Small Heath's Angel

Chapter 17 - Grave

Word Count: 8173

Florence danced around her kitchen, humming music to herself. She woke up that morning feeling that something fantastic would happen and that feeling had stayed with her throughout the day. What would it be? Well, she had no idea, but she refused to let that taint her energy.

As usual, Joseph Atkinson had been her dream but finally, finally John was able to take her to his gravesite.

She placed the final dish on the drying rack when she heard her letter slot open and something hit the floor. Florence walked toward the door and picked up the envelope.

The handwriting was the first thing she noticed.

It was her father's. Her father wrote her a letter.

Florence ripped open the envelope as she threw herself on her sofa. She carefully pulled the letter and read it through.

"My Sweet,

First, apologies for taking so long to reach out. I wanted to make sure both Gabriel and I could give you our utmost attention and care. We both are sorry and regretful for the instability of our headspaces since the end of the war and how that affected our relationship with you.

We have both missed you dearly but didn't want to risk any harm toward you due to the past four years. I have heard of your efforts throughout the past four years and I have never been prouder. Your mother looks down upon you and is smiling.

If you are willing, Gabe and I would love to come up to Small Heath and stay with you for a week. Please, send us a letter with your availability and anything you'd like us to know.

Again, I apologise for my lack of communication over these past few weeks. I want you to know that I love you. So does your brother. We are getting better, we promise. Thank you for your understanding and I hope to hear from you soon.

~ Dad"

Florence blinked back tears as she held the letter to her chest. Finally, finally her dad and brother were ready to see her again. She jumped up and grabbed her stationary, sitting herself at the dining table.

She wrote her reply quickly, having known what she'd wanted to say for months. She sealed the envelope and stuck a stamp to the corner. Florence placed it on the side table near the front door.

Florence went back up to her room, getting herself ready. She dressed herself in a long navy blue skirt and a white button-up top. She paired them with black boot heels and matching navy blazer. She grabbed the letter as she wakes from the house, locking her door behind her.

She was going out anyway, to see Polly while the Shelby boys were out doing their usual shenanigans until John got back, but now she'd just have to make a small detour to the post office.

...

Florence walked into the Shelby home to see Polly sitting at the table reading the newspaper. The shop was empty, save for a few workers.

"Afternoon Polly," she said as she squeezed the woman's shoulder and sat to her right. Florence poured herself a cup of tea from the set that lay on the table.

Polly sent her a smile, arching her eyebrow at her. "You're extra chipper this morning," she mused.

"Am I not allowed to be cheerful Pol?" Florence sipped her tea, and returned the smile.

She put down the newspaper and picked up her tea cup, eyeing Florence up and down. "Did you and that man everyone sees you with finally share a bed?"

Florence choked on her tea. Polly smirked at her, watching as she composed herself. "Polly," she chuckled. "First: I'm not sleeping with anyone." Polly gave her a look that said sure you aren't. "And second," Florence continued, "Josiah and I are just friends."