𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒊𝒓𝒆 » 𝐀. 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒

❝𝒊.❞

𝐞𝐬𝐭. 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟏

Of all the family members it was Esme and Ada had kept in touch with Nora over the years. After six months in Paris she relocated to London and had become a lucrative legitimate business, owning several clubs in the city and had a tight knit circle consisting of women and men. Nonetheless, they answered to her. She was known as the 𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒆.

She wrote to her mother from time to time, to make sure she was all right, but when Polly made clear she honored Thomas' decision, the betrayal she felt loomed any positive thoughts she might have had for her mother. Esme, John and the kids came to visit as often as they could and it was always an amazing time when they did. Esme and Nora wrote to each other quite often, seeming to have an understanding of one another that was unique. Ada and Freddie lived in London they had the closest bond. Whenever she could she would pay them a visit, spoil Karl rotten, and even serve as a mediator when the two bickered.

When Freddie drew his final breath, Nora was by his and Ada's side, blessing him as he passed on to the afterlife. She held onto Ada for days and took charge of the funeral arrangements as it was requested he was sent back and laid to rest in Birmingham.

Birmingham. After two years, she was back in Birmingham. She missed out on absolutely nothing. She remained silent as the funeral underwent its proceedings. She held onto Ada tightly as her hands shook. She avoided eye contact with everyone as he was laid to rest. Once they said their final goodbyes, Nora feels a tap over her shoulder. She turns and scoffs at the sight of her older cousin.

"Nora." She flashes an artificial smile, "Thomas." After a small pause he gestures her to follow him, "Walk with me-" "No." He scoffs as he lights a cigarette. "I understand you have your new life, in London. But we think it's best if you and Ada came home. Even if it's just for a short time." "And we is you and mum yes?" He doesn't respond as he takes a puff. "After all this time you still think you can dictate what goes on in our lives. When I even think about the type of...weak person I was in Small Heath, the type who barely spoke or shared what was on her mind I begin to feel nauseous. I was a yes man. To both of you. If Ada decides to move back to this snow den then it's going to be on her terms, her decisions. Not your influence."

Polly approaches the two staring at her daughter. "Nora." Nora turns to face her mother, who looked even more tired and distressed. Nora looked concerned immediately "Hi mum." She kisses her cheek as she pulls her into a hug. "You alright?" "I'd be better if you and Ada came home."

"We're expanding to London soon, Nora. It's going to be unsafe to be a Shelby in London for a bit. Which is why I think you both should move back to Birmingham." "Christ. Well it's good thing that me nor Ada are Shelbys then. I've spent the last two years distancing myself from you lot and I did an amazing job. " "Nora-" "It's alright Poll. The thought of us is nauseating to Nora here-" "Is that what I fucking said?"

"Nora. Nora, look at me." Polly lightly grabs her chin and pulls it toward her. "I need you, here. Please. Just for a bit." Nora looks softly at her mother before looking at her mom and cousin. "Do the two of you have something for me? A carved bullet of sorts?" They steal a glance at each other as Nora nods. "Wow. Would you look at that? There's my fucking answer. And there's yours too."

Polly storms off and Nora moves to leave in the other direction. "She's not well, Nora. She needs you. You don't have to stay for me. But stay for her. The woman that saved your life." Nora stops herself in her tracks and listens to his words. His manipulative words.

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Nora couldn't get said words out of her mind. She made the decision to stay with her mother for a couple of days and had her assistant accompany Ada back to London. She looked around her home and found it in complete disarray. Something was off with the woman. She took her in when her mother was killed, so there was no way her heart could let her go on like this. After tidying up her house she finds her mother sitting in the study.

"So...I was thinking I could stay for a bit? I could cook for you. That hasn't happened since-"

"Before you up and left-" "Mum. Alright, what's going on with you!" "What's going on is that you left! You left, Eleanora! You barely write. You barely answer my calls. You left me. And you're here because you pity me."

"Mum. I wanted to come back after a few weeks. But just...I found my sister in France...my other mum's daughter...and I just...I had shit to let out. And then one thing led to another and now-" "You're a legitimate business woman in London...while being a true lady gangster." "It's not a gang mum." She chuckles softly as she moves to sit next to her. "I'm sorry I was gone for so long..." "I don't like that I lost you. We thought you'd let this bullet thing go-" "You know what he did to me-" "I know. And he'll wake up in hell when he dies but you cannot pull that trigger. Trust me. You can't. Alright? I almost killed him myself when I found out. But listen. He doesn't define you. He's kept us apart long enough. We need each other. "

Nora pulls her mother in for a hug. "I will call, I will write more, and you can come and see the business whenever you'd like. I think you'd be proud." "I am proud."

Nora smiles softly as she stood up and smiled at her mother.  "Let's get some food in you. Only the best for Elizabeth Gray."

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After getting some quality food and drink in her, Polly was in a position to open up to her daughter.

"I think your sister is dead...I keep seeing her in my dreams, my little Anna."

"Oh mum...I-I know you have a feeling about these things...maybe I can try and figure it out for you. You know I'm out of practice, but I'll even tap into the non gypsy side. When I go home, it'll be the first thing I do. I'll ring you right after with what I find."

"Are you sure?" "Yes, mum. If it'll bring you some peace...I'll find things out."

"Thank you, Eleanora." "Yeah, yeah. I'll do it, and I'll do it right." "I know you will." "Okay, let's get you to bed." She stands up to clean up their plates. "I missed you, Nora." Nora chuckles softly smiling softly. "I missed you too mum."