Erica sighed, leaning heavily against her bosses door. Five, she was only five years old. Taking a deep breath, Erica now turned to face the mirror in order to take stock of her situation.
It was her, that much she could sadly confirm. She recognized the young innocent face, the hazel eyes, even her brown hair that cascaded past her shoulders. Memories of her mother getting her ready for school flooded her mind.
She wasn't that shy little girl anymore though. She was a grown woman, dressed in a ridiculously large blouse. The sleeves hung of the girls hands by several inches, Erica having to continually push them up to keep her hands free. The blouse thankfully acting as a dress, descending just past her thin legs. Erica now wiggled her small toes, sighing in annoyance. "God i hope this isn't permanent."
Although Ethan had told her to remain here, Erica didn't feel comfortable doing that. This wasn't her office and although her boss wouldn't be back today, she had no desire to run into any of her coworkers. What would happen if someone came in? Would anyone recognize her?
Not wanting to take that chance out of fear, Erica now began to think. Ethan had said the others, how many people had been reduced to school age children? The girls curiosity was getting the better of her, that was when she realized something. Carolyns office wasn't far from her own.
It was a risk but one she was willing to take. Maybe Carokyn was okay. Maybe she wasn't. Maybe she was worse off than Erica. Regardless, she could at least check. She felt finding someone familiar with what was going on was a better option. Walking towards the office door, Erica now tried to gather her courage.
Courage or confidence was going to be an issue though. The handle of the door rested chest high to the young girl. Erica was maybe three and a half feet tall. Reaching up she now turned the handle slowly before poking her tiny head out.
It looked like a clear path, their weren't alot of people on the floor currently. At her current size and age she could sneak through before coming to Carolyn's office it was a straight shot. Hopefully Carolyn's door was unlocked, and within reach. Quietly Erica now tiptoed out of the office, quietly closing the door as she now snuck down the hall.
Erica couldn't help but feel like a kid trying to sneak downstairs for Christmas. This was risky, getting caught would probably land her in a security office. After that who knew what would happen. No one would believe she was actually an adult. What if the cops came? Would she be placed in foster care?
The trip itself seemed to last much longer than the five minutes it took her. Erica's heart was racing, her eyes wide as she crept along. Shadows, sounds, the slightest movement made the little girl tremble in fear. She felt a mix of embarrassment and apprehension wash over her. "Please be here Carolyn," she whispered.
Finally reaching Carolyn's door, the tiny brunette now reached up, thankful to find the door unlocked. As she now slowly pushed it open, she scanned the office carefully.
The office was empty, which only added to Erica's apprehension. Maybe Carolyn had gone to Ethans lab already. Taking a closer look though, she paused as she noticed a discarded pair of heels. Why would those be here? Maybe Carolyn was in the office. Taking a breath she now worked up the courage to call for her. "Carolyn," she asked, her voice childish. "Are you here? Its Erica."
For a moment it appeared the office was empty, until Erica noticed a young girls head pop out from around the desk. The girl appeared around Erica's age with blond curly hair. The girls eyes going wide as she gaped at Erica.
"Erica is that you!"
Erica nodded, slinking into the office before closing the door. As she turned, she noticed an adorable young blond with curly hair that descended past her shoulder emerge from behind the desk. Much like Erica, Carolyn was dressed only in an overly large blouse topped with a business jacket that hung on her like a blanket. Slowly the two approached eachother, studying the other carefully.
"You got turned into a kid too," Carolyn asked. Erica nodded, gazing at the adorable girl. "I didnt know you had curly hair," she said. "You look adorable."
"Thanks," Carolyn grumbled. "Did Ethan find you?"
"Yeah," Erica sighed, her eyes now drifting to the floor. "He said he was going to get the others."
"Yeah I called him when this happened," Carolyn stated as she gestured to herself. "You scared me when you came in. I can't have anyone seeing me like this!"
"Well why didn't you lock the door then," Erica asked.
"Because I don't know if its stopped," Carolyn moaned. "What happens if I get younger? I'm barely tall enough to reach the doorknob."
"I had the same problem," Erica said. "You don't think we're going to get any younger do you?" Carolyn shrugged, the tiny blond rolling her sleeves up. "I'm not sure but I've been like this for a little while."
"Yeah same," Erica stated. "So what do we do now? I mean look at us, we look like we escaped from the company daycare and stole our moms work clothes."
"I've been trying to figure that out," Carolyn stated. "The elevator isn't too far off but I'm worried about getting caught."
"Yeah no one would believe us if we told them," Erica added. "We could stay here until Ethan comes back."
"Yeah but we should probably leave the door unlocked," Carolyn said. "You know just in case." Erica nodded, shuddering at the though about being discovered or growing even younger.
"Okay but if we stay we should probably hide," she said. "Any place to hide in here Carolyn?"
"Under my desk," Carolyn blushed. "I'm um small enough to fit underneath. We could probably both fit easily, unfortunately."
Erica nodded as the two five year olds now weighed their options.