John's girl ~ A John Shelby love story

Chapter 2: The dirty streets of Birmingham

It was cloudy outside the next morning, giving a rather gloomy atmosphere to the people of Birmingham. Rose woke up in distress, coming out from another one of her nightmares. Her father would often wake her up but this morning he was nowhere to be found. She dragged herself out of bed and lit up a cigarette. She looked in a the mirror and saw how she looked messy and tired. huffing She got ready and made herself look presentable. 

Once she was ready, she noticed a hand written note on the dinner table. She picked it up and read the following; 

Dear Rose, I'm sorry I couldn't be there when you wake up. But I had to get to work quickly this morning, it seems they needed me. Please don't go to far today as the streets can be dangerous and I'm worried for your safety. If you must, you can visit Polly but please take care. I'll be back late so don't wait up for me. Signed, Your father.

So much for a new start. It seemed his father had better things to do than hang out with his only daughter. Rolling her eyes Rose, got her bag and left the house sharp. It was still quite early so she decided to take a stroll to the docks. She used to hang out there all the time when she was younger. It still held the same old smell and she felt nostalgic with the breeze going through her hair. It was now that she felt happy to be here. Then she found herself lost in an old memory.

'Do you think it'll always be like this?' asked younger Rose, her hair flowing in the wind. John smiled and held her hand. 'Yeah, I think we'll always come here in many years to come. Our children following us and gold rings on our fingers. A good cigar in my mouth' said John, chucking at the end. Rose laughed with him gleefully. 'I never want to be parted from you John Shelby' said Rose, smiling. John leaned in and Rose closed her eyes...

'Rose Martel?' sounded a voice. Rose snapped out of the memory and saw one of her favourite people in the world. A strand of her wavy brown hair flowed from underneath her hat. Her eyes were blue and deep with both wisdom and tragedy. Her smile lit up the entire room, making everyone buzz with happiness. Her character as witty as ever. 

'Polly?!!' cried Rose, happily. Polly smiled and they ran up to each other embracing one another tightly. 'I never thought I'd see this day' said Polly, a little emotional. 'I've missed you so much Polly' said Rose, tears in her eyes. 'Let me look at you' said Polly, holding her face.

'My how beautiful you are, your mother would be proud' said Polly, proudly. Rose smiled, her mother passed when she was young and it took a long time for her to cope with that. Thankfully now she was okay, apart from having the odd hard day. 

'Now come on, the streets are no place for a London lady' said Polly, grinning. She held her arm and took her back to their house on watery lane. 'We've all missed you but the boys have changed since the war. Thomas isn't anywhere near the same but then you can't expect him to stay the same after all he went through' said Polly. Rose just nodded, following her to the familiar door. 'Arthur tries and well John's always been a good boy. Although they've all felt a bit lost lately. Only finding comfort in gun wars or violence. But this is the way of the world I suppose' said Polly, opening the door. 

Once Rose was inside, she locked the door behind her. Finn was putting something in the fire when they came in. 'Oh my gosh, is this?' wondered Rose. 'Finn, come and say hello' said Polly, smiling. 'Hello miss' said Finn, with a smile. 'Hello Finn, I haven't seen you since you were small' said Rose, kindly. 'Ohhh your the one John talks about in his sleep aren't you' said Finn. Polly gave him a look but couldn't help but chuckle. 'I'm Rose' said Rose, happily. 'Yep your the one' said Finn. They all laughed at this.