"I'm home…"

Ara called from the door as she kicked off her shoes and walked down the dusty hall.

What's the point in saying that every time I enter here?

Ara growled to herself and walked into the two room apartment. It was all she could get right now since she's in between jobs and the money her prissy aunt gave her was only enough for this dump.

Knock, knock.

Ara cursed under her breath, hesitant to go to open the door.

"The devil must be in my mind. Damn him."

The door cracked open.

"Excuse me, Ara?"

A rail thin, mid 30s woman peeked in dressed in a dress and pearls. She kept her hand on the door knob that she covered so cleverly with a white tissue from her purse.

"You can come in, Aunt Hina,"

She replied sarcastically, slumping on the small single chair in the living room/ Kitchen.

"Yes…"

Hina muttered disdainfully, entering like she was Queen Elizabeth herself, being careful not to touch anything accidentally. God forbid her body came near poverty. Hina was rich, obviously. Married a lawyer like a regular Cinderella story. If only she wasn't so snobby and stuck up. It should be stated that this woman was Ara's Father's sister. After his and his wife's death in a car accident, she pretty much wrote Ara off her list as 'unequipped' for her life style. Lamest terms, she didn't have enough money. Obviously. Now, Aunt Hina failed to hide her grimace and looked at Ara with a pressed smile.

"I just thought I'd, uh… see how school went and…"

"No, I don't have a job yet. I'm working on it, Aunty."

"Aunt Hina," She corrected, wagging her bony finger. "With that attitude you'll never get a job. Employers like people with positive energy."

"Positive, yeah. Sure."

She grumbled, pulling at a stray string sticking out of the carpet. These money discussions were pointless. She's been laughed out of every job interview because of lack of experience and for being so young. They're so difficult nowadays.

"Look, AUNT HINA, I'm trying, okay? I haven't heard anything yet but I got an interview today. So, if you don't mind, you can go back to your castle now."

A sparkling laugh escaped her aunt's lips.

"It's hardly a castle, sweetie, but I appreciate the complement. I'll see you later."

Ara mocked her as she walked behind her to open the door that she knew Hina would never touch and slammed in shut behind her rougher than usual when there was another quick knock and Ara was tempted to lock it and walk about but Hina was persistent.

"What?!"

Aunt Hina smiled stiffly.

"Is that what you're going to wear to your interview?"

"Augh!" Slam. Fashion? Seriously? I'm not going to be a model!, Ara screamed in her head as she strolled to her room, changing to get her off her back. Her aunt always knew her every step. It was annoying. Sometimes Ara imagined a high paid investigator outside her window. The idea freaked her out.

Changed and straightened up, Ara took a deep breath and headed to the bus stop to held to the other side of town where she was dropped off near a large estate that made her gulp loudly and glance at the paper in her hand. Scrawled on it was the address.

"This is the right place… I-"

She froze and looked at the sign on the gate.

Sohma

SOHMA! What the hell?!

Ara freaked out and began to take long strides away from the estate. Screw the bus! I'll walk home!! I am NOT working here! Not in a million year! Never, never, never. No, no, no, no, no, n—

She froze on the side walk, face in a blank stare facing the cement corner where she stopped.

I need this. I need this job. I need the money. Who cares who it is? Or where? Money is money and I… I need to do this.

With a very deep, very long sigh, Ara straightened her shoulders and walked back to the gate, pushing it open and entering. That's where her strong façade failed her, leaving her exposed as the grounds stretched before her like impeding doom.

At least there is no sign of anyone…

Ara walked carefully and quietly to the door, knocking twice and taking a quick step back. A moment passed when a young gentleman appeared at the door. He glanced down at her curiously a moment then extended a welcoming smile.

"Hello. Can I help you?"

"Er, Yes. I saw a job opening in the p-paper. I c-called and was told to, um, come in for a interview?"

She replied meekly.

"Ara? Ara! Ara, Ara, Ara!"

A blonde popped up in front of the man and grabbed Ara's hand tightly while his other hand held a stuffed bunny.

"M-Momiji, you scared me."

He grinned excitedly.

"Do you know this girl?"

The man asked, oblivious to his hyper ness.

He nodded quickly, pulling her in with him.

"Yes! This is Ara. She goes to our school! Ara, this is Kureno."

"Pleasure is all mine."

"No! It's all mine." Ara blushed and bowed deeply.

Momiji tugged at her again, looking at her with those curious eyes.

"So, why are ya here? Did you come to play with me?"

His excitement was contagious that Ara sported a smile of her own.

"No, I wish I had. I'm here to a job interview."

Momiji's hand tensed a moment and a shadow flitted over his face for a split second until he smiled quickly.

"Here? That's silly. You wouldn't want to work here."

"I sort of need the money. This is my last interview for the month. I-is it weird for you to have me work here?"

"No! Not really, I just don't think this is a good place for--"

Momiji stiffened and stared past her, looking down the hall. Ara turned to look only to catch a glimpse of a small, thin man in a kimono. Kureno hurriedly ran to his side and they vanished around the corner. She turned back to her friend to ask a question when Momiji looked at her soberly. His eyes depicted a whole new layer. A dark layer that only raised more questions that were also cut off when he released her and stepped back with a strained smile.

"This isn't a good place for a job. You should leave."

"But! Momiji, I need--"

He gave a tough push to the door.

"I'll find you something better. I promise. You have my word."

She was in a daze now. What was he afraid of? What's going on?

"Momiji?"

"Trust me."

He replied simply, giving her a genuine smile.

"I'll find you the perfect job that will pay you well."

"When?"

"Tomorrow, the soonest."

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

Ara smiled in relief, leaving, but was still confused.

The Sohma's seemed to be wrapped in this big mystery. This strange hidden conspiracy or something and the funny thing is, no matter the dark feeling that loomed around it, she still craved to understand.

To learn their well kept secret.