LONDON 1885

Nancy awoke with Bill's hand on her corset, fingering the laces as he slept. She smiled and kissed him on the forehead, and then set about getting herself dressed.

She hummed a tune as she readied breakfast for Bill and softly woke him up the smell of bacon frying on the pan.

As she spotted his eyes slide open, she said with a hint of laughter, "Mornin' Bill. Get your breakfast."

He yawned and stretched with the growl of a lion.

""I'll be home late tonight." Bill said with a slight casual grunt.

"Well, you'll have to heat up your supper, then, and I'll be over at Bet's."

"You better be home, my girl…I 'spect a hot meal and some-company when I return, and I don't need you and your bird friend chatting it up all the time." His hand griped her throat as he stated the cold words, and she pulled away with a painful wince. He glared at her.

"What has gotten into ya Nancy-huh? What-you think I'm gonna cook me supper on me own- is that it? You just remember your place."

Nancy sat down in remission. "I didn't mean to judge ya Bill." Grasping her hair confused, she continued in a small slightly argumentative manner. She knew when not to step over the boundary line. "I didn't mean it that way…I, I wasn't thinkin' is all." She cowered under his booming voice.

"That's righ'-you weren't bloody thinkin. That's what got ya into this mess. You gotta use you head girl."

With that he stormed off and Nancy was left to her own devices. Wiping away fearful tears she grabbed her journal and began to read once more.

May 18? 1875

Journal, the boy I met's name is Bill. He was ever so nice. I met Fagin as well. He isn't as proper as a magistrate, but his heart seems to be kind. I also met two near infants that weren't more than 2. Fagin decided I must look after them. They had been rescued from the streets when a lady left them. Imagine! The poor things! Fagin and his entourage wanted to help but they hadn't any idea how to raise a child. Apparently I am the only girl who takes lodging here, but still…I am thankful. They are a sweet bunch and they treat me well.

Love,

Nancy

May 21? 22? 1875

I seem to have lost track of time, dear journal. I found that their ways are quite different than mine. They don't have jobs, but search the streets for a penny or two-and yes, they steal. Fagin says its what counts and in order to be a good girl have to, "fetch the coppers from pockets."

I start on the job soon. Fagin has asked Bill to help me out. Don't think I'm awfully sill, journal, but I just can't wait to spend more time with him. I find I am already quite fond of him.

Love,

Nancy

How foolish I was Nancy thought. Aloud she griped, "How could I have been so naive?" She breathed slowly out, putting behind her events that were regrettable. Into her mirror she looks, and as she brushed her crimson locks, she thought of all her horrible deeds and for the first time in almost ten years, she felt shame for what she did.

She wiped the salty droplets that slid down her cheeks like a silent river, with a hand and read more, though she was already feeling shame from her past as readily as it unfolded as she read.

May 24? 1785

Today I went on my first job. Bill and I left on the morning

Boat and left for the main city. Once there, he told me to 'lay low.' He said it would be easier for me to blend in with my nice clothes, but I would have to practice lying low for the future. Bill hid especially in the shadows while I walked casually over to a group of people. Bill had also told me that 'pocketing' was best when done in the middle of a large crowd, to avoid attention. I walked slowly and with poise, to avoid suspicion. I was acting like I was not about to commit a felony. The unexpecting man was observing some nice candle holders, and up I crept. I was so afraid of actually getting the wallet, not of actually stealing in my life that I couldn't believe my luck when the man got tripped by a younger person. A man had been running to his carriage, but it was my luck the gentleman did not know of that factor. I helped him up like a 'good little girl' and so he was unaware when I hid his wallet in my corset 'pocket'. He fished for his wallet and if I say so myself, I was the perfect actress. He asked to no one in particular, "Where's my wallet" I, acting so concerned and immediately said, "It must have been that man that knocked you down. No wonder he ran. I am terribly sorry for you." He thanked me, and I went on my way. My first day was a success! I have collected nearly 12 pounds! And all on my first job. Money never mattered to me before, but Bill and Fagin seemed to care, so I will steal to help them. We are, after all, a family, no matter how twisted it may seem.

Love,

Nancy