35

                                    

                                          
Arthur pov
I woke up the next morning to a loud crash. Startled, I sat up and scanned my surroundings suddenly remembering I was in Lydia's room. I looked to my side and saw Mason and lydia both fast asleep. Cautious not to wake my kids, I grabbed my gun from the side and slowly got out of bed. I walked downstairs and followed the sound of the crash to find a plate smashed on the floor and a maid frantically trying to pick it up
"I'm sorry Mr shelby. I didn't mean to" the girl couldn't have been older than 20. She was visibly shaking as she spoke to me but she looked me dead in the eyes to show she was truly sorry 
"Er Ye don't worry bout it" I said as I waved it off. I checked the clock to see it was only 7 o'clock. Might as well get some more sleep. I went back upstairs and got in bed. When I lay down and shut my eyes, Lydia (who I thought was alseep) spoke up
"Where did you go?" She asked not opening her eyes
"I heard a noise but its just the maid. No need to worry. Go back to sleep baby" I said kissing her forehead. She rolled over to face my and put her arm over my waist and her head on my chest
"Are we going texas?" She asked 
"That's up to you. I can always get my money back so that's not a problem if you decide not to go. But I won't push you to stay nor to leave" I said
"I don't think I can face people from home. Not just yet" she said 
"That's fine love. Don't you worry about it" I replied. As I closed my eyes to go asleep, I heard a faint cry. I looked to see Lydia crying into my chest. Rubbing her back I said 
"Let it out baby" 
"Linda....she....she" Oh so that's what it was about. God I really hate Linda
"I know. Polly told me. The weddings off. She won't be stepping foot in this house again" I decided not to tell her about Linda being killed since I wasn't sure if its what she wanted
"I'm sorry" she sobbed
"Why are you sorry? You did nothing wrong" i said bringing her chin up to look at me
"You really loved her. And I wanted to see you happy and she made you happy but I've ruined it" tears rolled down her cheeks and it surprised me to see Mason was still fast asleep and snoring loudly 
"No. Don't blame yourself. I'm glad I know because otherwise I would've married a witch. Do you want to go back asleep or get up?" I asked. I know she's an early bird but under the current circumstances, I figured rest is probably best 
"I wanna sleep" she said wiping her tears. I kissed both cheeks and we moved about to get comfy. Eventually, we both fell asleep
Mason pov
I heard everything she said. I don't know what Linda did but clearly it must be bad for dad to call off the wedding. He was so in love. She was a bitch but he just didn't see it. I thought if this happened I would be happy. Ya know....yay the wicked witch is gone. But I actually feel kind of upset. I guess I just feel bad for Arthur. He's been through so much and this has finally made him happy. 
But I suppose being a shelby means never being truly happy. Sure there's short term happiness. Like when you get given your favourite meal. Or at parties. But at the end of the day, our lives are full of death and heartbreak. The feeling of losing a family member is one I never want to feel again but we all go through it. 
As we get older it becomes more apparent that we must face grief and hardship. But not just as shelbys. As people. Kids who come from normal families. Who have enough money for basic necessities and a few luxuries. They may have grandparents and parents. Sisters and brothers. They won't even realise what death feels like. But as they get older, if they don't die, they will have to stick around for others to die before them
Only difference with being a shelby, grief comes far too soon in life. Every time a family member goes home from the pub or a family dinner, you just can't stop worrying until you know they are home. And even then it's a worry. Someone could come into the house at night. Or like yesterday, it could happen in broad daylight. It's scary but it's true 
"Mason" I heard a whisper. I turned over to see Lydia looking at me with red eyes 
"What's wrong?" I asked sitting up slightly 
"You were talking in your sleep" she said 
"Bout what?" I asked lying back down
"You were saying something about grief. About family and about being scared. We're you having a nightmare?"  She asked me looking worried 
"No darling. I was just thinking is all. What time is it?" I asked 
"It's 9 o'clock. Daddy got up for a family meeting. I just wanna spend the whole day in bed" she said with a frown. I opened my arms for her and she gave me a small smile
"Then let's do just that" I said kissing her head as she lay on my chest. She was gonna get through this. Right?