Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
"I’m a kind person, I’m kind to everyone, but if you are unkind to me, then kindness is not what you’ll remember me for.”
~ Al Capone
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"I’m a kind person, I’m kind to everyone, but if you are unkind to me, then kindness is not what you’ll remember me for.”
~ Al Capone
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
Chapter One; High Tensions
Frankly, it had all gone to absolute shite. Something that had been supposed to represent the power of his family, had only went to display the cracks within his empire, cracks that somebody had managed to take advantage of. Yet, as his eyes lay upon Carmen, Tommy couldn't summon any feelings of anger at all. In fact, truth be told, he couldn't summon anything.
His expression placid and blank, and his heart equally so, his icy eyes narrowed. "Why stick around?" His nimble fingers twitched towards his flat cap, adjusting it properly on his head. "You could die, if you're not dying already. What makes you think that I won't kill you," he paused, approaching her slowly, an unnerving darkness within his oh so light irises. A long finger poked her in the shoulder blade with just enough force to send her stumbling a little backwards. "You endangered this family. You put our reputation at risk, this empire... my son! The very same little boy that you cradled in your arms as if he were your own child".
Pulling his pistol out of his blazer pocket, he reloaded the weapon and wavered it in her direction. "What have you got to say, Carmen? Times running out, and my patience is even shorter".
"You wouldn't, Tommy," she whispered, but in truth she wasn't so sure. Why wouldn't he? It wasn't as if murder was new to him, or anyone in this business really. Her own godfather had just attempted to assassinate her. The very same man who had feed her as a bawling child, clothed her and gave her a roof, even comforted her after her parent's murder, had tried to end her life. So, why wouldn't he, a man who was basically a stranger, a man who could not bare to look at her face because it reminded him of his slaughtered wife?
He pulled down the safety lock, placing his finger upon the trigger. Charlie, who clung to the side Esperanza, began to whimper nuzzling his head into to her chest as a babe would to it's mother.
"Stop it, Tommy. You claim to care so much about Charlie but your terrifying him- scarring him. You just-"
"None of this would've happened if it weren't for you," the interruption was a fierce and piercing scream, leaving a horrid ringing noise behind in one's eardrums. "None of this would have happened if it weren't for you". The trigger was pulled. The bullet left the chamber, flying right over her shoulder and into the grandfather clock, hurtling shards of glass in every direction.
Carmen cast a desperate glance from Esperanza to Michael, in search or something, anything, that may pro-long her life just a little bit longer. "Thomas, nothing has happened that can't be fixed. If you give me a chance, I can just talk to Al and-" she watched as he visibly flinched at the name. "We can think of something more productive than just... annihilation, destruction..."
"Maybe that's something that you should've thought of before you betrayed the family," he cleared his throat, composing himself, and shuffled his weight from one foot on to another where he stood. "So, any last words?"
"Yes, actually, I do," her face reddened, her porcelain cheeks as dark as a Spaniard tomato. "You, Tommy Shelby, are blind. I came into his family to serve my own. I took a post, what I thought would last a mere amount days if not a couple of weeks, as a babysitter, knowing fully well that I despised horrid little brats. And yet, I grew to love Charlie. I loved him thoroughly, deeply, almost, I thought, only as if a mother could. I kissed his sore knees when he scrapped them, sang him lullabies when he couldn't sleep.. I tried to solve all of his hurt, and you know what? Most of it came from you. Just like now, you don't realise, you don't even care, about how you destruct other people. Arthur, Charlie, Polly, even Michael. So, go on, Tommy. Fuck up everyone even more than you already fucking have. I know my innocence". She approached him, pulling his gun right into her chest. "Finish what my Godfather started all because I didn't want to betray this family. My conscience will be clear".
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RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza's eyes widened as she watched the whole thing unfold. She knew she had no right to involve herself at all, this wasn't her family, she turned Charlie away, holding him close. She gave Michael a desperate look as Michael's eyes widened in shock, debating what to say and how to say it carefully. Esperanza picked up Charlie and quickly got out, just in case things got worse. She knew she couldn't save the child from a life time of trauma and the pain he already carries, but he did not need to see such violence right now. She left the room, and rubbed the boys back and began to sing a gypsy lullaby to him in Romanian tongue, soothing the child's shakes.
Michael slowly walked up beside Carmen and Tommy, very slowly with his arm out, toward Tommy, "Tommy....despite what she's done. We need her right now. She's right, she is the only leverage we have against Capone. We can't loose our heads right now, Tom. Just can't." he spoke softly, his eyes darting between Tommy and his gun, and then Carmen. His heartbeat ran a million miles an hour. Just the day before he wanted her to die, pay for what he knew, because he was alright all along. But this; he didn't expect it to ever feel like this. He had no anger for the woman, he had fear for loosing her. He was quite upset by what she did, but he knew she was a good person deep down and he hated that she had surfaced such feelings in him like that. Made him soft, too soft. His voice went soft, looking at Tommy in the eye, "We can handle this. Later. Right now, we don't know where the Italians went. There's a party, a lot going on right now we need to get things under control..." he spoke in desperate attempt to get to Tommy's logical side, his leader side.
Esperanza covered Charlie's ears as they spoke, as the tones you could hear in faint whispers from Michael down the hall, she gulped. She wasn't so sure about what Tommy would do or if that would calm him down, she soon spotted the maid, waving her over to put Charlie to bed at the far end of the house, where he would hear little to nothing, especially if there was a gunshot. She got up timidly as she wandered in the room again, by the doorway. She let out a shaky breath as she walked toward the ordeal, as Michael eyed her from the corner of his eye, being silent for a moment to not overwhelm Tommy. He gave her a glance, of question that she reassured with a timid smile. She walked up besides Carmen, quite cautiously and took her hand in hers, looking at Tommy dead in the eye, which wasn't very much like her all the time. To look at a man of authority in the eye, but she knew what was right. She never had the proper feeling over Carmen, though she knew such little of the outside world despite her travels she still grew attached to her. Her eyes told volumes as they met Tommy's. A silent, forgiving plea not to harm her, at least not yet. They were soft and sad, gentle, she then eventually looked at Carmen, giving her a worried smile. Michael remained silent as he saw the exchange. Everything was moving so fast yet so slow, he couldn't bare it anymore, "Whaddya say Tommy, aye?"
Michael slowly walked up beside Carmen and Tommy, very slowly with his arm out, toward Tommy, "Tommy....despite what she's done. We need her right now. She's right, she is the only leverage we have against Capone. We can't loose our heads right now, Tom. Just can't." he spoke softly, his eyes darting between Tommy and his gun, and then Carmen. His heartbeat ran a million miles an hour. Just the day before he wanted her to die, pay for what he knew, because he was alright all along. But this; he didn't expect it to ever feel like this. He had no anger for the woman, he had fear for loosing her. He was quite upset by what she did, but he knew she was a good person deep down and he hated that she had surfaced such feelings in him like that. Made him soft, too soft. His voice went soft, looking at Tommy in the eye, "We can handle this. Later. Right now, we don't know where the Italians went. There's a party, a lot going on right now we need to get things under control..." he spoke in desperate attempt to get to Tommy's logical side, his leader side.
Esperanza covered Charlie's ears as they spoke, as the tones you could hear in faint whispers from Michael down the hall, she gulped. She wasn't so sure about what Tommy would do or if that would calm him down, she soon spotted the maid, waving her over to put Charlie to bed at the far end of the house, where he would hear little to nothing, especially if there was a gunshot. She got up timidly as she wandered in the room again, by the doorway. She let out a shaky breath as she walked toward the ordeal, as Michael eyed her from the corner of his eye, being silent for a moment to not overwhelm Tommy. He gave her a glance, of question that she reassured with a timid smile. She walked up besides Carmen, quite cautiously and took her hand in hers, looking at Tommy dead in the eye, which wasn't very much like her all the time. To look at a man of authority in the eye, but she knew what was right. She never had the proper feeling over Carmen, though she knew such little of the outside world despite her travels she still grew attached to her. Her eyes told volumes as they met Tommy's. A silent, forgiving plea not to harm her, at least not yet. They were soft and sad, gentle, she then eventually looked at Carmen, giving her a worried smile. Michael remained silent as he saw the exchange. Everything was moving so fast yet so slow, he couldn't bare it anymore, "Whaddya say Tommy, aye?"
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
Her azure eyes were locked upon his sharp face. Her mind was blank. The only thought that she could manage to summon was 'why?' Why was he standing there, getting in the way of a man whom he held very high in esteem to protect her, a traitor? It made no sense, none whatsoever, and Carmen couldn't help the slight furrowing of her eyes brows.
A small hand slipped into her own, one she could only guess was Esperanza's, and yet she couldn't bring herself to move her eyes and look. She couldn't look away from the complex puzzle that they called Michael Gray, not for a single moment. Instead, her own hand gently squeezed the woman's in polite response, not too hard to hurt but soft enough to let her know that she appreciated the sentiment.
Fucking hell.
"Esperanza, you come with me," he kept the pistol loaded and ready to fire; just because she wasn't the enemy, that didn't mean the Italians were not. "I'll take the East wing. Michael you're with... her. If she makes one wrong move, do us all a favour and shot her. Get the inevitable over with". He could've sworn that he heard her chant "charming" beneath her breath, but not wanting to sound paranoid he did not rise to the bait, only shook his head with a steady glare.
"Try and get one in alive, will you? And for fuck sake don't tell your mum that I sent you out shooting. Polly will have my fucking head".
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RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza and Michael released the breaths they had held the whole time, as Esperanza's eyes remained glued to Tommy's, giving a very thankful expression. Michael's eyes darted to Carmen, he looked, for once, soft. For one split moment, and thankful. But that softness was stood hardened by Tommy's orders, he looked back over at Tommy, with a stern nod. Michael pulled his gun, ready to fire as he looked over at Carmen. He then turned his back, debating a decision, a difficult one. He leaned over the table as he pondered how much he could actually trust her. How much could he actually gamble all this? It angered him to be in such a position, it angered him that he allowed her to have this leverage. He sighed as he turned back around, facing the young beauty once again, with a low, sinisterly low tone, "Don't make me regret my decision, will ya?" he eyed her, even though he knew deep down, she wouldn't. He kept his rough exterior on as they walked out of the room, he paused for a moment, after passing Carmen a gun, looking her deep in her eyes, a show of trust that was not spoken, but also a warning not to mess up. In all honesty, it would hurt like hell to have her betray him, it would hurt to have to hurt her for it. He was not prepared to allow someone that much strength over him, it angered him as it showed through his eyes. Michael began to walk to take the West Wing, looking around, with his gun slightly raised, "Do you know where your uncle is currently?" he spoke lowly, as he scanned through a room, his tone quiet to make sure no eavesdroppers that lurked in the house could overhear.
As Michael and Carmen left, Esperanza timidly walked up toward Tommy, looking up at him with a soft expression, her eyes then dancing by the East Wing. She was prepared to take a bullet for him after the generosity he showed not only to her but Carmen. She was already ready to die when he met her, when she had to betray him. Her life was all pain since she could remember, the highs where so far and few in-between in her life that she was okay protecting the man who saved her to have a better end if it was to be her end. She remained silent, not knowing much to say that was already exchanged between the two, she began to walk to the East Wing side of the room, by the door, awaiting him, alert and ready when he was despite the pain she was in from earlier, that all seemed to dissipate from her knowledge in the whirl-wind of chaos.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
The fact was that she felt alone. She was alone. Within a moment, she had lost everything. Had she even possessed it in the first place? Had ever Godfather ever loved her? Had Tommy ever cared or trusted her? Did she dare to believe that Michael ever could have? There was something... breathtaking, that she had always been in awe of him about. She'd always admired him.
Now, she had no one. She scarcely knew how to feel, how to behave, even who to trust. These those circulated in her mind. They poisoned it, pure toxicity, until small tears quickly rolled down her blood stained face. With the back of her hand, she attempted to catch the strays, but it was to no ado. When she caught Michael's softness, she was completely broken.
"My Godfather doesn't dirty his hands," she corrected him. "Al will still be in America. His men-" images of him, slashing at her as if she were some kind of meat in a butchery, of herself stabbing the other man as he had begun to unbuckle his pants before a helpless Esperanza haunted her. Her lower lip quivered. "His men will not lurk unless they're here with a purpose. I suspect they're not quite finished. It's why I came back. I thought that maybe Charlie..." her voice had hushed and hushed into nothingness, oblivion.
Stopping in the side of the hallway, Tommy raised his index finger to his lips. 'Hush!' Escaped his soft, parted lips. Only silence was left, in the moment, between him and Esperanza. One would be sane to presume that this signalled an incoming intrusion, and that the man was about to ready his weapon. He did not. In fact, he placed it away in his pocket, and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.
"You smoke?" He asked, his voice low. He offered out a cigarette to her but, in her stalling, shrugged and quickly pressed it between his own lips. Inhaling, he raised a light to the end, and watched as the tobacco began to smoke with a satisfied smile. Closing his eyes, he allowed the fumes to intoxicate him, for the burning to consume the back of his threat. "Th' offer still stands if y' want one". He stuffed the packet back into his pocket, and signalled for her to follow him as he walked.
"You know what makes me wonder?" He asked her, not turning back to see her face. It always made him... feel. "Why? Why stand next to the kid when you know exactly what she's done? You don't owe her nuthin'."
There was a pause, as he awaited her answer, intrigued to hear what she had to say.
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RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza halted and remained dead silent, looking around trying to hear anything for a moment, to find nothing to be heard as he pulled his pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. She did stall for a moment, a bit taken back but relaxed as he asked his questions. She bit her lip as he spoke. She questioned if he now questioned her loyalty to him now too. She grew quite for a moment, assuming it was that, "I could ask you the same for standing by me, Mr. Shelby." she spoke softly and quietly. She did after all betray him, forced, and yet he still saved her. There wasn't much left to say in her mind, she could go on into how She saw Carmen beaten by Capones men, how it all reminded her of her life, the chilling similarities within different families and cultures, but despite all that, what she spoke was the first to come to her mind. She watched him for a moment, as she then looked down at the floor, and then the pieces of shattered glass from the grandfather clock. "Yes...I smoke." she spoke airely as she relaxed a bit more, leaning against the wall. She was a bit afraid, if she was under the correct assumption of his motives asking such questions considering what she just witnessed with Carmen. Though, she had nothing to hide which made her able to relax a little, though it was truly if Tommy believed that or not that made her uneasy.
'oh, great. She's crying.' Michael's thoughts hummed unsure of what to do For a crying woman. He has never been accustomed to emotional support. He had his own ways of coping and then in themselves could break a person. He bit his lip, he didnt want to look at her so he diverted his eyes. It pained him to see her like that, "If its not Charlie. Then who?" he spoke calmly, "I saw Esperanza bring Charlie out n' brought him to the maid. I know he's wit' Pol right now." He sighed as he glanced over, turning around he took her hands in his, "I know....this a lot Alright? But I need you to hold on, Just little while longer. Its just you and me right now. So I need you to think." his voice was calm but stern as he looked in her in eye, a bit soft but jaw a bit clenched as he finished speaking, such confliction riddled over him. He wanted to stop all her pain as much as he wanted to kill her Godfather, such anger and pain filled him as he looked over her face, wiping the blood and tears away from her cheeks gently with his thumb, the other holding her hand.
'oh, great. She's crying.' Michael's thoughts hummed unsure of what to do For a crying woman. He has never been accustomed to emotional support. He had his own ways of coping and then in themselves could break a person. He bit his lip, he didnt want to look at her so he diverted his eyes. It pained him to see her like that, "If its not Charlie. Then who?" he spoke calmly, "I saw Esperanza bring Charlie out n' brought him to the maid. I know he's wit' Pol right now." He sighed as he glanced over, turning around he took her hands in his, "I know....this a lot Alright? But I need you to hold on, Just little while longer. Its just you and me right now. So I need you to think." his voice was calm but stern as he looked in her in eye, a bit soft but jaw a bit clenched as he finished speaking, such confliction riddled over him. He wanted to stop all her pain as much as he wanted to kill her Godfather, such anger and pain filled him as he looked over her face, wiping the blood and tears away from her cheeks gently with his thumb, the other holding her hand.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
To say that she was taken aback by his kindness would definitely be an understatement. It completely dumbfounding. Like a fool, or a mute, for a moment she stood with her soft pink lips agape, before nodding obediently. Unconsciously, her thumb began to gently stroke the back of his hand, as she stared momentarily into space, deep in though. What would they want?
"Al wanted information that could damage the family. When I spoke to you the other day, I realised what that was, Michael. You," she sucked in the air around her, not wanting to continue. "I've lived this life a long time, and I know what to look for. You as much confessed to me the other that that you're to take over Tommy, but you're not ready. Not yet. You're still..." young, sweet, caring. "Besides," she shook her head, "that's besides the point. This is the Shelby weakness but, I swear, I never told him. So, he came to see for himself".
Her eyebrows furrowed. How could they find it like this? Obviously it had went wrong and they'd been caught in the act of trying to silence her. Still, to send so many men to murder her? No, that wasn't it. That was a distraction, but what... what did they really want?
"Shit, Michael," she looked up at him, wide eyed. "Charlie was given to the nurse? Tommy doesn't hire a nurse. I'm the governess". There was a grave pause. "Michael... who did we give Charlie to?"
Knocking himself out of it, he allows his hands to shove back into his pockets as her answer embraced him. "You had no choice. They would've killed you. That was..." Tommy paused, "that was different". He knew that it wasn't. The blood seeping through Carmen's ivory dress was enough evidence to disprove that theory. "Regardless, you... you're," he took a pull of his cigarette, "gentler, like women are supposed to be. Carmen... you don't mess with bitches like that. She's fakely gentle, a seductress. Look, you don't already see how she has Michael under her charm? No, I don't like it.. not one bit".
"Al wanted information that could damage the family. When I spoke to you the other day, I realised what that was, Michael. You," she sucked in the air around her, not wanting to continue. "I've lived this life a long time, and I know what to look for. You as much confessed to me the other that that you're to take over Tommy, but you're not ready. Not yet. You're still..." young, sweet, caring. "Besides," she shook her head, "that's besides the point. This is the Shelby weakness but, I swear, I never told him. So, he came to see for himself".
Her eyebrows furrowed. How could they find it like this? Obviously it had went wrong and they'd been caught in the act of trying to silence her. Still, to send so many men to murder her? No, that wasn't it. That was a distraction, but what... what did they really want?
"Shit, Michael," she looked up at him, wide eyed. "Charlie was given to the nurse? Tommy doesn't hire a nurse. I'm the governess". There was a grave pause. "Michael... who did we give Charlie to?"
***
Tommy withdrew another cigarette, clenched it between his teeth to light, before placing it slowly inside her mouth. He couldn't help but notice, as his eyes befell upon her lips, how gentle and rouge they were, though that were probably due to cosmetics. They were perhaps the only similarity that she had to Grace, and he couldn't help but wonder how they'd feel brushing against his own. Would they feel like Grace's too?
Knocking himself out of it, he allows his hands to shove back into his pockets as her answer embraced him. "You had no choice. They would've killed you. That was..." Tommy paused, "that was different". He knew that it wasn't. The blood seeping through Carmen's ivory dress was enough evidence to disprove that theory. "Regardless, you... you're," he took a pull of his cigarette, "gentler, like women are supposed to be. Carmen... you don't mess with bitches like that. She's fakely gentle, a seductress. Look, you don't already see how she has Michael under her charm? No, I don't like it.. not one bit".
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RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza took the cigarette gently, she noticed his gaze and she couldn't help but repay it for a moment, though it didn't look too out of the ordinary. She glanced away, looking toward the floor, after listening to him answer she reached out to touch his shoulder. She very well knew the Shelby knew better after deducing her over the past day, she only gave him a small smile, she didn't really need much to say other than she knew he was angry, she also knew this would pass, she maintained eye contact softly before she gave his shoulder a small squeeze and let go, a reassurance, "She will need a doctor after this." She spoke simply, though she will need it much like Carmen, but luckily for only shallow cuts unlike the young American.
Michael enjoyed her touch, in fact he was taken back by it, he stayed there but after nocholant about it, there was no way in hell he was going to get distracted, not now. He patiently waited for her to get her bearings but he couldn't help but to stare at her stunning eyes, as she pondered and spoke he was slightly insulted that she thought he was weak, emotions were weakness in the end but he wasn't about to start a fight as she tried to figure it out. As soon as Charlie's name slipped between her lips, his eyes widen, "Shitshitshitshit Esperanza didn't bloody know- fuck we got to get Tommy. Now. Do you know where they fuckin' took him?" His voice now sounded angry, his hand withdrew, his voice nearly growled but also laced with panic.
Michael enjoyed her touch, in fact he was taken back by it, he stayed there but after nocholant about it, there was no way in hell he was going to get distracted, not now. He patiently waited for her to get her bearings but he couldn't help but to stare at her stunning eyes, as she pondered and spoke he was slightly insulted that she thought he was weak, emotions were weakness in the end but he wasn't about to start a fight as she tried to figure it out. As soon as Charlie's name slipped between her lips, his eyes widen, "Shitshitshitshit Esperanza didn't bloody know- fuck we got to get Tommy. Now. Do you know where they fuckin' took him?" His voice now sounded angry, his hand withdrew, his voice nearly growled but also laced with panic.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
"They won't play around, Michael," her voice was low, "but they got morals. My Godfather won't murder a child. He's taken him as leverage. You've got me, and now he'll have Charlie". She nibbled pensively on her lower lip. Al hadn't really wanted her killed, or he wouldn't have waited until the Shelby's were all there to defend her. No, she was most secure here.
This was a genius plan, if she'd ever heard of one; the attempt on her life was a distraction. Simultaneously, he wanted to make Tommy think that he didn't care if Carmen died so that, once he'd successfully stolen Charlie, it would appear that the Shelby's did not have the upper hand, or any hand at all. Yet, to confess this would endanger her own life and so she remained silence.
"We'll go and check if he's there, and if not..." she'd pressed so far down upon her lip that she'd begun to draw blood. Sucking as much in as possible, as added, "if not, we'll tell Tommy our suspicions. If he hated me before..." she'd hate to see what happened after.
***
"If Carmen needs a doctor, she can bloody go and find one herself," Tommy scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets as he paced forth ward. Perhaps, this was everything that he'd been waiting for, to end the torment of seeing her face every day, to free himself from the ghost of grace.
"And yourself?" He asked as the reached the end of the corridor. Stalling, he pulled out his pistol once more before removing the safety. "Do you need a doctor?" His icy eyes warmed, ever so slightly, with something other than the emptiness that he had felt for so very long. "How did you get away... from that bastard I mean?" He wavered the gun to point at her wounds. "You get 'em good?"
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RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza was so confused as to why he stalled so much. As he spoke she watched him take the safety off, as he spoke She watched the gun wave by something on her body. She looked down just now noticing she has blood dripping down her arm that was now drying and side wounds, though she couldn't feel them. She froze for a moment, clearly the addrenaline, "I cant say I remember....I'd like to hope so." She tried to remember, rewind her memories and all the sudden the flashes came through. She blinked, "I shot him in the head...." (If I'm remembering correctly that's what she did) she looked up at Tommy, She walked over to him, "I know you're angry. But me and her. We are no different. You should've seen what happened to her. She wasnt giving up anything....and she was almost beaten to death." she spoke a bit more confidently this time.
Michael's heart was now racing, he was so angry by now, "That motherfucker is going to die....you're coming with me." he took her hand, walking out and looking for Polly, whom was just outside the manor a few moments ago, as they made their way out the same realization Carmen made struck him. She was worth just as much if not more but he was still willing to harm her for his bidding. It made his stomach turn, and then the realization Pol was nowhere to be found. Fucking shit. "We got to track down Tommy. I'll take care of him, he's gon' to be pissed at both of you." his tone was now dark, raw and angry. Laced with it. His stride was fast, now a run, stringing the blonde behind him as he barged into the room they were prior, to see Tommy and Esperanza to still be there he did not expect, "Tommy they got Charlie." Esperanza turned around, raising an eyebrow as she shook her head, "Hes with Polly the maid took him to her." she spoke calmly, "That wasnt a maid Esperanza." Esperanza went pale and her hands began to shake. The guilt and panic was setting in, She didn't know what to do, "Its alright you didnt know." Michael stopped her instantly before she could speak. "He wouldnt harm Charlie. He wants us to think we dont have the upper hand. Make us thing he doesn't care about Carmen." Esperanza in that moment took a large puff out of the cigarette easily a quarter of it now in her lungs, "Then what are we doing..." she didn't seem panicked toward Tommy harming her, in her mind she deserves that now. More panicked for the boys well being, her eyes didnt look away from Michael's awaiting an answer.
Michael's heart was now racing, he was so angry by now, "That motherfucker is going to die....you're coming with me." he took her hand, walking out and looking for Polly, whom was just outside the manor a few moments ago, as they made their way out the same realization Carmen made struck him. She was worth just as much if not more but he was still willing to harm her for his bidding. It made his stomach turn, and then the realization Pol was nowhere to be found. Fucking shit. "We got to track down Tommy. I'll take care of him, he's gon' to be pissed at both of you." his tone was now dark, raw and angry. Laced with it. His stride was fast, now a run, stringing the blonde behind him as he barged into the room they were prior, to see Tommy and Esperanza to still be there he did not expect, "Tommy they got Charlie." Esperanza turned around, raising an eyebrow as she shook her head, "Hes with Polly the maid took him to her." she spoke calmly, "That wasnt a maid Esperanza." Esperanza went pale and her hands began to shake. The guilt and panic was setting in, She didn't know what to do, "Its alright you didnt know." Michael stopped her instantly before she could speak. "He wouldnt harm Charlie. He wants us to think we dont have the upper hand. Make us thing he doesn't care about Carmen." Esperanza in that moment took a large puff out of the cigarette easily a quarter of it now in her lungs, "Then what are we doing..." she didn't seem panicked toward Tommy harming her, in her mind she deserves that now. More panicked for the boys well being, her eyes didnt look away from Michael's awaiting an answer.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
"Esperanza, you couldn't have known. It's not your fault," Carmen gently reached out to her. Her voice in a tender whisper. As she did so, her dainty hand brushed up and down the girls bare arm, attempt to soothe her as she often did to Charlie. "He won't hurt him. I'm almost certain of it. We just have to give him no reason to-"
"-No reason for what, Carmen?" Tommy hissed. His eyes narrow. "This is all your fault". Once more, he used the weapon as if it were a mere toy, or a teachers wooden ruler simply used to highlight the important things on the chalkboard. This time, it was pointed at Carmen.
His emotions were consuming him. His mind unsteady, unsound, unthinking. It all happened so quick. He watched it, and yet could not even process it until the scene had befolded. The trigger was knocked. The chamber emptied. The bullet hit the girl in the right of her abdomen, as if she were not already injured enough.
"Shit," he whispered, as he begun to understand what had just happened. Rushing towards the girl, who had promptly fallen, he attempted to press down on the wound. "Get me a doctor," he commanded, and a split second later, repeated, "I said get me a fucking doctor. Now!" Michael may very well be right. Al may not care about Carmen, but Charlie's life wasn't a gamble that he was willing to take.
"-No reason for what, Carmen?" Tommy hissed. His eyes narrow. "This is all your fault". Once more, he used the weapon as if it were a mere toy, or a teachers wooden ruler simply used to highlight the important things on the chalkboard. This time, it was pointed at Carmen.
His emotions were consuming him. His mind unsteady, unsound, unthinking. It all happened so quick. He watched it, and yet could not even process it until the scene had befolded. The trigger was knocked. The chamber emptied. The bullet hit the girl in the right of her abdomen, as if she were not already injured enough.
"Shit," he whispered, as he begun to understand what had just happened. Rushing towards the girl, who had promptly fallen, he attempted to press down on the wound. "Get me a doctor," he commanded, and a split second later, repeated, "I said get me a fucking doctor. Now!" Michael may very well be right. Al may not care about Carmen, but Charlie's life wasn't a gamble that he was willing to take.
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RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza nodded as Carmen spoke not even noticing Tommy in that moment As he raised the gun, she held her hand, nodding, "We need a plan now. Right now-" her voice shook but was instantly caught off by the gunfire. Michael was attempting to run to get Carmen out of the way but his legs moved too slow. Esperanza spun around to figure out where it came from but by the time it registered Tommy was already there, applying pressure. Esperanza's eyes widened in shock, as her body went into shock.
Michael shook, as his eyes were wider than saucers, he ran to call the ambulance, he ran back helping Tommy apply pressure and elevate Carmens head, "Stay with me it's okay it's okay " he spoke quickly his hands trembling as he held her. Esperanza finally snapped out of it as she crouched down ripping off some of the material off the end of her dress and applying pressure underneath her dress, to clog it. She tried to think of anything else she could do but with an abdomen wound, not much after that. Her eyes went into tunnel vision, on carmens wound as her hand shook, before you knew it there were ambulance alarms wailing and footsteps, all of which Esperanza nor Michael could hear right now. Michael could only repeat the same thing over and over as it went to a whisper, stroking loose strands of her soft golden hair out of her eyes, cupping her cheek.
Michael shook, as his eyes were wider than saucers, he ran to call the ambulance, he ran back helping Tommy apply pressure and elevate Carmens head, "Stay with me it's okay it's okay " he spoke quickly his hands trembling as he held her. Esperanza finally snapped out of it as she crouched down ripping off some of the material off the end of her dress and applying pressure underneath her dress, to clog it. She tried to think of anything else she could do but with an abdomen wound, not much after that. Her eyes went into tunnel vision, on carmens wound as her hand shook, before you knew it there were ambulance alarms wailing and footsteps, all of which Esperanza nor Michael could hear right now. Michael could only repeat the same thing over and over as it went to a whisper, stroking loose strands of her soft golden hair out of her eyes, cupping her cheek.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
Chapter 2; Making deals with the devil.
Carmen
Oblivion. Annihilation. Darkness.
Was this death? She didn't dare say Heaven; there was no place for here there. Hell, fire, and damnation was all that awaited a girl lie Carmen Di Roza. Perhaps, there was no Heaven and Hell, only oblivion. Oblivion wasn't too bad, she supposed - better than pitchforks and blazing pits, that was for sure. How she'd love to rub this in Roberto's face. Where is your God now, asshole? Carmen
Oblivion. Annihilation. Darkness.
Ouch. Everywhere hurt. Maybe there was something after all, and it didn't seem too pleased. Fuck, it didn't seem pleased at all. The fire had begun then? For, every inch of her dainty body felt ablaze. No, alive. She was alive. She could hear footsteps, a few men talking, a nurse fiddling with some apparatus. Next, she could smell it: smoke. One of the boys must've been nearby, but where exactly was nearby? Sight was last, as her eyelids slowly fluttered apart, the harsh whiteness of daylight charred her very eyes.
"Ah," she winced, attempting to move to cascade her face, but only adding insult to injury. Was she- was she in a hospital? Where? Her head turned, this time slowly, and her eyes befell upon him.
Tommy
"A letter," he raised the parchment so that Esperanza, who was sat on the other side of the table could see, "from Capone himself. He proposes a deal. We join the families, make Carmen a Shelby, and he's willing to negotiate something of a peace treaty". He scoffed, pulling out a pack of cigarettes, and going through his oh so familiar routine. Taking a drag, he leant back into his chair, lashing the letter across the table. John was dead. Arthur married. Michael wasn't a Shelby, which only left poor Finn. The kid wouldn't be happy, not the least, but that was life, eh? Hadn't John done the exact same sacrifice to save the family?
"I don't like it, not at all," he nervously blew the smoke between his agape lips, "but i'm in a fucked up situation. Can't really see any other way out of this shithole of a mess". His icy eyes looked to the woman who dined with him, as if to see if she had anything. Unlikely, getting Charlie back was the only thing he could think of, to bring his body to tackle. He tried to go through the motions, attempt to force feed himself, bathe, dress, smoke, walk, but life wasn't shit anymore.
RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza bit her lip, "Do....they know....Michael isn't a Shelby? Are there anyways they could find out?" She approached the subject delicately, "I know the last thing you want is her to be apart of your family...but..." she looked away timidly, afraid to even say it, "Michael. Her." she wouldnt dare speak of love to him right now. She was a bit distraught from earliee, attempting to eat but ate very little, if she wasn't so careless none of this would have happened, she just looked down, "I'm sorry..." she barely could make it out without crying but masked the fact she was biting back tears by looking down and allowing her hair to fall into a curtain. Her mind raced and yet she was tired, she wanted to give him a solution but she couldn't come up with a solution. She always could. Why couldn't she now? Her mind raced back to her family, questioning if she could use them as leverage. She very well knew they had an agreement with Capone, what on earth was it?
Michael was puffing cigarettes like a chimney, his foot tapping nervously as he watched over her. He furrowed his brows together, closing his eyes. He couldn't believe this. He couldn't believe he actually cared for someone, and he couldn't believe how infuriated with Tommy he was. He understood. Very well what the Shelby was going through but none of that mattered right now as He held Carmens hand. As she stirred he looked up immediately from fiddling with his cap, "Carmen..?" his eyes widened standing a bit, as he called a nurse, yelling as he leaned over her, "Carmen..." He spoke softly now as his eyes darted around her face awaiting any kind of response.
Michael was puffing cigarettes like a chimney, his foot tapping nervously as he watched over her. He furrowed his brows together, closing his eyes. He couldn't believe this. He couldn't believe he actually cared for someone, and he couldn't believe how infuriated with Tommy he was. He understood. Very well what the Shelby was going through but none of that mattered right now as He held Carmens hand. As she stirred he looked up immediately from fiddling with his cap, "Carmen..?" his eyes widened standing a bit, as he called a nurse, yelling as he leaned over her, "Carmen..." He spoke softly now as his eyes darted around her face awaiting any kind of response.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
"No, Michael ain't a Shelby. It's a known fact who the brothers are," Tommy grimaced, picking up a fork and poking around the food on his plate. The thought of Capone winning was enough to put a downer on his day, never mind the whole damn bloody commotion that he'd have to go through with Finn. Unless...
"Wish I could say it's okay, but it's not. You're gonna help me sort this though. I need you to talk to Finn. He's not gonna go down without a fight, but- Carmen is... she's a pretty girl. Make sure 'e knows that his other options could be a lot more worse," he mumbled. "Could you do that?"
He had no doubt in her. Esperanza, though she couldn't see it in herself was fearless, beautiful and headstrong. It'd be over before he even had to worry any further. No doubt he wouldn't get Charlie back until the wedding, and once he did... the peace treaty could go fuck itself. Hell was gonna pour down on Capone and all he held dear.
Heavens, it hurt to even blink. It least the sight before her was easy on the eyes. Michael Gray, the kind of boy that she knew to steer clear of. She'd been raised to disregard love, male intentions, concepts of happiness. It was the family or nothing, there was no inbetween. Here he was, everything that she'd been raised to be, but naturally. His olive skin, with matching soft brown tufts of curls, pooled with them deep, thoughtful dark blue eyes. Michael Gray was indeed to die for... if you were stupid enough to believe in such a thing.
Carmen wasn't.
Or so, that's what she told herself.
"Polly? Was she okay?" She attempted to sit forward, but fell back instantly in pain.
"Wish I could say it's okay, but it's not. You're gonna help me sort this though. I need you to talk to Finn. He's not gonna go down without a fight, but- Carmen is... she's a pretty girl. Make sure 'e knows that his other options could be a lot more worse," he mumbled. "Could you do that?"
He had no doubt in her. Esperanza, though she couldn't see it in herself was fearless, beautiful and headstrong. It'd be over before he even had to worry any further. No doubt he wouldn't get Charlie back until the wedding, and once he did... the peace treaty could go fuck itself. Hell was gonna pour down on Capone and all he held dear.
***
"Michael?" Carmen's eyebrows furrowed. "Is that you?" Her eyes narrowed a little, squinting, attempting to grasp a better glance. It was him. Coughing, and consequently wincing, she eyed him cautiously, like a Zebra would to a wild Lion. "You Tommy's choice of babysitter?" She attempted to scoff. "Don't worry. I don't think I'm gonna be running away anywhere any time soon".
Heavens, it hurt to even blink. It least the sight before her was easy on the eyes. Michael Gray, the kind of boy that she knew to steer clear of. She'd been raised to disregard love, male intentions, concepts of happiness. It was the family or nothing, there was no inbetween. Here he was, everything that she'd been raised to be, but naturally. His olive skin, with matching soft brown tufts of curls, pooled with them deep, thoughtful dark blue eyes. Michael Gray was indeed to die for... if you were stupid enough to believe in such a thing.
Carmen wasn't.
Or so, that's what she told herself.
"Polly? Was she okay?" She attempted to sit forward, but fell back instantly in pain.
RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza listened to him speak, she cleared her throat before she spoke again, raising her head, there was no sign of the nerves, other than her skin white as snow, she nodded, praying to God she didn't believe in she could get through to the boy. "I'll go fine him now..." She mustered up the courage to speak, attempting to sound a bit stronger for his sake. She knew he was barely holding on, and she had to hold on a little bit better. The gypsy walked from the table as she looked about to find Finn. It was quite odd for her, to convince a boy she's never spoken to a day in her life to marry a woman his heart doesn't yearn for, to not be apart of the family that makes these decisions. "Finn...is it...yeah?" the young brunette approached the boy quite timidly, giving a soft smile attempting to hide her nerves or the fact she was going to drop a bombshell on the young man. He couldn't have been any older than Esperanza. Countless times she's seen gypsy women married off to families they wished not to. It was to be a first to see a man. And in turn, she felt forunate to not be one. She hurt for both parties. Her mind was scrambled as it kept flashing back to Tommy shooting Carmen, the last she saw of Charlie, how afraid he was and she was his only comfort and she quite literally handed him away. No. Not now. She focused on the young boy, Her small smile unwavering.
Michael held her gently and eased her back, "You are in no condition....I didn't think you'd..." he got quiet for a moment and for yet again his changed again to a strong authoritative figure, "Yeah Pols alright. Everyone is... As much as we can be. You need to rest." he wasn't about to tell her he chose to be there. It was Finn that was meant to be here and he refused. He wanted to make sure she was going to be okay, that no bastard Italian Americans would take her from him... I mean here. Here. Right. Here. He wanted to be there when and if she woke up, he desperately needed Her to, he needed to see She would be okay. "You need your strength up for what's coming next." little did Michael know there was indeed a phase two he was not aware of. Marriage. And sadly, nor would Carmen.
Michael held her gently and eased her back, "You are in no condition....I didn't think you'd..." he got quiet for a moment and for yet again his changed again to a strong authoritative figure, "Yeah Pols alright. Everyone is... As much as we can be. You need to rest." he wasn't about to tell her he chose to be there. It was Finn that was meant to be here and he refused. He wanted to make sure she was going to be okay, that no bastard Italian Americans would take her from him... I mean here. Here. Right. Here. He wanted to be there when and if she woke up, he desperately needed Her to, he needed to see She would be okay. "You need your strength up for what's coming next." little did Michael know there was indeed a phase two he was not aware of. Marriage. And sadly, nor would Carmen.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
Finn gave out a small grunt in response, finishing the job at hand - sorting the snow Tommy was gonna get some scumbag to sell into piles - before turning around. "You're that Gypsy bird, right?" His voice was always quiet, simple, neutral, but that was Finn all over: steady and calm, always. "I heard you were pretty beaten the other day. I hope you're recovering alright? Is Tommy treating you well?"
He knew as much as anyone who cruel Tommy could be. He provoked the negative, aggressive side of Arthur, solely because he needed some muscle in the family. He consistently went against Polly's wishes by treating Michael like some kind of mob boss. He'd made John marry a woman that he didn't love, though luckily, eventually did. Most of all, he consistently treated Finn like a child, if not worse, as if he did not exist or was not relevant.
"Didn't even know you knew my name, if I'm honest with you," he turned back to his work. No, there was no reason for Esperanza to know who he was. Not unless... "Did the boss send you?" He halted, completely dropping the utensils. She had his full attention now. "Esperanza, what does Tommy want?"
***
They were all okay. For some reason, that made her feel a million times better already. She could rest at ease knowing that she hadn't quite caused any tragedy just yet. "No news of Charlie, then?" She frowned, rubbing her forehead sorely. Still, she had faith in Al. What was it that the old man always used to say? "In this life all that I have is my word and my balls and I do not break them for nobody". Yes; that was it. Al was always true to his word, whatever he'd say to Tommy, he meant.
It was easy to feel safe in his arms. Though, she didn't understand why isn't the slightest. Michael Gray was an enemy of Al, subsequently an enemy of her. Why did she lean into his wretched touch so much? Why could his kind words melt her inside? Why? She hated him. She hated that he had this weird power over her, and could make her feel this disgusting warm feeling inside.
Allowing her head to hit the pillow, as he instructed, she let out a soft sigh.
"Do you think we'll ever be in charge of our own destiny?" She wandered aloud, her silver eyes falling upon the ceiling.
He knew as much as anyone who cruel Tommy could be. He provoked the negative, aggressive side of Arthur, solely because he needed some muscle in the family. He consistently went against Polly's wishes by treating Michael like some kind of mob boss. He'd made John marry a woman that he didn't love, though luckily, eventually did. Most of all, he consistently treated Finn like a child, if not worse, as if he did not exist or was not relevant.
"Didn't even know you knew my name, if I'm honest with you," he turned back to his work. No, there was no reason for Esperanza to know who he was. Not unless... "Did the boss send you?" He halted, completely dropping the utensils. She had his full attention now. "Esperanza, what does Tommy want?"
***
They were all okay. For some reason, that made her feel a million times better already. She could rest at ease knowing that she hadn't quite caused any tragedy just yet. "No news of Charlie, then?" She frowned, rubbing her forehead sorely. Still, she had faith in Al. What was it that the old man always used to say? "In this life all that I have is my word and my balls and I do not break them for nobody". Yes; that was it. Al was always true to his word, whatever he'd say to Tommy, he meant.
It was easy to feel safe in his arms. Though, she didn't understand why isn't the slightest. Michael Gray was an enemy of Al, subsequently an enemy of her. Why did she lean into his wretched touch so much? Why could his kind words melt her inside? Why? She hated him. She hated that he had this weird power over her, and could make her feel this disgusting warm feeling inside.
Allowing her head to hit the pillow, as he instructed, she let out a soft sigh.
"Do you think we'll ever be in charge of our own destiny?" She wandered aloud, her silver eyes falling upon the ceiling.
RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza watched him sort the cocaine. She grew quiet and then looked back up at him. As the conversation unfolded. He was a sharp one at that. "Tommy has been treating me....generously. Too generously I suppose..." deep down she knew she didnt deserve to live. She paused, "Well....he has.. .something to big to ask of you. For Charlie...." she got quiet as she noticed his question, 'How is Tommy treating you' and under the time he used. Negativity. This was not going to be easy. She approached the other side of the table, sitting down. She have a understanding, soft, expression. She fully expected a tantrum and some thing to be thrown. The Shelby emotions she's noted have been known for backlashes and violence, she looked into his eyes to find any sign as to whether he was high or not to know how violent this exactly was going to be.
It's safe to say Michael probably hated her with a passion for the same reasons, as she hated him. But he could never fully set the anger free. He cared too much. He scoffed. Destiny. What a joke. "you don't actually believe in that shite d'ya?" he laughed, "Let me guess. A God. A higher and bigger scheme, and it'll all work out. Right? Bullshit." he laughed in amusement as he took a puff of the cigarette again. If Destiny was to be true, why would it kill John? Why would Charlie die and why would there be so much misery in this damn world. He further ignored the question, "D'ya need anything? I called for that blasted nurse..." he fretted in annoyance
It's safe to say Michael probably hated her with a passion for the same reasons, as she hated him. But he could never fully set the anger free. He cared too much. He scoffed. Destiny. What a joke. "you don't actually believe in that shite d'ya?" he laughed, "Let me guess. A God. A higher and bigger scheme, and it'll all work out. Right? Bullshit." he laughed in amusement as he took a puff of the cigarette again. If Destiny was to be true, why would it kill John? Why would Charlie die and why would there be so much misery in this damn world. He further ignored the question, "D'ya need anything? I called for that blasted nurse..." he fretted in annoyance
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
He was kinda cute sometimes, which wasn't exactly help. "No, Michael," she couldn't help but laugh just a little, like a bumble bee against a soft summers breeze. "I don't mean like God. I mean...... you know what, it doesn't even matter". But, it did. She allowed her eyes to remove from the ceiling and once more to the seduction of his gentle but stern face.
"I just mean, well, in control of our own lives. Everyone else always seems to be the one in power, you know? Tommy, Alfie, Al... you love your boss, or at least fear him, otherwise why else would anyone stay loyal? And yet, it consumes you. It'd just be nice to just... to just feel, you know? To not feel numb against affections, against the world and all it has to offer, simply because you know that anything, anything at all, could be ripped from your grasp, sucked into this black hole of goddamn shit".
All the same, he was intrigued. All of a sudden, Tommy needed him, huh? How the tables had turned. How could he, the youngest, possibly be able to do anything to retrieve Charlie? He had no power, especially compared to a King of Crime like Al Capone. He'd never been sent to negotiate with big bosses like Michael, never seen action like Arthur, or directed orders like Tommy. What could he possibly add of value? "Spit it out, Esperanza. What does Tommy want now?"
"I just mean, well, in control of our own lives. Everyone else always seems to be the one in power, you know? Tommy, Alfie, Al... you love your boss, or at least fear him, otherwise why else would anyone stay loyal? And yet, it consumes you. It'd just be nice to just... to just feel, you know? To not feel numb against affections, against the world and all it has to offer, simply because you know that anything, anything at all, could be ripped from your grasp, sucked into this black hole of goddamn shit".
***
"Tommy knows I'd do anything for this family," Finn stood from where he was sat. "Does he doubt my loyalty?" A quizzical eyebrow was fired in Esperanza's direction. He's certainly never given anyone any reason to suspect him. Finn was just... Finn. He was forever just "the kid", the "younger brother", and the irrelevant one... not that they ever said the last one aloud. They didn't need to.
All the same, he was intrigued. All of a sudden, Tommy needed him, huh? How the tables had turned. How could he, the youngest, possibly be able to do anything to retrieve Charlie? He had no power, especially compared to a King of Crime like Al Capone. He'd never been sent to negotiate with big bosses like Michael, never seen action like Arthur, or directed orders like Tommy. What could he possibly add of value? "Spit it out, Esperanza. What does Tommy want now?"
RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza watched him, How interesting. She had to admit she felt bad for him, to feel so powerless you're itching at the bit, it was quite endearing, "In order to get Charlie back...Tommy needs to make Carmen a Shelby....and that's where you come in. Until he forms another plan. For revenge. No doubt." she spoke more plainly now, hoping it was a good choice, she eyed him now with a lot more caution. She remained silent as she watched him absorb what she just said. She in all honesty did not know how this was going to play out now.
Michael froze as she laughed for a split second. God, that was adorable. Her laugh was so pleasant and genuine, something he hasn't heard in a long time- goddammit Michael. He snapped out of it as he continued to pace as she spoke and then froze, getting quite. He nodded. His face looked a bit pained as his jaw twitched and clenched, looking out the window of her room, nodding slowly and turning back to her, "And yet that isn't the world we live in, Carmen. And you know it best." he spoke calmly and sternly. The idea of it, it was beautiful and....relaxing. Quenching. But he very well knew he could not live that life. No. It wasn't him anymore, he wasn't a child.
Michael froze as she laughed for a split second. God, that was adorable. Her laugh was so pleasant and genuine, something he hasn't heard in a long time- goddammit Michael. He snapped out of it as he continued to pace as she spoke and then froze, getting quite. He nodded. His face looked a bit pained as his jaw twitched and clenched, looking out the window of her room, nodding slowly and turning back to her, "And yet that isn't the world we live in, Carmen. And you know it best." he spoke calmly and sternly. The idea of it, it was beautiful and....relaxing. Quenching. But he very well knew he could not live that life. No. It wasn't him anymore, he wasn't a child.
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
"Why can't it be though?" She shook her head, as much as she could in her situation. "Why must I resign to a life of absolute shit? I didn't ask for this, I didn't choose this. Do you not think it's within our power to seize back the life that's rightfully ours?" A spark that had erupted within her eyes during the outburst had already begun to dwindle, even she recognised the flaws in her fabulous plan. It was simply how things were, how they would always be.
"Do you not think yourself to be so much more than a criminal? Because I believe you are," her voice was but a whisper. "Truly". He could amount to so much more. They both could.
"Do you.. do you agree with him?" He looked to her eyes, searching for truth and wisdom, hoping she weren't going to just recite something his older brother would've told her to.
"Do you not think yourself to be so much more than a criminal? Because I believe you are," her voice was but a whisper. "Truly". He could amount to so much more. They both could.
***
Finn paled. It appeared that he'd be taking John's place in the family. "Does... does Carmen know about this?" Was his instinct. Every ounce of his body and strength urged him to attack, to scream and shout, just like Tommy or Michael would. Only, he wasn't Tommy and Michael. Finn was... Finn, accepting, sweet, and had no intentions of frightening poor Esperanza. It wasn't in his nature, especially when he'd heard so many rumours of her rough past.
"Do you.. do you agree with him?" He looked to her eyes, searching for truth and wisdom, hoping she weren't going to just recite something his older brother would've told her to.
RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza was surprised by Finn. It was quite endearing. She would hug him but she knew it wasnt in her place, shaking her head, "I don't believe Carmen knows...she's been asleep." She spoke simply, rubbing the back of her neck, she then looked up at Finn, "Honestly, I don't agree with any of this....but I don't see what choice we have. And I sure As hell know Tommy is not going to marry her..." She frowned, "But I dont think it'll be a long lived marriage or even...treaty. This is just to get Charlie back. It don't be like John that actually holds I don't think....don't hold me to it, but I expect a war after this...." she spoke softly, looking up at Finn. Her tone was uncertain but it seemed deducing enough to be at least plausible. She halted for a moment, "I'm sorry...This wouldnt have happened if I didn't hand Charlie to the maid they planted in the house. I take responsibility for it. And I'm going to do my best to end it as soon as possible..." she spoke gently, her eyes soft, saddened and apologetic. She knew how uncomfortable all this was, she could only imagine but she was determined.
Michael grew silent as he watched her. He understood her angst but the fact was; hed do anything for family and he made this decision. To be a criminal. He very well knew what he was capable up before joining the family, but chose the Shelbys anyway. "The difference between you and I? This family, we go through some shite together and it' not fair but we believe in family. I believe in this family. It hurts. But I'm proud. You aren't." He spoke sincerely, looking her in the eye, "I could've gone to college but this life.....was so much more." He spoke softly, "It's more than any ordinary life. Perfect little bloody house with children And mantle we'll sing the Christian song, right? A 9-5. Same shite everyday. I was saved. I can never go back. I've been shoved out by Pol, i've been tested by this family. This is who I am. You aren't your family." He explained in a serious tone, "You'll be able to choose who are you soon."
Michael grew silent as he watched her. He understood her angst but the fact was; hed do anything for family and he made this decision. To be a criminal. He very well knew what he was capable up before joining the family, but chose the Shelbys anyway. "The difference between you and I? This family, we go through some shite together and it' not fair but we believe in family. I believe in this family. It hurts. But I'm proud. You aren't." He spoke sincerely, looking her in the eye, "I could've gone to college but this life.....was so much more." He spoke softly, "It's more than any ordinary life. Perfect little bloody house with children And mantle we'll sing the Christian song, right? A 9-5. Same shite everyday. I was saved. I can never go back. I've been shoved out by Pol, i've been tested by this family. This is who I am. You aren't your family." He explained in a serious tone, "You'll be able to choose who are you soon."
Kassandra Rose
Elder Member
"Stop apologising, Esperanza".
It was kind of nice to have somebody in the house who was so kind hearted and caring. Not that the rest of the family weren't, they all were in their own ways. Yet, no one was ever quite so openly loving and gentle as Tommy's little gypsy girl. It was equally heart warming and pestering at the same goddamn time.
All the same though, it seemed as though she was being truthful. If Tommy didn't think this peace was going to last, then perhaps they may not even have to wed after all. Perhaps it would get to the wedding day, Capone would come, and they'd save Charlie just in time to keep his conscience and vows clear of responsibility. It was doubtful. All the same, Carmen wasn't a bad woman; beautiful, headstrong and intelligent - what more could a man want in a wife? Though, admittedly, some liked their wives dim to feel a little better about themselves. Finn wasn't one of them men.
Rubbing his neck, he sank in his chair. "Don't kick yourself. Nuffin' you coulda done," he assured her. Although he knew that she definitely could've prevented this, all of this, he held no grudge. That wasn't who he was. "We'll sort this shit out. The family always manages to get by". It was true. Some things, like this proposal, could even turn out to be blessings in disguise. Some things.
***
She thought about his words, and listened tentatively as he talked about his former life. What had happened to make him feel so... broken? There was clearly something within Michael's old life that ensured he could never return to normality, made him feel like this was the only person that he could be. For him, the world was cruel, ravenous. It would consume him, if he didn't build his wall to keep everyone else. Carmen knew that world too. It was the only one that she'd ever known, and yet it was oh so unsatisfying.
Though it pained her to do so, a small hand reached out and gently brushed against his cheek. "Perhaps that is so," was all she could manage to reply to his words, even though they could not quite reasonate with her. "Yet, perhaps not". She needed to let him see that her dream world was not so easily destructed. "If I had it my own way, it wouldn't be so mediocre. Who says there has to be kids? Work? Responsibility? I'd love to write, publish novels, and with my money I'd travel every single corner of this world - and yes, Michael Gray, before you correct me, I know it's not flat - and inspired by the beauty, I'd write some more. Life isn't just mediocrity or crime. Nothing is ever black or white. It's... complex. The world is complex..." these bloody feelings were complex, she swore to herself, as her heart began to pace.
It was kind of nice to have somebody in the house who was so kind hearted and caring. Not that the rest of the family weren't, they all were in their own ways. Yet, no one was ever quite so openly loving and gentle as Tommy's little gypsy girl. It was equally heart warming and pestering at the same goddamn time.
All the same though, it seemed as though she was being truthful. If Tommy didn't think this peace was going to last, then perhaps they may not even have to wed after all. Perhaps it would get to the wedding day, Capone would come, and they'd save Charlie just in time to keep his conscience and vows clear of responsibility. It was doubtful. All the same, Carmen wasn't a bad woman; beautiful, headstrong and intelligent - what more could a man want in a wife? Though, admittedly, some liked their wives dim to feel a little better about themselves. Finn wasn't one of them men.
Rubbing his neck, he sank in his chair. "Don't kick yourself. Nuffin' you coulda done," he assured her. Although he knew that she definitely could've prevented this, all of this, he held no grudge. That wasn't who he was. "We'll sort this shit out. The family always manages to get by". It was true. Some things, like this proposal, could even turn out to be blessings in disguise. Some things.
***
She thought about his words, and listened tentatively as he talked about his former life. What had happened to make him feel so... broken? There was clearly something within Michael's old life that ensured he could never return to normality, made him feel like this was the only person that he could be. For him, the world was cruel, ravenous. It would consume him, if he didn't build his wall to keep everyone else. Carmen knew that world too. It was the only one that she'd ever known, and yet it was oh so unsatisfying.
Though it pained her to do so, a small hand reached out and gently brushed against his cheek. "Perhaps that is so," was all she could manage to reply to his words, even though they could not quite reasonate with her. "Yet, perhaps not". She needed to let him see that her dream world was not so easily destructed. "If I had it my own way, it wouldn't be so mediocre. Who says there has to be kids? Work? Responsibility? I'd love to write, publish novels, and with my money I'd travel every single corner of this world - and yes, Michael Gray, before you correct me, I know it's not flat - and inspired by the beauty, I'd write some more. Life isn't just mediocrity or crime. Nothing is ever black or white. It's... complex. The world is complex..." these bloody feelings were complex, she swore to herself, as her heart began to pace.
RunawayGirl
Pro-Escapist of Reality
Esperanza nodded a bit, She knew it wasnt okay and he most likely was just saying that. She didn't need redemption from it, simply that he knew she was going to do everything in her might for take care of it. Esperanza gave a thankful smile, "Thank you, Finn....and you are right. You Shelbys don't quit." she smiled a bit more, she squeezed his shoulder lightly, "If you ever....have questions. Im around... I dont know much about this stuff....but might be better with an outside perspective." she spoke as she walked away. Before she returned to Tommy. There was something that was bothering her. To be fair, almost everything was. But her family especially. It was killing her. Why Capone? What on earth would Capone want with a small clan like hers?
She snuck into Carmens room and slipped on one of the less flashy dresses she owned, a black one, form fitting but casual outwear. She wiped down her face and arms to rid of the blood and put on some light cosmetics to her face and arms to hide bruising. She rummaged through her things, she knew there was a gun in here. Where the bloody hell was it. She eventually found a pistol and hid it in her garter belt. She then snuck out the manor. The gypsy needed to get to the bottom of this. She made her way back to her clans land that were staying. She wandered about, knowing just where to hide as she eyed some cargo. What on earth was this? It looked ready to transport for the wooden boxes were on caravans, she hopped on one to, looking around quickly to open it, whiskey, moonshine, you name it. She stared at the loot. Shit. She recognized that insignia. Capone. Only to verify her fears. Not only were her family pieces of shit they were also helping the same cruel man. She quickly covered it up as she carefully made her way through the territory as she ran back to the manor. All she wanted to do was just run. She had no need to and despite how much her body begged her to like the boogieman was chasing her. She ran back into the manor, shutting the door behind her, leaning her back against it, panting.
Michael listened to her as she spoke. Such optimism, optimistic views he could not really fathom. As her hand touched his cheek he felt the hairs on his arms stand up, as he held back a shiver. It was certainly enough to distract him from his train of thought And was completely absorbed in her words. But they only saddened him. He wasn't so sure in a place like Birmingham, it it was such a fate you could escape. She sounded so much like Polly. The lie she made to save Michael's life, travel the world together. What a pipe dream. "And may they exist for you in your world. It is not mine." he spoke simply.
She snuck into Carmens room and slipped on one of the less flashy dresses she owned, a black one, form fitting but casual outwear. She wiped down her face and arms to rid of the blood and put on some light cosmetics to her face and arms to hide bruising. She rummaged through her things, she knew there was a gun in here. Where the bloody hell was it. She eventually found a pistol and hid it in her garter belt. She then snuck out the manor. The gypsy needed to get to the bottom of this. She made her way back to her clans land that were staying. She wandered about, knowing just where to hide as she eyed some cargo. What on earth was this? It looked ready to transport for the wooden boxes were on caravans, she hopped on one to, looking around quickly to open it, whiskey, moonshine, you name it. She stared at the loot. Shit. She recognized that insignia. Capone. Only to verify her fears. Not only were her family pieces of shit they were also helping the same cruel man. She quickly covered it up as she carefully made her way through the territory as she ran back to the manor. All she wanted to do was just run. She had no need to and despite how much her body begged her to like the boogieman was chasing her. She ran back into the manor, shutting the door behind her, leaning her back against it, panting.
Michael listened to her as she spoke. Such optimism, optimistic views he could not really fathom. As her hand touched his cheek he felt the hairs on his arms stand up, as he held back a shiver. It was certainly enough to distract him from his train of thought And was completely absorbed in her words. But they only saddened him. He wasn't so sure in a place like Birmingham, it it was such a fate you could escape. She sounded so much like Polly. The lie she made to save Michael's life, travel the world together. What a pipe dream. "And may they exist for you in your world. It is not mine." he spoke simply.
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