Butterfly

Butterfly

Ellie's point of view

Chapter one

I sigh as I look around the cheap and most definitely not cheerful hotel room, muttering to myself as I swing my legs, to the cold threadbare floor.

"Come on, Ellie, time to get this lazy ass moving."

I laugh out loud as I realise I'm talking to myself; I can't help but smile. I may be in this cheap shitty hotel room, but it's my first glimpse of freedom in a very long time and boy, does it feel good.

I make my way over to the curtains, still smiling as I open them and force the filth-ridden widow open. It takes some effort to lift the heavy old wooden frame, but it finally gives, and I peep my head out to take a deep breath. Today will be a good day, the day I can finally make a new start and never look back.

Heading into the tiny bathroom, I turn on the creaky old shower, it isn't very hot. Still, I jump in anyway, washing my hair and body, careful not to touch the mouldy wall before climbing out of the shower, I throw a towel around me, heading back to the other room, drying my hair and putting on some natural makeup.

Before pulling open the small tatty suitcase that contains the few clothes I own. I pull out a plain black knee-length pencil skirt and simple white blouse with long sleeves, pulling them down to cover the faint scars still visible on my wrists; I finish off with an elegant bun and a pair of black heels.

Seven am, and I'm making my way out of the tiny hotel room with my precious portfolio tucked tightly under my arm; I don't want to be late for this interview. I desperately need this job as my savings won't last me much longer; looking at my watch, I giggle, I'm so early.

I decide to pick up a coffee from a cute little cafe facing Harris Corps designs, and I walk over to the counter to place my order; the handsome young man serves me with a friendly smile.

"Good morning, Madam; what can I get for you on this beautiful morning."

"Just a latte, please," I reply.

"So what brings a beautiful lady like you here."

He asks with a cheeky wink as he places the cup of coffee in front of me.

I laugh as I reply.

"I have an interview at Harris Corps Designs."

He nods his head as he says.

"Ahhh I see. Well, good luck with the interview, Miss?"

I giggle at his blatant flirting as I take the cup from him and say.

"Thank You."

I'm still smiling as I make my way over to a quiet table in the corner of the room, trying to juggle my portfolio and coffee at the same time. Sipping the coffee as I watch the world pass by me, I love to watch people but then again, at one time, It was all I had to pass the time. Once I've finished my coffee, I return the cup to the counter; the young man smiles as he says.

"Thank you, I'm sorry, but I didn't get your name."

I roll my eyes as I reply, "I didn't give it."

He laughs as he says.

"Well, Miss, the name is Connor, good luck with your interview, and I hope we will meet again."

"Maybe.... The name is Ellie, by the way."

I laugh as I wave goodbye, telling him my name as I walk through the door before crossing the busy street as I make my way to the Harris Corps Designs building. Once inside, I find myself standing at the front of an imposing reception desk as I smile at the lady behind the desk.

"Hi, I'm Ellie Simms; I have an interview this morning with Mr Harris."

She smiles as she says.

"Good morning Miss Simms."

I cringe as she looks down her glasses at my clothes before she stands in her smart business dress as she shakes my hand.

"You're early, please take a seat Miss Simms, and I'll let Mr Harris know that you have

arrived."

I Make my way over to the little seating area as she picks up her phone, and I hear her say.

"Mr Harris, there is a MIss Simms here to see you........Yes sir, right away."

She makes her way over to me as she says.

"Miss Simm, Mr Harris will see you now, If you'd like to follow me."

She sets off towards the lift , and I find myself having to run behind her to keep up, with my portfolio still tucked tight under my arm. We take the lift to the top floor, where she leads me down a long corridor, where she knocks on the door at the end. A deep masculine voice calls out from behind the door.

"Please come in."

I'm shocked as I walk in behind her, as possibly the biggest and most handsome man I've ever seen stands from his desk, smiling as he says.

"Thank you, Mrs Austin, Miss Simms. It's nice to meet you; please take a seat."

I regain my composure as I reply.

"Thank You Mr Harris, and Likewise, I've heard so much about you and Harris Corps designs."

I answer back, unable to stop the blush that forms on my cheeks as he says.

"All good, I hope. Miss Simms, I've had a look through the designs you emailed to me, and I'm very impressed. I see you've brought your portfolio with you.

"Yes," I reply as I place the folder on the desk; our hand's touch for a second as he takes the folder from me, sending electric shivers through me; I pull my hand away, blushing as he studies my work.

"Impressive, Miss Simms." He says as he flicks through the pages.

"Thank you, Mr Harris."

He smiles as he says.

"Miss Simms, I would like to offer you the position on my design team. I'm very impressed with your work. I'm hoping you can start on Monday?"

"Yes....Yes, Monday is good."

I answer back, a little too enthusiastic. I can't help myself, I'm finally moving on with my life, and things are starting to look up.

He chuckles as he says.

"Well, thank you, Miss Simms; Ill see you at eight-thirty on Monday."

He stands up to shake my hand; good lord, this man is like a mountain. I blush again as he takes my hand in his, sending an electric current straight to my core.

"I look forward to it, Miss Simms."

I look down as I realise he's still holding my hand as his eyes cast over the faint scars still visible on my wrists; I quickly pull my hand free embarrassed by the scars that still mar my skin.

He studies my face as I hastily try to open the door with my portfolio; he reaches over to open the door. I can't help the involuntary flinch as I turn my head away. He pulls away when he sees the fear in my eyes, taking a step back with a concerned look on his face before he pulls the door open as I hastily make my exit towards the lift.

I race out with my heart in my mouth; Mrs Austin raises her eyebrows as I run past her. Once outside, I take a few deep breaths and smile

Yes......yes.....Time to move on......

I'm still smiling as I make my way back to the little cafe, deciding to treat myself now that I have a job.

Conner raises his head when I walk inside; he smiles as he says,

"Hello again, Ellie, couldn't keep away from me then?"

I giggle as I reply.

"I'm celebrating; I'll have a piece of your chocolate cake and a latte, please."

He smiles as he says,

"Right away, Ellie, take a seat. I'll bring it over to you, and congratulations, I hope this means I see more of you."

I'm smiling as I make my way back to the corner table; I like Connor; he has such an easy way about him, I could see him as a friend; it's been a long time since I had any friends in my life, I'm still smiling when he places the cake and drink in front of me, and I turn to watch the world rushing by the window.

Butterfly

Chapter two

Ellie's point of view

It's Monday morning, and I'm starting my day with a latte in the cafe before I head into work for my first day. Connor smiles when he sees me walk into the cafe. He looks at me as he says.

"Good morning Ellie, what can I get you?"

"I'll have a latte, please, Connor."

I reply with a smile as he takes my order.

"Take a seat, and I'll bring it over to you."

He says. I walk over to the little corner table, opening my phone to look through the local rental ads; Connor walks over with my coffee smiling as he places the cup on the table as he says.

"There you go Ellie, Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Thank you, Connor, no that's it for today."

He's such a flirt, but I don't mind; that's just his way; he has such an easy-going, friendly vibe around him that you can't help but like him. I giggle as he says.

"Shame"

I finish my coffee as I look through the local ads; my next mission is to find a place to live and get out of that shabby hotel. I check my watch before I bid Connor goodbye as I make my way across the road to Harris Corps designs. Mrs Austin smiles from behind her desk when she sees me; she's wearing a smart red business suit, whereas I'm wearing the same pencil teamed with a different blouse. Maybe I can pick up a couple of new blouses with my first paycheque.

She waves as she shouts over the desk to me.

"Good morning Miss Simms."

I smile as I reply.

"Good morning, Mrs Austin; I hope you've had a nice weekend?"

She walks from behind the desk as she says.

"Lovely, my dear, thank you for asking; let's get someone to show you to your office and give you a tour of the building."

I smile and take a seat as I wait; she makes a call, then a few minutes later, a pretty blonde woman walks over to me

"Hi, Miss Simms? Im Erin, and I'll be showing you around today."

I smile as I stand and say.

"Hi Erin, PLease call me Ellie."

She nods her head with a grin as she says.

"Come on then, Ellie, let's get you settled in."

We take the lift up to the top floor of the building. As the lift door opens, I catch the heel of my shoe in the rim of the lift door and fall forward only to find myself up against a large muscular chest as two strong arms wrap around me to stop me from falling. I look up into his beautiful blue eyes as he says.

"Are you okay, Miss Simms?"

"OH Yess, I'm sorry," I whisper, feeling myself blushing more, fuck what is it with this man? He lets go of me almost reluctantly. I hadn't realised that I was still in his arms, Or how much I liked being in them, He nods his head before he disappears into the lift as Erin pulls me out, she giggles as she says.

"Oh, Ellie, you are a lucky girl. I wouldn't mind falling into his arms."

Which, of course, makes me blush some more; she laughs as she pulls me down the corridor.

"Come on, Ellie, Your office is over here."

She says as she opens the door to my new office; I'm surprised how big it is. There is a large oak desk and a modern design table facing a full-length floor to ceiling window, the room is filled with natural light, perfect for designing.

"Oh, this is lovely. I thought I'd be in a shared room."

I say, unable to hide the surprise in my voice. Erin laughs as he replies.

"Ellie, you're one of our top designer's girl. I'm your design assistant, I look after four of you, and my station is in the corridor outside. Shall we grab a drink while I run through the systems we use here?"

"Sounds good to me."

I say with a smile; I really like Erin; she has such a likeable way about her, you can't help, but like her, She disappears out of the office after asking what I would like to drink, and she reappears a couple of minutes later with two cups in her hand as she says.

"Okay, let's get started then. This is the design planning software."

She shows me the software they use for designing; I look at the program, and it's all pretty basic, similar to what I have used in the past. Erin makes sure I understand everything before she carries on.

"And this one is our team diary; we're all linked to the same system. Hence we know when each person is available or what plans everyone is working on; anything highlighted priority cannot be changed. Mr Harris is the only person who can change these. Anything highlighted in green is yours to change as you like."

I nod my head as I say.

"Okay, I've got that Erin, so we have a meeting today then?"

I say as I look at the diary and see a priority meeting for this morning at ten o'clock.

Erin nods her head as she says,

"Yes, every Monday and Friday, we have a team meeting. On Mondays, we plan the week ahead and then on Fridays, we check on everyone's progress."

She looks at her watch before she says.

"Saying that we best get to the meeting room."

She then leads me down the corridor to the door at the other end; we enter a large room. Inside there's a long table with lots of chairs around it. Mr Harris is already seated along with several others. I can't help but look at him as we walk into the room. My God, that man is so handsome. He lifts his head with a lazy smile as he says.

"Good morning, ladies, please take a seat. Miss Simms, I hope Miss Healy is looking after you this morning?"

He asks with a raised eyebrow and a cocky smirk. Yeah, he totally caught me checking him out.

"Yes, she is; Erin has been lovely."

I say. He nods his head before he turns to face the rest of the room.

"Good......... Good morning everyone, I hope that you've all had a nice weekend. First, on the schedule, I would like to introduce our newest team member, Ellie Simms, Miss Simms; this is Jake Anderson."

A young man stands up and holds out his hand; I take his hand in mine as I say.

"It's lovely to meet you, Jake; I'm looking forward to working with you." I say.

Mr Harris then goes on introducing me to the rest of the team.

"This is James Powell."

An older man stands up as he says.

"Lovely to meet you, Miss Simms, Im looking forward to working with you."

I turn to shake James's hand as I say.

"It's nice to meet you too, James and please call Me Ellie."

He nods his head as Mr Harris carries on with the introductions.

"And last but certainly not least, this is Rachel Carney, our head designer."

She lifts her head as she says.

"Miss Simms."

I hold out my hand to Rachel, who dismisses me with a raised eyebrow as she rakes her eyes over my cheap clothes. What's her problem? I pull my hand away and straighten my skirt, feeling a little self-conscious, looking down into my lap as I whisper.

"Nice to meet you, Rachel."

She replies with a curt.

"It's Miss Carney if you don't mind."

Mr Harris looks furious as he looks at Rachel before he says.

"Okay, team planning this week, James, I would like you to work with Ellie on the next generation project. James, you will be planning the layout, and Ellie will be working on the interior design; Ellie is going to help you embrace a more modern side James."

James chuckles as he says.

"Haha, I can do modern Zac,"

Zac laughs before he turns to Rachel.

"That leaves Rachel and Jake with the Williams project. Any questions, anyone?"

Everyone answers no, as Rachel stands and says

"No, Mr Harris, I've already made a start on the project over the weekend."

I shake my head, watching as Mr Harris is now glaring at Rachel; good, I hope he puts the bitch in her place, looking down her nose at people; I have no idea what her problem is. Mr Harris's face relaxes when he turns to look at me as he says.

"Miss Simms, do you have any questions?"

Fuck he caught me staring again,

"What......er,.......no....."

I can't help my blush, Rachel notices, and she's not impressed, yeah she's got the hots for the boss, yeah he's handsome, yes I am attracted to him, but No I won't be going there ever again I'd rather be single and free.

He nods his head with that smirk of his as he shows off those really cute dimples, as he says.

"Okay, I'll leave you all to it. Miss Carney, can I have a word before you go?"

She grins as we all stand to leave the room; I'm the last one out; as I'm closing the door, I hear her whisper.

"Zac darling, you wanted to see me."

My heart skips a beat as I listen to her sultry voice. Fuck I cant be jealous. I hold my head high as I think to myself. I made a vow never again to get involved with a man, no matter how handsome he may be.

I am finally a free woman.........

Butterfly

Chapter three

Ellie's point of view

The rest of the week runs smoothly, and before I know it, it's Friday morning James and I have made progress on our design for the new generation project, and I've got to admit that I'm pretty pleased with the plans. James has been really great to work with; his understanding of the building's structural work is impressive, and I can't wait to reveal our designs to the rest of the team at this morning's planning meeting.

I make my way down to the meeting room and take my seat at the table; everyone is already there except for Rachel. It's now ten minutes past ten, and Mr Harris does not look happy as he checks his watch once again.

"Well, seeing as Rachel is still not here, we might as well make a start whilst we wait for her."

He says with a frown before he carries on talking.

"Good morning everyone, I hope that you are all well. Jake, how are your plans coming along."

Jake stands as he places his designs on the table for everyone to see.

"Everything is on plan, Boss, and our designs are finished; we are now just waiting for the plans to be approved so we can get the contractors in."

The door flies open as a breathless Rachel stride into the room.

"So sorry I'm late, important telephone call."

Mr Harris frowns as he says.

"Miss Carney, how nice of you to join us; please take a seat."

He turns to look at me and then to Rachel as he says,

"Ellie, I hope you've settled in this week, and everyone has been looking after you."

Rachel looks at the floor as Mr Harris carries on.

"James and Ellie? How are your designs coming along?"

I place our designs on the table as James says.

"Amazingly well, Ellie has a real flair, and I've really enjoyed working alongside her this week; we've brought the plans for you to see."

Zac pulls the plans towards him as he studies them; he says,

"Wow, this is impressive."

"Mr Harris, can I run something by you?"

I ask. He turns his head to look at me, nodding his head for me to continue, as I force myself not to blush or embarrass myself. It's been a long time since I've stood up in a room full of people. I take a deep breath before I say.

"Well, sir, I was hoping to get the kids involved from the surrounding community as this building is for them. I wanted bright and vibrant colours and was hoping to get the schools in the area to bring in some of the kids' artwork for the corridor walls, and then in the main community room, I was hoping we could get the kids to make a large mural on the wall. Maybe a mosaic with lots of bright colours. Im sorry I'm getting carried away."

I say as I feel everyone's eyes on me. Rachel mutters under her breath as she laughs sarcastically.

"Yeah, just a tad."

Mr Harris cuts her off as he says.

"Actually Ellie, I love the idea of getting the kids involved, it will bring in some good publicity, and I love your enthusiasm."

"Oh, you do," I reply with a blush as I realise he's watching me intently. I can't help the blush that creeps up my face. I smile back. My face flustered as I caught his eyes on me. I notice the look on Rachel's face, and she's fuming. Zac smiles, still looking at me as he says to Erin.

"Miss Hartley, I trust we can leave you to contact the schools, let them know of Ellie's idea."

Erin replies with a grin as she watches us.

"Yes, sir, sounds like a fabulous idea. Ellie, I will make a start right away."

"Thank you, Erin," I whisper.

He stands up and gathers his belongings before he leaves the room. I make my way back to my office with Erin by my side. Today has been a good day. It's been a long time since I've been this happy and this carefree. I can't help the smile on my face; I'm feeling quite excited to start working with the local children.

Erin turns to look at me as she says.

"You did good today Ellie, Mr Harris was impressed; if only that man looked at me the way he looks at you.......Damn, that man is too good looking for his good."

She says with a giggle, as I say.

"WHATTTTT........"

She laughs some more as she says.

"That man has seriously got the hots for you, Ellie."

I look at the floor as I mutter.

"Never going to happen; I'm staying single for life. I'm never going to let a man do that to me again."

Fuck............ I hope she didn't hear that. She stops walking, grabbing my hand as she says.

"What?"

I mutter a reply.

"Nothing, just forget I said anything, okay."

I didn't mean to raise my voice, Erin has become such a good friend to me, but I don't want to involve her in any of my drama. She looks at me, knowing that I will not talk about it anymore; she squeezes my hand before she says.

"Okay......but if you ever want to, talk Ellie, I'm here for you're becoming like a sister to me."

I nod my head, trying to control my tears as she pulls me in for a hug. It's been a long time since I had friends, and Erin has such a bubbly personality; you can't help but like her.

I feel myself relax against her hug, but I'm not ready to talk about my past just yet, and I don't know if I ever will be.

"Thank you, Erin," I whisper,

"Come on, let's go to the cafe for some lunch."

She says as we head into my office to collect my belongings before making our way across the road to the cafe. Connor looks up at us when we walk in. He smiles as he says.

"Hey, here's my favourite lady and my pain in the ass, little sis."

Erin giggles as she replies.

"Yeah, love you too, bro."

I laugh as they interact with each other, noticing just how alike they are as I say,

"Oh, so your brother and sister?"

They both nod their heads as Connor asks.

"So what are you ladies having? Let me guess Ellie Latte and Erin hot chocolate with marshmallows?"

Erin giggles as she studies us both.

"You know me so well, Connor, but how do you know what Ellies is then?"

Connor grins as he replies.

"She's my morning coffee lady. Oh, that sounds so wrong. Im sorry, Ellie."

I Laugh before I say.

"I like coffee before work, and Connors place is the best in town."

"Thank you. The lady is too kind."

Connor laughs as he says it. You can definitely see the resemblance between the siblings not only in looks either as they both have the same happy go lucky nature. We order our drinks along with a sandwich and a piece of his heavenly chocolate cake. Today has been such a good day; why the hell not. Erin looks at me as we sit at one of the tables.

"So, any plans for the weekend, Ellie?"

I sigh as I reply

"No, not really; I'm looking for a place to live. I need to get out of that shitty hotel as soon as possible."

She raises her eyebrows as she says.

"Really?"

"Yep", I reply as she studies my face intently before she grins as she says.

"Come and live with Connor and me; we have a spare room sitting empty. It's not a palace, but it's comfy, and handy for work; I get to lie in bed a little longer as I only have to cross the road and I'm in work.......please say yes, it would be so much fun."

She shouts Connor over to our table.

"Hey Con, are you still looking for a tenant for the empty room?"

He raises his eyebrows as he replies.

"Mmmmmm yeah, why?"

Her face lights up as she says.

"Well, Ellie needs a place to stay, and we have an empty room soooooo........."

He laughs as he says.

"Sounds good to me, as long as she knows you abandon me every weekend for your boyfriend."

She slaps his head before she replies.

"Yeah, and you bring a different girl home every night and make toooooo much noise."

I laugh as I say.

"Haha, you can tell you, two are siblings. It sounds great, and if you'll have me, I promise to clean up after myself, and I make a mean bacon and eggs."

Connor chuckles, rubbing the back of his head as he says.

"Perfect, because Erin burns toast and can't boil an egg."

Erin giggles.

"I do not, and it's just the toaster doesn't like me."

I whisper, "Thank you, guys."

Wow, things are finally falling into place; I have a job that I love and somewhere to live, which means I can move out of the shitty hotel.

Later in the day, I make my way back to the hotel, have a shower and pack my bag before I settle down for the night with a book.

Finally, things are looking up; I'm feeling free and ready to mend these broken wings of mine.