𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒
𝐒𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝

Aurora shot up, gasping for air and clutching at her throat. She kicked the white bedsheets off her and tried her best to regain her breath. Her heart was pounding and sweat had covered her forehead.

Looking around the room, she noticed the light seeping in from under the door. She held her head in her hands and finally regained her breath. Standing, Aurora felt her knees almost buckle beneath her. She grabbed the side of the bed and closed her eyes.

There was light mumbling outside the door and she couldn't exactly hear what they were saying or who it was but she knew they were there. Rory finally stood straight and ran a hand through her hair before pulling on the door handle.

She was met with John who was leaning against the doorframe across the hall and his arms crossed whilst Arthur splashed water onto his face in the bathroom sink.

"Mornin' angel." John greeted with a warm smile. Aurora huffed and hugged her arms around her body. "Shouldn't you be with your new wife?" She retorted, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear and meeting his eyes. John hummed. "Probably." He shrugged.

John knew she'd done it again. The way she'd wake up in a state of panic and not being able to breathe. It happened more when she was younger and would result in her staying in Tommys bed with him for the rest of the night — well, the nights he was actually home.

"Is that Aurora?" Arthur called out, his accent thick.

"Yeah 'tis." Aurora replied with a yawn. Arthur emerged from the bathroom with a towel to his face. After removing it, he flashed her a smile. "Mornin'!" He said in the same tone John had only moments earlier.

She pursed her lips together and just made her way down the stairs. To her surprise, the front door was wide open and there stood Finn out by the front steps whilst Isiah sat on the step smoking.

She frowned and moved to the door, leaning against it. "What ya's doing out here?" She asked, squinting and shielding her eyes from the sun.

Isiah looked up at her and blew smoke from his mouth. "Conversing." He said plainly.

Aurora tilted her head and frowned. "And what does that mean?" She asked, completely clueless as to what the simple word meant. Isiah shook his head in disbelief and looked away. "To have a conversation." Finn finally spoke.

Aurora nodded in understanding and dug her foot into Isiah's back.

"The hell was that for?!" Isiah shouted, jumping to his feet to avoid falling face first into her floor. Aurora sniggered and pinched his cigarette from his fingers.

"For bein' a dick." She said, taking a drag and blowing the smoke into his face.

The sound of heels against the dirty, Small Heath cobble grew loud as Polly approached the house. She had a basket over her arm and a sharp expression across her features. "What the bloody hell are you doing out here— and you, standing half-dressed in the door." Polly scolded the three, shaking her head and shoving past them all.

"Where've you been?" Aurora asked, nonchalant.

"To see Ada." Polly said plainly, walking through the house with the Thorne girl close behind her. "Is she alright?" Rory asked, only recently decided to care for the girl once she had given birth to Karl.

"I don't know. She wouldn't open the bloody door." Polly said angrily, walking into the dining room where Tommy had been smoking. He looked up when the door slammed against the wall.

"Did you speak to her?" He asked as soon as he saw his aunt. "She didn't speak back." Polly said bluntly, walked to one side of the room and then to the other, going on with her tasks.

Rory looked Tommy up and down and examined him.

"Well did you tell her?" Tommy asked. Polly began pouring water into a cup. "I'll only tell her what I believe to be true." She said. Tommy shook his head. "This is the last time i'm gonna say this." He began, "It wasn't me who shopped Freddie Thorne."

Polly stopped and turned to him. "Tommy, i'd ask you to swear on the bible but you can't swear on that can you— nothing you hold is sacred." Polly insulted.

Aurora thought for a moment and Polly walked out, leaving her and Tommy alone. "I think i believe you, y'know." She said quietly, not wanting to admit it to him.

Tommy put down his cigarette and frowned. "You what?"

"I don't think it was you who shopped Freddie." She repeated, placing two hands on a chair and leaning on it. Tommy let out a breath and chuckled quietly, looking away. "How does the sister of the man i supposedly shopped believe me but not my own family?" He scoffed.

"Because I can see behind your facade. I always have done." She smirked. "You're not as tough as people think you are." She teased. "You know it. I know it." Her words confused him but he just stood, staring at the table and trying to figure out what she meant.

Before he could ask, Rory had disappeared, the door falling closed behind her.

"What?" Rory asked when she saw Finn and Isiah stop their conversation to look over at her. They shared a glance and Aurora let out a breath of frustration. "Have I got something on my face or do you just like staring at me?" She snapped.

Both of the boys struggled to form an answer.

Thankfully, Arthur had began making his way down the stairs. "Why ain't you ready yet?" He sniffed.

"For what?" She retorted.

"School." Arthur grabbed his bottle of whiskey from the kitchen cupboard and began pouring a glass. "I ain't going," she shrugged, "isn't it a bit early for whiskey?"

"It's five o'clock somewhere— and what the hell do you mean you're not goin' to school? You have to bloody go." He said seriously. "Finn hardly goes." She reminded him. "Yeah and Finn can't fucking read can he?" Arthur sniggered.

"Artha!" Finn threw his arms up and let out a sigh of disbelief.

"I'm not wrong though am I, Finn boy?" Arthur teased. Isiah playfully smacked the boys arm and bit back his laugh.

"No, Arthur. I'm telling you i'm not going." Aurora repeated, sitting down on the couch. Arthur shook his head and threw back the rest of his whiskey. "You're goin' and that's final." He nodded toward her.

"You ain't me dad, alright?" She said. "You don't get to tell me what i'm doing and what i'm not." She said, her accent thick due to her anger. Silence fell over them all and Arthur just stared at her with raised eyebrows. Finn looked down at his feet and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'll go if you go." He offered, knowing he hadn't done a full school day in a while and probably needed it.

She switched her glance over to the younger Shelby boy and tilted her head. "Don't make me laugh, Finn." She let out a little scoff.

"I'm being serious." He shrugged. Arthur patted Finn's shoulder as he walked to the door, "well done, Finn boy." He whispered, pushing past him to leave the house after grabbing his peaky cap from the hook.

"Even if it's just for today. Rory." Finn argued. "Just come with me." He said.

Aurora stared at the boy who she claimed to hate — who also claimed to hate her. The same boy who was standing and trying to convince her to go to school with him. She bit her tongue and crossed her arms before groaning. "Fine!" She gave in, storming back up the stairs. "I hate you all!" She shouted down the stairs.

Isiah hummed in amusement and poked Finn's back. "What happened to hating her guts, eh Shelby?" He asked.

"I do hate her." Finn said quickly.

"Oh yeah?" Isiah teased. "That look in ya eyes is tellin' me different." He said lowly. Finn snapped his head toward him and frowned. "What— what you on about?" He retorted.

Isiah snorted with laughter and shook his head. "Nothing." He whispered.

-

"I can't believe you're making me do this." Aurora's arms swayed at her sides whilst she walked through Small Heath alongside the Shelby boy. Finn squinted due to the sun that was still shining and took a breath. "I hate you." She added.

"I hate you more." Finn fired back, not an ounce of maliciousness in his voice. Aurora held back her playful smile and kept her eyes forward.

"Do you think he did it?" She asked, digging into her pockets to pull out a cigarette. Finn furrowed his brows together. "Who?" He asked, kicking a stone. "Tom. Do you reckon he shopped my brother?" Aurora asked.

Finn thought for a few moments before simply shrugging. "It's hard to tell. They've hated each over for ages now so i wouldn't put it past him to be honest."

She nodded slightly, not telling him how she herself didn't believe Tommy had done such a thing to her brother. Although Tommy held a tough front, he wouldn't do that to Ada. And he wouldn't do it to Aurora especially.

Walking through the school gates was like hell for both the teens, they saw the prying eyes of teachers who were gathering stray students who were yet to go inside. It didn't bother Rory, she didn't notice. The strange behaviour from the adults had been going on for years. Finn on the other hand, returned the harsh look, removing his cap and clutching it in his palm.

"Don't look at 'em. They're all just nosy sods who have nothing better to do." Aurora spoke normally, pushing the door open and being thankful for the sudden breeze that came from the hallways.

Finn trailed close behind Aurora and watched as the hallways emptied out, people going to whatever class they were supposed to be in. He scratched the back of his neck anxiously and cleared his throat. "I'll come get ya before the last bell." He said.

Aurora stopped walking and slowly turned to him. "Am I a dog?" She scoffed, appreciating his offer but not wanting to show it. Finn pursed his lips together and shook his head, spinning on his heels.

A part of Aurora loved being argumentative with Finn. Well with everyone but especially him. He used to be the biggest torment of them all but over the years seemed to grow somewhat sensitive. Aurora was the opposite. She used to be sensitive now she was just harsh.

Her heels seemed to drag across the floor when finally making her way over to her class. Upon opening the door, heads turned. "Come on in, Miss Thorne. We're just getting started." Mrs Jones greeted with the same cheery smile she always had.

Aurora tried her best to return the smile but wasn't sure how genuine it seemed. She took her seat in the back corner as usual and rested her feet on the chair opposite her.

Like always, it took only minutes for Aurora's mind to drift elsewhere, her gaze fixed on the patch of grass outside the window.

"Oi, Thorne." A voice hissed from her right. She snapped out of her trance and looked over to whoever was calling her. Alfie Jenkins. She rolled her eyes and sat up straight. "I heard what happened with ya brother—" he whispered.

"Shut up. Don't start, Alfie." She snapped quickly.

"No— I wanted to see if ya were alright." He said, causing her face to fall in confusion. "I know i've made all those jokes about Freddie and stuff but y'know..this time it's different." He said.

"How is it different, Alfie?" She asked.

He shrugged. "Just is, ain't it?" The Jenkins boy excused. Rory wanted to believe he was being genuine but couldn't. "Turn around." She said.

The boy didn't argue and turned to the front of the classroom again, leaving her with her thoughts. Those thoughts being her brother and Tommy.

"She's my bloody sister!" Freddie argued, his breath smelling like beer. "And yet it's me who's taking her to the dance." A young John said harshly as Polly fixed his tie. Freddie shook his head and reached for the bottle of whiskey. "No more." Tommy stopped him, snatching the bottle. "You've got to stop, Freddie." He said, "all of it. She's a kid and she's got no one but us and you. You're her brother, act like it." Tommy scolded. Freddie stared at Tommy coldly and scoffed. "She spends more time here than she does at home." Freddie argued. "Cause you're never there!" John chimed in.

Polly shook her head at the arguing boys and patted John's chest when finishing the tie. "Maybe if you were there she'd actually be at home instead of with us!" John added.

"You know what—" Freddie began.

"Enough." Arthur shouted, slamming his hand onto the table. "That little girl sat through them doors," he pointed, "is waiting to enjoy a night with John. Do not ruin it for her Freddie cause I'll have your eyes." Arthur threatened.

Silence fell over them all and John nodded discreetly, giving Freddie another harsh look before disappearing to collect Aurora. Little did they know, she'd heard everything. Her and Finn had leaned against the door with their ear to the wood, occasionally shoving each other in hopes to somehow get closer to the door.

"Aurora." A voice spoke.

"Aurora." It spoke again. Except this time it wasn't apart of the memory she was reliving. She closed her eyes for a moment and let out a deep breath. "Bloody hell—" Alfie shook his head, throwing a pencil at her. "That Shelby kid is at the door for you."

She looked over to the door where Finn stood having a hushed conversation with Mrs Jones, trying to somewhat convince her he was telling the truth about whatever he was telling her.

"Prick." She launched the pencil at Alfie. He threw his arms up in the air dramatically and tried to argue with her but she just pushed her chair away from the table, an awful screeching sound coming from it and got up to walk to the door.

"Rory—" Finn said with relief, "John's here..he's saying we need to go home." Finn breathed heavily from his attempts to convince Mrs Jones that he was telling the truth.

Aurora grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away from the classroom, not looking back at her teacher once despite her pleads to keep them there. Rory knew that if John was going to collect them, something had happened.

"Aurora bloody let go of me will you!" Finn hissed, ripping his arm away from the girl. Rory scoffed and walked ahead of him, leaving him trailing behind her. Finn shook his head and mumbled angry insults aimed toward the girl. She aggressively pushed the office door open and was met with the anxious face of John.

His green peaky cap was messily placed on his head. 

She examined him and tried to figure out if something bad had happened. "They won't be back today." Was all John said before nodding toward the door and letting the two younger kids walk before him. She crossed her arms and tried to walk beside the older Shelby boy, waiting for some information as to what was going on.

He looked away from them and readjusted his cap. "Finn." He began. Finn looked at him. "Dad's back." John said. Aurora's face dropped and she almost gasped.

Finn on the other hand, seemed completely unbothered compared to his older brother who seemed annoyed.

"What d'ya mean— is Arthur back? Like..the old one?" Aurora tried to understand.

John nodded and bit down on the tooth pick that was balanced between his teeth. "Now let's fucking go." He gripped the back of Aurora's shirt and shoved her forward. She shrugged his hands off her and scowled. "Alright, keep your knickers on." She huffed, fixing her shirt.

-

When Aurora, John and Finn entered the house again, Arthur was giving his father what looked like a sandwich. "Thank you, you're a good boy," he spoke, nodding in acceptance to his eldest son.

"Bless thee, Father, for these bounties we are about to receive." He mutters to himself.

"Can I have one?" Aurora asked seriously and interrupted the man's prayer. They all turned their heads to her. She raised a single eyebrow and shrugged. "What— am hungry? It's not easy goin' to school yano." Rory scoffed.

Finn had to bite his tongue to stop himself from laughing.

"Jesus christ." Polly muttered, looking away. "Please, woman, not in vain." Arthur Senior scolded. "Finish your sandwich and sling your hook," Polly stared at him. "Pollyanna, i'm the guest of the head of this family." He said

"The head of the family ain't here." John corrected, "Tommy-" Arthur whispered. "He sometimes helps me with..with business, Dad." Arthur spoke shamefully.

The door opened and as if it were magic, Tommy entered.

"Aye well, speak of the devil," Everyone looked at him. Tommy froze, looking at the older man. "How are you son?"

"Get out." He hissed. "Come on, son," he tilted his head, "i'm a changed man." Arthur Senior raised his arms in the air.
"This family needed you ten years ago. And you walked out on us. Not now." Tommy said lowly.

Aurora nudged John and he looked down at her. "I love a good bit of drama. Don't you?" She asked, completely unserious.

John shook his head at the girl and looked back toward his brother.

"Tommy, he's different." Arthur pleaded, staring at the table. "Shut up." Tommy spat. A very quiet whistle left Aurora's mouth and a grin was now very apparent on her features.

"It's all right son, Arthur Shelby never stays where he's not welcome." he picked up his coat from the chair. "Quite something you've become." he nodded to Tommy. "Bye son." he rubbed Finn's hair. Arthur Senior kept his eyes on the Thorne girls for a few moments before letting his mouth part.

"How is ya brother, eh?" He asked with a sly smile.

Her face fell as well as her arms which dropped to her sides. She shifted her weight from one foot to another and looked at him with disbelief.

Polly too stared at the man harshly. She found it completely unfair that a grown man was tormenting a thirteen year old.

The tension in the room grew within seconds as people waited to see what would happen. "What was that? I didn't quite hear you." Aurora spoke. Arthur Senior hummed. "Nothing, little one. Nothing at all." He said.

He looked at Finn once more. "She'll be the thorn in your side, son. I'll tell you that for free."

Finn's head followed his dad who was walking away and John pulled his shoulder back. "He's our dad," Arthur whispered. Tommy scoffed. "He's a selfish bastard."

"You calling someone a selfish bastard?" Arthur asked. "that's a bit rich Tommy. I mean, thanks to you, we're already down a bloody sister." he said, referring to Ada.

"You want to see him Arthur? You want to see him?" Tom pointed at the door. "You go with him,"

Arthur got out of his chair, walking to the door, slamming it behind him.

Aurora nodded slowly. "I agree." She said to Tommy. "A bastard. Nothing more, nothing less." She said. "And he deserves a smack 'round the back of the head, he does." She said, clearly frustrated.

Finn stood with a confused look on his face whilst trying to figure out what his father had meant. Clearly it was a play on her name. Thorne. But yet he didn't understand how she, Aurora, the girl he claimed to hate..would be a thorn in his side.

"No one agree?" She continued. Polly scoffed and walked to the kitchen. "I bloody agree. I'd do it myself if i could." She muttered.

Tommy stood with a blank face and his eyes fixated on the same hallway Arthur had exited from. Aurora picked up on the awkwardness and cleared her throat. "So..does anyone feel like making me a butty then?" She requested, tapping her fingers on the wooden table.

John and Finn shared a glance. "Not the time, Angel." John said.

"What— for a jam butty?" Aurora asked. John pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned. "No!" He snapped, "well yes— i mean not the bloody time to be askin' for one!" He corrected.

Her lips twisted together and she was beyond confused. "So what— the Shelby that's looks like he would to turn to ash if I hit him round the back of the head returns and I can't have a bloody sandwich? What the hell!" She threw her arms up.

"You ain't half stupid sometimes." Finn insulted.

She snapped her head around to look at him. "You want to talk about stupid, eh? Spell discombobulated." She said, crossing her arms.

Finn glared at her. "Count to ten." He fired back. Aurora stared at the boy with pure hatred. "Get a wash." She hissed. Finn shifted his weight from one foot to another and ignored the look of warning from his two older brothers.

"You get a fucking wash!" Finn repeated her words. "And whilst you're at it go find your Ma as well." He said without thinking.

And suddenly it went silent. So silent that if an ant were to scurry across the floorboards you would hear it. And within moments, Aurora had went for the boy, smacking him in the chest and pinching his skin.

"Fuck— not again!" John tried to separate the two but ended up being hit in the nose. He stumbled backward. "Ay you bastard!" He shouted.

"Tom fuckin' do something will you!?" John begged, pointing toward the two that were fighting each other. Well.. Finn who was letting Aurora hit him but refusing to lay a hand on her.

Aurora somehow had gotten onto his back and had an arm around his neck. "Rory— jesus!" Finn huffed, trying to get her off him. The squeal that left Finn's mouth was what made Polly enter again. "She fuckin' bit me— you animal!! Jesus fucking christ!" He gritted through his teeth.

"What are you doing!" Polly scolded. "Thomas i'd have thought you'd intervene." She stared at her nephew.

Tommy shrugged. "It was quite entertaining."

She shook her head in disbelief and grabbed Finn's face, lifting it to examine the skin on his neck with was turning red from the multiple times she'd pinched him.

"Aurora what are you doing, girl?" Polly questioned, standing between the two.

"He's a wind up, Pol! Needs to be quiet sometimes." Aurora argued. "Can never shut his big fucking gob!" She raised her voice, trying to get closer to Finn again in attempt to wind him up but Polly kept her away.

Tommy had walked out during this and John was holding a wet cloth to his nose. "I think you've broken my nose!" John whined like a child.

Aurora shook her head. "Some days I forget why I despise you so much, Finn. But you just seem to make my hatred develop further when you say such things to me." She said to him, walking out.

Aurora was beyond furious at the boys lack of thinking before speaking. She could've said something about how they found his mother face down in the cut. But she didn't. Because she knew how it felt to not have a parent around.

"What were you thinkin' Finn?" John finally asked. "Why do ya keep saying those things to her?"

"It just slipped out!" Finn excused. "I thought she was my friend now, y'know. I didn't think she'd take it so harshly." He added.

"Well she did. So you best hope she forgives you again." Polly said sternly, sending him away.

And hope he did.