The Elevator Fifth Floor (Patreon)

Cardonali the magical imp was doing what he always did, he caused trouble to others for his own amusement.  Cardonali had the ability to put any thought into a person's mind and manipulate them as he wanted to.  He stood unobserved or at least unacknowledged in the back of an elevator waiting to see who would get in. 

Maria Ferrero entered the elevator with her thirteen-year-old daughter Luci.  Maria was taking Luci to her friend Bobbie's house and then run some errands for herself.

"Luci, I can pick you up at five.  If I'm going to be late, I'll phone you," Maria told her daughter.

Luci just nodded.

Cardonali changed the power dynamic for the family.  Their relationship changed.  Luci acted not even as the loving mother in the relationship anymore.  She had the power of an employer with her live-in maid.

"Maria, I've changed my mind.  Give me the keys to the car.  I'll drive myself," Luci informed her mother.

"Yes, Ma'am," Maria said as she fished the keys out of her purse.

"Also give me $40.  I might need it."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Now Bobbie will be staying over at the apartment overnight so I want you to clean the whole apartment from top to bottom."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"There shouldn't be any problem.  We won't be home until 5:30.  I expect it to be right.  Also, I want pizza served for dinner.  Not one of that store-bought pizza or takeout.  I want you to make it fresh, including the dough."

"What toppings for your pizza, Ma'am?"

"Mushrooms, green peppers, and onions."

"I don't think we have green peppers in the refrigerator."

"Then you'll have to go get some, won't you?"

Luci was taking the car so Maria would have to walk.  Maria hoped that Luci would drive her to the store to pick some up.

"I can do that."

"While you are out, get the makings for a green salad.  We'll have that with the pizza."

"Yes, Ma'am."

After dinner is served, I want you and Thomas to be scarce so that Bobbie and I can have some privacy."  (Thomas is Luci's father.)

"Where should we go?"

"I don't care.  You can use the car.  But don't be back until after ten o'clock."

"We'll see a movie, Ma'am."

"Fine, one other thing."

"Yes?"

"Bobbie is my guest.  I expect you to dress nicely.  Sneakers with a t-shirt and jeans just won't cut it.  And do something with your hair."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"And remember if everything is not perfect, there will be hell to pay.  I can assure you that if you screw up, you won't be allowed to sleep in the same room with Thomas for at least two weeks," Luci warned.

The elevator finally reached the garage level.  Luci got out and headed towards the car.  Maria stayed in the elevator and returned to the apartment.  She had a lot to do before her mistress and Luci's friend arrived back at the apartment.  She took out a pad and made a list: clean the house, go to the fruit store and buy salad fixings and green peppers, make a pizza from scratch, take a shower and redo her hair, get 'properly' dressed, phone Thomas and tell him they are going out tonight.

It'll be tough, but Maria prided herself on attention to detail and being prompt.

Prev Floor   Next Floor