The Artful Dodger

Chapter 16

The next day also dawned bright and sunny. Everyone woke up very late, but Fagin did not mind, for he supposed they deserved a small rest. The boys were relatively cheerful and Rose was excited to see if Davy's Georgina was the same one as her childhood friend. However, she had to ask Fagin if she could go out first. Dodger smiled encouragingly at her as she took a deep breath, because he knew that she was scared of Fagin.

"Sir? Can I go out with the boys today?"

Fagin turned around, shocked at the question.

"Well... after Peter, are you sure?" he asked, not very convinced that she should go out.

"I'm sure, I'd like to." she said, and Dodger nodded fervently behind her.

"Fine, you may, as long as Dodger takes good care of yer."

Dodger nodded again, and grabbed her hand, to drag her out with him and Davy. He noticed that she looked very shy and she was blushing as he held onto her hand.

"Is this okay? I mean..." Dodger winked at their clasped hands. She went red again, and nodded. Dodger was not sure what their current status was but he did not want to move too fast.

Davy, Dodger and Rose walked in silence to the market, it was so hot that they could not be bothered to make conversation. However, when they entered the familiar square, there was a shriek.

"Rose!" yelled a pretty girl with her hair tied back, and within seconds Rose was being embraced despite not knowing who it was.

"Who's this?" Rose asked, then as the curly-haired girl pulled away, "George! It's really you!"

"Hey I'm the boyfriend here!" said Davy, grinning mischievously though Georgina ignored him and carried on talking to Rose. Dodger winked at Davy and gestured towards a man. They both started prowling after him, leaving the girls behind.

"So, how have you been! I've heard nothin' of you!" said George, hardly believing her eyes.

"I've been alright, what about you?"

"I'm fine, been looking for Davy here lately, knew he lived around this area!"

"Well you were right! How's your mother?" said Rose, hoping that the retaliating question would not be asked.

"She's healthy, what about Peter and your father?"

"Well... not so much." said Rose, taking a deep breath, "They're both dead."

"What?! How?" asked George, eyes wide and completely baffled.

"Let's not talk about it. Oh look! There's Nancy!" said Rose, pointing behind George at the friendly woman who was approaching. Nancy was shopping at the market stalls, and for once not watching Dodger intently.

"'Ello, you alright? Who's this then?" asked Nancy, smiling at Rose and George.

"This is Georgina, she's my oldest friend."

"Ah, hello, Georgina! Pleased ter meet you!" said Nancy genuinely.

"But of course, not as pleased as you are to see me." said the Artful Dodger, slipping into the conversation seamlessly with Davy behind him.

"Hey Dodge, Davy, you boys okay?" Nancy asked.

"I'm amazing this afternoon!" said Davy elatedly, "I have a beautiful girl to call mine!"

"I'm not yours, Davy." George stated, amused at how happy he appeared to be.

"Congratulations on your engagement." joked Nancy, but George and Davy were lost in each other's eyes and did not pay any attention whatsoever.