Tommy pov
The day had arrived. It was 30 seconds until 9 and there was no sign of the marks family. Me, my brothers, Mason and lydia stood in the field, I didn't feel comfortable. We were like shooting ducks
"Fuck this. Let's leave" I said. My brothers turned to walk away but Mason stopped them
"No. They know the rules. They can't attack without atleast discussing a peace treaty. And anyway, the marks family aren't known for being punctual" he said rolling his eyes. We waited until exactly 9 when we began to leave
"Leaving so soon?" We heard a voice. I stopped in the field and turned around slowly to see a group of men, a few more than us with guns in their hands
"I wait for no man" I growled walking closer
"You know the contract" Lydia reminded them. The marks family rolled their eyes but lowered their guns to the floor and some put them in their pocket. I'm guessing weapons aren't allowed in hands.
"Shall we begin?" The leader suggested. He was, as Mason told us previously, an old man man appeared kike he could be knocked down with one slap. I nodded my head and the two families walked closer to one another. Lydia had been ordered to stay behind Mason at all times.
"We have a contract. Lydia needs to marry me to combine our two families. Don't get me wrong. We hate one another. But it will benefit all finance wise" a man said stepping forward. I'm assuming this is Rick.
"Well that's not gonna happen. So we can either go to war. Or you can forget this whole thing and find a woman who actually loves you. Maybe you could spend this time focusing on your daughter. 4 isn't she? But a bastard nonetheless" I said aggravating Rick. I could see his fists clentch at the sound of his daughter. I don't believe a child should be treated lower because their parents aren't married. But I needed to call the poor girl a bastard to save my own niece.
"How do you know about that?" The leader asked
"How's your mother Rick?" John asked
"Why would you care?"
"Well I'm just wondering if she can still walk after last night. Bet she's abit weak in the knees" he said with a smirk. We had remembered everything Mason had told us and it was clearly rattling the family up
"Don't say a word against my mother" a boy yelled who I believed to be about masons age
"Candice. Such a pretty name. Not the only thing pretty about her though. I love whats underneath the clothes the best" Arthur said grinning at the lad
"Silence. We came to talk about peace. Now we don't need a war. It is uncalled for. All we ask is that Lydia-Rose returns home with us. It's for your own good to take this peace and not let a war happen. Because we will fight. And you will lose" the old man said through his teeth
"Your daughter, she ran away I believe, many years ago. Would you ever sell her off?" John asked
"Or is that exactly why she ran away. Because she saw the monster you are" Mason yelled, his fist clenched and face showing pure anger
"Mr marks, I suggest you prepare your men, have a rest and a good sleep. Because once this war starts, the only sleep you will be getting is the one that comes with having a bullet put between your eyes" I warned
"Don't threaten me son"
"Lyds, come on. No one wants this war. We'll look after you. You know we will" The boy masons age asked looking at my niece
"Ej, I'm so sorry" she said quietly looking him in the eyes, trying to choke back tears
"I understand. I just can't watch my family die and I'm sure you don't want that either" he said. He walked closer and closer until he was face to face with her. He put his hands on her arms and looked her dead in the eyes
"You promised me" she said letting a few tears slip. It was so quiet that the marks couldn't hear and only us shelbys knew what they were saying
"I know I did. And i tried I swear. But they've made up their minds. And all I can do to help you is ensure you and your family live" the boy now known as Ej said
"I can't go back to texas with you" she said looking down at her feet
"Why not? Its your home. I don't want to lose you" Ej said, choking on his Tears
"You won't lose me. You could never lose me." She hugged him tightly and closed her eyes as she whispered to him
"I love you." He whispered something back which was inaudible for my ears. Ej went back to his family and wiped his tears as Lydia did the same thing. Mason put his arm around the crying girl
"Mr marks. Prepare for war" I said before turning my back and walking off. My brothers, niece and nephew following close behind. We got in the car which was outside the field and the atmosphere was awkward. No one knew what to say to cheer Lyd up and what that boy said really confused us
"Erm sweetheart, who was that boy?" Arthur asked
"Ej. He was my best friend back home. Although our families argued, he always swore he would get me out of the mess. We knew I would have to marry and always planned on running away with Mason and Ej's sister, Donna. But we never could. After our father left, we spent less time together because mama needed more help at home. And then when she died, we went in the orphanage and they had strict rules. Havnt spoken to him in years" she said leaning on John's shoulder
"What is he to Rick?" I asked
"Ej is Rick's younger brother" she answered yawning. I realised that all the crying made her tired
"That's alright love. You can have a 20 minute nap. We'll wake you when we get home" John said kissing her head. She closed her eyes and soon fell asleep on John's shoulder, her soft snores filling the car
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 ...
