𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 ʲᵒʰⁿ ˢʰᵉˡᵇʸ

- 𝟎𝟐𝟖

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤
-𝟎𝟐𝟖-

It had since been a year since John Shelby's return home and even still he had not attempted to contact his older brother. There had been few occasions that he tried to reach them but they simply ignored him.

It was now Christmas Eve — a time that they had been waiting for. It was their favourite time as a family.

With it being John's second Christmas back at home and the last being half of a disaster, he wanted to make it special for his family. For his two girls.

He had spent weeks searching for the best presents to gift his daughter. The one he was most proud of would be the new doll he had found for her in a toy store down in London. He believed it looked almost identical to her apart from the fact it had button eyes and a stitched in smile.

Ada was returning from America after her year long visit and Valerie was excited to have her friend back with her.

"Oh, it's lovely to see your face again." Valerie sighed with relief when seeing the brunette stood in the doorway holding a sack of presents. The pair exchanged a quick hug. "Come sit, i've just made tea." Valerie led her through to the kitchen where John sat helping Francesca read a book.

"Brother," Ada greeted.

John looked up. "Was beginning to think we lost you to the great white way of Broadway," he teased before embracing her. "How've you been?"

Ada looked around the large kitchen for a brief moment. "At peace, surprisingly. Karl is beginning to grow an attitude, though. He's driving me up the bloody wall." She complained.

Her eyes drifted to her niece who sat with her hands beneath her legs and eyes full of excitement as she waited for Ada to notice her.

"Oh, how you've grown." Ada fussed, gasping dramatically, "how old are you now?"

Francesca held up her hand to show the number six on her fingers.

"You're getting all grown up." Ada chuckled, ruffling the girls hair. Ada then realised, "I brought presents," she whispered to Valerie, "they're out in the hall," she was sure to speak lowly to ensure that Francesca did not hear.

"Thank you Ada," Valerie nodded thankfully and touched her shoulder.

John sat up. "Are you coming to the New Year's party?" John asked, "we're hosting." He winked.

Valerie chuckled and went off to pour some tea.

"Who's coming?" Ada questioned curiously.

"Arthur, Linda.. Finn— Polly if we can get her to come. Michael said he'd try and talk to her about it." John explained. Ada tutted. "Is she still in a bad way?" Ada asked sympathetically and earned a slight nod from John. "That's where i'm stopping off once I leave Arthur's place."

"Arthur's gone bloody mad 'n all." He scoffed, "he's religious now— can you believe it?" John said. "For Christmas, buy him a sewing kit so he can sew his bloody balls back on."

"Religion is not mad, John." Valerie scolded whilst carrying over the cups.

"Yeah, yeah." He hummed, "it's Linda, i'm telling you. She's made him go soft." He complained. "Wait till you see him— he's grown his hair out. He's looking like a bloody farmer!"