The Gift- Complete

12

Arthur's pov

It's been 2 weeks since we found out what that horrid boy did to my baby girl. But he's been properly punished. Safe to say the boy will no longer be eyeing up girls all thanks to Mason. He was the one to do it. I was worried at first that he would turn into a monster just like me, but he explained that he needs to do this, and so I allowed it

Lydia hasn't brought up the situation. Not even once. But she seems alright with it all. She is back to her cheerful bubbly self and is spreading her happiness to us. It's contagious. When she smiles, makes us all smile

"Dad" I heard her squeal. That's anything that's changed. She's accepted me as her father. At first it shocked us both. I think it just slipped out so she was embarrassed. But as soon as I hugged her, she settled and realised how happy I was. Mason still calls me Arthur but he seems unbothered my Lydia calling me dad.

Lyd came racing into the betting shop, covered in mud. Her hair which was once in a neat plat was now in a tangled mess and her shoes were no longer red, but brown. Yet the smile on her face was brighter than usual

"Woah. What you been doing?" John asked looking at her laughing

"I had the best day. I went to feed the horses at charlies yard and then I came across a gypsy camp. They have just arrived up on the moors. I mean they pointed their guns at me but then one woman made them put em down. And then she gave me biscuits and tea and I played with some of the kids" she said joyfully as she took a seat. Lyd was tlaking very fast and it made me shocked but followed by laughing

"They pointed guns at ya?" I asked

"Well technically.....yes. But they are actually really nice" she told me. I chuckled at her and ruffled her hair

"As long as you're alright" polly said kissing her cheek. Lyd smiled at her giggling. I didn't think much of it until she hiccuped and quickly covered her mouth. That was followed by her bursting into fits of laughter and almost falling off her chair

"Oh my god" John said quietly laughing with her

"Lyds, have you had anything to drink?" I asked her helping her back on her chair

"No daddy" but then she hiccuped again

"Lydia-Rose Shelby!" I said sternly looking her dead in the eyes. She looked scared but only for a moment before looking at polly and saying

"He's so angry" then she started to laugh again and ended up falling off her chair and into my arms

"Fuck sake" I growled annoyed.

"Right I'm getting her home. I'll finish the work later" I grumbled before lifting lyd over my shoulder and walking her out. I put her down in the back seat of the car and she was laughing for half the journey. But as we got into the drive, it got strongly quiet

"Lyd?" I asked glancing back. As I stopped the car, I heard a noise i know too well

"Sorry" she mumbled wiping the puke from her mouth. I sat for a few seconds trying to compose myself and not lash out. I had a bad temper and I swore I wouldn't use it on Lydia or Mason.

Without a word, I opened her car door and helped her climb out. Mason walked out of the house and ran over to help me

"Oh fuck" he whispered as he swung lyds arm over his shoulder. We walked her inside and she flopped down on the sofa before falling asleep all too quick

"Never expected this from her" I grumbled about to leave to get a maid to clean the car

"It wasn't her fault" I heard Mason say

"I know you want to protect her but it is clear she's drunk as fuck" I told him turning back to face him

"No. You're wrong. Lyd hates alcohol. I'm not even sure she knows what it is. But she's seen it enough to know how she feels. She was a daddy's girl and he loved her. But he would often come home and beat mama because he was drunk. I kept Lydia away from it as much as I could but she saw a few things. He beat me aswell. And lyd saw that. She would murder me if I got drunk so I know she wouldn't" Mason told me sincerely with tears in his eyes

"I believe you. How do you think-" but then I remembered something

"Arthur?"

"Fucking gypsy's. Lyd had tea and biscuits with some gypsy's" I said angrily. I stormed out and told one of the maids to clean the car. I was abit harsh and loud but I was also pissed off.

"ARTHUR. COME QUICK" I heard Mason scream. I sobered myself up and rushed to the living room where he was. Lydia was laying on the sofa, rolled onto her side, foam coming out of her mouth as her eyes rolled backwards

"Fucking hell" I muttered getting closer to her. I took masons place and held her in my arms, stroking her hair back.

"Mason. Go to the phone. Call Tommy. Tell him some gypsy's have poisoned Lydia. Tell him to come here quickly and to bring a doctor" I ordered trying my best not to yell. Mason didn't think twice before running off. He wasn't one to do as he was told. In face he gated obeying orders. But he knew that now was no time to argue.

"It's ok. You'll be OK my princess" I whispered as her body tried to jerk like a seizure. But I held her tightly, not wanting her to hurt herself. My poor girl

"Tommy's on his way" Mason said re-entering the living room. I saw he had been crying but was clearly trying to hide it. Mason came closer and held Lydia's hand, kissing her forehead

"She'll be alright. You're gonna be fine ain't ya luv?" I said trying to convince myself more than I am him. God my darling. She'll be fine. She has to be. Bit whether she is fine, or she falls ill, those gypsy's won't see what's coming to them.

By order of the peaky fucking blinders!