Compelled

8: Life and its plot twists.

"I like this one a lot more. It just feels better on me." Liana tore her attention from the emerald green dress she was eyeing and nodded in agreement. We were dress shopping for the upcoming farewell event this weekend. 

It was a relief and achievement yet uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Moving away from here would be a huge step, one which I am ready to make but it's starting over. The day after the event, Liana and I would leave for Greece and embrace the change together. Having her be with me was just what I needed. 

"I knew this was the one for me the moment I spotted it." Liana's voice drew me out of my reverie as she emerged from the fitting room across from me wrapped elegantly in the emerald green dress she was staring at not too long ago. It hugged her small frame perfectly showcasing the gentle flare at her hips. 

"Woah, it's beautiful." 

An hour later we were ascending the stairs to the house I would be leaving soon. "Wait." Liana stopped beside me but threw me a confused look. 

I stuck my head into the doors listening for a deep voice that messed with my brain and much more. I've been avoiding him ever since the dreadful incident that happened on the terrace and so far it worked in my favor. I'd wait until he was out of the house in the morning before leaving or I left before he did. 

My shoulders relaxed since aside from the voices of the romantic drama his mom enjoyed the house was pretty much dead. "Okay, let's go." 

I pushed open the door a little more. "Who are we watching out-" Liana didn't complete her sentence. 

"I'm guessing that would be me." I jumped, my eyes surly the size of damn saucers at the deep humor filled voice that spoke behind me. Taking a few deep breaths and attempts of hiding my surprise and embarrassment of being caught, I slowly turned pasting a smile into my lips. 

"Good day, Liana. I trust that you are well." He said smiling at Liana but the humor was still lingering behind that expression. Liana nodded then returned his smiled. 

"I am, thank you." She said but knowing Liana, she wasn't going to stop there. "Uhm, why are we watching out for you?" She asked and I groaned wishing that I could hit my head numerous times against a wall. 

He let out a scoff before his gaze abruptly locked with mine. His lips, which I knew were soft yet powerful, were pulled into a devious smile while his eyes were a mix of amusement, knowing and something darker that made my stomach lurch. I swallowed nervously hating that I allowed myself to be reduced to this. If that wasn't bad enough, Liana was smirking like a monkey who found the biggest banana tree. 

"I've been trying to figure out the same thing." He said to Liana but he didn't look at her. 

"Maybe your friend here might tell you why she's evading me and you could enlighten me." I scoffed at that. As if he didn't know exactly why I was being the way I was. He rejected me and if that was his decision than however begrudging, I'd respect that but I couldn't go on as if I didn't make a huge a*s of myself. 

And what on earth was I thinking?! Endangering myself with this man who could only offer me one thing and nothing else. 

I didn't realize that I was being stared at awaiting a response. Shaking my head slowly and looking at Liana who wasn't going to be easily put off. "It isn't anything of that sort." Liana was about to say something that would no doubt contradict me and since what I was saying was contradiction enough, I wasn't going to give her the chance. Not in front of him at least since I'd just look more stupid then I already do. I shot her a look and she instantly closed her mouth. 

"We just merely have different time schedules." He shrugged then tilted his head. 

"And your explanation to making sure the coast is clear would be?" He asked crossing his hands over his broad chest. I hated that my mind could vividly remember what they felt like under my fingers. Focus. What to say?

"I-I was just making sure Mrs Pearson was awake before we entered." At that Liana scoffed and Justin chuckled. "Yeah, sure. Let's go with that." He said smugly and I wanted slap the look of his face and when my eyes shot him daggers he just laughed more. 

Great. Just b****y great. I was the punch line. Again. Gahhh!

"Well then, I'm glad that you've had some enjoyment at my cost, Mr Pearson. If that is all." I said making a move to turn around and head into the house ignoring his raised brow at my addressing him so formally. 

"No, wait. That isn't all." Hearing the seriousness in his voice, I turned facing him again. "I'm meeting a friend and her husband tonight. Luke and Hayley Basset." The names got my attention. He was amongst the richest billionaire businessman who were infamous for their status. 

Justin must've seen the look of recognition on my face." I see you know them then. Hayley insists that you join us tonight." I frowned not knowing why since I didn't meet her before.

 "Something about you treating her mother last year when she was away. Mrs Collins." Ahh, the lady who had mild chest pains. "She wants to pay her gratitude." I nodded in understanding and the serious look was dropped and a playful smile flashed across his face. 

"We leave at seven." He said then walked a little too close to me than was normal and disappeared into the house. 

I let out a breath feeling the tension leave my body with his departure and just when I thought the worst was over, Liana shot me a look. "What the heck is all of that?" She beamed mischeviously waiting for me to explain. 

"Ugh, it's really nothing." I brushed the topic of my stupidity aside and led her towards my room. Liana's curiosity wasn't doused yet, much to my relief, didn't probe further.

We deposited our shopping bags onto the chair when my phone began ringing. Since it was closer to Liana she peeked at the screen before looking at me. "It's your dad." She said handing me the device. 

He'd been calling me non stop the entire week and although I have forgiven him in my head I just didn't want to converse much with him just yet but maybe it was about time to do just that. 

"Scarlett, honey. It's your mom. She in the hospital and-" All the blood left my face stopping me from listening any further to whatever else he was saying. 

Liana shook me roughly with a frown. I swallowed the lump in my throat before informing him that I would be on my way to Greece at the earliest available flight.

"We're not in Greece. We've returned just today to sort some unfinished business. Your mum passed out the moment we landed. She's been getting constant nose bleeds." He explained and I my doctor brain started running down all the worst possible options of diagnostics. 

"Didn't she visit a doctor when he was experiencing the nose bleeds in Greece?" I asked him impatiently, moving to grab my purse that I left on the desk a few moments ago. 

"She insisted that it as well as the headaches were all due to the climate change." I groaned since that was so typical of my mother. Hospitals, doctors and needles weren't really her friend. 

"We're at St. James hospital near the airport." He said before disconnecting the call. I had to take several breaths to calm down before filling Liana in and rushing out. 

My mind was flooding with all the extreme possibilities as we drove in silence. It could just be due to the environmental change or strain or fatigue but she should've adjusted to the climate of Greece by now. The over thinking part of me wandered of to diagnosis like leukemia, brain tumors or heart disease. Ugh. 

I groaned loudly trying to expel the hideous thought from my head. "Hey, relax, Scarlett. I'm sure she's going to be just fine." Liana coaxed gently but I just wouldn't be relieved until I knew for myself what was going on and spoke to her doctor and saw her reports. I focussed on finding a parking spot and within moments we were at the reception desk.

"Mrs Miller is on the first floor. Room 278." The young receptionist informed us helpfully.

My father's back was facing me, his shoulders were hunched and his hands were knotted behind him. He turned slowly hearing our footsteps and the frown that marred his forehead melted away. His eyes because teary and he rushed to me, swooping me into a hug. He hadn't changed at all.

I relished the moment of comfort and the nostalgic feeling that came from this embrace. When I stepped away from him he assessed my face for any hostility and I had none to give to him so I smiled widely. 

"Ahh, I've missed that smile of yours. I'm so gravely sorry for the horrible thing I did to you. I -" I shook my head cutting him of.

"It's in the past, dad. It's okay." He smiled wider in relief hearing that. "Now how is mom doing?" He pursed his lips then sighed. 

"I don't know, sweety. They've ran some tests on her and now we await the results." He explained worriedly before acknowledging Liana whom, much to my surprise, remained quiet this entire time. They exchanged a greeting just as a tall, coat clad doctor approached us holding a file in his hands.

"Mr Miller, the tests are back." He said avoiding eye contact with my dad or any of us. It was something doctors did when we had bad news. Doctor Russo did it all the time too. "There seems to be some abnormalities in her blood." I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment. Abnormalities in blood wasn't good especially with the bleeding nose and headaches. 

"We will take her in for-" He was unable to complete his sentence since the heart monitor started beeping hapharzadly. He rushed to her side and a few nurses rushed in asking us to leave and I knew she was having a seizure. 

Liana held my hand tightly as we stood outside. I was glad she didn't try to reassure me because at this point I pretty much knew the diagnosis and it isn't good. I swallowed the lump in my throat then fished out my phone and called Justin to let him know I wouldn't make it tonight. 

"H-hello." The voice of a breathless female spoke in an irritated tone. I frowned then looked at my phone again checking if I had dialed the correct number and I did. 

"Err, may I speak to Mr Pearson." I muttered impatiently hating that my temper was was sparked and that my heart sank the tiniest bit. He rejected you yet here this woman is. I shook the mocking voice from my head and refocused. 

The woman scoffed. "He's a little busy at the moment." I grit my teeth in frustration before asking her to pass on the message of cancellation for tonight's dinner and didn't bother to wait before I hung up. 

I paced the little sitting area frantically. The impatience and worry was accelerating by the minute. This was the last thing I would ever expect to happen. My mother was fit and healthy so this really was a shocker. 

A half an hour later the doctor came out, his shoulders tensed and his mouth in a tight line. "She's stable now. We'd try to observe her for the night and monitor her overall reactions." He explained but then looked to the floor for a moment. I knew it was something serious. He cleared his throat then looked at my father. 

"She has a brain tumor, Mr Miller. She doesn't have very long and surgery at this late stage will not only be costly but also a fifty-fifty." I knew it but being right about it sucked the the oxygen from my lungs. My dad's eyes glazed over but the hope still showed. 

"A fifty percent chance of survival has to count for something." My dad said through quivering lips. "It's a risk I'll have to take. It's better than not trying." He continued swallowing loudly. 

The doctor ran a hand through his hair and pursed his lips. "Its quiet a large sum of money to risk as well, Mr Miller." It was evident that he knew my dad's financial situation but I had a little money saved up and I'm sure dad had a little saved too and while it may not be enough to pay the huge sum it was a start. 

"We'll take care of the funds. Just go through with it." I said to him and he nodded before sighing. 

"In a weeks time we'll try to work something out and get her an opening. Until then we can carry out more tests and get a greater insight on what were working with. I'll get a payment breakdown emailed to you." We agreed and with that he took his leave and left the three of us alone. 

My dad slumped against the wall. Liana was clutching my hand and she was tensed also. I inhaled deeply trying to flush my body of at least a fraction of the emotions that were wreaking havoc within me. It didn't do much but I figured we had no time to waste and we'd have to arrange for the funds. 

"I have some funds saved, dad. It isn't much but it's something." He frowned at me for a moment before nodding. 

"I can cash in the savings policy I have. I doubt it'll still be enough but I'll see what I can do to aquire the balance." He pulled out his phone and excused himself. 

Liana opened her mouth to speak but something behind me halted her for a second before she spoke. "I'm going to get some coffee for us. Be back in a moment." I frowned at her rushed departure then turned to see what had distracted her. 

Justin strolled in along with the man he was having lunch with a few days back. He wasn't sporting the regular suit like his friend was instead he was in a pair of well fitted black jeans and button front shirt that was tucked neatly into his jeans. 

His friend acknowledged me with a nod before stepping into the visiting lounge in the side room. I swallowed nervously then blinked a few times to remove the worry that still lingered. Plastering a small smile to my face, I looked at him and noticed his hair was tousled obviously from his earlier activity. 

I mentally shook myself to focus on more pressing matters and not embarassing rejections. How on earth did he know I was at the hospital? I didn't mention it to his lady friend.

He stopped an inch away from me. "How's your mom doing?" I blinked a few times keeping my emotions in check at the situation in question.

"She's asleep right now but she, uhm-" I swallowed the lump in my throat and took small breaths to not burst out into tears. "She has a brain tumour." 

I looked away as he took that in. He didn't move or speak and I had no intention of saying anymore. My mind was boggled and exhausted at the same time. I didn't, in my wildest day dream, expect something so devastating to happen. But fifty-fifty. That was the chances of her survival and I'd do anything to rake up the sum. 

I frowned and was dragged out of my rant when his warm hand cupped my face and it was only when his thumb wiped moisture across my skin did I realize that I was crying. A second later I was all sniffles and sobbs and it was in front of the last person I'd ever want it to be. 

"Hey-" he whispered in attempt to calm me down as he reeled me close to him into a comforting hug. "She's going to be alright, Scarlett." I ignored his words but relished the comfort and just broke down crying as softly and gracefully as I possibly could and I was sure failing. He held me saying nothing at all. 

When I finally calmed down and lifted my head from his chest I told him about my mother being operated on next week. 

"Next week? Isn't there anything sooner? I mean if her condition is serious there shouldn't be delays." He said as he relaxed a shoulder against the grey wall. 

"I think they want to get a better insight on what they're working with before they operate. She was only admitted a few hours ago." He nodded in understanding before pursing his lips and clearing his throat. 

"That operation is going to take a lot of money, Scarlett." I inhaled sharply at his words. "And your dad isn't in the best financial condition right now." From that I knew he was about to offer to pay for the procedure to which I would refuse. Dad and I have a week to gather up the funds and if all else failed than he'd be the last resort. "I really wouldn't mind helping out." I smiled genuinely at the suggestion. 

"Thank you, Justin, but we've managed to get gather up for it." I lied and his forehead creased. He'd already assisted enough when my father was deemed bankrupt. I didn't want to take more from him. 

"If you need any help down the line don't hesitate to come to me." I nodded and he smiled then looked at something behind me. 

Liana held both disposable coffee cups in her hand. Her face was unreadable as she neared us. "Took you long enough." I told her as she handed me the cup and did an assessment of my face. My nose was probably red and eyes puffy from the emotional release. 

"Well you're welcome." She said sarcastically with an eye roll. Her gaze travelled to Justin shirt and her eyes widened and for good reason. A water patch of tears ruined the front of it. Justin looked down at the mess and scoffed lightly. 

"I do apologise for that." I shrugged feeling my cheeks heating up. He was about to reply when Liana caught sight of someone and her demeanor changed. 

"You!" She shrieked with narrowed eyes. We turned to see who the person of her outburst was aimed at and there stood Justin's business friend. From how close he was to us now I noticed a light bruise around his left eye. I looked at Justin for some sought of explanation but he was equally as confused as I and watched his friends dumbstruck look.

"The hospital doesn't allow dogs." Liana said tightly and Justin chuckled clearly amused. The man just stood there, jaw clenched, eyes blazing fury and nose flaring. 

"They do cater for easily hurt so you fit right in." He taunted right back at her and by now I knew I was missing something. Liana huffed then crossed her hands over her chest. 

"Your left eye looks lonely. I think I should make them match the other one. Knocking that one wasn't really difficult." My eyes widened and Justin laughed harder then looked at the man. 

"You said you walked into the top door knob, Adam." He said still amused but Adam wasn't finding any humor in the situation. Liana made a chicken noise and I mentally groaned. 

"Not the door knob but that was me. He almost ran me over at the pedestrian crossing then insisted I didn't have the right of passage." She explained the reason for this dispute with a fire burning in her eyes. "Then I punched him." Her satisfaction was heavy in her voice at that bit.

"Okay, okay.. I think that's enough. Darcy, Elizabeth, calm down before we get kicked out." Justin said seriously but Adam just scoffed. He backed away a little. 

"I'll wait outside, Justin." Adam spoke ignoring Liana staring daggers at him. Justin would leave soon since she had to attend the dinner with the Bassets. 

"Actually, you carry on. I'm going to be here a while." Adam left and Liana huffed then made her way to the little couch that was nestled against the wall and plopped down on it. 

Looking at the towering fixed figure to my side who had no intention of leaving. He had a dinner to attend to in about an hour and he didn't really look dressed for that. I mean the man looked great in anything but this wasn't exactly formal wear. 

"You do know you have a dinner to attend to in almost an hour? You should get going." My suggestion just got a scoff from him. 

He shifted on his feet no longer leaning against the wall making him rise to his full length. "The dinner is canceled for tonight. Their son isn't feeling well." Ahh that would explain his being here without a rush to leave. I nodded just as shuffling footsteps got my attention. 

A petite, middle aged nurse stood with a smile on her face. "You must be Scarlett. Your mother is awake and asking to see you." I inhaled deeply, a mix of relief and anguish swirled within me. As I made my way to her I prayed that I didn't get emotional in front of her. She doesn't need that right now. 

She smiled weakly when she saw me enter her ward. Her arm had a needle stuck in it to administer medication that would keep her stable. Her silky hair lay messily across the white pillow. A tube was inserted into her nostril to assist with her breathing. I swallowed, blinking back the tears that were prickling my eyes. 

She was always up and about and healthy and strong and.. happy. She feebly motioned for me to sit beside her. "Hey, baby girl." She said and it took all I had within me to not break down right at that moment. 

I attempted a small smile and even though I knew I failed her eyes still lit up a little. "Hey, mom." I settled on the  seat next to the bed and she immediately swooped my hand in her cold ones. 

We stayed silent for a moment. I was hating myself right now. I should've checked up on her. Called her more often and maybe she would've told me about the b****y nose and headaches. I should have went with them to Greece. That would have made me keep an eye on her or pick up the unusual. 

"Stop that, Scarlett. I can hear your thoughts you know." My lips turned into a smile on their own accord at that despite the blurring of my eyes. 

"You should've told me, mom. I sh-should have been there for you." She shook her head while I lowered mine unable to look at her. 

"It isn't my fault. It isn't your dad's and it certainly isn't yours, darling." Her voice was shakey and I knew her lips were quivering. "You've always been hard headed, determined and strong, Scarlett, and that's what I need you to be right now." The swallowing and small breaths didn't help anymore and the tears fell freely. She sniffed and she too, was crying. 

"I'm- I'm going to be o-okay, Scarlett." It wasn't convincing and she didn't believe it herself but she said it to try to comfort me. "And besides if I don't make it at least you wouldn't have to put up with my horrible thanksgiving turkey recipe." I chuckled through the tears and so did she but that only made sobb harder. 

"I'd put up with that and so much more, mom, to have you back to your normal self." Her face softened as a mother's does when she's touched. She tugged my hand to pull me closer so she could put a hand around me in an embrace. 

Her smell was the same. A faint mix of her favorites lavender perfume and her. "I love you, Scarlett, so very much." She whispered and I just let it all out on her shoulder. The shock, the regret, the pain, the fear. 

We stayed like that for several moments. None of us said a word and just enjoyed the silence and presence of each other. The tears had dried up but my heart was still in distress. It probably would be until she's cured and restored to health. 

A knock on the door got our attention but my mom didn't let me go and I didn't make any movement to straighten up. My dad appeared first followed by Justin whose gaze locked with mine in an are-you-okay look. I nodded the tiniest bit but he caught it then looked at my mother. 

My dad stood at her other side, grasping her hand gently then smiled at her tenderly. "The nurse said we have ten minutes then we have to leave so you can rest." Dad said just as I straightened up. His face was glum at the time restriction. 

I knew I should leave and give my dad and her some time so I stood up. "It's good to see you, Mrs Miller, just not like this." Justin's deep voice was laced with warmth and sympathy. My mother smiled at him as best she could. 

"It's nice to you see you too. I hope you've been well." Her tone was warm and not proper. She spoke to him as family and from the tender emotion in his eye when he nodded in reply, he knew it too. 

Her hand loosened over mine slowly and unwillingly. Her eyes oozed love for me and fear of her situation at the same time. I hated that look. It's never been there before in her eyes and I didn't want it to be there at all but I couldn't do anything. 

The lump was building up again in my throat and I knew I had to leave before I broke down again. So I took a few steps away from her. "I love you, Mom." Her face brightened up immediately and her eyes glistened anew. I made my way past Justin who turned to leave the room with me when my mother's voice addressed him. 

"Pearson, take care of my daughter. Please." She begged him sincerely, her voice on the verge of cracking. His face contorted into a serious one before he replied without even an ounce of hesitation.

"I will, ma'am." He said almost as if he felt honored. Then again, he was in front of a woman who was scared out of her mind so a little lie to comfort her wouldn't be hard to pull of. 

We made our way out of the hospital. Liana and Justin conversed lightly while I trailed a few steps ahead of them towards my car. I took in the cool air and found it less suffocating compared to the building behind me. With each breath I tried to let go of some piece if the wrenching fear and worry but it didn't do much. 

I stopped at my car to unlock it and noticed Liana a few paces away from the vehicle whole Justin was right next to me. I eyes Liana questioningly. "I already called a cab. I have to stop at the grocery store for a few things. You go ahead." I sighed tiredly and watched as a yellow cab pulled up and she got in and left. 

The keys to my car was snatched from my fingers before I could even turn. Justin held it about his head and out of my reach. "What are you doing?" I asked in confusion then realized that he didn't have a ride home since he came here with Adam. 

"I need a ride." He said impishly with a shrug of his broad shoulders. A billionaire who could quiet simply call for a personal car of his own was asking for a ride home. I scoffed lightly and he smiled. 

"That's alright but why can't I drive home?" He raised a brow at me then let out a breath before explaining. 

"Because, missy, if you're driving then we'd go straight home." He guided me over to the other side before holding the door open then gently settling me in. He got in and started the car while I was thinking where else we had to go. "You haven't eaten and neither have I." He said in a mother hen tone and I rolled my eyes. 

"I'm really tired so can we grab it to go instead of a sit down?" He nodded at my request and fifteen minutes later we were heading for the house with delicious smelling Mexican take-out. 

I stared outside the window as the trees and roads blurred and thought just how unpredictable life is. If I drove down this exact same road yesterday I wouldn't have thought that my heart would be so heavy going down this route today. It just proved that one could never really take control of life completely. 

"A penny for your thoughts?" Justin's voice cut in to my reality check. I looked at him as he kept his eyes on the road. He looked even more alluring in the dim night light. I shook my head, reminding myself that all I was getting from him was just sympathy and nothing else.

"Hmm okay, how about a lot of pennies then?" He mused when I didn't speak. I let out a smile and he smiled too. 

"It's just that life can be so unpredictable. Today everything can be so perfect and all will be well but in a split second, it could all fall apart." I was looking out the window again finding a sort of ease in it when his want hand wrapped over mine. He squeezed it gently but didn't let go.  

"I know what you're feeling. The uncertainty, the fear and worry. Not knowing which way things can go." It was comforting knowing he understood exactly how it felt and remembered that he was in a similar situation not too long ago. "And I know I can't do much but I'll be here for you." He said sincerely but then I recalled what my Mom had said to him and frowned. 

"You know you don't need to keep your promise to my mother. It may have been a spur of the moment thing or maybe just not wanting to hurt the ill but whatever it was, I won't hold you to it." My voice was serious and his eyes narrowed at the road while he face tenses. He didn't say anything in contradiction so I rested my head against the seat to clear my head from this day. 

"I would've done it even if your mother hadn't told me to, Scarlett." His voice was almost a whisper heavy with many things that I couldn't comprehend. Turning my head to grasp his expression I noticed his face quickly compose to an unreadable one. His messy hair brought me back from the cloud I seemed to be getting high on. Which reminds me that I didn't really know how he got to know about my mother.

"How did you discover where I was? All I told your lady friend was that I wouldn't make it for the dinner." He smirked and I didn't understand since I didn't really say anything amusing.

"Well, first, the lady friend was actually my assistant who had a busy day and second, your dad is Mr Miller. The spotlight isn't really off of him." I was still recovering from the embarrassment of assuming his assistant and him had a thing. I guess I knew what he was so amused about.