#ok technically I think I hate Shelby more but still

[effortlessly-bored]

The Bucket List - Chapter 3

A/N Sorry it’s been a while exams yknow

After her meeting with the Thomas, Emma had felt particularly triumphant; so, she decided to buy herself a new pair of shoes. They were black leather with a small heel and laces. The woman at the shop had promised her that they would last in Birmingham. Emma begged her neighbour to let her use the phone to call her dad, her nerves amplifying her homesickness. It was a short but sweet conversation, mostly it was just her dad telling her how proud he was. Emma worried about her father a lot, he was different since her mother passed. Emma's father sounded slightly rushed on the phone, like he had somewhere important to be; which was unusual for him.

The rest of her evening consisted of two hours at the Garrison before Harry told her to go home and have a good nights rest before her first day. Emma made herself stew for dinner. It took her thirty minutes to pick and iron her outfit for the next day. Emma made sure every thing was ready to go the next morning before she went to bed that night. She didn't actually fall asleep till the early morning, to unsure and nervous about what the next day would hold for her with both school and Michael.

Meanwhile, Michael was a frantic mess trying to get everything ready to impress Emma the next day. As soon as she left his office he ran into Tommy's, begging to let him borrow his cousin's brand new Rolls Royce. After Tommy agreed, Michael ran home to try and find the perfect outfit. He knew she didn't like his super flashy suits and he wanted to try and play it cool so he chose a more casual choice. Mickey dug through his drawers until he found his favourite tie (it was a colour that Emma had said, and he quotes, "looks super" on him). He took a quick bath and set his alarm for six the next morning, wanting to be ready for everything. Michael didn't fall asleep till the early morning; to excited to do right by Emma and anxious to see if they could back to what they once were to relax.

Michael was outside of Emma's flat fifteen minutes early. He had run to the bakery before arriving, picking up some pastries for her. Emma never ate breakfast. Mickey made sure he looked okay in the side mirror of car and checked his watch.

He only waited a few minutes before Emma came out. She had a bright smile on her face as did Michael. He recognized the dress she was wearing, it was a blue button up on top and a navy skirt. She had a beautiful pair of brand new shoes on and half her hair was pinned up.

The first thing Emma noticed was his tie, it was a dark red and brought out his eyes. His suit was more casual and relaxed, making Emma slightly less anxious.

"I like you tie, brings out your eyes." Emma spoke.

"Thanks, your shoes look nice." Michael said stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Really? You don't think they're to manly?" They were rather masculine.

Michael scoffed,"No! They're nice, strong, and they'll last you. Perfect for you."

They're was a short pause. "Is this really your car?"

"Yeah, um, well... no." Michael finally admit. "I have a car, an Aston actually, but when you said you’d never been in one before, I asked Tommy to borrow this one. He only bought it a month ago.”

Emma walked around the vehicle in pure astonishment, Michael following close behind. Michael opened the door for Emma to get in. He quickly jogged around the front of the car, hopping into the driver’s seat. “Those are for you.” Michael said, pointing to the pastries.

“You didn’t have to do that, Michael.” Emma sighed. She had a sneaking suspicion he was trying very hard to impress her; he even wore his hair her favourite way. The pastries did smell fantastic.

“Please, I know you never eat breakfast; and, you need to keep your strength up for today.” Michael explained, starting the engine.

Emma begrudgingly took one, surprised he remembered so many little details about her. It was delicious.

“So, how much does your mother hate me?” Emma asked, after she finished chewing in an attempt to avoid silence.

“Michael let out a slight laugh. “I wouldn’t know, she left to visit my cousin, Ada, in London after she saw me yesterday.”

“Jesus, how many cousins do you have?”

“Ada’s the last one. You’d like her though, she’s a bit of a suffragette like you. She’s got a son, Carl; cute kid.” Michael took his eyes off the road for a second to look at Emma. She looked like joy; smiling wide, eyes bright and sparkly. Here cheeks were flushed and there was a small piece of pastry by the side of her mouth. Nevertheless, she was unabashed and visibly excited.

“Did you end up writing your mum… your adoptive one?”

“No, I haven’t been able to yet. But I looked at the photo, framed it even. The boys look great; tall and buff. They look so grown up.”

“Yeah, James grew a full foot one summer. He’s planning to on going to uni, you know? Wants to be an animal doctor.”

“What about Paul?”

“Last time I saw him he was alright. Got into some trouble at school after you left, but he’s alright now."

Mikey gave a short grunt before the conversation went into a slough.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Anything, always.” Michael replied, turning a corner.

“Why do you hate George Palmroy so much? I just, I’ve been thinking about it and for the life of me I can’t remember a time when you two were civil to each other.”

“Oh, you don’t wanna know about that…”

“Yeah, I really do, Michael.”

"You sure? It was really nothing I swear.”

“Michael, if it was just nothing you wouldn't be this defensive. Just tell me for god sakes.”

Michael sighed before he said, “Ok fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Do you remember we were young and your grandparents came to visit and they gave you a dreidel?”

Emma almost never talked about her mother’s heritage. It wasn’t that she was ashamed, she just knew that her mother didn’t like to talk about it. Both of Emma's grandparents on her mum’s side were Jewish, technically making Emma half. Her mother was never super devout, and when she married Emma’s father she found it was easier to just go to church instead of dealing with the judgment of people on the countryside. Emma’s Bubbe and Zayde still tried to teach her a few things before they passed away.

“Yeah, they were there for Hanukah.”

“When you brought that dreidel into class, I remember how proud and excited you were about it. And you taught me how to play during break in the courtyard.”

“Yeah, I beat you every time.” Emma teased, smiling fondly at the memory.

“I still think you were cheating.”

“I was not! But, what does this have to do with George?”

“Well, when you went to the washroom George fucking Palmroy came over and started mouthing of to me about you being Jewish.” Michael’s knuckles turned white around the steering wheel as he spoke. “God, I’m so happy you never heard any of it, some of the things he said were just so vile, Em. I kicked the shit out of him for that, wanted to do it every time I saw him since them.” Emma had heard Michael like this before, tense, violent and angry. It usually didn’t last long.

"Thank you,” she squeaked out as Michael composed himself.

Less than a minute later, the Rolls Royce was parked outside ivy covered gate. It was the first bit of greenery Emma had seen since she moved. Dozens of students were making their way in through the gates, all with a similar air of anxiousness.

It was a weird moment for Michael, because he could remember wanting nothing more than being one of those students with Emma. He had imagined them walking through those gates together a million times, and now she was going alone.

Emma was almost wishing he could come with her. The university was feeling more and more daunting by the minute.

“I brought my camera.” Michael said. “ I thought I could take a photo for you to send to your dad.”

“Really? That’s so thoughtful, thank you Michael."

“S’no problem.” He mumbled, grabbing the camera from the back seat.

Emma got out of the car, praying that her legs would stop shaking. Michael took a snapshot of her smiling in front of the main gate. He was absolutely sure it would be a beautiful photo.

“What time is your last class?”

“Um, it ends at half past two.”

“I��ll meet you here then, yeah?”

“Oh, Michael I couldn’t trouble you like that.”

“It’s really no problem, I’ll just take you to the Garrison after.”

“Ok, but, promise to figure out how to get here on my own tomorrow. I feel like such a burden.”

“Emma, you have never been and will never be a burden; trust me on that.” Michael answered. “Alright, well I better get going. You’re going to do great today.”

Emma quickly enveloped Michael in a hug, hanging on for dear life. It was the same as every hug they had before, Michael putting his arms around her and Emma resting her head on his shoulder. He rubbed her back gently, trying to calm down the nerves he knew she was having. A small tear went down her cheek.

“Just remember, if anyone tries to fuck with you just tell them you’re part of the Peaky Blinders, yeah?” He whispered in her ear.

Emma let out a small laugh, wiping her tear. “I don’t think telling people I’m part of a gang will get me a lot of friends.”

“Fuck these posh pricks, you have all the friends you need in Small Heath. You’re going to do great, Em, I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Michael.” Emma said, waving goodbye as she walked into the school.

Emma was consistently shocked as to how full the Garrison got on weekdays. It was only Monday, but the pub was already bustling. Emma brought the usual order to the private room where the Shelby’s were already seated.

“So, girlie, how was your first day with the posh pricks?” Arthur asked, taking his drink.

Michael felt a little smug that he already knew everything about it. Emma hadn’t stop talking the whole way back from the school about her teacher, classes and classmates. He knew all about her Intro to Law class and the fact that she had already made a study group for her psychology class.

“It was amazing, tiring though.”

“What was the library like?” Finn asked.

“Which one? I only went into the Law Library but it was beautiful. There had to be a million books.” She said wistfully. Emma talked like it was on of the most wonders  place in the world.

“Wow.”

“Anyone give you any trouble?” John said.

“About six different guys told me I was in the wrong class and nicely pointed me towards the nursing classes; but, other than that no.” It made Michael’s blood boil how ignorant some people could be.

“Pricks.” Isaiah scoffed. “At least you have a reason to let loose and finally give me a dance tonight. All last week it was ‘I’m working, Isaiah’ or ‘I need to get ready for school, Isaiah’. No excuse now, eh? Tommy, tell dear old Emma she can take a break from work to dance with a stud like me.”

“Emma’s free to take a break anytime she’d like; but, I don’t think that’s the only reason she’s not giving you a twirl.” The room erupted with laughter at Isaiah’s expense; everyone roaring with laughter except Michael.

“No, no,” Emma said, trying to compose herself. “I’ll tell you what, if I survive the week and you don’t have three girls hanging off you on Friday, I will give you a dance then.”

“I will count the hours,” Isaiah smirked, reaching to kiss Emma’s hand.

Michael quickly cleared his throat, hoping to end the exchange. He knew that Isaiah was probably just being a flirt, but it still made him jealous how easily Em went along with the act. “Should I pick you up again tomorrow?” He asked, drawing the attention of all the men in the room. He hadn’t told his cousins about driving Emma to school, not wanting the to interfere. However, Michael now felt a small nagging voice in his head telling him to try and one up Isaiah.

“Yeah, I’m so sorry about it Michael. I feel like such a nag. I promise I’ll figure something out by the end of the week.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m happy to drive you and at least that way I know you’re safe.” Emma’s cheeks slightly blushed at his comment, making Michael smile and Arthur want to puke at how fond the two country bumpkins were.

It wasn't long until Emma got into a routine in Small Heath. Michael would pick her up every morning, always with a fresh breakfast for her. Emma would try to pay him back for the gas and food before Michael would just put the money back in her purse. They would talk about anything and everything during their ride; both were happy to have the other back in their lives.

After Mickey dropped her off, Emma would study hard at school She had made a few friends. There was Gemma, one of the only other girls in her program; and, Eddy who was supremely sweet. Emma mostly stuck to the people in her program, to anxious to explore.

Once Michael saw Emma make it safely through the gates he would rush back to Shelby Ltd to start the work day. His cousins would tease him mercilessly about the whole situation. John just told him to "sack up" and kiss her. Tommy would usually be the one to end the ribbing by telling the boys to get back to work.

Tommy liked Emma, she reminded him of Grace; most people saw that. She was headstrong, confident and witty. This continued to worry Michael because he knew of his cousin's tendency to use the women around him to succeed professionally. Michael continued to remind Thomas about boundaries with Emma. Michael knew Emma wouldn't like home speaking for her; but, Tommy needed to know that Emma was only to be involved in business regarding the Garrison. No exceptions.

Michael was also noticeably happier since Emma had come to Small Heath. It bothered Polly a little bit, that some girl from the country could mean so much to him. But, she was relieved to see that he wasn't so being so dangerously ambitious and razor focused on his work, relaxing more in his extra time.

Later in the day, Michael would pick Emma up at the end of her classes and take her to the Garrison where she would help Harry prepare for the night. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Finn would come over after school for some extra help. Emma had only agreed to the tutoring after Finn wouldn’t stop pestering her about the University and how amazing it was. She eventually sat him down to ask why he was so interested.

“I want to go,” He confessed. “No one else in my family has even finished school let alone thought about uni. I just don’t want to disappoint them.”

“Finn.” Emma sighed. “They’re not going to be upset you want to go to uni; they’ll be proud!”

“You don’t know my family, John already thinks I should just quit school and work at the company.” It was clear to Emma that Finn felt a little trapped by his situation. He obviously loved his family and would hate to make them upset.

“Tell you what, you come in a few times a week and I’ll help you out. Then, once you’re already accepted to uni, you can talk to your family about it. How’s that sound?” She asked.

“That sounds amazing, but do you actually think I could get in?”

“Absolutely, you’re a smart guy Finn. But if I’m going to go out on a limb for you, then I need you to promise me something?.”

“Anything.”

“Just take it easy on the alcohol and drugs, yeah? While Isaiah’s a great guy, he’s not exactly the greatest influence, school wise at least.” Finn gave a short nod signalling he understood. “Maybe one day you can come visit me at school, I’ll show you what it’s like. You can drop into a few classes?”

“Really? That sounds amazing, thank you Emma.”

After that they met every week. Emma went into talk talk to Tommy after a few weeks of tutoring. The meeting wasn't actually about Finn, but Emma did make sure to talk Mr Shelby about Finn.

"Just before I go, I know that you've set up trusts for the younger people in you family, including Finn."

"He won't get his quarter of the business till he's old enough." Tommy confirmed.

"Well... It's just that I've been tutoring Finn for a while now and he's doing really well. When I asked him if he would ever consider applying to university he said that he actually really wants to go. He wants to be a scientist."

"So why doesn't he come to me about this, hm?"

"Well I think he feels as if you and your brothers want him to join the company immediately, and the last the he would ever want is to disappoint you."

"I don't where he got that idea, I'd love to see him go to uni!" Thomas scoffs.

"If you ask me-"

"Which I didn't for the record."

"Yeah but if you did I would suggest putting a contingency in Finn's trust fund saying he doesn't get a cent until he graduates university. This way he won't feel like he's disappointing you guys if he goes and he doesn't get to wrapped in the business."

The room was eerily quiet for a few minutes as Thomas thought it over. Emma wondered if she had finally crossed a line with the Shelby family; she had a tendency to get over invested. Thomas knew that everything Emma had said was a good idea but he wanted to make her sweat it out for a few minutes to make sure she was still a little scared of him.

After a few tense minutes Tommy finally spoke. "Fine, can you make a draft of the new trust, including one for Carl and Charlie and John's litter?"

"Me, sir?"

"Sure, you are a law student, are you not?"

She was a first year female law student which was the bottom of the barrel at school. Emma was shocked and and pleased by Mr Shelby's faith in her, agreeing to draw up the papers immediately. Tommy signed the requirements for the trusts within a week.

As for the dance Emma had promised Isaiah, it was exactly what she needed after her first week of uni. It was short and Isaiah was very gentlemen-ly, his hands not straying from her waist. He had been a good friend to Em, and she made it clear that she was interested to be friends and just friends with him. Isaiah just chuckled and told her that he knew Emma was never going to dumb enough to go home with him since the day they met. They did however make an agreement to be each others wing person when they went out together. He left the Garry that night with two girls after he’d made sure to say thank you and goodnight to Emma.

Emma was working hard to make Small Heath feel more like a home rather than just a temporary place to stay. And for the most part, Emma was succeeding. She stil missed her dad a lot, but he didn’t call her as often so she assumed he was keeping himself busy.

After a particularly hard day at school Emma was excited to just leave the place. She climbed into Michael’s car offering him a smile for picking her up. They talked the whole ride home, Michael trying to cheer her up. Once they turned the corner onto Emma’s road Michael got a little cautious. There was a man with grey hair sitting on her front stoop. He slowed the car down and pointed out the stranger. Emma knew who he was immediately.

“Emma!” he cried.

“Dad?"