No One Likes To Speak OF Him

Tales Of A London Lass Chapter 5 OOM PAH PAH and My Name Reactions

I love going to the tavern after a long day of working and talking to all my neighbors. It is a nice way to unwind. This afternoon I got there a little early since I did not work today. Amelie met me around 4:15 and we got some appetizers. Other people started to arrive fifteen minutes later and the place was filled up right at 5. What does OOM PAH PAH really mean? No one really knows but there has been speculation. It's much like that word supercalifragilsticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins... no one really knows what that means either. That would be something interesting to discuss sometime. I shared a waltz with Mr. Bumble. It was quite nice. Widow Corney did not look too pleased though. Nancy sure knows how to lead everyone in such a wonderful song. It was great fun.

Things got oddly quiet with in five minutes as soon as we all finished singing. That was because Mr. Bill Sykes entered the room. Once he arrived Nancy froze right up and her smile disappeared. Everyone in town knows that she is afraid of him. He sure knows how the clear a room because as soon as he arrived everyone started to leave. Before I left Bet tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if she could talk to me. I nodded and we walked over to a corner booth where Nancy and Bill could not see us.

"What's the matter?" I asked her.

Bet suddenly burst into tears. I was shocked to say the least. I was not expecting that sort of outburst from her.

After about five minutes she composed herself.

"I'm worried about Nancy." she whispered.

I nodded. "I would assume many other people are too. Mr. Sykes is a frightening man."

"Have you seen her latest bruises?" Bet asked

"I've noticed them.. she seems to cover them with her make up. That seems to never work well."

Bet sighed. " Dodger and I are trying to convince Nancy to leave Bill. I don't think she's going to listen to us though."

"She really should."

Bet nodded. "I know. The relationship is not healthy. We worry that she could get hurt. We don't know what to expect from Bill."

"Why does she deny this relationship is not healthy?"

"All she ever says is 'I'll stay as long as he needs me."

"Does Oliver worry about Nancy too?"

"We're all worried about her." Bet whispered.

Not knowing what else to say I took her in to a strong hug.

"Do you want me to talk to her?"

Bet shrugged. "You can try. We can't seem to get through to her.. maybe you can."