The Shelby woman

A girl sends a letter

"Finally, some peace and fucking quiet." Polly says as she ignites a cigarette in the empty Shelby house hold. Exhausted from running around after Johns children all day.

Just as she was closing her eyes, she hears stomping coming from the front door. The door opens and slams with a bang.

"Aunt Pol!" The feminine voice of Ada yells

Rolling her eyes, Polly mutters to herself. "I just wanted one bloody minute, just one." Weakly Polly asks "What is it Ada?"

"I've got a letter."

"From who?" Polly asks curiously.

"Who do you think?...Lottie." Ada replies.

"Bloody Jesus Christ, go on then.. open it." Polly demands. 

'Dearest Ada

Hello my dear little sister, and Aunt Polly as I am sure you will give her this letter to read as well.

I hope that you are all of good health.

I'm in London, doing what I love.. baking and healing others.

I work most days in a bakery, I am often covered in flour and smell of freshly baked bread. On the days that I don't work at the bakery I am helping the local doctor if he is short of hand, me being a qualified nurse who served during the war has helped him greatly. I also offer my services to those who cannot afford to go to the doctor as it is a hefty charge, mad times these days. Damn the war.

I still have a great collection of healing herbs and flowers, thanks to our Gypsy side I can use this to help those in need. Something that I've done most of my life thanks to our mother.

I still have Buddy, he has gotten huge and hairy. Definitely a hairy dog, I often spend many hours getting his hair from my clothes, flooring and furniture. I've changed his name, he is no longer called Buddy. His new name is Abe. It had to be changed as there were many children calling their new pets Buddy.

I found love, with a man.

I'm in love, can you believe it? Somedays it feels like I am dreaming.

I never thought that I could find a love this hard, especially since what happened last time.

We met during the war; he got shot in the back. We could't keep our eyes off each other. I remember telling you about him, do you?

He's a rough man, but I love it. In fact I am quite drawn to it. We keep each other on our toes. He is seen as a crazy, violent man. To me he is light, albeit a bit rough at times. I see a future with him. Marriage, children, the whole bloody lot if I'm honest.

There's only one thing stopping as from marrying. He is of Jewish faith. I will be converting over to Judaism not only for him but also for myself. For myself as I Have been lost since the war, I've seen too many things.

Oh, his name is Alfie, he's handsome, and really good with his hands. He makes me feel alive which is a complete change from feeling dead inside.

I've been gone for nearly over a year.

I miss you all very deeply. Unfortunately I don't think that I'll ever be able to step foot in Small Heath willingly again. Too many dead memories that should stay dead.

I have many questions, I'm sure you do too.

As it is over two hours drive to London, perhaps we should meet in the middle somewhere in the countryside? Go for a picnic, that'll be lovely, just us girls. Bring Johns little munchkins too, oh and Finn. I miss that little devil.

How are the boys? Are they coping with the war?

I don't think I am, coping that is. Alfie definitely definitely isn't. At least we have each other.

Give Arthur, John, Finn and the kids my love.

From the deepest chamber of my heart

Lottie Shelby.'