Finding Bailey Jane | ✅

e i g h t

A/N - A double update because it's been forever since i've posted ♡

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As Adrian pulled up in front of what obviously was Bailey Jane's home, he began to regret having a conscience that told him to bring her back home. He could tell by the endless amount of pictures and 'bring her back' signs that this was her home.

As he looked over at her cute little sleeping figure all curled up in the passenger seat, he began to regret his decision of bringing her back home.

He wanted her to stay, but that would have been selfish of him. He never did get what he wanted. He should have been used to it by now.

"Bailey," he said quietly. "We're here."

Bailey stirred in her sleep before letting out a cute little yawn and stretching her legs out from under her. Slowly, she peaked up at him before she looked out the window. "We're home?"

"Yeah, you're home." His voice was strained.

She smiled and opened up the door. "Thank you! Come inside."

He looked longingly at the house, wishing he could. "Maybe another time. I have to go now," he said softly.

Her smile fell and she pouted at him. "But-"

"Don't argue with me," he said sternly.

She looked slightly taken aback with his sudden dominant aura but she still gave him her big green puppy dog eyes.

"I don't want you to go yet. I-"

Adrian froze when he caught sight of someone staring at him from the front door of the house.

"Presley?" He whispered.

Bailey quickly turned her head and waved wildly once she spotted her brother before slipping down out of the car and sprinting over to her big brother, her lavender dress fluttering as she ran.

Adrian watched nostalgically as Presley held his sister tight in his arms, his tense muscles relaxing as he stroked her soft wispy curls of ginger and copper hair.

Presley slowly looked up from his sister and his eyes met with his old friend.

Adrian was tempted to drive away, but the simple wave of Presley's hand stopped him. He got out of the car and walked halfway up the pathway, his hands tucked deep into his pockets.

Presley walked up to him and stared for a few seconds before right hooking him right in the face. It was a really strong hit, but like everything else, it hardly affected him. 

"I deserved that," he said just as he was pulled into a really strong bro hug. Adrian pat Presley's back a few times before pulling back and giving his shoulder a squeeze.

"I hope for you're sake you weren't the one who kidnapped my sister. You might have just come back from the dead but I can send you right back," Presley said seriously.

Adrian shook his head and looked at the small girl admiring all the flowers scattered on the grass. "It wasn't me."

"I thought you were gone," Presley said as he gave Adrian's shoulder a hard shove. "Or in jail."

"Neither. I'm supposed to be laying low because my name hasn't been cleared yet. I'm only back here for the summer and some weird sh*t has happened since then."

"Like what?"

"I'm not supposed to say. Anyway, I've gotta go. It was good seeing you. And keep Bailey away from the guy those police arrested. She was tied up to the bed when I got to her. Thank God nothing bad happened."

"I will. Will we be seeing you soon?"

I could only wish. "I don't think so. It'd be a miracle if you did. Stay safe."

"You too."

Adrian began walking back to his car but stopped when Bailey ran up to him and gripped his arm. 

"Don't leave," she pleaded. "I'll make you a cake. Just please don't go."

Adrian felt his heart beat faster and a lump formed in his throat. How was he supposed to tell her he couldn't stay.

"Are you gonna miss me?" He asked softly as he ran his thumb over her soft, rosy cheeks. 

"Yes." She sniffled when she realized he was leaving for longer than he was letting on. "You're leaving me?"

He avoided the question. "I'll be watching for you, okay. I'll be watching over you even if you don't see me."

Her grip around his wrist tightened. "What do you mean?"

"Trust me, okay. I'll miss you so much baby." He lifted her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Can you give me a kiss, ginger baby? Please." He smiled softly as she kissed his cheek with her soft lips.

"I remember you from when I was little Adrian," she whispered into his ear. 

"You do?" He grinned as he stroked her back soothingly.

"Yes."

"Do you promise me you'll keep remembering me when I'm gone?"

"Where are you goin-"

"Do you promise?"

"I promise Adrian."

"Good girl." He kissed her cheek. "Don't forget okay. You promised." He reluctantly set her on the ground and gave her forehead one more kiss before waving goodbye to her and her brother.

He might not have looked back, but he did watch over her; just like he had said he would.