Sorry about the hiatus folks...I currently am recovering from the oh-so-lovely flu. Gotta love making best friends with 'Brother John' (if you know what I mean). So this may not be too good considering my lack of energy and awareness. So please just be aware of that and enjoy. Oh yes and pay close attention to foreshadowing. There is alot in regards to the real "Sweeney Todd" which will lead to the surprise ending. Okay enough of me rambling on...here's Chapter Nine.. P.S. The play "Anywhere's Better Than Here" was strummed from the very fabrics of imagination. There is no such thing. I figured that I'd mention that:)
Ben and Nellie go out for a night at the theater seeing a play called "Anywhere's Better Than Here".
Nellie and Ben walked out of the theater laughing and discussing the play. Their hands are linked once again and both are laughing uncontrollably.
"What about when Jonathan Cromby slipped on the banana peel?" Ben asked.
"I KNOW, that's one thing people really have to look out for." Nellie said.
"So did you like it overall?" Ben asked.
"Of course, it was the best play ever. Of course, I haven't seen many plays. They were always a kind of luxury that my family couldn't't afford. I mean I did see two plays prior to this one, but it's very rare for me." Nellie said.
"Glad I could do that for you." Ben said.
"I really appreciate it. I honestly had a wonderful time." Nellie said.
"So did I, but who says we have to end it now?" Ben asked.
"That's true. I'm sure it would be really strange sleeping at your barber shop all by yourself." Nellie said.
"Sure will, I have NEVER slept there alone. I always either had my father or Lucy." Ben said.
"And..I was thinking it would be very strange sleeping in my place alone since father is staying at the hospital with mother." Nellie said.
"Why don't you come to the barber shop? If you don't want to for the whole night then how about just a little while. I really like your company." Ben said.
"I suppose I can stay for a little while." Nellie said.
"Great, plus you never know who will be lurking in the shadows." Ben said.
"Very true." Nellie answered.
"So what'd you put in his pie this time?" Ben asked.
"Oh nothing, just a couple dead earthworms chopped up really good." Nellie answered with a giggle.
"Mmm, sounds good there Nell." Ben commented with a chuckle.
"I'm sure it was. Did he make any bad faces? I did not get to see his reaction." Nellie asked.
"No, he just continued eating it and mocking me." Ben answered.
"He makes me sick." Nellie said with a scowl.
"I don't blame you, luv. The way he even looks at you is revolting." Ben said.
"Yes, I try to wear my less showy dresses to work." Nellie said.
"Great, because you should save em for when we go out." Ben smiled giving her hand a squeeze.
"Ben, isn't your wife going to be mad? I'd hate for you to get in trouble because of me." Nellie said.
"Nellie, as of now Lucy isn't my wife." Ben answered.
"That's alittle harsh, don't ya think?" Nellie asked.
"I don't understand you sometimes Nell, didn't you always want a relationship with me? Didn't you dream of me kissing you?" Ben asked.
"Yes." Nellie answered softly.
"Lucy is making me chose between her and shaving. Thats not love, Nellie. I've been realizing it more and more. If you don't want a relationship, then we don't have to have one." Ben said.
"Its not that, I do..I have always wanted a relationship with you. I just don't want to be a back up girl in order to make Lucy jealous." Nellie whispered.
"She won't have to know. We can keep this relationship secret if you want." Ben whispered.
"Alright then." Nellie answered.
"Now lets get into my shop. The night is getting cold." Ben said.
"It certainly is." Nellie answered sighing gently.
Once at the shop, Ben allowed Nellie to change into a nightgown which was conveniently hung in the wardrobe. After she changed, the couple relaxed on the bed and talked once again about anything.
"If you could shave anyone in the world, who would it be?" Nellie asked.
"Abe Lincoln." Ben answered.
"Why Abe Lincoln?" Nellie asked.
"Because I've always wondered what he'd look like without a beard." Ben said.
"But he's American...why would you ever chose an American president?" Nellie asked.
"You said anyone in the world and I meant it. Okay my turn, favorite food in the whole wide world?" Ben asked.
"Christmas pudding. I look forward to it every year." Nellie said.
"Good answer, I also like the Christmas goose." Ben added.
"Oh yes, Christmas is absolute best time of the year." Nellie said.
"Does all of your family come to your flat or is it just your intermediate family?" Ben asked.
"Just me, my mum, my father, and my grandparents when they were alive." Nellie answered.
"Did you have any other boyfriends?" Ben asked.
"Not really, I mean when I was really really young I had a friend named Pete, but it really wasn't anything serious. Don't forget, I never was able to go to school." Nellie said.
"So I would be your first serious one?" Ben asked.
"Hehe, yeah." Nellie said with an embarressed giggle.
"That's actually really cute. I'm flattered." Ben said.
"But please don't rush it." Nellie said.
"Hush love, I won't." Ben said.
"Plus I've always had a fondess for you." Nellie said propping her head up on her elbow and smiled at him.
"Well who wouldn't." Ben teased.
"Don't be an ass." Nellie teased hitting him gently and giggling
"You seem to be enjoying it, Miss Sunner." Ben said touching her face gently.
"You should remain proper in the presence of a lady. I'm not made of glass, you know, you can be rougher with me. I won't break in half." she whisphered.
"I know." Ben said kissing her slowly and gently. "I want to savor the moment, that's all."
They fell asleep shortly after enjoying each other's presence. Nellie kept convincing herself that this was all just a wonderful dream. Why would Benjamin Barker fight with his wife and turn around and start dating her? It seemed like a very good dream that would soon end. She would never replace his love for Lucy. Or could she?
The next morning, Nellie woke up still thinking that it was a dream until she looked over and saw Ben sleeping next to her. He looked so peaceful and let out a few gentle snores making her giggle quietly.
"Boo" he yelled knocking her off guard.
"Ahhh, what the hell was that for?" she yelled hesitating and smacked him lightly in the arm.
"Oww, I'm sorry I couldn't't resist." Ben said.
"Git." she muttered crossing her arms over her chest and turning her back to him.
"I'm really sorry, I didn't know I'd scare you so much." Ben said.
"Am I really in your flat, Ben?" Nellie asked turning to him.
"Yes. Neither of us wanted to sleep alone remember?" Ben asked.
"Nothing happened right?" Nellie asked.
"Nothing happened, we just talked alittle, had hot sex for most of the night, and you passed out from exhaustion." Ben said.
"We did WHAT?" Nellie asked.
"I'm just kidding Nell, we just talked and went to bed." Ben said.
"Oh, well then." Nellie said sitting up. "I thought this was all a dream."
"Obviously it's not." Ben answered.
"What are your thoughts now, Ben? Do you regret arguing with Lucy? You don't have to answer, I was just curious." Nellie asked.
"I feel alittle bad, but then I thought about other things...like the play we saw and you." Ben answered.
"What about me?" Nellie asked with a smile.
"That you deserve far better than this. I was sad to hear that you haven't seen many plays or haven't gone to school." Ben said.
"That's always been the way I lived. Plus there are far more valuable things than money and ability to go to school. Father says that bad things such as poverty is a way to build character." Nellie said.
"Oh you certainly have character. You are a character. That's what I like bout you Nell." Ben said.
"You enjoy flattering me, don't you Ben?" Nellie asked.
"Are you enjoying it Nellie?" Ben asked.
"Absolutely." Nellie answered.
"Promise?" Ben asked.
"Yes." Nellie said smiling sweetly.
"Prove it." Ben said making Nellie pull him to her roughly and kiss him tenderly.
"Enough proof for you?" Nellie asked locking eyes with him.
"Ehhhh...no." Ben said kissing her again sinking his fingers into her brick red hair. "Guess that's good enough for now."
"I should be getting to the shop, I'm not sure when father will be coming, but I'd hate for him to find me gone and to start worrying." Nellie said.
"It's fine..here I'll let you change." Ben said getting out of bed.
"Thank you Ben, you are very good to me." she whisphered with a pretty smile and watched him go downstairs.
A couple minutes later, Nellie came down the stairs wearing her fancy from the night before. Ben was sitting comfortably in his barber chair playing with one of his razors.
"How many of those razors do you have?" Nellie asked.
"Six of them...they're my most precious possessions. I love these things." Ben said placing the razor in the box with the other five and getting up.
"I can tell. Are you going to come to the pie shop later today?" Nellie asked.
"I sure will for that delicious peach pie. Maybe I'll have three." Ben said.
"Three that's an awful lot." Nellie said with a giggle.
"It will give me a good reason to stay there." Ben said winking at her.
"Great, then I'll be seeing you." Nellie said.
"Absolutely." Ben said. "Take care of yourself until then."
"I will." Nellie said.
"Promise?" Ben asked making Nellie smirk and kiss him as emotionally as she could leaving him breathless.
"Yes...I'll see you." Nellie said and left.
Nellie hurried back to her flat in which she wanted to eat and change out of her rather fancy dress. She was so happy and gitty that literally nothing could bring her down. That is until her father came in minites later. He was weary eyed and had a look of concern on his face as he sat down at the table.
"Nellie, I have so bad news for you." Charlie said.
"Is it mother?" Nellie asked.
"She's not doing well, pet. The doc says she may not last through the night." Charlie said.
"But what's wrong with her? He said she was doing better." Nellie said feeling tears rush to her eyes.
"I know pet, her condition is just too strong for her. I've asked Mr. Jerome Moony to take over the pie shop for us today. I'm sure you'd rather be with your mother. She asked to see you." Charlie said.
"Alright then father." Nellie said solemnly. "Allow me to finish up and we can go to the hospital soon if you like."
"Alright." Charlie said.
Few minites after, Charlie and Nellie walked the few blocks to the hospital. It was drizzling, grey clouds over-casted the sky adding an even more ominous feeling. The doctor greeted the Sunner's and led them to Margaret's bed. Her face was very pale and damped with perspiration. Her eyes were closed yet one could tell that she was not at peace. Her dark tangled hair looked limp and knotted against the pillow. The sight of her made tears fill Charlie and Nellie's eyes. This was certainly not the mother/wife that they had known and it broke their hearts seeing her in this condition. She opened her eyes slightly.
"Hi Margaret." Charlie said softly smoothing her hair.
"Charlie, is that you?" Margaret asked reaching out to him.
Yes my darling, I'm right here." Charlie said.
"So am I, mother." Nellie said.
"Danielle, my baby, come here." Margaret said weakly.
"Yes, I'm here, mum." Nellie said.
"My little girl, my beautiful little girl. I'm sorry for giving you a hard time all these years. You're doing a wonderful job with the pie shop. Look at you, growing more and more beautiful with age. You'll make something of yourself, you hear? Don't let anyone tell you otherwise okay? I'm very proud of you my sweet." Margaret said touching her daughter's face.
"Mum, you're going to get better. You're going to be there when I make something of myself." Nellie said starting to cry. This was the first time that her mother ever said such kind words.
"No, it's my time now. You marry a handsome man and bare me beautiful grandchildren. I want them to have red hair like you." Margaret said.
"Mum please...you can't go. You simply can't. You have to remain strong!" Nellie cried even harder.
"Shh, hush, it'll be alright." Margaret whisphered. "Now let me talk to your father."
"Okay." Nellie said said wiping the tears from her eyes and allowing her mother and father to talk in private.
Within the next hour, Margaret Sunner had died due to tuberculosis. Charlie Sunner was in complete shock and despair and retreated to his room for a long period of time. Nellie watched over him and cared for him while he was in such a state. She vowed to her mother that she'd take full responsibility of the pie shop. It was after all one her mother's prized possessions and thus was passed onto her. That night, Nellie went to her father's room and brought a tray with tea and toast.
"Father? Thought you'd like some tea." Nellie said quietly. Charlie turned to her and looked at her with his red, tear stained face.
"She's really gone isn't she Nellie?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, father, but she's in a much better place now. She's no longer suffering." Nellie said in a hushed voice.
"She didn't have to go through that." Charlie said.
"I know father, no one deserves to suffer." Nellie said.
"Do you think I was a good husband to her?" Charlie asked.
"Thats a tad ridiculous, dont you think? Of course, you were a good husband to her. You were brilliant! I couldn't imagine a better pair." Nellie said.
"You're right, she may have seemed cold toward you and it may not have seemed like it, but she was so proud of you." Charlie said.
"I know that now father. Besides any good mother would be strict with their daughters especially when they love them." Nellie said.
"Right pet." Charlie said.
"Enjoy your tea father, I'm retreating to bed. Is there anything else I can get for you?" Nellie asked.
"No, it's quite alright. Night love." Charlie said.
"Goodnight father." Nellie said with a warm smile and left.
Sorry I had to end this on sort of a sad note. Hey, Benjamen isn't the only figure in Nellie's life, after all she is 18. While reading this over, I must say I really like the overall characterization of Charlie Sunner. I have a picture of him in my head and its working out rather swimmingly. Like I mentioned earlier, my mind is alittle altered by sickness and lack of energy so some of this may not be interesting or make sense. And I apologize once again. Yesterday was even worse..trust me:( Anyways..preview for next chapter: What happens when Lucy finds out about Nellie/Ben's secret..well -not so secret relationship? What happens when Turpin finds something suspicious in his pie? How will Albert Lovett get involved in all this? Stay tuned.