Friendly reminder that you can talk to your brain like a beloved innocent little kid and it works probably better than you’d expect
“Wow this is pretty rough huh…let’s think of some good things instead! What are some things we’re looking forward to?”
“I have an idea, lets pretend we’re in slow-motion, even our breathing and blinking is slooowwww”
“Quick I need your help it’s really super important! Tell me every single [color/animal/etc] you can possibly think of”
“Hey buddy, do you maybe want your favorite snack? I bet you’re pretty tired huh…how about we have a little nap/go to bed early tonight”
Doesn’t always have to be for handling negative stuff either in fact doing it in neutral-positive situations will help you remember it’s even an option in times of distress. And in general it’s just very healing, promotes self-worth, etc.
(no specific source other than that one of my lifelong special interests has been How To Be Better In Every Way Because Everthing About Me Just Seems Wrong)
This is part 3! Make sure to read the first few parts
Sumarry: The Lee brothers raided the Betting shop, Thomas gets closer with the reader, but what more can he do if she herself admits not to love a man from this time?
Word count: 2327 words
"Wait, so what did you guys do at the races?" I asked, wanting to clarify with Arthur as we sat in the private room at the Garrison, where we were currently playing poker. John was the dealer, so he sat on the stool in front of us, while Thomas was seated between me and Arthur. I was on his right, with Arthur on his left.
"We've beaten the Lee's! Cut their bloody brains out, that's for sure!" he said, as if it were the most normal thing to do. They seemed to notice how tense I had become by my reaction, which made John cough a bit.
"Well, not really their brains... um, just, you know, enough to get business done," John explained, trying to lighten my mood a bit. I nodded, trying to dismiss it.
"Ah, yeah, sure. I mean, I guess," I said, looking at my cards. I didn't want them to think that I thought less of them because of this, so I felt the need to explain myself.
"Sorry, I guess I'm not used to all of this, you know? Am I making this worse? Uh, I don't—"
Feeling the three of them looking at me, I made myself small in my seat, hiding my face behind the cards as anxiety rushed through me.
"How did you live your life before, hm?" Thomas asked, finally speaking. Glad that I could explain why I tensed up.
"Well, I was pretty sheltered. The most I heard of beatings were drunkards in our neighborhood fighting at night, but that was it. There really weren't fights that led to really bad situations, unless it was in the movies." They all nodded, though I knew they didn't understand the last bits of what I just said, and that was it. We decided that was the end of that part of the conversation. After a round of poker, the tension from earlier died down and I chimed happily, putting the money on the table inside my coat pocket—my winnings.
"Guess I win, hm?" I giggled, earning a groan from Arthur. When the barmaid came, she took the empty bottles and asked us if we wanted more whiskey. I looked at the men, and Thomas just nodded, waving her off. Before she left, she looked at me, as if examining who I was. I couldn't blame her, though—I stuck out like a sore thumb when placed beside the Shelby brothers. It was evident I didn't look like I belonged here. That thought made me sad, just a bit though. I knew It was the truth and that I had to leave soon. Then suddenly, a thought came to my mind. Thomas went on a date to the races with a barmaid. If my intuition serves me right, then that must have been the barmaid in question.
"I'm guessing that was the woman you went out on a date with?" I said, looking at Thomas with a smile. She looked pretty and acted like one too. If she liked Thomas, then I can bet that after a while the feelings can be reciprocated.
"Drop it." Thomas grimaced as I just chuckled. John, however, smirked as he decided to join in the teasing.
"I'm afraid Tommy here has eyes for someone else, love. Ain't that right, mate?" That piqued my curiosity even more, nudging Thomas to make him look at me.
"Really? Is she pretty?" I asked. Arthur just nodded as he patted Thomas' back. Thomas kept a poker face, but I could tell he was pretty annoyed by the way his jaw was clenched. When he looked at me, he didn't look angry at me, though—at least he wasn't annoyed enough to glare at me.
"You're bloody right she is! Quite smart too!"
"But if Thomas likes her, why didn't he take her to the races instead? Wait, are you leading that barmaid on?" I frowned, waiting for Thomas to reply as I pointed an accusing finger at him. The thought of someone I considered a friend playing with a woman's feelings like that just didn't sit right with me.
"I told you. That was business." He sighed as he shook his head, he took my hand that was pointing a finger at him and placed it down. Deciding to just believe him, I finally dropped the topic. John then asked me.
"How about you? Has someone caught your eye?" I looked over at John, feeling that the focus was on me once again. I nodded, smiling a bit, unaware that both brothers were checking Thomas for any kind of reaction.
"Well, of course!" I answered, that caused Arthur to smile, raising his glass to take a drink.
"Who is it, then?" John asked again, another smirk playing on his lips. I guess everyone was suddenly curious about my love life.
"Yer not gonna tell me he's in this room, aye?" Arthur asked, leaning closer to the table to look at me. I chuckled nervously, shaking my hands in the air.
"Oh, no. You guys are great, but..."
"But what?" Thomas asked and I explained that the man I liked wasn't from here, that he was from back in my time. And that hes a gentleman who kept to himself, that I started to like him because of how passionate he was with his work, how I liked that he was funny and was always there for me.
"Well also, I can't really like someone from here, you know? I'll eventually leave. I can't just stay for love, right? I really miss my old life. You lot understand, right? I'll break that poor man's heart."
I said all of that while looking at Thomas for any form of understanding. He didn't reply; he just leaned back and nodded. After that, he didn't look at me anymore, drinking his glass of whiskey as he fished out some cigarettes.
"Another round, eh?"
///
Thomas didn't talk to me much after that day. Whenever I approached him, he would still have time to talk, but not like before. He'd make an excuse that he was busy, that there were things he needed to do, to brush me off. Understanding his situation, I just let him be.
Around midday, Scudboat and I were left inside the betting shop, counting money as the Shelby family decided to have a family meeting at the Garrison.
"Do you think John will be back soon? Thomas did say he'd be back in five minutes," I asked Scudboat, to which he just shrugged. When we heard a noise, Scudboat was the first to call out.
"John?" When no one answered, I was the one who asked next.
"John, are you there?" When the doors to the betting shop opened, however, it wasn't John but a group of men with guns pointed right at us.
"This is for Cheltenham! We're just taking what's ours!" the man said. Before I could even react, they smacked my head with a rifle, just like they did with Scudboat.
Everything was a haze as I fell to the ground. All I heard were the footsteps of men, rummaging through drawers, shouting. My head hurt, and I felt some of them step on my hand, kicking my body whenever i got in their way.
Mama asan ka mama? Kuya? Kuya, you'll protect me, right?
When I woke up, I heard Arthur's voice as someone placed me somewhere comfortable— it was John.
"You alright, love?" He asked, my mind still being a little foggy from earlier events. Hearing his voice, I tried to give him a small smile and a nod, to reassure him.
"Bloody hell! What happened here?" Polly said. I groaned. When I tried to look over at them, my vision blurred a bit. The betting shop, the house, everything was thrashed.
"Polly...? Men. M-men came, I don't know how..." I tried to explain to them what I knew. Polly sat beside me while Scudboat explained for me. That was when Arthur came back up, holding wire cutters.
"Wire cutters? Why would they leave wire cutters?" Polly asked. The boys seemed to tense up as Thomas asked Scudboat to leave. He went on to explain how they would set traps for the Germans back in the war and place wire cutters as part of the joke. Polly began to panic, walking over to the kitchen as I pulled my knees close to my chest, an act of self-preservation.
"It's not here, alright? It's not here..." Thomas said, sitting next to me on the couch. I looked at him, tears threatening to fall down my eyes. I had never been in a situation like this. Everything was so overwhelming, my body felt so heavy, as if I was Atlas carrying the world.
"They pointed a gun at me... even stepped on and kicked me like an object..." I mumbled before burying my face in my knees. I don't want to feel like that again.
"Oh, love..." Polly said as I heard her walk towards me.
"Oh, I'd like to find them, Tom. Oh, that id do. That id bloody do." Arthur said, balling his fist as he saw my state. I felt weak. I couldn't protect myself. I didn't know how.
"I want to go home."
"I know, (Y/N). I know."
///
Thomas didn't know what to say to her. He was seething with rage, but she came first. She would always be first. He grabbed a clean cloth and saturated it with alcohol. The family saw what was happening and understood that Thomas wanted to take care of her alone, so they knew better than to interrupt. Before they left, Thomas asked John and Arthur to inspect the family car, using the word "tampered" so as not to frighten (Y/N) even more.
"Hey, look at me, aye? Come on, up you go. Up," he demanded, gently cupping her face. When that was done, he began to clean the wound on her head. Whenever she winced, he would make sure to try and be gentle. He didn't know how, he just tried. As he cleaned off her wounds, their eyes met.
"It hurts," she mumbled, flinching as Thomas accidentally applied too much pressure to the wound. In that moment, she instinctively grasped his hand, attempting to stop his actions even for a small amount of time. Then and there, he stopped. This was all new territory to him. Back at war, when he would clean the wounds of his comrades, pain be damned if they got to live. But she... she gets hurt, so he needs to try harder, be slower, gentler—anything that would spare her from inflicting pain, pain that he had caused.
"Sorry," he replied. Thomas tried his best to help her, disinfecting the wound slowly as his free hand cupped her face. He was apologizing for everything. Guilt seeped into his bones. If it weren't for him picking a fight with the Lee brothers, she wouldn't be hurt. Maybe if he took her with him and Polly to the Garrison, then...
"It's not your fault," she said, interrupting his thoughts. He didn't answer. What was he supposed to say? He couldn't agree. He felt shame.
"Thomas, it's not your fault. I can see it in your eyes." This time, it was her turn to cup his face. She cradled it like it was something precious, like he was something precious. (Y/N) smiled, a comforting smile as one of her thumbs caressed his cheek. He found himself leaning into it.
"I know you feel guilty. Yes, I could blame you, but why should I when you're here as gentle as a lamb with me? So smile, yeah? Even just a bit?"
How can she do that, he wondered. How can she easily wander her way inside his heart? It was so easy for her. Everything seemed so easy with her. Thomas let out a smile, nodding to her.
"There you go."
"Your hands are soft," he said, changing the subject. She only chuckled, putting her hands back in her lap as he sat next to her on the couch. They both decided to take a break from cleaning her wounds.
"Yours aren't," (Y/N) said, taking his hand in hers, feeling the calluses and roughness of it. After a while, she continued, their hands now interlinked. "And I think it's nice."
"How is that nice, aye?" he scoffed. These very hands had killed thousands.
"It's nice because it tells me who you are. A hardworking man who has clearly seen and been through shit. Me, on the other hand, I actually have very soft hands because I never did hard labor," she said, her face flushed in embarrassment, which he secretly found endearing.
"I actually found it rather embarrassing when I got here. When I was young, my relatives would feel my hands and say, 'Dika tumutulong sa bahay, noh?' Or 'Tamad ka siguro.'"
"What did that mean?"
"The first one means 'Youre not helping with household chores, are you?' The second one meant 'I bet you're lazy.'"
She chuckled, shaking her head. After a bit more moments of comforting silence, Thomas decided to finish cleaning her wound. When that was done, he helped her go upstairs to his room.
"Hey, Thomas?" (Y/N) asked as he sat her on the bed. He only hummed to let her know that he was listening.
"Why were you avoiding me before? Like, after our little poker game at the Garisson. Was it because I kept winning?" She asked, playing with her blouse. Trying to suppress a smile, he licked his bottom lip, hands on his jaw as he shook his head.
"That was a provision— once you leave."
"Mhm? What? Why?"
"To get used to feeling like yer not here, eh. Now none of this, aye? I'll ask Pol to help you change." That was all that was said before he left.
This is part 2, by the way! Check out part 1 first!
Part 3
Summary: Ada gets married, Thomas takes a Barmaid to a Derby, Thomas, and (Y/N) gets closer.
Word counter: 2,056 words
"Should I be crying? You look like an angel, Ada," I said wholeheartedly, helping her with the veil as I admired her through the reflection in the mirror. My words brought a chuckle from her, filling the room with a lightness.
"Do you think he'll like it? Freddie, I mean," she asked, seeking reassurance.
"Of course he will. Ang ganda mo kaya," I replied
"Ganda mo kaya?" Ada questioned, curious about the meaning. I explained, "It means 'you're beautiful.'' With her heart full of love, she left the house early in the morning.
Later that day, Pol asked me to run some errands around town, buy a few things at the market, though I knew she wanted me to take a breather from everything that's been happening, that I was thankful for. As I walked, the mud stained my shoes, and the smoke filled the sky, reminding me that this environment was vastly different from what I was accustomed to. I veered towards a less crowded section of town, continuing my walk, when suddenly, the sound of a gunshot pierced the air. My body froze, and my head snapped in the direction of the noise. In the distance, I spotted two figures—a man and a woman. Without daring to investigate further, I swiftly turned and ran, paying no mind to the mud splattering on my skirt. At that moment, running was the only important thing, outfit be damned.
"Jusko po..." I gasped, leaning my back against a wall once I deemed myself far enough from the commotion. I panted heavily, resting my hands on my knees to catch my breath. People cast strange glances in my direction, but I paid them no mind. No one could know what I had witnessed.
After calming myself down for a while, I realized I couldn't simply return home. Walking down the familiar streets, I made my way to the market and purchased the items on my list. Once back home, I placed them on the kitchen table before heading upstairs to change. Convincing myself that the gunshot from earlier were just friendly fire, that utbjust happened on accident.
As I descended the stairs, I overheard the boys conversing amongst themselves. Arthur now owned the Garrison, and Tommy had made an attempt on Ada's husband. They were planning to attend a Derby.
"So, you're taking the pretty barmaid, eh mate?" John asked. I paused for a moment at the bottom of the stairs, realizing that Tommy had a date.
Peeking my head around the corner, I caught sight of John and Arthur snickering to themselves.
"Whoa, Thomas has a date?" I exclaimed, capturing the attention of the three men. John was the first to respond, saying, "Of course he does."
"And she's a pretty one too, works at the Garrison!" Arthur chimed in. Unbeknownst to me, Thomas had been watching me the entire time, and as our eyes met, I gave him a thumbs-up.
"Good luck, treat her right," I said, my smile turning into a more serious expression. I was well aware of how women were often treated by men during these times.
"It's just business," Tommy replied dismissively.
"Everything is always business to you, Tommy," Arthur groaned, earning a glare from Thomas.
"It'd be nice if you take yourself a woman, eh?" John teased his brother, getting him a smack in the back of his head by Thomas which made me chuckle.
"Well, I heard you own the Garrison now, Arthur!" I interjected, walking over to join them.
"Been eavesdropping, eh, love?" Arthur said with a toothy grin, causing me to blush in embarrassment. When I tried to explain myself, he waved a hand in the air, assuring me it was alright, and mentioned that they would be celebrating at the Garrison. He then began pulling John along with him, leaving me alone with Thomas.
"I heard you tried to shoot Ada's husband. Did you apologize?" I asked, concerned.
"He's not dead."
"Did you apologize?" I repeated, but was only met with silence, I let out a sigh.
"Well, you should. If you're going on a date, you need to show respect to your sister before other women—"
"It's just business."
"Even so, Thomas. When's the date?" I inquired.
Thomas pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing, as I continued referring to his "business" as a date.
"Tomorrow"
"Since you guys will be busy, I'll go out and find a library. Maybe they'll have something that can help me go back. I'll finish my work today and even do some extra to make up for it," I declared, informing him, knowing he won't stop me. When he only nodded, I took that as my cue to leave. Going inside the betting shop to officially start the day.
///
When tomorrow finally came, I went down to find out the boys have left already. I didn't see where Polly was but Finn was in the kitchen, he threw something in the fireplace.
I walked over to him, my curiosity peaked. "Hey, what was that, hm?" When I crouched down, it was a cigarette.
"Finn?" I held it out, wanting him to explain but were just met with a guilty look. I was aware enough that children from these times smoke and drank alcohol, Finn himself wouldn't be an exception, it shouldn't have had surprised me, especially since Thomas and the others smoked quite often.
"You're still young"
"I'd turn 11 soon,"
"Well, you're still 10. Do it when you're old enough to make decisions for yourself, I've got to go somewhere, but no more of this, okay?" He nodded, which made me smile, patting his head.
"Good, if Pol asks where I am, I'm off to the library"
To my surprised, when I left there was a Peaky Boy by the door, when he approached me, he said that Thomas asked him to escort me to the library since it was far away.
///
"Seriously? Still nothing?"
It has been hours and I still haven't found anything concerning time travel. Though this was expected, it still quite annoyed me. I felt hopeless, feeling tears start to make their way to fall down my cheeks.
"Ma'am, shall I take you home? Its getting quite dark." The Peaky Boy said which stopped my train of thoughts. Quickly wiping my eyes, I looked up at him and forced a smile.
"Yeah, sure." After finishing up, we began to walk our way towards town, it was quite silent so I tried to make conversation with the guy.
"So, what's your name?"
"Charles, Ma'am." I nodded in acknowledgment by his answer, chuckling a bit.
"You don't have to be so stiff, call me (Y/N)," he smiled at that and after we continued to walk with comfortable silence around us, letting me forget my frustration for a moment.
"Thanks for escorting me, by the way"
I bid him goodbye before walking inside the house. Once inside, no one was there, guess everyone's out. I went to Thomas' room, which can be considered mine for the time being.
Feeling a sense of boredom, I picked up a sketchbook and some pencils that Arthur had given me. The pages were already filled with a few sketches done by both me and him. Reflecting on the events of the day, I attempted to draw my brother, trying my best to capture his face. I couldn't help but worry that if I stayed here any longer, I would forget—forget my friends, my family, and the cherished memories we shared. It dawned on me that while I'm here they're probably looking for me.
Deciding to create a comic strip depicting my memories and descriptions of my family, I couldn't help but tear up a little. I had already forgotten my mother and brother's voice.
"Ma, miss kona kayo ni kuya... Mama..."
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and I quickly composed myself before inviting the visitor in. It was Polly.
"Pol..."
"The boys are at the Garrison, celebrating. I came to pick you up. Are you alright, love?"
I smiled and nodded. "I'm alright, Pol. It's nothing, just a bit of homesickness. I'll stay here for the night. Do tell them I said congratulations." She nodded, relieved that she didn't pry any further, and left, bidding me goodnight.
///
Unable to sleep that night, I found some peace in my drawings. I kept a candle by my bedside to provide light, sitting with my knees drawn close to my chest and my back against the wall, facing the door with the notebook resting on my thigh.
After a while, I could hear the sound of people talking downstairs. It seemed like Arthur had indulged in a few drinks as he kept yelling, something about a man called Kimber. When the commotion subsided, there was another knock on my door, followed by Thomas' voice asking if I was still awake. I replied affirmatively, and he took it as his cue to enter. Closing the door behind him, he remained silent, prompting me to break the silence.
"So, how was the date? Did it go well?"
"I told you, it's business, eh?" he chuckled, walking over to sit beside me.
"What brings you here?"
"It's my room."
"Fair enough. But why are you here?" I asked. However, instead of responding directly, he asked a question of his own.
"How did your visit to the library go?" I sighed, playing with my hands as I slumped my shoulders.
"Terrible. I feel like I'm trapped here forever. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be with you all, but I had a life back there, you know? If I stay here any longer, I'm afraid... i just miss my mother, brother, and my friends."
"You have a brother?" he asked, glancing back at me. I nodded, slightly distracted by his question.
"Yeah, he's annoying but caring. We used to play games together."
"Oh, really? What kind?" he inquired. I smiled and lightly punched him on the shoulder.
"Are you just trying to distract me?" I teased. He shrugged, pursing his lips in an attempt to suppress a smile, though I could see it in his eyes.
We continued our conversation, and somehow, before we knew it, we found ourselves lying in bed, facing each other. I kept talking, and he listened.
"Are you sure I'm not bleeding your ears?" I asked, squinting my eyes at him.
He shook his head and encouraged me to keep talking by gesturing to the side.
"Where was I again?" I questioned, testing if he was genuinely paying attention.
"You were talking about your dog named 'Dog,'" he replied.
"Ah, right."
As I was drifting off to sleep, I noticed him getting up, trying not to disturb me.
"Hey, Thomas..."
"Hm?"
"If I met you in my time, siguro nahulog nako sayo"
///
Those were the words that left (Y/N)'s lips. Thomas, though not fully understanding the context, couldn't help but smile nonetheless. He bid her goodnight before leaving to sleep downstairs.
Only he knew the true reason why he had sought her out after returning from the Garrison. Somehow, being with her made him feel like his former self, the boy he was before the war. She brought a genuine warmth to his life, treated him like a normal person and not something broken, not someone without a heart, and not someone that killed so many in the name of war. When she looked at him, he feels like she sees the boy he was, coaxing him to come out little by little, and that comforted him because she sees him, sees someone he thought he can never be again. What began as fascination had blossomed into something deeper. He yearned to know more about her, to delve into the stories and memories she shared. Her voice brought him a sense of comfort. In his own way he wanted her to feel heard, wanted her to know he was there, with her, with everything she will do while she's here.
But deep down, he knew she didn't belong here, and that she would eventually have to leave. So, as much as he wanted to make her stay as memorable as possible, if he could be selfish with her, he hoped against hope that she would choose to stay.
Summary: A Filipina woman accidentally travelled back in time. There, she began to work for the Shelbys
Part 2
"Hurry up! We're going to be late for your birthday celebration!" My best friend, Ava, shouted down the hall, prompting me to respond in the same hurried tone.
"Alright! Just give me a moment!"
I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling a sense of satisfaction as I admired my appearance. I was wearing a stylish black and white dress that fell just below my knees, with a white bow tie adorning my hair. My makeup was flawlessly done, accentuating my features.
"Shit, ang ganda ko," I murmured to myself. After securing a job as an animator and starting a new life in the United States, I was finally able to enjoy the fruits of my labor. This was where I would find happiness. Despite missing my home country, the Philippines, the familiar places there held too many painful memories that I preferred to leave behind.
Everything was supposed to go smoothly, until it didn't. From the far corner of my room, I caught a glimpse of someone—a dark figure—watching me. A chill ran down my spine, and my body instinctively went into fight-or-flight mode. Without a second thought, I fled from my room, convinced that the figure was pursuing me. It emitted a sinister laugh, filling the air with an eerie presence. Was this what my mother had warned me about?
---
"Puta... tangina, tangina! Ava, where's Ava?" These thoughts raced through (Y/N)'s mind as she ran, desperately searching for her friend while panic consumed her. As she neared the stairs, she could swear that the figure was still chasing her. In her haste, she stumbled and began to fall, but just as she was about to hit the ground, a blinding light engulfed everything.
---
On a quiet evening in the streets of Watery Lane, Birmingham, Thomas Shelby lay in his bed, lost in thought, cigarette in hand. Suddenly, the drawers started opening, and the air seemed to thin. The entire house shook, as if an earthquake were rocking the foundations. Thomas swiftly grabbed his gun, prepared to confront any potential enemy lurking in the darkness of the night. It felt as if the very earth were tearing apart at the seams. He was about to call for his family when a brilliant flash of white light blinded him, causing him to shield his eyes and turn away.
A loud crash followed, accompanied by the sound of a woman's voice. Thomas, now disoriented, cautiously approached the source of the disturbance, gun still aimed at the woman who had appeared in his home. She seemed panicked, her eyes darting around as she struggled to get to her feet, wincing in pain. It appeared that she had injured her leg, possibly a sprain, which forced her to remain seated on the floor.
Their eyes met, and the woman's breath seemed to catch in her throat. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at the gun pointed at her. With trembling hands raised in self-defense, she stammered, "Who the hell are you, eh?" Thomas questioned her, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. This woman was unlike any he had encountered before.
"M-me? (Y/N), my name... (Y/N). Please, can you... I don't... the..." Her words faltered as Thomas took a step closer, the gun still pointed at her. Overwhelmed, she broke down, crouching on the floor, averting her gaze. If she were to die, she would rather not see it coming.
As the door opened, she looked up and saw a woman and two other men entering. When her eyes met theirs and then returned to Thomas, the woman spoke up, moving to disarm him.
---
"Jesus, Tom! What are you doing to this poor lady?!" I heard the woman exclaim after the gun was taken away from him. I let out a sigh of relief. Tom, as the man was called, pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated. The two other men seemed to be stifling their laughter, although it was difficult to discern as everything started to blur, as if the room were spinning.
When I regained consciousness, I found myself in bed, still in the same room as before—at least from what I could remember. As I surveyed my surroundings, I realized I was still wearing the dress, although the bows in my hair were gone. When I attempted to get up, the door opened, revealing the woman from earlier. In her right hand, she carried a tray with tea.
"Don't. You'll hurt yourself," she cautioned, pointing at my ankle. I nodded, and asked, "Can you tell me where I am...? Can I go home? Please..."
"You're in Small Heath. Thomas said you appeared out of thin air. How did that happen?" she responded.
"What year is it?"
"1919."
Small Heath, in 1919? That was far away from home, possibly evenin a different era altogether. It seemed impossible for me to have traveled there in the blink of an eye, let alone through time itself. Sensing my confusion, the woman tried to reassure me. She set the tray of tea on the bedside table and introduced herself as Polly Gray. I nodded in acknowledgment and placed the cup of tea on my lap.
"You're not from around here, are you?" Polly asked, her gaze lingering on the tea leaves in my cup.
"No, I'm not," I replied. She clicked her tongue, taking the cup from me and placing it back on the tray.
"Are you a Gypsy?" she inquired.
"No, I'm not," I repeated. I was starting to feel a glimmer of hope that Polly might be able to help me find my way back home. However, instead of directly answering my question, she posed one of her own.
"Can you read? Are you good with numbers?"
"I can read and do math. Why?"
"If you're going to stay here, you might as well work for us," Polly suggested, her tone implying that she had more to say on the matter.
"Why do you want to help me?" I asked but only got silence in return. The unexpected turn of events had left me bewildered, but I knew I had to gather my wits and adapt to this new reality. Working for Polly and her associates seemed like the only option available to me at the moment. Maybe, just maybe, they could provide me with the answers I sought and help me find a way back home.
"I'll work for you"
"Good."
////
It had been precisely one month and four days since I had become a part of the Shelby family. Despite initial reservations and a sense of distrust, Polly graciously took me under her wing. The other members of the family had an unspoken understanding not to pry into certain events that were yet to happen in their lives, acknowledging that I possessed knowledge of the future. However, that didn't stop some of them, particularly Finn, from asking what it was like. It was a joy to share stories with the young boy, and I was grateful that they kept my arrival in Small Heath a secret, creating a story on how I got up here, to not make the townsfolk ask questions, but then again who would ask the Shelby family questions?
In the present moment, I found myself inside the bustling betting shop, surrounded by a lively crowd. My responsibilities included tallying numbers, verifying receipts, and handling money and the transactions that came with it. The work was demanding, but it provided me with a sense of purpose, a distraction.
Across the room, John stood by the blackboard, inscribing odds while announcing them loudly for all to hear. Meanwhile, Arthur and Thomas had stepped out for a while, leaving Polly and me to manage the shop, with Ada looking after Finn.
"Mas maganda siguro kung animator nalang ako... or if I had a calculator here," I mused to myself, finishing up the last part of my work and giggling at the thought.
"A calculator? What's that?" I heard John's familiar voice as he approached me, a toothpick dangling from his mouth.
"It's- er, a device that helps you with calculations—counting, subtracting, multiplying, and even dividing numbers," I explained.
"Even the big ones?" John asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.
"Even the big ones," I confirmed, a hint of amusement in my voice.
Our conversation was abruptly interrupted when a bloodied Arthur burst into the shop, sending panic through the air. Everyone was ordered to leave, and Polly swiftly took charge, guiding Arthur to the house connected to the betting shop. Ada and John exchanged concerned glances, and I hurriedly joined them, mindful of my sprained ankle. I grabbed a clean cloth to help with Arthur's wounds, while Ada rushed to fetch a bucket of water.
Word seemed to spread quickly, and soon Thomas barged into the house, a bottle of alcohol in hand. He took the cloth from me, and I sat there, observing the scene. Conversations and typical sibling banter filled the air as Arthur and Ada exchanged words, while John and I simply watched them. Arthur began to explain how Inspector Campbell had asked him to assist with a robbery, recounting the encounter. Lost in my own thoughts, I couldn't help but voice my concerns.
"Will you help him? I mean, I wouldn't want to even think of helping a man who beat and bruised me... but..." I trailed off, realizing that all eyes were on me.
"Sorry, please continue," I quickly added.
"We don't help coppers," John stated firmly beside me.
Arthur continued, "He knew all about our war record... said we were patriots like him. I told him we'd take a family meeting and vote."
Knowing this was turning into Family business, I quietly saw myself out, going back to the betting shop to try and do extra work to keep myself busy. Despite the trust I had gained from the family, I understood that certain matters were their own to handle. It was their business, and I respected their boundaries.
///
My mind couldn't seem to shake off the lingering thoughts from our conversation. It had been a good thirty minutes, yet I couldn't help but wonder if the Shelby family would truly help that man with the robbery. After all, how could they trust someone who had beaten one of their own? The situation seemed precarious at best.
"Sana talaga bumalik na ako. Mas masaya siguro ako kung animator na lang ako... please, Lord, babait na ako kung ibabalik niyo lang ako..." I quietly murmured to myself, longing for the familiarity of my previous life.
"What are you blabbering about, eh?" a gruff voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to find Thomas standing before me, a quizzical expression on his face. I raised an eyebrow at him, which seemed to amuse him.
"You haven't apologized since the first time we met," I said, a hint of amusement in my voice.
"And you haven't told me what you said," he replied, curiosity piqued.
"It was a curse. I was cursing you to make a bad decision for pointing a gun at me," I snickered.
A moment of silence passed between us before we both chuckled. "So maybe it isn’t a curse... I was actually wishing to go back home. I even asked the Lord. I told Him that if He took me back, I would be nicer. I just think it would be nice if I could work as an animator. After all, I studied to become one after everything," I confessed, grateful for the Shelby family for taking me in and caring for me in their own ways.
To my surprise, Arthur and I discovered a shared love for drawing. It became apparent when he noticed me doodling one day, and he revealed that he used to love drawing horses. We began to draw together from time to time, he even thought me a few things or so.
Thomas, on the other hand, was more reserved. We didn't have much in common, but whenever I spoke in my native language, he would ask questions about its meaning. He also showed patience when I acted differently, allowing me to talk to him in a more casual manner over time.
John, being closer to my age, was a friendly presence. He had a boisterous personality, and I appreciated having someone to distract me from the noises in my head, a breath of fresh air in this intense environment.
Ada was easy to get along with. She lent me some of her clothing and was always open to conversation. She reminded me of my friends back home, particularly Ava.
Polly and I had a relationship reminiscent of the one I shared with my mother. At first, it felt like walking on thin air, but as I diligently carried out my duties and refrained from meddling in their affairs, she began to open up. She treated me like her own, and when I mentioned the similarities between her tea leaf reading and the practices of lbularyos or witch doctors, she encouraged me to share more.
And now, here I sat with Thomas Shelby himself. Thomas, who stayed quiet for most parts. His presence made me feel like I should continue talking.
"You lot can speak a different language too, right? Maybe you can teach me so that when I go back, I can make an impression, hm?" I suggested, which made him quirk a brow
"Then you'll have to teach me yours too, so it'll be fair, eh?" he replied with a smile and a shake of his head. Jackpot.
"Sure. Speaking of learning, do you know how I got good with numbers?" I asked, looking at him intently. It was just the two of us in the betting shop now, giving me the freedom to share. He then sat down next to me. Taking his gesture as an invitation to keep talking, I continued.
"When I was seven years old, my parents enrolled me in a program, a math center. It took me eight years to complete the whole program!" I explained, shivering at the memories.
"You didn't go to school?" he inquired.
"Oh, I did. I attended school while also studying math at that center. By the time I was sixteen, I was juggling school subjects like statistics, probabilities, and calculus, along with history lessons about my country... all that stuff. Later on, I learned animation, which gave me something to do, something I enjoyed."
"What do you do in animation?" Thomas asked, my face seemed to look very excited as i moved my chair closer to him, as if it wod be easy for him to be absorbing the knowledge I was about to share.
"Well," I began, a smile playing on my lips, "I draw illustrations, frame by frame. Basically, you see this?" I gestured, moving my hand as if I'm waving. He nodded in response as If my gesture wasn't obvious. "I draw something like that, people in motion, you know, like those pictures Ada goes to see. But Instead of people, its drawings. That was my job."
"And you can't do that now?" Thomas questioned, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Well...its easier to do it digitally," I explained, trying to find the right words to describe the concept, I used my hands, waving them in the air as if it would help the situation. Seeing his puzzled expression, I sighed and admitted defeat. "You know... its like this technology. It's hard to explain, to be honest. It's giving me a headache just thinking about it."
Thomas nodded, tilting his head slightly to indicate that he had listened to my explanation. After awhile more, we both stood up
"I've go to go, somewhere I need to be"
"Oh? Did my curse work? You're off to make a bad decision?" I joked which earned me another smile and a shake of his head.
"Maybe tomorrow, Do you drink?"
"That depends, is there an occasion?" I asked,walking over to the window, there I realised it was already dark, we've talked throughout the afternoon.
"Just come, eh?"
"Ask me again next time and I'll agree, if we spend too much time your ears might bleed."
"Next time then."
///
///
She stayed in Thomas' room during her stay, a decision made by the family. As she headed upstairs, she spotted Polly taking care of Finn. Pausing in her task, Polly spoke up.
"Need any help?"
"No, just check on Ada for me, thank you, love," she replied, and I agreed to do so.
"Alright, goodnight, Pol."
"Goodnight, love."
Making my way upstairs, I found Ada in her room.
"Are you going to sleep? Pol asked me to check up on you," I asked, and she yawned and nodded, pushing me towards Thomas' room.
"Yeah, off to bed. You too. I can manage myself. Goodnight, (Y/N)!"
"Oh, goodnight Ada," I said before she shut the door, leaving me confused, what are you up to Ada? I walked to the bed and crawled under the covers, ready to sleep.
As I drifted off, I couldn't help but utter a quiet gratitude, "Thank you, po," to no one in particular.
---
"Pol, do you know anyone who might know a way for me to get back? I think I'm losing hope already," I asked Polly, seeking some answers. It had been quite a hectic week word of mouth saying Thomas shooting someone, Mr. Campbell raiding homes of communists, Ada's pregnancy, and Thomas picking a fight with the Lee family.
"Oh, love. Just a little longer, hm? You'll go back. I'm sure of it," Polly said, her words providing temporary comfort. I had grown attached to the Shelby family, and the thought of leaving without knowing their fate weighed heavily on my mind.
"You know, Poll, I'm scared. If I do leave, then what about you guys? I won't ever get to see you all again... I won't know how you guys are doing unless I can read it from history books. I won't know how to help," I confessed, my voice filled with concern.
She took my hand in hers, offering reassurance. "Don't worry, love. Just give us a proper goodbye, and we'll be fine, alright?"
"I'll miss you if I do go," I admitted, a touch of sadness in my voice.
"We'll miss you too," she replied, understanding my worries.
---
That night, I decided to stay up late. I sat in the kitchen, working on a few doodles on a piece of paper. I drew frogs, horses, Polly, Ada, and Finn. The door swung open, revealing a drenched Thomas holding a bottle of whiskey.
"Woah," I exclaimed, surprised by his sudden entrance.
"A drink?" he offered, though his tone felt more like an order than an invitation. Remembering my promise, I grabbed two glasses and placed them on the table as he poured a drink for both of us.
"So, rough day? What happened this time?" I asked, curious to hear the events that had happened, though by the looks of it, thos wasn't a good one.
"I shot a horse," he replied. My eyes widened, my mouth agape, silently urging him to continue.
"It looked at me the wrong way, so I..." he trailed off, the weight of his actions evident in his voice.
"I look at you the wrong way most of the time. Maybe you should've done the same to me," I mumbled, moving my chair closer to him. He sighed, taking a swig of his drink.
"Back in France, I got used to seeing men die, but I never got used to seeing horses die," he confessed, his tone filled with remorse.
I nodded, taking small sips of my whiskey. "Horses, or any animals in general, they aren't like us. When we kill, it can be for so many reasons, but they do it to survive and protect. So, it's good that you feel bad about it. It makes you human. It proves you're not what you think you are."
"What do you think I am?" he questioned, curiosity lacing his words.
"You're not that far off. You're not as cold as anyone, or even yourself, perceives you to be, and that's a good thing. So, let it all out today," I encouraged, understanding the weight of his burdens.
We fell into a comfortable silence, interrupted only by the clinking of glasses as he poured himself more whiskey. After a while, I nudged him with my glass.
"I don't drink much," I confessed, offering him my glass. He took it and drank, and eventually, he began to talk again.
"Is that Polly?" he asked, pointing at the doodle I had made of her. I nodded, pointing out the other family members as well.
"I drew the people I talked to today. I guess I should draw you too, huh?" I suggested, feeling a sense of warmth in our conversation. He shrugged, turning his chair to fully face me.
"Should I stay still, then, eh?" he asked playfully.
"Nope! I've already memorized your face by now," I replied without much thought, not realizing the subtle smirk that graced his lips as I began to sketch him.
"You know, I'm glad that it was your house I accidentally traveled to. Even though it was scary at first," I shared, stealing quick glances at his drenched face to capture the details in my sketch. "Anyways, you'll catch a cold if you stay like that. When I was a kid, my parents used to throw their slippers at me from inside while I played in the rain."
"What? Would you do that to me?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Imagining the scenario, I burst into laughter. The image of me throwing slippers at Thomas in the rain seemed quite comical.
"I will if you let me."
"Maybe someday"
When I finished the sketch, I looked at it with satisfaction.
"Pogi," I murmured, using a Filipino term that meant "handsome." Though he didn't need to know that
"Pogi?" he repeated, looking at me curiously. I shook my head, realizing I had slipped into a different language.
"I said I was done," I clarified, handing him the paper with a smile. He took it, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Thank you," he whispered, barely above a breath. We both knew that those two words held multiple meanings, and despite everything, he meant them sincerely.
"I am a woman in love, I wear my heart on my sleeve and smile with not a single thought. I am a woman in love, happily content to where I shall be and where I shall go, as long as I am with him."
Authors Note: I made this story with not much thought, but I wanted to portray the reader and Tommy living their separate lives to have you, readers, have a gist on what its like, to make the character, Ms. Bennett feels real. I don't really know if that makes sense or if I'm doing it correctly, but please enjoy :)))
Two days and six hours, it's been exactly two days and six hours since I've started this investigation that I burdened myself with. All I've been getting are bits of information from the men and women. Women loved to gossip, so much so that they became one of the sources of said information. These missing wives, they had nothing in common with one another. They were just normal working women before they got married and settled down. What would society even do with them? I feel like a jester, juggling my social life together with this secret double life. I never really got used to such taxing activities mentally. This whole investigation, could it be some murderer? Human Traffickers? Surely, this culprit had a motive, a reason, something these women had that they wanted, something these women can give, choice or not.
"Why does everyone call you by your last name?" Andrew suddenly asked, which made me look over at the small child playing by the racks of clothes in William's shop.
Tilting my head, I seem to not know the reason behind it either. Andrew is the son of the man I visited to get close to have more information about the missing wives rather than relying on gossip alone. The child himself was quite entertaining to be around. He spoke so freely about his mother, telling stories of how loving the woman can be.
"Well, if you want, you can call me by my first name," I said with a smile. Walking over to crouch down to his eye level, I gave him a pat on the head, which earned me a smile in return
"Isn't this a sight, hm?" I heard the familiar voice of William from behind. He was at the back with Catherine earlier, presumably sorting out fabrics and dresses.
"C'mon, I've only offered to let this little guy stay here while his father worked, for the assurance that nothing will happen," I said softly though assuming from their reactions, it wasnt taken quite kindly. The statement itself was considered a lie. I lied. Lying straight to the face of the man I love, like how I would every day to everyone, including this child.
"So you don't want me here... Ms. (Y/N)?" Andrew asked me, his face looked sad, eyes like melting glaciers about to fall.
"Of course not, I just meant that I couldn't risk you being alone without your father, even though -"
"So you care for me.. right?" The little child said, hopeful, which made me think, how can he care about my feelings towards him in such a small amount of time we've been together? Children truly are innocent, things to be kept safe from the world we live in. Furthermore, care. To care is to help, a genuine action done out of the kindness of one's own heart. I do that, correct? I think for a moment, my actions, words, and emotions all contradict one another. Both men in the room seemed to take notice of my silence, which in turn made me aware. Aware that they can never know these thoughts, to Bury it, to hide. Breaking from my thoughts, I smiled at the child.
"Of course I do, but later your father will pick you up, I'll have William stay with you since I need to go for a bit, yeah?" Standing back up, I walked over to William. He then wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning against him while I looked back at Andrew. Understandingly, the child nodded, which made me smile.
"Eh? Where will my heart go? Guess she'll leave me alone once again..." William joked, kissing me on the cheek, which made me chuckle.
Seeing the display of affection, the child grimaced and then ran off to play somewhere else, which made me and William laugh.
"I promised you a date. Therefore, you must let me go for a while to prepare," I giggled. Going to dates on Friday was kind of like our tradition, a simple act to show love and to feel it radiate from each other. Feeling his lips on mine for a brief moment, I smiled.
"Alright, I'll pick you up at our place," William smiled. He's always such a loving man, doing more than beyond.
"See you later, love," I said, parting with a kiss before I headed out. Love was something I wasn't familiar with, which sometimes led me to be confused on how to act around William, though lucky enough that he guided me through it.
Walking down the street, I'm greeted with familiar faces. Some I can't remember the names. The smoke filled air, and the mud on my shoes did little to dampen my mood. Suddenly, people started to run about, screaming and shouting.
Confused, I slowed my footsteps. There, on a shop, a lifeless man was dead with Danny holding a bloody knife. My eyes widened, I tried to move, but nothing came out, I held my breath, and though I investigated crimes like this, I never saw a man dead right in front of me. From this day, I'm sure I'll never get used to this.
Someone passes by me, but it can be considered more like shoved. It was Thomas Shelby. He went over, took the knife from the man's hand, and calmed him down. The scene deescalated just as quickly as it happened. Once Thomas got Danny to go away, coming with some surge of confidence, I began to walk towards him with his hack turned to me.
"Mr. Shelby..?" I said softly as to not startle the man, whipping his head back, he looked at me without uttering a word, he simply raised a brow which I took as a cue to keep going.
"What will happen to Danny now..? He just -" stopping myself to look at the dead body in front of us, he followed my gaze and just shook his head. Taking a cigarette, he lit one up and placed it on his mouth, blowing the smoke in the corpses' direction. "Mr. Shelby, I worry for him and his family.."
"Don't stick your nose into others' business, saves you the trouble, eh?" He said, as he was about to walk past me. He took my hand and gave me a few quids, which caused me confusion. Was this for my silence? Though that seems rather odd since a quarter of the town already saw what happened, or was it so I'd stop with being so nosy?
"For the bread."
"Bread? What bread?" I asked, my brows furrowed as I looked up at the man. The more he acted, the more he perplexed me. Seeing his face, he tilted his head as if he should be confused
"You dont remember, again?" I shook my head, remembering what he gave me moments ago, i tried to have him take the money back, but he refused, saying he already gave them, so it'll be no use. In the end, he walked away and left me be, confused, I placed the coins inside my coat pocket before walking home. What did i forget again? No matter what I have other things to do at the moment, I need to get the memory of the dead body out my head.
After preparing for my date, at eight o'clock sharp there was a knock on the door, I smiled and opened it. William appeared with a bouquet and fresh smile, I'm taken back to memories when he was still courting me.
"Flowers for the beautiful lady?" He asked, which I gladly took. Holding up his hand, I held them. I locked the door, and we began to walk towards the pathway to a small restaurant.
"Thank you for this, for everything, Will," I said while we kept walking hand in hand.
"Then I should thank you too"
"For what?"
"For letting me love you"
"Then, you're welcome."
With that, we spent the rest of the day together, I told him about what happened earlier, and he's told me of stories he heard and so on. Everything feels nice. It feels like home as we both made it out to be.
...
That night, Ms. Bennett was content with her lover. Everything played out perfectly. She lived a good life and was happily in love. Maybe fate can say the same for the man she bumped into earlier as he's inside the Garrison, enthralled by the singing Barmaid before him. Surely both Ms. Bennett and Mr. Shelby will live their lives with love found in someone else's eyes.
Ms. Bennett is a peculiar woman whose motives are always unclear, though, of course, she alone has grace this knowledge upon herself and none of anyone she knows. What happens when an inspector and his spy come to town? Shall she make due and quench her curiosity or finally learn to back down? Who knows, maybe at the end, she'll compromise. A conflicted woman will always be a surprise. You can trust that. It's Ms. Bennett afterall
Ms. Bennet's P.O.V.
...
"This is pointless as it is stupid." I mumbled to myself. Tossing and turning on my shared bed with William. If a national treasure really did get stolen, what treasure would it be?
Minerals? Gold? Jewellery? Some ornaments from the royal family? Placing my arm to cover my face, I groaned in frustration. Surely, these factors I laid out won't be considered. After all, all these can easily be replaced or would have no effect to be a threat to this very constitution. Treasure.
"What's a treasure besides Gold that once in the hands of others you would crumble..." I thought deeply, a world run by men surely limited me to a few other factors.
"My guess is, it's either illegal documents, ledger, guns, some proof blackmailing Churchill himself." Talking to myself aloud, I rolled on my stomach. My face buried in the pillows as I screamed internally.
"Thomas Shelby and Freddie Thorne, one of them might know a thing or two." As if hit with adrenaline, something clicked in my brain, I sat up and thought more clearly.
"Freddie either did or did not know what the national treasure is, nor who stole it. If he knew, he wouldn't have said those words to Thomas... but if he did, was it to catch Thomas with a bluff? What does bluffing get him? Anyway, he knew even if Thomas knew something, he wouldn't tell Freddie... meaning that rules out the second probability"
My thoughts turned to Thomas earlier, I decided that he would be the one I would use as lead.
"How in the world am I to get close to a mobster?" Without realising it, I started to bite my lip while my nails made their way to claw on my thigh. Once I tasted blood, I stopped and lied back down.
The Shelby's were people I was acquainted with, much like half the people in Small Heath. Jon Shelby and I were classmates. He and his brothers would cause mischief here and there before. I then remembered the time they would encourage cigarettes and alcohol to the students in school. That made me laugh, I remember Jon giving me a handful, which caused Arthur to smack him in the head, saying , "Oi! Yer only supposed to give em one of each! Then, after the second time, you rip their money off! It's what Tommy said!" Turns out it was a money laundering little scheme which got me a bit close to the two Shelby brothers. After that, they treated me nicely, Thomas, on the other hand... well, he was just there. Nothing more, nothing less. At least I can speak a bit freely than others would.
"Maybe I can use this closeness with Jon and Arthur to get close to Thomas..."
Looking up at the ceiling, I blinked a few times. If only I knew no bounds, then maybe, maybe I wouldn't want to stick my nose up in other peoples business.
"Morris Dawn"
My penname, a reminder of my other life. I had to write about something soon. If I were to investigate and yet not publish this, what good does it make? I'm risking my life and earning nothing. Must I be damned to be a curious writer by heart? I cursed myself under my breath.
Looking over my side, I see that night has already come. William isn't home yet.
"Make up your mind. You're wasting time." I groaned, talking to myself once more. Standing up, I walked towards the vanity, formulating every plan for every possible outcome already.
By the time William came home, I lay in bed, asleep. Brain fried. Odds and probabilities everywhere.
"Oh, love..." William chuckled, undressing himself down to only his trousers before making his way to bed and underneath the covers.
When I woke up, I was alone in bed. A note to my right that read:
"I had to go to the shop early today, made breakfast for you. Just the way you like it"
-William
I smiled at the note before making my way to freshen up and get ready for the day. Later that morning, I went and ran errands. Going to my usual go-to bakery, i smiled at the familiar woman handling the register.
"Oh, Ms. Bennett! What a lovely surprise"
"Hello, Mrs. Fer. How are you?"
I asked, as then she answered me. We go about our conversation as I picked out some bread and pastries from the older woman.
"Oh? By the way, Ms. Bennett"
"Mhm? What is it? Anything wrong? Maybe I can help, " I said kindly, the bag of food around my arm.
"I heard there's an inspector in town. He came last night... Best be careful, Ms. Bennett. My husband told me to stay quiet about this, but I just worry for you. Thought I ought to let you know that you're like the daughter we never had after all..."
My heart swelled with love for the older woman, reaching out to squeeze her hand to comfort her, I decided to ask more for purposes, of course.
"But Mrs. Fer, what about the inspector? Surely he wouldn't harm innocent people here, right?" The older woman only shook her head and sighed.
"My dear, you're far too nice for this town. Why not move away to somewhere safer with your lover? Get married, have a peaceful life -"
"And leave you behind? I'd rather not Mrs. Fer, I've come to love the people in this town enough to stay." I interrupted her, which made her frown deepen. I only shook my head and gave a soft smile. It was the truth, after all.
"The inspector called for a meeting, all the policemen and some new lackeys. Told my husband and the others that he would be cleaning this town up. Dear, a man like that -" She stopped herself and cupped both of my cheeks before continuing, "a man like that will stop at nothing, so it's best to keep safe, aye?"
I nodded as she released her hands from my face. Bidding goodbye, I walked out of the bakery with my freshly baked goods and onto my next errand. Mrs. Fer, an old lady married to a policeman sure does have its perks, added points that she's quite fond of me as I with her.
Though I did feel guilty using these people, masking and hiding beyond a facade of a sweet young lady. I stopped in my tracks before shaking my head, trying to get physically rid of these thoughts.
"Remember, if what you're doing is for their good... a little harm here and there wouldn't hurt, besides... it isn't like they know any of it"
The day went by smoothly, and I finally had something to work with. From the bakery I found out of the inspector, from the butcher I heard some men talking about what they knew of the said inspector whilst the women talked about someone trying to find the identity of the mysterious Author, Morris Dawn which in turn made me gulped, I had to be careful. lastly, from William's shop, I found out how there had been people, mostly wives gone missing. Feeling lucky, I put the things I bought inside the flat, there had been new things to investigate, so many things to know, getting a few breads I bought before putting them inside a basket. I decided to go to the Garisson, to at least visit Harry, I forgot that I hadn't had the chance to pay for my drink last time, hence the bread.
Walking down the familiar path down Watery Lane, I think of the words to say when suddenly, someone harshly bumped into me. My focus on the bread as I tried to save them, but alas, only one was left safe.
"There goes my luck then... shouldn't have spoken too soon..."
"You're luck, eh?" A familiar gruff voice said, whipping my head from the bread on the ground towards the person. My eyes locked into those blue crystallike eyes of him.
"Yes, my luck. Mr. Shelby. This was for Harry, I ought to give him an apology for not being able to pay for my drink-" realising I was giving out too much of my thoughts to a man who wo t even care, I shut my mouth, blinking a few times, what am I doing.
After an awkward silence, I stepped out of his way, noticing the alchohol bottle he was holding, knowing better than to ask him to pay for the soiled bread. Going inside the pub without another word, I walked to the bar. To my surprise, a young, beautiful, blonde woman came into view, working at the bar, pouring drinks instead of Harry.
"Oh- hello, you are -?" I asked kindly, though it was overshadowed by my surprise and confusion.
"Grace, Grace Burgees. I'm the new Barmaid," She explained, an Irish accent to her. I nodded and smiled.
"Do you know where Harry is? I ought to give him some bread..."
Just in time, Harry came I to view, to my relief. I explained to him why i only had one loaf of bread rather than more. Nonetheless, he accepted it with gratitude. When I gave him money for the drink, though, that was the time he refused. I shook my head and accepted defeat, still talking to Harry as Grace was on the side.
"I'm really sorry to give you a half-hearted apology, Harry. If only I'd look in the way Mr. Shelby -" I was cut off by Harry reassuring me once more that it was fine. After a bit, Grace looked at me, I gave her my name, which she responded with a smile. We talked for a bit, she told me which town she lived in back in Ireland, how life was like there while I told her how I lived my life here in Birmingham, saying words enough to satisfy her curiosity but not enough to give anything away.
"I better get going then. Next time I visit, I'll bring you some bread too!" I said, smiling at her before leaving the bar. She smiled and waved me goodbye.
A woman from the same town as the inspector, someone who came to Small Heath the same time the inspector did. It didn't take much to put two and two together, though that just means they'd do the job for me, correct?
"Maybe I don't have to investigate anything after all..."
Putting this 'treasure' to the side, I went to go look for any leads, common things between these missing wives. If I moved too slowly, either this incompetent policemen would forget about this or have more people killed than needed.
Putting myself with the burden of such heroic secrecy, I walked down Watery Lane. Knocking on the door of one of the husbands of a missing wife.
"Ms. Bennett?" The man asked, surprise he knew who I was.
"Oh- you know who I am?" The man only gave what little smile he could before explaining himself.
"There aren't many people helping around for the good besides that, Pastor." He said, shaking his head.
After a bit of small talk he led me inside, I told him that I wanted to help babysit for their son whilst the coppers try and find his wife since it was well known how he wasn't doing well takinh care of the little critter, that was a mere alibi of course. Though it felt nice to help, my motives were clear to me as the night sky. I am no saint, a mere sham. A lie and a lie I will always become. If a false Saint will be able to keep everyone I could help safe, I'd gladly be one.
Ms. Bennett goes around to look for information. Shall she finally quench her undying curiosity before it eats her alive?
A few days passed, and she spent her time working with William at the shop. They stole kisses and glances from each other even before the shop opened. After a bit, she left with the excuse of having running an errand. When William proposed to walk with her and help, she refused, insisting that she could handle herself when, in truth, she wanted to find new 'inspiration,' so she called. She needed information on what to write next.
With a smile, she walked around town. Everyone knew her as a nice young lady, humbly working at her William's, sometimes even catching he going for drinks here and there. No one could find her doing anything wrong, she had befriended families and neighbours alike, sometimes people wonder how a girl like her could live in a town so sinful as this.
Hearing murmurs around town, the gears in her head began to turn. Making a detour, she walked inside a bar called the Garrison, somewhere she would frequent. She went inside, men and women seeing her yet not paying any attention, she was always here after all. Sitting down in a corner no one would bother her, it was the the early mornings, though it would be preferable to go here at night where men were drunk, their lips as loose as the stitches she would make back at the shop, but she didn't want to risk it, she knew the risk of staying late, especially in a place full of drunkards.
She was good friends with the owner, staying quiet when he saw her at his pub. He made his way to give her a gin before quietly going behind the bar as she thanked him.
"This should be it..." She said, pretending to be busy with writing something on her diary. A few minutes passed by, and all she heard were useless or mundane conversations. Nothing that heed her attention. Sometimes familiar faces would greet her, but nothing more. Smirking internally when one of her acquaintance told her the coppers found a criminal that hid in Small Heath, hiding in a house near the heart of the very town, he even posed as a Baker in one of the market shops. Turns out that man killed his aunt, went to start a new life while his aunt decayed at the house she lived in back in London, the family jeweles being the one reason she was even identified.
"Oh really? That really is something... wait, the bakery down the street?" She said, 'worry' plastered on her face, she was happy that man got arrested, though now she had to act as if she didn't know any of this, unbestknown to the tranquil she faces underneath, the person she was talking just gave a nod. They talked for a few moments before she was left alone once again, nursing the gin on her hand.
When she was about to leave the door of the pub opened, looking at the person from the corner of her eyes, she found out it was no other than Thomas Shelby himself. Holding her breath, she silently watched him take off his peaked cap as he made his way to the bar, throwing the said cap on the bar as Harry approached with a bottle of whiskey.
"On the house Mr. Shelby." Harry said, uncorking the bottle before placing it in front of Thomas with a glass. Thomas gave no reaction. Still, he placed two coins down for Harry.
Deciding to stay, she continued to busy herself. She then saw Thomas and Freddy look at one another before Freddy made his way towards Thomas. This is it. Maybe they know something, she thought.
After Freddy got his drink, he took it and drank. "Cheers, Thomas, good health to you." Getting no reaction, he took the peaked cap on the bar to examine it.
"The crown of a prince. Soon to be king, I'd bet."
"You don't bet."
Finding this conversation fruitless, she bit her lip, nails digging and scratching her thigh above her skirt, a habit she'd come around with since she was a child whenever she was getting restless or anxious The two men kept talking, and finally, after a bit, she heard something useful come out of Freddy's mouth. She rested her head on the palm of her hand whilst re-reading the same lines on her diary to look like she wasn't listening.
"One of my Union comrades has a sister, works in the telegraph office at the NSA factory."
He went on to continue, saying how over the past weeks they'd have messages coming up from London to the brass from Winston Churchill himself. Her breath hitched when she heard, Freddie made his way closer to Thomas, and her voice lowered, but still, she heard him as clear as day.
"Something about a robbery. A robbery of national significance."
She kept her face neutral, letting the information sink in. But Freddie kept talking, saying that his and Thomas' name was on the list. After those words, she didn't listen any longer. Muting everything to formulate a plan to begin her new investigation, risky as it is, her pamphlets earned enough to have her save money for her own future endeavors, no doubt the coppers themselves paid her through the printing shops that would publish her work, thankful that both the coppers and the men at the shop didn't bother knowing her name, that much was enough to keep her going.
Her thoughts were once again interrupted when the door slammed open, a man going hysterical. It was Danny, the woman jumped out of her chair quickly as Danny began to turn and toss everything he could get his hands on. She looked more worried than frightened, those men that fought in war, those lucky enough to come back home, they were no longer in France but different fight brews in their mind. The trauma they have to live with must be difficult. She moved to the side as Thomas And Freddie put him down, when they deemed him back to his own self again, they stood up as Thomas reassured him, saying for him to go home to his wife. When Danny was gone, the woman began helping around to fix the tables. That was the least he could do for her friend Harry.
"Mr. Shelby, you have to do something about him."
Harry said as he pointed at the door with his hand, Thomas and Freddy walked back, Freddy agreeing with Harry. The woman watched them, wondering how Freddy could go around taunting Thomas. He sure does have some confidence in him. Continuing with her thoughts, she frowned when Freddie kept talking.
"Maybe you should put a bullet in Danny Whiz-Bangs head like they do with mad horses... maybe you ought to put a bullet in my head someday, too..."
Having had enough of this already, the woman went to leave. She turned to bid her goodbye to Harry, who quietly thanked her for trying to help. Her eyes locked onto Thomas and then Freddy, she looked uneasy in their eyes, both men thought that she wasn't used to these kinds of things happening close to her. It is ironic as the town itself reeks of such impurities. The men in front of her are one of the many reasons. Oh, how wrong they were. She gave them a nod of acknowledgement before leaving with her diary. Once she reached her flat, she slumped on the chair in the kitchen, grabbing a drink as she thought to herself.
One thing was on her mind. She needed to know about this robbery.
"Surely if it's of national treasure someone competent would go looking for it..."
She picked up her pen, and maybe getting her head stuck in this problem was not ideal? But with the mind of a woman like her, how can curiosity be quenched if something like this is laid on before her? Maybe for her sake, she won't publish the information, write about something else for the moment, still she wanted - no needed to find out.
Ms. (Y/N) Bennett goes around to her normal, everyday life, a happy life with her lover, William Carter. Everything is good. A happy life, yes. Truly, she's happy. Right?
CONFESSION:
To cause a strain in marriage through infidelity, hurt as it is, could there be more?
...
Brumi, around 11 p.m. found drunk, a married man coming out of another woman's home, a place near the heart of the city in London, as his wife heart to him
I confirm, with a heavy heart that should his wife leave him, it would probably be best, sometimes those we love, be it family, jewelries or the pastry shops around town rots from within, bread and blood. Shall the day come?
M.D.
A woman sat snuggly on the couch of her shared flat with her lover, reading a pamphlet. It was her day off. Surely, she could just lounge around without care of the world, right? Her thoughts were interrupted the moment the front door creaked open.
"Will! You're home!"
The woman shouted, running towards her lover with the biggest smile known to earth. It had been days since she last saw him, said he had an important work that needed to be held in London. What does a simple tailor need to go to London for? She thought, though it was interrupted once her said Lover just chuckled, wrapping his arms around her whilst spinning her around.
"God's I missed you"
"As I do, how'd the business go?"
She asked, which made the man put her back on her feet. She tilted her head, waiting for an answer before he let out a cough. Kissing her temple before making his way to the kitchen to grab himself a drink, whiskey she presumed it to be.
"William?"
"Mhm? Oh, yeah. It went well dear, no need to worry your darling head." He reassured her, walking over to sit on the couch before patting the space next to him, signalling for her to sit beside him.
"S'your day off?" He asked, drawing the previous conversation to an end. Walking over to him, she nodded.
"Yep, I had Catherine handle the shop for today since it's Wednesday. Business would be slow anyway." She explained, snuggling close to him on the couch while he nodded in acknowledgement.
William had a shop down in Small Heath. She would help around as he tailored suits. Usually, she would stand as a cashier, help with the numbers, hang suits, and dresses. Though it was a bit inconvenient to own such a store in this smoke polluted town, William believed that everyone should have the chance to wear such clothing if they wanted to. One of the many qualities she loved about him.
The next day came by quickly. After breakfast with William, they both headed out for the shop. William opened the door for her like the gentleman he is, giggling at his actions she walked inside before earning a wink from him.
"Catherine, you're here early, noh?" She smiled at the woman who was currently occupied with hanging the newly tailored suits that were to be picked up.
"Oh! Ms. Bennett and Mr. Carter, what a pleasure to see you both." She said, putting a halt to her actions before making her way to the couple. Catherine May currently works as an apprentice for William. Even though the couple insisted on being called their first names, she would always refuse. In time, the said couple had just let her be.
"Love, why don't you handle the shop for today, hm? I have business with Ms. May over here, I need her assistance with a wealthy client down by the block." William said, which made his lover nod. Giving him a quick kiss before sending him and Catherine off by the front door.
Going over to finish what Catherine was doing before, she made sure everything was up and ready before officially opening the shop for the day.
In the afternoon, she was occupied at the counter when she overheard two women gossiping as they were picking out dresses.
"Have you seen the newest pamphlet given this morning?"
The first woman with blonde hair spoke as her shorter friend then continued
"I haven't got the chance to! I've been caught up with my husband these past few days. After the war, everything seemed to turn for the worse."
As the conversation of the ladies went on, they continued their chatter to Ms. Bennett, after picking out their newfound dresses, ready to pay for them.
"I still wonder how no one has been able to identify this writer..." The shorter one said.
"Writer? You mean 'M.D.' By any chance?" She spoke, which instantly caught the attention of both women.
"You read his stories too, Ms. Bennett?"
"I have only ever heard it," She answered with a smile, which made both women in front of the counter raise their brows in acknowledgement. Giving the two women their dresses in a bag after they paid. They chatted for a bit before they left the store
M.D. the infamous writer going about his day to write gossip around every nook and cranny in this town. Of course, she not only read his stories, she knew them by heart even before he went and published them. M.D. which stood for 'Morris Dawn' is a part of her, after all, her very own secret life. Besides, who would even suspect a nice woman living a double life as a writer? The coppers themselves wouldn't dare touch her, afterall her pamphlets coincedentally gave out information of criminals and thugs alike enough as it is vague. Vague but still there, enough to keep their mouth shuts and not find out who this writer was, after all the writer wasn't doing anything wrong. Her thoughts were completely stopped when she heard the bell of the front door ring, signalling someone had entered the shop. Looking over, she saw who it was. Those three brothers she went to school with. Smiling, she greeted them.
"I'll go get the suits, please wait a moment."
"No need to be so formal, love. S'just us, hm?" The youngest one chuckled, a toothpick between his lips. She just chuckled along before making her way to bring them their suits. She was acquainted with Jon and Arthur, though she could never get a read on their other brother.
"I'd prefer it that way, though." She shrugged, which caused a smirk to be placed on the oldest.
"Would you like to try them on? See if it's tailored to your liking?" She asked the three of them before, which caused Jon to shake his head.
Bidding goodbye, the Shelby's went out the store. Their suits are free of charge, per the request of William. Thinking the lot went away, she began to organise the rack when she heard a coin being placed on the counter. Turning her head, she saw the second oldest. Thomas was looking at her quietly, smoking his cigarette.
"For the trouble." Was all Thomas said before heading out the shop where his brothers waited for him.
"Why did you do that?" He said, voice unnervingly calm. Silence. Everything was silent for a few moments before she broke it with a sigh, "I told you. I stayed because we had a deal." She looked up at him, his stark blue eyes looking at her, searching for lies.
"You said you love him."
"I do"
"Do you still?"
As those words escaped his lips, her breathed hitched, 'love him, still?' Avoiding his gaze, she shook her head, finding no meaning in this conversation. "Love him or not. The deal is still ongoing. Once your 'love' comes back, I'll leave"
___________________________________________
Ms. Bennett, a woman of humble background, hides something from others. Though what would happen once faced with the mobster, Thomas Shelby himself? Time passed by, will striking a deal to get what they want help? Shall they stay or leave once their plan goes accordingly? After all, business is business. Vague as everything is, should the day come and everything will come to light.
