I was annoyed. I hadn't gotten to see Dodger at all today. And that just made me mad. And I knew who to blame. Fagin.
That man had ruined my schedule. And what's worse, he'd taken to acting like he was my employer, too. I mean, what's up with that? It was just crazy!
And everyone around me seemed to be so afraid of him. Even Nancy was't cracking jokes anymore. And Fagin seemed to have a knack for making Oliver's life far harder than it had to be. I didn't like that either. So, as you can see, there was a lot for me to brat about.
I made the mistake of walking past Fagin, one day and he stopped me.
"Miss Amano, would you mind fetching me a nice cup of tea?"
Even though he phrased it as a question, but I knew that it was an order. But at least I know where Dodger got it. That effect to phrase things differently, but still get the meaning across.
I nodded politely, but I was secretly gritting my teeth. "As you wish, Sir."
I turned and ran to get what he had "requested" from the pantry.
I bumped into an old friend. It was Dodger.
"So, where'd you get to? I missed you."
He shrugged. "Fagin's kept me busy. But I am sorry that I didn't visit you."
I fought disappointment, but said, "Nah, that's okay. You had a lot on your mind."
"Aye, Fagin's got me running around like a dog. I hate it!"
"Then why are you doing this, Dodger?"
He sighed. "It's difficult to explain." He paused for a moment, then added, "Look, the thing is, Fagin tends to off the things I care about when I disobey him. I'm stuck and I have no way out. But you make it all worthwhile, and now that I have you, Fagin will never hurt you. I refuse to let that happen."
"Are you saying that Fagin might threaten to kill me to get you to do what he wants you to do? That's insane!"
"But that's how he is. He'll stop at nothing to get what he wants." His eyes were downcast and he seemed distant. Then he said,"If you want to leave, I completely understand. I know that girls don't tend to like being threatened. So, it's okay with me if you leave."
I was surprised. Did he really think that I would leave him for such a stupid reason?! I'm not that stupid!
"Well, it's not okay with me. Look, Dodger, that's not ever going to happen. He can threaten me as much as he wants. I won't leave you."
"But, Madoka, he means it! When he says, "dead" he means dead. He's complete business."
"Like I care!"
"Madoka, listen. He... will... kill... you!"
I almost slapped him.
"I... heard... you... the... first... time!" I copied him.
The laugh that filled the air was full of pride and relief.
"Thanks, Madoka!" He cried, throwing his arms around me.
And I knew he meant it. Forever, probably. Great! That means I'm stuck with Dodger forever.