Make It To Christmas - Blog Posts

Make it to Christmas (pt 3/3)

Make it to Christmas masterlist

The funeral for y/n was short and sweet. They decided to do a traditional gypsy funeral, knowing how much y/n loved their past life. Only the family joined, with their heads bowed throughout the ceremony, no one spoke, too afraid of what would come out if they tried. The town knew of the Shelby’s loss, and felt sorry for them. Despite the chaus they caused, no family deserved to lose a young one.

The house was silent during the festive period. Y/n’s presents had been left under the tree, Pol not letting anyone touch them, even though no one tried. They were a small part of her, even if she wasn’t present. The young girls room hadn’t been touched since that night, the only thing moved was the bedding which y/n had stained that night, and Ada had cleaned up the droplets that had made their way down the floor. Finn had tried sleeping in there one night, but in a fit of rage Tommy had shouted at him, telling him he wasn’t to go into that room again. Arthur and John wouldn’t go to the family home, not wanting to step into a home that wouldn’t have the laughter they used to love.

Christmas eve dawned on them quicker than they would of liked, and Tommy couldn’t help but grit his teeth as he sat in the living room, remembering the years when y/n would be jumping around, excited to see what would be brought to her this year. She always asked for a doll of some sort, and a wooden gun to be like her brothers, and each year she got one, each time they grew in size. The fire blazed with the two children’s stockings still hanging above them. Even Finn couldn’t get into the Christmas spirit, with everything around the time reminding him of y/n. The two youngsters would usually be outside around now, running around with the other kids before they were called in to get ready for midnight mass. It was the one mass y/n enjoyed going to, loving to see the baby lying in his manger, surrounded by the animals, men and his mother.

That night was quiet, and each room was filled with tears. Tommy lay awake on his bed, smoking a cigarette as his thoughts spiralled. He refused to allow the tears in his eyes to fall, rolling the cigarette between his lips every now and then. Y/n’s last few moments rolled through his head, and he frowned, remembering what she had said. ‘Under the bed’. With confusion surrounding him, Tommy decided to go into his little sisters room.

It was eery as he stood in front of the door, knowing that even when he walked in he wouldn’t see y/n, curled up in a ball on the bed. Trying to prolong the unavoidable rush of emotions, Tommy slowly turned the handle before creeping the door open. The place still smelt like Ada’s perfume which the eleven year old  had sneakily took from Ada’s room, her older sister knew where it was but never acted on it. Looking around, the Shelby gangster could see pieces of paper thrown around, crayons and pencils scattered around the place. Not wanting to stay long, Tommy crouched down, looking under the girls bed to see an old biscuit tin underneath. Presuming that’s what the young girl was insinuating, Tommy grabbed it before heading out of the room, leaving the door open.

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Christmas morning was quiet in the Shelby home. Usually there would be a squeal in the early hours of the morning, before each person would be awoken by two children jumping on top of them, screaming it was Christmas. This year, Finn didn’t see the point in getting up, waking each person up. It didn’t feel right to do it on his own, so instead he waited until he heard the sound of footsteps before opening his door. Ada smiled sadly at the young boy who just stood in the doorway, before opening her arms, pulling him into a hug. Polly woke up to the sound of soft sobs, and couldn’t help the few tears that fell herself, feeling how bitter this day was going to be.

Few words were spoken as each family member sat at the kitchen, waiting for their toast to heat up. Usually Pol would make a fry up, but with her little helper not around, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. John and Arthur showed up shortly into the morning with their wives and Johns kids, but only a hello was spoken, until they made their way into the living room.

Finn hesitantly walked towards the tree seeing the small amount of presents that were around, one less pile was evident in the room. Ada’s breath caught in her throat as Finn handed out the presents, all evidently seeing one less name written on their presents. The adults tried to make Christmas somewhat normal for the kids sakes, but even they knew something was wrong. The rooms attention was drawn to Tommy as he cleared his throat.

“I know this Christmas is a tough one, just last week we said goodbye to our angel, but I know that she would want us to try celebrate it.” Tommy gruffly stated, standing up to the drinks cabinet. “Tommy, what are you doing?” Ada asked, confused on why each adult was given a glass of Sherry, the children moving out of the room. “To y/n.” Tommy spoke, holding up his glass. “Our darling sister.” Arthur spoke, holding his glass high. “Never forgotten.” Pol finished with a nod, before clinging the glasses together.   

After downing the small amount of Sherry, Tommy grimaced at the taste before moving to the tree. Eyes watched him as he leaned down from behind, taking up an old biscuit box before placing it on the table in front of him. Recognizing y/n’s writing, Polly looked up at her nephew, squinting her eyes at him.

“What is this Tommy?” Polly asked, tears filling her eyes. “Before y/n died she told us under the bed. Now I didn’t think much of it until last night. And I found this.” Tommy tapped the box, “Ada, get Finn.” “What is it Tommy?” John asked, eyeing the box carefully.

Tommy waited until Ada came back in with Finn behind her. The youngest Shelby looked around before sitting on the ground by Arthurs feet, who tapped his head in comfort as the young boy stared at the box on the table. Breathing in deeply, Tommy opened the lid, before taking out some papers that were inside.

“Y/n always loved drawing, even when she got sick she used all her energy to dray. I never knew why until now. She made each of us a picture, with a little something on the back of  each.” Tommy explained, moving to hand out each of his siblings and Polly a sheet of paper. “Her last gift to us.” John stated, and he hung his head, not sure how to react. “Something to remember her by.” Tommy nodded, before taking a seat by the fire once again. “She was always such a thoughtful kid.” Ada spoke fondly. “Y/n you angel.” Polly smiled, looking down at the picture in her hand. “Some people make the world special, just by being in it.” Arthur read from the back. “Describes y/n to a T.” Arthurs wife spoke with a smile, placing a hand on her husbands back. “She was special.” Finn spoke tearfully, and Arthur rubbed his head gently. “Marry Christmas y/n.” Polly whispered, bringing the picture of an angel close to her. “Our angel in the sky.” Ada smiled sorrowfully, looking down at her own angel picture.

Christmas 2024 masterlist

make it to Christmas 2/3

Info: Christmas for the Shelby clan were never special, but this year seems to be the worst as y/n the youngest has been diagnosed with the illness that takes many away, but y/n is adamant on giving the Shelby's something to remember her by.

Masterlist

Y/n lay in her bed, feeling tired yet energetic for the first time in weeks since her diagnoses. Many days she spent laying around, no energy for anything, barely able to eat anything substantial without throwing it back up. Her family were beyond worried for her and feared she wouldn't make it to the end of the year. They knew at this stage that their angel of light wouldn't recover from the deathly disease that took many, and they could only hope that she would see her favourite day of the year one last time.

Y/n herself knew that her days left were limited. At eleven years old she was a smart girl and knowing the results of her sickness being lethal, she wanted to make sure that her family would remember her, even when she was gone. She made it her mission to spend what little energy she had to find something for each family member, something that would cause them to remember the good times they had together. She wasn't aloud to leave her room unless she needed the bathroom, so all she had was what was in her room.

"How are you feeling today y/n?" Polly asked asked her niece as she walked into the isolated child's room with some soup. "Fine." The girl shrugged before looking up from her drawing to see the bowl in her aunts hand, "Soup again?" She groaned causing her aunt Pol to chuckle lightly. "Well nice to see your energy is back." The woman stated, even though she knew it was temporarily. "Can't I have something else for once?" The younger girl whined, moving her picture out of the way. "You know anytime you eat anything solid you get sick, this is only thing you can keep down." Her aunt replied before placing down the bowl on the bedside table and sitting beside the young girls feet as the girl slowly began to feed herself, hand shaking occasionally.

Polly watched her niece as she slowly fed herself, seeing the struggle she faced with each spoonful. The older woman sighed quietly, knowing the young girl didn't have much time left. Her little angel would be lucky to make it to Christmas, but she doubted it would be the new year. Pollys thoughts were disrupted when she heard coughing and looked up to see y/n slouched over, coughing up some soup. The young girls aunt tuts in comfort, taking the spoon out of her hand and replacing it with a tissue, which y/n placed to her mouth. Polly gasped as the tissue was brought back from the mouth to see blood on it. Y/n looked up horrified at the sight, wide eyes looking up at her aunt.

"It's okay." Polly comforted the girl, rubbing her arm gently before taking the half empty bowl and heading for the door, turning back to watch as the young girl rolled onto her side, falling asleep instantly. "Lord, watch over y/n as I pray she makes it till Christmas to enjoy her favourite holiday amen." Polly looked up before leaving the room.

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Tommy and Arthur sat at the kitchen table, smoking a cigarette each in silence. John stood against the kitchen stove, a glass of whisky in his hand. No one spoke, just sitting in silence until they heard sounds of footsteps walking down the stairs. The two smoking stubbed their cigarette when they seen their aunt come into view, eyeing her as she remained silent while she walked over to the sink with a bowl, cleaning it.

"How is she?" John asked, wanting to know how her youngest sister was. "Pol?" Tommy called out to his aunt when she didn't reply. "She coughed up blood today." Was all Pol stated, not looking up at her nephews as she finished drying and putting away. "Fuck." Arthur cursed, each Shelby brother knowing what that meant. "Is she asleep?" Tommy asked. "Yes, she tired herself after her coughing episode, barely ate even half of the soup I gave her, her appetite and energy is getting worse Tommy, I don't think she has long left." Polly stated, causing the Shelby boys to look down. "Don't say that Pol, y/n's a fighter." John stated in a broken voice. "John she's up there in that room day in day out, her energy is zero to none most days. You really think that's a good thing. She's withering away to nothing, which isn't a god thing." Pol spoke harshly, causing John to flinch, "Time to face it, we're not going to get our y/n back, we just need to make sure she's comfortable till her last." Pol stated softly, and all shelbys present nodded in agreement.

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That night Tommy made his way to y/n's room before heading to bed. Ever since she was little she always snuck in her older brothers room, and since she was sick and unable to, Tommy began to do it. He wanted to make sure that she knew he was there for her, even though majority of the time the young girl was asleep by the time he checked in on her. The second oldest moved closer to the youngest bed, despite the fact he knew that aunt Pol hated any of them being close to her incase they got the spanish flu, her reasoning being it was bad enough one of them had it without everyone else in the house getting it. He moved her hair back, feeling the heat she obtained from her fever. Looking away from her, Tommy seen a picture she drew and smiled slightly before looking back at his youngest sibling.

"You need to fight this y/n, we need you to last for your favourite holiday, it'll be the best one yet you'll see." Tommy spoke softly, kissing the girls head before moving towards the door

His movement was halted by the sound of abrupt coughing coming from behind him- his eyes widened as he heard chocking and turned around to see y/n sitting up, struggling to breath.

"Aunt Pol." He shouted loudly as he opened the bedroom door, before rushing back to help his sister.

Y/n continued to struggle to breath as Tommy reached her, and he moved behind her and helped her it up right, thumping her back gently to dislodge what was most likely phlegm stuck in her throat. He didn't look up as Polly came rushing into the room, her house coat thrown on in her rush to get to her nephews shouts. She gasps as she sees Tommy trying to help his sister with the phlegm, her eyes widening when the young girl finally does, thick green and bloody mucous flying out of her mouth followed by constant heaving. Tommy rubbed the young girls back as she got sick.

"This isn't good Tommy." Polly stated with sadness as she watched her niece lie in her brothers arms tiredly after her episode. "Call the family, tell them to drop everything and come home." Tommy stated as he rocked his sister gently as she fell back asleep. "She's not going to make it, is she Tommy." Polly asked in defeat. "We'd be lucky if she makes it to tomorrow." Tommy stated with a sigh, realizing how bad his sister was.

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The following day the family gathered as Polly requested, and were currently in y/n's room, all sitting around her bed, Tommy had stayed with y/n after her episode while Pol called the family and told them to come to the house. They all knew by the call that y/n wasn't going to make it as they hoped

Polly sat at the head of the bed, watching y/n's face as sweat formed in beads, rolling down the young girls face, Arthur and John leaned against the wall, heads down in defeat as they realized that their sister was going to die from the one thing they couldn't protect her from. Ada sat with Finn on her knee, hugging the young boy close, not believing all that was happening while Finn sniffled into her chest, crying of the soon to be loss of his twin sister. Tommy was still lying with y/n, having not moved from his place after helping her earlier in the night. The Shelby family sat in silence just watching over the youngest as she struggled to breath properly, the silence only being disrupted by coughing before y/n's eyes opened

"Hey , it's okay." Tommy soothed the young girl, rubbing her arm in comfort. "Tommy." The girl stated weakly, voice barely audible. "Yeah, it's me, how you feeling." Tommy asked, watching as y/n's eyes fluttered consistently. "Tired." Was all she got out before closing her eyes again. "Hey y/n, keep your eyes opened." John stated, wanting her sister to stay awake in fear of her not opening her eyes again. "Can't, so tired." Y/n stated, not able to fight the heaviness in her eyes. "Y/n sweetie, it's okay, you can rest now." Pol spoke, tears in her eyes as she spoke. "Under, bed." Y/n stated, "Love you." She stated before closing her eyes.

The Shelby family watched as the youngest eyes closed for the last time before listening to her breathing slow before it's non existent. Tommy brought a finger to y/ns neck to feel a pulse before shaking head in sorrow, putting it down when he couldn't find one. Finn started shouting for y/n causing Ada to pull him close to try and ease his hurt, tears in her own eyes as she allowed them to fall, Arthur punched the wall in anger before John had to force him out of the room, tears in both their eyes. Polly stared at her niece with glossy eyes, not believing she was truly gone. The Shelby family had lost their angel, and Christmas wasn't Christmas without her.

Make it to Christmas 1/3

Info: Christmas for the Shelby clan were never special, but this year seems t be the worst as y/n, the youngest, has been diagnosed with the illness that takes many away.

Set in season 1

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All was quiet in the Shelby household, all were asleep bar Tommy who sat in his office working on some papers that were due. His thoughts were stalled as he hears movement around the halls upstairs and a door slamming against a wall before sounds of chocking, causing him to sigh and move to stand up, knowing who it was.

Y/n Shelby had been sick for the last five days, and it seemed to be getting progressively worse. For an eleven year old her energy had severely deteriorated and anything she ate always came back up, that was if she ate anything at all. She spent majority of her time in bed, sleeping most of the day.

Tommy sighs as he makes his way up the stairs to check on his sister. Arriving at the bathroom door he seen Polly sitting on her knees beside the young girl, holding her hair back and rubbing her back in comfort, muttering kind words as her youngest niece struggled to keep anything down. Hearing noise, Polly looked up to see Tommy standing in the doorway, who glanced at his oungest sibling before looking at Polly.

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“It’s been five days Pol, something ain’t right.” Tommy stated, not liking his sister being sick.

“I know that Thomas, hardly think this is normal.” Polly snapped at her nephew, worry get best of her.

“Pol.” Tommy warned, moving his head to y/n, saying not to stress her out.

“Tommy.” Y/n whined after she finished heaving, hearing her older brother and wanting his comfort.

“Hey there little angel, still not feeling great aye?” He asked, causing Polly to glare at him.

“I’m tired, and sore and icky. I don’t like it, I want it to end, I want to get better.” She whined as she coughed, bringing her hands up as an indication for Tommy to lift her.

“I can imagine that it isn’t pleasant, but you will get better. Why don’t you and aunt Pol go to the doctors today, he can give you something to make you feel better, how’s that for ya?” Tommy asked, picking up his sister despite Polly’s protests and grabbing a rag from the bathroom sink, wetting it and wiping her face gently with it.

“What’s the doctor going to do for her, she has the stomach bug that’s all. Nothing rest can’t fix.” Polly stated, not liking the idea of going to the doctor only to be told the girl needs rest.

“If it was a stomach bug I’m pretty sure it would’ve gone by now. Just bring her Polly, all they can say is that there isn’t anything wrong.” Tommy stated, allowing y/n to place her head on his shoulder, her eyes closing with tiredness once again.

“I swear Tommy she has you wrapped around her finger.” Polly stated wit ha shake of her head.

“Her health is important Polly, I thought you prioritized that.” Tommy stated before moving out of the bathroom and heading to put his sister down for bed once again, kissing her head before leaving.

"Lord, watch over y/n and I pray that she get's over this bug amen." Polly prayed before heading back to bed.

Next morning, y/n and Polly sat around the kitchen table, waiting for Tommy to return with the doctor. Y/n sat sluggish in her chair, appearing to be struggling to keep herself up right as she lay her head on her arms which were crossed on the table. In her hand was her Christmas teddy that she always had on her from the moment it hit December 1st, being the teddy that John had given her shortly after returning from the war.

Y/n loved Christmas, always had from the moment she understand what Christmas was about. She loved to decorate the house in the little amount of decorations the Shelby family had. The Shelby's were never really into doing Christmas, seeing it as another day, and if it wasn't for y/n they probably wouldn't even celebrate Christmas.

Polly looked away from her niece as the door was heard opening, and stands up when she sees Tommy walk in with the doctor behind him. Seeing her looking at him, Tommy nods at her before moving towards his sister, crouching beside her and placing a hand on her back to try wake her up a bit, only for her to whine, feeling discomfort from touch and moving away from her brother. Tommy frowning and looked at Polly, both knowing it was strange for the youngest Shelby to deny affection.

The doctor moves towards y/n who looks up in confusion, eyes beady due to tiredness. Seeing an unfamiliar face, she frowns and looks at Polly before moving hands, wanting to be picked up. Polly clicked her tongue in frustration, shaking her head in disapproval at her niece, causing y/n to whine again, not liking her aunt’s reluctance to pick her up

“Y/n the doctors here.” Polly stated, glancing at the doctor as he watched how the youngest Shelby reacted against her brothers contact.

“I’ll leave you too it.” Tommy stated ,clearing his throat and moving to his office, closing door tightly.

Y/n sighs before groaning in discomfort as she wiggled in her seat. The doctor took this as a sign that the young girl was ready and made his way over to her. Seeing y/n's eyes flutter with tiredness the man sighed kindly and began working quickly to prevent further discomfort for the girl. He checked her temperature, back of the throat, her walking abilities and a urine sample. At the end y/n was nearly falling asleep, causing the doctor to become concerned.

“Y/n, the doctor is here to look over you, will you be good for him and let him do his work.” Polly instructed to young girl, knowing this could go one of two ways.

“I want Tommy.” Y/n stated tiredly, her voice ruff after the severe coughing episode she had earlier.

“I’m sure Tommy will come back when it’s over, now come on, be a big girl now.” Polly stated with a bit of roughness, wanting this to be over with.

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“Does she always appear tired.” He asked Polly, who stood in the corner of the kitchen out of the way.

“Most days, especially after any vomiting episodes.” Polly stated, sounding as if she knew what it was her niece had.

“And her temperature, she appears to have a fever, how long has that been going on.”

“Around five days, she always gains a fever when she’s sick.”

“And you say she’s been vomiting for nearly a week?”

“Like I said doctor it’s just the stomach bug, all children get it. They lose their appetite, have aches and pains, get sick, rise a fever, and then it runs its course. Tommy’s worrying for nothing.”

“Actually Mister Shelby has every right to be worried. Because young y/n here doesn’t have the stomach bug. A stomach bug wouldn’t last as long as it has, at least not as severe. With her fever, redness of the throat likely caused by her abrupt coughing episodes and vomiting as well as the aches and pains you say she’s been complaining about, young y/n is suffering from more than just the stomach bug, or any common illness for that matter.” The doctor stated, pointing out all the symptoms.

“Well, what is it then?”

"I'm afraid young y/n Shelby here, has the Spanish flu." The doctor stated causing Polly to look at him in horror.

Each of the Shelby siblings didn't know what to say, their baby sister had caught the illness that majority of people died from if caught. Arthur stared ahead, not knowing what to think, John looked down, regretting the joke he made and feeling fear for his baby sister, Ada tried to hold back tears while Finn allowed the tears to fall, not wanting his twin to go. Tommy stood frozen, refusing to look at anyone as he tried to process the news his aunt just said. Y/n was the Shelby's little angel, from the moment she was born she was their light, the thing that helped the brothers when they returned from war. Without her it would become darkness.

“Polly, what’s going on, why did you call a family meeting?” Ada asked, watching her aunt in confusion as the woman paced around the floor, worry clear on her face.

After the doctor had diagnosed the youngest Shelby- he had warned Polly of the likelihood of her getting worse instead of better- though poor Polly knew this as not many people were known to survive around the town if they caught the lethal disease, with the majority of them dying weeks after their diagnoses- with how y/n’s little body was reacting to the disease it was likely to take it’s toll on the youngest Shelby’s body quickly, meaning she likely wouldn’t make it to the end of the year- hence why she was sent to bed before her siblings were called to hear the news.

“Right Pol, what is it? What’s so important that you had to call us all here aye?” Tommy asked, barging through the front door and stalking towards the kitchen table.

“I need everyone to keep a clear head and remain quiet as I tell you this alright. Y/n’s in bed and needs her rest.” Polly stated, not wanting to wake y/n up.

“Bloody hell Pol your talking as if someone’s dead.” John stated, shaking his head slightly at the dramatics of the situation.

“Pol, what is it? What did the doctor say?” Tommy asked, seeing the seriousness in Polly’s face.

“Y/n’s sick, really sick.” Polly started, looking at each Shelby sibling before continuing, “And I don’t want any of you to start worrying alright, because it won’t make it any easier.”

“Pol, what’s wrong with our y/n?” Arthur asked, not liking the way Polly was talking.

“Y/n has the Spanish flu. The doctor said with her symptoms it’s likely she’s been infected for a while.” Polly stated, waiting to hear the reaction.

“But she seemed fine last week.” Finn stated, looking at his aunt in confusion.

“The doctor said it will get worse, and there is a chance.” Polly stopped, wanting to get control of her emotions before continuing, “There is a chance that she may not survive this. Her bodies not able to keep up with it.” Polly looked down as silence fell around them.

Polly sighs, knowing the Shelby stubbornness was strong when it came to little y/n. She also knew that this would break the family, regardless of the outcome. And all Polly could do was pray, and hope, that y/n would at least make it to Christmas, her favorite time of year.

“Is she asleep?” Tommy asked, moving towards the stairs.

“Yes, and I don’t want anyone going into her. Don’t need anyone else catching it.” Polly stated forcibly, moving towards Tommy as he scoffed.

“You expect us to not be there for our sister when she’s ill, you clearly don’t know us Polly.” Tommy stated harshly.

“we’re not leaving her Pol, she needs us. And if she doesn’t make it we need her too.” Finn stated, sniffling from the tears.