𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋. | 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒃𝒚.

❥ ⁰⁹the lovers tree.. ꩜

MAGGIE AND TOMMY WE CURRENTLY NOT on speaking terms. Mainly because every time he tried talking to her she simply walked away. But that didn't stop him and he didn't give up. What made it worse was that her skin was sore because she had scrubbed her it raw the morning after the Kimber incident. This was truly, a horrible week.

John had called a family meeting in the Garrison and Maggie and her father were to be there. Maggie and her father walked towards the Garrison, through the pub doors and into the snug where Arthur and John already were. Her father nodded at them before standing in the far corner of the snug. Maggie sat down and a few minutes later, Tommy and Polly arrived.

Polly sat down beside Maggie and Tommy stood near Arthur. "Alright John, there's only one man- no," Tommy declined a drink from Arthur, "Theres only one man guarding the house. What's troubling you?" Tommy said to John who seemed nervous.

John cleared his throat, "Well, Polly, you know what it's been like. Since Martha died." John began.

"God takes the best first," Polly put her hand over John's. "Truth is, my kids have been running bloody rings around me. Running barefoot with the dogs until all hours." John continued his speech.

"Pol, give him ten bob for shoes. Maggie can mind them later. Is that it, John?" Tommy seemed to be fed up with the so called 'meeting' already, but Maggie still wasn't speaking to him. All she could think of was sarcastic remarks to make at Tommy.

"Tommy, you know I love John but I am not minding that army of his. No offence John, but your kids are a blooming nightmare." Maggie objected.

"Tommy, it would be better to do this without you." Polly spoke quickly, taking the words from Maggie's head.

Maggie had never seen him humbled so fast by someone other than herself. "Now, what's your point?" Polly turned to John. "What the kids need, is a mother." John kept his head down as he spoke. "So that's why I'm getting married." He avoided everyone's gaze.

Everybody in the room shifted uncomfortably, waiting to hear who the unlucky woman was. "Does this poor girl know you're going to marry her or are you just gonna spring it on her all of a sudden?" Polly questioned John, "I've already proposed and she said 'yes.'" John told them.

"I think there's a shell about to land and go bang." Tommy remarked as he lit up a cigarette. "It's, er... It's Lizzie Stark." Muffled laughter and giggles erupted around the room at Johns words.

Arthur seemed to be choking on laughter as he tried to hold it in, Polly tried to be mature about it but was still wheezing and well Maggie... she was laughing her heart out. Even Tommy chuckled a bit.

"John, Lizzie Stark is a strong woman, and I'm sure she provides a fine service for her customers." Polly joked, both Maggie and Arthur were holding onto each other for dear life as they laughed.

John stood up suddenly, "I will not hear the word! Understand? Do not use that word!" He shouted at the all.

"What word is that John?" Tommy joked, "You know what word that is," John hissed at his brother. "Everybody bloody knows." Arthur laughed as Maggie tried to breathe properly. "Everybody can go to hell." John grimaced.

"Whore. That word? Or prostitute? How about that one?" Tommy said as if these were off the top of his head. "Lady of the night? Sex worker? Hooker? Harlot?" Maggie suggested with a grin. "Just to name a few." She shrugged. Arthur erupted with laughter.

"Right. I want it known. If anyone calls her a whore again, I will push the barrel of my revolver down their throats, and blow the word back down into their hearts." John spoke through his teeth.