CHAPTER 10

Bullies And Peer Pressure

...

NORMAL POV

Around the busy streets of London, Nancy was walking back to her house after running a few errands. She couldn't keep Oliver off of her mind. The red-head doesn't want the innocent boy to become a hardened criminal and doesn't like how Anissa and Julia are stuck in the middle of it. That's why she's helping Anissa. She noticed how Dodger acted around Julia and realized that he had a massive crush on her, though, she won't get involved. Nancy just hoped that Bill doesn't find out because knowing the abusive man, he'll either talk to Dodger about it or have Julia do something by force to see how Dodger will react.

The young woman walked up to her house, opened the front door, and walked up the stairs. She opened the door to see Bill laughing with a man a lot younger than him. The two men stopped laughing and looked at her as she closed the door with Bulls-eye jumping all over her. She observed the man as she put her bag down. The man looked about 5'10 and had to be in his mid-30's with Oliver's hair color and skin tone, but dark eyes that seemed bold and deceptive. He was wearing dark pants, a beige collared shirt and a navy coat with black shoes.

"Who are you?" She asked the man.

"This is Monks," Bill answered for the mysterious man.

"Bill, I asked him. I'm sure he can speak for himself."

Bill gave her a look as Monks burst out laughing.

"How come I've never seen him over before?" Nancy looked at the mysterious man, changing the subject.

"He's a friend of Crackit. I was introduced to him out on the job with the robbing."

Nancy nodded and sat down with them.

"So, about this Oliver Twist boy — "

Nancy stared at him. "You seem like you know a lot about Oliver. You've only seen him once."

"We told him about Oliver before we went out on the job. He came here to tell me more about the boy," Bill looked over at his new friend.

"What do you mean more about him?" Nancy turned to Monks and looked at him.

She noticed the look in his eyes. 'This man is hiding something. I don't want to seem suspicious; I'll have to play along, wait, and find out what's going on.'

"What do you know about him?" Nancy asked.

"When I heard that he was injured in a robbery by Crackit, I went to the courthouse, saying that I was his brother. They told me that he was staying with a man named Mr. Brownlow. I talked to him, and apparently, he thinks Oliver is innocent. Mr. Brownlow also told me that the boy's name is Oliver Twist and he showed me a picture of a lady, and he told me that Oliver is the manly version of that lady. I went to go and look for him and saw you and Bill with a boy, and he indeed looked like that lady in the portrait."

"Wait, so you mean to tell me that Mr. Brownlow is related to Oliver?"

"Yes, I am," Monks turned to Bill, and they looked at each other with a satisfied look on their face.

Nancy knew right away that they were hiding something from her, and she'll get to the bottom of it.

"We're going over to Fagin's right now, Nance. Anissa's acting up and Julia's following her footsteps," Bill changed the subject.

"Don't do anything you'll regret, Bill."

"What will I regret?"

"So, tell me more about Anissa and Julia," Monks looked at Bill with interest.

Nancy stared at the young, mysterious man, not liking the look on his face.

Bill leaned back and took a sip of his drink, not noticing the look on Monk's face. "They're around Dodger's age. He and Charley found the two girls watching them while on the job, so they brought them to Fagin. They caught Julia first then found Anissa the very next day."

"What do they look like?"

"Anissa, has dark hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. Julia, has light brown hair, gray eyes, and pale skin."

"I'm guessing they're close to Oliver then."

"I'm not so sure, ask 'em yourself," Bill replied, proceeding to take a sip of his drink.

Nancy stared at Monks suspiciously. Something doesn't seem right, and she's about to find out. "Why are you so interested in Oliver, Monks?" She asked.

Bill put his cup down and looked at her with a warning glance as Monks stared at her. She gulped, not knowing the trouble she's getting herself involved in with the hardened criminals sitting at the table.

"Well, since you're a friend of Fagin's, I don't mind telling you because I think I can trust you. You see, Oliver is my half-brother, the son of my father and some other women named Agnes Fleming. My father favored Oliver over me and wants to give him the family fortune. However, he said that if Oliver commits a criminal act, the family inheritance will go to me."

"What?" Nancy gasped. "Your father favored Oliver over you? No parent should ever favor one over the other."

"Yes, I agree," Monks smirked.

"Wait, if you are related to Oliver, then you're related to Brownlow."

"That's right."

"Then why are you here, interested in Oliver? I bet you're up to no good."

Monks nodded and then smirked. "I've been a friend of Toby for a while. I was walking along the street of London and saw Oliver get taken to the courthouse, and I knew at that moment that he is my brother and that I can get my family's fortune. Though, it's such a shame that he doesn't have a clue of who I am. I'm going to Fagin to make him into a hardened criminal. I want my families' fortune, and out on the job, he tried to escape. And guess what. I want him dead!"

Nancy gasped and stood up. "How dare you say that about your brother! He was an orphan, and you never got to know him! You greedy, greedy man!"

Monks laughed. "Please, Sikes and Fagin want him gone, too. I thought he would be like me, but if he goes to the police and tells on us, he'll be the reason for our downfall. He needs to go."

"Murder is never okay, for it's a sin! Especially when it's a family member!" She pointed her index finger at him. "You, young man, should be ashamed of yourself!"

Bill stood up and grabbed her by the arm. "That's enough, Nancy!"

"Don't tell me that it's enough! This monstrous conspiracy you're both planning is horrible! Oliver is innocent, and he never was the right one to be brought up as a thief."

"Then you're a fine one for him then. You seem like a mother!"

"Oliver is a good, polite young man. He is under the influence of boys that aren't good for him! That includes you, Monks!" She snarled.

Bill's grip on her shoulder tightened, and she winced, knowing that she hit a nerve with him.

"Listen here, Nance, when we're gone, you better be good. Enough with your babbling. This whole conspiracy doesn't involve you. Let's go, Monks."

The two men grabbed their coats and walked out the door, leaving Nancy all alone, standing up with a distressed look on her face. She can't believe any of this! Monks knew about Oliver all along and came around when he got in trouble. Now he's helping Fagin turn him into a criminal. Oliver won't last long in the crime world, but it's all part of the plan. Monks thinks that going to the police and lying about Oliver will have the young boy hanged for his crimes whether or not he is innocent, and even though that would happen in any other instance, Bill had better plans for him, Monks will see.

Nancy knows that Bill had Monks around for a reason, and she won't let any of them do what they please. If they do kill Oliver, she won't let them get away with it because she had the feeling that they'll try to get rid of Anissa next.

She sighed and thought about Julia. The quiet, serious one at the house. She knew that nothing would happen to Julia. Worthwhile, she believed that Dodger would try to make her one of them. Fagin has talked about it with Bill whenever he comes over. He says how Anissa doesn't behave, and he thinks she'll influence Julia, even though they've been friends for a very long time. Bill's also considering helping Fagin with the girls.

Nancy turned around and looked at the tiny, tin box on her dresser. She picked it up and inside of it were a few coins and a business card took them in her hand and closed the small box. Knowing what had to be done, put the card and money in her coat and grabbed an umbrella. She's been waiting to do this for a while, but now has the chance since Bill will be gone for a while. She just hoped that the plan goes smoothly. Her strategy was risky, and she's already putting herself in danger by helping Anissa peach, but she has to do this.

...

JULIA'S POV

After about a half hour of silence, even with the younger boys in the kitchen with Fagin, the door slammed open. I whipped around to see Bill Sikes with a man much younger than him. This man has Oliver's hair color and skin tone, but dark eyes that don't match his look. He looks very deceiving; maybe even mysterious. There's something off about him, but I can't put my finger on it.

I turned to Dodger who was smoking his pipe and looking at the two. Wait a minute; I remember that man! He's the very man that came here with Toby after Oliver got shot in the arm. Why is he here with Bill? Whatever the reason is, I know that they aren't right. I guess I'll have to wait and find out.

"Bill, my dear," Fagin said uneasily, as the boys at the table looked scared. For some odd reason, the tone of Fagin's voice makes it sound like he was expecting Bill and this man to be here. But why? "How've you been?"

"I've been well," The dark-haired man replied, coldly.

Dodger got up and grabbed my arm, causing me to stand up right next to him. "I'm bringing you downstairs where Nicky and Jackson will be."

I nodded as he let go of my arm, and we walked out of the living room. Dodger opened the door to leave, but Bill stopped him.

"Dodger, how've you been? I haven't heard from ya in a while."

"I've been fine," Dodger replied with annoyance and caution mixed in his voice.

Bill turned to look at me. "How about you, Julia? I've heard your friend's been misbehaving."

The mysterious man turned his attention to me.

"Anissa isn't misbehaving. She doesn't like people that she isn't fond of telling her what to do."

The man that came here with Bill snickered as Bill gave me a warning look. Before I could say anything else, Dodger grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the door, and then closed it. "Are you crazy?"

"No, at least I don't think I am."

Dodger sighed and shook his head. He retook my wrist and led me to the downstairs living room. He opened the door, and to the right end of the room, Nicky and Jackson were sitting on a red couch, smoking their pipes. The two of them looked at Dodger and me standing in the doorway.

"Do you need us to watch her?" Nicky questioned, looking at me.

"Yeah, Bill's here with the man."

Nicky and Jackson stared at each other and looked back at the two of us. It seems like they know something.

"Watch Julia and make sure she doesn't leave the room. I know that she won't because it's an order from me, but just in case something happens."

"Okay, Dodger," Nicky nodded as I walked in and sat next to Jackson. Dodger then closed the door and left.

I wonder why Bill is here? Fagin and the older boys seem like they were expecting him.

"Why is Sikes here?" I questioned.

"You'll see," Jackson replied without looking at me.

I rolled my eyes and leaned back on the couch. It was silent for a few minutes until the door opened, revealing Charley and Anissa.

"Let me guess; you need us to watch her," Nicky guessed.

"Yeah, Sikes is here. I'll come and get her after I tell him about her behavior."

Wow, that answers my question.

Charley scooted Anissa into the room, and she stormed over to the couch on the other side of the room, not saying a word to everyone. Charley then closed the door. I turned to Nicky and Jackson who have pipes in their mouths.

"What do you suppose they're talking about up there?" Jackson turned to Nicky.

"That thing over there," Nicky scoffed, nodding his head over to Anissa who rolled her eyes and ignored him.

"Besides her."

"Well, I think it's also that Fagin owes Bill pay."

"Didn't he already pay Bill for fetching Oliver?"

"Bill took that. He deserved it anyway. Besides, Fagin owes him for something else."

"Oh," Jackson nodded and turned away, smoking his pipe again.

I looked away from the two of them, but for some odd reason, I had the feeling that someone is looking at me. I turned my head, and sure enough, Anissa was staring at me, giving me a look with her eyes. It isn't just any look; it's her 'We need to get out of here look.' I know why she wants to leave; it's because Bill is here. I nodded, agreeing with her and then she nodded. We're on the same page.

"What are you two nodding on about?" Nicky asked, looking at the both of us.

"Nicky, they can communicate with countenance expressions," Jackson sighed, hand slapping against his forehead.

"Wow, you are so smart," Anissa replied, rolling her eyes, "I wish I were as articulate as you."

That comment caused me to laugh.

"When are ya going to go shopping?" Jackson cracked. Nicky snickered, and that made me remember what Jackson whispered to his brother about Anissa.

"He said that you're desperate for attention. Not to mention that your outfits don't suit ya."

That wasn't funny," Anissa got louder.

"Yes, it was. I bet Julia thought so, too," Jackson crossed his arms.

"Well, she does need to go shopping," Nicky shrugged.

Anissa stood up. "Listen here you fools! I would go out all by myself and all about, but I can't. Want to know why? Because no one will let me! I'm stuck with you two and your stupid friends!" She started to shout.

"Don't yell at us. Who do you think you are?" Nicky raised his voice.

I sighed and looked away. The arguing was getting ridiculous. Jackson glanced at me but said nothing. The arguing stopped when the door opened.

"Secret Keeper, come on, Bill and his new friend want to talk to you," Charley replied, with a tiny smirk on his face.

Anissa gulped, ignoring the smirk on Charley's face and walked out of the room with him. For the first time in a while, I saw real fear in her eyes.

...

NORMAL POV

A carriage in the rain stopped across an affluent-looking neighborhood in Pentonville. A woman with red hair and in a red dress got out and opened her umbrella, told the carriage driver to wait, and knocked on the door to one of the houses. An older woman opened the door and saw the red-haired lady.

"Can I help you?" The older woman asked.

"Yes, I'm here to speak to Mr. Brownlow," Nancy replied.

"He isn't here right now. Come through the back," The older woman went to close the door.

"I have information about Oliver Twist." Nancy stopped the lady, and the older woman opened the door with a worried distressed look on her face.

"Where is he? Is he okay?"

"The boy's innocent, tell him that. He's safe, but he might not be for long.," Nancy turned around to leave until Mrs. Bedwin shouted at her,

"Where is he?"

Nancy turned back around. "Give Mr. Brownlow a message. Tell him to meet me on London Bridge on Friday at midnight."

"What? Midnight?"

Nancy continued, "And if I'm not there, tell him to come the next night, and the night. I'll be there. Tell him that, but he has to come alone. And I won't be the only one there; another girl will be accompanying me. She and her friend are in trouble, just like Oliver. This girl will help me give information regarding Oliver's future danger; then she'll find a way with her friend to escape."

"What are the girls' names?"

"I will only speak to Mr. Brownlow. But if you must know, they were kidnapped by two boys working for the same man that has Oliver. When this is all over, you'll take those girls' with you; give them a new life."

"I'll do anything," Mrs. Bedwin replied with tears in her eyes.

Nancy turned around and went back into the carriage, and left to go back to her house. She took a deep breath and smiled to herself. Part one of the plan was complete but hoped that the second part of the project would be accomplished without Bill or Fagin getting suspicious about her because they're already doubtful with Anissa and Julia.

Nancy wished that everything will turn out okay in the end, but she's in for a huge surprise.

...

JULIA'S POV

It's been about ten minutes since Anissa's went upstairs and I was getting a little nervous myself. Why is that man here with him, and what is Bill saying to Anissa? What if he hurts her? I was beginning to get scared. Either that or I'm just over thinking and worrying myself. I turned to Jackson and Nicky who were talking about that new man that came here with Bill.

"Hey Julia, I bet you saw that man that came with Bill," Nicky turned to me. Jackson did the same.

I looked at them. "Yeah, I did. Why is he here anyway?"

"For starters, everyone calls him Monks," Nicky began.

"Monks? What kind of name is that?"

"That's what I asked," Jackson stated. "He's Toby's friend, and was introduced to Oliver and Bill when the three of them took him out to rob a house."

"You know, he's probably helping Bill and Fagin handle Anissa. I hear he's good at his job."

"Yeah, maybe he'll shut her up, too."

I rolled my eyes and turned my body to face them. "Stop being mean to my friend. Most importantly, stop talking about her."

"Why should we?" Nicky asked.

"It's mean, and it's bullying," I pointed out.

The two of them burst out laughing as I sat there, staring at them with a confused look on my face. What's so funny? Don't they know what bullying means?

"Jackson, did you hear her? We're bullies now!" Nicky clutched his stomach because he's laughing so hard.

Jackson laughed again as I sat there with my face turning red with embarrassment. How is that so funny? They stopped laughing, and Nicky began smoking his pipe once more.

"She's mean to us, so we're mean to her in return."

"But she's never talked about you."

"She doesn't have too. We weren't talking bad about her. We're just hoping that she learns to keep her mouth shut. It'll get her into trouble."

Jackson scoffed. "Bullies. That was a good one."

"Yeah, it was. Best joke I've heard all day," Nicky chuckled and continued to smoke his pipe.

I rolled my eyes and leaned back. I want to get out of here. It's been almost twenty minutes, at least. What's taking Bill, Fagin, and this man named Monks so long? What are they doing with Anissa? Gosh, I hope she's okay.

After a few more minutes, the door opened, and Dodger appeared.

"How was she?" He asked.

"Hey, Dodger, did you know that we're bullies now?" Nicky cracked.

He and Jackson began to laugh again as I glared at them. It wasn't funny!

"I'm not going to ask what that's about," Dodger exasperated.

It's probably better if he doesn't know. I don't need him laughing and going along with the new joke that Jackson and Nicky made up. Calling them bullies is funny to them. I don't get what all the fun is. Maybe they don't think they're bullies. Oh lord, if Charley finds out about it, I won't ever hear the end of it.

"She was fine," Nicky answered Dodger's question.

"I had a feeling that she would be. Thanks for watching her. Let's go, Julia."

I got up quickly and followed Dodger out the door and to the staircase. He glanced at me before turning to go up the steps. I followed right behind him, wondering who the man called 'Monks' is, and what he, Fagin and Bill said and did with Anissa.

We reached the top of the stairs, and Dodger opened the door to the kitchen, revealing Fagin, Bill, and Monks sitting at the table, talking. The three of them turned to look at me. I noticed that the younger boys, Charley, and Anissa were gone. It's probably because Bill and Monks were here. Bill is aggressive, and I'm guessing that Monks is just like him. Either that or he's just like Toby since he knew Crackit first. I understand why Bill's here, but why did he bring Monks?

"Julia, my dear, Bill and his friend Monks want to talk to you," Fagin smiled.

"About what?" I asked.

Dodger shot me a warning glance. What's going on? And why did Dodger give me that look?

Fagin chuckled. "Oh dear, oh dear, you're so much like Dodger," His response made me scoot away from Dodger, just a little.

I then sat down at the table, across from the three men as Dodger took a seat right next to me and grabbed my wrist, probably so I won't leave. I also had the feeling that he was protecting me from these three, mostly Bill and Monks.

"I'd like to introduce you to Monks. He's a friend of Toby, and he went out on the job with them. That's when Oliver got hurt," Fagin smiled at me.

"The job?"

"We robbed Mr. Brownlow's house," Bill said.

I gasped. Of all houses, they chose Mr. Brownlow's? That is insane.

I turned to Monks and stared at him, and he did the same. For some reason, he looked a little bit like Oliver. I've said that more than once, but it's just strange. I don't remember Oliver telling me about having siblings. Then again, he's an orphan. I notice a lot of things, but if I weren't observant or paying attention, I wouldn't have remarked upon the similarities. I'll have to keep that thought for later.

Bill took out a gun from his back pocket and showed it to me. Is this supposed to scare me? It isn't working because I know he won't shoot me. I'm not that stupid. However, the idea of a gun in front of me gave me anxiety. This lifestyle is not the way I want to live, and if I must live it, I choose to be far away from all guns.

"Do you know what this is?" He asked.

I nodded. "Of course, it's a gun. But why did you bring it?"

Fagin looked away, and Monks snickered as Bill just looked at me. Dodger's grip on my wrist got tighter, causing discomfort. I stared at Bill with courage in my eyes. I want to see if he'd shoot me.

He scoffed and leaned back a little. "Yup, Anissa's gotten to her alright."

"She won't be around, will she?" Monks chuckled.

"Not if she doesn't learn to keep her mouth shut."

At first, I thought they were talking about me, but I had the slightest feeling that they were referring to Anissa. Maybe that's why Bill brought the gun, to scare Anissa into behaving. It reminded me of when Anissa told me Fagin and Dodger were thinking of giving her away, but I have the feeling that she left things out, or that she was lying. I can see why; she didn't want to worry me.

Bill turned to me and placed a little cup on the table. Where did that come from? I have no idea. "This is powder," He opened the end of the gun and poured the powder in the weapon. "That's where it goes in — " He pointed to where he inserted the powder.

I turned to Dodger who was looking at Bill, still holding his tight grip on my wrist. He moved in a little closer to me.

Bill pulled the gun and got my attention. "When you shoot someone, you pull this — " He pulled the back of the gun again and put his index finger on the trigger, "you aim, and then pull this down when you're ready to shoot. Understand?"

I nodded.

"Words girl, I know you can talk," he barked.

"Yes, I understand," I replied in a dull tone.

"Now, I'm going to give you an order, and you will follow it," He leaned in a little bit closer. "I want you to stop hiding what your friend is keeping, because I know that whatever she is up too isn't good, and I know that you know about it. Since Dodger is in charge of you, if he asks you to tell him what she's hiding and what she says to you, you will. Anything and everything."

"Okay."

"I have one more order for you," Bill leaned back, "I want you to stay away from your friend. I don't care if you want to be around her, you won't. She's a provocateur; she'll get you into trouble. I know you don't want to be in trouble for the things that she chooses to do, maybe you do, I don't know. You won't be around her at all. I'll make Dodger in charge of that. Since I'm not always here, he'll make sure you aren't around her, won't you, Dodger?"

"Yes, Sikes," Dodger answered, moving his hand closer to mine. His fingers touched mine, causing my heart to race. He then had ahold of my hand in mine, our fingers overlapping one another's. My heart raced. I liked the feeling of his hand in mine.

Bill stood up. "Stay away from Anissa; she's trouble. And when Dodger asks you a question, you answer with the truth only, no lies," He turned to Monks, "Let's go, Monks."

Bill walked down the stairs as Monks' eyes glinted at me. He then turned around and walked down the stairs, behind Bill. Monks was a little scary. When he looks at someone, it's like he's seducing them, but deceiving them at the same time. But he also looks like he's thinking about something, whether it's good or bad, I'm going to stay away from him. I have a bad feeling about him.

Fagin got up and turned to Dodger. "I have to make dinner. Take Julia into the living room and have a little chat with her," The way Fagin said his command turned me off. He's up to something.

Dodger nodded, grabbed two cups, a bottle, and walked into the living room. I followed after him. He put the two cups and bottle down and took a seat at a small table. "Sit down, Julia," He said calmly.

I sat down across from him as he took one of the cups and picked up the bottle.

"Let's talk, shall we?" He suggested, pouring some substance into the cup. I have the slightest catch that it's alcohol; preferably gin. Haven't they heard of water?

"About what?" I asked, not liking the tone of his voice, or what he had in mind.

Dodger took the second container, poured the gin into the cup, placing it in front of him and the glass bottle to the side. "Let's start with Anissa," He decided.

I gulped, knowing what he has in mind. I'll never tell him, but a part of me wants too. What Anissa plans on doing is horrible, and she's selfish because she's thinking about herself. She doesn't care what I think about her plan, and believed that peaching on the gang will make everything better. I know that it'll end up bad because if they succeed, Mr. Brownlow will take Oliver, and Fagin might reach his days with execution.

What will happen to Anissa and me when all of that takes place? What if Fagin and everyone else hides and they take Oliver and me with them? Either way, it's a lose-lose situation.

"You should try that; it's not half bad," Dodger broke me out of my thoughts. I shook my head and moved the cup away from me. "Now, back on topic. I want you to tell me the truth, and if you do, you won't be in trouble."

"What truth?" I stalled. I don't believe anything he says. I will be in trouble no matter what.

"What Anissa and Nancy are up too; Nancy's been sneaking around. I know what they're up to is bad, and I know they told you about it."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.

"You don't?" He leered, slightly leaning forward. "Julia, don't lie to me. We all know Anissa's up to something, and we all know you are aware of what's going to take place. I never attended school, but I am far from stupid. You might as well tell me."

"No," I crossed my arms.

"You have too. Bill told you that you must listen to me —"

"— I already do listen to you."

"— And that you will tell the truth and not a lie," Dodger finished his sentence.

This time, I leaned forward, "Listen to me Dodger, I'll never, ever, tell you. You can punish me as many times as you want. Even with a whipping, I'll never tell you."

No matter how much I want too, Anissa's and my friendship means the world to me, and I'm not throwing it away for anything.

He cinched his lips together and leaned back. "Well played, Julia," he took a sip of his drink and put his cup down. "Well played, you really care about your friend, maybe a little too much. I'm impressed," His face turned serious again. "You have to tell me. You have no choice."

"I have the right to remain silent. Anything I say can and will be used against me in a court of law. I have the right to an attorney. If I don't have one, one will be assigned to me," I smirked.

Two can play this game.

He smiled. "Impressive, you've been reading a lot," Then his eyes narrowed, and I could tell that he was losing his patience with me. "It's not impressive enough to leave, or for me to stop asking you for an inquiry about future events. You have two options: you either tell me right now or, we'll find out later on, and it'll haunt you."

I shrugged. "Sikes will have too."

"Julia, he'll hurt you. You don't want to do that."

"Try me," I snarled.

He leaned in closer, again. "Tell me what Anissa and Nancy are up too," He pressured

"NO!" I shouted, stood up, and slammed my hands onto the table.

Dodger looked shocked at my outburst. I glared at him. He'll never, ever find out from me.

He grabbed my hand and pushed me to sit down. Now he started to raise his voice. "I'm sick of this nonsense. Tell me now, Julia!"

"No!" I shook my head and leaned back with my hands crossed. He'll never break me.

"You're lucky that Sikes left with Monks because if they were still here, they'd beat it out of you, Julia. I don't want them to hurt you."

I stared at him cautiously. He's hiding something. "Why do you care if they hurt or kill me?"

"Because I do."

"Why? And why were you smirking at Anissa when she told you to tell me what you and Charley said in secrecy?"

"Because she's delusional. I think that it's amusing how she embarrasses herself. She's too stupid to realize what she's doing."

"Don't talk about her like that!"

"I'll talk about her in any way I want too," He took his pipe out of this right pocket and started to smoke it.

"No, you won't."

"Why do you care? You can't be around her anyway."

"I'm still not telling you anything," I took a deep breath and crossed my arms.

"Oh, yes you are," He leaned back a little in his chair and placed his right ankle on top of his left knee. He continued smoking his pipe.

"I'll never tell you. Never, ever!" I declared.

He leaned forward again. "Julia, if you tell me, you won't get in trouble. I'll make sure of it."

"I don't need to tell you anything."

"Bill told you that if I ask you a question, you'll answer it, with the truth."

"Fine, I'll do that. The one thing I won't do is rat out Anissa. She's my friend."

"I guess she isn't as good of a friend as you'd like to believe."

I looked at him. "What do you mean by that?" I know what he's up too — either that or he's going to instill what he doesn't like about Anissa.

"You're very different from her. Sure, you're aggressive sometimes, but you aren't a trouble maker. You think logically, and don't act upon emotion. I bet that when she told you whatever she is up too, you begged her to stop. Am I right?" He asked.

I looked at him emotionlessly, then I faced the floor and sulked. He's right, he knows me well. Anissa's acting so selfish right at the moment, and it hurts me to see that she can't compute that if she tells on the gang, everything will go wrong either way.

"She's selfish. I can see the look on your face, Julia. She's hiding something, and you need to tell me."

I looked up at him, sighed and looked away. My throat felt tight. "I can't."

"What do you mean you can't tell me?"

I looked at him. "Look, Dodger, I really do want to tell you, okay? Always believe that. I can't because Anissa might hate me for telling you, and she's my friend. Friends are supposed to be loyal and trust one another. What she's up too is bad, and it involves everyone. What she doesn't understand is that it's a lose-lose situation. I think that she needs to figure that out for herself because I tried to talk her out of it, but she refuses to listen and ignores my ides of reason. She's too stubborn!"

"She needs to figure out what for herself?"

"That's all I'll tell you, Dodger. I don't want her to get into more trouble than she'll be in."

Dodger's facial expressions turned soft and sympathetic. His appearance changed quickly to his usually stoic face as he got up, grabbed my arm, and led me into the kitchen. I noticed that Fagin was making dinner, and not once did he turn around or say anything about some of the yelling that took place earlier.

Dodger pulled me over to the table. "Sit," Was all he replied with, pointing at the exact spot where he wanted me to sit.

"No. You can't tell me what to do."

"Julia, remember what Bill told ya," Fagin whipped around and snapped at me.

I groaned and plopped on the bench. This is getting ridiculous.

"When will dinner be ready, Fagin?"

"Be patient, my boy," Fagin turned back to the stove to finish cooking.

I can't believe any of this! I'm getting into more trouble than I should. I don't want Anissa to hate me. I hope that Dodger understood every word that I said back there, because if he doesn't, then he'll never trust me. Besides, the gang has a lot coming their way. I wish that whatever happens out there with Nancy and Anissa, Dodger and the group will always know that I never meant for anything to happen, because I tried to stop Anissa, but she won't listen.

Like I said earlier, this time, Anissa needs to figure out herself that the two of us will end up stuck with the gang forever, or we'll be out homeless in the streets. I pray my only best friend realized it soon.