Alexandria sat in her apartment, on the black leather chair she bought not too long ago by her window, looking out onto the street.   Its taken some time and some talking up to herself, but she decided to put out some feelers for some photographers.  Someone to take pictures of her creations, who wont ask too many questions.  Being a business online and being anonymous means she doesn't have to pay others to sell her things, means she wont be robbed by her own employees or other people, it also means she doesn't owe the government anything either since its an all cash business.  Alexandria has no problem with having a store one day with employees she has to pay, but for now, shes by herself.  She has been taking pictures of her own creations with a white background and the jewelry in different positions, but she doesn't have the eye for it and she knows they could be a lot better.  


In her ad she put out, all she was asking for was a photographer who was looking for some a job taking pictures of jewelry and sculptures, no questions asked.  It had an email account she set up specifically for this job so when people applied though the email she would reply by that they had to send her examples of what she was asking for, since she wasn't going to pick someone who couldn't do the job right.   Alexandria did go through some that looked nice, but didn't have what she was looking for, she also went through some that were completely copyrighted and stolen from others, and of course people who were just trolling.  She did get one, however, that looked very promising and today was when she was going to meet this person.  


Alexandria would do the business in her home since she doesn't trust people and certainly not a stranger she is meeting off her ad and email, so she actually rented out a very small conference room at a business that rents them out to people who need to use them.   Frosted windows with tables and chairs, walls with no windows, or a mixture of both.  


Letting out a sigh, Alexandria stands and collects her rolling bag with all the things she wants pictures taken of, clamps a lock on the outside of it, knowing the combination brief case inside is safe, and walks out, locks her door and goes outside.  Taking a breath Alexandria puts on her sunglasses and makes her way towards the building they are to meet at.  Its not close, but also not too far and since today isn't actually a very cold day, walking it is.   Plus she is in jeans with some warm black timberland boots, a white long sleeve turtle neck like shirt and a tan jacket tied in the middle with a fake fur inlaid hood on her head.   She is warm enough to walk.   


Once inside the building, Alexandria gets the keys from the front desk and makes her way towards the room she rented, kind of towards the middle, but one that only has one frosted glass wall, the one with the door.   Once inside, she places the bag in the corner, takes off her jacket and hangs it up on the coat hangers, unlocks the rolling bag and takes her laptop out then takes a seat by one of the walls.   She didn't bring anything else with her because in her emails, she did ask this photographer to bring her own supplies.   Alexandria places the laptop on the table and logs on tot he free wifi, though her computer is secure, all she does is check her email to make sure this person is still coming, that they didn't cancel today.  Once she is sure, she closes the laptop and waits.  

Stephanie’s dayjob was important. She reminded herself of that when she got up in the morning and dropped her daughter off at daycare so she could go to her small studio. The morning ritual was always bittersweet because Steph loved Malia, but now it came with an extra element of awkwardness because of a certain friend she had successfully ruined things with. Good job, Stephanie.

With that added downside, it was very tempting to cut her photography work and live off her nightjob. As much as she would like the cop-out solution, having a public life was important for keeping undue attention off her affairs. She also genuinely loved photography. She needed to focus on that more, which was why she scanned listings for freelance photography requests.

It was not a complicated job, but the details spoke to Steph. The jewelry was gorgeous and she could work with that. It was also a cash only job, which did little to bolster her rapport with the IRS, but not every job had to be on the books, clearly. When Steph saw examples of the plain photographs she was going to be replacing, she knew she could offer something better, and the examples she sent proved that.

From what Stephanie could gather, the woman she was dealing with was professional, but not upscale. The choice of a conference room as a meeting space, therefore, was unexpected. Maybe her client was ambitious? Entrepreneurial, even? At least they were interesting enough to make the meeting a change of pace from drop-ins to the studio.

Enjoying a day that was only cool rather than straight-up cold (to the southerner, at least. She opted for a peach cardigan rather than one of her heavier peacoats. Being a photographer called for an interesting balance between professional and casual. Clients wanted her to be artsy but able to get a job done and look the part. For that, she wore nice black capris and a knotted-front white top. Across the whole outfit, of course, was her large canvas bag that carried her photography equipment.

When Stephanie arrived at the large office building, she offered her name to the front desk and received instructions on where to proceed. After a brief trip down the wrong hallway, the photographer found the frosted glass door with the correct number on the outside. After knocking, she risked opening the door and poking her head in.

And gosh darn, if her client was not a very pretty brunette. She would chalk that up as another added perk of the job. ”Good morning! I’m Stephanie Graves, and I believe I’m here to take some gorgeous jewelry photos for you today?”

Alexandria looks up from her computer screen and over to the door when she hears the knocking.   She doesn't have time to say that its occupied when the door opens and a head pops into view and speaks.   Its the photographer she hired.  Good.  Shes on time. 


Alexandria stands, shuts her laptop and nods to her.  "Yes, please come in and lock the door behind you if you will."  When she does and the door is closed, Alexandria kind of waves her hand towards the other side of the table.   "You can set everything up there if you'd like."  She wont be taking out her jewelry just et until Stephanie is all set up and ready to go, that way she can pick what she wants to start with.   


Keeping her distance, she hopes that Stephanie wont want to shake hands or anything.  Shes not very touchy feely with new people, or at all really.   Really she is just hoping that these pictures will go well today.  And that she wont ask many questions about anything but how she wants the pictures done or what she wants taken.   Alexandria knows she hasn't given her name to Stephanie yet and knows she needs too since her emails with her, she never did give her name, just used her work email which just stated NCJewlery.  Then again, since she uses an alias for herself for her business, she could always just give her a nickname and say shes taking pictures for her coworker or boss.   "I'm Dreya.  I hope you found this place alright."  

While clients liked their photographers to walk a more casual line than their other contractors, that did not mean they were looking for someone who was not punctual. Showing up when you were supposed to was the first step in ensuring you might be hired again. It also kept the meeting from starting on the wrong foot and spiraling from there.

Her greeting was met with an invitation to get set up. It also notably did not prompt her employer to move any closer. She expected the gap in distance to be bridged by the woman in charge, so if she was keeping her distance, Stephanie would let her do that. Things were being kept professional, based on the email exchange where she only got the business name.

Stephanie got right to business then, unzipping her bag and pulling out her equipment to get settled in. As she set up a small tripod, she was given a little more insight as to who she was dealing with. ”Dreya,” she repeated, committing the name to memory. ”Love the name. And I found the place just fine. Well, with a bit of work; I’m still adjusting to navigating the city.” She was, in many ways, still a newcomer to the city in more ways than one.

”I’m Stephanie. Which you may know based on our emails, unless you weren’t the one I had the pleasure of corresponding with?” Her contact never offered a name, after all.

Being on time is something that Alexandria likes.  When people are late, to her, it just shows that you don't care enough about whatever is happening.  Being late is rude.  Now there are some things that will excuse someone for being late, but honestly, not many and with today being nice out, there should be no reason to show up late, unless it was personal.   


When Stephanie says she loves her name, Alexandria almost tells her its just a nick name, but manages to hold herself back.   She isn't here to make friends.  It would be nice to have someone to trust into one day, but for now, its pictures of her work.  Its business not personal or pleasure.  "Thank you.  I hope this place didn't give you too much trouble to find.   That was not my intention."  Stephanie must be new to the city then if she is still having trouble finding her way around, but she cant find herself asking anything personal.  Business needs to be done and until it is over...well for her, she wont start something.   Business is what she knows right now, so its what she will stick too.  


"Yes, I was the one you were speaking with through the emails.   The website needed to have some new pictures, something that other sites didn't have.  You shows that in your examples so you were chosen."  What she says doesn't implement that she is the boss or that she has one either, its just left open.  People think that she has a team behind her to create the stones and metal into what they want since they get their product so quickly.  Quicker than other people and stores anyways.   Which is ok with her seeing as a lot of people still don't like mutants and with her fami- sorry blood relations still looking for her, having people assume that, it works out well.  Besides, with how much money she has on a few off shore accounts...hiding is good.  No one to rob her.  

Alexandria waits until Stephanie is almost completely set up before speaking again.  "When you are ready, I have a few pieces you can try out first.   A few stands, black velvet boxes and some gloves for you as well.  Help with the smudging when you move the metal around."  If things go well...perhaps she can pay Stephanie more money to keep quiet if she pulls out some of her more...rare gem creations...to keep her quiet.  Paid off.  Thought for later. 

It was hypocritical considering they were in the same position, but Stephanie was expecting her client to be older. As a young small business owner, she respected a young woman making her money, but Stephanie had the added income from her illicit business. Dreya was just an honest woman putting in her honest work. Whoever ran the business, they must have trusted this young woman with expensive products.

She also took her work seriously, which Stephanie could respect. ”I appreciate the thought, but there was nothing anyone could have done to keep me from getting lost, I promise.” Can’t take the AV out of the girl, right?

The job was explained, and it all sounded cut and dry. Taking photos of small objects was its own skill, but it did come with fewer variables than large landscapes, and were far simpler than portraits and photoshoots. She would gladly accept the gloves to preserve her subjects. ”Classy. Black velvet will contrast the jewelry well. If you’d like to share the gems and trinkets I might be capturing today, I promise to take care of them like I was handling the crown jewels.” Ugh, thief goals.

While she slipped gloves on, Stephanie wanted to engage with her employer. Being personable was rarely a flaw with these freelance jobs. ”Are you a New York native? Or did the call of bright lights and shiny jewelry bring you from anywhere special. Ready, by the by.” She could chat and set up a scene. It was the actual act when she needed focus.

Alexandria does business online for quiet a few reasons.  One of them being that people expect the owner, her, to be much older than she is.  Plus she isn't 21 yet so most everyone would think she was a scam.   Letting people guess her age, who she is, what she looks like, and her gender is best.  She is the ghost who makes perfect jewelry, exactly what people ask for.  That's what her business is all about.  Well at least half of it anyways.   She doesn't really advertise at all on TV or websites, its all word of mouth and reviews.  "A map could have been sent in a link to help you find it better.  Apologize."


When Stephanie says she will use the black velvet gloves and background, Alexandria nods some and grabs them from a side pouch in her bag, no wrinkles in it, and walks over before placing them closeish to her before going back to her bag to start with the first row of rings.   Starting with rings is easier, then necklaces and bracelets.  If things go well from there, possibly the gem creations.


Once she has grabbed the first black velvet metal inlay ring holder, which holds 20 different style rings, she brings it over to Stephanie and places it down gently and carefully about a foot from her before stepping back out of the way.   Some of the rings are gold, silver, white gold and all with different stones and inlays, some with multiple stones, the works.   Alexandria really hopes that Stephanie wont take off running with this set.  Its worth a lot yes but what she will pay her now and if she needs her later to take more pictures, it adds up.   "No, not native here.  Texas." Alexandria has gotten good at hiding her accent, but she still hasn't been able to get rid of it.  

A map would not have hurt, but realistically, Steph needed to get better at using her resources. She was still adjusting to a world where her phone could direct her where she needed to go. The modernizations of Twenty-Twenty were still something she was picking up and adapting to her everyday life. It was amazing, but it took time.

After looking over her options with the selection of exceptionally-crafted rings, Stephanie eventually settled on a white gold band that split into a three cross wave around an oval emerald. She set up a small white backdrop. It was just a plain white surface to set objects on with a thin white backboard. The goal was to minimize distractions from the shot, create a contrast, and let the black velvet box cast a clean shadow.

While she worked, she acknowledged the woman she would be spending the next undetermined period of time with. ”Texas, you say? I’m a Carolina girl myself,” she admitted. ”Two girls making a place for themselves up north. Sounds like enough for a sense of kinship, don’t you think?” That seemed to be the theme of her friendships lately: shared struggles.

”Done much of building your life up here yet? You got the job thing settled,” she noted. ”I’m sure a gal like you has had no problem making friends. Maybe even snagging yourself a boyfriend or two?” Yes, it was not the most professional line of conversation, but this girl was a teenager just like her. If she was talking to some big boss, she’d change her behavior, but why not have a little fun with the girl the boss sent to her? She wasn't even flirting (yet)! So far, this was just friendly get-to-know-you chatter.

Seeing the first ring that Stephanie picked up, Alexandria knows that this ring will be a test of how well she is able to pick up on everything it has to offer.  With the 3 cross wave and the oval stone, this was one of her more time consuming pieces.  Making sure that it wasn't to small it would bend and break, making sure that it all was even spaced, that it looked how she wanted it to look.   It wasn't the most time consuming or the most intricate in its self but to make sure it was a flawless cross wave, it did take time.  On the ring holder she brought out, the one Stephanie picked first was the most intricate on it, the rest more simple, yet not.  The lower the case, the more expensive and time consuming.   


Alexandria watches her as Stephanie sets up her board and the ring.  Shes not hovering exactly, if she is its from at least six feet away, but she is watching closely.   She has a hard time trusting people and this is the first time she has had anyone else being around her creations that haven't bought them.   When Stephanie starts speaking to her about their shared past.  "South or North?"  There were two Carolina states.  "I work most of my time and its time consuming, getting things right so there isn't much time to hang out with friends."  She has made some yes, but most don't understand why she works so much and why she never goes out to the bar with them or why she never has them over to drinks then. 


"You think I have two boyfriends at the same time?"   Alexandria lifts her eyebrow slightly in surprise.   Shes never managed one before, probably her introvert personality and life style, but to hear her ask that was a surprise to her.   Or maybe she was asking if she had one and then another when she broke up with the first.   Talking to people is not her specialty, which Stephanie should soon be realizing, if not she will soon!

Steph could work and talk as long as she was not being annoyed by a line of questioning or asked to contemplate serious topics in her head. Talking about Alexandria and sharing a bit of her own life came easily. Steph liked getting to know people, even if it was just a fleeting meeting.

Positioning the ring in the open ring case, making sure the interior cushioned fabric rested so it did not interfere with the ring itself. ”South. And I understand the workaholic life. I feel like I’m only either working or taking care of my daughter.” Working two jobs, if she wanted to call theft a line of work.

Setting up the backdrop and the ring, Steph looked to account for the lighting she brought with her. She wanted the gem to sparkle and the ring to shine, sure, but she also did not want a green reflection cast on the stark white backdrop.

When she eventually got things just how she felt they would best be captured on camera, she started taking pictures. The disbelief from Alexandria made Steph smirk though, which she made her pause her shutter clicking shots so she did not mess up the angle. ”All do respect, but if you wanted two, I bet you could. With eyes like that? Well, let’s just say when I see a woman like you with eyes like those, I certainly take notice.” It stood to reason the men of New York would too, and yes, maybe she also wanted to casually float her own queerness out into the conversation. No harm in that.

Hearing that she has a daughter is a surprise to Alexandria since Stephanie didn't look much older than her.  Then again, with what she doesn't and does know, people do get pregnant when they are younger now a days.   Wasn't there a show called 16 and pregnant or something?   "How old is your daughter?"


Seeing has how Stephanie now as the ring set up, she stops asking other questions and watches her work.   When working in her room, Alexandria loves the quiet.  It lets her think and see what she wants to make in her mind.   Noises are distractions and can seriously screw up concentration and focus.   How many times has the people living around her played music too loud, started screaming at each other, or started banging against the walls or made noises too loud while having..er..fun.   Yeah shes had to remake quite a few items, almost putting her behind schedule for shipping it out, which she prides herself on getting it done on time, if not early.   


Alexandria gives her a small smile when Stephanie says she could have two boyfriends at the same time, or hell even a girlfriend.   Thought has crossed her mind before since she has never even been on a date.  Then again its hard to do that when shes shuts herself in her apartment to work all the time and she doesn't like getting close to people.   Her parents kind of screwed her over for that.   Her eyes though, everyone takes notice on those which did help her get a fake id with a higher age when she originally left.   "With how much I work, I wouldn't even know how to balance one, let alone two relationships."  Alexandria isn't going to say boyfriend or girlfriend, seeing as how she hasn't had time to figure out what she even likes.   Job first.  

Stephanie had no qualms talking about her daughter as long as she was not being judged for it. Some people had strong opinions about a teenager with a child, and while she understood where they were coming from, she also told them to shove their opinions up their asses as they screwed off to leave her alone. She had a daughter, and that was a decision she was standing by, no matter what. "Her name's Malia, and she is seventeen months. Honestly, she's getting to the point where I should just start saying one and a half." She was not going to be the mom who introduced a three-year-old as thirty-six months.

Working too hard, too often was relatable to Stephanie, who was balancing two identities and a daughter. That did not mean there was not some time for a little casual recreation, even if not everyone was into that.

Setting up another piece, a set of ruby earrings, positioning them carefully, angled with one resting on top of the other. "It sounds like whoever's in charge works you a little too hard," she suggested lightly. "Fine, maybe relationships are time consuming. I actually subscribe to that belief. Doesn't mean you can't find the occasional date, though. Great way to relieve stress," she advised with some experience, before walking back the comment by adding, "not that I am gonna go off on a tangent about dating with a client." Perhaps that was a little too casual for a professional setting.

Alexandria had no judgement on Stephanie when it came to her daughter, unless she was mistreating her.   Her own parents tried to force their beliefs on her but it never stuck.  To her, people could do as they pleased so long as they didn't effect her or try to force her to do or believe something.  To each their own.  "Malia huh?"  That name sounded familiar to her...from a tv series...Team Wolf if she wasn't mistaken, though she wasn't going to point it out.   "Pretty name."


Alexandria hasn't been out much, her family kept her in.  Didn't want people to know what she could do since she is a great way to get rich, fast and with how many greedy people were out there...like her own family.  Yeah, she didn't go out much either, well she did, but she didn't trust people. 


She watches Stephanie work on some earrings now, the Ruby Earrings that she spent hours working in, almost a full day.   The rose gold was one of the harder metals to craft, she hasn't gotten it down perfect in one go yet.   Others are more simple.  Alexandria stays quiet for a moment then nods slightly.  "Perhaps, but clients expect the best and its given to them.   Perfection and being on time is a promise."   She has to word herself carefully to not add anything that will point to her being the boss.  She doesn't know Stephanie well, just enough to get to her take pictures.    


Alexandria relieves stress with music or reading, yoga or other forms of exercising.  "I don't see how dating can relieve stress.  Can't see it."  She looks over the box and sees only three more rings,  Ring one, Ring two goes with the ruby earings, and Ring three.   Its not a large ring holder, she didn't want o bring everything.   Only what will catch eyes.   Other orders she has she wont post, these are just things that come to her mind.  "Setting ones mine to work, with this detail can also be relaxing, when you lose yourself to it and don't think."

Stephanie allowed herself a moment to beam with pride at the praise for her daughter’s name. ”Thank you. It’s easier to pick a pretty name when there’s no father in the picture to suggest something weird.” There were certainly names she would have fought against if she had to, so maybe it was best the one-night stand that gave her Malia did not enter the picture after that one night.

Delivering quality was a value Stephanie could respect as a photographer and a thief-for-hire, though in both those situations, she was her own one-woman operation. Alexandria must have bought into the philosophy of her employer, which made her a valuable asset to a team. Clearly, she believed in the craft, or else Stephanie was missing something.

The plot only thickened when Alexandria talked about the zen of work. That was not just someone who worked in marketing, right? She was losing herself in word, losing herself in it. And Steph noticed the way Alexandria looked at the jewelry.

She tucked that away for the moment to return to the dating topic. ”Oh, a date can relieve plenty of stress when done right. A casual date with someone you know isn’t a creep,” she clarified. A date like that was the opposite of stress-relief. ”I took a girl on a date recently; just some good dinner and conversation.” And heated, passionate sex, but hey, why kiss and tell? ”It was a nice break from work, and we’re still friendly. It’s totally doable.”

As Steph continued to snap a few angles to determine what worked best, she casually tossed a guess out she had been hanging onto. ”So does your boss have you working with the jewelry, too? You seem a little more invested than the typical marketing girl.”

Silently Alexandria had to agree with Stephanie there.   Having more than one person picking out a name for anyone is just asking for an argument.   Her own parents had about five names each picked out and when they couldn't decide on one, they looked at names that could equal with a few nicknames.  Her name came up and they agreed after a few days even then.   Her grandparents on the other hand all had names themselves picked out and tried pushing them on her parents too.   She was told by her grandmother that she always wanted a Sylvia in the family. 


"The only way to know if someone is not a creep is to actually know the person first."  Being new here makes it hard to know anyone like that so shes sworn off dates.  Plus her ID doesn't say her real age right now not for another year or so.   She wont start off a date or relationship on a lie like that.   Her mutation and what she does, yes, she might just...not tell the whole truth. 


When Stephanie throws out the questions about her working with the jewelry too and such, Alexandria stiffens just ever so slightly and it takes her a moment to answer.   "I like what I do and I don't want to ruin it or lose it over something as small as not caring enough.  I do what needs to be done.   Keep everyone happy."  That is true though while Stephanie will think she is talking about her boss, she is really talking about her clients and such.   Keep the clients happy so she can keep selling and she really does enjoy her work.   Using her mutation is something she enjoys doing.  She doesn't say this in a defensive way, just matter of fact really.