Thorns And Roses

Chapter Thirty-Three

When Sweeney awoke, he automatically turned on his side and was disappointed to feel an empty cold mattress upon his open arm. He cracked one eye open and stared at the empty spot that Nellie usually occupied. His head raised and concern turned to disappointment when he remembered everything that had transpired these last few days between them. He could have almost dismissed those nights sleeping on the streets and Nellie hating him as a dream, but it was very real.

He sat up and was surprised to see that the baker actually had not left the bed but was sat further down a few feet away from him, a thin robe thrown over her shoulders and her knees up to her chest. He could see from his position on the bed that she was staring at the wall and had a sullen expression on her tired face.

"Nellie..." He said softly, reaching a hand to gently put it upon her shoulder.

He saw her flinch slightly and her head drop to look at his hand, but she did not say anything. Sweeney sighed and removed his hand, knowing perfectly well why her mood was so low.

"I know." He admitted "I'm sorry..."

She didn't respond for the longest time and the frosty silence that had followed them for the past few days had returned stronger and colder than ever.

"It was a moment of weakness." She said quietly. "I should never 'ave... I..." Her throat constricted with emotion and Sweeney was hit by how much damage he was truly inflicting. No matter how much he could try to rectify his mistake and work his way back into her heart, she would never truly forgive him.

Sweeney sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his hair he exhaled deeply. "I know you still want me to leave, I will. But I have to return to my shop eventually... I'll run out of money and..." Sweeney trailed off feeling silly. He didn't give a rat's arse about his shop or money anymore, he just wanted to be near her and apologize over and over again until his last breath.

"I'll think about it. " Was all she said.

Sweeney closed his eyes in fatigue. That was all he was going to get for now and he would have to accept it.

"I need to get dressed and ready, Edith is coming over soon - says she wants to take me out shopping for the lil one." She told him after some time.

Sweeney blinked; he didn't know how close the two ladies were. He supposed he shouldn't have been too surprised. The whole family were a bunch of rich misfits who actually had hearts of gold. It seemed both of them had a family member each for a shoulder to cry on.

"She doesn't strike me as someone who would enjoy shopping for a baby." said Sweeney, attempting to make some casual conversation.

"She's not...but I think she secretly wants children one day. She just doesn't want ta marry anyone she doesn't love." Nellie slid off the bed and wrapped her robe tighter around her as she headed for the door, eager to cut the conversation short "I'm gonna start breakfast."

Sweeney could barely get a word in before she was out the door. He stood and began searching for his clothes, ignoring the gnawing pit of loneliness in his stomach.

When he entered the shop, he found Nellie pouring Toby tea in one of the booths. The lad had his head resting on his palm and still looked half asleep when he saw the barber and waved.

"Mornin' Mista T." He smiled, then frowned "I didn't know ya were havin' breakfast with us."

"Mista T was just headin' off, love." Nellie said coolly as she placed down the pot and sat next to Toby, keeping her eyes down as she began to butter some toast.

Sweeney tried not to let it show how much her tone stung. He cleared his throat and nodded "Yes, I'll be takin' me leave now, thank you for allowing me to stay the night with you, Nellie."