Splintered Dreams Chapter 2
by: Sweeneyfan58
I do not on anything, which is a pity because I would be rich.
"And they all lived 'appily ever after." Eleanor Lovett finished the bedtime story and glanced at the lump on the bed. She smiled as she saw Toby with his eyes closed and could hear him snoring slightly. She gently placed the book she had been reading from back to the bookshelf. After that, she made her way back to the sleeping figure and pressed her lips to his forehead. She blew out the candle and quietly exited the bedroom. Once the door had closed, she sighed with relief and went to the kitchen. Today had been a very, very busy day and she was tired of just thinking about the hectic day. Perhaps a nice tub of Gin could fix that. Mrs. Lovett grabbed a small glass from a cabinet and filled it with the burning liquid. After her first sip, Mrs. Lovett realized that throughtout the whole day Mr. Todd hadn't spoken to her. Not even when she had brought him his dinner. "Ungrateful man.", she grumbled before downing another gulp of the clear liquid. Like she had re-called earlier, he wasn't usually this quiet. Something rather important must be crossing his mind. Eleanor rolled her eyes. The only thing that crossed that man's mind was the bloody judge Turpin. It was rather funny in a way, how Mr. Todd was always on her mind, though she was never on his. But, still she was worried. Every other day he would have atleast let out a poor excuse for a 'thank you', when she brought him his breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eleanor placed her empty glass of gin on the counter and made her way to the window, bitting her right thumb nail. Something wasn't right, she knew him enough to realize that. Though sometimes she wondered if she really did know him, or if she was just predicting his actions. It was still raining hard outside, she could see that clearly. She glanced at the stairs outside, wondering what her favorite barber was doing. Better yet, what he was thinking.
"I sense there's something in the wind
That feels like tragedy's at hand
And though I'd like to stand by him
Can't shake this feeling that I have
The worst is just around the bend", Mrs, Lovett sang, as tears started forming in her eyes.
"And does he notice, my feelings for him?
And will he see, how much he means to me?
I think it's not to be", she placed her hand on the cold glass. Feeling vibrations as the raindrops pounded on the window like gunshots.
"What will become of my dear friend?
Where will his actions lead us then?
Although I'd like to join the crowd
In their enthusiastic cloud
Try as I may, it doesn't last
And will we ever, end up together?
No, I think not, it's never to become
For I am not the one", Mrs. Lovett finished as she felt teardrops run down her pale cheek. She wiped them furiously and stomped to her bedroom. Stupid barber. Stupid, oblivious, heartbreaking barber. She changed into her nightgown and slammed herself onto her bed. She layed there, waiting for sleep to claim her, but odd enough, sleep didn't come. It took her a while before she realized why she couldn't sleep. The room was silent. No pacing sounds were being emmited from above. Mrs. Lovett bit her bottom lip, nervously. Why wasn't he pacing? She shook her head, and shut her eyes. She wasn't going to care whether he walked or not. If he did not care about her, then she was sure as hell she was not going to care about him. What seemed like an eternity later, Mrs. Lovett was able to close her eyes, and slip into unconsciousness.
Mr. Todd sat in the dark, staring at the rain. He could not register what was wrong with him. He felt, odd. It wasn't that he was sick or anything. He knew that for sure. But, he felt a strange prickling on his person. He just couldn't put his finger on to what the strange feeling was. All day he had not socialized with anybody, but then again he was anti-social so that did not come to a surprise. He closed his eyes, and gave an exhasperated sigh. How he wished he could make it all go away! But that was the problem, he couldn't. It was all his life now, no matter what he felt. He was forced to endure the helish memories of his former self. He sighed once more, rubbing his eyes with frustration. He had to avenge his Lucy, even if he gave up his life doing so. Perhaps the memories would go away by then, and he could enjoy what little of a life he had left. A flash of yellow hair made its way into his mind. Sweeney Todd suddenly felt guilty. How could he ever want to forget his pure, beautiful, virtuous wife? He closed his eyes again, and imagined her silky, yellow hair. Oh how he wished he could touch a strand of her golden locks. He opened his eyes and took a glance at the window once more, realizing that the rain was pounding harder than it had a few minutes ago. Or was it hours? Sweeney couldn't tell. Thinking was beginning to become an addiction; once he begun, he couldn't stop. But what else was there to do? Until both the Beadle, and the god for saking judge were to come, thinking was the only thing he could do. Mr. Todd's eyes suddenly felt heavy, and he didn't realize he drifted off to sleep. Once again plagued by the abhorrent nightmares that he was used to.
Mrs. Lovett woke up and did her usual routine that she did every morning after waking up. She headed to the kitchen and noticed thar her energetic, adopted son wasn't there. It dawned on her as she realized what day it was. It was Sunday, meaning 'day off'. Toby was still asleep, enjoying his time off. Mrs. Lovett shook her head at her ignorance and decided to make breakfast for Sweeney. Once finished with putting up together nice, hot porridge, she headed outside. To her relief, the rain had stopped. She smiled as she made her way up the steep stairs. In what seemed like a milisecond, her foot slipped on a drenched step. She held her breath as she quickly balanced herself, as if her breathing would send her crashing down any minute. Once she was sure she wouldn't fall straight on her face, she decided a few, deep breaths would calm her pounding heart. It was a wonder how the oatmeal hadn't fallen from her grasp. 15 breaths later, Eleanor continued her way upstairs, her hands still trembling. She clutched the doorknob and turned it slightly, being greeted with a peculiar sight. It seemed Mr. Todd had not made it to his bed last night. She made her way to the figure sitting on a chair, clearly sleeping. Mrs. Lovett debated whether or not to wake him. On one hand, if she woke him up he would be cranky, while on the other hand if she didn't wake him up he would be mad at her for allowing him to sleep in a very uncomfortable position. Mrs. Lovett decided she would rather him being frustated with her for a minute or so, then have him glaring at her, blaming her for his aching body the whole bloody' day. Eleanor made her way to Mr. Todd, and frowned at the sight of him. His face held a scowl, much like when he was awake
. "Mr. Todd? Mista' T wake up or you'll feel like bloody' 'ell later.", she said as she shook his shoulder gently. "Mista' Todd?", when the words left her mouth, Sweeney Todd's eyes fluddered open.
He looked around, a bit dazed. Then a look of understanding made its way to his handsome face, as he remembered where he was. And just like Mrs. Lovett had predicted, he glared at her, clearly disturbed from being woken up.
"To what honor do I owe this pleasant visit", he said. Sarcasm apparent in his words. Mrs. Lovett grimaced at the tone of his voice. Leave it to Sweeney Todd to make you feel welcomed. Well, atleast he was not giving her the silent treatment anymore. Mrs. Lovett forced a smile, and signaled at the bowl of porridge that she was still holding.
"Brought ya breakfast, dearie", she answered politely. As if he just hadn't snapped at her. He stared at the warm grout and eyed it wearily.
He nodded, and she set the bowl down on a nearby table. Mr. Todd glanced back out the window, expecting Mrs. Lovett to leave. When he didn't hear retreating footsteps he wondered why she wasn't leaving. Through the corner of his eye he saw her standing there. He finally glanced at her, with one of his eyebrows raised. "Yes?', he asked in a voice that seemed bored. Eleanor opened her mouth then closed it, then opened her mouth again. Obviously wanting to ask him something. It took all of his inner strenght not to get up, walk up to her, and shake her until she said what she needed to say. Mr. Todd as not a patient man. Sweeney griped the arm rest to control his inner turmoil. Eleanor Lovett finally took a breath and said in a caring voice, "Mr. Todd, I've noticed you've been awful quiet lately. Is something botherin' ya, love?". Mr. Todd simply stared her in a disbelieving manner. Was something bothering him? His life had been ruined by a poor excuse for justice, his wife was lying in ashes and his daughter was the ward of the man that sent him to Australia on a false charge. Why on Earth would he be bothered by that? He gave her a frigthening smile that sent shivers down her spine.
"Why Mrs. Lovett, whatever gave you the idea that something was bothering me? I'd say my life is quite slendid, what with my family being torn and all.", he answered with a sneer. Mrs. Lovett's eyes resemled saucers. She obviously wasn't expecting that answer. "Mr. Todd, I didn't mean it as an' insult. I was only concerned for your well bein' thas' all.", she said sternly. Hoping that he took that as an apology. Unfortunetely for her, he did not. "I was able to fend for myself for fifteen years without your help, Mrs. Lovett. I think I'm capable on living on my own without your concern.", he said coldly. All the pent up feelings he had kept in the last couple of days suddenly came out. He was taking his anger out on her, and he couldn't help it. He knew she meant well, but the question she had asked him earlier was enough to put him on edge. Eleanor bit her inner cheek, trying hard not to sob. She was not going to give him the pleasure of seeing her cry. She would rather bake herself into one of her own pies than let him see her in such a weak manner. After she was sure that no tears would escape her eyes, she lifted her gaze, that had been set to the floor, at the man that sat infront of her. She narrowed her eyes at him and said in a voice cold as a block of ice, "Well, Mr. Todd, if you really don't appreciate wot' I do for ya, than why do you stay? Surely you could go somewhere else'. Somewhere where there isn't a nuisance that cares for you?", Eleanor said as she crossed her arms infront of her chest. As much as she loved the man infront of her, she was not going to take this. Mr. Todd stood up from his chair, and looked more menacing than when he was sitting. He walked right next to her and lowered his head to her ear and whispered, "You know, I ask myself that question every day. Why do I put up with you?", he said, making Mrs. Lovett's heart beat into her rib cage."I do it for my Lucy", he continued in a harsh whisper. "If it was not for her, I would have sliced your throat the second you recognized me." Mrs. Eleanor Lovett felt a sharp pain in her heart. How could such words, cause her so much pain? On the other hand, Mr. Todd was on the verge of strangeling her. How dare she talk back to him. Did she not realize he could kill her in a heartbeat. What Mrs. Lovett did next though, really surprised him. She pushed him away gently(he was expecting a hard shove)and made her way to the door. She sighed and looked at the floor. "You know I would do anything for you, right love?", she asked him, still looking down at the wooden floor. He didn't answer her. She shook her head and exited the the room. Mrs. Lovett's vision was becoming blurry with tears as she made her way downstairs. What he had said had surely hurt her more than she had expected it to. She felt both used and betrayed. But then again, why should she feel betrayed if she knew he still cared for his mad wife. The stairs were still soaked, and as Mrs. Lovett made her way downstairs, she slipped and fell down all the way.
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