'Ello all! I'm so glad you all are enjoying this story so far! So here's chapter nine...Hope you all enjoy! Reviews gets you a hug from Dodger! ;}
Dodger: Huh? Wot? But I don't wanna--
Rosey: Ahem. *Glares*
Dodger: *Ugg* Fiiinee...
Rosey: *Smiles contentidely*
~Rosey
Chapter Nine: Shadow and Memory
Dodger blinked heavily. It had to be about five in the morning and he had gotten absolutely no sleep the last night. After he and Abby had admitted they loved each other, they had spent about an hour just talking about nothing. They had just wanted to hear the other's voice. After a while, Abby had fallen asleep in his arms, a small smile on her face. He knew he couldn't sleep as well...someone had to keep watch in case the bobbies returned. He had thought about waking her several times, but then decided he had to be the "gentleman" and let her rest. But he was about to give up on being a gentleman and give in to the heavy blanket of sleep he could feel pressing on him.
He tried to distract his mind with something...anything. Nancy. His heart stopped. That was the first thing he thought of. Nancy. He groaned and rubbed his forehead.
"Dodger," he heard a whisper in his head.
"No," he whispered back, squeezing his eyes shut. But that didn't do anything. The voice was in his mind.
"Dodger, please don't blame yourself."
I 'ave to, Nancy. I turned you in to Sikes. I told him you was goin' to take Oliver back to the Brownlows. And he killed you because of that.
"You were scared, Dodger. You felt like you 'ad no choice."
But I did 'ave a choice. I could 'ave lied. I could 'ave refused.
"And you would be dead."
Better me than you, Nance.
"No, Dodge. Don't you see? Someone needs you."
Dodger glanced over to Abby and smiled softly. But then his mind slipped back to Nancy.
I needed YOU, Nance. Didn't you see that? You were the only person I could even open up to a little bit. I needed you.
"I'm 'ere now."
No, you're not. You're dead, Nancy.
"Abby's 'ere."
It'll 'urt to move on after losin' you.
"I know. But Abby will be there to ease the pain. Just be open fer 'er. I know you 'ate bein' open. But it's wot you need to do to 'eal."
Dodger took a deep breath and then glaned over to Abby. He closed his eyes. Good-bye, Nancy.
"Good-bye, Dodger. And good luck."
"Dodger? Dodger, wake up," Dodger heard a voice, but it sounded so far away. He blinked and then opened his eyes. He found Abby kneeling down by him, stroking his hair and smiling gently. "Rise and shine, luv."
Dodger smiled softly and raised himself up on his elbows. "Good morning," Abby whispered, pressing her forehead to his.
"Mmmm..." was all Dodger managed before taking her in his arms and kissing her softly. "Mornin'." He looked at the sky, now bright with sun. "Blast. Must 'ave fallen asleep. Sorry. I tried to stay awake and watch after ya--"
"Remember? You ain't a gentleman," she giggled, laying beside him and resting her head on his chest.
"Abby, there was something I didn't tell you last night. I should 'ave told you this, but I---" he shrugged.
"Tell me now," she murmured, putting a hand on his cheek.
"You know 'ow you was in love before?" he hesitated. Abby bit her lip and nodded sadly. "Well, so was I."
"I figured I wasn't the first girl in yer life," she smiled gently. "Wot 'appened to 'er?"
"She...uh...she went 'ome."
"Huh?"
"She was an angel. And she went 'ome," he bit his lip.
"Dodge, I ain't never 'eard you that deep."
"Yeah, and don't get used to it," he laughed slightly, kissing her on the head.
'Well, am I an angel?" she asked with a smirk.
"No," Dodger smirked back. "Yer more like me."
Abby paused. "So I am an angel."
Dodger chuckled and slowly sat up, a new resolve suddenly filling him. "Abby, I think I know of a place where we can be safe, at least fer a while. We'd get food and some decent sleep."
"Why didn't you tell me about this before, Dodge?" Abby scolded, leaning against him.
"Just thought of it. C'mon. We're goin' to London."
The house was bigger than Dodger remembered. It was around midafternoon, and he was finally back in London, this time with Abby. Her hand in his made this task not seem quite so daunting. Taking a deep breath, he rang the bell outside the door. Moments later, the door swung open.
"Oh my gosh. Dodger? Is that you?"
Dodger shrugged, cocking a half-smile. "'Ello, Oliver."
Hehe...He's baaaack! Well I hope you all enjoyed this chappy...Dodger finally feels like he's finally made amends with Nancy, there was more DodgerXAbby romance, and the kid is back!
So now all I can say is REVIEW! And you'll get a Dodger hug! :)
~Rosey
