𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄 ᵖᵉᵃᵏʸ ᵇˡⁱⁿᵈᵉʳˢ

𝟐𝟏, a little catch up

XI. 1921

  "YOU ARE ON MY HOOK, MR. SHELBY... and form this moment forward, you belong to me."

"Who the fuck do you think you're talking to like that? Get your hands off my brother, you dirty old man."

Both heads turned at the new voice. "Ms. Shelby, pleasure seeing you again." He released his hand from Thomas' neck rather harshly.

"Right, fuck off before I put your head through the wall." Thomas stared at her. Although Vivian could tell he was beyond surprised, he tried to hide his reaction from the man.

Campbell stared at her for a moment before scoffing quietly. As he exited, his cane tapped against the ground, "I'd get well quickly, Mr. Shelby," the major said, now addressing her brother. He stopped beside, continuing, "I'll be in touch the moment I hear you can piss standing up and then I'll send you your instructions."

"Alright, we get, still a dickhead, now, as I said before, fuck off." She spat. He looked her up and down disgustingly.

She followed him with his eyes as he left. She could still hear Campbell's cane hitting the floors of the hospital. As soon as the door closed, Vivian snapped her head to her brother, "rough night Tom?"

—

    IT HAD BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE VIVIAN LEFT. A lot had changed for both the Shelby family and Vivian.

Vivian never contacted anyone from home. She wanted to but she always stopped herself. She had many unsent letters to her family in a box in her bedroom.

It was best to give herself the distance. To have a break. From her home.

So instead she travelled around a bit. After she got bored of London she moved around, going to places like Cardiff, Glasgow and Newcastle before venturing overseas with the last of her money. She ended up in Paris.

She spent her nineteenth birthday there. She had been surrounded by random strangers, wishing her happy birthday as if they had known her for five years rather than five minutes.

In Paris, she found a job as an assistant to a club owner. Le Rouge was a very expensive club to get into. Vivian understood why people paid lots to get in. Sure the dancers were there, many eyes following their every move, but what Vivian loved was the music.

The singers on the stage were always the best; Vivian was the main reason for that. Her biggest responsibility was making sure there was a brilliant singer on that platform every fucking night.

Her boss was a young man who had inherited the establishment from his uncle. He was good to her. Of course he moved a bit too close to her and commented on how she looked too much but she expected it. Vivian, as well as her boss, knew it was nothing more than meaningless flirtatious remarks. He made sure no one came too close to her and paid her well. She had protection and a good salary.

He kept her around because she, without fail, always managed to get an angel up on that stage.

Every few weeks, when a singer would quit, she'd have to go around the city and find someone else, whether it be two days before doors open or two hours. It was never boring. She enjoyed going out last minute, it was a challenge.

After many months in the city of love, she went back to England. She left her boss on good terms, with him mentioning there would always be a job waiting if she came back.