For You I Will

Sight

John didn't return back to Gwen's flat as he promised the previous night. Gwen had pulled him into her flat for a lust filled day. It was a short meet though as Arthur kindly interrupted them and had to steal her John away from her. Not knowing exactly what Tommy had them off doing Gwen had spent the rest of the evening cleaning her flat as she hardly seemed to be home as of lately due to the Shelby family always keeping her busy.

Gwen awoke the next day and the same pattern repeated like it had for the past two weeks. Sitting up quickly, her heart racing and puking in her bedside bucket. Gwen pushed herself out of bed and looked in the mirror. She looked exhausted and she looked weak. She had barely ate anything due to the thought of food poisoning. She more or less was living off of bread and water to get her through each day and avoiding drinks handed to her at The Garrison. 

She pulled on a loose fitting navy dress and barely put her hair up onto the top of her head. Her big brown eyes look sunken in at the lack of nutrients and her wavy brown hair a mess but she had to get on with her day. Today she was headed to Polly's to help go through the books as the men were out of town on a business meeting. 

Gwen descended down the stairs and grabbed her coat. The days were getting colder in Small Heath and she wrapped it close around her shoulders as she paced down the long entry way opening the door and instantly smelling the smoke filled air. She instantly felt sick but trekked on knowing work had to be done.

The dirt flew around her shoes as she headed towards Polly's flat. She suddenly looked down feeling a tug on her hand. Katie Shelby had joined her side along with eight year old Margaret Shelby. Gwen knelled and looked at the young Shelby girls with concerned eyes.

"Katie, why aren't you all with the babysitter? Does she know you ran outside?" Gwen asked curiously. Katie smiled and handed Gwen a piece of paper.

"Daddy said to make sure you get this. Since he is snogging you and all. Lizzie is watching us and wanted to make sure you got this but Clyde and Everett are being total wankers so I decided to run it out." Margaret pleaded. Gwen shook her head holding the note in her hand. She smiled noticing little Katie peaking out from behind Margaret shyly. 

"Your dress looks so beautiful Katie. You all best behave for Lizzie. Or give her a run for her money." Gwen winked causing both of the little girls to giggle. 

"Thank you Miss Gwen." Katie shyly replied chewing on her fingers. Gwen stood and looked into the window of Johns flat seeing Lizzie standing in the window looking at her with a smirk. Gwen never had a problem with Lizzie Stark as long as Lizzie didn't try and come between herself and John.

"Best be on your way girls. Miss Lizzie will need to get you off to school then. I am sure I will see you girls soon." Gwen stated. Katie pulled Margaret as they ran back to the Shelby home and proceeded to turn giving Gwen a small wave. 

Gwen started her walk and the note felt like it was on fire in her hand and the anticipation of what John wanted her to know was killing her. She slowly unfolded the note and seen his boyish scribbles scrawled across the paper. One thing Gwen always teased John about was his horrible handwriting. Her eyes traced every inch of the letter slowly.

       Good morning darling,

Sorry for not returning last night. Tom got us caught up in a business meeting and it kept us longer than usual. After we had a few drinks and I didnt want to wake you because I know you needed your rest love. I did miss holding you close last night. But the kids made sure to all pile in the bed once I got home. We had to journey for Tom today, Arthur and I, but tomorrow is race day. Please wear your best dress as I would love to have you come with me and I cant wait to see you beautiful. My girl. I love you Gwen.