𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 | 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

Long Lost Daughter

You were Polly's third lost daughter, being the youngest. You hadn't known that you were adopted until recently, the truth of what had happened between your family only enticing you to find your true mother. You needed to, she could still be punishing herself for all you knew.

********
As you stepped off the train into the town of Small Heath, the thick heavy smog clouded your vision and the dirty streets made you cringe - in all your 18 years on this earth hadn't you ever seen a place so neglected and dirty.

You walked street after street to find the address you had been given, desperately searching for your mother. You eventually found the given location and glanced at the building in front of you. It looked like a betting shop, men entering and exiting as the buzz of chatter echoed from inside. The print on the door read 'Shelby Limited' as it swung closed after people walked through it.

You summoned the courage within you and walked gracefully up the stairs towards the door, opening it gently and slowly - savouring the moment before fuss was about to erupt. You searched the busy room and suddenly a man stood tall in front of you, checking you out briefly.

"Can I help ya, love?" The man pondered, his hair shaven, pushed back and slightly long at the top, his blue eyes warm and friendly as he held a book in which he wrote down cheques. You unfolded the piece of paper and handed it to him. "I'm looking for Elizabeth Gray." You stated as he looked at the paper in his hands, another man walked over to him and patted him on the back - he looked so much like you it was scary.

"Alright, John!" He beckoned as he frowned down at the paper, who you knew to be John's hands. "What do you want with her?" He asked, his voice posher then John's as he looked at you, searching your face. "I believe she may be my mother." You stated nervously, watching as their eyes widened and a smile formed onto their faces. "Y/N?" John asked, smiling at your similarity in which you shared with Elizabeth and the other man standing over John. "Yes, that's me." You muttered, standing tall.

"That makes me your brother then." The other man gestured, sticking his hand out before engulfing you into a large hug making you chuckle. "I'm Michael." He added, smiling down at you before John spoke up. "And that makes me your cousin. John." He introduced, pulling you in for yet another hug. "Welcome to the family, darlin'!" He bellowed before a woman's voice interrupted the scene.

"Y/N?" A shaky voice breathed, causing you to look behind your cousin and brother to see who you assumed was your mother. "Yes. It's me, Mum." You stated, stepping towards her as she ran into your open arms. "Oh, my darling. How did you know where to find me?" She asked nervously, causing for you to take her hands in yours - the action making her tear up and smile endlessly. "My adoptive parents gave me your address and told me to find you." You stated, rubbing your thumb over her knuckles as she beamed at you. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you. Are you staying or just visiting?" She asked, quickly glancing at Michael and John before looking back at you. "I'm staying for good, Mum." You replied, making her smile even more. "Let's get you settled into your room then!" She announced as she pulled you out of the door and into a house, settling your stuff into your room - her hand never once leaving yours.

*******
That evening, Polly had decided to invite the family to the Garrison to welcome you home.

The Garrison was warm and enlightening, the golden architecture beyond enticing and the drinks were of high standard.

"Welcome back, Y/N!" Tommy bellowed, raising his glass in appreciation as you smiled at Polly and Michael. "Thank you!" You replied, slurring a little at how much alcohol you had consumed.

You were finally home, you had found your mother, brother and cousins and you couldn't have been more happy.