A/N Mrs. Lovett and Johanna seem a bit.. moody in this chapter (at least, that's sorta what ended up happening) really, they'll become a bit more stable once I get more in control of Johanna's character. I'm still just exploring so, bear with me xD


19

Once the mess was cleaned and perfume put on the carpet and into the air, Johanna was once again left alone with Mrs. Lovett. Only this time she wasn't particularly sure she wanted to be. So instead of talking to the baker she sat by the window and commenced cross-stitching.

Ignoring her host's suddenly wary nature, Mrs. Lovett procured her rolling pin and seated herself in an armchair. Frowning at the blood stains, she gave an absent minded flick at what could have once been someone's skin.

Johanna flinched at the gesture, but continued what she was doing in hope that it was overlooked.

Mrs. Lovett narrowed her eyes at the girl. "Wot kind of mother was you lookin' for dear?" The question granted her the attention of the blonde. Not liking the blank look she was receiving, Mrs. Lovett drew on her well of annoyances and added, quite nastily; "ya don't seem my type." It was difficult for her to keep the sneer on her face, but Mrs. Lovett felt she needed to have a catalyst to get their communication back.

That, or the stress of the day and Mr. T's personality were rubbing of on her.

"I-" Johanna stopped her indignant speech before it even started, though her grip tightened on her sewing. She frowned fiercely at the baker. "I should hope not. Being the type of someone who is quite.. mad.. does not appeal to me." Despite the firm nod she gave at the end of her words, she looked frightened.

The woman with the rolling pin waited.

The blonde burst into tears. "I'm so sorry Mrs. Lovett! It's just, this day has been so strange.. and.." She hiccupped. "And.."

"If you're going to yell, I wont stop you." She smiled softly, all trace of her previous cruelty gone. In truth, Mrs. Lovett was rather comforted by the child's outburst, as it reminded her of her barber.

Johanna's tears fell quickly, then vanished. Though Mrs. Lovett's actions had only been a ploy to get the girl talking, she saw it as more confirmation of her insanity.

A much more comfortable silence befell the room before Johanna took it upon herself to start the conversation over. "You wanted to know what kind of mother I was asking for?" She barely waited for the nod before continuing. "Well.. I actually wanted to ask for my mother.. But I know she has to be dead, or stark mad for leaving me with this.. Man."

Mrs. Lovett's eyes widened in shock at the child's proclamation, nearly dropping her jaw at how close the child's guesses were.

The blonde bit her lip, not seeing the baker's face. "Not that I want to think of my mother as a bad person.. I just wish I could have known her. So," she actually smiled softly. "I asked for someone close to my mother."

Though Johanna was obviously thinking as someone close, as in characteristically wise, Mrs. Lovett came to the very sudden conclusion that somehow the creatures knew that she was, in all physical senses, the closest one to Johanna's mother. Before she went mad of course, though she still did hang around the shop.

The blue eyes turned earnestly to the baker. "I'm just.. I'm just surprised I got you."

"Oh luv," Mrs. Lovett leaned forward despite the several foot gap between their chairs. "I am nothing like your mother."


He was scared out of his wits and every sense told him he was going to die. But a part of Toby was oddly thrilled and incredibly excited about his plummet down. So when the short cry emitted from his throat, he was unsure as if it came from fear, or excitement.

Remembering he was supposed to be slowing down at some point, Toby thrusted his small legs forward, thinking on how Mr. Todd had lowered himself into the chute. Though it did slow him down, it caused him a great deal of pain, and his head nearly started to fall first. In an effort to keep them from occurring her wrenched a muscle in his neck trying to keep straight.

Though it became imprinted in his mind as an eternity, Toby found himself in the bake house in a manner of seconds. In fact, he was in a strong pair of arms.

Though that only lasted a second as well.

Blinking away stars, Toby slowly lifted his head. The walls spun and his heart continued racing with adrenaline. Several of the gin bottles were broken, and his front was wet. Deciding to mourn their loss later, he brought himself to shaky feet.

"Mr. Todd?"

The lack of answer was definitely not encouraging.

"Mr. Todd?" His voice had grown smaller, and it was nearly a croak. Toby's eyes finally forced him to look.

The barber was sprawled on the ground, having been knocked down when Toby came hurtling into his arms. He wasn't moving.


A/N Heh.. nothing good every happens to Mr. T! I had also had a lot of fun planning out the next chapter.. y'know. The whole, 'omygod' you know my mother? reaction from Johanna.