In The End (Butterfly #1) (4 page)

A set of house and car keys followed by a wristwatch landed on the bed. This perplexed me initially, but seeing the handwritten post-it note that had inadvertently become detached during my dumping process, the mystery was solved. The watch was in actual fact a normal wristwatch, but with the added function that it served as a personal safety alarm. Nicholi had such elegant penmanship, I noted, looking at the note closely and fastening the watch to my wrist. I was a little surprised by this gift, but after seeing his reaction with the alarm system, he clearly was all about safety, and given the fact I would be taking care of his child, I felt it only right to respect his wishes and wear it.

Surveying the room now and seeing the brown cardboard boxes eagerly waiting to be opened, I began the unpacking process. Hanging my clothes in the closet was laughable, given that I had barely taken up a quarter of the room available. Plenty of room for storage, I mused. I arranged my toiletries and make up in the bathroom, as little hands love to explore, so I thought that would be safer, rather than on the vanity in the bedroom area, and heaved a sigh of relief when I placed my books and DVDs onto the shelving unit. Turning back around I noticed something I had not seen when I first viewed the room this morning. To the side of the room was an alcove, which held a full-length mirror. It looked a little out of place and not where you would have naturally thought to place a mirror, but my eagerness to explore the rest of the house while I was alone was too strong to be held off any further.

I proceeded out of my room, closing the door quietly behind me and onto the main first floor hallway. The boys’ room was directly opposite mine and I could see two further doors ahead and stairs behind me to the next floor. I walked down to the remaining two doors on my floor, and after discovering a further closet and guest room decided to venture upstairs. Part of me felt a little guilty for snooping, but at the same time I would be respectful, I was not going to be rooting through drawers, just a little curious about my new home.

I felt I had justified the decision enough and proceeded upstairs. The interior of the house was just as spectacular as outside. Waterford crystal chandeliers illuminated the way, with delicate mouldings and cornices covering the ceilings and walls. I made my way up to the second floor and upon trying the first door and discovering it was locked, my upstairs expedition came to an abrupt halt. It was wrong to snoop, and this proved it, so instead I decided to take a long bath and just relax; this had been quite a day.

Returning to my room, I began to run the water, filling the bathtub with the strawberry bubble bath that had been provided, and undressed. I made sure to keep the water level low enough that my shoulder could be kept dry and slowly immersed myself into the water. I felt instantly revived, being in water always had that effect on me. I lay back as much as I could and let the strawberry-infused water work its magic.

I lay there for about an hour before the undeniable sound of my stomach growling declared it time to eat. I normally, after bathing, would have put my pyjamas on, but given that Nicholi had said he would be back this evening I opted for leggings, a loose-fitting shirt and socks. Climbing down the stairs I realised I had no clue where the kitchen was and would have to explore, albeit inadvertently, but I felt that was a justified intrusion and reached the ground floor.

The lower hallway was just as extravagantly decorated as the rest of the house I had seen so far. The customary chandeliers illuminating the way forward, hard wood floor polished so effectively that had it not been for my injury I would have happily slid across in my socks;
note to self, try when healed
. The drapes that hung from the two almost floor-length windows were crimson with gold swirls that on closer inspection, it actually looked like real gold thread had been used to make the elaborate design, almost theatrical in nature. I could just imagine them opening on stage to a Broadway show or ballet. Thinking of ballet, I felt a twinge inside, the memory of what was and could have been, but swept it back as quickly as the hair that had fallen from my soft bun.

My stomach growled again, getting more impatient, clearly not appreciating the interior design as much as I was, and the hunt for the kitchen resumed. It was surprisingly easy to find, given that most kitchens are usually towards the rear of the property and it only took two door openings to find it; much to my dismay, my exploration had ended abruptly again.

The first door I had opened would be my next designation, once I had secured some dinner. The room certainly looked like the children used it considerably with a vast array of toys, creative play activities and an inviting sofa with a plasma screen, this time hung above the grand fireplace, no weird portraits in this room. There was an antique rocking horse in the corner, black with what looked like real horse hair. Its leather saddle worn from many play time hours, I am sure, and its bridle glinted in the setting sunlight just breathing out that last ray before it was drawn away for the day.

To the left of the playroom was the kitchen, and it was breath-taking. The cabinets, a dark brown oak colour, were exquisitely designed with fine detailed etching, bordering all around. There was a large island in the middle with a black and white granite top and three range cookers against the back wall. The pots and pans were hung above the cookers on a metal bar and this, along with the cookers and the refrigerator, were the only modern looking parts of the kitchen. Glass cabinets holding fine china encased the refrigerator and a collection of cookbooks lined one shelf opposite the island, with the coffee maker resting in an alcove between two imposing pantry-sized cupboards. I was in awe; it was a kitchen fit for nobility. I opened the refrigerator to see what offerings were available and opted for a simple mac and cheese, though the cheese certainly would not have been found in the supermarket I frequented, nor the fresh macaroni.

I prepared my meal as cleanly as possibly, making extra in case Nicholi wanted to eat when he came home. I assumed he would eat out at some high-end restaurant every night and mac and cheese would be beneath him. In which case the kids and me could have some for lunch tomorrow, so it would not go to waste. I decided to eat in the kitchen, pulling out one of the chairs that were tucked under the island, and ate my meal. It was delicious and certainly tasted a high-end mac and cheese that would no doubt be called something difficult to pronounce at a restaurant in Manhattan.

After devouring my meal, I washed my dishes and headed back to the playroom. The carpet was so luxurious I took my socks off to sink my feet into the pile, as I wanted to do the first time I came to the house, though that would have been inappropriate then. I noted the vast array of DVDs on the shelf and settled for a romantic comedy and a horror for my evening’s entertainment. I had not noticed at first inspection, the popcorn machine half hidden in an alcove at the back of the room, but upon making this delicious discovery, I made myself a bowlful and settled onto the sofa to relax. I had watched the first movie and noting that it was nine-thirty and Nicholi had not returned, I wondered if he was staying out for the night. I felt very much alone in the great big mansion house, but was comforted by the high tech alarm system, and tried to distract myself by watching a horror movie of all things.

The zombie movie was in full action mode when my eyes started to slowly close. I was too comfortable to move and with that as my last thought I dozed off curled up on the sofa.

I could sense someone was there before I even opened my eyes, but the pull to sleep was so strong I did not want to awaken.

‘Sophia,’ the voice rang out, the sound illuminating my way back. ‘Sophia.’ I felt my arm being stroked, as though to awaken me, but also a little more, and with that thought I quickly opened my eyes, jumping up, my shoulder protesting at the sudden movement.

‘Sorry,’ Nicholi began. ‘I didn’t mean to scare you,’ he reiterated, no doubt due to my astonished expression. ‘I would have left you sleeping, but you looked in a very odd position and I was worried you would regret it in the morning,’ he continued, sensing I was now calming from the upheaval of being disturbed. ‘Were you waiting up for me?’ he asked, and the corner of his mouth curled with such a smile that I could not help but smile back.

‘I was watching a movie and must have fallen asleep,’ I confirmed. It was the truth, but deep down had I been waiting for him to come home? Pondering this and not wanting to know the real answer I quickly excused myself, explaining about the leftover mac and cheese located in the fridge, and headed up to my room, closing the door quietly behind me. I looked at myself in the mirror; face flushed, eyes glowing, my heart dancing in my chest. Was all this because Nicholi had returned home? I took a deep breath, gathered my pyjamas and began my night time routine of cleansing, moisturising, brushing my teeth and hair before climbing into bed. I literally had to climb up, the mattress was so thick, but once I was in and pulled the covers over me, I had never felt so comfortable. Sinking into the supportive, yet yielding enough mattress, that I could mould into it and let sleep take me once again. I was just nodding off when the cell phone beeped; a text message, I assumed, and sat up in bed to retrieve the phone that had been lying on the nightstand.

Just wanted to say goodnight
, the message declared, illuminating the once pitch black room. It was from Nicholi and I again felt myself flush. I replied with a simple,
Goodnight
and lowered myself back into the mould I had made, this time cocooning myself in the covers the way I had done since I was a child, and drifted off to sleep.

Something made me stir around two am, the sound of hushed voices dissipating quickly, footsteps on the hardwood floor. Footsteps that only a woman who was wearing heels would make, I sat upright immediately, disorientated by the surrounding view. It took a few seconds for the signals to spark and generate current, to nourish the cells sufficiently enough that the memories would come into focus. The darkness that had once filled the room was slowly being evaporated with the light from the hallway trying to breach underneath the doorway. I reached for the cell phone that had been resting on the nightstand and climbing down out of bed, crept towards my bedroom door.

‘Be quiet,’ the lowered masculine voice demanded. ‘You’re going to wake the whole house and that would be really bad.’

‘I can be so bad,’ the voice, teasing and certainly feminine, rang out seductively.

‘Can it, you two,’ a stern voice, masculine and certainly one that I had not forgotten continued.

‘You don’t want to wake big bad brother up,’ he teased, though appearing to acknowledge, albeit resentfully, Nicholi as an authoritative figure.

‘God, you’re no fun,’ the woman moaned back, before a stifled scream echoed through the once deserted hallway.

‘Sorry,’ the voice was so low I had to really strain to hear. ‘It was a joke, that’s all.’ The voice cracked, and it sounded like she was sobbing.

‘Now you will show respect, won’t you, Teresa?’ another masculine voice proclaimed, and laughed maniacally before they were ushered into a room and the door closed, silence resumed.

What the hell was that? I had not recognised Nicholi as any of the voices and given the, waking up big brother comment I could only assume Cross had returned with his friends, maybe. It sounded disturbing, and rage was beginning to build up. I could feel my pulse echoing through the once peacefully quiet room and decided I would confront them. Not thinking of the fact I was only wearing pyjama shorts and a vest top with bare feet, I grabbed the umbrella that had been nestled in my closet and ran downstairs to try to locate the group.

What the hell I was going to do when I found them I do not know, but her scared almost whispered voice was ringing in my ears, she sounded terrified and I knew exactly how that felt. I located the voices without effort as the illuminating light from the office was flooding into the sea of blackness, like a river venturing forth to meet the ocean. With all the strength I had, I threw the door open and shouted at the top of my voice, hoping to wake Nicholi in the process.

‘What the hell is going on?’ Four men and one woman bolted around to face their unexpected visitor. I glared at them, clutching the umbrella in a defensive position. I heard a door fly open overhead and Nicholi bounded down the stairs, jumped over the banister and arrived by my side. I felt him pull my arm backwards and was repositioned behind him.

‘I see you hired the hot nanny,’ Cross scoffed, turning to look around Nicholi, and winked at me. He was not at all how I remembered him and I could smell the alcohol that was oozing out of his pores from the doorway. Nicholi turned to face me, his cheeks a little flush, no doubt from the athletics of jumping over the banister. Had it not been for the situation we were in, I would have congratulated him for making such an impressive entrance.

‘Sophia.’ Nicholi looked me straight in the eyes and I saw genuine concern and anger boiling inside them. ‘What happened? Did they…?’ I understood where his train of thought was going and I quickly interjected.

‘I heard voices.’ A stifled laugh came from the audience. ‘It woke me up, and I heard her scream,’ I announced, pointing to the dark-haired, scantily clad woman who was perched on the glass desk, in what looked like a very compromising position. Hearing herself being mentioned, she rose to her feet.

‘Cross, a word,’ Nicholi gestured, and turned to face me.

‘Can you go back upstairs please; I will be up shortly, okay?’ Nicholi spoke so low, I do not think our early morning visitors would have heard. I nodded and still clutching the umbrella, I climbed the stairs to return to my bedroom. One of the men from the group whistled at me as I passed his viewpoint and I heard a door slam before I was out of view and back onto the hallway leading to my bedroom. I noticed something then, the door to the guest room was open and from the hallway, I could see that the bed looked like it had been slept in. Was that Nicholi’s room? I pondered to myself, it had looked so plain and without any character or personal effects, I had assumed it was the guest room.

I turned back around and closing my door behind me, went to sit on the bed. I was still clutching the umbrella when the door opened.

‘I’m so sorry about that, Sophia,’ Nicholi spoke so sincerely. ‘It will never happen again, believe me, I do not condone violence towards women in any shape or form and trust me, it’s being dealt with.’ He walked forwards towards the bed. ‘Are you okay? Are you feeling threatened?’ He looked at the umbrella I was holding curiously. ‘Or are you planning on an early morning stroll in the rain?’ He was smiling now and I could not help but smile in return.

‘I, yes, morning walks are always pleasant don’t you think?’ I climbed off the bed and returned my weapon to the closet, pausing for a moment to collect my thoughts and turned around to face Nicholi.

‘Do you know those people?’ I questioned, hoping he would say no.

‘Sadly I do,’ he began. ‘The man on the left is my cousin Angelo, the other guy works for my father, but trust me, he will no longer and the man that was standing next to the woman was Cross’s friend Alexis. Stay away from him, Sophia; he is not a person you would want to associate with,’ Nicholi proclaimed.

‘Who isn’t?’ I clarified, not expecting the response I was about to receive.

‘None of them, Sophia, I say that earnestly and will tell you more one day, but for now please, no more escapades into the unknown with umbrellas, okay? I don’t think my back can take it.’ He rubbed his lower back mockingly.

‘Sure, but the girl, is she all right?’ I asked, feeling the early morning events start to flow over me and the sudden urge to vomit.

‘She is on her way home as we speak,’ he confirmed. ‘I’m off back to bed; it’s too early for me.’ He stifled a laugh and proceeded out the door.

‘Nicholi, where is your room?’ I questioned curiously.

‘Just down the hall, next to the boys,’ he smiled. ‘Goodnight, Sophia.’ He yawned and walked back to his room.

‘Night,’ I replied, closing my door behind him and headed to the bathroom. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror; my blonde hair hung loose flowing down my back, my face pale in the dawn light that was starting to force its way in through the window. I pondered for a moment looking at my attire, deciding I needed to purchase some new nightwear if this was to be a regular occurrence, and laughed at my umbrella-wielding tactics before climbing back into bed, willing sleep to take me.

I tossed and turned for a while when the cell phone went off and I reached for it, surprised by the name that was displayed.
Sorry about that, no harm was meant, just alcohol-infused nonsense
, the message had read from Cross. I returned the phone to the nightstand and cocooning myself into the covers finally fell back asleep.

I was awoken by the sound of thunder, the room illuminated with a flash of lightening as the rain lashed against the windowpane. I looked at my watch, it was six-thirty, and I was now completely awake. Despite the early hour’s event interrupting my sleep, I felt more rested and refreshed than I had for years. I climbed out of bed and made my way to the bathroom, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I looked like a new person, revitalised, invigorated, deciding I was starting to sound like a shampoo commercial I splashed water on my face and brushed my teeth. Picking out some black cargo pants, a plain red scoop-neck top and flats, my outfit of the day was complete. Leaving my hair loose and brushing it back from my face with a red hair-band, I was ready for the day.

My ever-faithful stomach groaned, not appreciating the delay in receiving its breakfast, and with that in mind I applied a splash of lip gloss before closing the door behind me, and made my way downstairs. I noticed the curtains were open in the hallway, a fresh vase of flowers wafted its sweet smelling perfume up the stairs and my stomach, after smelling the delicious breakfast odours penetrating my nostrils, groaned once again, this time in approval.

I could hear voices coming from the kitchen and opened the door, surveying the three-seated men and Earl stood at the back of the room. Nicholi turned to greet me.

‘Good morning, Sophia, I trust you slept well?’ Nicholi questioned, smiling, his eyes brightening by the second. Was he pleased to see me? With that thought in mind, I blushed a little.

‘Yes thanks, very well,’ I confirmed, smiling back in response.

‘Come,’ Nicholi began. ‘We have all the usual breakfast dishes, if you would like anything else, Earl will be happy to oblige,’ he advised. Observing the vast array of food in front of me, I was certain I would be very satisfied. Earl had set the food out in a buffet style. There was fresh fruit, both tropical and traditional, blueberry pancakes, three types of eggs, bacon, sausages, waffles and a plethora of cereals.

‘Wow, this all looks amazing,’ I proclaimed, seeking Earl out at the back and acknowledging his efforts.

I helped myself to some pancakes with a side of bacon and some strawberries. My favourite breakfast was strawberry pancakes, so mashing them slightly; I added them to my pancakes and poured on maple syrup. Cross, seated opposite, was eyeing me with curiosity.

‘You like strawberry pancakes? Our kids love them too,’ he announced and smiled. After last night’s events, I was very unsure and sceptical about Cross; not wanting to seem impolite, I nodded and took my seat at the island where I had consumed mac and cheese the night before. A long moan erupted from the man sitting next to me when the house telephone had started ringing.

‘Too loud,’ he vocalised, clearly in some discomfort, no doubt due to last night’s consumption of alcohol.

‘Are we audibly challenged this morning, Angelo?’ Nicholi addressed the man seated to my left. A further groan ensued, and I looked around, catching Nicholi’s eyes on me, I smiled and resumed eating. Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I turned to Nicholi, wanting to know the plans for today concerning the children.

‘Here are their old and proposed new schedules.’ Nicholi handed me two pieces of paper, I marvelled once again at his elegant penmanship and began to read. The old schedule was jam packed with school clubs, evening activities and groups.

‘Did the children not have a nanny before?’ I asked, noting how many hours they were away from home.

‘No, you’re the first,’ Cross interjected, grinning at me.

‘Does the new schedule work for you?’ Nicholi looked at Cross scornfully. ‘I am happy to amend anything you do not feel is appropriate or add something?’ he informed.

‘It looks good,’ I replied, nodding. The children would be with me every day before and after school with two activities per week each. Jacob was to attend swimming and gymnastics. Max a music and art class. ‘I do have a couple of ideas for activities with Jacob, but we can go through that another time,’ I confirmed, sensing this was not the right time, even more so when a further guest entered the room.

‘Morning, hot nanny, Cross, Ang, Nic,’ the voice boomed, considerably louder than necessary and clearly aggravating my seated neighbour who once again groaned with displeasure.

‘Alexis,’ Nicholi began. ‘Do you not have a home to go to?’ he questioned, looking visibly displeased with the new arrival.

‘Cross said
mi casa es su casa
,’ he replied, winking at Cross. ‘Isn’t that right, bro?’ He waited for Cross to respond and Nicholi interjected.

‘Well this is my casa and I am afraid you have overstayed your welcome; Earl would you kindly escort Alexis out?’ Nicholi gestured for Earl who appeared quite menacing now, glowering at Alexis and virtually shooing him out of the kitchen. I expected Cross to complain or at least say something about his friend’s eviction, but instead he opened up the newspaper and began reading.

‘Okay, now that’s taken care of, Sophia, do you need a ride anywhere? I am heading to the office shortly, we will collect the kids from school this afternoon together and Cross will come too, right?’ He looked at Cross, who was surveying the newspaper with displeasure.             

‘Sure, whatever,’ he replied nonchalantly.

‘That would be great, thanks,’ trying to calm my pulse that had started racing at the thought of being alone with Nicholi.

‘You ready to leave now?’ Nicholi asked, standing up and replacing his chair under the island.

‘Sure, I will just go grab my bag, meet you at the car,’ I confirmed, standing and replacing my chair.

‘Look at you two, like an old married couple already,’ Cross scoffed.

‘Grow up please, would you, for the love of god,’ Nicholi exclaimed, clearly irritated.

‘Thanks for the breakfast, Earl, it was delicious.’ Ignoring Cross and to my surprise, Earl smiled a little in response.

‘You are welcome, madam,’ he replied, leaving, no doubt to fetch the car for Nicholi.