It was late, but Cosette didn't care. She was sick of all the secrets, and all the lies. She was a big girl now, and was sure she could handle whatever her father had been hiding from her. But he still refused to tell her. She needed some fresh air, so she went to her backyard. She loved her father, and that will always be true. But on this night in particular she couldn't stand to be within ear shot of him. She had to get away, even just for a little bit. Now she regretted it. She was lost in the woods, and it was too dark to see anything. She tried to remember the layout from when she was younger, but it was so long ago. The feelings remained the same, however, as she stumbled through trees in search for sanctuary. Suddenly, she heard voices. They were barely audible, but she could tell they were slurred. The footsteps got closer and she froze, unsure of what to do. Her father was always there for her when she was scared or in danger, so she never needed to be tought how to handle herself. As the figures got closer she noticed they were school boys, no older than she was, and they were drunk. One of them wore a red vest and had golden hair. Another had darker hair and carried a beer bottle. The last of the trio wore a black vest and short, shaggy dark hair. Their laughter stopped when they spotted her, and they began to close in. She backed away until the was leaning against a tree.
"A lovely one, isn't she fellas?" Said the one in the red vest. He looked her up and down as he said it. She tried not to panick but was mentally crying out for her father. How could she be so foolish?
"One of the finest I've seen. What lovely hair..." The one in the green commented as he twirled a strand of her hair. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine herself as a young girl, playing with her doll that her father bought her the day they met. She smiled to herself.
"What are you so happy about?" The one with the black vest said as he inched closer. She opened her eyes again and reminded herself of where she was. She couldn't just stand there and say nothing.
"You all are drunk. I suggest returning to your homes and sleeping it off before you get hurt or cause harm to someone else. I can see you all mean well, but I must be going." She said. She began to turn around and walk off, but the one in red grabbed her wrist.
"Going so soon? I realize we have failed to introduce ourselves. I am Enjolras, this is Grantaire, and this is Coureyfac." He said with a smile. Cosette couldn't help but feel comfortable under his gaze. But something in her mind told her to get away as quick as possible.
"It's very nice to meet you all, but really I must be off." She tried to move away but was once again held back. This time they circled around her so there was no way of her escaping.
"Oh, come on. A little fun won't kill you." Grantaire said as he played with the hemming of her dress.
"Don't touch me!" She exclaimed as she pushed his hands away.

"A fiesty one, she is!" Coureyfac said as he grabbed her by the shoulders. He moved in for a kiss and before she could push away their lips met. She could taste the alcohol on his lips and began to struggle. She prayed to God for help so that she may return to her father the way she left. Being a man of God, he would surely be disappointed if she came back home impure. She shuddered at the thought. They trio began to toss her around as if she were a toy, and suddenly she was pinned to the floor. She cried out for help as they began to play with her clothing. It reminded her of her doll and how she would undress her and make sure her clothes were perfectly clean before she put them back on. But she knew this wasn't the case. She cried out as loud as she could before having a hand be put over her mouth. When she thought all hope was lost she heard loud footsteps running towards them.
"STOP. STOP THIS. You are better than this!" A young man said. He must have been a student as well. His face was dotted with freckles all over, and he beautiful brown hair that complimented his skin tone.
"Marius! Um, we were just..." Enjolras tried to come up with an excuse but was cut off by Marius' hand.
"Just get back to the Cafe and get rest. I will help the lady. We will speak of this later." The boys nodded as they jogged off. The boy helped Cosette up.
"Are you okay?" He asked. She nodded numbly as she wiped off her clothes,
"My name is Marius, as you might have known. Would you care to share yours?" She looked at him and saw a warm and friendly smile on his face. Not like Enjolras', where it was fake, but this one was sincere. She smiled back.
"My name is Cosette. I was trying to get some fresh air when your comrades attacked me." She said with a grimace. He chuckled.
"I apologize on their behalf. That usually doesn't happen. It's a good thing I came looking for them." Cosette looked at the ground, not wanting to think about what would have happened if he didn't.
"Thank you. It is greatly appreciate it." She looked back at him and looked at her with concern.
"Are you lost? I would be happy to walk you back home." She nodded and he offered his arm. They walked back in silence, arm in arm. They arrived at her house and she knocked on the door. She hoped her father would not be too upset. He opened the door and flung himself at Cosette.
"Oh, my dearest Cosette! I was so worried about you! Are you alright? Are you hurt?" He said. She laughed at his storm of question and shook her head. He sighed with relief and his eyes traveled over to Marius. He raised an eyebrow.
"Who is this, Cosette?" He asked as he slightly pushed her behind him.
"Papa, this is Marius. He saved me from being harmed by his comrades. They meant well, but the alcahol had gone to their heads." Her father smiled and shook the boy's hand.
"Thank you for saving my daughter. God bless you, and have a good night." Marius smiled and waved goodbye to Cosette before turning around and disappearing into the darkness. She hoped they would meet again soon.