Hello! This is just something that popped into my head! It takes place before Ben was sent in prison. It's a Ben/Nellie story. Albert is dead in this one that's why he's not mentioned. Please tell me what you think! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Sweeney Todd!

The weekend

Chapter 1

Eleanor Lovett was closing her shop for the was not going very well these days for her pie shop .Customers were not an everyday occurrence but Eleanor always saw the bright side of things and nothing could stop her cheery mood. Well…almost nothing.

As she was closing the door, she heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs and immediately after, a soft voice spoke in quiet undertones.

"Nellie?" Benjamin Barker said as he walked into her shop.

"Benjamin? What are you doing down here at this time?" Eleanor asked in a quiet voice.

"I…I need to ask you something. Um…you have work to do? Do I bother you?" Benjamin asked nervously as he looked around.

"No, Ben. I'm closed for the day. Tell me." She said smiling at him.

"Well I wanted to know if you…um if you…" Benjamin said stammering.

"Oh! Come on, Ben! Out with it!" Eleanor said amused. A small sparkle of hope started rising in her heart at his nervous words.

Maybe he wants to tell me that…

"Can you look after Johanna this weekend with me?" Benjamin finally said.

…he loves me. Or…maybe not.

"Of course, I will. But where will Lucy be?" she asked him, sadness overcoming her features.

"Lucy is visiting her aunt. She's sick and Lucy must go and see her. But she can't take Joanna with her. Please will you help me take care of her? I'm still clumsy when it comes to babies." He asked her with puppy dog eyes.

"Yes, of course." she said again as she started walking towards her counter, trying hard to keep the frown off her face.

"Nellie…" Ben said confused. Why was she like this? Had he done something wrong? She looked so sad all of a sudden.

She closed her eyes at the sound of his voice saying her name.

Stop dreaming, Eleanor! She said furiously to herself.

"Nellie? Is everything all right? Is it about Johanna? I could pay you if you want? I'm sure you could use the…" he didn't have the chance to finish his sentence when she suddenly whirled around to face him.

"What? You think I would take money from you? Especially for watching over your child? I thought you knew me better than this!" she told him angrily and he was taken aback.

It was the first time she had ever yelled at him. Was he so blind? Why couldn't he see that she would do anything for him?

"I…I'm sorry. I just…" he tried to explain but he failed.

"It's fine Mr. Barker. I will help you. Now, if you excuse me, I'm rather tired. Good night." she said coldly, walking past him and into her room without looking at him.

Benjamin stood in the middle of her shop, staring after her retreating form. Why did he have to say this? Sadness and guilt washed over him like cold water. He had a sudden urge to follow her into her room. He wanted to hug her and apologize again for insulting her. He even wanted to kiss , not as a friend .He wanted to kiss her like he kissed his wife, as a lover. Yes, he admitted that he had noticed her, that he had a fondness for her but Lucy prevented him from acting on his feelings.

As he started walking towards her room, he heard his name being called.

"Benjamin? Where are you?" Lucy sang from upstairs and her voice stopped him dead in his tracks.

Reluctantly he turned around and started walking upstairs but not before giving a longing glance towards Nellie's room.

End of chapter 1

Edited: 3/2012