who snorted.

“Me, quiet? That’s a new one” He chuckled and Sandra gave a fake giggle, daintily covering her mouth with one hand for good measure. Mr. Crump suddenly glanced towards Sandra’s desk, which sat barren.

“Where is Sandra anyway? “Did she come in today?” He asked and Sandra felt her panic level rise again.” Uh oh! If I tell him Sandra, I mean I, never showed up this morning he might get suspicious! Come on, think of something! Sandra bit her lip, fortunately the mask didn’t show it, than an idea popped into her mind.

“Acutally…” She said, relieved that the mask’s voice would hide the panic in her own voice. “Sandra did call earlier as I was opening up, and said she would not be able to come to work this morning.”

“Oh, and why not?” Mr. Crump asked, frowning again.

“Um…” Sandra paused, closing the mask’s eyes and looking thoughtful. “She said she wasn’t feeling well, she had a…fever” Mentally she cursed herself as Mr. Crump cocked his head to one side. Really? A fever? She yelled inside her mind. That’s the best you could come up with? Why don’t you just say she broke her leg? She stared back at Mr. Crump and clasped her hands together to try to keep them from visibly shaking. Finally, Mr. Crump sighed and his frown faded.

“Shame. Hope she feels better soon” He said.

“She did say that she would try to come in this afternoon if she could” Sandra added.

“She’s dedicated. That’s for sure.” Mr. Crump admitted, and Sandra felt her face heat up, though she wasn’t sure if it was from the heat of the mask “Anyway, anything interesting happening today for me?” He smiled in a way that made Sandra relax. She could do this!

“Um, let me see” Sandra glanced down and began rifling through Jenny’s list. “You have an appointment in a half hour with someone from Rail Incorporated.”

“Ah yes” Mr. Crump sighed, suddenly looking annoyed. “Just page me when they’re here, will you?”

“Yes sir” nodded and glanced back down as Mr. Crump turned to leave.

“Oh and Priscilla?” Sandra glanced back up.

“Yes sir?”

Mr. Crump’s mouth twisted into a smile. “Try not to work too hard”

“Of course not sir” Sandra smiled and nodded to her boss as he turned to go into his office. She gave a sigh of relief. That was close! I’ll need to be more careful!” She said to herself.

BZZZ! Sandra glanced up from the desk a little while later and saw a well-dressed gentleman standing at the door. Sandra pressed the buzzer and let him in.

“Good morning sir, may I help you?” She chirped professionally. Sandra felt like she had really gotten the hand of playing this role. Good thing I took acting in high school!

“Ah yes, I’m here to see Mr. Crump, I have an appointment.” Something about the way he was speaking made Sandra feel uncomfortable, or maybe it was the way he was looking at her.

“One moment please sir.” Sandra picked up the phone and pressed a button.

“Yeah?” Mr. Crump’s voice buzzed over the phone.

“Sir, your 11:30 is here. Shall I send him over?” Sandra asked, remembering what ‘Priscilla’ had said yesterday.

Mr. Crump sighed “He’s here already?”

“Yes sir” Sandra was careful not to show emotion. In the corner of the eye screens, Sandra saw the man looking her up and down and shuddered slightly. She’d never been looked at that way before. Fortunately the man did not notice.

“Send him over” Mr. Crump finally ordered.

“Yes sir” Sandra hung up, then looked back up at the man. “Mr. Crump is waiting for you in his office. Please head through that door and across to the far corner of the room.”

The man smiled smugly. “Could you please take me there? I’d rather not get lost”. Sandra felt a chill crawl down her spine, but she had to play her part.

“Certainly, please follow me” She rose to her feet and led the man through the door. She could feel the man’s eyes on her body and shot him a glare, though the only thing he saw was Priscilla’s smiling face. Oh boy, this guy is full of it. Sandra thought as he wiggled his eyebrows at her. She grit her teeth and made the mask give a small smile back at him before facing forward again. The trip across the room seemed to take twice as long as usual, and Sandra was relieved when they finally arrived at Mr. Crump’s door. She knocked and he opened it.

“Ah, Mr. Rail, you’re early” He said to his guest.

“Mr. Crump, I…oops” As the man extended his hand, his folder slipped from its place under his other arm. Papers and documents flew everywhere. “I’m so sorry”

“Allow me” Sandra said without thinking and knelt down as best she could to help. As she gathered some papers, she happened to glance up and saw Mr. Rail staring at her, more specifically at the top of her blouse. She froze for a second, then reached for another sheet.

“Thank you Priscilla, I’ll take it from here.” Mr. Crump said, reaching for the papers in her hand.

“Yes sir” Sandra handed him the papers, gave both men a neat bow and walked away. As she passed the man, she felt something stroke her butt and gave a small gasp, but didn’t stop. She walked away as quick as politeness allowed. Though she felt his eyes on her, she didn’t look back.

“That was close” She breathed to herself as she sat back at her desk. She blinked inside the mask as a drop of sweat rolled into her eyes. The suit and mask didn’t seem to have any ventilation and she was starting to overheat. I don’t know how much longer I can take this. She thought.

“Priscilla?” A male voice made her look up. To her relief, it was Paul.

“Yes, Paul?” Sandra asked, trying to sound cheerful.

“Perhaps you should make yourself scarce for a little while” Paul suggested, a concerned look on his face.

“What do you mean?” Sandra asked.

“Did you see the way he was ogling you?” Paul asked in disbelief, motioning towards Mr. Crump’s door. Sandra shuddered at the word. “I know that man, he’s not the most…restrictive person there is. He wants you. I can tell. My guess, he’ll come looking for you when he’s done with Mr. Crump, and it would be better if you weren’t here. Just, hide in that closet or something.” He pointed to the door leading to the hidden break room.

“But I can’t leave…” Sandra started to protest.

“He’s right Priscilla” A young woman who had been passing by spoke up. “You don’t want Andrew Rail on your tail. He’s got a bad record when it comes to women” The solemn look on her face made Sandra’s heart flutter and she began sweating even more.

“Ok. Thank you” Sandra said, rising to her feet. And I can finally get out of this suit. She thought as she headed towards the door. She slipped in, closed the door behind her and gave a great sigh of relief.

“Hi Corelle!” Sandra shrieked and spun around. Jenny was sitting at the table, smiling at her. She was wearing a skin bodysuit and the same clothing Sandra was. Another Priscilla mask lay on the table next to her.

“Jenny! What are you doing here, you scared me!” Sandra shrilled, which sounded weird in Priscilla’s sing-song voice.

Jenny’s smile faded. “I told you I’d be back by noon.” She answered, and then slowly stepped towards Sandra. “Are you okay? You look terrified” She asked.

“I’m…I’m…” Sandra paused, glancing back towards the door. She was still shaking from Mr. Rail’s gaze and touch and suddenly felt the urge to tell Jenny everything, but then she would get in trouble.

Jenny’s frown deepened, and she looked angry. “Wait. Would this have anything to do with that man that came in earlier?”

“Yes” Sandra looked back at her, surprised. “How did you know?”

“I saw him as I was coming in. Even I could tell what a jerk he was being” Jenny snarled. Suddenly the DING of the bell on the reception desk drew their attention. They glanced through the one-way glass and saw that Mr. Rail was standing at the desk, looking around smugly.

“It’s him” Sandra gasped. “Mr. Rail must be looking for me” She glanced at Jenny and to her surprise, saw that she was calm.

“Stay here, I’ll take care of this” Jenny told her, then placed her Priscilla mask over her head. There was a hiss and a beep and the mask eyes started blinking and the mouth curved up in a smile. Jenny, now Priscilla, ‘winked’ at Sandra.

“Jenny, no” Sandra pleaded as Jenny turned and grasped the doorknob.

“Relax, you’re not the only expert actress here” ‘Priscilla’ assured her before strolling through the door.

I’m not an expert at all! Sandra mind yelled. Through the one-way glass, Sandra could see Mr. Rail’s eyes light up and he grinned wickedly as Jenny emerged and she shuddered.

“Sorry for the wait sir, May I help you?” Jenny asked sweetly as she smoothly took her seat.

“Other way around, miss. I can help you” Mr. Rail leaned in and lowered his voice, but Sandra could still here every word.

“What do you mean sir?” Jenny asked, tilting her head in mock confusion.

“I mean Priscilla, if I may call you that, that you’re a very charming and talented girl.” Mr. Rail reached down and clasped one of Jenny’s hands in his.

Sandra heard Jenny give a gasp. “Thank you sir” She flustered, tilting her head down. Sandra had to admit she sounded very believable.

“Indeed” Mr. Rail pressed on. “And I’m wondering what a girl like yourself is doing working at a place like this.” Sandra gasped, her eyes widening. “I would love it if you would consider working for me at Rail Incorporated. I assure you the working conditions are a lot better than this place, pays better too. How about you and I get together so we can discuss it, maybe over dinner?” He smiled, his eyes twinkling as he pulled a business card out of his breast pocket and flipped it onto the desk in front of Jenny.

Don’t do it Jenny! Don’t do it! Sandra mentally pleaded, feeling helpless as she watched the gruesome scenario unfold. A flicker of movement made her glance to the side and she noticed Paul and the female co-worker from before watching the scene as well, both with frowns on their faces.

“I-I…” Jenny stammered and looked away. Mr. Rail brought her hand, still clasped in his, and gently kissed it.

“Please Priscilla, consider the benefits.” He smiled, his smooth tone made Sandra shudder. Paul and his companion looked outraged.

“I would love to meet with you sir” Jenny’s reply made Sandra gasp aloud. She staggered backwards, away from the door, breathing heavily in her mask, but then she paused as Jenny continued. “And I’m sure my fiancé would love to meet you as well.”

Sandra saw Mr. Rail’s smile fade slightly “Fiancé?” He asked.

“But it we would have to meet you on a day when he isn’t working” Jenny continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “I sure you can understand how busy a Police Officer’s schedule can become.”

Mr. Rail’s smile faded completely. “You’re dating a police officer?” He asked, a twinge of uncertainty in his voice a she released Jenny’s hand.

“Yes I-Oh!” Jenny suddenly clapped her hands together. “I can call him right now and ask him when he’s free! I’m certain he would love to meet you” Ignoring Mr. Rail’s look of alarm, she picked up the phone and dialed a number. “What did you say your name was, sir?” She asked, turning back to Mr. Rail, holding the phone to her ear.

“I didn’t. Look, maybe this isn’t a good idea after all, I would hate to feel like I’m forcing you to make a choice. I-I need to go” Mr. Rail suddenly looked defeated and very nervous. He must really hate police officers, Sandra thought, or maybe he finally realizes he has an audience. She saw his eyes glance around and notice Paul and his co-worker, who were still watching the scene.

“Very well, Have a good day sir” Jenny said cheerfully as she pressed to buzzer to open the door.

“You too, miss” Mr. Rail swiped up the business card from the desk and quickly bustled through the door and into the wind.

Wow! Sandra thought to herself as she watched Jenny stand up from the chair and turn towards the door, but before she could move…

“Wow Priscilla, that was smooth” Paul and his co-worker rushed over.

“Thank you Bonnie” Jenny replied, smiling.

Paul narrowed an eye. “I didn’t know you were dating a police officer, Priscilla.” He commented.

“I’m not” Jenny answered. A few seconds passed, the Paul and Bonnie’s eyes widened.

“Oh, nice one Priscilla!” Paul offered her a fist bump, which she returned.

“So, are you dating anyone?” Bonnie asked eagerly.

“I-“

“Ahem! Don’t you two have work to do?” Paul and Bonnie jumped and spun around to see Mr. Crump standing behind them, hands folded across his chest.

Why does he keep doing that? Sandra wondered as Paul and Bonnie scurried back towards their desks. Mr. Crump watched them go, a satisfied smirk on his face, then he turned to Jenny.

“Nice work with Mr. Rail, I don’t know what you said, but he sure left in a hurry.” He chuckled, keeping his voice low.

“Thank you sir, but it was really nothing. He deserved it after the scare he gave Correlle” Jenny replied, sitting back down, grumbling to herself. “Honestly, if I’d known she would have gotten that kind of flak today, I’d never have…”

“Wait, what did you say?” Mr. Crump suddenly leaned over the desk. “Just now”

“I said it was nothing…”

“No, after that” Mr. Crump interrupted.

“I said, If I’d had known she would get that kind of behavior while she was working today, I’d…”

“Jenny, what are your talking about? Corelle isn’t here today, you’re the only one working.” Mr. Crump’s voice made Sandra stiffen. Uh oh!

“But I’ve only been here for a few minutes.” Jenny argued. “I had to leave for a family emergency this morning. I meant to open up then leave, but I saw Corelle in costume so I asked her to cover my shift for the morning. I just got back.” Oh No! Sandra wailed to herself backing away from the door.

“But Corelle can’t be here.” Sandra could no longer see Mr. Crump, but she could hear confusion in his voice. “I received a call from her at 10 pm last night saying that she was quitting. She’d found a “better-paying job” in her words.”

“What?” Sandra could hear alarm in Jenny’s voice. “Wait so, if Corelle’s not coming anymore, and I’ve been gone all morning, then…”

“Who’s been playing Priscilla?” Sandra cringed at the tone of Mr. Crump’s voice. I’ve gotta get out of here! She glanced around wildly, searching for an exit, but there wasn’t one. “This makes no sense. The only other person who could be…” Sandra paused as Mr. Crump’s voice died, and she could almost see the realization hitting him. “Where is she?” He asked quickly.

“In the back room” As Sandra heard footsteps, panic seized her and she dashed towards the bathroom door. What she planned to do, lock herself in or something, she didn’t know, but before she had taken a few steps she heard the door to the room open behind her.

“Hold it!” Sandra froze and slowly turned around to see Mr. Crump and Jenny staring at her. Mr. Crump looked both surprised and angry. Sandra couldn’t see Jenny’s expression, but she could guess that it was the same.

“H-hello, Mr. Crump.” Sandra stammered. “May I help you?” Sandra froze, she hadn’t said that.

“All right, game’s over” Mr. Crump growled. “Why don’t you just take off the…?”

“Hi, may I-May I-Hello, how may I help you?” Mr. Crump paused as Sandra’s mask suddenly began speaking of its own accord. Sandra slapped both hands over the mouth of the mask and staggered backwards. Unfortunately, she collided with the coffee table, again, and fell heavily to the floor. Her head struck the carpet and she felt a hiss and saw sparks fly before her eyes, the heat in the mask seemed to increase, making her feel dizzy, and she struggled to draw breath. Oh great! She yelled to herself. Not only am I busted but I broke the mask! I bet these things cost thousands! Sandra, feeling overwhelmed, felt tears come into her eyes and was powerless to stop them. She was caught! She’s blown it! Her curiosity had done all this. Oh why couldn’t she have just minded her own business? Sandra sobbed on the floor as the mask continued to glitch.

“Easy there” Sandra felt someone take her hands and gently pull her into a sitting position. Through her tears and the faulty screens in the mask, Sandra saw Jenny kneeling in front of her, holding her hand, she’d taken her Priscilla mask off and lowered her hood, allowing her black hair to freely flow. Mr. Crump was standing a few feet away. He looked worried, but his arms were crossed over his chest.

“Get that off of her” He ordered, his voice low but firm. Jenny nodded, then reached around and pressed on the back of the mask. There was a hiss, everything suddenly went black and Sandra felt he seam around her neck loosen. Immediately, she raised her hands and clawed at the mask’s base pulling it off, gasping as cool, fresh air hit her face. She took deep breaths, trying to expel the stale air in her lungs, her face to the ground. She was dimly aware of Jenny taking the mask from her and setting it down. As her vision cleared, she wiped her tears away with a hand, then, knowing she was caught, slowly raised her head.

As she locked eyes with Jenny, the other woman gasped. “SANDRA?!!!!” She exclaimed, taking a step backwards. Sandra nodded gloomily, then looked at Mr. Crump, his face had not changed and Sandra’s heart sank. He knew.

“I hope” Mr. Crump said after a moment of silence “That you have a good explanation for this, Miss Svenn”

Hearing those words, Sandra felt a surge of fear and sadness flow though her and she started speaking in a rush. “Oh Mr. Crump, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean for things to get so out of hand, but I just couldn’t leave it alone. I knew there was something different about Priscilla when I saw that she knew the building alarm codes and I thought she was some kind of corporate spy or a robot or something so when I saw her using the codes, I memorized them, then I came in this morning and discovered this room and discovered that Priscilla was a costume and I just had to try it on, then Jenny came in and made me play her role all morning and it was super hot in that mask and then I had to lie to you and pretend to be Jenny playing Priscilla and then Mr. Rail came and he creeped me out so much that Jenny offered to get rid of him, and now I’ve broken the mask and I’m so sorry!” Sandra broke down, sobbing. For a moment, she just lay there feeling tears run down her hot face. When she didn’t hear Mr. Crump say anything, she glanced back up at him. To her surprise, he was smiling.

“You thought Priscilla was a robot?” He asked and Sandra felt her face get even redder.

“It was Jenny’s idea” She squeaked, pointing at the dark-haired woman, who rolled her eyes.

“It was a joke” Jenny droned, shaking her head.

“You know, I’m actually impressed” Mr. Crump’s voice made both women look up. “We’ve been doing this Priscilla thing for almost a year now and you are the first employee to notice that she’s ‘different’. Still…” He leaned down and his smile faded, replaced by a frown. “You did sneak into the building off hours, break an expensive piece of equipment, and deceive Jenny, myself, and all the staff” Sandra glanced at the ground, her lip quivering. “Miss Svenn, I’m afraid this problem cannot go unresolved.”

“Wait, you’re not going to…” Jenny’s outburst was cut off by Sandra.

“It’s okay Jenny, he warned me and I didn’t listen. I deserve to get fired.” Sandra sighed.

“Sandra Svenn” Sandra looked up at Mr. Crump, who was staring down at her, his face serious. “You will no longer work as a file clerk at Crump Industries”. Sandra shut her eyes and prepared for the worst.

“Because I have decided…” Mr. Crump paused for effect. “To promote you, to receptionist”

Sandra, who had been staring at the floor, looked up, her eyes wide in astonishment. “R-receptionist?” She stammered. She glanced behind Mr. Crump at the sign that hung over the door, and her jaw dropped as realization hit her. “You mean…?”

Mr. Crump nodded, smiling again. “As you may have heard, Jenny’s former acting partner, Corelle, has left us, and I do not want Jenny to have to play the role of Priscilla by herself. Based on what I have seen today, I think that you would make a fine replacement partner for her. The only question is: Are you interested?” Mr. Crump’s smile widened as he finished speaking. Jenny looked excited too and Sandra could see pleading and eagerness in her eyes as she stared at Sandra, who looked back at both of them.

It was a no-brainer. Sandra felt her face crack in a smile as she nodded eagerly.

“I would love to” She said. Mr. Crump nodded.

“Yay!” Jenny embraced Sandra in a surprisingly strong hug.

“So, can I ask a somewhat stupid question?” Sandra asked as Jenny pulled her to her feet. “Was Priscilla a real person? And why do we have to dress up like her? Why all the secrecy?”

Mr. Crump’s face fell, and Jenny suddenly looked solemn.

“Well…” DING! Everyone glanced back towards the door. Through the one-way glass, they could see a woman in a blue suit standing at the reception desk, looking around.

“Can you get that?” Mr. Crump asked, looking at Jenny. She nodded and pulled up her hood, flattening her hair against her head and leaving only her face exposed. Winking at Sandra, she slipped her Priscilla mask on and sealed it. The eyes blinked and she worked the mouth into a big smile. She then gave a small bow to both of them, turned and walked out of the room. Sandra could hear her greeting the woman in Priscilla’s voice and they began talking.

“That is why” Mr. Crump sighed, staring at Jenny through the glass. “That is why receptionists here wear the suit.”

“I don’t understand” Sandra confessed, looking as confused as she felt.

Mr. Crump sighed, then strode over to the table and took a seat. Sandra did the same.

“The answer to your first question, Sandra, is yes. Priscilla was once a real person. She…was my fiancée” Sandra stiffened as she saw pain enter the eyes of her boss. “She was an extraordinary woman, very gifted, very kind. You could never be angry when she was around. We were going to be married, but…” He broke off and looked at the floor.

“What happened?” Sandra asked, but she had a feeling she knew the answer.

“She was killed, the day before we were to be married.” Mr. Crump’s lip quivered. He suddenly looked like he was about to cry.

“I’m sorry” Sandra said, placing her hand on his shoulder.

“It was unfair, she didn’t deserve to die at that time” He barked, then sighed and looked at Sandra. “Anyway, I really cared about her and was deeply distraught by her death, and I wasn’t the only one. Priscilla had two siblings, a brother and a sister. We met at the funeral and sort of bonded. It was during that time that I came up with this crazy idea, an idea that would allow us to get at least part of her back.”

“The suits?” Sandra guessed.

Mr. Crump nodded. “Priscilla’s sister was a clothing designer so she was able to create these flesh-colored bodysuits.” Mr. Crump patter Sandra’s arm. “Her brother as a special effects artist so he helped us create these realistic masks, I myself created the voice modifiers that the masks use” Mr. Crump sighed and picked up Sandra’s discarded mask and stroked it. “It’s not perfect, but this way it makes me feel like she’s not completely gone”

“How exactly do the masks work?” Sandra asked. Mr. Crump smiled and walked over to another closet, he opened it and pulled out a third Priscilla mask.

“It’s the last one” He said, noticing the confused look on Sandra’s face. He handed it to her. “Go ahead. Try it on” As Sandra took the mask, Mr. Crump added. “There’s a small switch at the back. Flip it once you’ve put the mask on. That will seal it and start the electronics.”

“Right” Sandra took a deep breath and placed the mask over her head. The darkness was disorienting, but she ran her hand along the base and found the switch. As soon as she clicked it, the mask sealed with a hiss, there was a whine as the screens came on and Sandra found herself staring at Mr. Crump, who smiled back at her.

“So, I’m still not entirely sure how this mask works.” Sandra confessed, in Priscilla’s voice.

Mr. Crump shrugged. “I’m not exactly sure either. Like I said, Priscilla’s brother came up with the mask design, not me. I think it responds to various phrases, which is why yours bugged out a while ago. As to why I make my employees wear the suits, well, Priscilla had always wanted to brighten up the room where she was, and I wanted that kind of talent for my business, and since Priscilla had already taken a desk job here before she died, it was easier to…replace her this way”

“Hmm, makes sense” Sandra reasoned. “So, what happens now?”

“Well, Jenny’s taking over for today. But I suspect that she may be late tomorrow as well due to this family emergency. Can you get here at 7 tomorrow morning?”

Sandra smiled. “Sure”

“Good” Mr. Crump smiled, than his face resumed his usual frown. “Now I suggest you change and get out of here.” He barked, before stalking to the door and opening it. Through the glass, Sandra saw him speak briefly to Jenny, then walk back to his office.

Smiling, Sandra retrieved her clothes from the drawer she had hidden them in, shed her costume and suit, and changed. It was a great relief to have the suit off and feel cool air on her sweaty skin. As she left the room, Jenny called her back.

“Sandra”

“Yes?”

“Thank you, and congratulations” Jenny made the mask wink.

“Thank you, Priscilla” Sandra winked back, then turned to leave.

The next morning, Sandra arrived bright and early. Humming to herself slightly, she typed in the code to open the front door, and again to turn off the building alarms. Still humming, she strode over to the door behind the desk and, after glancing around to make sure no one else was around, slipped inside.

In the break room, Sandra noticed an envelope on the coffee table with her name on it. Opening it she saw the following note:

Sandra,

I know Mr. Crump may have told you, but I need to be with my mother for most of the day tomorrow. Can you cover for me and I’ll make it up to you?

Thanks,

Jenny

Sandra sighed and shook her head, still smiling. Strolling over to the closet, she opened it and picked out one of the flesh-colored suits and the uniform. Darting into the bathroom, she quickly undressed, stretched on the suit, making sure there were no wrinkles or creases, but like before, the suit contorted to fit her easily. She then slipped on the nylons, blouse, skirt, shoes and coat, before pulling the suit’s hood over her head, flattening her hair against her skull. After checking herself to make sure everything was in order, she left the bathroom. Returning to the closet, she pulled out one of the Priscilla masks and turned it to face her. For a moment, Sandra just stood there, gazing into the painted eyes of the mask.

“You ready?” She asked, not expecting a response. She turned the mask around, raised it up, and slipped it onto her head. Feeling around, she hit the hidden switch and the mask came to life. As the view screens kept on, Sandra skirted the coffee table and faced herself in the mirror, where Priscilla’s perfect features stared back at her. Sandra did some stretches, making sure the suit fit perfectly, and adjusted the mask, which was slightly crooked. Then, she assumed a submissive position, hands clasped neatly behind her back and feet together. She gave a small bow to her reflection.

“Testing, Testing, Testing. Perfect!” She said in Priscilla’s singsong voice. Sandra smiled and made the mask smile as well. She was ready. Turning on her heel, she strode out of the break room and into the reception room just as the first people began arriving for work. As Sandra buzzed them in, they greeted her and she greeted them with smiles. When Mr. Crump walked in, he winked at her and she waved at him. A few minutes later, a man in a blue suit rang the bell. Sandra buzzed him in, then sat straighter in her chair as the man walked straight up to her. Time to go into my act, she said to herself. She made the mask smile and said to the man; “Welcome to Crump Industries, my name is Priscilla, how can I help you?”

THE END