Chapter Eleven

The next morning, Mrs Lovett and Toby sat together outside Remmy's room, waiting silently. The only sound that could be heard was the constant ticking of the clock on the wall opposite the two of them. Mrs Lovett listened carefully, but could only hear a buzz of voices through the thick door. Toby tapped his foot against the floor, running a hand through his hair.

"Is she going to be ok, Mrs Lovett?" He asked suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper. Mrs Lovet frowned sadly as she wrapped an arm around the young boy's shoulders, hugging him.

"Of course, love, she'll be fine." She promised, but her voice faltered, knowing she couldn't keep tis promise.

Inside Remmy's room, Sweeney was sat by her bed, his eyes never leaving her unconcious figure. His hands were balled in fists as he watched her, his brow furrowing. Opposite him sat the doctor, who was still examining her. Every now and then he would murmur something, and each time he did, Sweeney's fists became tighter. Why couldn't he just tell him what was wrong with his daughter?

The doctor finally looked up, a small smile gracing his lips.

"It's nothing to worry about. She has a slight temperature, so she most probably fainted from exhaustion and fever. Keep her in bed for a few days, and make sure she gets plenty of rest. It's odd, though." He added thoughtfully.

"What is?" Sweeney questioned.

"She also seems to be perfectly healthy. Has something been troubling her? Maybe that's what has exhausted her."

Sweeney frowned. "What do you propose I do?" He asked stiffly.

"Talk to her. That's all I can advise," The doctor said calmly, unaware of Sweeney's unwelcoming tone. "Now, I must be off. A young lad has broken his lef and I need to attend to him."

The doctor smiled warmly and packed his bag, standing up afterwards and holding his hand out. Sweeney shook it absent mindedly and watched with vacant eyes as the doctor left. The elderly man passed Mrs Lovett and Toby on the way out, giving them a curt nod.

"Wait!" Mrs Lovett said quickly, rushing after him. The doctor smiled.

"Can I help you, m'am?" He asked politely.

"Yes...um, is she going to ok? Remmy, I mean?"

"Of course she will, I can assure you that," He replied. Spotting Toby, who's face was still worried, he ruffled his hair. "Don't worry, lad, your sister will be up and about in no time!"

"She isn't my sister." Toby said quietly, and the doctor chuckled.

"Oh, how silly of me! Well, she's a very lucky girl to have a lad like you."

Toby blushed, but grinned up at the doctor.

"Here, I'll show you out." Mrs Lovett said, leading the doctor out of the shop. Once she returned, Toby jumped up eagerly.

"Can I visit Remmy?" He asked.

"Mmm...maybe it would be best if we left Mr Todd alone with her for a bit, love," She said. Toby's face fell. "How's about we go down to the market and get her a present?" She added quickly. Toby looked up hopefully.

"Really? Can we?"

"Of course, love. Go get your coat and I'll tell Mr T."

Toby grinned and rushed from the room. Mrs Lovett smiled fondly and then warily entered Remmy's room. Sweeney was sat by her bed, and his eyes flickered to hers as she stood in the doorway.

"What do you want?" He demanded.

"Toby and I are going out for a bit. Do you want anything?" Mrs Lovett asked. Sweeney rolled his eyes before shaking his head and turning away. Mrs Lovett surpressed a sigh and left, carefully shutting the door behind her.

Sweeney sighed in annoyance, but then looked back down at Remmy. Without thinking about it, he reached out and carefully brushed her curls away from her face. His fingertips brushed against her forehead, and he frowned as he felt how warm it was. He gently placed the back of his hand on her cheek, and his frown deepened. She was very warm.

But what could be bothering her? As far as he knew, she seemed quite happy. Surely if something was worrying her, she would have told him.

Wouldn't she?

Sweeney liked to think Remmy trusted him. They hadn't known each other for long, it was true, but she had spent plenty of time with him. She wanted to get to know him and, even though he never told her, he wanted to do the same. He had already lost one daughter, and he couldn't loose another because of the time they hadn't known each other.

Remmy suddenly squirmed slightly, her brow furrowing. Muttering something Sweeney couldn't hear, she turned away from him. He watched her carefully. Once more she muttered something and rolled over, facing him again.

"No..." She murmured, her face contorting into a scared but angry expression.

Her eyes suddenly snapped open, and her dark orbs darted around anxiously.

"Father?" She whispered.

"I'm here." Sweeney said quietly. Remmy looked up at him, her eyes confused.

"What happened?"

"You fainted."

"F-f-fainted...?" Remmy repeated, trying to sit up. Sweeney took her shoulders and gently pushed her down. Remmy gave him a small smile and pulled the blanket up more so it covered her shoulders. Sighing, she rested her head on her pillow and gazed up at Sweeney.

"Where are Mrs Lovett and Toby?"

"They've gone out." Sweeney told her. Remmy smiled.

"To the market?"

Sweeney nodded. Remmy smiled again and closed her eyes. Sweeney gazed down at her for a few minutes before finally speaking.

"What has been troubling you?"

Remmy's eyes opened and widened in alarm as she slowly sat up. "E-excuse me?"

"The doctor said you fainted from exhuastion, and the exhuastion was caused by something troubling you," Sweeney said, his tone sharper than he wanted it to be. "I want to know what is troubling you." He added in a more gentle tone. Remmy frowned.

"Nothing." She said quickly.

"Remmy-"

"Nothing's troubling me. I'm fine!" Remmy snapped, turning away so he couldn't see the tears streaming down her cheeks. Sweeney stared at her back for a moment before standing abruptly, the chair falling to the ground and making Remmy flinch, and leaving the room without another word.

Remmy looked up as the door slammed, but it was too late. More tears trickled down her cheeks as she sat and stared at the door. Sighing, she laid back down and curled up, wrapping her arms around herself. She was tired. Yawning, she wiped the tears off her face and pulled the blanket closer. Her eyes shut, and she soon fell asleep.

"Do you think she's going to like the present?" Toby asked eagerly, opening the bag to peek at the book he brought for Remmy. Mrs Lovett chuckled.

"I'm sure she'll love it, deary."

"Can I take it to her?"

"Mmm...I suppose, yes."

Toby grinned as he left Mrs Lovett's side to enter Remmy's room. He paused as he saw she was sleeping. Seeing the chair lying by her bed, he walked forwards and picked it up, and then placed the book on the chair. He glanced at Remmy's sleeping form and smiled.

Meanwhile, Mrs Lovett had chosen to visit Sweeney once again. She walked up the stairs to his shop, gently knocking on the door before walking indoors. He was sat in the barber's chair, his head in his hands, and glaring at the wall with a murderous gaze.

"Mr T, are you alright?"

Sweeney turned his glare on Mrs Lovett, and the phrase if looks could kill immediately sprung to her mind. She was thankful they couldn't, for she would definately be in her grave by now.

"What does it look like?" He snapped, his voice thick. It was as if...as if...

"Mr T...are you...crying?" Mrs Lovett asked softly, walking forwards and kneeling by him, gazing at him. There it was...a small tear, trickling down his cheek. He quickly wiped it away and looked down at her with contempt.

"No."

"Mr T, is something wrong?"

Before she could stop herself, Mrs Lovett reached out and touched his arm. His eyes met hers.

"No." He repeated, but his voice was weaker.

"Is it Remmy?"

Sweeney stood up suddenly, storming to the large window. Mrs Lovett stood up, but made no move towards him. Instead, she stood by the chair, her eyes boring into his back.

"Well, is it?"

Sweeney spun around with one swift movement to face her. "A child should trust their parent, shouldn't they?"

"Of course..." Mrs Lovett said, surprised at the turn the conversation had taken. "Why?"

Sweeney didn't answer. Instead, he looked away, his expression resembling one of a lost child. Mrs Lovett frowned sadly and walked forwards, placing her hand on his arm again.

"I'm always here, Mr T," She said softly, a comforting smile on her face. "As long as you need me."

Sweeney looked down at Mrs Lovett's hand on his arm, and then up at her. His lips twitched slightly, as if he was about to smile.

"Thank you, Mrs Lovett." He said softly. Mrs Lovett smiled at him before turning away and leaving. Sweeney watched her, and Remmy's words rolled around his mind.

It's fine to say you love someone, Father, even if you have already lost your true love," She said quietly. "No one is going to judge you for it."

Yep, that's right everyone, ever so slight Sweenett! Please review and tell me what you think!