Finding Her Heart by Samantha Hicks

Chapter 1

Chapter One

 

Ellis Davis sat at the desk in her home office, which doubled as the conservatory. She furiously tapped away at her keyboard, inputting figures and creating charts, racing against a deadline. Her client expected the report by the end of the day, and Ellis was only halfway done. No boss hovered over the self-employed actuarial consultant, but she would never disrespect her clients by going over deadlines. She prided herself on her ethics, and being tardy would only lead to loss of work.

A startling thump came through the kitchen wall. “Christ’s sake. Are they not done yet?” She huffed out a breath and tried to find her place again on the screen. All morning, the new neighbours had been banging around as they moved in. Ellis was in no hurry to meet them. She kept herself to herself, not wanting to engage with the people on her street. She couldn’t stand nosy neighbours. No doubt, all they ever did was gossip about everyone else. She didn’t have any proof of that, of course, but that didn’t matter. She valued her privacy and was determined to keep it that way.

Another thud sounded. Ellis tore her glasses off in disgust and chucked them onto the desk. She leaned back and looked through the windows of the conservatory. She glanced over the dividing three-foot fence between her garden and next door’s and caught a glimpse of a young, blond boy of about eight, kicking a football into the air. Great, just what I need, a family living next door. The previous neighbours had been an older couple. When the husband passed on, the wife moved into a care home. Ellis had liked the couple. They never made noise and kept out of her way, just how she liked it. And now I have to put up with screaming kids. Just great.

Ellis put her glasses back on and scanned the document on the screen, her brain trying to figure out what advice she was trying to relay. Normally, she had no problem maintaining the flow of statistics and mathematics in her head, but today it was a struggle. She blamed the noisy neighbours.

In the distance, Ellis heard the creaking of a gate but paid no attention. She zoned it out, along with the loud voices coming from next door. She carried on working for a few more minutes, until a woman’s voice called out from the garden beside hers.

“Justin? Get back over here.”

Ellis glanced over the top of her computer toward the bottom of her garden. The blond boy was sitting on her swing, going back and forth, and looking like he didn’t have a care in the world that he was on someone else’s property. Ellis gritted her teeth. They hadn’t even fully moved in yet, and already she was pissed off with them. The swing had been on the property when Ellis bought it five years ago. She didn’t know why she’d never taken it down. She supposed it gave her something to look at while she was thinking. The rest of her garden was barren, covered only in stone chippings. She wasn’t a gardener, had no longing for plants, and grass was too much hassle to take care of. The week she moved in, she covered the area with stone and put the swing back up at the end.

And now the kid from next door was playing on it.

She pursed her lips and drew her brows down, not liking the gall he had to come over onto her property without asking. A family with no rules.

Ellis stood from the chair and went to the conservatory door. She stepped through, intent on telling him off, when she caught sight of a woman stood at the gate, glaring at the boy. Ellis blinked rapidly. The woman’s long and wavy hair, the same shade as the boy’s, cascaded over one shoulder. The jumper she wore was a mixture of bright colours and way too big for her small frame. One shoulder was exposed. Her face was make-up free, and Ellis guessed her to be about thirty-five. Although the woman glowered at the boy, her eyes were sparkling in the afternoon sun. Ellis surmised she wasn’t much for disciplining her son and was probably just as disrespectful of other people’s property.

“Come on, Justin. We need to unpack.”

Justin jumped off the swing at the top of the arch and landed hard on the stones. Ellis grimaced, as stones flew up in every direction. She put her hands on her hips, angry at the wanton destruction this boy possessed. He jogged over to his mother, who clasped his shoulder and tugged him through the gate. She glanced up and spotted Ellis.

“Oh, hi. I’m sorry about my son. He’s not very good at boundaries.”

Her voice was soft, almost sensual, and Ellis swallowed hard. She hadn’t been this affected by a woman in a long time, and she wasn’t about to start now. She shook her head, scowling at the pair, then retreated inside. She didn’t look up, as she sat at her desk and buried herself in work. Perhaps it’s time I get rid of that swing. And maybe get a lock for the gate. The last thing she needed was that boy thinking he had the right to come over whenever he wanted.

Ellis worked steadily for the next thirty minutes. No more thumps came through the walls, so she assumed the moving lorry had left. She picked up her cold coffee, intent on finishing it off, when something banged into one of the conservatory windows. The noise caused her to jump more than before, spilling coffee over her paperwork and trousers.

“God, damn it!”

She shot out of the chair and slammed through the door. Lying close to the conservatory was a football. She looked up. The boy stood on the other side of the fence, his eyes wide. Ellis had been in enough meetings to recognise fear. In four hours, they’d already disrupted her day more than the old neighbours had in five years. She licked her lips and took a breath. Going off on a child wouldn’t be prudent, despite how pissed off she was.

She picked up the ball and slowly approached the fence. The boy’s eyes grew impossibly wider. “What’s your name?” she asked him calmly.

“Jus…Jus…Justin.”

“Justin. Nice to meet you. I’m Ellis Davis.” Justin took a step back and glanced at his house as if he wanted to run away from the terrifying lady next door. Ellis inwardly smiled. She hadn’t had the delight of scaring her staff in years. She missed the thrill. He’s just a boy. She shook the glee away. “Justin, right in there is my office, where I work all day. I don’t like being distracted or made to jump.”

“I’m sorry, miss.”

“It’s okay, but please be careful next time.”

The patio doors opened, and the woman stepped through, her gaze going back and forth between them. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Ellis said, as politely as she could. She might not want anything to do with her neighbours, but that didn’t mean she wanted to start a war. “Justin’s ball came into my garden.” She lobbed the ball over to him, harder than she intended. He managed to catch it just before it hit his face.

“Justin, I keep telling you, be more careful.”

“I’m sorry, Mum. It was an accident.”

Ellis felt a touch of empathy for the boy. Her earlier assumption about the mother’s lack of discipline was wrong. It was clear she didn’t put up with nonsense. “It’s okay. No harm caused.”

The woman looked up, her gaze friendly and warm. “Thank you. I’m Melissa, and this is Justin.”

Melissa reached over the fence. Ellis stared at her hand. She hadn’t touched another person in well over a year. She had no family to speak of, and friends were few and far between. Working from home meant she rarely needed to go out. Everything she wanted could be delivered at the click of a button. Her fingers trembled slightly, as she grasped Melissa’s outstretched hand. She cleared her throat. “Ellis.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Ellis. I promise this little tearaway will be on his best behaviour.”

With that, Melissa turned around and took Justin inside, whispering in his ear. Ellis cleared her throat again and retreated into her home, a feeling of disquiet in her chest.

 

†

 

Melissa Cole stretched onto her tiptoes and shoved the glass pitcher into the top cabinet. I’m going to have to ask Dad to loan his steps. Being only five foot two was a hindrance. Craig had always been around to reach things for her. Now, simple things like going to the supermarket were a pain if the item she wanted was out of reach. Yes, it was easier with Craig around, but I’d rather struggle than have him back with me.

Melissa and Craig had split up nearly two years ago, due to his cheating. She was dumbfounded when his numerous affairs came to light. She’d truly believed they were soulmates. That betrayal had blackened her heart to love, except her love for Justin. He was her world. For the last two years, they had been staying with Melissa’s parents while the divorce was finalised. That allowed time for their house to be sold and for Melissa to save as much as she could. She glanced around her newly purchased home, a smile stretching her cheeks.

This was the fresh start she needed.

The house was a lot cheaper than she’d expected. There were only two bedrooms but plenty of space downstairs, and the garden was big enough for Justin to run around in. Melissa understood the previous owners were an older couple. The décor they left was outdated, but the building was sound. She already had Pinterest filled up with ideas for decorating the place.

“Hey, Mum?” Justin yelled down from upstairs. “I can’t get the Xbox to work!”

Melissa rolled her eyes. Her son was only ten, so she didn’t expect him to do an amazing job of unpacking, but he had been upstairs less than five minutes, and the Xbox was the first thing he unboxed. Typical boy. She climbed the stairs and walked across the short hallway to Justin’s room, opposite her own. She peered through the doorway. Just as she suspected, all his boxes were still stacked up on his bed. Justin was leaning over the TV, fiddling with the wires, his Xbox sitting proudly in front on his desk.

“Is it all plugged in properly?”

Justin glanced over his shoulder and shook his head at her, looking at her as if she were dumb. “Of course. I’m not stupid.”

Melissa bit her lip. It was hard not to see Craig in him when he acted this way. She reminded herself Justin was growing, and puberty wouldn’t be far away. I’m going to have to get used to his attitude. “Let me look.” He huffed but stepped back. Melissa jiggled the wires, much the same way he had, and checked the wall socket was switched on. It all looked okay. She pressed the power button, but nothing happened. “It might have gotten broken in the move.”

“I bloody hope not.”

“Justin! Watch your mouth.”

Justin blushed and looked to the carpet. “Sorry.”

“I should think so. I won’t tolerate you speaking to me like that.”

He glanced up. “I’m sorry,” he repeated earnestly.

“It’s okay.” She turned her attention back to the console, at a loss as to what to do. She couldn’t afford a new one, and his birthday was months away. And then it hit her. She hadn’t switched on the main power supply yet. “Hang on.” She headed back downstairs and found the fuse box in the cupboard under the stairs. She flipped the switch, and the cupboard light flashed on. See, you don’t need anyone but you. She had been apprehensive about going it alone with Justin. All her life, she had lived with someone. She’d moved from living with her folks, to a roommate at university, then to Craig. This would be the first time she would be totally dependent on herself.

“It works,” Justin yelled out.

“That’s great, honey, but don’t you dare think about playing it. You’ve got your stuff to unpack.”

“Ah, man.”

“Sorry. If you get it all done, we can have pizza for dinner.”

“Yes!”

The sound of tape being pulled from cardboard wafted down the stairs, followed by frantic footsteps. She rolled her eyes. No doubt I’ll be up there tomorrow sorting it all out. She smiled and turned back to the lounge. Her own mountain of boxes awaited her. It’s going to be a long night.

 

†

 

Melissa carried the last of the cardboard boxes down the path to the small shed at the bottom of the garden. An hour ago, the sun had set on a long and busy day. She was tired, but happily surprised she’d been able to get everything unpacked and put away. Some things were not in their final resting place, but for now, everything had its home. All she had left to do was dress her bed. As suspected, Justin had his boxes unpacked in record time. He spent the rest of the day on his computer and eating pizza. He had offered to help Melissa with her unpacking, but she declined. She got it done quicker without having to watch over him the whole time.

She closed the shed door and turned to go back inside. The light from the neighbour’s conservatory caught her attention. It was nearing ten at night, but Ellis still sat bent over her keyboard. By Melissa’s recollection, Ellis had been there all day. Every time Melissa made a trip to the shed, there she was. I wonder what she does for a living.

Melissa made her way back inside and into the kitchen to clear away the pizza boxes. Her mind drifted to her new neighbour. Melissa had never received such a frosty reception from someone before in her life. She recalled Ellis’s stiff posture during their interactions. Her lips were set in a tight line, and the creases at the edges of her eyes stood out as she narrowed her gaze at Justin. Melissa didn’t miss the slight frown when she offered Ellis her hand to shake. Anyone would think I was diseased, the way she looked at me. I hope she isn’t always so standoffish. The last thing I want is a grumpy neighbour. I’ll have to try again, at some point, to make a good impression. It probably didn’t help Justin had been in her garden, then kicked his ball over the fence. Despite Ellis’s stiltedness, her aura held an air of authority. Her jet-black hair was pulled impossibly tight into a ponytail, and her skin was so pale, Melissa wouldn’t be surprised if she were a ghost. She wore a black polo neck and black jeans, both items clinging to her narrow frame. It was obvious to Melissa that Ellis hardly ventured out into the sun, and probably forgot to eat sometimes. Ellis was an enigma that Melissa found she wanted to solve. It would be nice to make a new friend. Maybe I can pop over before I go back to work and invite her over for coffee.

After clearing up the remnants of dinner, Melissa locked the doors, turned off the lights and made her way upstairs. She checked in on Justin, who lay on his back, snoring with his mouth hanging open. The move had been hard for him. He loved spending time with his grandpa, and kicked up a stink when mention of moving came to light. Melissa wasn’t worried about him though. She worked long shifts as a nurse at the local hospital. Her parents were her primary caregivers and would have Justin overnight when she worked late or did a night shift. He’d be getting plenty of time with them.

She crossed the hall to her room, switched on the lights, and set about making up the bed. She sat on the edge of the mattress and let out a long, deep breath. I’m finally done. Her parents were coming by in the morning, she wasn’t looking forward to her mother making suggestions about where everything should go, but she’d do her best. Her mother was usually right anyway. She’ll probably have the lounge moved around twenty times before they leave. Melissa rolled her eyes at the thought.

 

†

 

“I really think it would look better if you put that chair in the bay window.”

Melissa turned her back on her mother and rolled her eyes. Her parents had been in the house less than half an hour. Melissa had already conceded the angle of the dining table, which cupboard the crockery went in, and changing the living room rug from width ways to length ways. Her mother’s “help” was wearing thin on her nerves. Justin had gotten fed up with the whole thing and retreated to the garden with his ball. There were only so many concessions Melissa would make for her mother. Moving her old reading chair was a point she wasn’t going to lose. She generally read late in the evenings and liked to cosy up in front of the fire in the winter. Not only that, she also wanted to be able to look out the front window without having a cumbersome chair in the way.

“Mum, please drop it. I like it where it is.”

Patricia huffed but nodded. “Fine.”

At sixty-two, Patricia still held a youthful appearance. Patricia would never admit to the fillers and Botox regularly injected into her face, but Melissa knew. Patricia held a deep fear of growing old, so Melissa would never bring it up. It was nothing to do with her anyway, what her mother decided to stick into her face. Melissa herself might be tempted when she was getting up in years.

“Patricia,” Melissa’s father said from his place on the couch. “Leave her be. This is her house. Let her have it how she wants it.”

Melissa smiled her gratitude at him. “Thanks, Dad.”

Patricia huffed again but didn’t comment further. “Are you sure living here is the best thing for you and Justin? It’s a big house for just the two of you. How are you going to afford the mortgage?”

Melissa slumped into her reading chair and ran her hand through her hair. Her mother knew perfectly well she could afford the place. The sale of the house she shared with Craig had earned them a decent profit. She also worked full-time hours and picked up as much overtime as she could. Yeah, things were tight, but she’d rather struggle in her own place than always be reliant on her parents. With the child support she got from Craig, she’d be fine. She also didn’t plan on being alone for the rest of her life. Eventually, she hoped to get back to dating and falling in love. She hadn’t allowed herself that pleasure when she lived at home. The last thing she wanted would be a date meeting her folks. They were nice enough, but Christopher would interrogate, and Patricia would have them married off in a week.

“We’ve been over this, Mum, many times. I know what I’m doing. I want a fresh start with Justin and to move on with my life. I appreciate everything you two do for me. I’d be lost if you weren’t prepared to have Justin for me when I work. However, this is what I want, and money isn’t a problem right now.”

“But what if you lose your job?”

“Then I’ll get another one.”

“It isn’t that simple. There are thousands of people applying for the same job these days. You’d be lucky to find one.”

“I’m a nurse, finding employment won’t be hard for me.”

“But how do you–––”

“Enough!” Christopher raised his voice loud enough for Patricia to jump. “Leave her alone, Patricia. If you keep going on at her, she won’t invite us around again.”

Patricia’s head lowered slightly, as she gazed at the carpet. “I just worry, is all.”

“I know, Mum. I promise you; Justin and I will be fine.”

One corner of Patricia’s mouth lifted into a half smile. “Yes, you will. You’re a strong, capable woman. You continue to impress us more and more every day.”

“Thank you.”

 

†

 

Ellis poured the hot water into her mug, then stirred the coffee in. It had taken her well into the night to finally get her client’s report just right. She had another full day ahead of her, researching an insurance company that wanted her to do market reconnaissance. They wanted to see if their policies were in line with current prices. Coffee was the only way she’d get through it without falling asleep. She was on her third cup already. Maybe I’ll see if I can get hold of a drip feed and send it straight into my blood. She took a sip. The burn on its way down reminded her she hadn’t eaten yet. That’ll have to be later, I need to crack on. She was losing weight, too much her therapist said, but she never saw the point of cooking for one. She was happy living off fruit and sandwiches. Lucy, her therapist, wasn’t happy at all. She said her diet would be okay if Ellis ate regularly, but Ellis would go all day with nothing but coffee. She knew she needed to get into a proper routine when it came to food, but work always came first. Once started, she would become consumed by her projects.

She took her coffee into the conservatory, moved a pile of papers out of the way, and set the mug down. She was about to sit when she noticed the boy from next door peering over the fence into her garden. He hadn’t better have kicked that bloody ball over here again. Her hackles rose with the impending telling off. I am not spending my time fetching his ball for him. She wondered why he didn’t just get it himself. Then she remembered his frightened eyes from yesterday. He was probably scared shitless to even try coming onto her property.

Ellis shook her head and went outside. Justin glanced at her and went back to looking in the direction of the swing. Ellis looked around the stones but couldn’t see his ball anywhere.

“Justin?”

He looked up and took a step back. “Hi.”

“Did you lose your ball or something?”

He shook his head vigorously.

“Then what are you doing?” I don’t have time for this. Yet, she stayed where she was.

“I, uh, want to play on your swing.”

Ellis glanced at the swing and back to Justin. Her first inclination was to tell him no. If he wanted to play on the swings, he should get his mother to buy him his own or take him to the park. Her resolve softened, as she looked into his hopeful eyes. There was a hint of fear still, but mostly they were the puppy-dog look she instinctively knew got him out of trouble whenever needed. She sighed. “Sure, go ahead.”

His eyes widened and a huge grin spread across his face. “Really?”

Ellis shrugged. “Yes. But remember, I’m working, so keep the noise to a minimum.” He nodded quickly and ran through the gate. He jumped onto the swing and started pumping his legs to take him higher. Ellis retreated inside and sat at her desk. For the next forty minutes, she tried concentrating on her work, but her gaze kept finding Justin on the swing. She noticed her cheeks were aching and realised it was because she was smiling. She straightened her lips and lowered her head, focusing on the computer screen and not the young boy giggling in her garden.

“Justin, what have I told you about going over there? Get back here now.”

Ellis looked up at hearing Melissa yell from her side of the fence. As quick as she could, she rushed from the conservatory to the fence line. “It’s okay. I said he could go on it.”

Melissa eyed her and then glanced at Justin. “Really?”

“Yes.” Fearing she was being judged, Ellis took a defensive stance, hands on hips, and nodded. “Why does that sound so odd?”

“It’s just that yesterday…” Melissa waved her hand and smiled. “Never mind.” She focused on Justin. “Nanny and Grandpa are going for fish and chips. Do you want to go with them?”

“Can I get a pickled egg for the ride home?”

“Of course.”

Justin beamed and raced back over to his side of the fence. He looked back over his shoulder. “Thanks for letting me play.”

“Any time.” Ellis inwardly cursed herself. Any time? He’ll be over all the time now… Is that really a bad thing? She was loath to admit it, but she had enjoyed listening and watching him have fun. If he doesn’t distract me too much, it shouldn’t be a problem.

“Thank you for allowing him to use the swing. He’s loved them since he was a baby.”

Ellis shrugged her shoulder. “It’s fine. It’s good it’s getting some use, finally.”

“Oh? Your children don’t play with it?”

Ellis felt heat rise to her cheeks, embarrassed of what she was about to admit. Not that there was anything wrong with being a lonely old spinster, but she hated being judged. She supposed that came from years in the foster care system. Being shuffled from one home to the next had led her to believe there was something wrong with her and that the families she stayed with found her lacking. It was her greatest fear and was why she liked to keep to herself.

“Actually, I don’t have any. It’s just me here. The swing came with the property. I just never got around to dumping it.”

Melissa wrapped her hands over the top of the fence panel and leaned a little closer, her eyes troubled for a moment. “Nothing wrong with being single. I am as well now.” Her gaze was intense, but her words came out softly.

Ellis glanced up the garden to Melissa’s patio doors. “So, it’s just you and Justin?”

“Yep. We were staying with my parents after my divorce, but I’m finally pleased to have my own space.”

Ellis refrained from asking what led to the breakup of her marriage. She had no interest in getting to know Melissa. She didn’t mind Justin popping over occasionally to use the swing, but she drew the line at getting friendly with his mother. Melissa, with her long blonde hair and blue eyes. And those god-awful geometric print jumpers she wears. Ellis had seen two different ones already; she had no doubt Melissa’s wardrobe would be filled with them. She does look cute in them though. Colourful and vibrant. They bring out her eyes. Much better than my plain black all the time.

“Melissa? You coming?”

Ellis caught a glimpse of an older gentleman standing just inside the patio doors. It was hard to get a clear image, as the sun beamed into her eyes. She assumed that was Melissa’s dad.

“Yeah, I’ll be right there,” Melissa called back. She turned her attention back to Ellis. “I need to go. Thanks again for letting Justin play.”

“You’re welcome.”

Melissa’s smile was huge. She gave a tiny wave, then jogged up the path. Ellis stayed by the fence, watching Melissa’s hair bounce around her shoulders. When Melissa waved again and pulled the patio doors closed, a flicker of a smile came to Ellis’s lips.

Ellis made her way inside and sat at her desk. She stared at her screen but didn’t see the words or numbers; it was all a blur. She took a few breaths. It dawned on her that Melissa was the outgoing type and would, no doubt, try her best to make friends. God, what am I in for?