The Gypsy Beauty

Grace Shelby Institution.

Scarlett's POV

Today the Grace Shelby Institution reopens. The whole place had been renovated, decorated and furnished and was ready for the grand opening. With months of filling in Graces plans, I had perfected everything. This way the redemption of the Shelby's, those who see us as Birmingham scum with no respect for the people around us, could now have the opportunity to see us as upper class with upmost respect to people who could become good if they tried hard enough. Well, at least in the eyes of the public.

Grace had wanted to provide for mistreated children and give them the chance to turn the bad in their life into good. Something I had snorted at once I found out knowing she was only trying to repent her wrongs for what she did to us. John found it hilarious when I told him and I would gladly say it to Tommy but not today. But I helped with the plans anyway for the children.

The renovation had outcome to be a chapel, enough beds for two hundred children, kitchens, play areas, classrooms, and more - a change in Birmingham. I grin as me and John ogle each other. The boys are dressed to impress and Tommy understands that the institution despite costing a fortune would be good for his reputation. He was definitely dressed to impress as was Charles, dressed in a little suit I had put him in this morning.

"Letts." Tommy calls as he comes to stand next to me, wrapping his arm around my waist. "It's you and me, eh? You and me did this. Fuck these people. It was you and bloody me." He whispers grinning at me as I chuckle. "Yeah, it was us." I nod, agreeing. "Oh, aren't you guys cute?" An old woman cooes and I clear my throat, stepping away from Tommy.

"Oh, we're not together." I tell her but her smile doesn't drop. "Well, you should be. You two suit each other." She says as Tommy smirks at her words and I give her a quick smile feeling awkward. "I would be lucky to have her. She's beautiful, eh?" Tommy says looking at me. "She is! An absolute darling!" Another woman joins in.

"Tom, we should do our rounds." I tell him and he nods, grinning, knowing I'm feeling uncomfortable. I walk around as people greet me and tell me how lovely the place is and telling me congratulations. I just give them a polite smile and nod, not in the mood for conversations.

A hand grasps my own hand and I turn around seeing John. "Letts, there's a woman over here who wants to talk to you." He tells me and I nod politely to the woman who were trying to talk to me. John drags me behind him and pulls me out into the hall. I lean back against the wall, letting out a puff of air as I laugh at Johns antics.

Johns POV

"All those old women freak me bloody out." I whisper to Letty, shaking my head. "It's all, please! Thank you so much! Oh, I'm not with fucking Tommy! She was a lovely woman, is what she wants you to think about her! She's actually a bitch who got me stabbed! But don't worry, she's six feet under! Hallelujah for that!" She grumbles in annoyance. My laugh echos around the hall as I walk towards the large portrait of Grace that is displayed. "She was beautiful. I'll give her that and only that." Letty comments.

"Never liked her." I tell her and she turns to me, grinning cheekily as I smile back at her. "What you smiling at, beautiful?" I question her. "Why didn't you like her, John?" She asks me. "She tried so hard to be you. Didn't work though. She wasn't that level of crazy yet. You can be batshit when you want to. Scarier than fucking Tommy when you want. She could never be you. No one ever could." I tell her.

Her smile grows across her face as she wraps her arms around my waist and I wrap my arm around her shoulders. "I love you, John Shelby." She whispers, looking up at me. "I love you, Scarlett Hayes. I always will." I tell her, leaning down to kiss her. She kisses me back softly as my hand comes up to her jaw and I walk her backwards to the wall.