Whatever Happened to Dodger?

DISCLAIMER: Believe it or not, I am not Charles Dickens. Gasp! Sorry to disappoint all of you. I assure you that most of these characters and some of the plot belongs to him, wherever he may be buried.

SUMMARY: Did you ever wonder what happened to the Dodger? Charles Dickens gladly tells us what happened to Oliver, Fagin, Charley, Nancy, and Bill, but what happened to that funny boy with the top hat who disappeared from the text around chapter 43?

A/N: I know it took me forever to get this chapter out, but I'm a procrastinator. It's what I do. Chapter 5 is finally up (obviously). You should all be especially appreciative for this chapter. How many people do you know that will take the time to write and upload on their birthday? That's right,today ismy birthday. Money and gifts will be accepted at the end of the chapter. Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 5: Getting Along

Dodger was trying to get something accomplished as he walked through the busy streets of London. It would be nice to be able to eat a decent meal for once. But apparently he wasn't allowed to work. A certain boy would not leave him alone.

"What's your name again?"

"Dodger."

He had stated his name for the boy more than enough times. This boy was obviously not the brightest.

"That's an odd name."

"So's Timothy."

"No it's not!"

Dodger was unbelievably close to going from pickpocket to murderer in less than a second. He had been putting up with the boy for several days now and had had all he could stand.

The boy laughed at the last comment from Dodger.

"Timothy is not an odd name. It's the name my mother gave me when I was born," he informed Dodger.

Dodger chose not to comment, but the boy kept talking.

"Did your mother name you Dodger?"

"No."

"Then who did?"

"Friends."

"What did your mother name you?"

"Jack."

"Why?"

That was enough.

"Look, you annoying little creature, I cannot take your persistent babbling any longer. So either wise up and shut your mouth or go find a nice hole to live in until your parents return."

That shut the kid up for all of five minutes. It was the most wonderful five minutes of Dodger's life, but it ended too soon.

The boy started humming a song that school children often sing.

Dodger tried to control his temper. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, he did his best to block out the noise coming from the boy trailing behind him.

This time, Timothy stopped making noise without being told or threatened.

A few minutes later, the humming started again. It was immediately followed by a crunch.

Dodger stopped and turned around slowly to investigate the sound.

The small child was still humming and staring at the people and buildings around him. Not only that but he was eating an apple.

Dodger eyed him suspiciously.

"Where'd you get that?" he inquired.

"Guess!"

"No, tell me where you got it."

Dodger did not feel like playing games.

"Not until you guess!" Timothy laughed.

"NO!" Dodger had just about lost his patience.

"YES!" Timothy obviously thought it was funny. He laughed again.

Dodger took a deep breath.

"Fine," he said, giving in. "I'll guess, but if I'm wrong, you have to tell me the right answer."

Then, without waiting for a response, he continued.

"Did somebody give it to you?"

"Nope!"

"I was wrong. Now, tell me where you got it." Dodger was trying his best to not let his frustration be heard in his voice.

"I picked it up off the apple cart back there," Timothy responded.

"You stole it?" Dodger asked incredulously.

Timothy quickly shushed him.

"Don't talk that loud! If somebody hears, I'll get in trouble!"

It was Dodger's turn to laugh.

"Calm down, kid. Where'd you learn to take things without getting caught?"

"My mum and dad taught me," he whispered.

Dodger started walking again. Timothy had to run to keep up.

"What else did your mum and dad teach you?" Dodger asked.

"Not very much. I've only just gotten tall enough to reach things," he sounded a bit disappointed in himself. "But I can take apples!" he added excitedly.

"So I've seen," Dodger mumbled. He began to think.

This kid had potential. He could teach him how to pick pockets. Then, there would be more money.

He watched the child eat his apple. Dodger couldn't help but smile to himself.

Maybe the boy wasn't so bad after all.

Later that day, Dodger sat on the front steps of an old building, and watched Timothy attempt to take simple things like apples and bread. The kid wasn't half bad. Even Dodger had to admit that.

Timothy's only setback was that he was often too short to reach pockets. This appeared to disappoint him only slightly though he was very proud of his apple stealing abilities.

He was able to weave in and out of masses of people without being seen because of his height, or lack thereof.

By the end of the day, they had accumulated about five apples and three loaves of bread. Not bad for the first day. If he kept this up, he'd be taking handkerchiefs, wallets, and watches as soon as he grew another couple inches. Perhaps he could practice on short people.

Dodger didn't know how long he would have to watch the boy. He didn't know how long it would take for his parents to return and take him off his hands. All he knew was that maybe it wouldn't be as bad as he had thought it would be. Maybe they'd actually get along. Maybe.


A/N: Whew! That was a long 'un. Well, it was compared to my other chapters. Ha! DidI really just say "long 'un"? My goodness,I need to take a vacation up north. I've been living in the south for far too long.Yes! Today is my birthday. I will be accepting presents in the form of a gift or money...or just a review! And speaking of reviews, thanks to all of my reviewers! I got 3 reviews for that last chapter! It's a new record. I've never had more than 2 reviews for a chapter before. Thanks!

Go charley...or something: Yes Kelly, the kid's name is Timothy. I offered to change it, but I couldn't think of a better name and someone couldn't help me. No, Agamemnon is not a better name. Hehe...you ended up giving me an extension, which is exactly what you said you wouldn't do. You're a pushover. You really are. Here's your chapter 5.

The Lady Quotes: Haha! I stillpicture him with his hat too. I can't help it. It's his hat! I assure you that he will get his hat back eventually. I'm beginning to think that if I don't put the hat in the story soon, my reviewers will form an angry mob and burn my house down. Yeah, Dodger and Charley are great. If you are thinking of attempting to write a story like this, I say go for it! We need more Oliver Twist fanfics on would definitely read it. Thanks for your review. Enjoy chapter 5!

Mlle. Verity: Thanks for your review. I'm glad you like it so far. I'm trying to keep him as Dodger-like as possible, but it's harder than it looks. I think I'm finally getting the hang of it though. Hope you like chapter 5!

I don't know when chapter 6 will be up. I have a lot to do this week. I might be able to find time to write it next week over Thanksgiving break. We'll see. Thanks again to all my reviewers and anyone else who may be reading this but not reviewing.

Read and review!