Sweenett

Mr Todd

Waves were crashing against this big pollock of a ship. Making me feel sea sick. But at least I'm going home. At least ill see dear Lucy and Johanna again.

A young boy named Antony had saved me from the hell hole I was abandoned on. I wonder what a state I am. As I haven't seen my own reflection in quite a while. Of course though, dear Lucy won't mind. At least I was allowed to shave in that scum. I look at Antony out the corner of my eye as he sang a little, a glared at him as he was singing about the beauty London holds and how he has seen the worlds wonders. I waited until he stopped and looked out to the shore just ahead "no, there's no place like London" I smirked as that shut him up. "You are young, life has been... Kind to you" he looked at me in a way that revealed his wonder "you will learn" he laughed a little and I just glared at him. "This isn't a joke young Antony, but thank you for saving me. I am forever thankful" He quivered a bit, looking anxious. So he should. He is entering the cruelest city of all England.

After a while we reached the shore, Antony showed me off the ship, looking around into the long, grey streets with a look of awe in his eyes. "Isn't it beautiful?" He asks, obviously expecting a positive answer. "Not at all young Antony, this place holds to many secrets, ghosts even." He searches my face for emotion but fails miserably, but this boys face is very easy to read. He's confused.

"you see boy" I start "there was a barber and his wife and oh was she beautiful... A foolish barber and his wife, she was his reason and his life... She was." I watch as the young sailor visualises every word as it comes. Smirking I carry on. "He was, oh so naive, but there was another..." My face crumples as my memory's come flooding back, making me grimace "man... Who saw that she was beautiful" I tried to think of some word to describe my feelings for this 'man' that was not too unpleasant "a pias vulture of the law, and with a gesture of his claw, removed the barber from his plate, and there was NOTHING BUT TO WAIT..." I paused, trying to calm down but it didn't help, my anger builded up until I blew "and she would fall, so LOST AND OH BUT OH SO BEAUTIFUUUUUUL"

I let my head sink down to look at the cobblestone flooring. The young sailor was silent for a moment then cleared his throat nervously "and the lady sir... Did she circum?" This one line turned my anger into sorrow and bereavement. I looked up at him to show my respect and whispered slowly so not to startle the boy. "Oh, that was..." I tried to calculate the time I had been locked away from my darling family, failing miserably I just blurted "many years ago.. I doubt if, anyone would know."

I froze and looked up to the tall, ugly buildings before me, admiring the pattern in which the grey bricks were allined, remembering how they used to be so much more beautiful and bright. Now everything was dim and lazy. "So Mr Todd?" I turned to see Antony looking in my direction, once again, a little nervous "where will I be able to visit you?" I wondered for a little why on earth this child would want to visit me. "Down on Fleet Street I suppose"

"Ok my friend! An honour to have met you!" He held out his hand for a handshake. I glared at him, ignoring his friendly gesture and walked down the dark streets alone.

Walking to my old barber shop many thoughts were rushing in and out I my head. Will Lucy have moved on? Does Johanna have pale skin and yellow skin like her darling mother? Is Mrs Lovett still making her pies under my barber shop? And what about my dear old friends? My razors of course.

While walking closer and closer to Fleet Street people I walked past looked at me, exchanging opinions on my appearance. I could feel holes burning at the back of my head. I panicked a little, wondering whether anyone could recognise my face. But no one seemed to stop me for a chat, I felt a power inside of me, growing up and up inside of me with every step I took.

Soon I was across the road from mrs Lovetts pie shop. I watched as people walked past not even taking a glance at the legendary bakers. It was so dark inside I suspected no one to be inside, I moved closer trying to peer in and the closer I got I could see a figure before an old chopping board. The figure was smiling away at itself, I knew this because of the distinctive cheekbones rising. I could make out a mop of crazy hair that had not been combed for weeks, maybe even months. The figures head suddenly flicked up. Glaring in my direction, confusion written all over its body language.

The figure leaned to its left very slightly. My eyes followed. It soon walked closed to the window, holding the classic curtains I bought for the shop in the good old days. The figure then decided to tap on the beautifully crafted window i payed hundreds for with its chopping knife, i frowned in discust. Thinking of words I can only dream of saying in public. I was still staring by this point and if I squinted hard enough I could make out a face, pale it was. Long brown hair all up in a mess. Very sharp chin and cheekbones, making me grin a little as I realised who the figure was. Dear old Mrs Lovett.