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.”

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