I'm trying out my first AU so let me know what you think, you're reviews are what will keep me going here, guys.

-Ophelia

The history lecture seemed to go on and on. Mr. Wess was practically repeating himself now but Eponine didn't mind. She'd do anything to stay in school rather than go back home to her abusive parents. It became harder and harder to cover the bruises on her arms, but Eponine didn't really have any friends so no one would noticed.

"The revolution began when General Jean Lamarque-" Mr. Wess was so monotone, Eponine thought to herself. Thankfully she already knew the subject they'd be learning for the next couple weeks so she could be lost in her thoughts for awhile and continue hoping time to get slower.

All she could think about was the fight she got in with her parents and how Gavroche, her little brother, had to hide under a kitchen table to protect himself. He was ten for God's sake and had to live so miserable. Eponine did everything in her power to protect her little brother from the dangers of the pathetic drunkards she called 'Mom and Dad'.

"Eponine!"

The frightened girl jumped at the sound of her name being shouted by Mr. Wess. The class just giggled in response as Eponine sulked in her chair.

"I asked you a question: 'What was the significance of General Jean Lamarque?'." He leaned against his chalkboard and raised a brow, convinced that she didn't know the answer.

Eponine hated when teachers made her speak, she was a such a quiet girl. Clearing her throat, Eponine recalled the information she already knew, "He was the only government official who had pity or sympathy towards the suffering people. He was a hero to those who revolted."

The bell rang and Eponine's stomach churned as she watched the students flee to the halls. Grabbing her black tattered messenger bag, she painfully headed to the door, "Not so fast, Ms. Thenardier," Mr. Wess called.

She stopped at the door and turned around, ready for his lecture.

Mr. Wess pinched the bridge of his nose and removed his small glasses, "You're a very bright student, you're grades prove that, but I don't see you participating in class very often. Should I make sure you take trips to the school counselor?"

If the counselor found out what happened to Eponine at home, they would alert her parents and she would get punished for the rest of her life, "No, sir, I'm feeling a bit-" she was such a bad liar, "nauseous and I just really needed some air. It won't happen again," she added.

He gave a heaving sigh, "Okay, but if it happens again, you won't see me hesitate to write a slip to the dean's office on your way to the counselor."

Eponine kept her head down, "Understood, sir,"

"Have a good weekend, Eponine," He gathered papers on his desk and put his glasses back on the tip of his nose.

Oh, how Eponine hated it was Friday. That meant two days at home, no distractions from her parents, "You too, sir,"

Eponine took the short cut to Gavroche's elementary school to pick him up. The clouds were thick above and the air smelled of moisture. Eponine's favorite weather. Rain.

Making her way to the entrance, she saw Gavroche kicking a few pebbles at the door to the school. At the sight of his sister, the blonde boy ran as fast as his legs allowed him to collide in a warm embrace, "How was your day, 'Roche?"

He took his sister's hand as they crossed an empty street into the neighborhood they walk through everyday, "It was-okay," he looked at the crack's in the sidewalks and did his best to jump on every single one.

"What are you doing?" She asked her little brother.

"I'm trying-" he grunted as he jumped onto another crack, "-to break-mom's back," He successfully landed on another.

"Of course you are, 'Roche," Eponine giggled.

"Can I pretend to be sick tomorrow, 'Ponine?"

"Why do you ask?"

Gavroche hesitated but he jumped on yet another crack, "The kids all make fun of me," he pouted, "I hate everyone there. They call me stupid because I talk funny,"

"You don't talk funny, 'Roche, you talk different. There is nothing wrong with different."

"Tell them that," he mumbled.

She ruffled his dirty blonde hair, "I understand, kiddo, but you still have to go to school,"

"Nu-uh!"

"Do you want to stay at home all day with mom?"

"..."

"Exactly," Eponine said as they made their way to their apartment complex, "plus you don't have school tomorrow, it's a weekend."

Gavroche frowned, "How come everyone else has it easy?" he asked, "They don't get parents like we do."

Eponine's heart melted, "Because-well-" she sighed, "Let's get back to that later, okay?"

Gavroche frowned at the doors that led to the apartment complex, "Can you hold onto my hand just for a little longer,"

Giving a small smirk, she nodded and squeezed his hand as they entered the old building.

After doing her chores, Eponine snuck into the room she shared with Gavroche and started her homework.

"You don't eat the food I make you, you don't get food at all!" Eponine could recognize her mother's voice. So angry and violent.

She started her math homework, hoping the yelling would die down.

"You little brat! Get out from under that table!"

Oh, not again. Eponine threw her book to the ground and leapt to her feet. Leaving the room, she saw her mother in front of their tiny kitchen table and little Gavroche holding his knees to his chest under the table.

"I said-" before she could threaten him anymore, Eponine spoke up.

"Mom-he's just scared-"

On cue, her mother whipped around. Her glare shot straight through Eponine's soul. Her blonde hair was a mess, as always, and her skin was pale, "You!" she invaded her daughter's space, "Don't poke your nose in places it shouldn't be!" she threatened.

Eponine wasn't backing out of this one, instead she tried reasoning with her mother, "Mom, he's ten, you shouldn't have such high expectations for a ten year old."

"Shut your face!" she warned, "You know what happens when I have to tell you things twice!"

"Mom-"

Raising a hand, Eponine's mother held her strike in the air and watched her daughter's reaction.

Raising her arms to defend herself at all costs, Eponine let out a small yelp.

She cackled a laugh and put her hand down, "Pathetic," she slurred as she walked out of the tiny kitchen.

Gavroche had small tears streaming down his face as he crawled out from the under the table, "At least dad wasn't home," he wiped a sleeve over his eyes.

Eponine just nodded in agreement, "Bed time, okay?" her voice was unsteady but she tried to collect herself. She had to stay strong for her brother.

Because if she wasn't there to protect him, who was?