Disclaimer: I own nothing…

Authors Note: I'm currently playing Nancy in our school play!!! So, I was looking around, and I'd seen that many people have already written about Nancy's early years, (which are VERY GOOD by the way,) but not while Oliver is there.

And it starts here…..

Another Morning in Paradise

In the slums of London, two people were sleeping side by side on an old tattered bed. The man was sleeping in, for he was to stay up that night, and would not return to the young girl next to him till the night next. He would be traveling far; to a new posh development where they knew nothing of his housebreaking abilities. He was quiet, fast, and dangerous. His face along with the rest of his body was strong, and menacing. Those dark eyes would make even the strongest man cower in terror. The massive muscles where the ammunition to his hands, which had been the death to many of toffs' necks, barking dogs and two stupid beaks. He had no fears and no weakness….or did he?

Wrapped in his arms was a small pale girl. Her hair reminded him of the clear night sky. Even with their poor excuse for food, her dark hair shined like the stars with the clouds as her loose curls. Yes, she was his weakness. But her eyes were his torment. Large and brown, they were. Under her thick lashes, they appeared to burn into his very heart with so much love that it would knock any man off of his feet. Those eyes he couldn't bear to see in tears or in furry. When she smiled, he couldn't help but do the same. Her stubborn, just, and strong headed spirit made his thoughts swim with confusion.

At times he hated her for it…but the first time she had so boldly hugged him and kissed his cheek, she had become apart of him. Sometimes her love to much, and that would scare him. He couldn't fathom why, but every time he slapped her, punched her, or slammed her down, because of his need to be in control, she would only stare at him with tearless eyes. It broke him each time. He would then leave her their broken and hurting, and as soon as his back was to her and out of the door, he would hear her sniffled sobs.

Nancy awoke to the mid morning chimes of the church bell. Surprisingly, the morning before was a sharp contrast to now. In place of the usual clouds and fog was a clear blue sky and sunshine. A very nice Sunday morning.

Sunday, the girl thought.

Bill would be leaving tonight.

Her face crumpled with worry as her heart beat faster with every thought of what could go wrong. She knew it was no use worrying over Bill and his chosen profession. She herself was a thief by day, and sometimes a whore by night.

The first she didn't mind so much, but the latter she loathed with her very soul. But in her life she had no choice.

No, she did have a choice. But that would mean no Bill, and a life without Bill was no life at all.

This was why her stomach was now turning with fear.

She sighed and looked at Bill who was snoring. A smile creeping up on her lips, before preparing their breakfast she kissed his forehead.

"Morning Bill," She whispered in her raspy voice. Not thinking she was going to receive an answer she loosed his arms around her. As she started to stand, she was immediately pulled down again.

"Where you think yer goin'?" Bill said with a smile before kissing her on the lips.

She laughed, "Yer breakfast."

Bill shook his head and started to sit up putting on his boots. "I've got to see Fagin before the job."

She frowned. "Why so early? Do you really 'ave to go tonight?"

Bill took in a deep breath. "Don't start wiv me Nance." She new that tone, but she couldn't help herself.

"Please? There's plenty 'ouses in Bloomsberry, you won't 'ave to travel so far." She was pleading with him now.

Bill stood and turned to see her large eyes staring at him full of worry. God, she was so beautiful, maybe he could go to Bloomsberry. He could stay with her and….NO, she was doing it again, controlling him. HE was in control. BILL SYKES was the boss.

"Quiet my girl." He fumed.

"I'm just worried Bill that's all, even you know its so…"

"I said ENOUGH!" He cut her off with a slap to the face. No one back talked him. But had Nancy back talked? Or did he hit her because she was reading his very thoughts? Of course he knew it was dangerous! Having her think he was also afraid made him even angrier.

Nancy few off the bed onto the wooden floor holding her cheek, as her eyes started to tear. She scrunched her lips not wanting to cry.

I shouldn't have said anything, that why he hit me, why can't I just keep my mouth shut! She yelled at herself.

Staring at the floor she heard him walking away only to see his feet before her. She cringed thinking he would hit her again, only his hand lifted her chin to his face, kissing her roughly and then shoving her to the floor Bill left to Fagin's with only a:

"See you at the Tavern when I get back." He donned on his hat and slammed the door shut. Walking into the sunlight he heard Nancy's soft crying.

It's her fault he kept telling himself.

Nancy cried more with concern than the fact that she had just been hit. Brushing her hair and straitening her red dress, she put on her black shawl and prepared to meet Bet at the Three Cripples. She needed a Gin, and lots of it.

With a sigh she left the flat and walked out into another morning of paradise.

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