From the first second we stepped into the mansion, we were engulfed by it's magnitude. Dominating an entire city block, the residence towered, it's cream marble, maroon trim, and light blue shutters welcoming yet discriminating as if to say, "are you worthy?".

"No. I am not worthy", I thought to myself as I stared two stories above me to a muraled dome. Naked angels and infants danced among clouds that seemed unrealistically high and I immediately wondered who created the work of art.

I looked over at Campbell, who I had just met on the ride over, and shared the same jaw dropped expression. We were the two lucky contest winners that got the opportunity to meet Ladia Sees, the famous artist and designer. Both hoping to break into the design field ourselves, this was a tremendous chance to get our big break. My portfolio suddenly felt like I was carrying several gallons of milk, heavy and perspirating. My hands always sweat when I'm nervous.

As we took in our surroundings, the marble foyer, the massive sitting room to our right, another sitting room to our left, a grandiose staircase floored with the same stone as the foyer, and gigantic windows everywhere, a tiny dog, (I can't tell the differences between them), ran up and started yipping at us. I stared at the creature wondering if he was welcoming me or telling me to back off. I decided he wasn't sure himself.

Our heads raised and followed the dog as he turned and trotted away. He reached the bottom of the immense staircase, barked twice, and sat down. No sooner than he was down, he jumped up with a yip and stared to the second floor. Our eyes followed and meeting us at the top of stairs was a person dressed in black with dark eyes and bright, red lips. Her pale skin glowed from it's surroundings. It was a like a full-figured Snow White, just with out the silly dress. She stretched out her hands as if beckoning us to absorb her world and see her as its cherry on top. I think she smiled at us.

I heard Campbell take a deep breath in. I was trying to not pass out myself. I had heard so much about Ladia and had spent so much time researching her, worshipping her, that to be facing her, meeting her, let alone be in the same building as her was making me nauseous. Campbell looked really pale, I think she was trying not to vomit. My hands were sweating and shaking so fiercely, I couldn't believe I had so little control over my bodily functions. I prayed I would be able to keep a grip on my bladder.

Ladia Sees had revolutionized the design industry and was a goddess in that realm. There was not a single designer, design student, design hobbyist, or design firm that didn't know of her, of her work, or want to be her. She soared down her stairs and as she approached us, her smile grew. Facing us, she reached out and grabbed hold of our hands.

"Welcome to my home ladies."