𝗶𝗶𝗶

                                    

                                          
WARNINGS: LIGHT ANGST

1914

SMALL heath was home to many, the old, young, poor and greedy. 
But to Eden, she was glad her closest friends were born there; Lorenzo Changretta and Dorris Martin. 
Considering factories pushed more smoke into the air and the lungs of its people, finding a place of peace was challenging. But they found somewhere where they wouldn't be bothered. Near the tracks, where the trains passed at high speed, was the vast Moore, it was green despite the cold temperature and surprisingly silent. Of course, it was a place where people visited, but it was all about picking the right time of day. 
That's why the three friends sat against a huge tree trunk, wrapped up in their coats and scarves overlooking the passing trains. 
A poor man's peace, Lorenzo - also known as Enzo - loved to call their little hideout. 
Ever since the raid a couple of days ago, the police shockingly didn't bother the streets as much as usual, for some reason which was unknown to the masses but not to a certain family. Although Isaiah was still up in arms over his favourite toy being snatched, Finn promised he would share his every other night. The two boys were closer than ever. Tommy made Eden a priority and continued to take her to his uncle's yard whenever they weren't at the Garrison or with his closest friends; Greta and Freddie. The calculating Shelby was angered and frustrated that he didn't prevent the raid from happening earlier and Eden could see he was overcompensating for that. 
"Dotty why didn't you tell me what happened to your bed?" Eden suddenly asked, turning to the girl on her left.
"Enzo!?" Dorris snapped, leaning forward and shooting the biggest glare at the boy on the other side of Eden. 
Enzo rolled his eyes, "What? The police, bastardi, fucked up your bed and everything. You've been sleepin' in your mum's bed, and you didn't want me to say shit? No way."
Eden kept looking at Dorris, "Why didn't you tell me? I went over yours a couple of days ago."
"I was embarrassed, y'know I never want to hassle you."
"Well tough," Eden playfully shoved her, "I'll get my dad to go over later."
Now, Dorris hated handouts or help of any kind, preferring to get on with things on her own, refusing to ask for anything at any time, unless it was a life or death situation or she was having troubles with a man. 
"Edie..." she trailed off, grimacing as she turned back to the smokey view. 
Eden shook her head, "Shut it, just accept the help. A broken bed, that explains why you're walking funny."
"You sure it ain't because of Angel?" Enzo asked, laughing at the shock on her face, Eden joined in. 
"Shut up," Dorris groaned, "I don't wanna talk about your brother."
"There's a first. What did he do now?" 
"I saw him talking to that whore," she spat, earning confused looks.
"Who?" Eden decided to ask, readjusting her hat. 
"Lizzie Stark."
"Dotty, she ain't a whore. She's in a bad place... I think."
Eden sympathised with Lizzie Stark. Sure, they never spoke but Eden heard the whispers. The streets knew everything, and the eyes of small heath made sure to back up the stories. Lizzie was only a year or two older than Eden and left school early to help her mum, but the occasional odd jobs led her to take customers... clients of sorts.