A/N: So I didn't update in forever again, sorry. No excuses, I'm just lazy. I apologize if anyone is actually following

Ilse roamed about on Ellis Island. There was no way the guard was going to let her in, but she couldn't go back to Germany. She had been living on her own for a while, but even still being alone in a strange, new country scared her. After a bit of aimless wandering she stumbled and bumped into a striking woman. She was about 5' 8" with dark brown hair (with copper highlights) and bright red lips.

"Oh sorry there honey, I didn't see you," the woman apologized to Ilse. Taken aback, Ilse had no response. She had never seen a woman this beautiful and stunning in her life.

"It is not a problem ma'am," Ilse replied meekly, as if to apologize for being apologized to.

"I'm Maureen. You must be coming in!" She proudly proclaimed. Bold. Ilse liked boldness.

Ilse had to keep her courage up. She was not going to blow her first conversation with an American who might help her get in. No doubt, this woman could seduce any guard. "I was, but there were some complications concerning my history. Apparently, it is rather questionable."

"Honey," Maureen said while gingerly stroking Ilse's arm, "come with me."

Incredulously Ilse replied, "You can get me in?"

"Of course! I work here silly…that is, when I don't have actual work," Maureen replied, casually opening up the conversation. The conversation would revolve around her, but she was perfectly okay with that.

"Actual work…?" Ilse did not understand. Back in Germany there was no "real" work and "faux" work, just work.

"Sweetie I'm an actress!" Maureen exclaimed. It was clear at this point that Maureen showed a desire towards Ilse. Not knowing how to express that feeling to the little German immigrant, she figured it best to help Ilse first. "Just come with me," Maureen said more than a little seductively. And despite Ilse's better judgment, she did.

Maureen pulled her shirt down a little and went up to the guard, "Excuse me, Bill," so the guard's name was Bill apparently. Ilse could tell that they were already fairly well acquainted. "I just wanted to make you aware that I noticed you noticing me, and I wanted to put you on notice that I noticed you too," Maureen said suggestively before throwing in a wink and licking her lips for extra measure. As Maureen stood and chatted with Bill, the bulge in Bill's pants became more apparent to Ilse. A few awkward minutes stood by when Ilse pondered the application of Maureen's plan, but when Bill noticed his erection it all became clear.

The second Bill looked down; Maureen whispered "Run." They had officially ditched Bill and sprinted past the lines of immigrants. They weaved through the crowds of anxious Italians trying to gain entrance to the "magnificent" world of America, and hurdled over a poor Russian family before they caught the ferry back to the island of Manhattan. On the ferry, Maureen's perfectly-tousled hair blew back in the wind, while the sun brought out the copper highlights and illuminated her structured face. It was no question that Maureen was gorgeous, but at the moment Ilse saw her as more of a maternal figure than a potential girlfriend. Maureen was, of course, a very poor influence, but Ilse saw her as one of her own. Back at Priapya, they would have adored her. Maureen had that attitude that screamed "nothing you say or do can make me back down," and "I have total control over you." Ilse loved that sort of confidence in anyone, but with Maureen, it just seemed sexy. They chatted about their work, lives, relationships, preferences, and before the end of a ferry ride, it seemed as if they'd known each other forever.

"There's an adorable little café around where I live called the Life, wanna meet up later?" Maureen asked, leaning her shoulder in just enough, to give Ilse that sense of comfort that a new girl in the city needed.

"That would be great! By the way, is there any possibility that you can help me get some work around here? I need a job to help support my friends and I," Ilse asked cautiously.

"Of course! I have a painter friend, well not really a friend, more of an acquaintance-with-benefits, but he's hiring new models for his studio. I know that would be right up your alley," Maureen said sweetly. "You really had the right idea going into modeling and all, sit around, do basically nothing, and get paid. I like it." The vigor in Maureen's voice grew with a direct correlation to their distance. Soon before they were out of ear-shot in Battery Park, Ilse realized that she had no idea where the Life Café was.

"Wait! Maureen, where should I meet you?"

"Meet me on the corner or 11th street and Avenue B. Then we'll catch up and go to dinner," Maureen replied cattily. And as Ilse walked away with a new-found hope in her mind and stride in her step, she couldn't help but wonder if this was a date.

A/N: Once again, I shall try to update sooner! School is almost out and I'll have some time. Next chapter I will get to Melchior in NYC. Reviews are always welcome :)