Small Heath's Angel

Chapter 4 - Martha

Word Count:
2297

It had been 3 days since Florence's return to Small Heath. She was slowly adjusting to being back, focusing mostly on unpacking and cleaning her house.

After a successful and productive day, the sun having almost already set, she walked into the Betting Shop with her bag full of medical supplies hanging from her shoulder. The shop was quiet, the bustle of the day having passed hours before.

"You ready to go, John?" Florence asked, walking into his office.

"Yeah. Let's get goin'" he said, standing up and grabbing his coat and cap.

She nodded goodbye to the rest of the Shelbys. Finn ran up to her and gave her a hug. "Goodbye Finny. I'll be back as soon as possible." She ruffled his hair and placed a kiss on his forehead before walking out with John.

"So, how's Martha?"

"Uhm yeah I think she's alright."

She eyed John. "Is there something you think I should know?"

He ran a hand over his face, slightly sniffling. "She's just.. not getting better." He looked at her, "I need to be here for Tommy and the company, but Martha needs me as well. I feel horrible when I have to leave her in the morning even though she says she's alright.. I just.. don't know anymore."

"Hey, hey," she said, running a hand up and down his back. "It's not your fault you're doing your best, okay?" He nodded his head. "I'll check over her today and let you know what I think is happening. And hey, when I've got some time, I can come help out with the kids or whatever you guys need."

The two stopped at the door of John's house. He looked at Florence, trying to combat the tears in his eyes before bringing her into a tight hug.

"Thank you." He whispered.

"It's okay John. I'm always here to help."

The two pulled back. John wiped his face and unlocked the door, walking in.

"Martha?"

"Kitchen Honey!"

The two were immediately met with John's kids giggling as they ran to them.

"You little rascals," He said, picking up his oldest son John Jr and his youngest daughter Alice. "You givin' your mum a hard time eh?"

"Of course not daddy!" Alice giggled.

Florence kneeled down to greet John's oldest daughter Katie and his youngest son James. "Hello you two." She smiled, embracing them in a hug.

"Aunty Florri!" They cheered, holding her tightly.

John's two dogs, Harley and Scout came up as well, sniffing them. Harley came up to Florence's bag, attempting to shove her nose inside.

"That's enough, Harl." She said, carefully directing the dog's snout away from her bag and giving her a scratch behind the ear.

"Alright, let's give 'er some space." John said, directing his kids and dogs back into the house.

"Aunty Florri, what's in the bag?" Katie asked, holding Florence's hand as they walked.

"Just some stuff for my job. I can show you later if you want."

Katie smiled up at her. "Yes please!"

Finally making it to the kitchen, Katie ran off after her siblings.

Martha turned around but stopped in her tracks once she saw Florence. "Is it really you?"