𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒊𝒓𝒆 » 𝐀. 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒

❝𝒗.❞

𝐞𝐬𝐭.𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦

Nora had woken up early the next morning to take a quick day trip to Birmingham. Tommy was preoccupied with his own war with Sabini and she wanted no involvement whatsoever. She was going to deal with what happened to her on her own. The idea had crossed her mind that maybe she was attacked because of him, but going down that road wouldn't do anything productive. The only thing she was going to do was isolate herself from him the best she could. It would be difficult. Today, she was squeezing in a few visits. Friends from Watery Lane, when she worked in the betting shop, Michael, and Esme. The moment she arrived on Watery Lane she had dropped a few things off for Finn with sadness, as the two had drifted apart. He's becoming a mini Thomas and Nora couldn't trust him, but she would always love that boy. She checked her makeup to make sure all her bruises were concealed to perfection throughout the day.

Michael and Nora had lunch together in the office. He was such a sweetheart, and Nora was fond of him instantly. "Polly talks about you." "Does she?" "She misses you a lot." Nora sighs, "I miss her too, but I couldn't stay here. Tommy and I...started having issues. She took his side, and then I left, with full intent of returning, but then I didn't." "What happened?" "It's...complicated. Peaky business that I know for a fact mum doesn't want you involved with. And if we're being frank, I don't want you in it either." "Tommy's looking for an accountant...I was thinking I should-" "Oh no, no you don't want to do that." "He wants to transition to a legitimate business. I want to help-" "I have a legitimate business, you can work for me instead. We would love to have you-" "And leave mum? Besides, he needs the help, you don't." Nora smiles softly, "Just be careful with Tommy, okay? Promise me." "Promise."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By afternoon Aunt Nora was surprising John's kids & Esme. Esme got a well deserved nap while Nora carried four kids like old times. It was harder for her since she was still healing. It was moments like this that she missed Martha. She took a brief moment to cry for her late friend. It's been a few years, and the only thing she's done is bury the pain. Marie's death doesn't hurt as much any more, but it's been over a decade. Is that how long it'll take? Esme woke up after Nora put all the kids to sleep with full bellies. "You should never leave. Ever." She plops herself on the couch and turns to Nora. "So what's going on with you? Your last letter seemed...off." "Nothing, I'm fine." "You're stiff." "It's been...a rough few days."

Esme stares at her, taking in her energy before grabbing her hand spontaneously, causing Nora to hiss. "Esme!" "You're hurt. Did someone hurt you?" "Yeah, you!" Esme rolled her eyes, "What happened, Nora?" Nora hesitates before adjusting herself in her seat. "It's nothing. I'm fine. It's okay. It comes with the territory." "Was it Sabini?" Nora hesitates, avoiding eye contact with her, "You can't tell John. Please. Do not tell John, or mum. Tell no one." "Take off your dress, let me see the rest." Nora rolls her eyes as she takes off the dress, exposing the wounds and bandages all over her body. "This is what you call nothing? Eleanora. My god, how are you walking around?" "Because I've developed a type of tolerance to this. You should see the other guys. One's dead and the other blind in one eye." "I'm running you a bath, these look like they need to be changed anyway." "That is so unnecessary-" "Don't argue with me." Esme quickly draws the bath. "Get in." Nora strips completely and slides into the bath. She winces and hisses harshly in pain as she processes everything that she's feeling. Esme rubs her back comfortingly as she relaxes in the tub.

"Thank you Esme." "John would be out for blood if he knew about this." "Which is why we aren't telling him." Esme continues to give her a bath, being more delicate than Nora has been to herself as of recently. "Sabini sent two men to off you." "It's because I refused to do business with him, and my businesses are kinda running him dry. You know men and their fragile egos." "And you fought them both?" "I blinded one, but someone else shot the other while they were choking me." "Who shot him?" "Just...some man." Nora hesitates, shivering as the thought of Alfie brings an even blend of anxiety and warmth.