Compelled

3. An awkward meeting.

The teenage boy, who calmly sat on the examination bed having his adrenaline run out, didn't flinch nor scream when I injected a dose of numbing around the deeply cut wound on his thigh. A skateboard race gone wrong. 

"So do you skate often or was this your first time?" I attempted making small talk with him. His heavy brown eyes lit up the slightest bit and you could tell he had a deep spot for the sport. I threaded the stitching line into the u shaped needle aware that he was watching my every move but I knew he was strong. If the numbing didn't make him flinch, the stitching wouldn't even be felt.

"I've been skating since I was twelve years old. I love it." His voice was laden with joy despite him being here because of it. The door to the evenly spaced room opened and his mother entered after taking the call she left the room for. 

"And how old are you now? Do you get hurt this often or is this just the first major accident?" I continued with the small talk and paused until he spoke so while he was distracted I could place the needle around the cleaned skin of the wound and start sealing it. 

"18." He said and I pushed the needle in. He watched, breathed out since looking at it must've disturbed him but once he realised there was no pain he exhaled. "No, not that often. I mean there is the occasional bruise and skinned knees and elbows but that's about it. It's my first time getting stitches." He said, sounding proud about himself but at the same time disappointed that that record for no stitches was broken now. 

Having finished seeing to the skateboard lover and seeing him off, I removed the stained gloves and disposed of them into the trash can. My coat was shrugged off my shoulders and since it was clean, I hung it up on the copper coloured hook. 

''You headed out already? I though we'd catch our usual coffees' together.'' Jenna, the professional and full trained nurse who worked here way before I could set foot in this centre, asked. The disappointment was clear in the way her facial expressions dropped the moment she entered and saw my bag in my hand and me not having the white coat on anymore. 

Jenna was around her early thirties. Married, beautiful and after two kids she still looked youthful and well kept. She was the first person that volunteered to train me and since I was new around here she asked me to join her for our four p.m break and it has become a routine ever since. I knew she had come to know about my families downfall and consequently mine. 

Everyone at the medical centre seemed to express their pity. Some more straight forward and others more reserved and doing so with sympathetic eyes and a small tilt of their heads but Jenna didn't. She never judged me. No since the first day I got here and all the other qualified practitioners assumed I was too young and therefore ignorant nor today, when everyone did. She was like having a bigger sister my parents couldn't give me. 

''It's Saturday. I knock off early and besides I'm sure I annoy the living daylights out of you, Jen. Why on earth would you want to endure half an hour with me?'' I teased and she rolled her eyes, flashing me a playful smile. She removed her coat as well and hung it on the hook that was next to mine. 

''You don't annoy me but your boyfriend does.'' There we go again. ''He is such a waste and you, my dear, could do so much better.'' Jenna never liked Ian and I never understood why. I never argued with her over it but instead I'd chuckled at the harmless comments she made and carried on. 

''Ian is a nice guy. Maybe you just don't know him that well. I could arrange for us to have lunch one day and you can get your opinion about him rechecked.'' I offered to which she snorted and I so knew a smart-a*s comment was on its way. She turned towards me, pulling her hair tie around her ebony coloured hair one last time, then she took a deep breath. Her black eyes were narrowed. 

''No amount of time could be spent with Ian to convince me he is a nice guy. My good opinion once lost is lost for good.'' She said firmly and I knew- as always- nothing was going to change her opinion and I respected that. She reached her small red purse. 

''Wait. Did you just quote Mr Darcy? That's impressive.'' I giggled and she stuck her tongue out at me then stood straight. 

''So are joining me or nah?'' She offered again and I just wanted to pull her string a little bit.

''Sorry babes, my mom say I can't come.'' She burst out laughing, smacking my arm with the purse she had in her hand. 

''Come on. Of course I'd join you.'' She smiled and led the way to the small café that was just outside the medical centre. 

After having coffee with Jenna, we said our goodbyes. She told me to call her if I ever need anything and that's the thing about her. She always told me that. She wasn't saying it now just because of whatever calamity befell me. We talked about the situation obviously. She was one of the very few that was actually concerned for my wellbeing. Jenna headed back into the centre then I waved at her one last time and got into my car. 

When I got to the apartment, it was really silent. No one had returned last night so it has been just me since I got here. That was blessing too. I appreciated and revelled in the peace that the silence brought along. My dad had called again but I ignored his call and headed for a quick shower. A cold chicken and mayo sandwich that I had prepared earlier was waiting for me in the fridge and it was all I thought about since I got into the spacious shower that could accommodate seven comfortably. 

I threw on a pair of black pajama bottoms and a tank top and sauntered to the lounge then the fridge. I figured since I was alone there was no harm in using the expensive stereo. There was orange juice and by the taste you could tell it was freshly squeezed. I placed a big glass of it on the little nook that had three bar stools on the other side. I took the sandwich from the fridge, searching for a plate as I sang at the top of my voice to Lana Del Ray. Having finally located a plate after opening every single cupboard, I placed the sandwich from the plastic container to the place and then turned to leave it along side the juice on the nook, still singing along with Lana- very terribly as well. 

When I turned I jumped back a little. My heart was beating as if I had just run away from ten vicious dogs from the shock. The huge, handsome man, who was seated comfortably in one of the bar chairs, was silently laughing. 

Ahh, the one and only. My face was probably a mask of embarrassment and horror. I was frozen in the middle of the kitchen. Thankfully my sandwich was intact. His blatant laughter quietened down and was now rendered to an amused smirk, his lips curving upwards revealing his perfectly white and shiny teeth. His hair was ruffled almost as if he had ran his hand through it several times. It was really surprising having one of the most well-known businessman who played such damn serious roles being this amused. Scarlet, you little s**t! You stupid little girl.

''It is truly a pleasure to meet you again, Scarlet.'' He barely contained his amusement although I doubt he was even trying to hide it. ''I'm pleased to see that you have, indeed, settled in nicely.'' He said teasingly and I mentally shrunk, wishing these beautiful ceramic tiles would just open up and consume me. 

When did he get here and how long had he witnessed me making a fool out of myself for? Could I face palm this situation into oblivion? The answer was no. In real life you have to deal with the embarrassment.

''I- I didn't know anyone was here. I'm terribly sorry.'' That was all my panicked brain could manage to conjure up. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the nook. His smirk was gone but he didn't look harsh like I had expected. Instead he just appeared as a chilled normal human being when he was anything but.

''There's no need to apologise. I'm relieved to see that you are feeling at home here.'' He smiled politely then turned his attention to the sleeves of his white shirt, popping the links open then proceeding to roll them up to his elbows. 

His forearms were muscular much like most of him. His shoulders were broad, his neck defined and a jaw line that any guy with kill for. He looked back up and I forgot I was staring and quickly looked down at the sandwich. Could I make any more of a fool out of myself?

After flashing him a small smile, I got my food and slowly sauntered out of the kitchen and headed towards the balcony. The view, as Gregor had mentioned, was breath taking and so serene. I pushed back the sliding door, placed my hands contents on the little wooden table in between the two outdoor chairs then sunk into on of them. The sun was warm with a slight breeze making the warmth tolerable and actually enjoyable. 

One nudge. A soft one followed by a little firmer one. ''Scarlet. Scarlet, wake up.'' The second I heard that voice, so gentle and calm, I shot straight up. I had fallen asleep here just like yesterday. The sky was dull and turning dark. I looked up at the tall figure looming over me, waiting patiently. 

''What's the matter?'' I rubbed the sleep away from my eyes not caring that my voices sounded so bad from just waking up. He brought a phone towards me, holding it out for me. I stared at it in confusion. 

''The lady from the floor below phoned to complain about the noise earlier." He said and I instantly jolted up. Embarassed that there were actually complaints. Mr Pearson's face went from serious to a more relaxed expression. 

"Im just kidding. It's your father. Said you were dodging his calls and he got worried.'' I narrowed my eyes at him but a small smile escaped my lips at his little joke. However, I didn't want to speak to my father right now, not anytime soon in fact. Shaking my head twice, conveying a no, and stood up. His chocolatey brown eyes narrowed in the tiniest way followed by a sigh. 

''Speak to him. Ease his worry. It'll get him off both our backs.'' He said logically, his voice soft and I had to admit, he really surprised me. Usually, and I don't mean to be stereotypical, but usually rich s***h successful men were rough, arrogant, too serious and impatient. He, Mr Pearson, was the extreme opposite but then again, I only just met the guy but first impressions are lasting ones. 

Letting out a small groan, I retrieved the smooth, thin device from his hand. He nodded encouragingly then stepped back inside, allowing me some privacy. 

''Are you there, sweetheart?'' My dads strained voice came through the speaker. Lets get this over with shall we. 

''Yeah, I'm here. How's mom?'' I was trying to completely change the topic. I knew he was going to scrutinize me for dodging his calls.

''She's alright. Why haven't you been answering my calls?'' He sounded disappointed and I almost wanted to laugh. 

''I was busy.'' I lied and I was sure he knew it but he didn't call me out for it. 

''Uhm, Okay. I'm really sorry, Scar, for leaving and not telling you. I just thought it would be easier on you if that's how it was.'' He gave me his crappy explanation and I wasn't buying any of it. 

''No, dad. It was quiet the opposite. After all that you did, you could have at least told me you were leaving. I was with you quiet often after everything went down yet you didn't tell me.'' I knew my voice was an octave too high so I exhaled slowly, bringing my free hand to massage my temples in frustration. ''Dad, it's been a long day. Goodnight. Give my love to mom for me.'' I said then hung up. 

I found the owner of the device that was still in my hand. It looked like an expensive phone and I took extra care, holding it in front of me instead of at my side. He was standing in the hallway, fixing the bowtie on his black and while tailor made suit. It fit over him like a second set of skin. The broadness of his back made little neat crease lines form in between his shoulder blades. 

''H-Here's your phone. I'm so sorry for my father. I didn't know he'd phone you to get to me.'' He took the phone from my hand, his warm hand brushing ever so slightly against mine. 

''Hey, it's alright. You don't have to apologise.'' He was smiling again. 

''I really d-'' The sound of my phone ringing loudly from my room stopped me. ''Excuse me.'' He nodded and I power walked to the room, found my phone in the pedestal drawer then looked at the name on the screen. 

''Hey, baby. Have you forgotten me already? Surely the rich and famous cannot be that good now.'' Ian teased and I groaned. I knew I didn't call him but then again, he could've called me as well. It worked both ways. 

''I've just been so busy and tired with work and the moving.'' I explained and he chuckled. 

''I'm just playing with you. Anyway, Get ready in half an hour. We're going out to the new club.'' I mentally groaned. I would so much prefer to stay home and enjoy the quiet then go out into some loud music busting club. But then again if I refused, Ian would just insinuate that it had something to do with Mr Pearson. So I said yes then hung up before looking for my black dress that was comfortable yet dressy enough for a club. 

A little over a half an hour later, Ian had sent me a message saying he was here. The one and only had left to wherever it is he planned on going to looking that devilishly handsome. What? Oh shut up. One last look in the mirror, inspecting my smokey eye and red lips, I got into the elevator, out the parking lot and into the black Jeep parked across the road. 

The club wasn't that far away, just two streets from the penthouse. Ian guided me through the door after the guard looked at the thick stack of papers hanging from his clipboard and opened the blue velvet barrier for us to enter. This place was so prestige, you had to make a damn reservation. 

The music was blaring from speakers that were scattered all over the walls. Few poles were connected from floor to ceiling where woman of all colours did they thing wearing the tiniest of clothing. The room was dark but the LED lights that changed color every so often kept it alluring. 

"I'm surprised the rich guy hasn't snatched you up yet. After all, you are a beauty." We were seated at the far end of the bar. I narrowed my eyes at him, ignoring his indirect compliment. If he was complimenting me then he might as well have done it directly without linking it with a double meaning.

"I thought your ego was much more strong than this. Who knew that a financially stable man would intimidate you so much." I shot back at him then turned to the waiter and asked for a mocktail. He was offended, I was sure of it. 

He grimaced, clenched his jaw but then it was gone in a second. His face held a big smile, the fakeness of which I saw right through.

"Relax. I'm just joking." He said when I knew he really wasn't. I flashed him a smile of my own.

"And so was I." He nodded then leaned more closer to me. 

"So, I've been thinking won't it be good to get a little more money and well, live the life." He said after taking a sip of his drink. I frowned a little. Ian was an engineer. As far as I knew he was earning fairly well. 

"Aren't you already living the life?" He seemed a little hesitant which only made me a whole lot more suspicious. Ian never behaved like this. 

"Yeah, I am but it isn't where I want to be. Not yet at least." He said, shrugging slightly while staring me right in the eyes. 

"Then hard work and perseverance is your best friend." His eyes creased at the sides and I knew he was losing his patience with me but else did he expect me to say or do?

"You're right, babe. However,-" He took another sip, savoring the taste for a little longer than necessary. "There are easier and much faster ways." I raised an eyebrow waiting for him to specify those ways. A part of me knew what he was hinting at but I was so hoping I was wrong.

"Pearson is a goldmine. I hear he tips his waiters what I earn in a month." I stared at him, assuming he'd know better than to listen to gossip. "I'm not suggesting we loot everything. Half of it at least." He said and I stared at him. For a second. A minute. I didn't know. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing from him. 

Firstly him even suggesting such a thing was so stupid of him. Did he not take in how well protected finance is by men who owned it. And secondly just him having such a thought repulsed me to the point of slapping him but I held back. 

Instead, I smiled and shook my head. "I won't be a part of this ridiculous ploy and for your wellbeing, I hope you banish such thoughts." He swallowed and even through the loud music, I could hear it. 

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, you're right. That wasn't a wise idea." He resigned from discussing the matter any further. I wasn't in the mood anymore. He definitely killed my vibe and I was disappointed in him. 

"I've had a really tough day, as I'm sure you did too. Could we please leave?" He coughed then signaled for the bartender to bring over the bill for our drinks.

Once on the Jeep, I buckled up and stayed silent for more of the ride. When he asked what was bothering me I shrugged, saying I was exhausted. The last time I was in his car, I had left my favorite red lipstick in the main console. We were almost to where my new residence was now. I opened the console and I didn't even have to look at Ian to know that he was tensed. And then I found out why.

What the heck?! Condoms?! Like what? 50 of them?

"What is the meaning of this, Ian?! Why do you have these in your car?" I almost yelled at him but he just swallowed nervously then stayed quiet for a long while. 

"Your b-birthday is coming soon. I thought, you know, that we might-" He trailed of and I wasn't buying that story at all but I let it slide. I wasn't in the mood for another spaz. 

"Yeah, right. Well, I'm not ready." Was all I said, shutting down those thoughts. Until I knew exactly what his little mind was up to, I'd physically stay away. He pulled up in the same spot he parked at when he picked me up. I routinely gave him a kiss that lasted no more that five seconds before getting out and almost half running into the elevator.

And then I realized I wasn't alone. Mr Pearson and a tall brunette draped to his side in an elegant dress were resting against the metallic wall of the elevator. The brunette ran her gaze up and down my length with distaste. Her nose scrunched at me, her shoulders squared up before she sank further into Mr Pearsons' side. He, too, ran his gaze along my body but his assessment was way more different. More intense. More hot. He stared longer than usual, his gaze burning through the thin black material of my dress. It made feel some type of way that I knew wasn't good.

I stared at him, raising a brow. He just smirked then turned back to his date. So he was, as they said, a use and discard kinda guy. No serious relationships. Just one night or day or week or however long he pleases. No strings attached. 

She whispered something into his ear and he let out a low laugh. It filled the tiny space, the sound running up my spine. I gasped at my hormonal reaction to just this mans laugh. He heard my soft gasp, his gaze burning me once again. He knew what was running through my mind. The elevator dinged and I couldn't have been more relieved. I uttered a formal rushed goodnight and scurried away to the room, leaving them to get on with whatever they had planned.

At the back of my head, Ians' words just kept haunting me. I was still shocked that he'd suggest such a thing. Stealing money from Mr Pearson. How stupid could he be? How greedy? I hated doubting people. I hate doubting Ian but I didn't want to be some blind fool that sides him, believing in his every lie only to fall hard from that illusion. I couldn't bare to be that person. Ian was never like this until all of this happened. He was sweet, generous and mature but now he seemed so much the opposite. 

The next morning I slept in a little since it was a Sunday and I woke up early every other day. I brushed my hair and teeth, smoothed my white t-shirt that sat above soft navy silk shorts. The house wasn't completely silent and I assumed the brunette was still here. I made my way to the kitchen. Coffee was what I urgently needed to wake me up. 

I was relieved to find that the coffee was still in the process of brewing. Getting out a mug, I laid it onto the counter. Turning to search for the sugar, a sound of weeping followed by the clink of heels against floors caught my attention. The brunette passed the kitchen, her head hung low, hair rumpled just like her dress. She disappeared from view then the elevator dinged to take her down. 

Moving my attention back to getting breakfast going, Mr Pearson entered the kitchen. He had a pair of grey sweatpants and sleeveless top on, his hair was dishelved and once the elevator door closed he sighed in relief. I looked back at the coffee pot, seeing it was done and poured the dark liquid into my cup. He got out a cup also then took the kettle from where I had left it and poured the coffee into his cup. 

''Is that how all your quests depart the following morning?'' The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them. I pressed my lips together, regretting instantly. I waited for the 'mind your own business' or 'this doesn't concern you' lecture but it never came. He turned away, his back facing me now as he opened the cupboard to get, what I hoped was, sugar. He placed the canister next to our cups, retrieved two spoons. I guess that was the end of that conversation. 

He spooned a teaspoon of sugar then pushed the canister towards me. When I started to get the tiny crystals into my cup, he spoke after letting out an almost sorrowful sigh.

''Not all of them. Just the ones that want more than I am willing to give.

'' He got hold of my mug and his and motioned for me to follow him towards the balcony. He set our coffee down onto the table and settled into one of the chairs. I sat on the opposite seat, taking my coffee. 

''So they don't even get to have a decent cup of coffee before getting crushed?'' I asked and he looked at me, his eyes locking with mine. Green clashing with brown. Something in his voice changed, It was more deeper yet softer. 

''Just because you tumble in the sheets with someone during the night doesn't mean they're the one you want to enjoy a coffee with in the morning.'' He took a sip of his coffee, looking out over the view that brightened up with the sun.  

The more functional half of my brain told me to drop the topic but the other half, totally the opposite, wasn't agreeing. It was the side that always prevailed on every other day including today. 

I nestled the mug on my lap, feeling the heat of it warm the palms of my hand. "So what did she want that you couldn't give her?" His shoulders tensed up, the air immediately became thick. From his posture, I couldn't really see much aside from the side profile of his face. It seemed his eyes were closed for a few second while he inhaled deeply letting his breath out slowly. It came out as more of a sigh. 

"Commitment. That is what she wanted. That is what all of them want. It's not like they're not warned about the lack thereof before hand." He clenched his jaw after that, his mug lay forgotten in his hand. 

Commitment. Was that not something most of us were scared of? I understood the reason behind the fear. Trusting someone. Making them your everything and then it's shattered.

My mother spoke of my dad in their younger days. He gave her a runaround, much like he does everyone else these days. But a few years back they spoke about it and why he was so tough to get through and my mother insisted it was his ego. Him proving that he never needed anyone but my dad, surprisingly, had a total opposite reason. He was scared of commitment. It wasn't his ego he was protecting but his heart. 

"It isn't that you're incapable of it. You're just afraid of it." I said more as a realisation to myself than as an actual sentence meant for him to hear. But he did hear it and his face fell, his chiseled jaw clenched and his eyes were shut of. 

The humor that only seemed to grace his eyes since I met him was gone. Instead, they were replaced with a deep darkness that I wanted so much to explore but I knew the repercussions would be grave. 

"You know nothing, Scarlet. Absolutely nothing." His voice was hard. He stood up hastily, his mug in his hand, and headed inside. I sat there stunned for a few minutes. Did I hit home? Was he pissed off because I actually figured something out? Or was it because I was really far from it? I shook my head, snapping out of the shock, then reprimanded myself mentally for not shutting my mouth.