4: Forever, Miss Clumsy (John Pearce/Justice Crew Fanfic)

Chapter 20

* Bailey’s POV *

At some point in my life, I’ve wanted this certain scenario to be just a dream. That when I open my eyes, I would be met with nothing, but just John as we continued our date. But my eyes betrayed as when I opened it, I was greeted by everyone who was still waiting for my reaction.

Turning around, I found John also looking towards my way as if wanting to hear out what I had to say. On my other side, Xander stood, pretty much annoyed about something, though I couldn’t figure out what exactly. But then again, it could have been directed to my dad seeing he’s the only one who’s new in the crowd. I know for sure Xander didn’t feel like this towards Grace.

I sighed as it reminded me Xander was Jacob Hughes as I did a double take on him. The guy’s fuming as if he was a bull wanting to attack someone.

It was the first time I’ve seen him like that and it scares me, especially knowing that Xander’s the sweetest best friend and brother one could ever have, and I’m so glad I’m related to him. But right now, he doesn’t feel like the same way.

As I shifted my gaze towards John, he stiffened behind me. “Do you have anything to do with this?” I whispered as he started to melt down as if trying to think of a way to make it sound like a good idea. The fact that he knows I hate surprises is killing me inside, but it feels so much worse now seeing he’s managed to even hide a person from me.

But before he could say anything, I shook my head. I was utterly disappointed with John right now. Whatever he did with me for today, I couldn’t quite focus on the happy memories we shared. It all boils down to one secret he had forgotten.

“It’s not his fault.” Slade uttered. “It was mine.” He stated as a matter of fact, saving John in this… thing. I don’t even know how to proper feel right now. Betrayed could be one thing, but I feel all so… lost. “I did it for your dad. He was in danger and it was better if we keep him...”

“Dead.” I heard Xander utter in a deep, scary tone. He had the look in his eyes he wanted to kill someone and seeing Slade was the culprit in this I was scared. When he was still alive, he had an ongoing hate relationship with Slade, and they only got in good books during the latter part when he turned into one ghost.

Xander turned towards John. “I thought you were my best friend.” He uttered. “But I guess you already have replaced me.” He stated a fact as he disappeared into the thin air, not even waiting for John to explain a thing.

The fact that Xander wished my dad stayed dead, I should be mad at him for wishing that to a person. But I kind of understood why he wanted that. My dad or our dad started all of these and he would probably enjoy his life more as a Wells than knowing his real family. For ducks sake, he could have been alive right now. He could have been with us doing what he enjoys best. But no, it wasn’t that simple.

Ever since I met Slade, my life turned out to be so complicated. I dreamed of having enough money to support myself. I dreamed of having enough friends I can lean on to whenever I feel down. I dreamed of having a family to feel like I belong to some crowd. But right now, I feel like I wanted to have my old life back, being all independent. I may have not enough money or true friends and family, but at least, I was still happy at some point.

Looking up to meet everyone’s eyes, they all waited for me to speak, but there’s only fire burning in my heart. As much as I wanted to tell them something, I feel like I don’t even know myself anymore. I was so lost, and I just wanted to get out of all these.

“I can’t believe you’d do this to me, Slade. After all I’ve done for you… I was the only one you had when everyone thought differently of you. But I forgave you because I thought you were still the Jacob I knew when we were younger. However, I was only dreaming that.” I uttered as he moved towards me, shaking his head as if telling me to give him another chance. That he didn’t mean to do this right now. He had a look on his face he was sorry.