six!

                                    

                                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
Tilly was sat on the sofa reading while Jacob sat next to her complaining he was bored. Jacob had slept over that much in the past weeks that he practically lived at number 6, he rarely went home unless it was to get more clothes and when he did go home he avoided his parents. 
"Either find something to do or shut up," Tilly huffed.
The boy sighed once again making her slam her book closed before standing up and dragging Jacob into the den. "Please for the sake of my sanity and for his wellbeing can you find him something to do because if he sighs in my ear one more fucking time I'm going to slap with my book," she begged Scudboat.
"Language," Tommy scolded her. "Where's John?"
"John's in the Garrison," Polly explained as she pulled on her hat and coat. "He says he wants a meeting about a family matter."
Tommy glanced at Jacob and then back to Polly who subtly nodded while she then glanced at Tilly. 
"The meeting includes the two of you," Tommy said looking between the two of them.
"And after he's said his piece he'll come back and take his place with Scudboat," Polly spoke up.
"Scudboat? John will be here in ten minutes," Polly announced as they walked out of the door.
"All right," Scudboat agreed.
"Five," Tommy corrected pointing. As they were walking down the street Tommy pushed himself in the middle of Jacob and Tilly and annoying Tilly by making her walk on the other side of Polly.
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
The four of them walked into the Garrison and straight into the snug where John and Arthur were already sat. Arthur's eyes following Tilly and Jacob as they say next to him the in booth.
"All right, John," Tommy began watching Tilly lean against Jacob. "There's only one man guarding the house. What's troubling you?"
"Polly, you know what it's been like since Martha died," John started, as he fiddled with his cap.
"God takes the best first," The woman frowned, placing her hand over John's.
"The truth is, my kids have been running bloody rings around me.
Running barefoot with the dogs until all hours," John continued, his head dropping.
"Pol, give him ten bob, some shoes and you two and Penny can start babysitting more," Tommy ordered. "Is that it, John?"
"Tommy, we'd be better doing this without you," Polly huffed as she looked up to the man. "Now, what's your point?"
"What the kids need is a mother. So, that's why I'm getting married," John announced and Tilly looked to Arthur who looked as shocked as the two teens sat next to him.