1: Finding Miss Clumsy (John Pearce/Justice Crew Fanfic)

Chapter 15

* John’s POV *

After a good twenty-minute drive, we arrived in our destination, sort of. It was at the local park. And it seems that people come here mostly at night, considering the numerous cars parked in the area.

“You live here?” I asked. Uncertainty was evident in my tone. Honestly, it was one of my stupid questions.

She shook her head as she reached out for my hand, pulling me in to follow her.

As we left the park, we crossed some streets before heading to the roughest neighborhood in town. The streets were dark at night and some people were still outside, drinking up with friends or having the wildest parties.

And this got me worried. I already have an inkling that Bailey lives here, and I was concerned about her safety. Tightening my grip on her hands, she looked up at me, while I was busy looking out for someone who would try and scare us away. Luckily, they were all busy with their beers. But then again, maybe if Bailey was walking home alone, then that would be another story. Mentally shaking my head at that thought.

We reached an apartment in one corner. This must be hers, as she reached into her bag a set of keys to unlock the door. While I waited for her to open up, I kept myself busy observing the surroundings, making sure that no one followed us or whatever. I’m not scared, but I was for Bailey.

The door opened after a minute or two. She went ahead and gathered all her belongings on one side, throwing it out from my sight. It was nice and clean, despite the environment. But still, I was worried.

“Did you move here when Jaq arrived?” I inquired as she offered me to sit down on one of the stool chairs in the counter.

Once again, she shook her head. “No, this is my real house, John. I’ve been here for two years.”

She lied. She lied to me about her living conditions. All along, I thought she was with Jill.

She frowned when she realized I haven’t said anything. Biting her lip, she was controlling the tears that were forming in her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She uttered, her voice was about to crack up.

“Bailey…”

“It’s okay if you don’t want me anymore. I understand.” She cut me off as she looked down, avoiding my gaze. “I mean that always happen anyway. Nothing is new.”

At this point, her tears were already flowing. I could hear the muffled sounds of sobs as her body was shaking. I stood up from where I was seated and she probably heard the footsteps, perhaps thinking I was about to leave her like she expected.

But I didn’t. Instead, I went behind and hugged her. Her knees weaken and as I turned her around, she met my gaze for a moment, before shifting it back to the ground. As I held her in my arms, she cried even more.

“Bailey, I’m not them.”

* Bailey’s POV *

“Bailey, I’m not them.” He uttered as he held me tighter, kissing the top of my forehead. “I’m here to stay.” With his hands, he rubbed my back up and down, trying to calm me down.

“Smile for me, Bailey.” He muttered. One of his hands went under my chin, tilting it up so I can see his gaze, see that he wasn’t lying all this time. I don’t even have to see him as I know I can feel it in his voice. He was different from all the other people who thought of me as a worthless human being. To John, I was Bailey. I had a name, and that just felt amazing.

“Come on, it’s you I’m going to date and love, not your house.” He joked as he leaned in forward to kiss my forehead once again. “Although… truthfully, I wish you didn’t live here.” Of course.

“Hey, I didn’t mean it that way. I just… You’re all alone and I’m scared for you when I’m not here.”

He sighed.

Leading me out to the living room, he plopped down to sit, pulling me on his lap. “I still love you, Bailey. Nothing changed.” He assured me.

Can I just say I feel like the luckiest girl right now, despite the fact that my life is still in danger?

Yes, at least, I was given a time in my life that I’m thankful for it. For once, someone actually loves me regardless of what I don’t have.

“There, now my girl is smiling.” He commented. That statement alone made me bloody red from the embarrassment. But then again, I was sitting on his lap.

“But John, I lied to you. Shouldn’t you be upset?”

“Nah, I understand why you did it. I’m more worried about you staying here alone, to be honest.” He sighed as he leaned his forehead in my back.

“I’m safe here. I’ve been here for two years and nothing has happened.”

“…Yet.” He interjected. “I just want you to be safe.”

That just made me smile. The heat in my face was evident as well. Pushing myself up, I stood up from his lap and went to sit on a bean bag across of him, observing his face.

How in the world did I deserve a guy like him?

Sure, this wasn’t permanent because at the end of the day, I’d be someone’s payment. Thing is, I can’t tell him about those or I’ll bring him in danger with me and I wouldn’t like that. Unlike me, he has family who would be worried about him.

“What’s bothering you?” John asked as he noticed my curious gaze over him.

“Nothing. I’m just thinking.” I sighed.

“About what?”

“You.” I lied, knowing the fact that I can’t tell him about Xavier or he will suffer. I just can’t let anyone else who wasn’t involved in this mess be dragged into it. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Why?” He looked at me as if I was some kid who wanted to do something and he was contemplating if he would allow me or not.

“Because you’re perfect.”

“Do you want to know the real meaning of perfect?” He asked as I saw myself nodding for him to continue.

“I’m John.” He says, his finger pointing at him. “You’re Bailey,” he then says, pointing a finger at me. Smiling, he stood up and walk towards me. As soon as he was right in front of me, he uttered…

“If you say yes to be my girlfriend, then that would be perfect.”