Bailey parked her car in front of a modest house with a white fence and a garden outside. She stared at it, a smile tugging at her lips. Finally, she was home. It had been about two months since she last visited. She had to make do with video calls and FaceTime.
Fortunately, Caleb got better and she was able to finally come.
This was the longest time she was away. Bailey made it a habit to visit at least once a week despite her busy schedule. She needed to take a four-hour drive to come home.
Oh, how she wished they could just stay together. She took a deep breath, smiled, and got out of the car.
The house was the same—small, unassuming with white windows that faded to a dull gray. The garden was kept meticulously, thanks to Carol's love for gardening and roses. Bailey's grandma was proud of her roses, and even now, at her age, she still tended to them.
As she neared the porch, she could see her grandma kneeling beside a bed of flowers. Carol watered them carefully. Her father, Franco, sat in his wheelchair a few steps behind Carol. He clapped his hands happily, as if the simple act of watering plants was the most incredible thing he had ever seen.
Watching this, Bailey's heart twisted painfully. Eight years went by since the car accident that stole so much from her dad and herself. Franco was trapped in the mind of a child, and his body was confined in a wheelchair. He couldn't speak and could only babble his words.
The doctors said he would never be able to recover despite all the procedures and money she spent for treatment. They were right. Her reliable, intelligent, and strong dad was gone, and in his place was someone who needed constant care.
"Bailey!" her grandmother called when she noticed Bailey by the gate. In a raspy voice but full of warmth, she continued, "Come here, sweetheart."
Bailey smiled, pushed the gate open, and walked up to her. Carol slowly rose, her movements slow and careful.
"Hi, Grandma," Bailey greeted her, and she wrapped her arms around Carol in a warm hug. The familiar scent of lavender oil and earth made Bailey feel at peace. She leaned on her grandma's shoulder, feeling her warmth.
"It's so good to see you," her grandmother whispered into her hair.
Bailey hugged her tighter, all her stress from the past few weeks lifting away, if only for this moment. Then she pulled back and kneeled down in front of her father, who managed to wheel himself closer. Franco gazed at her with wide, innocent eyes. He clapped his hands, making soft, excited sounds.
"Hi, Dad," Bailey whispered, her voice catching in her throat. She kissed his cheek, and he giggled, his eyes shimmering in joy.
Carol smiled sadly. "He's been talking about you all day. Well, you know... in his way."
Bailey's heart twisted again, but she forced her smile to stay in place. "I missed you guys."
Her grandmother gave her a knowing look, but she didn't press. Instead, she turned toward the house. "Come on inside. Rosa's finishing dinner, and I know you must be starving."
As she went inside, Bailey felt the familiar warmth wrap around her. The smell of stew wafted in the air, and the sound of her father's wheelchair rolling on the hard floor made her let down her guard.
This was her life. Her home, where she could cozy up to her grandma and play with her dad. There was happiness to find here, but also a sadder reality.
A voice broke through the fog of emotions in Bailey's mind.
"Bailey, good to see you," Rosa said with a smile. "Dinner's almost ready. Why don't you sit down and relax?"
Rosa was the family's longtime nanny and caretaker. Thanks to her, Bailey was able to work with ease. She was in her forties, with kind eyes and a no-nonsense attitude that had kept the house running smoothly all these years.
Bailey nodded, grateful for the offer. She took a seat at the dining table. Just as she settled in, the doorbell rang.
"Who could that be?" her grandmother wondered aloud. Bailey smiled; she had an idea.
Before anyone could answer, the door swung open, and Marcus was carrying two pizza boxes stacked high in his arms.
"Bailey, darling!" Marcus exclaimed, sweeping into the room like he was walking onto a stage. "I come bearing gifts of cheese, pepperoni, and carbs. You're welcome."
Bailey couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her chest easing further. "Marcus, you're a lifesaver."
He set the pizza boxes down on the table with a flourish, then leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Obviously. When have I ever not been?"
Bailey shook her head, still smiling. "You're crazy."
"And yet, you love me for it," Marcus replied with a wink as he plopped on the chair beside her. "Now, let me tell you about this insane delivery I made today."
Bailey leaned back, already anticipating one of Marcus's wild stories. "Go on."
"So," Marcus began, gesturing dramatically with his hands, "I had to deliver this pizza to this creepy condo complex on the edge of town. It looked like something out of a horror movie—damp hallways, flickering lights, the whole shebang. I was already questioning my life choices."
Bailey chuckled, glancing over at her grandmother, who leaned closer. Even Franco seemed captivated by Marcus's enthusiasm, clapping his hands softly. By the kitchen, Rosa was watching them as she transferred the stew to a bowl.
"So I get to the pool area," Marcus continued, his eyes wide, "and there's this guy. I swear, I thought he was drowning. He's flailing around in the water like a fish out of water, so naturally, I go into full lifeguard mode! I'm like, 'Hold my pizza, I'm about to save a life!'"
Bailey snorted, covering her mouth with her hand. "Please tell me you didn't actually jump in."
"Oh, I absolutely did," Marcus exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "Turns out, the guy wasn't drowning at all. He was just... swimming. And not even well. He was doing that weird dog-paddle thing that's just embarrassing for everyone involved."
Bailey burst out laughing, the sound filling the room like sunlight breaking through clouds. It had been a long time since she heard her loud laughter.
"And here's the kicker," Marcus continued, leaning in conspiratorially. "The guy gets out of the pool, tells me he's a national athlete. A swimmer, no less! Why the hell was he swimming like a dog, then?"
"What did he say?"Carol's eyes widened as she grabbed Marcus excitedly.
Marcus rolled his eyes and dramatically dropped his voice to imitate the man's voice: "I'm trying to get in touch with my feelings."
Bailey almost doubled over in laughter because of Marcus' facial expressions.
"He even had the audacity to criticize my delivery skills! FYI, I've been delivering pizzas for more than twenty years. He dared to critique me on that?" he scoffed. "I don't want to ever see his face again."
Bailey wiped tears from her eyes, her laughter fading into soft giggles. "You're unbelievable, Marcus."
"Thank you!" Marcus grinned, bowing his head dramatically. "I try."
Dinner passed quickly, the conversation light and funny. For a while, everything was okay, as if the Caleb situation and her current family condition were miles away. But as she finished dinner, reality crept in.
While Bailey and Marcus cleared the table, Rosa pulled her aside.
"Bailey, I need to talk to you," Rosa said quietly, her hands wringing the dish towel nervously.
Bailey's stomach tightened. "What's wrong?"
Rosa sighed, glancing toward the living room where Carol and Franco were sitting. "It's my son. He was in an accident earlier today. I just got the call."
Bailey's heart sank. "Oh no, Rosa, I'm so sorry. Is he okay?"
"He's in the hospital," Rosa whispered, his expression worried. "I need to go and be with him, Bailey. I won't be able to take care of your grandma and dad."
Bailey gasped. What should she do? It was hard to find a caretaker for them, especially now on such short notice.
Rosa's face softened with regret. "I'm sorry, Bailey. I don't have anyone I can call on such short notice."
Panic flared in Bailey's chest. Rosa took care of the household ever since her father's accident. Without her, Bailey wasn't sure how they would manage, especially with her own life already spinning out of control.
"I'll figure something out," Bailey declared, although her voice wavered, uncertain as to how she would do it.
Rosa nodded, her eyes filling with gratitude. "Thank you, Bailey. I have to go now. Can you wire the money to me?"
Bailey nodded.
She watched as Rosa quickly gathered her things and rushed out the door. The sound of the car engine starting and fading into the distance left Bailey feeling hollow. She stood in the kitchen, not knowing what to do.
Who could she call? How could she find someone to replace Rosa so quickly?
"Well, that's a disaster." Marcus appeared at her side with arms crossed. "But don't panic. I'll stay tomorrow and help out."
Bailey looked at him, surprised. "You? Are you sure?"
Marcus scoffed, tossing his head dramatically. "Please, darling. I'm a multitasking queen. I can handle your dad, your grandma, and still make time to deliver pizzas. I'll even bring some for lunch. You know, to keep things spicy."
Bailey smiled weakly, but the anxiety swirling in her gut wouldn't settle. "Thanks, Marcus. But I need to find a long-term solution."
Marcus nodded, his expression softening. "I get it. You'll figure it out, Bailey. As your self-appointed best friend, I'll help you brainstorm."
Before Bailey could respond, there was a loud knock at the front door. The sound was harsh and aggressive, sending a jolt of fear down her spine.
"Who could that be?" Marcus muttered, his brow furrowing.
Bailey's stomach churned. She had a sinking feeling she knew exactly who it was.
With a deep breath, she walked to the door and opened it. Standing on the porch were two men, their faces hard with cold eyes that didn't give a fuck about human lives.
"Miss Hartfield," one of them said, his voice low and menacing. "We're here about the payment."
Bailey's heart dropped, her pulse racing.
The loan sharks had come calling.
Was it possible in her lifetime to pay up her debt of 5 million dollars with interest?