Chapter 1: The Escape

Disclaimer: I do not own Sweeney Todd and other related characters. No copyright infringement intended.

The Escape

"Everyone needs a shave" said the blood-soiled man who tried to slit her throat. She had almost felt her limbs fall apart as she sat on the mechanical chair that brought Judge Turpin into a secret trap door and his extinction. She was certain of her death. She knew beforehand, ever since she started having nightmares that she deemed were premonitions of this moment.

A split second passed but for Johanna, it equaled her entire lifetime. Suddenly, there came a high pitched scream from somewhere below her feet.

"Forget my face." She remained stiff. It was impossible to forget that man's face. How could he even ask? He stared into her eyes for a while and headed for the door. Then there was silence. 'Who could that man be?' she asked herself. Something inside of her, her heart, she realized, skipped a beat when that murderer explored her eyes of glassy blue. It was as if the man had an attachment to her. The image of her mother, that being a blurb of yellow hair, popped into her head and it seemed that she was telling her something. Could it be…

No. Her father was banished for crimes that she was not certain with. Surely, he would've died in that remote country so how could he possibly return to her? She brushed the thought of meeting her father and was distracted when Anthony returned. He was panting furiously and his clothes were soaked of sweat.

"Come along Johanna, the coach had arrived," he managed to say in between his deep breathing.

"Anthony, there was a man –"

"That is probably Mr. Todd. Good thing you met him. Where is he? I want to express my gratitude for all his help and I want to bid him goodbye" Anthony was now breathing normally. Johanna felt his pulse slow down as she touched his wrist.

"He left. I don't think he wants to meet us. Can we just leave Anthony?"

"But-"

"I beg you, please, I want to be safe now"

Anthony completely adored her, and her desperation only doubled his attraction to her. Her sadness and isolation lured him to her sweet smile and long golden locks. He just couldn't resist her pleas. With Johanna's hand still around his wrist, he pulled her towards the door and soon they were out of Fleet Street.

Johanna pondered about her new life. She was no longer a ward of an intellectual yet obsessive judge. She was free and she was with the man that granted her that freedom.

Anthony was restless but when he caught Johanna's eyes stuck to him, he smiled. He was also reminded that she was still clad in boy's clothes. "I guess you can get rid of your disguise now. We have come a long way from that …place." He made a disgusted face when he mentioned the last word. Johanna responded by taking her cap off and letting her hair down.

It was just too much for Anthony. He longed for Johanna since the day he heard her hum to the little black bird. He wasted no time and buried his lips on hers, remaining gentle and careful.

Johanna cherished the moment that his lips caught hers. She wanted it to go on forever. She was a little disappointed of his lack of passion, and his stiff hold on her. However, she understood that he was still quite weary from all that they had been through. She marveled on the lingering feel of his lips while he held her tightly.

"Stay by my side always"

"I promise"

Hello!! I re-edited this chapter and you are now reading the better version of it. I hope to get some feedback soon…take care and stay beautiful!!