It's a Fine Life
Bill…That was the first thing that went though Nancy mind when she awoke that next morning, or rather the next afternoon. The girl had stayed up drinking till the early morning. She sat up quickly, alarmed at the fact that no snoring was heard from the other side of the bed.
"Bill!?" She said with worry looking around her. One thousand thoughts went through her with horrifying visions.
Finally she realized he wasn't supposed to come back that morning. All of a sudden her head felt like a ton of bricks had been placed on it and pounded down with a hammer.
"God, wot I bloody do, drink the 'ole bot'le?" She held her head as she sunk back into her pillow.
Knock. Knock. Knock "Nancy open up!" Bet shouted banging on the door.
"Wot you rabbi'ing 'bout then?" the young girl stumbled to the door staring at Bet with annoyance.
"Lawd above! yer still in bed?" Bet charged in surprised.
"Course I'm still in bed! Its mornin'." Nancy glanced towards the window; the sun was gone below the horizon. " Lor' luv a duck! Damn 'angover!" She irately said not believing she'd slept in that long. At least her headache was gone.
"I was wonderin' why you was not at the Cripples yet." Bet laughed watching Nancy bustle around the old flat, tiding up and what not.
Nancy checked the cupboard to make sure she had not drunken all the gin. Thankfully there were two bottles left. She couldn't remember the last time she'd drunken that much to sleep a whole day.
From the distance she heard the bells, it was eight at night. Bill would be back any time now.
"Blast! i'll get ready over there." Nancy grabbed Bets hand and practically dragged her to the Cripples.
" Eh Nance! yer late!" George laughed and yelled as she dashed up the stairs. She casted him a look which cut him mid laugh and he turned back to rinsing out the glasses. Once in the room, she seated herself infrount of the mirror. Bet turned around to go.
" Bet, Where yer goin?" She asked, a frantic hint in her voice.
" Jus down the apples and pears, i'll tell you when 'e comes." She smiled and shut the door.
Nancy's heart was beating fast at the thought of Bill coming. She knew it was silly of her to be so nervous, but she just couldn't help herself. She stared into the mirror noticing her flushed pale cheeks. Her dark hair was dangling in every direction. Pulling a brush through her thick hair her large brown eyes sparkled with excitement. Down below the noise was getting louder as more people drank themselves silly. Nancy washed her face and straitened her dress a million times it felt like. She wanted to look her best when he came. She wanted to tell him she was sorry for everything and if they could go back to the way they used to be. She made up her mind to trust him.
The young girl paced back an forth waiting for Bet to tell her he's come. She heard the bells again. it was eleven. So late!?
Before she even had time to feel concerned she heard Bets clear voice.
" Nancy! Nancy! 'es 'ere!" Checking her face and smoothing down her dress once more she turned to go." 'es come back!"
" Alrigh' Bet I 'eard ya." She gave the girl a nervous smile as she dashed down the stairs. Glancing around, she couldn't see him.
" 'es outside with Fagin." Bet told her.
Course had to give him the goods. Taking a deep breath Nancy walked to the opening of the tavern, and there he was, her Bill. She could see him handing the old man his stolen goods. She grinned stupidly not even paying attention to the things he was fishing out of his coat. His fierce eyes were no doubt burning into Fagin's face. Every once and awhile his eyes would travel to Nancy's.
Bill watched Fagin stock off into the night his hands clutching mightily tight to his haul. Immediately he felt Nancy's hand lightly touch his shoulder. Carefully he turned to look at her. She was smiling at him truly happy he was alright. He could feel his breathing stop and his eyes forget to blink.
" I'm glad yer back." she said quietly.
Bill nodded and had to turn around, for if he didn't he would surely become lost in her eyes.
The young girl noticed Bills odd behavior and went to get the Gin. He looked exaughsted and irritable.
Bill said not a word as he took a seat and stared at his hands. Immediately, a bowl of thinned soup and stale bread was placed infrount of him. Nancy poured the Gin knowing to leave the bottle.
She was upset that he kept silent. Nancy sat across the table and just stared at him, her eyes like melting chocolate. There was mud on his coat, and his face was thick with hair and grime. She was savoring this small pleasure, her thoughts of Bill and herself drowned out the noise of drunken voices.
They left arm in arm to the flat.
" Everything go well?" Nancy asked was they walked the darken alleyways.
" Ya, nice places, good stuff." His answer was a grunt. She kept her eyes on the dirt street. Once they entered the flat Bill collapsed on the bed snoring instantly. She gently took off his boots and covered him with the blanket. Smoothing back his hair she placed a kiss on his forehead.
Yes, her life was a small pleasure, she roughed it loved it, and it was a game of chance. One moment, she could be completely happy, and the next she would have a black eye daring to shed a few tears. She didn't mind living on close to nothing. At least she her Bill, a bed and bored, and she wasn't lining on the streets. Yes, her's was a fine fine life.