Enjolras couldn't remember an exact moment when he first laid eyes on her. She was one of the many faces that were joining their meetings. In his life the only thing that mattered was the future of France. That's why he never had time for socializing or for love. He couldn't let any women cloud his judgement...
The first time he really noticed her was after one of the meetings at the Musain. It was in the mid October and the weather outside was repellent. Rain was beating heavily against the windows and the cold wind was piercing through the bones. That night she was sitting beside the table with Joly and Marius. Enjolras, however, was occupied, writting down some reports.
"Could we do it another time? Musichetta is probably worried sick. I was supposed to be at home two hours ago."pleaded Joly, slight annoyance appearing in his voice.
"You never have time...But don't you understand? I have to learn."
"We know, 'Ponine."Marius interrupted.
"I like listening to you. I am fond of your vision of France, but how am I supposed to form my own opinions if I cannot read?"
Her words were full of sad awareness. Awareness that without proper education she will be always in a lost position. Enjolras felt it and in that moment he wanted nothing more than to console that unknown woman. He let himself glance in their direction. To his astonishement although her voice was sad, the girl has shown nothing else than anger. She was standing with her arms crossed and flushed cheeks.
"You talk so much about importance of the equality, but there are moments I feel like you look down on me. Does it amuse you? The girl from the streets trying to become a scholar?"
At that moment her gaze wandered around the room. These words were meant to be heard by everybody. However it was only their four left in the room. When her eyes met his, she startled for a brief moment. Then she took a deep breath and the look in her hazel eyes hardened again. Finally Enjolras dropped his gaze. He felt his cheeks redden a little. He shouldn't had been listening. This was not his concern.
"Of course not, Eponine! We are sorry if we ever made you feel that way." Marius took her hand in his.
"We will help you next time. We promise." added Joly.
A minute later they were gone. The lonely girl was sitting on her own with her face covered in her hands. The room was silent, you could only hear raindrops on the window. Somehow Enjolras felt uncomfortable with that. Being alone in a room with this woman.
"It's time to go." He thought to himself.
When he stood up she didn't even bother to look up, she was so lost in her thoughts.
"Mademoiselle Eponine" he called her when he was at the door.
She rose her head in disbelief.
"Oui, monsieur?"
"Do not give up. You will surprise us all yet."
He left the cafe in a hurry not waiting for any response. He wondered if he had any elementary books back at his apartment. He may give them to Marius so the feisty mademoiselle can practise on her own, without disturbing him or anyone else. They have much more urgent matters than tutoring some girl.
Eponine was staring at the door not believing what just happened. She was heard. She was understood. Not by Marius. By the marble man himself. Someone who she thought wasn't even aware of her existence. Eponine smiled to herself lightly.
"I will surprise them all."