When The Boys Are Away

Part 12

Arthur was right, John forgave Harlow a few days later. He even took her advice and spent more time with his kids, making sure they completed all their schoolwork and going to the stables together at least once a week.

Edward loved spending time with his dad and uncles; it made him feel more grown up. As much as it pleased her, Harlow couldn't help but notice how he was adapting their mannerisms which often got him in trouble with Aunt Polly.

Lily had opened up a lot more, she was no longer shy around the family and she absolutely adored Ada. Whenever Harlow, Ada and Lizzie went out shopping, they'd always make a special effort to invite her to which she always accepted.

Olly had grown into the funniest, sweetest little boy who constantly had a big grin fixated on his cheeky face. He could get away with murder, probably quite literally. Whenever he was bored, he would play pranks on Arthur or Finn, but he would make sure that Harlow was there every time to see it take place.

And then little Charlotte. Much like Olly, it was rare to see her without a gleeful, carefree expression. Over the past few months, her favourite person in the world happened to be Thomas Shelby. Charlotte followed him everywhere, consistently wanting to do whatever he was doing. She was playful and sneaky which often got her into trouble, just like Tommy when he was younger. As much as he hated to show it, Tommy loved it whenever Charlotte was around, but it worried him that she could follow him into some deep issues one day.

During the rest of the family drama, Harlow and Tommy had grown even closer, not that it was really possible to do so. Although she had moved back in with her brother, it wasn't uncommon for her to end up in the Shelby household, making sure that Thomas didn't suffer with the horrifying nightmares alone.

Jay didn't mind in the slightest, because Lizzie had moved in with him. Everyone knew they were going to marry in the end, so nobody found it strange at all; not that anyone would dare challenge him.

It was just a normal Tuesday morning and Harlow had promised the kids that she'd walk them to school since she had no meetings that day. Despite the fact that Tommy and his brothers had complete ownership of the business, Harlow still sat in on some associate meetings since her experience was often crucial.

Nonetheless, her day was clear, so she made her way over to John's house from across the street. Before she could knock, the door swung open and Edward came running out clutching a half-eaten apple, his school bag slung over his shoulder and a large cap on his head. Harlow smirked, reaching out to grab the hat without him noticing.

She was well aware that Edward didn't have a Peaky Blinders cap, which only meant he had stolen it whilst John wasn't looking. Lily jumped out the door next, tying a bobble at the bottom of her long hair as she walked, offering a big smile and a hello to her godmother. From inside Harlow could hear John running around like a headless chicken, "Where is it? I'm sure I left it here. Kids hurry up."

Olly and Charlotte were ushered out of the front door by a stressed John who froze when he saw Harlow balancing his cap on her small fingers, a smile noticeable on her face. "Looking for something?" She grinned, chucking it at him before leading the kids down the street. He quickly pulled the hat onto his head, chuckling lightly before locking the door.

"Family meeting at 4 Harlow, Tommy's orders." John shouted, strolling off in the direction of the new offices. People in the street immediately parted ways as they saw him coming, fearing the consequences for if they didn't.

Once the five of them turned the corner Harlow smacked the back of Edward's head softly as the others laughed, "What did I tell you about taking those caps. You could cut yourself." He groaned audibly, finishing his apple before chucking it on the ground, "But Aunt Harlow, it's not fair. Even Finn has one." He complained, deliberately kicking his heels into the ground as Olly and Charlotte ran ahead.

"Finn's nearly sixteen Eddie, you're only twelve." Lily explained with such maturity that Harlow couldn't help but giggle. For an eleven-year-old, she was extremely sensible and very intelligent. Edward glared at his sister, bumping her shoulder lightly, "You sound like Aunt Ada." Lily grinned smugly to herself as the school gates came into view in the distance.

Harlow kept an eye on the younger ones who were skipping along ahead, "You know what your dad would say if he found out it was you who keeps taking it." Edward sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Just then, a screeching of tyres disrupted their conversation and Harlow looked up in horror. A dark car swerved into the path of the two youngest Shelby's, clearly out of control.

Harlow was much too far away to do anything apart from stare and scream as the car was only meters away. Just at the last moment, the two oblivious kids were pushed out of the way of the vehicle, only for their saviour to be hit side wards themselves. Edward, Lily and Harlow instantly set out in a sprint to where the two kids lay at the side of the road, confused at what had just occurred.

Once assured that they were fine, she turned to the man laying behind her. The car had continued, not caring to stop despite hitting a pedestrian. Harlow noticed that he was wearing a cap, almost identical to the ones that the boys wore which worried her greatly. The stranger groaned as he rose to his feet, Harlow hurriedly helping him up, desperate to make sure he was not severely injured.

Slowly, he lifted his head and she gasped, "Isaiah? Are you okay?" Harlow held his face softly, recognising him as Finn's best friend and one of the newest members of the gang despite still being in his last year at school. He had a small cut on his cheek, but otherwise he seemed unscathed.

"I'm fine." He grinned, shaking the woman off, stretching his shoulders, making a soft clicking sound, "I'm just glad those two are alright." He gestured to the kids who had brushed themselves off, "Some idiots have the money to buy a car, but it doesn't mean they can actually drive." Harlow nodded in agreement, continuously thanking the young boy all the way to the schoolyard.

As she watched the kids follow Isaiah down the drive, she called out to him, "Hey, family meeting at 4, at the betting den. Get yourself there Isaiah." He grinned and nodded, opening the door for Charlotte to run through absentmindedly. 

He wasn't strictly a relative, but neither was she. After what he just did, it was clear that he was an invaluable member of the group who would most likely become part of the makeshift family.