As the youngest Shelby child and twin to Finn Shelby, Kezia has spent the last 4 of her 10 years locked away for her mental defectiveness.
She returns to Small Heath under the legal guardianship of her brother, Thomas Shelby. Despite knowing she's s...
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The family became a mess.
All the colors were loud. Kizzie spent most days upstairs as a result. Even if she wanted to go outside, she wouldn't get very far.
Tommy knew she used the back door to sneak out. He didn't ask where she went, even though Kizzie knew he desperately wanted to; she was the only one speaking to him. If she suddenly decided to also ignore him, he'd fall into a crippling depression.
Only on the days when just Aunt Polly and Finn were home did she venture downstairs.
"Take a seat, Kizzie," her aunt said. "Lunch will be ready soon."
"Okay."
"You going to tell me what's got you so upset the other day?"
She shrugged. "I don't know."
Polly sat beside her. The girl hadn't been right since the wedding. She adamantly defended Tommy, so her mood wasn't from that. "Is it what Ada said to you?"
Her niece tucked into herself and looked away.
Ah, there it was.
"Tommy said she was drinking," Kizzie mumbled. "That she didn't mean it but she wasn't wrong. I'm...not normal."
"And you wish you were?"
Kizzie nodded her head. "If I was, I wouldn't have gone to the hospital. I might have friends like Finn. Be liked by boys and be pretty. Be enough for even Father."
"Kizzie..." Polly wondered if this was a result of maturity. Ever since her first bleeding, her niece cared more about those around her: about that others thought of her.
Polly was the same. As was Ads. But with Kizzie and her...peculiarity, the feelings must be so much stronger. But Polly also needed to remember the Mad Baker. Meeting the man most likely triggered her insecurities. Kizzie was a grenada ready to explode before meeting the man.
"You are getting older," Polly finally said. "Becoming more aware of the world around you and of yourself. It's normal to think about these things, but driving yourself crazy will only do more harm."
When older, it would be near impossible to stop Kizzie from seeing the man. Part of Polly was surprised he hadn't tracked her down yet.
Kizzie never didn't overthink. But talking to Polly, a woman, made the burn go away a bit. "Okay." She sat straighter. "I can try."
"Good girl."
The front door opened and Arthur's voice—happy and loud—greeted them. Even his colors were more vibrant. Not angry and harsh like they usually were. Passionate and full of love and ardor. It was a pleasant change, especially since he was so upset with Tommy.
