A while after I had calmed down, Esme made me a small breakfast that consisted of toast, a wee bit of jam, fresh eggs and tea.

It was quite delicious, but filling for my petite figure.

A teacup in my hand, I walked to the lounge and rested my head on the couch.

It was silent, as the men were currently out buying some daily essentials with Pol and Esme.

I was alone.

Thank god.

The silence was comforting. No drama. No yelling. No Tommy...

I took a deep breath as I ever so slightly lifted my head and took a sip of my still boiling tea.

I could hear footsteps scratching against the cobble outside. A figure passed the window, head down and hands, snug, in the person's pockets.

The front door handle shook and was soon carefully opened.

I could feel the frozen air seeping it's way into the room, rapidly. This sent chills throughout my body.

I looked up to meet eyes with Arthur.

"You're home early." I say in a hushed tone.

"Pol forgot her handbag and Esme, her hat. I offered to come and grab them. Shopping was boring me anyways. All the girls want to do is look at dresses and hats. What a waste of time that could be spent doing other things."

"Like what? Holding a gun up to someone's head? Counting all your money? You should really start getting used to normal day activities, Arthur. It's good for you. You shouldn't be fooling around with the law all the time."

He chuckled and hung his hat on the coat rack.

He looked at me and his smile turned to a concerning look.

"Bloody hell, Daisy. You must be freezing, yeah? Don't even got a fire? It's got to be below zero. Are you mad?" He rushes over to the fireplace and starts stacking wood on.

Pulling a match from the depth of his pocket, he quickly slid it across the wood trim creating a flame at the end of the small stick and dropped it in the fireplace.

A large wave of flames were born, quickly sending warmth throughout the atmosphere.

He walked over to me and grabbed a blanket from the corner.

"Arthur, I'm alright. Really." I say.

He grabs my cup, setting it on the table directly in front of me and places the thick, woolen blanket on my body.

I slightly smiled and looked up at him.

I carefully studied his features as he adjusted the blanket to my level of comfort.

He looked at me. His eyes innocent.

"Thank you." My smile grew.

He nodded and walked to the kitchen.

Waiting for his soon return, I stared at the crackling flames that danced with colors of red and orange. My mind wandered off onto complete oblivion until I was drawn back into reality by the sound of footsteps nearing.

"Arthur, is my brother with you? Dean?" I question.

"Well, he was with us when we departed... But to be truthful, love, I believe he went on a hunt for your assaulter..."

We sat in silence for a while, remembering the horrifying recently current events.

I gulped and nodded.

"Alright. That's fine, but uhm, if you happen to catch him before he comes home, will you ask him to buy me some more paper for my typewriter. Its running low and well, I haven't really been able to write since Christmas Eve."

"Of course, I will. Do you need anything else, love?"

I thought for a minute.

"No, I think I'm alright... maybe some chocolates if you have the chance?"

He smiled and placed his hat back on his head.

"Anything for you, deary."

I smiled and he walked out the door with everything he came for.

I sighed and rubbed my temples.

Reaching over to the table, I grabbed the pack of cigarettes sitting aimlessly and the pack of matches Arthur had forgotten.

I placed the stick in my mouth and lit it, inhaling the bitter taste of the contents inside.

My mind wandered. Too far, as for I had been reminded of the person I swore I'd never think of again.

Ada was getting married today.

And for all I knew, she and Freddie were already wed. But they were finally happy. They were granted their desired wish. Without thinking of anyone but themselves, truthfully. Did they ever process what they were committing to before they did it? For gods sake, Freddie is nothing but dirt to this family and here she is letting him in. No one trusts him. I don't trust him. And my worst fear is that their offspring will turn out just like him. In every aspect. Way, shape, form. May God have pity on its soul, is all I must say.

My mind grew back to reality as pieces of my now burnt out cigarette fell onto my lap. I snatched it out of my mouth and rubbed it in the ash tray, leaving it to rot.

Out of the blue, I felt a sudden ache and nauseating feeling at the pit of my stomach. I didn't trust what was happening. I quickly stood up and ran upstairs, flinging the bathroom door open with a swift kick. 

With a big breath, I orally excreted this mornings breakfast into the toilet. Holding my stomach, I just simply let it out. So much for Esme's hard work. Now all flushed down the lou. Literally.

Once I was done, I stood up hesitantly and walked to the sink, staring at my frail, green face. I washed out my mouth and face and walked straight to my bedroom.

I lay and my bed and soon, fall into a deep sleep.

~~~

"Daisy..." 

I grunted as my body started to gradually awaken.

"Daisy, my love. Wake up."

I open one eye to see Aunt Pol sitting on my bed, patting my face with a cool washcloth and smiling slightly.

"How are you feeling, darling? I saw you left your heave in the lou. Forget to flush it, eh?" She laughed slightly.

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry about that, I just, I wasn't feeling to great while you all were away. Just a small stomachache, that's all. I feel a little well, now."

"Well enough to eat? The boys are downstairs cooking up some potato stew and fresh bread. Alfie Solomons is here as well. We ran into him while shopping at the local market and he felt so terrible for seeing you in the state you were. A kind man he is. I invited him over for supper and he offered to prepare our meal to make up for his supposed 'intrudance'. Couldn't let that one down, now could I?"

I smile smally.

"Just give me some time to get functioning before I face everyone. Especially Tommy..." I say lifting myself from the warmth of my bed.

"Of course, dear."

She helped me up and I walked to my closet, grabbing a well fitting laced, white dress. Pol started remaking my bed while I stripped. 

I looked in my full-length mirror and saw the carving inside my thighs, wistfully reminding me of only a few short nights ago.

"JWR." I whispered.

Pol walked up behind me and placed her hands on my shoulders.

In the mirror, her face frowned. Tears gathered in her eyes as well as mine.

"Don't lose yourself because of the past. You must move on and prove yourself better than how poorly you were treated. You never give up. For my dear, you, are a star. You have the ability to light up even in the darkest hours of the night. You just need to have the morale to do so."

And with that, I put my dress on.

New, fresh clothes, for a soon, new, fresh life.