A/N: Yay another chapter! I can't believe its chapter 10 already! Thank you to all my great reviewers. And I must make it clear that I demand girly giggles for this chapter.
Loke: What's that?
You have to giggle like little girls. Half now and half in the review.
Loke: O.O …hehehehehehehe…
Yes…that's nice…
Chapter 10
I knew as I opened my eyes the next morning that this was going to be a hard day. I was sick from the being out in the freezing rain the night before but I was going to try to hide it and work the best I could. Heavens knew Mrs. Lovett and Mr. T needed me. I sat up in bed, the lightheaded feeling swimming about in my head. With a groan I pulled myself out of bed and got dressed.
"Breakfast, dearie?" Mrs. Lovett asked me when I entered the kitchen.
"No thanks", I said with a fake smile, "I'm not too 'ungry this morning. I'm just goin' ta make some hot tea."
"Already boiled some water", she replied, gesturing to a still steaming kettle.
I made myself some tea and sunk down into a booth, hoping the warmth of the beverage might make me feel a little less drained. My mind drifted to Mr. Todd as always and I let it, reveling in the memory of last night. I sighed at the thought of him kissing my cheek…so soft, so warm…
"Kelsey! D' ya 'ear me?" Mrs. Lovett said, right in front of my face now.
I jumped a little, "Sorry, Nellie, just thinkin' is all. What is it then?"
"I said, what 'appened to yer cheek?" she repeated.
My fingers touched the now bruising spot from the slap. "Long story…ya got time?"
"Lemme finish makin' Toby's breakfast and I'll listen", she said with a smile, giving my hand that was rested on the table a warm squeeze.
She bustled back into the kitchen, continuing to prepare Toby's food and after cleaning up her kitchen space, sat down across from me. I then related to her the whole story, including the parts about Sweeney. She responded with gasps and sighs and 'ya poor dear's.
"And 'ow do ya feel today?" was her next question.
"Not my best but I can still work," I replied.
"I certainly 'ope so", she said, "We needs ya today. You can start by takin' up Mr. T's breakfast."
I nodded and she handed me the food tray. I left the pie shop and started to ascend the stairs, noting how much harder the task was when I was sick. I rapped on the door and with no response, I entered anyway. Sweeney was standing at the window, cup of tea in hand, brooding away. I set the tray down on his vanity.
"Mornin' Mr. T", I greeted, trying to sound chipper.
He grunted in response and I headed for the door. Just as I reached for the doorknob he said something that took me by surprise.
"How's that cheek?" he asked.
I turned to face him, seeing that he was still staring out the window. "A little better now, thank ya", I answered, my heart pounding.
He nodded and sipped his tea, "Ya don't sound yerself", he added in his usual monotone.
My breath caught in my throat, "Don't you worry 'bout me, love. I'll be fine." I replied and left the shop, not so sure of that myself.
ST
I had never seen so many customers in all my life. They sure did pick a bloody good time to overflow. I was running from table to table, bake house to kitchen as Mrs. Lovett did the same. Toby was sent table to table with ale and gin and tried his best to draw customers…like we needed anymore as it was. I found myself dizzy and worn ragged by the time the dinner crowd had filed out.
I was just about to drop down into a chair for a minute's rest when, "Kelsey, would you run dinner up to Mr. T?"
I sighed and nodded, taking the tray and walking out the door. I felt bloody awful. I gripped the handrail tightly, forcing my legs to walk the steps. I had never been so utterly exhausted in all my life. When I reached the top of the stairs, I was panting. I pulled open the door and had to hold onto the door frame to steady myself.
"Yer dinner Mr. T", I breathed, trying to stand straight.
He glanced over at me and his eyes widened, "What's wrong?" he asked as I started to make my way over.
"Nothing", I replied and as if on cue, my knees gave out and I grabbed onto the chair so as not to fall.
In an instant, his hands were under my arms, and pulling me over to sit in the barbering chair.
"What are ya doin' to yerself, silly woman?!" he demanded as I fell down into the chair. He tried to sound gruff but there was evident concern in his voice.
I smiled weakly up at him, "I'm sorry… I 'aven't felt me best today. I 'spose I'm sick because of the rain and all last night. It serves me right I guess for bein' stupid."
"You're not stupid", he said after a moment, "…it was my fault after all."
"No, no love," I said, leaning over and setting the tray I was still holding on the ground, "The Judge, he's to blame, ay? 'Scuse me."
He moved out of the way and I got up, my foot stepping down on something. I heard the mechanical turning of gears and the chair began to tilt backwards. My arms flailed wildly and I let out a scream as I started to lose my balance. Sweeney grabbed me by the waist and pulled me out of the way.
My heart was beating so loud he could probably hear it…after all; I was still in his arms.
"It's a wonder you've made it this far", he mused.
I giggled a little, "I'm lucky I have you then." And being the short person I am, I reached up and placed a kiss on his jaw line.
Giving him a quick hug, I left the room, downright giddy for being so bold with him. I left him standing there, a look of surprise on his face and I headed down to bed.
A/N: I know that one was quite short but it was just filler after all with a bit of relationship building. So go on and start giggling! :D