Hey Guys! it's been a long time again. Sorry.
Thank you to those people who reviewed last chapter. I'll give you meat pies for that! ;)
Anyways, this is a very long chapter and I'm nervous that you might find it find it very boring to read. but please, be patient and do read this. Me and my friend Queene, worked hard for this.
So here it is, chapter 15. Enjoy!
Mrs. Lovett goes out of her shop, unnoticed by the couple. It seems that they have forgotten that they are in her property, and that she is still there- choosing the moment to reconcile. So, giving them the privacy, at one of their intimate moments, she takes the liberty of leaving them. Besides, she cannot bear to hear Benjamin professing his undying love for Lucy.
Her feet have taken her to the park, where she usually goes whenever she feels lonely. She is currently sitting under the willow tree where she and Ben carved their names at. It is a wrong idea to stay there, really. It only reminds her of Ben- who, while on her way to the park, she promises to forget. But of course, it's easier said than done- especially when everything reminds her of him.
Sighing, she leans back on the tree, titling her head up and closing her eyes. She recounts the events that unfolded a while ago. Everything happened so fast. One minute she and Ben are having a good time- and the next, Lucy is already attacking her with her lewd comments. But at least, somehow, she is able to defend herself- even though it only worsens the situation.
She cannot just let Lucy treat her like that- though she admits that she's wrong for having an 'affair' with her husband. But, Mrs. Barker should have, at least, listened to her explanation first. In that way, she will know why she hid her husband from her. Also, maybe she can convince her that they are not doing anything wrong, that they are just really making pies.
The baker sighs dejectedly. Who is she kidding? As naïve as Lucy is, she knows that- albeit given the chance to explain- she will still not believe her. Well, who will, actually? The proof is already right in front of the poor Mrs. Barker: the landlady and the husband in their after sex look.
She is thankful that Lucy has been mellow and controlled. If she is the one to catch her spouse with another woman- considering if the husband is Benjamin- well, then definitely, the woman will not live to see another day. There will be no confrontations, only instant murder. She does not care if she gets thrown to jail or get hanged, what matters most is that she is able to kill the bitch. And no, she is not exaggerating.
The baker smiles to herself; it is funny how she says that she will kill whoever woman decides to take Ben away from her- given that if he is her husband- and yet, here she is, destroying his perfectly happy marriage with his beautiful wife. Oh, how hypocrite she is.
But, did she really destroy them? Is it really her fault? If she can remember correctly, she is the one who keeps on reminding Ben about his wife whenever they are tempted to do something… not right. And it is he who always initiates the first move. She really tried her best- swear to the heavens above- to resist him. But when fate is favoring her at last, she only seized the moment. What can she do? You cannot blame a woman in love, right?
"What!? A Mistake!? Don't give me that reason, Ben! You chose this- this is not some stupid mistake. You wanted this. Now, I'll ask you once again, Why Ben? Why?"
Benjamin sighs in defeat. Ever since they went up to their apartment and Lucy has 'calmed' down, they have been talking and fighting nonstop. He already knows the routine now- his wife will scream at him in rage and then later will breakdown and cry. She has also been asking the same question over and over. This has been repeating like a cycle, and honestly, he's getting tired of it.
He stands up from his barber chair, going over his wife who is standing by the window.
"Lucy…" he calls her. He lays his arm on her shoulder, causing her to face him. He takes a hold of her hand, squeezing it lightly- pleading. "Please, Love, believe me. I told you already- Me and Nell- Mrs. Lovett, are just friends. What happened between us was really a… big mistake. I didn't choose this, because if I did, then I wouldn't be here telling you how sorry I am. And I am not making any excuses for what I did- because I know that there's no valid reason to justify my actions."
His arms drop, head bowing down in shame. "And why? I'll repeat it again- simply because I was- am- stupid."
Lucy turns her back to him, leaning her head on the windowpane. A single runs down her cheek, and she does nothing to wipe it away. "But Ben… I- how- I don't know. It's- you cannot just do that and say that it was a mistake. You wanted it- at least a part of you wanted it- because if not… then you wouldn't have done it."
"No. I-uh…" Ben tries to explain, but he cannot think of something to say to her. He is able to convince himself that what happened between him and Mrs. Lovett is a mistake and that he did not like it, but if only he is honest with himself, he will know that he does.
Lucy looks at him, sadness filling her eyes. Shaking her head, she walks away, heading to their bedroom. He does not do anything to follow her. He guesses that it will be better to leave her alone for a while. He knows that she needs time to think, and she can only do that if he's not in the same room with her; seeing him will only anger her. He'll just take this opportunity to try to rest, and then later he will check on her.
He sighs tiredly, seating himself down his barber chair. He is immediately flooded by thoughts of Lucy, and how his betrayal on her affects their marriage. He does not know if they will ever go back to normal again, but he is hoping and wishing that someday, she will be able to forgive him- and also, for things to go back to the way they were before.
He clears his mind, not wanting to think of his wife; for it only causes him pain, knowing that she hates him and that she does not trust him anymore. How can she? He messes up big time. This is not just some foolish mistake of forgetting their anniversary, this is serious. He really needs to prove to her that he's really sorry, and he will do whatever it takes just to fix this problem.
He bolts upright in his seat, suddenly remembering something- or rather, someone. Nellie. How could he possibly forget her? He dashes through the door, yanking it open- the sound of the bell echoing loudly around the room. He reaches the threshold when he suddenly stops dead in his tracks. He cannot go downstairs. His wife might come out of the room and look for him; if he's not in there, then she'll only assume that he is downstairs- in Mrs. Lovett's shop. If she finds her assumption correct, then that's another big problem.
As if on cue, the door to the bedroom opens and Lucy's head peek out. She says nothing. Her eyes travel around the room, looking for her husband; when her gaze stops at Ben, she stares at him, raising an eyebrow- as if daring him to commit another one wrong move. It's like she knows what he's about to do. He closes the door, breaking eye contact with his wife, and heads towards the window- ignoring her. In response, she shut the door and locks herself.
Ben leans on the window, his hands behind his back. Later, he promises to himself, he will go downstairs and check on Mrs. Lovett. He will just have to pick the right moment to do so.
The sun has begun to sink towards the horizon when Mrs. Lovett decides to go home. Most of the people that she passes by are now on their way home to their family. The shops around, which open until the evening, are already lighting up their lamps and setting them outside. Ladies, who prefers to work at night, can now be seen on the alleyways.
Then here she is, walking about the streets of London, still not interested in going home. She watches people hurrying to go back to their houses, where someone, who they love- or someone who loves them- is waiting for them. There are probably dinners already served at the table, just for them; little kids who beams up at their mere presence; a loving wife- or husband- who kisses them at their cheek upon arriving, and asking them how their day was.
She is so much unlike them. She has nothing but a pie shop to greet her when she comes home. She only has furniture with her. It's sad; really, the only company she has is these pretty little non-living things, which is not able to talk- if they only can, then she will not complain. The only person that she ever gets to talk to is now- for sure- not allowed to see her, anymore.
It is funny how she is just enjoying being with the love of her life; everyday pretending that they are one real couple. It is a dream that comes true; finally for once she is happy. At last, he has noticed her, and what's better is that his attention is all focused on her. But they are short lived. She has learned the hard way- just today- that, dreams and happiness doesn't last. They are just a phase in your life that quickly passes by, leaving you vulnerable on its wake.
Mrs. Lovett stops walking. She notices that she is now only two blocks away from Fleet Street; she's very near from her house, but she wants nothing but to turn back and spend some time outside. To be honest, going home – for her- is nearly the same as being smothered. The events, the memories, they are all very suffocating.
So, turning around, she begins walking again. Wandering aimlessly through the streets, like a lost soul. Suddenly, an establishment from across the street catches her attention. The building is producing loud music coming from the inside; there is a line outside where many ladies and gentlemen are waiting for their turn to go in. Sounds of laughter can be heard outside, making the building look lively- plus the fact that it is very well lit.
An idea occurs to the baker. Well, a little bit of fun wouldn't hurt, right? Besides, she needs to vent out and release the stress in her mind and in her body. Smiling to herself, she cautiously crosses the street, looking sideways for any sign of carriage that might hit her. When there's none, she continues. Within less than a minute, she is now in front of the building.
The music is even louder when you're near, though it doesn't sound unpleasant- not at all. She goes to the back of the line, all the while smiling at the others. She observes; a big looking man stands at the door, collecting money before you can enter. It is a good thing she thinks, that she has her purse nestled between her ample breasts. Thank gods!
When it's her turn, standing in front of the mean looking guy- who is frowning down at her- she gives him a sweet smile. But, his only response is to extend out his arm and open his palm, clearly asking for the money- that she finds out, some time ago, costs one shilling. Fair enough. The money is already at her hand even before it's her turn so she easily hands him the money. With that, the man nods and lets her in.
Stepping inside, her eyes widen at the sight in front of her. Her mouth hangs open as she scans the room. Everyone, except for those who are seated, is in the middle. They have their partners with them, and they are all dancing to an upbeat tune. The ladies are laughing as their partner spins them round and round- while the men are just happy to see the women enjoying.
Just when she thinks that she'll be able to have fun here. Well, everybody has someone with them and her… alone. She would have loved to dance, since it has been a long time since she is able to do so. Her last dance, she remembers, is in her wedding reception, and clearly, she did not enjoy it. She sighs, going over to the bar. A drink is badly needed.
She takes a seat at the empty stool beside a very drunken man, and on her other side, another empty seat. The bartender walks up to her and asks for her drink, she orders a glass of scotch- quite expensive, but it makes up for the great taste. She knows that should not be drinking because she's pregnant, a little bit of alcohol won't surely harm the babe- and besides, just for today only.
She casually sips the liquor, grimacing as it burns her throat. She turns around from her seat and leans her back on the counter. Now, she has a good view of the dance floor. Maybe later- she think- she will look for a partner and dance with him. There's no sense of going here and not dancing.
After a few glasses of scotch later, Mrs. Lovett can already feel the effects of the alcohol on her. She now starts conversing with the drunken man beside her, though she only receives grunts and groans in reply. She now cannot control herself, wanting to dance so badly. Exactly at the right moment, before she even stands up to find a partner, a very handsome man walks over to the bar, taking a seat beside her.
The baker observes the man for a second- she may be drunk, no, tipsy- but she is still in the right mind to rightly choose a partner. The man looks decent enough for her, though she cannot completely see him, for the reason that she's only sneaking glances on him. And he looks like he is alone, too.
Mustering up the courage to talk to him, she straightens herself and fixes her hair- hoping that she still looks presentable. She faces him, ready to ask him, but the man has beaten her into speaking first.
"Excuse me, Madame. I cannot help but notice that you are alone. Does a beautiful lady like you fancy a dance?" the man says, extending out his arm out expectantly to the baker.
Mrs. Lovett smiles; standing, she places her hand on top of the man's hands. "Why yes, of course, sir. Who might be able to resist a very handsome man like you?"
The two of them walk together towards the dance floor, mingling with the people. They two of them starts dancing, their movements very synchronized. Mrs. Lovett is quite happy that she still has not lost her talent for dancing- and that the man she is with, is surprisingly impressive.
They dance like there's no tomorrow.
It is exactly twelve o' clock, midnight. After Lucy has fallen asleep four hours ago, he immediately takes his chance to visit his friend downstairs. Going in her shop, he calls for her name, but he receives no response. Thinking that she is just mad at him for not turning up sooner, and does not want to talk to him, he looks for her. He knows that he should not be going around her house- invading her privacy- but he really wants to talk to her. Upon inspecting the rooms, he finds out that she's not in.
Now he's here, sitting in middle of the staircase, waiting for her to come home. He does not know where she is or where she could possibly go; he is really worried and he cannot do anything.
Before he even goes mad thinking about her wellbeing, he suddenly hears a familiar laugh. He sighs in relief, for he knows that that laugh can only come from Mrs. Lovett. He stands up and stands by the door of her shop, waiting for her to appear. He puts a smile to his face; Mrs. Lovett is in a good vibe, he thinks, so he will match her mood.
His smile falters as he sees the baker stumbling through the streets, with a man holding her up- clearly, she looks drunk. She and her companion seem to be having a good time. His blood boils when he sees the man boldly reaches for Mrs. Lovett's behind- squeezing it then slapping. What makes him furious is her reaction. Instead of swatting the man away, she giggles and slides her hand down the man's trouser.
When the two reaches him, he notices that the baker is making it a point to ignore him. They are to come inside the shop but he blocks the door, not allowing them entrance.
"Excuse me, Mr. Barker, but we would like to come inside now." Mrs. Lovett says, while she winks at her companion who wiggles his eyebrows up and down suggestively at her, causing the baker to dissolve into fits of giggles.
"No." answers Ben firmly, while he crosses his hands and glares at the man.
Mrs. Lovett's returns his glare "Now, now, Mr. B, I believe it is my house that you're not allowing me entrance to."
Benjamin stands his ground, he does not move. So, it shocked him when suddenly, the baker- rather forcefully- pushes him out of the way, making him stumble to his feet. He is caught off guard, allowing Mrs. Lovett and her companion to easily come inside her house.
Ben follows them inside. He is livid to see Mrs. Lovett sitting at the counter, her legs wrapped around the man who is standing in front of her, hungrily kissing her neck. Within a second, he is already beside the man, his fist connecting to the man's nose, breaking it. The man stumbles to the ground, clutching his bleeding nose.
He looks at the man and smiles to himself as an idea occurs to him. While the man is moaning, still lying on the floor, he straddles his waist. He whips up his razor from his holster and opens it. The man's eyes widen in fear- just as what Ben is hoping for. He brings the razor to the man's neck and leans down to whisper something in his ear.
After making a point the he is understood, he releases the man who immediately runs away. Ben smirks in satisfaction. Tucking his razor away, he looks at the very stunned baker who is still on the counter, and seems to be frozen.
The baker looks at him with horror and anger in her eyes. Not wanting to scare her, he slowly approaches her. "Nellie…"
Mrs. Lovett, to Ben's surprise, hops down the counter and attacks him, all the while shouting. "You bastard! Why did you do that? We was gonna- you stupid man! Let go of me!"
Ben has his arms wrapped around the baker, stopping her from hitting him. He has no idea why she is reacting this way; he merely saves her from a man who wants nothing but to take advantage of her. "Shh… Nellie. It's alright. Calm down, now. Calm down."
Soon, the baker goes limp. She is still muttering something under her breath but he doesn't understand any of it. Thinking that the baker will not be able to look after herself- at this state- he carries her to her bedroom- which he finds out is the last door to the left of the hallway.
He carefully lays her down the bed. He removes her shoes and covers her with the blanket, after. He stares at her, noting how peaceful she looks when she is asleep. He goes over to her and kisses her forehead "Good Night, Nellie."
He turns to leave the room but stops when he hears his name being called. Her voice is so soft, that if not for the silence, he wouldn't have heard it. He looks back, seeing the baker is looking at him through her half-lidded and unfocused eyes. He is about to ask her what he needs when she closes her eyes falling back to sleep.
"I Love You." She mutters, before sleep claims her.
I just wanted to share you a story. Me and my friend asked our mothers about the dangers of drinking alcohol when pregnant, just for this story. I'm too lazy to type what they said (But guys, do not drink alcohol if you're pregnant. It's not good) so, the bottom line is, they are having suspicions that we are pregnant ( which we are not)
Queene and I spent loads of time discussing this chapter. She is nervous on how you guys will react on this chapter. she hopes that you'll like it, and me too XD
Reviews are LOVE :D