Oliver and Dodger

Chapter 1. The New Life

Oliver was asleep he hadn't wanted to but his nanny and uncle had thought he should go to sleep early as he had school the next day, as soon as he put his head on the pillow he had fallen asleep, perhaps because of all the energetic games he played with his uncle and nanny during the day. So, it was quite a sudden shock when he was pulled out of sleep by someone shaking him. Oliver naturally assumed it was his nanny so he said "ohhhhhhh please Martha please let me sleep some more". The person then shook him some more, so Oliver said "please stop shaking me Martha. If it would please you I'll get up now" the person, then giggled then shook him again then said "Oliver. Oliver come one. You lazy posh gent-leman. Wake up I've got meself some wallets to pinch" Oliver realized it was not Martha so he yelled "get your hands off me you fiend you aren't Martha" and violently shook him off. "oi stop calling me Martha that's a girl's name. Thank god, the boys weren't here to hear that or I'd be a laughing stock. I'd no longer be known as the best pick pocket in the whole of London would I" that was when Oliver realized the voice belonged to a good old friend of his. He looked to see if his room's intruder was his friend, he saw it was. The voice belonged to the Artful Dodger, the best pick pocket in the whole of London his best friend who looked after Oliver when he first came to London. Dodger was wearing what he normally wore, a blue top hat and coat, and he still had his impish grin. Dodger continued talking "I'd probly be given a new nickname like the Artful Martha" Oliver leaped up and yelled "Dodger" then immediately gave him a big hug, "oi be quieter, more sneaky like unless you want the whole house to hear then your Martha would call the coppers and put me in chains and get me deported to bloomin Australia" Dodger snapped looking cross Oliver let go of Dodger and said "sorry Dodger". Dodger's face softened "that's alright, putting his arm around Oliver's shoulder "just remember I'm... a wanted crimin...". At that moment the door started to creek loudly open "quick Dodger get under my bed now" Dodger started darting towards the bed whispered "quick yerself your supposed to be asleep" .

Oliver hurriedly climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to his neck, closing his eyes as if asleep. Martha came in, looked around the room to check everything was as it should be. She saw that the window was wide open "I don't remember opening them that wide, just a little as young master Oliver was warm from all the fires being on round the house. Oh well guess I must have" she tutted. Martha walked over to the window and closed it in a very stern manner as she was cross with herself for being so careless.

While the house maid was inspecting the room, Oliver was filled with worry that his friend would be caught as Martha was sometimes very thorough with this sort of thing, ever since Bill Sikes had abducted him if she even suspected that his life was in danger then she would become extra careful and protective. Which was why he was starting at his new school that morning instead of last week when he should have started, because she didn't like the look of the boys in the school uniforms as they looked "terribly sneaky. They're just the sort who'd kidnap a poor young defenceless young lad and involve him in goodness knows what sort of sinful act". Oliver was extremely worried that she'd think that a kidnapper like Bill Sikes was under the bed, then his friend would be in big trouble, because he didn't think that Martha or his uncle would be likely to accept that Dodger was a trustworthy friend if he snuck into the house through a window also Oliver suspected that the Artful Dodger had probably helped himself to at least a few items that were under the bed. Stolen items would most certainly not convince his uncle that Dodger meant no harm.

Under the bed, Dodger was very worried that he'd would be nabbed by his friend's maid, hiding under the bed seemed like the most obvious place someone would hide. still no one could blame him for his choice of hiding place, there just weren't any better hiding places none he could see anyway. his choice of profession was not a burglar. The Artful Dodger was a pick pocket, a proud one at that, he was the best in the business after all. He was also concerned about what punishment Oliver would receive for him being there. Dodger of cause had assumed that Oliver's new family were nice enough, upper class never got their hands dirty, but nice enough, if they weren't why would Nancy go to so much trouble to make sure Oliver stayed with them. However, you never knew how adults would behave if they thought you had done something not lawful, not something they liked. You never knew, Dodger had experience with a father who made it very clear what he liked and didn't like with a very vicious belt and branch. He also had heard from plenty of the lads about their family's way of displaying their anger. So, he figured that well brought up gent-leman would probably not be all that different. Perhaps a little better, most certainly better for Oliver to be brought up with lots of money and a big house, proper education, lots of possibilities to earn an honest living which still resulted in lots of money. He wouldn't normally be concerned about a beating but Oliver was such a gentle sort, so well mannered, so honest and law abiding. There was a vulnerableness to Oliver. Oliver just wasn't street wise. Clever yes. Very able to talk in posh English like a gentleman would yes. Able to defend himself in an actual fight no. However, Dodger couldn't help but use this perfect opportunity to help himself to a few things laying about that wouldn't be missed in such a large house but would sell quite a handsome amount on the streets. One silver table spoon, a white laced velvet handkerchief, a hair pin and a monocle, there was also 5 pounds that Dodger thought might buy quite a lot of luxury. He left all the things that he thought Oliver was actually attached to, like two pairs of shoes and four boxes.

Martha then proceeded to check whether Oliver himself was alright, she checked his temperature. He did not have a temperature. She stroked his hair affectionately "must have just been a nightmare. Poor thing probably brought on by the roaring wind from the window" in a more disapproving voice she said "and his uncles dastardly frightful tales don't help neither." She then saw that Oliver didn't have his cuddly toy cat on him so she grabbed it off the floor and put it between his arms. Martha then started to kneel down so that she could check to see whether there were any Bill Sikes in the room, but then to stood up "no Martha stop being so protective. It's been a month and nothing bad has happened to Oliver has it. Nothing going to happen tonight. He's nine. Not five. So, stop worrying". Martha finally went out of the room.

Oliver continued to pretend to be asleep just in case Martha changed her mind about the likelihood of another kidnapping happening that night and decided to come in again. After five minutes Oliver finally decided that there was no longer the danger of being caught. So, Oliver called down to Dodger "Its alright. She's gone" Dodger crawled out from under the bed, "I was worried right stiff that she'd look under the bed and scream her heart out when she saw the dashing young gent-leman hiding there" Oliver nodded "yes so was I. Except I highly doubt that Martha would describe you as a gentleman or even dashing" Dodger had a mock offended expression on his face, Oliver however was unsure whether dodger had realized that Oliver was only teasing and was joining in or that he really was offended. Oliver was just about apologize and explain he only meant it as a joke when Dodger's face broke into a grin and both boys burst into fits of laughter.

They kept rocking back and off with laughter, Oliver rocked back and forth so much that he fell onto the floor, both their legs kicking in the air. Dodger hadn't had such a good laugh in a while, as Fagin and himself had been very occupied with recreating their criminal network. Which was quite stressful at times, of course they had, had fun with it but still not as fun and carefree as he was having with Oliver right then. When the boys had finally recovered from their laughter Dodger picked up his blue top hat, composed himself and stood up, Oliver continued sitting. Dodger announced in a most serious way "anyways back to the business at hand. The reason why I the Artful Dodger the best thief you'll ever find came round to your nice little abode is that Fagin and myself were wonderin how you was with your new life and the old bloke and all that" Oliver couldn't help but grin at the way Dodger seemed so self confident about everything with the way he spoke and the way he stood which gave him a natural charisma. Oliver replied "yes everything is going perfectly thank you. It was going wonderfully well before bill took me of course but after Mr Brownlow realized about my mother well it just suddenly became all the more wonderfully. I suppose it's because we now feel more connected as we're related and it feels like we're closer to mother now. Because we with the people who my mother loved with all her heart" dodger looked terribly confused "what is this about being related. How could you be related to Mr Brownlow" "oh I'm terribly sorry Dodger I forgot that you didn't know. I guess it all just seems like a part of life now that I forgot that you couldn't have known. Mr Brownlow found out that my mother is his niece who run away and had me in the workhouse. I suppose it means that Mr Brownlow is my great uncle but I just call him uncle" "Well that's bloody brilliant mate. A bit coincidental that I picked the pocket of the same man that's your uncle but still bloody brilliant Oliver. Not half bad for a lad who got brought up in a workhouse" Oliver nodded "indeed. Not half bad at all. My uncle says I look like my mother because I have an innocent face apparently" Dodger nodded in agreement "well I'm glad you're happy Oliver cause if anyone deserved the life you've got, I'd stake my money on you".

Oliver and Dodger sat in thoughtful silence for awhile. Oliver thinking about how lucky he was having found his loving great uncle after longing for so long for a loving family. Wishing that he could have meet his mother. Now he had found a home filled with love. Then Oliver went on to thinking about Dodger and about their how he had first meet Dodger. How Dodger had given him some food and looked after him when he had first come London. what a great friend he was and wondering how he was and what he had been doing for the past month. So, Oliver asked "what about you Dodger. Where are, you living at the moment and what have you been up to" the Dodger picked out a wallet took off his hat and gave a little bow "pick pocket and proud" stood up then put the hat back on "always will be. Fagin and me been busy starting the business up again. Hard work it is, I'll tell you. Having just meself and Fagin who's experienced in pick pocketing. And Fagin can't exactly go out and pickpocket himself can he, being as he's so old people would notice him picking their pocket see?. I recruit new lads to the job then I take them out on the job to train them. We keep changing the base every week. Fagin says it means that coppers won't nab us cause they won't know where we are. See? "yes, I do see. Well with you and Fagin leading it, I'm sure the business will become as successful as the old one. But"

Oliver bit his lip nervously unsure how to voice his doubts about continuing with a criminal career and still being alive in three years' time without hurting his friend's feelings. Dodger snapped "but! what Oliver" Oliver bit his lip again and fidgeted with his hands still unsure how to put it however he decided to get it over and down with as Dodger looked like he was getting more and more agitated. Oliver took a big breath and explained "but I'm not sure that you should continue with the business" dodger dropped down into s sitting position "if your going on about moral reasons then don't. Just look at yourself when I meet ya. Starvin you was but Fagin gave you a proper meal, looked after you didn't he. If you had stuck with us, you'd have had enough money to buy a bit of food yourself. Fagin provided all of us. Us lads with more food than we could dream of. A roof over our heads. Clothes As well as proper money and not the scrappy amount law abiding kids like us get neither. Fagin never paid a finger on us. Never. We was our own boss. What's more moral than that eh" "well i suppose that its sometimes the case that the people that you steal from might actually need the money and it actually causes inconveniences. Not everyone you steal from are so rich, are they? That a stolen wallet wouldn't be a bit of a problem? Anyway, I was also thinking about how it might not be good for you. One of these days you might get caught by the police. They'll arrest you and as you said earlier deport you to Australia or somewhere even worse and make you do something so dreadful I can't even imagine what. Or they might... "Oliver gulped "they might hang you. Hang you and then you'd be dead Dodger. Never able to have another day of fun, running about the city making mischief, never able to do anything else other than pick pocketing" Dodger shook his head and stood up "Fagin would never allow me or anyone of the others to get hanged or deported. Never. Fagin looks out for us Oliver he'd never allow that to happen. Never"

Dodger jumped onto the window ledge "anyways. Best be off. Glad that your happy Oliver. I hope you become a real fine gent-leman. You might even get to change how things are. Order them other top hat, tea drinking, stuck up posh snobs all over the place. There's might be a pocket or two left for me to pinch. So, long Oliver. Till we meet again" Dodger lifted his hat in farewell. The finality of it was too much for Oliver which was why he rushed towards the window and grabbed Dodgers coat, which made Dodger a little startled and confused. "stop Dodger, please. Why were you worried about me? You knew that I was safe. Mr Brownlow isn't poor and I think that you knew that he took a liking to me so I was perfectly safe. So why Dodger why did you come" Dodger hesitated, unsure quite why himself except that he knew that he had really, really wanted to see Oliver again and he had been worried about Oliver getting beaten because Oliver hadn't looked like he would have managed to defend himself. And that Fagin had told him to check up on Oliver.

Dodger considered Oliver's expectant face and knew that if he didn't answer him soon then Oliver would let him go thinking that he had offended him. Thinking that he was Fagin's puppet, unable to do anything else but pickpocket, but worse still unwilling to listen to Oliver's argument. unable to explain that pick pocketing was a good business venture. So, he tried to answer best he could "well I, you see I. The thing is" dodger stumbled, unable to find the right words to explain. Not being able to speak except in nervous, just starts of sentences was very embarrassing and infuriating for Dodger which was why when he saw Oliver look of sympathy he snapped. "well maybe... it was a mistake me coming then. If your all la de da, da then there was nothing for me to worry about then was there? Your all fine and happy living the high life why should I worry one penny about you. I 've got enough to worry about" Oliver eyes became watery, as if any moment he would burst into tears, his hand tightened on Dodger's coat. "please don't go Dodger. Not yet" Oliver whispered so quietly, if Dodger wasn't right next to Oliver he'd never have known Oliver had spoken. Dodger hadn't wanted Oliver to be upset that was the last thing he had wanted to do, so all the anger he was feeling faded away. Dodger tried again to explain "I guess I wanted to see you, to check you were happy not just safe but happy... but I guess I also wanted to see you... you see? I... well you was like my mate see? I wanted you to be part of the gang. Join in the fun. The freedom. The family. With you starting a new life... well I guess I thought we could still be mates... see? Stupid I know. I mean you've probly got new mates now. Mates more to your liking. More lawful and moral. So, I want you to understand that I know you don't like me. I did pull you into all that mess after all. with getting arrested and bill taken his anger out on you and... and Nancy... Nancy dying. Bill dying... it was all because of me. I'm sorry bout that. You hate me now. I get it. I do. By". Dodger was about to go start his climb down by going out the window but realized he couldn't. Some thing was stopping him. Oliver was stopping him. He still had hold of his coat. Oliver spoke "I don't blame you for anything that happened. And I most certainly don't hate you. I want you as my friend as well." "really" dodger asked uncertainly Oliver answered without any hesitation "I most certainly want you as my friend. In fact, your probably my best friend ever. Before you I had no friend's dodger none at all. So please stay for a bit at least" Dodger nodded in agreement and leapt down from the window ledge.

Once dodger was off the ledge Oliver gave him a hug with Dodger hugged Oliver. It was nice for both of them to have a friend they already knew, a friend whom they could hug without being called a sissy. Both boys had friends but they weren't the same because they had to prove themselves all the time. Dodger had to show he was the boss, that no one could usurp his place, because he was the best pick pocket, while Oliver had to always prove that he was just as bright as all the children his uncle invited round, that he wasn't just a dumb, money less work house orphan. They both had to always prove that they were manly. Oliver thought Dodger might be a little hungry, after all the food in his house was ten times better than what Fagin could whip up. So, he asked "would you perhaps like a snack Dodger" to which dodger responded by standing straighter looking proud, trying to look strong "I'm the Artful Dodger I don't need nothing I've got all I need at home" then he saw Oliver sitting down and Dodger look down at his grumbling belly and thought better of It so he took off his hat to be polite then tried the over the top approach. He slumped down with an exaggerated pained look on his face "I'm absolutely starvin. Completely dying of hunger I am Oliver my old mate" dodger puts his hands out as if he was begging "please, please Oliver I beg of you to spare me at least a morsel of food. Please" Oliver laughed "well then why didn't you say for before" Oliver quickly went out of the room "I'll be back in a sec" Oliver reassured.

Once Oliver left Dodger moved towards an interesting looking wooden castle on a shelf with soldiers all around it. Dodger had no idea what it was for. On closer inspection Dodger saw that as well as the solders there was a king, a queen, a fierce looking pirate captain with an eye patch, a hook for a left hand and a black beard, there were also three children a girl with blond hair and a pink flowery dress as well as two boys in smart suits. Dodger decided that it would make the perfect way to plan how to break into a house, or more importantly how to break in or out of a well guarded government complex, if ever the need arouse.

Oliver crept along the floor careful to move very slowly and gently to avoid the wooden floor creaking. Oliver winced every time the floor did creak when he forgot to place his foot down gently. Which luckily only happened four times. Even luckier was that everyone was too fast asleep to notice. Even so he was extremely careful going down the stairs to the kitchen because the stairs were very creaky. Eventually Oliver got to the kitchen and was extremely glad that Martha had not thrown away the egg and bacon sandwich from the Picnic they had had that day but had instead put it in a container, presumably so it could be eaten tomorrow. So, he got a tray and put the egg and bacon sandwich and another sandwich with ham and cheese on a plate on the tray, as well as a handful of crisps. He also put some cakes and chocolate biscuits on the tray as Oliver always did like his desert so thought Dodger might enjoy desert himself especially as he probably didn't normally have desert. Oliver put two glasses of water on the tray and carried the tray up to his room to Dodger.

Oliver opened the door with his left hand, his right still holding the tray. Oliver walked in with both hand holding the tray, he used his foot to close the door behind him. Oliver was surprised because Dodger did not notice Oliver coming in as he was apparently too preoccupied with playing with Oliver's toy castle that he had placed on the floor and was kneeling, playing! Dodger had arranged the solders all around the castle, one on each of the castle four walls, one in front of each wall and two guarding the entrance to the castle. the toy girl and one of the boys were in dodgers hand, he placed the girl and the boys next to the guards in front of the entrance "so then they skip along merrily and offer the guards some sweats and the guards say" Dodger put on a gruff voice for the guards "we don't mind that we do in fact we love our jelly babies. Here, have a penny for your trouble me dears. Then they pickpocket the guards really sneaky like. Oi, oi where you's going with our nice flowery wallets. So, they ran after the children" Dodger placed the children and the guards far from the castle. picking up the pirate he stabbed his sword into each of the solders on the ground "so he stabs each of the solders. To distract them" Dodger put on a pirate voice "ha, ha, ha me hearties have some of me sword in ya. Har, har, har" Dodger flung the solders the pirate away as well "so, the solders run after the pirate leaving castle mostly unguarded so the last boy can sneak into the castle" he placed the boy in front of the entrance "but one of the guards on the walls notice him. And rushing down yelling for the queen to come a and tell them what to do cause their so dumb they only do what their ordered".

Oliver couldn't help but bursting out laughing because it looked so odd Dodger the proud pickpocket playing with toys just like a normal child. Oliver was also delighted that Dodger had made the children pickpockets. Except Oliver normally made the pirate evil, who kidnapped the children and made them steal for him. The king would normally come and challenge the pirate to a duel, which the king won and then invited the children to live in his castle as servants. Dodger heard and looked around, startled, as he had no idea he was being watched. When he saw Oliver, Dodgers face become red, as he was a bit embarrassed as he didn't really know what the castle and figures for. "what are you laughing for? I was only planning a robbery" Oliver nodded trying to convince Dodger he understood completely. "what are" Dodger waved his arm at the toys indicating what he was asking "these for exactly anyway" Oliver answered in a puzzled voice "well they're for playing with Dodger". Dodger shook his head "what do you mean for playing with? What are the rules?" Oliver tried to explain "well….. they're for when you want to play… well imaginatively. there are no rules really. Though normally in most games the king and queen live in their castle and the solders have to defend it. Exactly what you were doing really. Except of cause the pirate is normally the bad guy" Oliver became worried that his friend would become offended that he was comparing his thought-out plan to a game so he quickly added "but of cause another difference is that you were using them in a thought out plan". Oliver settled the tray on the floor "anyway. I've brought you some food and some water" Dodger leapt towards the tray filled with tasty food "brilliant" Dodger exclaimed. He took a bite out of the egg and bacon sandwich it was the best thing he had, had in ages as they hadn't been able to get enough money for sausages.

An hour passed which Dodger and Oliver spent talking about their adventures. Dodger of cause tried to make his adventures sound as exciting as possible, sometimes with his mouth full with the food he was eating which Oliver refused to have any of as he felt he had, had plenty of food during the day. Their fun came to an end when Dodger noticed Oliver yawning so he put his hat back on and stood up, he gave his impish grin because Oliver looked so puzzled. Dodger announced "Right I better be off back home Olli my mate. Its late, Fagin will be getting worried and I've got to get my beauty sleep" he leapt onto the window ledge, Oliver quickly said "but you will be back some time won't you Dodger. I'll even tell you more about imaginary games" Dodger gave his impish grin and cockily said "sure I will. Some time at least. Wish me luck with pinching them pockets" he raised his hat in farewell and was gone into the night. Oliver crawled into bed and wrapped the covers up tight right up to his chin and went immediately into a deep sleep, filled with dreams where he and Dodger fought side by side protecting queen Victoria.