𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐒 ᶠⁱⁿⁿ ˢʰᵉˡᵇʸ

𝟎𝟐𝟖: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝

The car drove quickly toward the house that sat in the middle of fields, practically in the middle of nowhere. Aurora was sat on the edge of her seat and was biting the inside of her cheek. "Thank you," she said quickly as she jumped out of the car.

Rory's legs moved quickly as she walked toward the door. She knocked once.

Then twice.

Then a third time.

"Jesus—" Esme spoke as she answered it. "Is he home?" Rory asks, referring to John. Esme nodded. "He got back last night." She said. And, as if on queue, John appeared in the hallway out of curiosity of who was at the door. Rory had turned slowly and, when seeing him, she gasped and walked quickly to him.

John's lips parted and she wrapped her arms around him tightly. John lifted her off the floor and held her tightly. "You're back," Rory whispered, not wanting to let go of him. John nodded. "I didn't think i'd ever see you again.."

John looked her in the eye and put her on her feet. "I'm home now.. i'm staying." He assured, a hand on the side of her neck.

Rory nodded quickly and took a breath. "Oh—" she said, showing him her hand. His eyes widened. "Oi, Esme." He called. "Come take a look at this—" He said. Aurora couldn't hold back her grin. Esme appeared and took Rory's hand. "Jesus— did Finn get ya that?" John asked.

She nodded.

"Oh, it's beautiful." Esme complimented.

"Wait.." John paused, "is it— are you getting married?"

Rory nodded again, her smile growing wider. John's eyes widened and he pulled her into a hug again. "Fucking congratulations then, Angel. That's good news!" He said genuinely. "Where is our Finn anyway?"

"He's went to see Arthur whilst i'm here."

"Yeah, yeah okay. God— I don't know what to say to you. In my head you're still just a little girl, not a girl who is going to get married." He said. She shrugged. "Well, here we are." She said.

"I'm proud of ya, for keeping yourself well whilst we were away." John patted her shoulder. She nodded. "Thank you John." She said.

-

A week had passed since the family's return from prison and all seemed to be going well. Apart from the fact that nobody was talking to Tommy yet. But, who could blame them?

Rory descended the stairs, looking for Finn as the evening approached. "Finn?" She asked, knowing that Ada was elsewhere to drop off presents as it was Christmas Eve.

As she waited for a response, she looked at the post that sat untouched. There was a small envelope alongside a slightly larger one which was addressed to herself. With a hum, she took them both and made her way back up the stairs.

Aurora sat on her bed and ripped open the one addressed to herself and began reading.

Chills climbed across her skin as she recognised the handwriting.

My Dear Aurora,
                     I had been writing to Polly's address on Watery Lane but it has came to my attention that it isn't where you reside as of recent. I heard about your family troubles and I send my apologies. I am writing to warn you, Aurora. Trouble is coming your way. People will die. I can explain more to you, if you will see me. As of the past week, I have been in London to wait on the arrival of my husband who is coming from his work in America. I often spend my time in Esmerelda's Club. So, please. If you are willing to, come and see your mother.