𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 ʲᵒʰⁿ ˢʰᵉˡᵇʸ

- 𝟎𝟏𝟗

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤
-𝟎𝟏𝟗-

Christmas of 1921 was something Valerie never would have seen coming. She was still living at Arrow House and Tommy was under strict instructions that Grace was not allowed there until Valerie had found someplace else to live.

As some form of apology, he offered to buy Valerie a property of her own where she could raise Francesca properly.

Valerie had distanced herself from the family, not knowing what else to do. It was just her and Francesca in the new house for Christmas. It felt so empty.

"Mummy," the young girl said. "Yes, love?" Valerie said whilst she helped her daughter walk down the stairs. "Has Father Christmas been?" She asked, full of excitement. Valerie smiled slightly and laughed. "Well, have you been a good girl?"

Francesca nodded her head quickly.

"Then I don't see why he wouldn't have payed us a visit." Valerie gently pushed open the living room door to reveal the pile of presents that sat beside the tree. A gasp escaped Francesca's lips and she toddled over to the presents, kneeling beside them and lifting one to show Valerie.

"That's lovely, go on, open them." Valerie said. There was a knock on the door and Valerie frowned before going to open it. "Tommy.." she whispered as he stood in front of her.

"Merry Christmas," Tommy breathed nervously, a bundle of flowers in hand. "These are for you,"

She looked at them. They were beautiful. "Thank you." She took them but not without hesitating slightly. "Do you want to come in?" She asked. Tommy nodded. "If that's alright. I've got some things for Frances."

"Come on," Valerie stepped aside and he entered.

Tommy walked to the living room and Francesca turned. "Daddy!" She squealed, dropping the half unwrapped present and running to him. Tommy kneeled to the floor to catch her and he squeezed her. "Hello, Betts."

Valerie felt a pit of guilt in her stomach as she went to put the flowers in a water filled vase. They still hadn't told Francesca a thing.

"John and your father are coming later." Tommy said when taking a seat. Valerie nodded in understanding and sat opposite him to watch Francesca open the rest of her presents. "How is Grace?"

Tommy leaned back. "She's alright." He said. "She sends her apologies." He said honestly.

"I appreciate that." Valerie said. "I want you to be happy, Tommy. And if that means you're with her then so be it." She said. Tommy nodded. "I want to still be around for Francesca. If you'll let me."

"Tommy-" she sighed and looked down.

"Not as a father figure but at least as her uncle. Of course, once she can understand the situation slightly." He cleared up.

Valerie looked at the wall for a moment.  "And when your child comes along?"

"It won't change anything. I raised Francesca as my own for all these years. I love her just as much as I would love my own son or daughter." He said honestly. "Except in a different way."

"I'll allow it." She said. "But i'm not sure when we will tell her, Tommy. I don't know what to say." She admitted. Tommy looked down at his pocket watch. "When the time is right, you'll know."