Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the amended version of "Time of Departure." Written by Big Diesel (The Atypical Author) and [girlfriendoftheauthor] (GOTA). Originally seen on "The Taste of Rain: A Suspense & Horror Anthology of Jaune Arc," the premise of the story remains the same - Jaune escapes from Weiss' web and she doesn't take it very lightly. Jaune is on the run and Weiss is on the hunt. Some characters will stay, others will be replaced. Stay tuned for this suspenseful drama.

Warning: the story contains strong subject matter (violence, domestic abuse, murder, netorare, minor/referenced sexual content). Discretion is advised. If this story isn't your cup of tea, then please refrain from reading this.

Jaune had informed his mother that his flight wasn't departing until late in the evening. There was a flight delay due to impending inclement weather. He had told his worrisome mother that he would be okay. Just go home and get some rest. I still have a few more hours before arriving there anyway. His mother wasn't going to have it. He imagined her twirling her hair, more so out of stress than habit, rocking back and forth over the phone. His twin sister on the other end wanting to have a quick chat with his sister, but his mother overstepping the boundaries. That was the norm in the Arc household. He would think over the last twenty-something years there would be a change. Be as it were in a routine, a rhythm, a step, or just a change of breath patterns, nothing. Everything was complacent. Joan wouldn't get a word and his mother was performing her duty of being neurotic.

He was hours from home and that was where his heart resided. Just those things were enough to ensure that happiness was within. He just had to wait a few more hours to return home. Home, where the heart is. Where the heart resides. A void that needed to be filled.

A void to be filled, cascaded like a burden to a riverside, resting itself from the weary and the woes. Jaune was itching for that void to be filled. He wanted to go home. He wanted to be somewhere there was familiarity.

Interesting how that word, that phrase, familiarity, made sense to him. He pondered over that word as he sat behind his desk at work. The thought of becoming a potential huntsman to being a paper pusher, better yet a gofer under the Schnee dynasty was what he had planned. Working hours on end to fill a role he thought he was good enough to do. The pay wasn't bad, in fact, it was well enough that he was able to afford a Mercedes and have a condo in an affluent suburb. One would think he should be happy, appreciative. Man, you should be grateful to have a job that would pay you surgeon dollars just to do a few favors. Working that much? For that long? For that pay? I would bend over backwards for that kind of cash.

He loved when words exited from the mouths of strangers, familiars, friends. Familiarity. That would pop into the blonde's memory banks once more. Funny how the words resonated into his brain one evening at the bar, on the very night his friends and co-workers were discussing his position and stance on the company. According to his tone, one would think he was complaining. Or he was unappreciative. Never judge a man's table if you have never seen his valley. His valley stretched as far as the eye could see. Unmelodic was the proper adjective to describe his valley. A valley voided of any nutrients, nothing sparse could be found. But that was the valley of death he ascended, descended, and ventured. Did he gain? That itself gave him the answer as he looked at the plane ticket of his departure to return home.

It was Ren, Nora, and Ruby that dropped him off at the airport. They were the ones also responsible for packing his things; the things he was allowed to bring from his former home. They wanted to watch him go, but Jaune insisted not to come with him. 'Seeing you depart would only make me feel more sorrow. Saying goodbye hurts worse than saying see you later.' He embraced the team that stayed by his side during the tumultuous period. They were angels in his eyesight, true friends indeed. 'See you later' were the final words the former teammates spoke to each other before making his entrance to the airport.

There were more words to be said. More questions than answers. An incomplete chapter, an unfinished page. Closure.

There wasn't a two weeks notice. No notes were written to explain his departure. He didn't make threats. No arguments were perpetuated. He didn't assault the elder Schnee. He gently and delicately walked into his office as the boss was working on his proposed projections for the next quarter. Master Schnee didn't bulge. For he was familiar with the footsteps of any employee that entered his office.

'Master Schnee, I no longer want to work under you.'

That was it. He bowed before his now-former employer. The elder Schnee didn't flinch. He didn't bat an eye. He continued typing onto his computer, never missing a beat.

It wasn't until a few feet away from the door when the elder Schnee spoke. 'Don't beat yourself over it, kid. For all it is worth, you were granted a dynasty where others were offered pity. You were given a position where many would fight to have. Son, when you are involved in this business, sacrifices are going to be made.'

Jaune didn't move. However, he felt the rocking of the chair turning in front of his back.

'It is lonely at the top, son. Do you think I made it to the echelon with any support? You may have those that come to the mountain, but can they stand the ice? Can they stand the rain? The rough terrain? Success isn't easy and friends aren't either. He then finally spoke the inevitable. Neither does a relationship. Ask yourself, Jaune? Did you think she was going to follow those vows?'

The elder Schnee's voice was cold, unflattering, quite desolate. Unmoved and unhinge by the final notice of his eventual former son-in-law's departure.

'Did you think as you stood in front of that alter while saying the "I do's" that she would stand by her word? I know where you are from, those words stick like the ice on a lone road. However, where we are from, words are as valid as lies. We say things to make people feel good. We know that we don't mean them, but it can get you guys from point A to point B, then all is well. It is like a process. Hell, it is like shooting fish in a barrel.'

Jaune heard laughter. It was faint. He imagined the elder Schnee removing his glasses, rubbing his eyes, relieving any tension as if he was providing a confession.

'Did you honestly think you were going to last under the Schnee name? Granted, the wife and I were surprised that you did. We even gambled on your duration. Frankly, I am impressed that you have lasted longer than you did. You have really thought that Weiss was different. She wasn't the girl that would do that. "She was faithful. She was dutiful. She was loyal." You maybe can fool yourself, but Weiss is a Schnee. Us Schnee's have needs.'

Jaune questioned his reasoning for staying further. What good was he going to get out of this? Did he want closure? Did he want something that was going to provide why his Weiss was being unfaithful? What did Jaune want? Tears blinded his vision, only feeding more into the fuel of Master Schnee's jeering bantering.

'Having a spouse is like having the help. The help makes sure duties get done. Clean the house, make dinner, do laundry, take the children to school, look presentable. The help has their uses and that is the role, nothing more. You see, Jaune. That chase, that dance you played ended the moment you said, "I do." Your value de-escalated like the currency exchange, or the moment a new car steps out of the lot. What value are you when you got the prize? She wanted more excitement. She is a ferocious tigress in her prime. If I were in your position, I would be grateful just to share a bed with her. A kiss or two. Or if you are lucky, the obligated lovemaking. That's if you are willing to share another's man cream, that is.

Jaune stomped the foot. A wave, a crescendo carried to the desk that put the elder Schnee to a halt. He made a slight typo. That word was familiarity.

'Master Schnee, you might be familiar with that concept with your life. Treating anything that belongs to you as fragile and perishable. Unlike you, I have a thing called dignity. I have a thing called respect. Those things may not mean anything to you, but those are things you can not buy. I may have been played a fool. I may have mistakenly thought I loved your daughter. Granted, I still do; no matter what hurt she has done to me. I can't blame her for the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She has people like you that makes it permissible to do those things. It isn't right and she must pay responsibility. However, you may have treated me as I was an insolent insect, but at least I put forth the effort in trying. I played my part in the vows. I have done my job. And I have done my job to serve under you. And I have done my job of playing "husband" to your daughter.'

He gripped his hand tightly, slowly edging to the very thing that solidifies his love on his aching finger. He removed his symbol of love and tossed it to the floor.

'I don't know what kind of pride, what feelings may consume your wretched heart, but I will not stand here and get ridiculed!' The latter half of the sentence came to a shout. The sound of his echo bounced, rattling the windows. 'I have worth! Regardless if it is indifferent to you or to Weiss, I have worth! Do you hear me, Old Man?! I have worth. I have fucking worth and even if it is meaningless to you, it means something to me. And someday, even that icebox of a heart will have to realize that. Let just hope it isn't when you hear the disheartening words from the gods, "Depart from me!"'

He heard a clap following his completion of the conversation. Loud, synchronized claps from the head man, himself. Jaune watched as Jacques turned his piercing eyes to his sight. Suddenly, silence. Silent to a point where one could hear a pin drop.

'That's right, Jaune. I am proud that you value yourself. Keep telling yourself. Head held up high, that's the spirit.' The tone was insincere, his raspy, deep voice was gaining strength. It was as if Jaune's defense was only the catalyst for Master Schnee's fire.

'You see, my poor, pitiful, stupid, former son-in-law, us people of nobility don't have to worry about such troubles. You say words that are meaningless to us. You think but stating your feelings, I have a change of heart? Do you actually think kindness and sincerity get you anywhere? The latter half of his voice began to rise like a lion.

'That is weak, you vulnerable bloody bastard! Oum, you are such easy prey! I have trained my daughter to become a predator. And a predator gets whatever they want. You should be honored, boy, that I allow a bottom feeder to have a seat at my inner circle. Looking back, if I would have known that you were to remain a mutt, then I would have seated you in the corner of our kitchen. Even you wouldn't be good enough to get the table scraps. Such a damn urchin, boy! I have trained Weiss to be a champion. I have trained her to serve her purpose. Our family isn't a family where we express ourselves. When we want something, we take it. Stupid fool!'

A wave, a crescendo was carried back to Jaune, sending a shiver down his spine.

'Weiss was right about you. You are too easy. Feelings don't get you anywhere but to be put down and turned into glue. And you bastards are the very glue that holds this foundation! So, Jaune, Mr. Arc, I think you have made your point on what you believe. And I made my point on what I believe. So, please, take your leave and get out of my sight! NOW!'

Nothing more was going to produce or change the elder Schnee's mind. He returned to his business, typing quickly, not missing a beat. Jaune sighed heavily, walking slower than he did when entering his cold, desolate office.

'Oh, by the way, Jaune. Did you enjoy the video of Weiss in that hotel room? Even I was impressed with the number of guys she can take. She is a champion indeed. A winner! She is built just like her mother.'

It was a haughty chuckle, certainly and purposefully entering into Jaune's heart as he departed from the building. He closed the door gently, only to return to a lone hallway. Jaune couldn't forget that text. He wanted to say it was a prank. He wanted to believe that it wasn't his Weiss.

This is how a man performs, Jaune.

The text came from the women he promised to protect, provide, and profess until death do they part.

Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse us for the interruption. We are fortunate to announce that the impending inclement weather has shifted away from our radar. Your regularly scheduled flight is to be resumed as follows. The flight to London departs in Gate 2B. The flight to Glasgow departs in Gate 2A. The flight to Los Angeles departs….

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, silently thanking Oum in the shift of the weather. He had prayed earlier for the change. He was eager to be at home where he belonged. A place of solace, a place of wellbeing, a place of familiarity.

Speaking of the word, it still resonated in his brain as he pondered on the meaning. On his phone, he searched for the meaning: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something; the quality of being well known; recognizability based on long or close association; and relaxed friendliness or intimacy between people.

I am familiar with my family, my home. That is where my heart resides.

Are you sure that isn't the only thing that fills your heart?

In a not-so-distant past (in happier times)….

It was a month after Jaune and Weiss moved in together. It was a few months after they have begun university. Weiss was interning with her father at his company. Jaune was spending his summer helping Professor Goodwitch and Ozpin teaching lower classmen on fighting monsters. Weiss was feeling the tension in her shoulders after they moved their couch into their apartment. It was a used couch they had purchased from the thrift store. Jaune knew that Weiss had the funds to acquire luxurious furniture, but it was the period when Weiss was searching for independence.

Jaune leaned forward, telling Weiss to sit on the floor. He had some ice for her tense shoulders. He had told her to take off her shirt. She blushed but knew she needed to take care of the swelling. She flinched when feeling the ice make contact with her shoulder.

'In a minute, I would put some heat, okay,' replied Jaune as he rubbed the affected area.

'You are so good to me, Jaune,' replied Weiss.

'No, you are my dear,' answered Jaune. 'Answering your question. What are you implying?'

Jaune knew the answer. Even after a few months of dating, the word lingered on them like Jaune's cologne on her dress and the tingling sensation of Weiss' kisses.

'Do you have the feeling of expanding your love?'

He put his finger to his lips. 'I can, but granted, not everyone is worthy.'

She shrugged her shoulders, turning her neck to see Jaune. 'Am I worthy?'

She gave him a blank stare. The question was legitimate. He leaned forward, grabbing her chin and pulling each other into a kiss. The kiss lasted a few moments, but parting lips gave Weiss the answer she was looking for.

'I express my love through touch,' explained Jaune.

'A love language,' she questioned while purring.

'Communication is the key,' he replied. 'There are many ways to express worthiness.'

Weiss smirked, displaying her bra strap. She reached the back of her bra strap, removing it in the process. She sighed excitedly, tossing it in his face. 'Do you feel free to share the love language that makes you comfortable?'

Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. This is the final call for the flight to Cardiff. This is the final call for the flight to Cardiff. Please report to Gate 3C in Terminal B. Please report to Gate 3C in Terminal B.

He had removed his earbuds, seeing the crowd that was following, rather leading him to his destination. This is it! Here I go! What more can he say? The blonde was ready to go back to his humble roots. He needed to be somewhere of peace, of solace, of familiarity.

Familiarity.

He reached for his briefcase. He reached into it to retrieve his cell phone. A lump came into his stomach. This cell phone was going to be used for his return. His current cell phone was no longer needed.

A final piece to the puzzle.

Closure.

He walked to his terminal, still carrying his old phone. He received a text. Strange! I thought I have told the others that I am no longer using this number. They should have my new number.

It was an unsaved number. He was familiar with it as he had recently deleted it the moment he walked out of her life. He unlocked his phone to read her message.

Do you think you will leave me this easily? Just like that? I don't know what made you think you can call it quits, but no one leaves Weiss Schnee until I say so. Remember our vows? For in sickness and in health? For better or for worse? Do they mean anything to you? If you were smart, my lovely husband, you drop what you're doing and come on home. I will pretend you wanted a break. If you come, I promise you that I won't be that angry towards you. Please, come home.

He had heard it before. By this time, it was just words. Meaningless words as the feeling her father gave him that very day of his quitting. It wasn't the first time that the cheating temptress gave him that speech.

A few days after leaving the Schnee manor, he moved into a tiny one-bedroom apartment at the edge of town. He was fortunate that it was situated near Ren, Nora, and Ruby. They were able to watch over him if he acquired assistance. He began working for a local newspaper where he served as a columnist. It was to be only temporary until the divorce proceedings were finalized.

Jaune filed a restraining order against Weiss, ordering her to stay a thousand feet away from his vicinity. The only time she would have permission to be at close proximity is during the time it was spent on their divorce. Whenever they and their lawyers would meet, it was a cold, silent drudge match. Weiss and her lawyer would have reasons to delay the proceedings.

Be as it may, Jaune was determined to have the divorce finalized.

Rather she liked it or not.

'Hi, this is Jaune. Unfortunately, I can't come to the phone. Please leave your message after the beep.'

He had a missed call. A voicemail will in his wake. He looked at his home phone like a deer seeing headlights. His hands were trembling to the touch. It wasn't the phone itself, but the person on the other end he was more afraid. He knew if he were to call back, the consequences were inevitable. It was to the advice from his friends, Ren and Nora to have a home phone. Ren went to the local thrift store to purchase it and it was quite fortunate that it came with a caller ID. Jaune found it to be safe, especially since he was playing phone tag with his former wife. She called him without any end. Text messages, voicemails, anything to show how seriously dire and unrelenting the white-haired woman was on her pursuit of Jaune. Jaune changed phone providers and deleted his social media without any success. Even as he was on his prepaid cell phone, she would find his number.

The Oum damned lawyer appeared at our house today with the finalization of the divorce papers. Didn't have the balls to come up yourself to do it? Do you think that we are through, Jaune? You are my husband. You have made your vows to me. How dare you have broken your vows? Who in the hell do you think you are? Remember what we have spoken at the altar? For in sickness and in health? For better or for worse? Why do you think I do the things I do? To prove a point that you can be a fucking man and stand by your wife. I know what I am doing isn't right, but it doesn't change how I feel. You must understand that a woman has needs….

Jaune picked up the phone. 'Don't you give me that crap! I have been nothing but faithful to you. I have stretched out my last nerve to show dedication. And that is the thanks I get?'

'Maybe if you can prove to me and my father to be a man, then I won't have to do these things.'

'Just words! Like you are never responsible. So, it is my fault that I forced that man to sleep in our bed."

"It was an accident.'

'It's my fault that you had an affair with that executive from Normandy.'

'It was business, Jaune.'

'What use am I then? As your father said, I am the fucking help.'

'Jaune, you are my husband. I love you and you alone. Those guys, those guys are just fillers. They were meaningless flings. You act like I can't have any fun!'

Typical Weiss, never claim responsibility and believes that this was Jaune's overreacting. Well, not anymore.

'They might be meaningless flings to you, Weiss, but I refuse to be with someone who allows any tomcat to shit in our litter box.'

Weiss' voice turned aggressive. 'Watch your fucking mouth and who you are talking to. Jaune, you are making a big mistake for leaving me. What Weiss Schnee wants, Weiss Schnee gets.'

'You are not going to treat me like I am a toy. I am worth more than a toy, Oum damnit!'

'You are used how I want you to be used. You are to love, honor, and obey. Your role is to sit there and take it like a good husband! It is your role to serve me. If I want to go out, I will. If I want to have affairs, I will. I will even make you watch it and you wouldn't dare bat an eye. If you're lucky, you may a taste of me.' Jaune can hear her panting frantically from the other side of the receiver. 'Now, let's be a good boy. Open the door so we can talk!'

'H...How do you know where I am?'

'I am your wife, silly. I won't let you leave me, honey!'

Jaune held the rattling of the front door of his apartment. Following the rattling, he heard a tremendous bang on his door. 'Answer the door, Jauney. Answer the door!'

Jaune wasn't taking any chances. He was fortunate to live on the first floor. The back door was inches away. 'Leave Weiss, or else I am going to call the police.'

She laughed loudly at the door. 'Do you think I care about the police? Especially if they are profiting from daddy's payroll?' She crackled louder before relieving herself. 'Now, let's not act like children. If you are going to act like a child, I will treat you like one.' She banged the door. 'NOW OPEN THE DAMN DOOR! OPEN THE DOOR, JAUNEY! IF YOU DON'T OPEN IT IN THE NEXT THREE SECONDS, YOU ARE GOING TO REGRET IT!'

Jaune grabbed his weapon.

"ONE!"

Jaune retrieved to the door.

"TWO!"

The door burst open, causing the door to fall to the floor. Weiss entered the room with her weapon in hand. 'JAUNEY! Where are you, sweetness? Come on out, I won't hurt much for disobeying my orders.'

With weapon in hand, she searched through every nook and cranny of the apartment.

Jaune was nowhere to be found.

"Don't worry, Mom. I am fine."

"It is barely a scratch. I was able to get away."

"No, Mom. Don't involve the police. It wouldn't do any good anyway."

He was fortunate to find a payphone. He felt unsafe about using his cell phone. Only Oum knew what kind of private detective she had hired to track him down. It was only for reservation. What kind? He wasn't sure. And with only a small percentage of battery life, he needed to manage it until Ren picked him up from the truck station.

When picking up the phone, Ren didn't want to hear further. As if a little bird informed him of this plight, Ren wanted his nearest location to a landmark.

The phone booth was in a dimmed lit part of the parking lot. He had a burst of self-deprecating laughter under his cautious voice.

'Cooling where it ain't safe.'

He had heard it in a song before one day while he was traveling in a limo with his wife, or at least that was what she was supposed to be.

Nevertheless, it was the darkness that was soothing him. A contradiction, if one would add. But, he knew he wouldn't be found. No one would that certain someone would think that her husband would be caught dead in a destitute despot like this. A place where the shysters, downtrodden, and the misbegotten soothe their souls by chalked coffee and stale donuts; inhaling noxious fumes and preying on the downfallen, crestfallen, and pathless women of the night. She wouldn't dare let her feet touch the oily surface.

With Jaune, he felt safe to be 'cooling' where it wasn't supposed to be safe.

He didn't have enough coins to have a complete conversation with his mother. He needed to be short and swift.

"I don't have much time with the call. I need you to wire some money to me as soon as possible."

"Because I am coming home, Mom."

"Yes, I am serious."

"Don't be joyous just yet. I am not out of trouble's way yet."

"Ren is going to let me stay with him and Nora until further notice."

"Yes, ma'am. I trust you."

"Time is running out. Take care of this for me. Do you have Ren's number?"

"Thank Oum. Call me on an outside line. We don't need anything traceable. Ren will send you details."

"Thanks, Mom! I love you, too. Goodbye!"

He hung up the phone. He inserted his finger in the slot in the chance of change.

Nothing came out.

"I know exactly how you feel," he had said aloud.

He stepped out of the booth and into the night. He scanned the area. A couple of eighteen-wheelers stopping to get their fill of gas or whatever was tangible to dine in the diner. He didn't have much on him. He didn't even have the shoes on his feet. It didn't matter. Rather be walking barefooted than wearing the fanciest of footwear under her prowess. In his twenty-something years, the blonde never ran like that. Even when he was on the track team back in university, he had never run with such agility. When he had run, it was toward the prize. Never did he think when he was running from his apartment building, it was because of her.

Weiss Schnee.

He ran through a maze of buildings and winding side streets as the sky rumbled, and heavy snow settled onto the cobblestones. A storm smothered the moon, blackening the world around him. Drops of snow beat against his skin like hammers.

"Where are you, Jaune?"

"Don't you dare think you can run from me."

Her voice howled into the night. He felt like a weak rabbit being preyed from the temptress wolf.

"You damn bastard! When I find you, I will make you pay and you know how I feel about that!"

"You fucking weakling? YOU COWARD! Where are you?! Where in the fuck are you?"

"Jauney! Jauney! Where are you?!"

Jaune continued running until her voice ceased. Just like track, he was running to the goal. And the goal was to get away from her.

Familiarity

Five years. It took five years of a supposed bliss into an array of discord. Once again, the blonde smiled. He thought it was supposed to end with his grandchildren, sitting in front of the rocking chair about how their grandmother and grandfather fell in love.

He spat out. He wasn't sure why? Yet again, he was used to having things being cut short or taken away so soon.

Nevertheless, he still considered himself as the nice guy. He didn't abuse her. He didn't mistreat her in any way. He did what a man was supposed to do with his queen. Or at least he thought that was his queen.

"Why can't you be a man, Jaune?"

"Jesus, you are so damned pathetic! Can you at least think of one minuscule thing out of that pea-sized brain?"

"Weak, inconsiderate, disgracing! You bring such ruins to the Schnee name. It makes sick to call you my husband!"

"You aren't a damn thing without me, Jaune. Think you are better than me? You are worst the vomit on the used, piss-ridden braided rug in the dog house."

"Why would I share a bed with you? There is a nice mat on the floor for you to reside for the night. Here is a man that you can take some notes. He knows how to check a woman."

"You think you are going to leave me? Just like that?! There are two places of your future with me, Jaune. Forever in my heart or six feet in the garden. Make a choice!"

It was the sound of the car horn that alerted Jaune that he was in its direction. He saw a flash of light. He saw that it was a blue, two-door Hyundai pulling alongside him. Being vigilant for those working for her, he stood on guard.

The driver of the Hyundai turned the lights out. The door opened. There was still enough light in the area to recognize that it was a man.

It was Ren.

Jaune's legs began to wobble when seeing this temporary solace in front of him. He was driven to tears but he knew it was too soon to be celebratory.

"Hey, man. Are you good?"

"Well isn't the right choice of words. But, alive is right," said Jaune with a slight hint of laughter.

Ren wasn't moved but Jaune's humor as this wasn't the time. "Let's get you out of here."

Jaune nodded in agreement while Ren opened the passenger door. Jaune was ready to get somewhere warm from this coldness.

He was tired, wet, in pain, and cold.

And on the run.

For better or for worse. For in sickness and in health!

That was the text Weiss sent Jaune on his phone. It was unfortunate that he didn't read it. He pulled out the SIM card and split it in half, tossing it in the trash.

As for his cell phone, there was a certain teenager who he had overheard wanting a cell phone badly.

Jaune released a sigh as he handed over his flight ticket to the flight attendant. She had a candid smile. It reminded him of his sister, Joan.

"Feels like a burden has been lifted."

Jaune didn't know what made her produced those words, but he responded with a pat on her shoulder. "Take care of yourself!" He reached for his headphones to plug in his new cell phone. He took slow steps as he was walking the hallway to the plane.

Jake took a look at his Facebook page. He couldn't be any happier as he was holding his new cell phone. He wasn't sure why the kind stranger gave him the phone, but he didn't question it. Jake looked to it as a gift from Oum as he was updating his status.

Excited! My first overseas trip to America! #liberty #murica

He scrolled to like a few statuses and commented on a few of his friends' stories before closing the app. He continued to peruse the phone as this was his first smartphone. Jake didn't come from a well-to-do family. Actually, Jake came from an orphanage.

The purpose of his overseas trip was a vacation with his orphanage after receiving donations to go to an American theme park. He was nervous, for it was his first time flying and leaving the country. Nevertheless, the happy go lucky brunette couldn't be further excited.

He excused himself from his friends when telling the headmistress that he was going to get something to eat. She told him to be hasteful for it wouldn't be long when their flight was called. He thanked her, walking away to search for a hot dog vendor.

He held onto his phone, scrolling through to investigate whatever the stranger left. He wasn't the kind to pry into personal space, but he wouldn't object listening to his music.

This man has great taste! Jimi Hendrix. Grateful Dead. Green Day. The Dead Kennedys. Juice Wrld?

He was standing in line, caught in a yawn when he noticed someone approaching him from behind him.

She smells like a moist flower. A scent of honeydew or something sweeter.

He made a slight glance. Immediately, the brunette blushed upon seeing her. She was wearing a grey cardigan with a matching skirt. It was athletic wear, according to him. Her white hair complimented her creamy complexion. Her eyes reminded him of a cat. They were very large.

"Sorry, am I too close?" The woman waved a gentle voice, which sent chills to Jake.

Jake shook his head in disagreement, resulting in a dizzy spell. She covered her mouth to hide her laughter. "Sorry if I made you a little nervous. I tend to do that with others."

"That's okay," said Jake as he displayed his gapped tooth smile. "How do you do?" He extended his hand to the woman. "My name is Jake. Jake Nishimoto."

The white-haired girl smiled, displaying her beady eyes to return his handshake. "Nice to meet you, Jake Nishimoto. My name is Weiss. Weiss Schnee."

"Your name has German origins if I am being correct?"

She shook her head. "Spot on, Jake. And your name has Japanese origins."

The boy smiled. "Japanese and a splash of Nigerian as well."

"Colorfully blended," replied Weiss excitedly. She displayed a smile that was very bedeviling. In Jake's eyes, she displayed an aura that was very alluring to him. He had to remind himself that he was younger than her. Jake was seventeen. The woman looked as if she could be in her mid to late twenties, but her face was very childlike, displaying innocence. "I am sorry for my closeness, but I couldn't help but admire that phone of yours. Is it new?"

Jake looked to this as a conversation starter.

"In a way, it is. It's kind of used. I just got it earlier today. It was a gift from a kind stranger." Jake was brutally honest to a fault. His headmistress always told him to display himself as welcoming and friendly.

"Well, it's a nice phone," said Weiss.

"Thanks. I do appreciate the compliment," answered Jake.

Weiss swayed her hair, showcasing her eyes. Jake immediately averted away, blushing from her pure beauty. She giggled. "I can tell that you are shy when it comes to girl."

Jake didn't respond, just nodding for confirmation.

"It's okay," replied Weiss while smiling. "I think it is cute for boys to be shy. It brings the best out of people."

He slightly returned his face to Weiss. "You think so?"

She giggled. "Of course, sweetie. It shows that you have a sensitive side." She winked. "Women loved that."

The brunette's smiled beamed in front of Weiss. "Thanks a lot, Weiss."

She tapped him on the shoulder. "Don't mention it." She scanned the area before returning her sight to the boy. "Hey, do you have any time to talk for a moment? Hmm?" She swayed her hair once more. "My flight is delayed and I am thinking of getting some coffee and crepes, if are you interested."

Jake darted his eyes to his group. "I don't know," he questioned. "My flight is due at any minute."

"Aww," she pouted. "Where are you departing to?"

"Orlando."

She pulled out a cell phone. She looked at it for a few minutes before returning her face to Jake. "The flight to Orlando isn't for another hour. Can you spare at least twenty minutes with little old me? You seem like a nice lad to talk to."

Jake rubbed the sole of his shoes. "Well, I think as long as I can hear the announcement."

She took his hand. "Come with me. You will like these crepes. One of the best in town, if you ask me."

Jake turned beet red when feeling the gentle hand of the stranger as he was preparing to go out on an outing. This phone is good luck. I am going to have crepes and coffee with an older woman. Thank you, Oum. Thank you, kind stranger.

The custodian was looking at the clock. It was still a little too early before clocking out for the evening. His head custodian called in sick, causing him to work a double shift. He didn't mind it, but he wanted at least a twenty-four-hour warning before heading to work. He was listening to music, the benefit of working on the job. The sound of smooth jazz elevated his mood as he glided himself into the men's restroom.

He did a little twist, picking up the Wet Floor sign to put in front of the restroom. He grabbed his mop and did another dancing glide in the restroom. Despite being middle-aged, the custodian still had a few grooves in his step. He swayed his hips with the mop as if it were a microphone. He was grooving to his music as he headed toward the stalls.

Placing his mop bucket next to the stall, he prepared to clean the floor. He closed the door to the first stall. He was going to the second stall until he noticed something funny in front of the stall.

Out of Order

The custodian rose his bushy eyebrow. "That is peculiar. I don't recall placing that sign there." He peeled the sign, noticing its' handwriting and print. "I normally type my out of order signs and keep them handy on my cart. Something is funny."

He returned to the last stall, seeing if there were someone in there. He saw a pair of legs on the ground, which confirmed it. As much he didn't want to interrupt a person's business, he had to tend to duties.

"Excuse me, sir," he said as he knocked on the stall door. "I am the custodian, so I need you to wrap up so I can clean in there."

There wasn't an answer.

He didn't want to raise suspicion, citing that the person could be asleep or hard of hearing. He knocked louder this time. "Oi! Don't want to be rude, but I want you to finish up, sir!"

There still wasn't an answer.

The custodian which into his pocket to retrieve the key. He slid it into the lock and turned it clockwise. There was a click as the door unlocked. Immediately as he turned the lock, he felt something was wrong. It started in his gut and spread to his chest. Regardless, he grabbed the handle and opened the stall door.

There is a dead boy.

A gasp was released before releasing the haunting words. He fell back to the wall, seeing the deceased boy sitting crooked on the toilet seat. His pants were undone, his shirt was buttoned, but appeared half-done. The elephant in the room was a plastic bag wrapped tightly around his face. From the position of the bag, it appeared he was attacked from the front. Be as it may, the boy was still dead.

His face turned light blue, any warmth to his face faded away. He got up and scrambled to the exit as he ran out of there.

"Main office! Main office!" The custodian alerted through his walkie talkie before he paused, deciding to stay at the scene in case of others were to go in there.

"Main Office. How can I help you?"

"I need you to send the police. I think I found a dead person in the bathroom."

"Custodian. Report that status again?"

"I think I found a dead person in the bathroom."

Jake?

Jake?

The custodian looked forward as he saw a woman rushing in the center of the terminal. She looked panicked, continued to say the name of Jake.

It wasn't long until she came to the custodian.

"Excuse me, sir. I need to know if you have seen a boy around here," questioned the woman.

"Describe him to me, please," answer the custodian.

"He is a brown-skinned, almost tan-skinned child. He is seventeen years old. He was wearing blue jeans and a black buttoned shirt," replied the woman.

The custodian backed away. He turned around as he was grabbing his gut.

"Is there something wrong," questioned the woman frantically.

"Ma'am. I don't know how to say this," replied the custodian nervously.

American Airlines flight to Orlando has departed and has left the gate.

For a moment, Jaune thought he had heard a blood-curdling scream as his plane was being taxied out to the runway.

To be continued….