Hey you guys! Thanks soo much for all the wonderful reviews! :D I hope you like chapter 2!! (oh and if you like I Am Legend go check out my other story, This Is Her Legend.) Oh and so so sorry for not updating in a while, I moved and I just got my computer set up!!
Disclaimer: I own none of the Sweeney Todd characters.
Rated T for language and adult situations.
Chapter 2: There's No Place Like London
Slowly my mind started to turn on as I regained consciousness. My first sense that I received instantly was my hearing and the worst part, is that I could hear nothing at all. I strained my ears as the soft muffled sounds became clearer and louder. There were sounds of far away shouting and indecipherable conversations. The next was the sounds of wheels turning against, on what seemed to sound like, cobbled stones. With the sound of horses prancing against the same stone, it sounded as though an old movie would. I couldn't help but wince at a sudden wail cutting through the air, a woman crying for a shilling.
' Okay, it's an old movie in sorround sound.' I thought bitterly.
Before I even had the strength to open my eyelids to see if my vision had returned, my body decided to remind me of another familiar feeling; pain. Immense and utter pain. A groan grumbled in the back of my throat as I felt my body flame up with intense sharp pains. I couldn't pinpoint any specific area because my whole body seemed to be in some sort of discomfort.
" Look wa' we've got 'ere boys!" A deep voice caught my attention.
There were sounds of heavy footsteps coming near me. Soon I could sense the presence of a group of people, instantly I felt relieved. Knowing that any sensible person would help me or at least send me to the hospital.
" Wha' is she dressed in?" A voice of a young boy sounded.
I couldn't believe it! I'm lying here in pain and these people are discussing my choice of wardrobe? What kind of sick reality did I land myself into? These questions only seemed to cause my head to pound more fiercely. I decided to give up on reason and try to make some communication with these strange people. A weird gurgling sound sputtered from my mouth as I tried my hardest to force my eyelids open.
" Quick she's wakin' up! Get whatever she has an' lets get of 'ere!" The deeper voice announced.
Shock paralyzed me as I felt hands reaching themselves deep into my pockets. They even had the audacity to open my jacket and check my wrists, neck, and ears for any sort of jewelry. I don't even want to relive the horror when they shamelessly checked my front jean pockets. My body's reaction finally kicked in as I suddenly found use of my vocal cords.
" Stop." I yelped pathetically, my voice cracking with pain.
My eyelids finally fluttered open as I found my peering into the face of a dirty man. He gave me a grimace, his yellow disfigured teeth sticking out of his cracked lips.
" Come on boys, she's worthless." He spat, his breath assaulting my face.
The smell of decaying teeth and rotting food hit me full force as the man pulled away. My eyes watered as I blinked away the tears the smell had caused, while the group of men left me. I didn't give myself to process what had just happened as I decided to focus on my surroundings. My eyes instantly looked heavenward into the same gray sky of London. Although it ran like a narrow river between the tops of two black, dirty buildings. I then shifted my vision to the left only to see a stone wall. Quickly I looked to the right only too see a bustling street, full of life and people. Although I realized just how long the pathway was between the buildings to get to civilization; I was alone in an alleyway.
The fear of death from rotting away in an alleyway became a reality as my body went into survival mode. Ignoring the pain that had seared to life once again, I turned to my right. I propped myself up onto my elbow as I forced all of my energy into supporting my upper body. Once I was up I then grimaced while lifting the weight of my heavy head, my next task was focusing my eyes. I peered into the distance while I watched as people in period clothing either strolled by mindlessly or rolled by in carts or wagons pulled by horses.
I took a moment to process the scene, not believing what was in front of me. My pain reminded me that I didn't have the luxury of finding what reality was as I focused on getting myself noticed; trying to find anyone who would help me. I doubt I could have the energy or needs to tend to my wounds in this disgusting place.
" He-elp." My voice cracked.
I quickly cleared my throat, while the people ignored me.
" Help!" I gasped, finally getting to at least my inside-voice.
Few heads turned but as they surveyed me they only scoffed. I couldn't believe it, I know that London isn't the friendliest city but people still care for others who's health is endangered.
" HELP!" I yelled, pushing my voice to its extant.
More people turned their heads but I received the same treatment of the previous crowd. I gasped aloud, frustrated and frightened. When all of the sudden, a blond mop of hair emerged from the crowed. I looked to see a boy, no more than twelve, walking towards me in dirty and torn pants, button down shirt and a hand-me-down waistcoat.
" Miss, are you alright?" His voice squeaked.
" Please, I need-" I stopped, gasping as a sharp pain ran up my spine. " - Need to get to a hospital."
The boy peered at me confusion written all over his face. He then surveyed me as the others did before drawing his own conclusion on what I was trying to say.
" S'ry Miss, but ain't no doctor goin' to even look at you wif' out a lot of money." He answered in a heavy accent, his poor speech evidence of lack of schooling.
Wordlessly I reached into my back pocket, thankful that the bandits didn't think to search there. Before producing a five pound note, the Queen's face staring proudly from the paper. The blond boy looked at me with the same confusion as before before taking it from my shaking fingers. He slowly inspected the money as he rubbed it between his fingers and turned it over, surveying it from every angle possible. He held it back to me with a sad frown.
" That's not gonna do you no good either, miss." He replied softly, while I took the useless currency and tucked it in my coat.
" C-Can you help me get out of here at least?" I sighed hopelessly, using all my strength to keep myself from falling back down to the muddied ground.
" Well I suppose I can at least get you cleaned up, although we'd have to stash you from Mussier Pirelli." He muttered to himself, rubbing a grubby hand at the base of his equally dirtied neck.
I felt all my strength leave me as my arms gave out from underneath my body. Soon I came crashing to the ground as I lay there, wallowing in my hopeless situation. The boy peered at my with sad brown eyes for a moment before he seemed to make a decision.
" Come on Miss."
I looked up to see the boy gingerly gripping my left arm, helping me into a sitting position. Once I was upright he swung my arm around his neck as I used all my energy to stand up. After only a moment of standing I felt my knees starting to shake as I leaned on the boy below me. I heard a grunt of discomfort as he took the bulk of my weight, sending a wave of guilt through me.
" Sorry," I whispered.
" I's alright." He mumbled, now taking on the task of helping me to walk.
" Thanks for helping me..." I trailed off, waiting for a name.
" It's Tobby, miss." He answered as we finally stepped out onto the London streets. " And you?"
I was momentarily distracted from the question as my senses were bombarded with the busy street. The sound of carts rolling by thundered in my ears, while I tried to block out the people's constant chatter. I looked ahead of me at the uneven, rough brick pavement, grimacing. Although my grimace was nothing compared to the looks of confusion and shock of those that stood around me. I followed their line of vision to see them staring at my attire, my jeans especially. I suppose I did stick out like a sore thumb from the refined petticoat-ed women.
Although Toby did not seem to pay any mind to it as he helped me hobble down cobbled stone. I walked along using my good foot as I tried to ignore the random spams of pain that my body supplied. Only after a cough from the young boy beside me, I realized that he was awaiting an answer.
" Penelope." I spat out after another tremor of pain shot up my back. " Penelope Rossen."
I couldn't sworn I heard a giggle from under the mop of blond hair.
" Call me 'Nele if you'd like." I quickly defended.
" Yes miss." He answered, trudging along.
The sun was already starting to set by the time Toby had reached our destination. I looked as we stopped on a dark, dirtied street which had a faint smell of urine and stale alcohol. I looked around the dodgy neighborhood wearily, unconsciously pulling Toby closer to me. The boy sent me an amused smile although let me retain my hold on him.
" Mussier Pirelli stays in the pub for the nights." Toby informed me, pointing to a small tavern across the way.
I didn't have to guess why as sounds of shouting, laughter and music spilled out into the street. The smell hit me with a wave of nausea as a drunk man stumbled out and collapsed onto the street. One of the many prostitutes leaning against the wall shamelessly stuck her hand in his pant pockets before producing a coin purse. She flipped her blond curls as she swung the coin purse around by its strings, swaying her hips as she sashayed back to her group.
" Looks like we're havin' a dinner tonight, ladies!" She yelled merrily, earning a laugh from her companions.
She then stuck the purse down the front of her dress before replacing her previous spot on the wall. My eyes widen in shock, watching another girl dressed in the same provocative manner with dark hair twisted into a messy bun and blue eyes approached the blond. She then started whispering into her ear as she trailed her hand down the front of the blonde's dress. The blond started to giggle at whatever was being whispered while the other slowly removed the coin purse.
" We can't be staying there!?" I questioned, drawing Toby's attention away from the scene.
" If only we were so lucky Miss 'Nele." He answered, before his eyes took a far away look. " A warm fire, a nice bed, clean clothes."
His statement did not give me any comfort.
" Then where are we staying?" I questioned wearily, my body begging for rest.
Toby pointed to what looked like a wagon, stationed near an unoccupied allyway. He wordlessly started walking as I trudged along with him, somewhat relieved that we didn't have to go into the tavern. We finally approached the wagon, as I observed the painting on the sides. Meant to advertise some sort of barber and his 'miracle elixir.'
" This is Mussier Pirelli's stage for when he does business in the town square by the market. It folds out into a stage you see, if you lift that lever just there. Although since he says that he can't afford to get me a room, I usually sleep here for the night." Toby explained.
" Mhmmm." I replied tiredly, rubbing my eyes.
Toby removed my arm from him as he set me down against the back of the wagon. He sent me a quick smile as he climbed up the ledge and peeked through one of the flaps.
" All clear!" He said happily, rolling the flap up completely.
' All clear? What does that mean?" I questioned myself, trying to find a logical answer.
" Sometimes we'll get a beggar or two trying to stash 'ere for the night." Toby explained at my perplexed look. " Couldn't have a lady like you thrown in wif one of 'em now, could I?"
I couldn't stop the bitter laugh that tumbled out of my mouth.
" Your sweet kid, but I don't feel like much of a lady." I answered, observing my dirty appearance.
Toby's eyebrows furrowed as he wordlessly pulled me up into the wagon. After a few grunts of pain I was finally in the wooden contraption as I fell down on a pile of musty blankets. Toby then got out a small lantern as it provided a small amount of light and heat from the cold night.
" Well you look like a lady to me, miss." Toby continued, his voice growing more confident with each word. " And I ain't no kid either, I'll be a full grown man in a few years!"
" Of course." I replied, using quite a bit of energy to not smile.
" Besides, once I save enough money, I'm outta 'ere." Toby started while scuffling around the wagon and getting out a basin of water and a wash cloth. " I figure I'd get out of town, you know, go somewhere nice and quite. Like the countryside!"
" That sounds good to me." I replied softly, feeling my eyes slide shut.
Before I knew it I had used the blankets as a makeshift bed as I lay down on the uncomfortable surface. Too tired to be picky and in too much pain to move. I felt something cold touch my forehead as I jumped back in surprise, my eyes flying open. I looked into the brown eyes of my companion, while he sent me a troubled smile.
" Just wiping the blood from your forehead." He explained, waving the cloth in front of my face.
" Oh, okay." I mumbled, my eyes begging to close once more.
I fell back into a zombie like state as I felt the washcloth brush against my skin in slow strokes. Soon I was shivering as the cold seemed to seep into my stiff muscles. My teeth started to chatter before I felt something drape itself over my body. I pried my eyes open only to see my little host covering me with a blanket.
" Thanks." I whispered, my eyes sliding shut once last time.
I pulled the blanket closer to me, wondering if Toby had a blanket to cover up with for the cold night. Although this was my last conscious thought for in all honesty, I was much to tired and selfish to care.
" Welcome, night Miss 'Nele."
Okay I know this chapter was really boring but I usually need a boring one before my really good chapters! And I know I promised to have Mrs. Lovett in this chapter but it just didn't work out the way but I promise she will make her entrance in the next chapter or the Fourth! Anywho Leave a review, they usually speed up the writing process!!
Browneyedreamer