Subtle Invitation [Thomas Shelby]

Angel

Have you ever felt so disconnected to the world that you're not even certain if your feet are still on the ground? That's how I feel now as I stare down at the two graves I hoped to never find.

I had hoped that my journey for self discovery would have allowed a glimmer of hope. It wasn't meant to be. Instead as I kneeled down, my hand on their graves I knew that I was too late. My biological parents where dead.

I remember feeling my eyes blur with an empty emotion. I had no right to cry for the people I didn't know. None at all but there I was. Weeping at the only part of my life that had been real.

Then I felt anger. Justified, hot anger that swelled up into my chest ready to burst out at any moment. How could I have not realised sooner?

I was a dark haired woman, with green eyes that had a distinctive blue fleck in the right eye. I was pale, I was nothing like my 'parents'. They where both blonde. My mother had freckles. I had none. My father was short. I was tall.

It had winded me to see our family pictures become distorted. It was like the devil had lifted a mirror to my face and out of the box came my truth.

Now, it's time the story of what happened to me next is explained to you. I will leave you here. I just want you to know that nothing in life is ever what it seems.

People are not what they seem.

You are not what you seem.

—-

Lily Adler could not let it go. As her files stacked up and more information came flurrying to the forefront she decided it was time to reach out. Having spent months searching for what she needed she decided it was time to go out into the world and get more.

As she left in her fathers car with nothing but a file and a map she decided that she would not return until she had justice.

Lily had never driven before. A woman was not supposed to drive but she was free of all social constraints. Instead she had learnt as she went and by the middle of her journey she had become quite the driver.

It was thrilling to be so free on the open road. Having never been trusted on her own before she now found the world was her oyster.

What she hadn't realised is that Small Heath was not the best place to start an adventure. Having never been to a small city before she was in awe at the coming and going's.

There was fire spilling out of factories, children running around without shoes on, women on their way to the sewing mills, men covered in soot. It was all so breathtaking to Lily that she hadn't even noticed the eyes following her.

Instead she tried to focus on her map but every street was becoming a blur. Parking up her car she stepped out in her heels and instantly regretted it. The dirty cobble stones would not be very forgiving today.

Lily huffed and grabbed her bag. Instead of using her map she decided that she would find help the old fashioned way. There was a pub up ahead that was her first option.

As soon as she began to take to the streets of Small Heath she noticed men where beginning to leer her way. It was intimidating. This was something she had been told about but she had never experienced it in her sheltered life.

Biting her lip she decided to take comfort in clutching her bag but it didn't really help. Instead she rushed forward and pushed herself into the half empty pub.

Lily let her eyes wander over the pub for a brief second before a cough pulled her away.

"Can I help ya love?"

Lily looked over to her right to see a barman polishing glasses and looking her up and down. Suddenly a blush crept up her face. It was obvious she didn't fit in here.

"Yes sir, sorry, my names Lily Adler!" And she excitedly pushed her hand out to the man behind the bar.

The man eyed her with great suspicion and decided to ignore her hand.

"What do you need love?" He asked as he carried on polishing his glass. Lily thought it was incredibly rude of him to ignore her hand.

"I'm looking for someone sir. A lady that I believe lives around here"

"What's er name?"

"Polly Gray" Lily said as she stood infront of the bar.

The barman suddenly stopped and placed the glass down on the bar, his eyes wide with fear for the young woman.

"I don't know ya business with Polly but a girl like you ought' not be round these parts. If I was you love I'd leave as soon as you can"

Lily huffed at the man "I need to speak to Miss Gray urgently. Do you know where I can find her?" She pressed on.

The barman shook his head "Sorry love. I can't tell you that"

"Well, thank you!" She huffed before turning and slamming head first into someone's chest. Lily felt her eye lashes squish before she pulled back, completely embarrassed that she had been clumsy.

"Watch it!" The gentlemen hissed as he shoved away from her. "Oh, sorry love!" He corrected as he stared down at her face.

Lily looked up, he was much taller than she was and older. The man was dressed smart with a handlebar moustache and a cap.

"Oh no need to apologise! It was my fault. I'm so sorry. I was rushing and-"

"You're not from round ere?" He asked

Lily smiled a bright smile "No sir. I'm actually looking for someone who lives here but I'm not having much luck"

The man nodded "The names Arthur. Who do you need love? I know everyone round ere'"

Lily grinned and felt a bit of relief swell in her stomach. Even though she knew it wouldn't be easy to find Polly she had hoped it wouldn't be in such intimidating circumstances.

"Lily Adler!" And she stuck her hand out. Arthur was a gentlemen as he took her hand and shook it. "I'm looking for a lady called Polly Gray, I have some information for her"

Lily knew instantly by the look on Arthur's face that he knew Polly but she didn't expect the sudden suspicion to be there aswell.

"Does she know you're coming?" And he raised an eyebrow her way.

Lily bit her lip and began to fiddle with her bag nervously.

"No she doesn't. I was hoping to speak to her regarding a private matter"

"Look, you can stay here and I'll go get her if you like?" He asked as he began to usher her into a small room that connected the main part of the pub.

Lily felt relief. One step closer.

"That would be great. Thank you so much!" And she took a seat as Arthur slammed her in to the small room.

——

I am so excited for you to read this story. For those who have stayed with me from my previous stories thank you so much!