VULNERABLE | thomas shelby

✞ S E V E N ✞

CHAPTER SEVEN ; ADA'S FAMILY

BETH HAD WOKEN UP by a loud bang. The wooden counter underneath her caused her body to feel stiff after accidentally falling asleep on it, pushing herself up with a stretch she groaned at the ache in her back. She smiled wide at Harry who walked through the front door of the Garrison, eyes furrowed in confusion at the blinders who sat in the old Garrison. "Good morning lass?" Harry greeted in confusion, a small smile forming his face as he walked around the other side of the counter to be behind the bar.

Beth let out a small laugh as her eyes never left Tommy who was sleeping soundly in the bar chair he had fallen asleep in the night prior. "I missed seeing you around Harry, always that Irish one in the bar nowadays." She grumbled, rubbing her eyes tiredly. Harry nodded his head slightly in agreement as he tied his apron for the day. "Jealousy isn't a good look on you my dear, get to know her she's kind. I believe the two of you would have a lot in common."

Beth let out a groan of annoyance, flashing her middle finger towards Harry who laughed under his breath. "Why the fuck does everyone think I'm jealous of her? Plus the only thing we'd have in common is the fact that she fancies Tommy." Harry only shrugged, beginning to wipe the counter around her with a knowing grin.  "Bethany?" Beth's head turned at speed, glancing over at Tommy who rubbed his eyes tiredly. "I'm here Tommy." She murmured, sliding off the counter and making her way over to the old chair. "You okay?" Tommy grasped her hand in his as he stood, his tired eyes meeting Harry's.

"Hello Mr. Shelby." Harry greeted, only earning a grunt back from Tommy. "Harry." Beth stared between the two in silence, a yawn escaping her lips. "Have you been up long?" Tommy murmured, moving Beth's hair behind her ear. She could only shrug, glancing back at Harry. "Only when Harry came in to open up. We had a chat, he thinks I'm jealous of Grace. At this point might as well make a petition to get her out of Birmingham." Beth teased, glancing over at the man behind the counter.

Harry let out a small laugh, shrugging his shoulders. "Poor little barmaid shits herself every time you walk through the front doors." Harry murmured, glancing over at Tommy cautiously. Beth's nose scrunched and she opened her mouth to answer but was cut off by Tommy who shook his head. "That's enough Harry." An awkward silence began to swallow them and Beth couldn't help but sigh. If Tommy wanted Grace by now, he'd have her. End of story.

"I'm heading home. Are you coming?" Beth asked, glancing back at Tommy who nodded, grasping her hand tightly. "Beth would you consider getting your old job back?" Tommy's eyes turned to glare at Harry his jaw clenching as he quickly shook his head in dismissal. "No. No she wouldn't. She's fine as is." Tommy grunted, beginning to tug Beth toward the door who reeled her hand back, staring at him in disbelief. "Yes I would." She sighed, glaring at Tommy slightly.

"No she wouldn't Harry. That's final. By order-." Tommy was cut off by Beth who scoffed loudly, turning to Harry. "I'll be in work tonight Harry. Don't listen to him." She grinned, moving around Tommy who's glare remained on Harry. Tommy caught her arm, shaking his head once again. "I said no." Tommy growled, nodding over at Harry one last time. Beth let out a small laugh, staring at him in disbelief. "You're not being serious." She growled, tugging her arm out of his harsh hold. "Bethany." Tommy began, glancing over at Harry.

"First of all Thomas." She smiled, taking a step closer, her cold eyes mimicking his. "Do not grab me like that ever again. The barmaid might allow you to rough her up but you won't make that mistake with me. Second of all, I'm getting my job back. There's nothing you can do or say to stop me because I am not scared of you. My love, you are the least scariest person in the world to me." Beth grinned, leaning over and placing a kiss to his cheek. "Now if you boys will excuse me." Leaving through the Garrison doors, Beth could only smile knowing Tommy was probably left mouth wide.

Tommy stood in awestruck his eyes never leaving the door. "What the fuck just happened Harry?" Harry couldn't help the small scoff that fell from his lips. "I believe Mrs. Bethany has regained her confidence Mr.Shelby." Tommy couldn't help the smile that covered his face as he shook his head, his smile turning to a laugh as he neared the bar.

"Pore me a whiskey Harry, we're all in for it bloody now."

•

Beth raised her eyebrows in shock when she walked into Polly's house only to be pulled into a bone crushing hug by Ada. "I'm sorry Beth! I really am. I was being horrid because I was mad over Tommy finding out and I never should have taken it out on you!" If it had of been anyone else, Beth wouldn't have ever forgiven them but Ada was young and vulnerable so instead, she hugged her back just as tight. "Ada, Ada it's fine, I understand why you didn't tell me." Beth cooed running her hand up and down Ada's back. "Now, what's with the tears?"

Ada pulled back wiping her tears. "Tommy's ordered me to leave this city and abort my baby. Freddie will get arrested if he steps foot into Small Heath again."
Polly stood out from behind the door she was leaned against listening and shook her head. "I tried to reason with him Bethany, tried to explain to him if that was his child but he's not listening." Beth shook her head feeling her anger build up. "Come on Ada. If you've to leave I'll go with you and make sure you're okay." Ada's face lit up and she pulled Beth into another hug.

Beth held Ada's hand tightly as, she walked along side Polly into the train station. "Are you okay?" Polly asked, trying to hide her own emotions. Ada only nodded. "I think there's a small carriage over there that you should get into." Polly rambled. The trio of girls walked around the corner and Beth's mouth fell open at the sight of Freddie. "Freddie." Polly breathed out.

Ada smiled widely stepping forward. "You came back!" Freddie grinned stepping forward to Ada leaving Polly and Beth to stare in shock. "I got a tip off." Beth snapped out of her gaze and shook her head. "This isn't right, Freddie, Tommy will kill you." Freddie's eyes gazed over to Beth. "It was Tommy who tipped me off, maybe he's got half a heart after all. Tommy got a message to me, said get out town, take her with you." Beth couldn't help but let out a small giggle in excitement, clapping her hand over her mouth. Tommy Shelby's cold facade was beginning to melt.

Freddie bent down on his knee pulling a ring from his jacket. "Ada Shelby, will you marry me?" Ada nodded quickly spluttering out yes as the tears began to form in her eyes, a wide smile on her face. Freddie slid the ring on her finger and leaned up pulling Ada into a gentle kiss. Beth felt her own tears fill her eyes as she felt like she was giving away her baby sister and glanced over to Polly who had the same expression.

Ada pulled away from Freddie and pulled Beth into a tight hug squealing into his shoulder before she parted to hug Polly. "Right get on this bloody train and get out of here." Polly instructed, both girls giggling as they walked over to the train. Beth turned around and look at Freddie her eyebrows crossing as she saw him standing still. "Come on both of you." She grinned. "Freddie come on!" Ada shouted over the bustling sound of the train. "Anywhere but here's okay!"

Freddie shook his head. "We're not going anywhere Ada. We're going to stay here, we're going to marry here. I'm not afraid of Tommy Shelby." The train began to slowly move away from the station and Freddie took Ada's hand pulling her away from the scene leaving a shocked Beth and Polly who looked between each other with knowing looks.