Disclaimer: do I have to repeat this every time I write something down? No, I don't own bloody Sweeney Todd!!
Thanks to… my readers and reviewers, you guys know who you are! (Sorry, don't have time to mention you by name this time)
Joy was outside, sweeping the courtyard and getting ready for their grand opening in a few days. Toby was out helping her by moving large tables and chairs onto the pavilion. He was humming a little ditty that Joy vaguely recognized, but could not put her finger on what it was.
"Joy, I'm making up a song to attract customers; what do you think of this?" Toby stopped his work and faced her, "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention puh-lease??!" he stopped abruptly.
"Don't stop, keep going! That was good!" Joy signed.
"Well, that's all I have so far." Toby sighed.
"Don't worry, you'll figure out something soon, lad." Joy signed quickly.
"You can help!" he said, "Ooh what about this!" Toby exclaimed, "Are your nostrils…aquiver and uh…tingling…as well at that delicate, luscious, ambrosial smell? Yes, they are I can te-" Toby stopped suddenly. Joy smiled; the boy has a way with words. She thought.
"Uh, Joy…" Toby said. Joy continued to sweep, she could not think of any lyrics to give him to help with his song, so she decided not to answer.
"Joy?" Toby asked.
"Shh." She whispered.
"Joy!" he said again.
WHAT?! She thought. She suddenly looked up. There, standing directly in front of her, inappropriately close, was a man. He was tall, with graying hair, handsome, stern, and dressed in a fine coat and an expensive vest and pants.
"Good afternoon, milady." He smiled and took her hand in his and brought it to his lips and kissed it.
"I am Judge Francis James Turpin; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He smiled at her and waited as if wanting a reply. "Hmm, poor girl is just speechless at the sight of me." He said. He turned and looked at Toby, "You, boy, who is this angelic creature?" he asked.
Toby swallowed, "That's Joy Lucia Grey. She's a mute." He said, then, thinking quickly, he added, "And she's also telepathic; she can talk to people through her mind. She told me she doesn't like you." Joy smacked Toby on the head and pushed him aside, "Do not mind him," she mouthed, "He's very protective." She smiled, oblivious to the fact that the judge kept staring at her.
"Charmed." He said, "Joy, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"And you as well," she mouthed. What a charming man. She thought.
Little did she know…