Mason pov
After I watched Lydia walk away and leave the house, I took a seat on the 2nd step and put my head in my hands. Arthur came and wrapped his arm around my shoulder
"What you did was brave" Arthur told me in the silence
"I feel like such a dick" I replied
"Oh you are. For hiding it from her. But Lydia loves you too much to not forgive you" he answered. I nodded embarrassed by ever hiding such a thing. Arthur pulled me closer to him and we sat on the stairs in a comfortable silence for some time
At 2pm, Lydia returned home. I was reading on the sofa and Arthur was looking at the news paper. She ran over to me and unexpectedly gave me a hug
"What's this for?" I asked her
"I know you were just trying to protect me. So thank you. But I want to know everything. Please can we go to London and see uncle Alfie. He will tell us" she begged kissing my cheek. I was about to agree when Arthur chimed in
"No need. He's coming to Birmingham tomorrow for business. You can see him then" I watched as Lydia flung her arms around Arthur
"Will you be there?" She asked
"I can be if you want. But I think it's best if I'm not. Alfie gets on my nerves and it takes alot of effort not to shoot him" he replied
"That's alright. I'm just glad we will finally get some answers" she said still sitting on Arthur's knee from the hug. I watched as Lydia leant into Arthur unbeknownst and slowly fell asleep. She has been out for hours and it's clearly made her tired
Lydia pov
When I woke up, it was the next morning. I must have slept for ages. But that meant uncle Alfie would soon be arriving. God how I missed him. He was one of the few men who never mocked me for being so perky. Said he admired that about me.
We spent the morning simply waiting. We were all at the garrison, I was told they would finished business and then uncle Alfie could tell me what I wanted to know. I was fine with that. The answers will still be the same no matter when he tells me
"Uncle alfie" i squealed when I saw him walk into the pub. He smiled at me as i ran into his arms. My uncle lifted me up and spun me around as he kissed me cheek
"Now what you doing here ay?" He asked me stroking my hair back
"Me and Mason were adopted. By Arthur Shelby. Oh he's so lovely uncle Alf. I don't think I've been this happy since mama" i exclaimed twirling with joy. He chuckled at me as we walked into the back of the pub where the rest of my family was. Mason hugged him tightly but then we had to leave so they could deal with business
After 2 hours of waiting, we were called back inside
"So I understand you have some questions for me" uncle Alfie said as we took a seat. Everyone else had left us to be alone with our privacy
"Ye. And she knows he left us by the way. So no need to lie about the government shit" Mason grumbled. Oh so uncle Alfie was in on this?
"I see. I take it you want to know where he is?" Uncle Alfie queried
"It would be most helpful. You see, I was thinking, if I go and talk to dad then he would realise how much he misses us and then he can come home" I said happy with my plan but masons eyes grew wide
"What the fuck Lyd?" He yelled in shock
"Luv, I don't think the best idea. I've visited your dad a few times over the years and he isn't a well man. He drinks all day, takes drugs for all 3 meals and he is a grumpy sod" uncle Alfie said holding my hand for comfort
"Even more reason for us to see him then. So we can help him" I explained. It was silent for a moment
"15 cherry Grove Lane Cardiff Wales" uncle Alfie told me the address. My smile widened and I jumped to hug him whilst Mason started yelling
"Why would you tell her that? You said your self it's a bad idea for her to see him" I ignored their bickering and went to the front of the pub where Arthur, michael and finn were waiting
"He told me dad's address. I'm going to go and see him and then he can take us home" I yelled happily. Arthur's face fell for a moment but he quickly recovered. I wasn't sure why. Isn't he happy?
"Alright. I'll take you to see him but on one condition" Arthur said sternly. I waited impatiently for him to continue
"If he isn't fit to be a father, and he doesn't want to see you, we leave. I can handle you seeing him but if he is a bad dad then I don't want him near you. I'd worry too much" he said. I hugged him around the waist tightly causing him to chuckle. Seconds later, Mason and uncle Alfie returned from the back looking miserable as ever
"Thanks uncle Alfie" i said kissing his cheek and hugging him goodbye
"My pleasure. And be careful love" he told me whispering the last part. I nodded my head and with that, he left.
"So whats the address?" Finn asked
"15 cherry Grove Lane Cardiff wales" I told them. Michael wrote it on a piece of paper before giving it to Arthur who pocketed it
"You're not seriously letting her go?" Mason yelled
"I will take her to wales. We will get her train tomorrow and if he isn't well, then we will come straight home. You can join us if you want but I won't force you" Arthur said to my big brother. I watched him huff and sigh before finally saying
"If you think I'm letting her see our father without me, you've got another thing coming"
YOU ARE READING
The Gift- Complete
FanfictionArthur Shelby has 0 to very little experience with children. Sure he entertains his nieces and nephews but it's not quite the same as being a father. He doesn't need to take responsibility for them and he can give them as much alcohol as he pleases ...
