But We Could Get By

Chapter 45

It was the day before the new year, and things felt a lot more calm around the house than usual. Johanna noticed that everyone around her seemed much happier, and she herself felt happier as well. Not to mention, it was a massive weight off of her shoulders to finally have told someone the truth about her father's revenge plan. She even accidentally let it slip what had happened to Mr. Johnson in front of Toby and Anthony recently, which she hadn't intended to do, but luckily, they were both understanding, and knew that Sweeney did it to protect them, though Toby had asked her if she thinks Sweeney will always resort to violence as a means to protect them. "I'm just saying, if he keeps this up, somebody's gonna notice, and then we'll have to worry about him getting caught, and we may even end up on the run!" He had said. She laughed a little thinking about it. "I'm sure he'll be fine." She had told him.
   It felt nice to finally get those secrets out to someone, to no longer feel like she had to hide from her own brother and partner. Her father's revenge on the Beadle very quickly followed the Judge. In fact, he had shown up about a day or two later. Now, revenge no longer seemed to occupy his mind, at least not as much as it once did. She supposed he also felt like he had a weight lifted off of his shoulders. He still showed sadness over what Lucy had went through, she figured it'd probably be a while before he fully moved on from her, but that didn't seem to stop him from fully committing to Nellie, and being willing to give his heart to her. There had been several moments that made Johanna think that her father was deeply in love, but now, he seemed a lot less afraid to show it.
   From the looks of it, he and Nellie were happier than ever now that they were officially together. It was nice to see them so happy and in love, especially knowing how much pain they had both experienced throughout the years. Not to mention, she was glad to know that her plan to set them up really did end up working, even if she wound up not having to do a lot. In fact, it was a lot easier than she ever imagined it would be. She supposed that made sense, considering they already loved each other. The real challenge was getting Sweeney to admit it, and then getting him to not let his fear, sadness, and pain get in the way of allowing himself to be with her. Just a couple of days ago though, he finally confessed to Nellie that he loved her. Johanna wasn't there when that had happened, though Nellie was more than happy to tell the story. She had gotten all excited and emotional, blushing, smiling, and even crying a little as she retold what she said to be one of the happiest moments of her life. It felt good to see her so happy, it felt good to see them both happy.
   As for Anthony, things were going really well with him. With the Judge and the Beadle gone, the two of them were a lot less afraid of being seen in public, which made going on dates a lot easier. "I think you and I should invite mum and dad to go on a double date with us sometime!" She said. "They haven't been on any official dates yet, it could be fun!" "I suppose so, yeah!" Anthony replied, smiling. After a brief pause, his face fell. "What about Toby? We wouldn't wanna leave him all alone." "Right." Johanna mumbled. "I guess he can join us too! A double date plus Toby!" "You don't think he'd feel weird the entire time?" Anthony asked. Johanna shrugged. "I'm sure he's used to it." She said. "Besides, we're just gonna be spending time together. It's not like we'll be acting all lovey-dovey the entire time." She laughed a little. "Well actually, I can't make any promises that mum and dad won't. This is new to them, they're still very excited and emotional about the whole thing." "And we're not?" Anthony joked, laughing. Johanna playfully nudged him. "It's different with us, you know what I meant." "Yeah, I know." Anthony replied, still laughing a little.
   "I suppose maybe we won't have to worry too much, dad's not really the type to show much affection in public." Johanna said. "You should see them around here though, they're very lovey-dovey." She giggled. "Always seem to be holding hands or snuggling every time I see them." "They seem happy." Anthony said. "I'm glad to hear that." "And I'm glad you're not upset at dad despite, well..." Johanna didn't finish her sentence, but she didn't have to. "Truth is, it's a little weird. It'll take a moment for it to not feel weird. I don't even know if I've fully processed it." Anthony responded. "But that doesn't change how I feel about you, and I know he means a lot to you. I'm sure deep down he just wants to protect you, even if he goes about it in, well... Not the best ways." "Thank you for sticking around." Johanna said. "It's no problem." Anthony replied. "Of course I'd stick around." "I love you." Johanna said. Anthony gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I love you too."
   He then pulled her close and gave her several kisses on the cheek. "Oh, you." Johanna said, giggling. "As much as I'd love to stay, I need to go talk to mum and dad about the double date. I'll be right back!" "Alright." Anthony replied, sitting down at one of the tables. "I'll wait here." Johanna nodded, then searched the house for her parents. It didn't take long to find them, for they were in their usual spot, on the sofa all cuddled up to each other. "Of course they're here." Johanna thought to herself, giggling a little. "Mum, dad?" She then said aloud. They both looked up at her. "Hello there, dear!" Nellie said with a smile. "How are you today?" "I'm doing well." Johanna replied. "I'm going on a date with Anthony later, and I was wondering if you'd like to join us?" She asked. "You know, for a double date. Well, a double date plus Toby, we didn't want to leave him all alone." "That sounds like it could be fun." Nellie said.
   She looked over at Sweeney. "How does that sound to you, love?" "I suppose we could." Sweeney replied. "So, is that a yes?" Johanna asked. "Sure, why not?" Nellie said. Sweeney simply nodded in response. "Alright then!" Johanna said with a smile. "Do you know where Toby is?" "I let him go into town to buy some things, he should be back soon." Nellie responded. Johanna nodded. "Well, I'm going to go get ready. I'll see you both in a little while!"