Hi everyone! So this is just a quick little story I wrote out a while ago for those of you who know of my problem with finishing my works, don't worry, this one is already done. I just have to type it out and post it online. Hope you enjoy :)
disclaimer: I own nothing but Mira and Audrey
"I want you to stay within hearing distance," her father told her.
Audrey nodded, eager to be off. Seeing this, he sighed and waved her away, settling himself underneath a tree with the book she'd given ran off, clutching her skirt, to the top of the hill. As always, the view was breathtaking in her flopped down into the tall grass, her dark brown, nearly black eyes closed as she tilted her face towards the rare English sun. It was such a treat to be outside, out at the park. It was so hard to convince her father to bring her to Hampstead Heath, to get him out of his barbershop.
Suddenly, someone tripped over her. Audrey fell back, hitting her head.
"Oops, I'm so sorry," came a voice. "Here, let me help."
Audrey opened her eyes to see a girl her age with strawberry blonde curls and bright green eyes standing over her. The girl had her hand out to help her up.
"I'm so sorry," she said again.
"It's ok," Audrey replied as the girl pulled her up. She swiped the dirt off of her skirt.
"My name is Mira. Mira Kingsley."
"Audrey Todd."
"If I might ask, what exactly were you doing?"
"Nothing really. I was just enjoying the sunshine."
"Me too," Mira said with a bright grin. "Momma doesn't get to bring me to the park much anymore."
"Da rarely leaves his shop so I enjoy being outside while I can."
"Do you want to come play with me?"
"Sure."
The two girls ran about, chasing one another. Their easy laughter made them fast friends, as was the way of children. Collapsing in a tired heap in the grass, they caught their breath, giggling whenever they caught each other's eye.
"Mira," a sweet voice called.
"That's my momma," she said, perking up. "Come on, Audrey. She must have lunch set out."
"I don't know, Mira." Audrey said uncertainly, looking back in the direction of her father.
"Oh, please? Please please please, Audrey. We can bring your Papa some food back."
"O-okay Mira," she sighed, following her new friend.
Beaming, Mira grabbed Audrey's hand and ran off to her mother.
"Momma, I made a new friend today!" She announced, settling on the blanket. "This is Audrey Todd."
"Hello Audrey. My name is Alice Kingsley. It's nice to meet one of Mira's friends," the pretty blonde said, smiling.
Audrey made a little curtesy. "It's a pleasure, Mrs. Kingsley."
She laughed. "None of that, dear. Mrs. Kingsley is my mother. You may call me Alice."
"Yes, Ms. Alice. "
"I guess that'll do. Are you hungry, Audrey? We've plenty to share."
"Yes ma'am but my da…"
"What about your father, dear?"
"He doesn't know where I am. He told me to stay within hearing distance and I'm scared I may have gone too far."
"I asked her to come with me, Momma. I told her we could bring her papa some food too. We can, can't we?" Mira asked, batting her lashes.
"Of course, dear. Here girls, help me pack all this up and then we can take the picnic to your father so you don't get in any trouble, okay Audrey?"
"Yes ma'am. Thank you!" She chirped happily, helping pack up the good.
Alice had the blanket draped over her arm while the two girls carried the basket. They were making their way up the hill when a worried bass time could be heard calling Audrey's name.
"Da!" She called, running up to him when he came into view.
"Audrey, I thought I told you to stay where you could hear me call you," he chastised.
"I'm afraid that's my fault, Mr. Todd." Alice said. " Mira wanted her new friend to join our picnic. We were on our way to ask you to join us as well so Audrey wouldn't get into any trouble. Please don't be cross with her."
"I'm sorry, Da," Audrey mumbled.
"You're safe, that's all that matters. And I thank you for your consideration Mrs.-"
"Alice Kingsley. And it's just Miss. Mrs. Kingsley is my mother."
"Ms. Kingsley," he continued, "but it's time for Audrey and I to be returning home."
"Oh please Da, can we stay a little longer?" Audrey begged, clinging to him.
"Please please please Mr. Todd?"
"Please, sir, I insist. It's no bother at all. It's rare that Kira finds a girl her age that she gets along with. We have more than enough, I can assure you."
He sighed, knowing he'd never hear the end of it. "Thank you for your hospitality, Ms. Kingsley."
"Thank you, Da!" Audrey squealed.
He nodded, helping set out the blanket. Everyone sat down, Audrey climbing into her father's lap while Mira curled up against her mother. Todd's eyes widened at the sight of all the fresh de lacked being pulled out of the picnic basket.
"It's ridiculous, I know," Alice said apologetically. "Chef seems to think that a picnic in the park is the equivalent of a tea party. Please, help yourselves."
Audrey dug in without hesitation. She loved sweets.
"Audrey Lucille," her father chided. "Enough sweets."
"Yes, Da," she said, sadly replacing the pastry she had grabbed and getting a sandwich instead.
"So what do you do, Mr. Todd?" Alice asked, trying to make conversation.
"I'm not but a simple barber, ma'am. On Fleet Street. I'm afraid I can't boast of grand adventures like you can," he said with a ghost of a smile. She blushed and he continued. "Your business partner, Lord Ascot, is a regular customer of mine."
"I knew your name sounded familiar!" She clapped her hands together. "Sweeney Todd, best barber in all of England."
"I wouldn't boast that, ma'am."
"But Da," Audrey objected, swallowing a mouthful of food. "You are. Everyone says so."
"Indeed, Mr. Todd. Lord Ascot has been to many barbers, both inside Her Majesty's kingdom and elsewhere. He says you've given him the best shave yet, time and again. He recommends you to everyone he comes across, which is how I learned of you."
"I'll have to thank him the next time he comes in then," he replied, squirming slightly from the praise.
"Audrey, dear, are you finished already?"
"Yes, Ms. Alice. Thank you for the food. It was very good."
"You're quite welcome," she replied, packing up.
Todd stood, taking his sleepy daughter in his arms. "Thank you again for your hospitality, Ms. Kingsley."
"It was my pleasure, Mr. Todd. I'm just sorry I have to cut our little get-together short. The girls were having such fun, but I've a meeting to attend at five o'clock."
"Do we have to go Momma?" Mira whined.
"Yes, love, I'm afraid we do."
"Bye Mira." Audrey waved, her head resting on her father's shoulder.
"Bye Audrey," Mira pouted. "We can play again tomorrow, can't we?"
Audrey looked expectantly at her father, who turned to Alice.
"I understand that you're a busy man, Mr. Todd, but Audrey is more than welcome at our home. I've never seen Mira attached so quickly."
"Thank you ma'am," he said as they walked to the Kingsley's carriage. "I'll see what I can do."
He helped them into the carriage with his free hand. Before the coachman closed the door, Alice said, "Oh, and Mr. Todd? Please don't let social status be a reason to keep the girls from playing together. There's no use denying it, I can see it in your eyes. I've never gone by society's rules and I've taught my daughter that she isn't better than anyone else just because of the family she was born into. Please just keep that in mind."
He nodded as the coachman closed the door and climbed into his seat, amazed at the woman's insight.
"Good day, Mr. Todd."
"Good day, Ms. Kingsley."
As the carriage drove away, Todd made his way back to his shop to put a very sleepy 6 year old into bed for a nap.
There we go. First chapter posted. If enough people like it, I'll put up the next chapter whenever work will allow for it. Thanks for reading!
~HisWickedKitty
