What Mandy Busyman Did

The Key

Stacia

I returned to school the next day, blissful and walking on air. I knew exactly how to get the key. Well, if it would work. Plus, this was the only way. The only way to find Mandy Busyman once and for all.

The janitor.

He had the power to open anything. Even a locked door, the key underneath the unpromising door frame that shot down any thought of surprise. (Boy, no one knew anything.) I just had to find him, charm him, manage to to persuade him to bust the door open, walk in all sly and bloody GET THAT KEY! But that's easier said than done. First I needed a janitor victim. Someone willing and easily persuaded. I had to do a hunt around the school to find the right janitor, their name tag displaying their status as well as my key to the key. I walked around the school, at first clueless, but then determined. Being in that determined mood set me off, and I was on a mission to find the perfect one as I trailed and scaled the puke hallways of Rain County High School. I saw many janitors holding mops and brooms, water sloshing next to them as they dipped their mops into the frigid water. Finally, I saw Matt, the ultra gullible janitor who couldn't resist helping, if only for a bitty issue. So you can imagine what happened next as I walked confidently to him, my chin in the air,  prepared to give it my best shot. 

At first he sighed and waited as I strolled over to him, his broom steady in his hand, waiting to answer my request.

"Hi! I was wondering if you could help me with something," I asked carefully as he stared at me confused.

"What?" he asked grouchily. (Woah, not expecting that.)

"Um, I need help to-"

I cut myself off. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I pursed my lips to stop from asking him.

"Come on. Ask. I haven't got all day," he said cross.

"Nevermind,"I grumbled as I walked off.

He murmured with disgust as he swept hastily with hs bristly broom. Whatever. I could find someone else to help me.

●︿●

I looked around carefully, making sure I didn't see anyone around to see me. I couldn't let anyone see me fail for the second time. I already accepted the fact I probably wouldn't get the key. Right now it seemed impossible. I made my way to the bathroom again, this time pulling confidence from any place possible in order to get the key. I saw the bathroom in sight and promptly ran over to the door and crouched, prepared to reach for the key. I readied my hand and reached so much it hurt. I felt the same cold, hard pattern of the metal, and I knew I hit the key. I gripped hastily onto it and pulled it. I felt it coming closer and almost screamed in joy. YES!

I pulled it closer, closer, closer, until I saw it peek through the small gap the door gave. I pulled it so close I could taste it. But then, it wouldn't fit. My hand grabbing hold of the key was too big to fit through the gap. Bloody heck! I was so close. I grumbled, annoyed, and let go. I pulled my hand out and stared at the key peeking through, angry nerves bubbling inside of me. I stood up, my neck and hand sore.  I was so done trying to get this key. If Mandy died, I can't say I didn't help her.

"Miss Stacia? Shouldn't you be in class or lunch, perhaps?" I heard a teacher from down the hall say as more of a demand than a question.

I gulped sharply and waited for the pour of lecturing and detentions. I almost wanted to close my eyes.

"Stacia? Helloooo? Stacia!"

I snapped to that. I looked at the teacher, their face crumpled with irritation as they looked at me, foolish and helpless.