The Principle

I walked backwards as the door was pushed open and found myself hiding behind the opened door. Holding my breath in, I could see it was a woman walking in, clearly not a student as she wasn’t in uniform, but rather in a clean gray suit with a matching skirt and heels. In fact, this was no stranger as she felt and looked familiar.

She walked over to the left past the curtains and it was then I found my chance to escape. However as soon as I leaned forward another figure stepped through and stood at the doorway blocking my exit. I silently cussed knowing this just got much harder than it should be. Also I could not see this new figure very clearly as the door was in the way and leaning in for a better look would only expose me. I was in a tight spot, I was trapped. Guess I’ll have to play the waiting game.

The sound of pages being flipped was heard, I think she had a binder or a clipboard that she was checking, it was hard for me to tell. Finally she spoke, “Did you find what you were looking for, Rose?” After hearing her voice, I could tell who it was. Stacy, the Office intern was accompanying Rosa for whatever reason and stood patiently waiting for a response. “Rosa?” “Hm? Ah-not quite! Where did Olivia leave the umm... oh never mind.” Stacy looked up from her clipboard and stepped forward. “Ms. Rosa, if you require Mrs. Olivia I could give her a call?” “No that won’t be necessary, close the door would you?” She nodded and reached with her hand, grabbing hold of the door handle before pushing it back, her view quietly observing Rosa rummage around the drawers.

My eyes grew wide open as the door was flung closed, exposing me. Miraculously enough they had their backs to me, I needed to act. Without a moment to waste, I fell to my knees and crawled behind the medical bed, the only structure I could hide behind. I was hoping Stacy would join her to leave me with a window of opportunity to exit but I suppose this only centered my fear, I’m not leaving until they do first.

Rolling my eyes, I resign to my predicament as Villasenor mumbles and goes on, waving her hands rather flustered and stressed. Stacy placed the clipboard on the counter and approached Rosa. “Ms. Rose, perhaps it would help if I knew what we were searching for here?” “I appreciate the offer Stacy but it’s rather embarrassing and private really.” Stacy smiled and held Rosa’s hand. “C’mon, I thought we were personal. You could tell me Rose, I won’t laugh.” She looked up at her. “Promise?” She nods. “I think... maybe it’s not the best time.” Stacy sighed and turned around. “Listen, I know you hate me doing this but trust me, I will tell you later everything okay? Just, I have a lot going through me right now and...” Rosa stopped mid sentence and folded, holding her stomach with one hand and grabbing onto the counter. Stacy turned around and helped her up. “Rose, what’s wrong?” “I... I need to go to the restroom...” She placed a hand on her mouth as Stacy helped walk her out of the room. “C’mon, i’ll take you. I told you not to have that burrito yesterday.”

Finally I saw the door close behind them and breathed, I was free again, free at last.