Ivy and ferns grew through the crevices of the old winding stone path, which led directly to the colossal structure. The mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence.

According to the GPS, this was the location where he needed to be. On the crumpled piece of paper, torn from a phonebook, he was to be here by three in the afternoon. With time steadily approaching three, he had a few minutes to spare.

He took deep breaths, trying his best to maintain his composure. He reminded himself that this kind of nervous was normal. Anybody with a pending job interview is going to be that way, he reminded himself as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. He wiped his moist hands on his pants. He was grateful that the midnight blue slacks hid the moisture. His sister, Saphron, gave him certain colors of his clothing to conceal his nervous. She added that the colors of midnight blue and coral blue complimented each other.

He stepped out of the Honda Accord. He closed it gently, trying not to alert anyone or anything. His footsteps were the only thing breaking the silence, along with the dead leaves as he approached the door. Judging by the denseness, the door was old-fashioned. A bit of a history buff, Jaune knew that the door was an eighteenth-century door based from New England. The bronze door handle cracked, but it brought more authenticity of its age. He was about to hit the door knocker until he heard something from the intercom.

Static was going on, but after a moment, a feminine voice came from it. "I have been expecting your arrival, Jaune Arc." Jaune felt the seriousness in her tone. It wasn't alert, but very certain. The hair from his back was standing, but he kept his composure as he pondered on his next words. "I am grateful to see potential employees come to the meeting earlier than planned. It shows effort and I appreciate the effort, Mr. Arc!"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, taking the compliment.

"When you hear the buzzard, come on in," she told Jaune. "Be sure to take off your shoes at the entrance. There are shoes prepared for you."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you." A short silence followed before he heard the sound of the buzzer. He pressed the door handle, allowing him entrance to the door. Just as she said, there was a corner available for his shoes. He pulled off his shoes using his feet. He gently placed them on the top shelf. As he placed them, he saw that there were another pair of shoes; shoes that belonged to a woman. He tried not to give it any thought as he reached for the slippers and made his way further into the mansion.

From his position, the entrance was very grandeur. It gave him a very antique, retro feeling if he was using the words accurately. A prominent golden chandelier stood proudly in front of the stairs. The stairs, curvy and marbled, ascended into a split, leading to entry to either room. Unsure, but he found it fascinating. He was in awe of the decor of the mansion for it was his first time being in such a place. The closest of seeing a mansion was from television or reading it in his books or manga. Before he could ponder more of the mansion, the door opened from beside him.

The blonde stood in attention as he saw the woman walking out of a presumed office. She carried an ambiance of mature, important, and cautious. She pursed her lips, giving a glance of Jaune before extending her hand.

"Hello, Jaune," she spoke, displaying her smile.

He was startled but returned back to normal. "Hello, Mrs. Fall." He returned her handshake. It was firm, giving the blonde a reminder that it was a woman giving him a handshake instead of a man.

"Come on in," replied Mrs. Fall. "Excuse the mess in here. I was in the middle of cleaning."

It was a standard office. It had a desk, a laptop, and a small bookshelf. On the walls displayed her accomplishments of a businesswoman. From the intel he collected, Cinder Fall is well-known in the art industry. It wasn't until a few months ago when she decided to venture in comic book circuit. She used her business connection to establish an office and a studio in the quiet Vale suburb. She was in search of recognizable, hidden talent. Jaune was fortunate to be categorized under her search.

The blonde teen was surprised by her casualness as he made his way into the office. He imagined her wearing the tidy business suit like she normally wears. Instead, she was wearing jeans and a plain, slept-on yellow Haven Academy t-shirt. She stretched her arms outward into the air as she moved some papers from a chair to allow Jaune a seat. He can agree with Mrs. Fall on the work in progress of her office. She went across her desk and went to her laptop. He sat quietly and attentively as she typed a few things. She furrowed her eyebrows, clicking on a couple of things before returning her eyes to him.

"First of all, I want to say welcome to this informal interview, Jaune," she said to him as she displayed the screen of her laptop in front of him. On the screen, it displayed images of Jaune's works. "Second of all, I hope that this wasn't such a big a deal to do it here instead of my office. We have a lot of moving going on there and didn't want to interfere. I hope you didn't have a hard time finding the place."

He shook his head in disagreement. "No, ma'am, it wasn't hard at all."

"Good, I am glad. You can call me Cinder if you please." She reached for a cigarette. "You won't be offended if I smoke in here, would you?"

"No, ma'am," answered Cinder. It wasn't until a few moments later when she pulled out a pack of Marlboros. She pulled out two. She put one to her lips and handed the other one to Jaune. "I won't judge because of your age. But the shakiness and the rings around your fingers gave it away." She chuckled while lighting the cigarette. He leaned forward as Cinder lit his cigarette. Both exhaled the fumes before resuming to the matter at hand.

"Jaune, you were a hard person to find," she said while looking at his artwork. "Yet again, being this talented and only in high school, I shouldn't be as surprised." She whistled. "But this is great work and I must say, you make people who spent many years in this game very minute in their craft."

He bowed for the compliment. "Thanks, but you are giving me too much credit. It is because of them that I copied in their image."

"Look at yourself being humble and modest," she said while flicking the ashes into the empty coffee cup. "That is why I want you to be involved with this."

"Wait a minute!" He was taken aback. "Are you telling me that you are going to hire me? What about the process and…."

"Never you mind about that," she said. "Those are formalities so other won't be jealous. But the minute I saw your work, you were already hired. The juxtaposition of you and your work was timing." She took another puff of the cigarette. "When I saw your drawing parodying Sailor Moon, Ouran High School Host Club, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Mysterious Girlfriend X, and Amagami, I was amazed, just to name a few of your works. Judging by your earlier works, Miyazaki was an inspiration."

"You can say that he was the start of what I am doing," said Jaune admittedly. "From the beginning, I always wanted to be a comic book artist. But, it wasn't until high school I wanted to become a mangaka."

"Mangaka," she retorted while finishing her cigarette and reaching for another. He took that pause as an advantage to take a puff of his cigarette. "I can't promise you will be there in the near future. Your skills are flawless but unproven." She took another puff. "However, you will be useful for this. Let's say it is a start on your path to being a mangaka." She turned her laptop around and typed on the keyboard. A few moments later, she turned it to his sight.

"Are you familiar with OEL manga?"

"I am," replied Jaune. "Original English Language manga. Works that are Japanese inspired, but made from the Westerners."

"Right on the money," replied Cinder. "Since moving from overseas, my mindset has always been money. From representing agencies such as AT&T, Johnson and Johnson, and the like. It gives me great joy when seeing stuff you do flourish." She exhaled. "Lately, I am looking for a new venture. A colleague of mine from Osaka discussed with me on getting involved in this kind of media. Frankly, I am a fan of manga, but don't have a clue. The only thing I know is money and you guys are the resources that I need to make it happen.

This start-up company is going to be responsible for opening up writers and artist to create one-shots and serialized stories. Don't worry, I have people from out there bringing their finest people to come through and help us. However, I prefer the majority to be from the neck of your woods."

She put the cigarette down, focusing her attention on Jaune. "You came very recommended, Mr. Arc. When I first met you at the comic book convention those few months back, I saw your talent. It is a damn shame that you didn't win. But, it comes to show you how much people know fine quality work. Anyway, I search far and wide to find you. It is the blessings of Oum that you are here. Now, I am highly interested in putting you to work." She leaned closer to him. "Are you up for it?"

Before Jaune could give himself a thought, he quickly responded with a yes.

"I am happy to hear. However, there are legalities. Because of your age and the damn labor laws in this country." She paused. "The point is I can't pay you as much as I should because you are sixteen." She let out a smile. "However, the laws never discuss commissions." She gave him a wink, which made him blush. "So, I will pay your standard wage and give you an additional check. What do you say?"

Jaune wanted to jump from the seat and scream from the top of his lungs. An opportunity to work as an artist and with well-known businesswoman, Cinder Fall, he silently thank Oum before returning to reality. "I am happy to say that I want to do it. How soon can I start?"

"Not for another month or so. There are some things I need to get straightened out. I just wanted to have you on our side before anybody else gave you an idea," she said. She extended her hand. "Welcome aboard, Mr. Arc!"

He shook her hand. His smile was wider and wanted to call his parents about the news.

"This calls for a celebration," she said. She pressed the buzzer on the intercom. "Honey, can you do me a favor and come see me for a sec?"

There was a small silence, but it was quickly answered. "Yes, dear." Jaune's eyes widened when hearing it was a feminine voice.

"Normally, we have our maids, but they have yet to have their papers cleared."

"So, you just got here?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Yes and no. I have been in and out over the past couple of years. However, the woman you just heard, that is my wife. She has been here for a few years now."

"Your wife?"

She blushed as she put both elbows on her desk. "I am a lesbian, Jaune. More or less." She winked. "I have been involved with my wife for quite some time. She is a wonderful woman and I can't wait for you to meet her." She gave him a fierce stare. "You don't have a problem about I being with a woman?"

"Of course, not," answered Jaune. He smiled. "I mean it is a shame that a beautiful woman like yourself can't be with a man. But, seriously, your choice is your choice and I respect it. Also, I have a sister who is also a lesbian and is married with a son."

Their conversation was interrupted when they saw the woman in question. Cinder's face displayed affection when seeing her wife. The woman displayed a pleasant smile on her face as well. She looked to be in her late thirties. She had fair skin and beautiful long hair. Her body, her aura displayed maturity, elegance, modesty, and the like. She was wearing a blue sundress. In her hands, she had a tray of coffee with individual cups for the cream and the sugar.

"I wasn't sure if you wanted your cream or not, but I brought it, just in case," said the woman.

"One of the reasons why I love you so, darling," answered Cinder.

The woman walked from behind Jaune's chair and made her way to Cinder's desk. Before she could put the tray down, her eyes descended on Jaune. Her smile dropped the moment she laid eyes. In return, he did the same.

He averted his eyes. The woman did the same. Cinder noticed the awkwardness and was prone to speak. "What is the matter, Jaune?"

He turned to Cinder. "It is nothing. The sun reflected from the cup and got in my eyes, is all."

"Ok," she said before turning to her wife. "Is everything okay, Raven?"

She nodded her head. "I am fine. Just migraine is all. Been busy with so many things."

"Don't work too hard, darling. Especially when we have two bundles of joy on the way."

Raven was silent, just nodded in agreement with Cinder. Cinder turned to Jaune. "Excuse me for that, but Jaune, this is my wonderful and gorgeous wife, Raven."

Raven blushed, displaying her hands to Jaune. "Good to see you again, Jaune."

His face was drained of its color but returned her handshake as well. "Charmed."

"So, you two know each other," asked Cinder.

"Yes, ma'am," replied Jaune. "Ms. Branwen teaches orchestra at my sister's school. Also at the private studio in town. I go there often to watch my sister, Joey or help your wife out with things." He took a sharp breath. "I didn't know that you and she have a connection."

Cinder smiled. "This girl keeps to herself. When I mean she wants her life private, it means it is private."

Raven look startled. She quickly poured coffee for the pair. She handed it to them before making her way to the door.

"Hey, dear, what's the rush? Jaune and I are just talking. Come have a seat and chat with us."

"I can't, dear," replied Raven. "There are some unpacking I have to do. Also, song sheets for the kids. I also have that competition to…."

"Relax, dear," interjected Cinder. "I am okay. Go and tend to your work. We will talk later. I love you."

Raven turned and smiled. "I love you, too."

She whisked away from the office. He took some breaths before returning to the matter at hand. Cinder took a sip of her coffee and turned the laptop back in the direction. A few moments later, her intercom was buzzed. More footsteps sounded in the hall. Then, there was a knock to the door.

"Yes," asked Cinder.

"The lawyer is here with the contracts," answered Raven as she opened the door.

"Shit," replied Cinder under her breath. "I forgot about that." She turned to Jaune. "Listen, Jaune, sorry to cut this short, but can we meet another time?"

"Sure," replied Jaune. "Thank you for the job."

"The pleasure is all mine," answered Cinder.

Cinder followed Jaune out of the office with her hands on her back. He passed the lawyer as she was entering the office. She looked like she wasn't too far from his age, but her occupation reminded him that she was well into her thirties. She had long hair and a slender body. She was wearing the kind of suit that reminded him what Jan wore on her first after-college job interview.

"Raven," said Cinder. "Be a dear and let Jaune out. I don't want to further make her wait."

"No problem, dear," answered Raven.

She kissed Raven on the cheek before walking into the office to close the door. Out in the center of the hallway was Jaune and Raven. Jaune kept his head down to the floor. He saw Raven's slippers from his line of sight. He took another breath as he tried to make his way to the exit.

"Jaune."

He stopped in his tracks, his heart beating when he heard her say his name. When she said it, it could have been music playing or whispered prayer. It still wasn't enough to deter him. He was at the spot where he was putting on his shoes. As he putting them on, she kneeled beside him. Jaune could smell her honeydew scent. He wasn't afraid to admit that Raven was a beautiful girl.

"Jaune. Jaune. Can you at least turn around so we can talk?"

He kept silent. He pulled on his other pair of shoes. He put the slippers on the other side. He stared at the door. He closed his eyes. He wanted to combat the tears. He wanted to be somewhere other than here. 'What was Raven doing here,' he thought. 'Why is Raven serving the role of wife,' he thought. 'Why is...why is…,' he ingested that thought before releasing, 'why did Cinder say she was expecting?'

"Why didn't you tell me you were married to her," asked Jaune without looking at her. "Why didn't you tell me you weren't in between relationships?"

"Jaune," she said hesitantly. She put her hand on his shoulder. He tucked in his lip when feeling her familiar touch. His breathing was getting faster. He was now combating his tears. "I don't...I don't...I don't know, Jaune."

Jaune stood up and turned around to see Raven. Her hands were tucked in her sundress. She even couldn't look him in his eye as well.

"I don't know either, Raven. I don't know, Mrs. Fall."

He turned around and put his hand on the knob. He turned the knob and left out the door.

He sniffled a few times before making his way to the Honda Accord. He had his hand on the door before seeing Raven in the reflection.

As he turned, Raven pressed her way to him. She grabbed his face and reached for a kiss. Jaune was hesitant, fighting it but Raven had the upper hand. He muffled as he tried to pry her from him, but she didn't stop. He saw the tears streaming from her eyes. No longer could handle it, he dropped his keys to succumb to her kisses. Both shared a fiery kiss as tears were coming from both of them.

"Let me go," argued Jaune in between kisses.

"I won't," replied Raven.

"Let me go," he said repeatedly.

"I won't," she answered. "I won't, I won't, I won't."

"Don't do this to me," cried Jaune. She used her knee to spread his leg as she advanced into him.

"I won't let you go," she cried. "I am sorry for doing this to you."

"Let me go," he said in between sobs. "Let me go, Raven!"

"No," she whispered to him. "I won't let you go. I won't ever let you go, Jaune Arc!"

To be continued….