My palms were sweating. There were more people gathered in the conference room than I anticipated. I suppose me presenting, given the circumstances, was something 'the people' didn't want to miss. I had butterflies in my stomach. I tried calming myself down, but I couldn't.

Even after speaking to Nathan I still couldn't shake off the nerves.

Yesterday was powerful. The energy I came in at the start of the day fueled me until the end. We finished our presentation and I was proud of myself, but I was more impressed by the team and their dedication to take on the idea of not only a novice, but someone who isn't in this field. Who just 'started' at the top of the company without having experience or credence to begin with. I could feel the pressure creeping up.

I was relying on a relentless need to prove Kai wrong. To show him that I could do this.

But I forgot about this most important part of the process... convincing him and a whole board that this would generate millions for Ravenwolf. That kind of reality... given the gravity of the situation... really sat in my gut.

When I tried thinking of how to take the edge off, I reached into my pocket to grab some gum before I started but when I did I saw the bracelet that Henry Ravenwolf gave to me... I remembered his smile, his mission, and his love for his grandsons. To continue protecting this company. A lightness finally starting growing on me. I could do this...

When I stepped into the board meeting I was met with some minor applause. There were probably about 30 people in the room. Kai was at the head of the huge round table.

Nathan was sitting beside him. He smiled at me, offering support. My team was there, along with a few more people from our marketing, PR, and purchasing departments. The members of the board were in the same general area as Kai. I exhaled, and after introducing myself again, I used the remote to start the slideshow.

The lights were dimmed and everyone's attention was splitting between the screen and me.

"Since 1972 Ravenwolf has offered select, practical, and high-end cars for multiple demographics. The first car on the line, which has been both a classic and icon for our brand has been re-designed with multiple new features and designs, while at the heart of it keeping some main distinct elements..."

"From the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s, Ravenwolf has supported their consumers with high-quality customer service and top of the line technology for the development of vehicles... now, I want us all to remember the time of the first televised commercial for Ravenwolf. Considerably lower budgeted, but at the heart, one of the first to change a generation of intrigue and use of transportation..."

"I want us to think of how our image has changed, but how our core values have captivated not only the hearts of our consumers but also our employees... Peter Arthur, the head mechanic at Ravenwolf, has been here for over 20 years. Reena Lewis, our Head Manager at the storefront, has been with us for 15 years... there is something special about the people who make, produce, and share our product, as much as the clients who purchase..."

"I wanted to share with you something a little different... a conceptualization that honors the time that Ravenwolf has been producing high-quality cars for the people, but at the same time, the heart behind the machine that we trust..."

"As you can see, at first glance, we see a young man. A common trope in a lot of automotive commercials... instead, I think we should focus on the generations and multiple demographics that rely on our cars... families, couples, people learning to drive, the everyday worker... over the years, with our unique footage. And the people who make it all happen. For our story... while watching what we don't see, behind the scenes, the people who are a part of the process..."

"Building, creating, and manufacturing, to create a single model... to show how much care and attention we have to create opportunities for safe travel, for comfort, and for freedom... while generating a balance between the two worlds, we can catch up to the model drivers... in the last frame... a family, enjoying their new car...Trust in Your Model As You Have Always Trusted In Ravenwolf..."

The lights suddenly went on and there was a long pause. My heart was about to sink, but moments later, there was applause. I looked over at Nathan, who looked impressed. I smiled and nodded towards people who were looking at me, with at least, some approval. Since this was my 'idea.' I couldn't believe the response. When I looked at Kai, he had a blank expression.

When the presentation was over everyone remained in the room.

"A sentimental angle could be interesting..." I heard one of the people on the purchasing team say before leaving. I exhaled, hoping that at least with this much effort Kai would lessen his frustration towards me. It seemed like he was letting go of some of the initial resentment though, which is something I was happy with.

Soon after most of the team left, the board stayed behind. Nathan approached me.

"They will be talking about it for some time, so you can head out... good work," Nathan patted my arm and I smiled. I couldn't believe I did it. As someone who has loved painting since I was a kid, I couldn't believe the thrill I got out of developing ideas in a business context. Marketing... or at least the creativity and direction behind it was something intriguing, to say the least.

When I got back to the mansion, for the first time in a while, I finally started drawing again.

It felt like an incredible release to go back to art in an organic way. I had so much built up inside of me that once again, time slipped by effortlessly...

*

Later into the night, at around 11pm, I decided to detach from painting. I had a hot shower and went directly to bed. I had to make up for the classes I missed when I didn't have time for it. So I had 6 classes tomorrow. It would be a stacked day for me. But I was ready for it. And I was excited to see Rae again after so long.

However, before I turned off my light, I could hear a noise coming from the top of the staircase. I wanted to ignore it, but there was another 'bang,' so I raced out, towards the staircase, and saw someone on the ground. When I looked closer, it was Jackson. He looked like he was intoxicated. He was groaning. I glared down at him.

"Hey... hey..." I took my foot and lightly tapped his side.

"You alright?" I looked around, surprised that no one else woke up. They were lucky.

"Come on... get up... do you know how to get to your room?" he looked a little disoriented. I leaned down and shook his arm a little.

"Hey... come on..." I grabbed his arm and pulled him up. He looked like a rag doll. He had glitter all over the right side of his face. He had some stubble on his chin. He also reeked of vodka.

I wondered if he partied for hours because his state was just over the top... he groaned again as I helped him up. I had a vague idea where his room was. It was across from Kai's. Just a little further down. I managed to get one of his arms around me. If I didn't box, I didn't think I could lug his body around. He was a massive 6'3'' and had a similar build like Kai's.

When we were near Kai's room he stopped, sinking to the ground.

"Hey! Get up!" I stared down at him and he giggled, hugging my legs. I leaned down and pinched his nose. He winced and I took that opportunity to help him up again.

"You're an oversized kid, you know that... come on..." he laughed again, still keeping quiet.

By the time I reached his room, I kicked open the door when I turned the handle. I'm sure that woke someone up. But at this point, I was a God damn Mother Theresa helping this idiot into his room. Exhausted already, I got to the bed. I went to let him timber over, but he grabbed my hand and I fell down with him. I shouted profanities at him as he nuzzled his head into my chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist. His one leg wrapped over mine. It felt like I was being hugged by a bear.

"Jackson! Get off!" I tried wiggling out of his grip but he kept mumbling.

"Natasha..." he giggled, "just a little longer..." I tried getting out of his grasp, but he was holding me close to him. I was just about to yell for help, but I saw a random hand come forward and grab onto his hair. He pulled Jackson's hair and Jackson wailed in pain. He released me and I turned around lying on my back relieved. I then sat up and saw Kai in his pajamas.