We Meet Again (Thomas Shelby)

Chapter Nine: "A Lot Can Happen in a Month..."

Sorina's POV:

A lot of things can happen in a month's time. You can grow far apart from some, and closer to others. You experience new things every day, and even learn more about the people you consider friends. The Shelby's started inviting me to dinners almost every week, John introduced me to his children, and Arthur even tried teaching me cards once he realized I was a failure at it. John's children are brilliant; they're the sweetest, most charismatic group I've met. Katie, the oldest of the four, has a heart of gold. She gets it from her father, I'm sure. She helps John take care of the other little ones, although I'm almost certain it's a difficult task being a little one herself. Next there's Nigel, the oldest boy. He's a lot more like Arthur, I suppose; loud and rambunctious, but fun all the same. He dreams of being a 'Peaky Blinder', but I'm unsure why considering the reputation they hold around town. Whoever they may be, I wouldn't consider them good role models but I assume he'll grow out of those ideals as he grows. And finally, there's the twins; Sasha and Rory. If Rory isn't a drill sergeant when he's older, I will be shocked. That boy has a set of lungs that would put a train horn to shame. As for Sasha, she's a trickster. She is far too fast for her own good. I got to meet them at a Shelby get together; they all ran around wreaking havoc around the house. Poor John looked lost as he struggled to control them. I couldn't sit back and watch the man juggle his children and his brothers; his brothers are difficult enough. I stood from the table, asking permission to take them outside. "Are you sure? They're a rowdy lot." I chuckled at him. "I don't mind." He seemed to contemplate my proposition before yelling out to his kids. "Who wants to go outside?" They all screamed and ran for the door before he could finish his question. "I'll keep an eye on them, don't you worry, John." And with that, I ran out after them. "Alright, you crazy bunch. Who has the meanest kick?" Nigel stepped forward confidently, giving me a proud look. I grabbed a ball I had found in the hallway, tossing it towards him. "How 'bout a challenge then, aye?"

"What's in it for me?" I laughed. "If you win, I'll buy you a slice of cake. If I win, you do the dishes for your father." He laughed loudly, looking at his siblings in shock. "Are we doin' teams?" I nodded my head. "Alright, we're at an agreement then." We shook hands on it. Soon, a game of football broke out. The boy was fast, I'll give him that. But I was lucky to have young Sasha on my team or else I would have lost almost immediately.

Thomas' POV:

We all sat around John's table, speaking on business matters now that Sorina was out of the room. "Keeping the secret is getting a bit hard, Pol." Arthur told her, taking a drag off his cigarette. "I really don't think she'll be in too much danger knowin' about us." John joined in. Polly shook her head, confirming yet again that her decision hasn't changed. "Did you see her face when Nigel told her he wanted to be a Peaky Blinder?" John sighed and leaned back in his seat, chewing on his toothpick in irritation. "Yeah, alright I did. So what? I doubt she'd have that opinion knowin' the truth. She knows us too well."

"Are you sure you'd gamble your friendship on that idea?" Polly asked, raising an expectant eyebrow in his direction. He paused, seemingly contemplating his own words before lightly nodding his head. "I would." The room fell silent as everyone thought about which side they fell on; Polly's or John's. Not that it mattered, they wouldn't tell her even if they agreed. "Ah-HA!" They heard Rory scream, followed by loud thumping of running feet inside the home. Katie rounded the corner with a bright smile on her face. "Daddy! Daddy, can we keep her?" She asked, running to John's side with a hopeful look. He gave her a confused look. "No, darling. She's not a dog."

"But she's tremendous fun! She's battlin' Nigel in football right now with a bet ya see? He might be doin' dishes tonight!" Everyone in the room looked at each other in confusion before we all ran outside to see for ourselves. Sure enough, Sorina was running around like a madman, all while the children ran beside her laughing. Nigel had the ball, taking the lead while Sasha was on his left, about to steal the ball. "Go, Sasha!" She cheered, stopping to take a couple deep breaths. Nigel scored, hitting the neighbors door with a clean swoop. "Oh, man!" Katie groaned, disappointed. "Don't worry, love. There are worse things in life than losing. We'll get him next time." She assured with a nice smile. "We'll see about that, right Rory?" Nigel pushed his little brother to nod with him. I couldn't help but watch the way she interacted with the kids; it was a natural motherly instinct. It suited her nicely. John seemed to think so as well as he watched her with keen interest. 'He better not be thinking what I assume he's thinking.' I thought to myself. We're all aware that John has been debating on remarrying, but has been struggling to find someone suitable for his kids and his lifestyle, which I understand. But the idea of him being with Sorina puts me on edge more than anything. The thought gives me a bad feeling in my stomach. Sorina walked over to stand in front of me, breathing relatively heavy. "I can't remember the last time I've ran like that." Arthur and John started laughing at her, commenting on how 'women don't play sports.' She gave them both a playful glare. "Next time, I'll take you both on then!" All of our eyes widened as we looked at each other, laughing at her threat. The excitement started to build up around them. "What did you bet Nigel?" Polly asked, looking at the boy that continued to play in the street. "I owe him a slice of cake. If I won, he would have done the dishes for you." She nudged his arm lightly with a warm smile. He smiled at her appreciatively, but I could see behind his smile. He's definitely thinking about asking her. 'Absolutely not.' I thought. "Would you care to take a walk with me?" I asked, tossing my cigarette over the side. Her brown eyes immediately looked up at me with that doe-like expression before she nodded her head with a smile. "I'll see you all tonight at work, yes?"