Chapter 8

By the time Zoe reaches the apartment and throws the door open, Sophia has already packed most of her things into a small suitcase and is shoving the final items into her pale blue polka dot rucksack with tears streaming down her reddened face.

"Please," starts Zoe breathlessly as she slowly makes her way over to Sophia, "don't do this."

Sophia ignores Zoe's plea and continues to screw a white blouse into the rucksack, punching it in before tightening the rope ties and flipping the top over. Zoe attempts to calm her by placing a hand on Sophia's wrist but is unsuccessful as it is ripped from her grasp.

"He's right," Sophia whispers looking up at Zoe and swipes a tear from her cheek, "I don't belong here – I'm only in your way."

Zoe shakes her head as the tears continue to fall from her face, "No…"

"It's okay. Robyn and Lofty have offered their spare room to me. They'll be here any second."

"Please. I need you."

"No you don't Zoe. This is all you've ever wanted – a family of your own. I don't want to be the one standing in your way."

"And you're not."

Zoe starts to move towards Sophia again as a car horn beeps from outside and Max rushes through the door.

"Please." Zoe attempts one last bid to keep Sophia in her life before covering her mouth and nose with her hands desperate to catch a breath.

Sophia sniffs her running nose as she turns around to face Zoe and simply smiles, "That's for you." She points to a large wrapped box on the coffee table while Zoe and Max follow the line of her finger with their eyes.

"What – "

"I was going to give it to you once you'd finished you shift. I mean, today was your last day before you go on maternity leave so I thought I'd get you a little something."

The car horn beeps once more and as Zoe turns, startled from her stare, she sees that Sophia has already left and runs to the window. As she watches the car drive off, Max stands behind her and rests his hands on her shoulders.

"It's for the best." He whispers.

Zoe turns to him with a glare, rolls her eyes and sighs before saying "I don't think I can stay here tonight."

"What?"

"I'll be at Dylan's." she bluntly replies as she leaves the apartment and slams the door.

Apologies for losing track again however, to make up for it, I will be posting the next couple of chapters very shortly. I hope you enjoyed this shorter scene and, as always, reviews are welcome. G xx