An american girl living in London. Who has ever heard of a more absurd combination?
Especially one who has lived there long enough to see and hear everything in regards to a certain. . . . barber and his wife.
And a disgusting Judge to boot too.
~~...
I have not written in seven days, it's probably because I am still trying wrap my head around Mr. Todd's strange behavior.
Last I wrote, I practiced dancing in the parlor while everyone was asleep, except for Mr. Todd apparently. Just the other day, when I asked him why he always has bags under his eyelids, he said it's because he rarely sleeps.
I tried to ask more about it but he only stood and stared out the wide window in his shop in silence.
This man is very odd indeed and yet I can't get him out of my head. I can't forget how he held me as we danced in the parlor.
He found me practicing and joined me that night. It was strangely relaxing. He taught me how to dance very well.
After we danced, he complimented the necklace I received on my birthday then asked me why I wanted to practice dancing.
I wasn't sure if I should tell him, after what Nellie told me, I'm a little afraid of how he would react.
I thought it best to tell him that a friend of mine from finishing school had invited me to a masquerade costume party.
I technically wasn't wrong, though I'm not sure I would call Judge Turpin a friend. Most likely an acquaintance with high social power.
With the ball being tonight, I feel more nervous than before. Why do I feel like something might go wrong? I must be overthinking things again. Besides, I need to spend some time in some place where murder and cannibalism are not involved.
A place where I don't have to deal with an emotionally confusing and murderous barber. I also don't have to deal with a cannibalistic baker who is obsessed with said barber, and a boy with drinking problems.
I need at least one night to finally get away from it all. And tonight is the night where I can feel free and enjoy some drinks.
As of now, only Nellie is aware of the invitation, which is probably for the best. She helped me get ready with the dress and hair while I did my makeup.
I am now ready for the ball, Nellie already got a carriage for me so I won't have to worry about running late.
With my invitation and fan in hand, I am ready to leave but I hear a voice.
It's Mr. Todd! I must hurry and leave before he finds out anything!
~Wish me luck, Catherine
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Author's Perspective: Catherine set down her journal on the countertop in the pie shop when she saw the carriage outside the window.
Mrs. Lovett handed Catherine her fan and invitation, "Alright dear. Now be safe while your there and whatever you do, do not drink anything unless the Judge drinks something first."
Catherine sighed and nodded, "I'll be fine Nellie. Its just an engagement party, besides! What could possibly go wrong at a masquerade ball?"
"More than you think. . ." Mrs. Lovett muttered under her breath. Unfortunetly, it wasn't loud enough for Catherine to hear.
Catherine hugged Mrs. Lovett, "Thank you for everything Nellie! I mean it. I'll be back when the party ends at eleven. Wish me luck!"
Mrs. Lovett forced a smile even though she was worried for her new friend and nodded, "Good luck luv. And please be careful!" She waved to Catherine who went into the carriage and waved back.
Catherine still had a million questions on her mind why Mrs. Lovett would be worried about her for this event. What shocked her though was the look of surprise on Sweeney Todd's face as he ran out of his shop and ran up to the carriage before it began to move.
"Mr. Todd! What are you-?" She stared at him for a good few seconds.
"Where do you think your going?" He asked with a hint of worry laced around his words.
She groaned, "Somewhere where I can feel free for at least one night. And it's someplace that doesn't concern you. So if you could please back away from the carriage, I'll be on my way."
Before he could protest, Catherine motioned for the driver to get going straight for the home of the great Judge Turpin. The driver nodded and got the horse and carriage moving.
On the way there, Catherine began to have second thoughts as well as an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
She was thinking of asking the driver to stop and drop her off somewhere else but she stopped herself.
"Calm down Cat. Your fine, your only nervous because this is your very ball since you left America. You'll be okay, just thank Judge Turpin for the invitation, find this Mr. S.T, take a couple drinks, then leave. Yes, that sounds like a plan. . ." she muttered to herself as she tried to calm down as the carriage stopped in front of the home of the Judge himself.
She went through her plan in her head as she walked out of her carriage and handed the invitation to who she assumed was the butler. Once Catherine entered the room, it was already full of life, laughter, drinks, and gossip. Most people danced while others stood idely by drinking and gossiping about really anything. Catherine only spent three minutes there and she already felt lost. She looked around for Judge Turpin and even asked for assistance on his whereabouts but the guests either ignored her or didn't know where he was. She wondered around some more until she decided to give up. She picked up a plate of some food and began to eat as she looked around hopelessly. She placed the food down and grabbed a glass of champange, she paused before bringing it closer to her lips as she thought about what Mrs. Lovett had said but she honestly needed a distraction. She ignored the warning and just as she was about to drink it, someone had knocked it out of her hand and to the floor with a sudden crash. Luckily for her, the music was loud to drown out the sound of broken glass. Catherine stood up to the person that had taken her drink from, "Excuse me sir, but just who do you think you are? I was going to drink that!"
To which the stranger replied, "All the more reason for you not to. . ." the face was not recognizable because of the mask, but it was the voice and hair that gave it away. "Mr. Todd!? What are you doing here?" Exclaimed Catherine as she held onto her necklace.
