Chapter 7: The Test
Note: I'm not going to go in depth of the test's contents because I suck at writing intelligence contests. Sorry if this chapter isn't the best. Chapter probably won't be that long either.
Sweeney hated being woken by bird chirping in the morning. If he could cut their throats he would. So today would be the day of the boys' test. He sighed, rubbing his temple and yawned. He wasn't sure he could best Mrs Lovett in this type of contest. But while he didn't really feel the need to prove his superiority to her anymore, he felt he needed to at least end this battle in a stalemate.
Once again he had fallen asleep in his chair. His muscles ached from his sleeping position. Meanwhile Mrs Lovett also awoke a little sore. So today me and Sweeney will pit our minds against each other. I need to be careful though. I can't underestimate his intelligence, like he did my strength.
As they were getting ready, Toby was hard at work writing the test. "Where does the sun rise, where does it set." How do you start a fire with sticks, and what is the name of the thing that dangles in the back of your throat." he smiled, satisfied with his work so far. He had hoped this test would be good enough to settle this part of their showdown. He walked into the living room and waited for the combatants to come. Unfortunately Anthony and Johanna had a few things to do and would miss it.
Well it's time they get out here. (Meanwhile with Sweeney.) Sweeney stood in front of his door. He felt nervous about this. He felt if he lost he would never live it down. Sighing, he pushed open the door and headed down.
(Meanwhile with Mrs Lovett.) I know I'm smarter than the barber, So I will win this. (meanwhile in the living room.) "So you both are here?" Toby stated excitedly. "We are ready for your test son," Mrs Lovett answered. Toby nodded and placed the papers on the table.
"Grab your pencils and get started." (Yes I looked it up, certain types of pencils did exist.) They both nodded and sat at the table. "Nervous Mr T?" "Not in the slightest my pet." "Remember, don't look at each other's work and give it to me when you are all done." The boy did have some interesting questions.
Though I wonder why he's asking me how shaving cream works, I obviously know the answer to that. Sweeney wrote the answers as he believed would be the correct. He and Lovett seemed to be going at an even pace. How do you figure out if you're sleepy, really Toby, Lovett thought. Toby looked between them, seeing the concentration on their faces. He could tell they were both almost finished.
They both exchanged looks as they finished the last of their test at the same time. Toby took both papers and sat in front of them. "I wonder who did better?" Sweeney asked. "I think we already know," Lovett answered smugly. "I think you'll be quite surprised, my pet." "You both got them all right."
Sweeney and Lovett enchanted glances again. "I guess we are equals," Lovett said. "I guess we are." Toby beamed at them. "I know you are both annoyed with each other. I hope this helps fix things."
"It helps," Lovett answered. Sweeney simply jerked his head. Toby nodded. "We need to open our shops," Sweeney said. For the next several weeks the two rethought their opinions on each other. Maybe we can have an equal partnership.
Note: I know that wasn't a long chapter. I feel like they are getting worse in quality as I write them. Lol. Anyway next week will be the epilogue. Will Sweeney be able to forgive Lovett about Lucy completely. I hope you don't mind them being completely evenly matched