Compelled

18. Cornered

"Maybe the napkins could be placed individually with each plate." Liana suggested as she placed the neatly folded pink paper napkin onto the plate to demonstrate the look. Claire nodded in agreement seemingly liking the idea. I looked at it and nodded giving her the go ahead to do what she wanted.

While Liana was busy with that, Claire and I started on the tables, covering them with a light pink table cloth that had white polker dots on them. It was the night before the party but we decided to preset most of the things so that it won't be a rush tomorrow.

I looked around the backyard and was satisfied with how it all turned out. Thankfully the weather was stable and wouldn't cause any disruption throughout the night.

"My mother is really fond of you." I looked up at Claire who was arranging whatever set plates that Liana was done with. I let out a small smile at the surprising comment since I couldn't think of anything more to say. Claire frowned for a bit with pursed lips. "She also mentioned that my brother and you got along quiet well." She added while handing me the cupcake stand. I swallowed disliking that she knew that since she could probably already see the features Sofia shares with her father.

Her tone of voice was suggestive but she wanted me to give her even the tiniest of confirmation. I sighed, closing my eyes and thinking that maybe now was the time to tell Claire and just have it out there. It's better she heard it from me then finding out through other means which would only cause her to be upset with me.

"Claire-" I said and the hesitant undertone got her attention. "The thing is, well you see, your br-" the crashing of glass cut me off and Claire's attention was now fixed on the direction of the noise. To me, the moment was lost and I couldn't muster the courage to tell her.

She made her way to Liana whose hand the glass cup slipped from leaving me outside. I let out a breath and felt the anxiety leave me but that didn't help because it didn't remedy the situation at all. After a full five minutes, I finally decided to go back into the house and once everything was done and the cake was placed in the fridge, Liana and Claire made their way to the exit.

"You could always stay over, Li." Liana shrugged on her jacket and smiled. Ever since we moved here, Liana rarely stayed over and it was because she was busy most of the time. Late night and early days but when she didn't get time off, she spent it here but aside from that, she was really different after the Ian thing. She didn't say it but I knew it still effected her and I didn't expect it not to. I'd tried talking to her about it but she's brush it off.

"You know I would love to but I didn't bring an over night bag and besides, it's not like I stay far away." She reasoned I nodded in understanding and followed them to the door that Claire opened.

She stopped just before stepping out and since she was standing in the doorway, Liana was stuck with us. "What was it you were saying outside? It was something about my brother." I could've sworn the gulp of nervousness was audible. Liana's eyes widened I clenched my jaw.

"Oh it's nothing. I was just going to say that he is a good person." She raised a brow then shook her head, buying it. Liana was amused but at the same time surprised and it was clear she knew that I had come close to telling Claire.

The second they left, I let out a heavy sigh. Sophia was already asleep thanks to my mom. I was so grateful for her since she really did help me a lot. My job was so draining on most days that I really couldn't do much once I got home besides shower and see to Sofi. It was tough being a working mother but it was something I had to do for my mom. For Sofi.

After freshing up and having a change of clothes, I snuggled into the bed besides my sleeping child reminding myself that she'd be a year old tomorrow. The year did go by too fast and I could still remember when I first saw her with a head full of hair and lips so pink they almost looked red.

Maybe it was really time to tell him. As much as I tried to deny that he didn't need to know I just hated feeling that he was being deprived of the joys that Sofia brought when he had as much right to experience this as I did.

My heart clenched as the familiar feeling of fear settled in my chest at the thought of him deciding to take her away but I calmed myself. Justin wasn't someone who was mean and unreasonable but him finding out from a source other than myself may just cause him to be so.

I turned to my bedside and grasped my phone once again. Ignoring the pounding of my heart and the countless thoughts racing through my head, I dialled his number. Usually it would ring but this time it didn't. The computerised voice said that he was unavailable and to leave a message. I groaned in frustration but this time, I was relieved knowing that I really did, wholeheartedly, make the attempt to tell him.

I hung up before the tone that signalled to leave a message then turned, snuggling close to Sofi thinking of the day ahead before dozing off.

It was just after seven when I woke up to find the little body curled across my torso. I lay like that for a few minutes caressing her deep brown hair until I realized there was still a few things left to do before the party began at ten. Carefully, so as to not wake Sofi, I moved her back onto the bed. She readjusted slightly before stilling and going back to sleep.

It was too early to wake her yet and she would be crabby by the time the party was in full swing.

Getting myself fresh and ready for the day, I spritz on some perfume and went through the door of my room to find Liana, Claire and my mom having coffee and some baked goods that smelled amazing. They light chatter came to a halt when they spotted me.

Seeing them here so early was truly touching knowing that they were sacrificing their day to be here for Sofi and to help me. "Good morning." My greeting was distracted as I looked for my mug with the squiggly lines on them.

"Morning." Claire said brightly. "I brought goodies." She said referring to the cinnamon buns that were smelling pretty damn good. Having found my cup and poured myself some coffee, I settled on a chair next to Liana and across from Claire and mom.

"Nothing better than to start your day off with a cinnamon bun. These look amazing by the way, Claire." She smiled at the praise as I bit down on the still warm bun. It was delicious, not too sweet with the perfect amount of cinnamon and pecan nuts.

"You're going to need the sugar rush for the day you have ahead with, what like, nine kids?" At the horrified panicked look my face had contorted into, they laughed.

It wasn't going to be all that bad, really. Half of them were kids of the doctors I worked with who got a long with Sofi. The rest were simply the people we met often when I took Sofi to the park.

"It's going to be fine. Anyway, did you manage to get the rods for the race?" Liana, who suggested we made it exciting by having the children participate in a crawling race, smiled in childish excitement and nodded enthusiastically.

"I already set it up in the back corner and out of the way in the yard." I stared at her thankfully, not knowing to actually thank her.

"Thank you so much." I said to her and she rolled her eyes at me. Ignoring her, I turned to Claire. "You too, Claire. You have a family and children of your own yet you still made the time and effort to be here. Unlike Liana, Claire's face lit up and her eyes were warm before she mentioned that it was no big deal.

"I am truly fond of Sofi and you're

family too." I swallowed the guilty feeling building up in my throat. She took me as family and I was hiding something so big from her. If Claire ever found out, she would be so hurt and upset with me.

While I was lost in my thoughts, I could feel my mother's disapproving gaze on me. I didn't blame her for it right now because I felt like the worse human being right now.

"We didn't get soda and the lemonade still needs to be picked up." Liana said which turned my attention from my mother's glare to her. Crap.

I totally forgot about the drinks and I remembered to get popcorn as well. Making a mental note to get them the moment Sofi was awake, fed and dressed. The store wasn't too far away and neither was the restaurant were I was picking the lemonade up from.

"I'll see to it. There's still time before people start arriving. We're actually too early." It was half seven and people would only be here after ten. Majority of the tasks were taken care of so we did, in fact, start of too early this morning.

My mother, who hasn't said anything since I got here, agreed with me letting out a slight yawn. Liana and Claire rose and headed to the kitchen to deposit their cups.

Claire reached for her throw. "I'm going to see to Rose. If I know her well enough, she's probably screaming her guts out to get someone's attention." She said lightly as she shrugged the woolen material. "I'll be back in a bit." And with that Claire had left.

Liana was scrolling through her phone at the far end of the room seeming utterly occupied with whatever she was looking at. Not wanting to make eye contact with my mother, I pushed my chair back and stood to get started with the day.

It was when I turned that I her gentle voice reached me. "I love you, Scarlett and I'm so proud of you for the strong woman that you've become." My chest tugged with emotion at her words. These past few weeks she had been so busy admonishing me for my deception that we mostly quarrelled so this was really touching.

I turned to see her look lovingly at me, almost the same way that I looked at Sofi when I was feeling an excess amount of fondness for her, with a gentle smile on her face. "I love you too, Mom. Always." Her eyes brightened and her smile widened and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

With that, I headed back into the room to find Sofi sitting up right onto the bed, rubbing her eyes. "Good morning, baby." I said softly bending down and placing a kiss on her cheeks. "And happy birthday." She knew was birthdays were, well kind off. At liana's, she was a bit lost. On mom's, she seemed a lot more excited and at mine, she finally understood it was a celebration and since then, she almost always clapped when we sang happy birthday.

Right now, she was still sleeping and wanted to cuddle until she was fully awake. So, I held her for a few minutes and that was all it took for her to lift her head and stare at me with her father's brown eyes. It was unsettling at times how strikingly certain features of hers resembled his with some more defined as she smiled or when she had a change of expression.

I quickly gave her a shower and thankfully she didn't make a mess with the water today. I decided to put on a plain romper for her until later since she still had to eat breakfast and would most certainly get some on her clothes. And speaking of breakfast. "Ess. Eeek Umm umm." I couldn't help but giggle a little at her eager request for food.

Half an hour later, she was fed and scooped up by Liana who took her to the back yard for some fresh air. I paused for a moment after cleaning up a little bit to take in some air myself before grabbing my bag and keys and was on my way to pick up the last minutes things.

It wasn't a long drive to where the restaurant where I picked up the batch of preordered lemonade. The guy at the front spoke fluent Greek but when he saw my confused look not know what the heck he was saying, he sighed starting again in broken English asking me if I needed help with the the crate of bottled lemonade. The crates were heavy and I couldn't carry them myself so I nodded affirming the need for his help which he gladly offered.

The grocery store was merely few minutes away from the restaurant. I found a parking spot close to the entrance but since the store was literally situated on a roadside, the parking was located on the designated space along the pavement.

It took me around fifteen minutes to find the popcorn kernels, which is what I initially got here for, when I spotted some sweets that would be great to full in a jar. I grabbed a few of them then headed to pay for them. Back at the car, I held the brown bag in one hand and a the door to the driver side with another when the roaring of an engine behind my car got my attention. I decided to ignore it, thinking it would drive away.

"Excuse me, Miss." The formal deep voice reached me following the sound of windows being automatically rolled down. I left the grocery bag into the seat before turning to face the man. The vehicle was a sleek black porche with heavily tinted windows and the man who called out seemed to be a chauffeur.

I cleaned my throat. "Can I help you with anything?" The elderly man's light grey eyes softened at my friendly tone.

"Yes, well, I'm hoping you could tell me how to get to Adrienou Street? I'm afraid I'm rather lost." He explained with a sheepish shrug displaying his embarassment. Adrienou Street was the very same street I lived on which was weird since I didn't know of anyone who was expecting guests but then again, the man that lived at the end of the street always had people coming and going in his house.

"It isn't too far from here." I began to explain then gave him the directions to the where he needed to go. His shoulders sagged in relief and the man thanked me before driving off.

When I go home, I was thankful to see that everything was still in its place and no chaos had ensued. Yet.

Shaking the negativity from my head and making my way into the house to find Ethan and Chloe having a heating arguement in the lounge. I didn't invite any of them but here they were aside for the other two.

They were so engrossed in their fight that they didn't notice me enter. "This was my idea!" Chloe, who was wearing a casual floral summer dress, narrowed her lined eyes at Ethan. "And you said it was a dumb idea just like me yet here you are. Guess you're the dumb one after all." She said grinning while Ethan just stared at her with an annoyed expression.

"You weren't invited today! So what on earth are you even doing here." Ethan shot back and rolled my eyes growing tired of this.

I walked a little closer before stoppimg and crossing my arms. "I may ask you the same thing." Both of them tensed then turned to face me. Chloe was amused at Ethan's fear stricken expression but I shot her a look which made her drop her gaze to floor.

"What is going on here? Aren't you two supposed to be at the hospital today instead of being here fighting like a bunch of babies?" I asked, admonishing them both. Chloe opened her mouth to speak but Ethan beat her to it.

"Chief told us to get some rest. It's all part of the new hospital law of interns only working certain hours." I frowned not believing that they had enforced that law.

Shaking my head, I raised an eyebrow at them. "Off day or not, why are you here?" Chloe held up the pink wrapped gift in her hand with an exaggerated sweet smile on her face.

"For little Sofia's birthday." She said as if it was the most duh thing. I sighed trying my best not to laugh as Ethan shoved her away. He held forward an unwrapped box which displayed an inflatable pool set.

He smirked with pride as if he was going to outdo Chloe. "I brought this for the kids. Maybe I could set it up and make this party the best-"

"Ola." Oh sweet baby Jones. I groaned at the voices from the door. Miranda and Scott entered with Miranda holding an array of pink iced cupcakes in her hand. Scott, who held a small gift bag, beside her.

They smiled widely but the fear of the uncertainty of my reaction lurked behind their eyes. "Okay. Number one," I said facing Ethan. "We're not having a pool party but thank you for the inflatable." I said as I took the box from him. "And number two, what the b****y hell is going on here?! Chief couldn't have given all four of you an off day." Miranda scoffed at my words and so did Ethan.

I frowned. Something was so up! "Alright, spill the damn beans. Now!" They swallowed audibly which made me want to chuckle. They knew I would never seriously punish them but as their senior, I guess they just tensed until they knew what the verdict would be.

Ethan was first to speak. "Well, Miranda and I are actually sick." He said putting finger quotations around the word sick. "We just wanted to be here for the party." Chloe added brightly.

"And by attend the party you mean to be kiss ups." I concluded and scoffed when they made a fake offended face, all of them except Scott.

"Bingo." Scott exclaimed not being able to tolerate this any longer just like me. I sighed and then took I'm a deep breath. They were actually really fun people to be around so what the heck.

I didn't have much time to waste since I needed to get Sofi ready and pop corn popped before guests start arriving which would be soon. "Okay, fine. You guys can stay."

I didn't wait to hear anything more from them since I sauntered into the room. I just entered when I realized that the chief would be here with his wife and their kid and those two are going to be in for a surprise but I guess, that would be a suitable punishment.

Focusing on the task at hand, I lay Sofi's dress onto the bed. It was a mix of a light pink cotton top half with a bow and a darker pink tutu from the waist down. It was pretty yet easy and comfortable enough to still move around.

Having set her dress along the shoes and matching headband, I went to find her so I could change her quickly. Liana was holding her onto the grass with her hands above her head as she tickled her lightly eliciting a fit of giggle and a deep snort frim Sofi. "Okay okay, someone needs to get changed." Liana stopped to look at me and Sofi tilted her head to see me upside down baring her little teeth.

"I was about to bring her to you." She said as I bend down to pick Sofi up who wrapped her arms around my neck.

"Is Claire not back yet?" Liana frowned and pursed her lips, straightened herself from off the ground.

"She did pop in after you left but then her phone rang and she had to leave again." My frown deepened but then she had a family and kids of her own that probably needed attention too.

"Maybe she had something to see too." Liana nodded in agreement and I left her and went back into the house.

Forty-five minutes later, guests started to come in with Raina and her toddler being the first followed by the other moms and toddlers who we met at the park every week or so. Liana led them to the back where everything was set and ready for them.

I mingled and spoke to all of them, greeting them warmly and telling them to assist themselves to the snacks. My interns were being helpful and grabbed the snack trays and took them around. They made sure that I saw them and for once, I thanked them. Just wait until they see the chief. It was something to look forward to but obviously, I would defend them.

My eyes scanned the area and noticed that Claire was still missing which was really odd. I looked at Sofi, who was playing on the grass with the other toddlers, making sure she was alright before I went to see what was up with Claire.

Liana passed me with the popcorn bowls in her hand. "Slow down there, Scarlett." She said stopping and bringing me to halt. "Where are you rushing to?" She inquired with a frown to her brows.

"I'm going to see if Claire is alright. She hasn't shown up yet." Her frown eased which only made me frown as she relaxed her shoulders.

"I spotted her coming out of her house with Rosie but then a car pulled up and she went back in. Think Alex got a new ride." She said and walked on out into the back. I relaxed too, knowing that she was okay and nothing major had happened.

She didn't mention Alex getting a new car but then again, maybe she found it irrelevant to mention. I shrugged then remembered that the lemonade needed to be taken out so I got busy with that.

I poured the liquid into a pitcher when Scott entered the kitchen. "Scott to the rescue." His voice was made manly, almost like how someone would say superman to the rescue. I let out a laugh and he smiled at the reaction.

"Thank you. Well, actually all of you, for the help." He recovered from his initial shock and reached for the pitchers.

"You're really welcome and I won't tell the others you have a soft side." He quickly scurried away frim the kitchen before I could berate him.

We decided to have the toddlers race before we cut the cake. So, we gathered all the children and their respective parents to cheer them on at either ends of the race. The vibes were good. Everyone was having a nice time and no one seemed to be stuck up or a party pooper. We delayed a little bit since the chief said he was almost here.

I looked at Ethan and Miranda who had no clue that the chief would be here soon and they were going to be busted for their whole sick lie. Liana agreed to help me, since I was an only parent, and stand at the starting mark while I cheered Sofi on from the finished line. All was going well and as planned.

I was hoping that by the time the chief got here, Claire would be here with Rosie. I didn't want to barge into her house and she had a situation with Alex. I'll have to ask her if all is well when I see her.

"We're here." Sandra, the chiefs wife, said when they entered and everyone was relieved since we've been waiting for almost ten minutes and the little ones were starting to get crabby.

Sandra was carrying her two year old son who seemed to be shyly hiding his face on her shoulder. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Miranda and Scott retreat slyly to the front of the house to avoid the chief. It was almost impossible to not laugh at their reactions even though it was very much expected.

The doorbell rang and Liana quickly rushed into the house to let whoever it was in so we could get started. I was immensely satisfied to see Alex as well as Claire, who seemed to be perfectly alright with little Rosie in her arms.

She threw me an apologising look to which I just shook my head. "It's okay. I'm just happy you're here." She smiled then stood in the empty line with Rosie while Alex stood at the finish line.

Sofi was seated at the beginning mark and seemed to be happily picking at the grass. Liana finally got out and the expression she was wearing was a mix between mortified and worry. I frowned but she avoided my gaze as she stood where I was and motioned for me to go to the finish line to wait for Sofi.

"You have a problem." She said, her voice etched with shock and disbelief as she whispered while I walked past her.