The streets were very busy that day, people covered the streets, running errands and picking up groceries. Children were chasing each other and screaming in delight, adults were desperately trying to convince different sellers to take prices down so that they could afford everything they needed, others were begging the more wealthy who sat in their carriages arrogantly. It seemed the hectic atmosphere had an effect on how everyone behaved. Including Eponine. She rushed after Marius, trying to keep up with him and not lose him in the crowds whilst she fiercely pleaded her case. Realising it was hopeless, she stopped in her tracks.
"Marius Pontmercy, you listen to me right now." She yelled. She drew in a breath as Marius turned with a pleading look and her heart dropped into her stomach. Usually, when he did this, she would fade back into a shy lovesick girl and apologize for being so rude. But she wouldn't do it this time, there was too much at stake. "How do you know for certain that I would not be allowed? Surely you need all the people you can get. I am much smarter than you think and I know the streets."
"Eponine, we have been over this a million times. The barricade is no place for a woman. Besides, Enjolras would never allow it and I certainly will not. Go home, 'Ponine, please. You'll be safe there." Marius said. She loved him, but she couldn't help feel that he looked down on her, as though he was ashamed of her. Strangely though it didn't make her love him any less, it just made her feel even more inferior.
"Safe? With my parents? I would be safer in a rat infested dungeon. At least let me talk to Enjolras myself. I can convince him that I will be of great use and that he needs me. I can help Marius, so let me." She was almost begging now. For three weeks she had been trying to convince him to let her join the crusade, but he kept pushing her away, refusing to listen. She couldn't understand it. He spoke of getting the people to stand with them in the rebellion yet when someone really wanted to help he refused. Men. Sometimes Eponine wondered why she bothered wasting her breath, but she knew in her heart that she had to be at the barricade, she wanted to be. This was her country and her people they were fighting for, and if she wanted to fight, she would. And nothing, especially a gang of schoolboys were going to stop her.
"I will be there Marius. With or without your support." She stared him down. He stared back, and sighed as though he was going to surrender.
"I am sorry, 'Ponine, but I will not support you trying to get yourself killed." Eponine, taken aback by Marius's sharp reply, opened her mouth in protest but lost her chance to speak. "Just go, 'Ponine. Please." Marius walked away, but Eponine followed, much to his disappointment. He knew her too well to believe she would just give up. But she was quiet, thinking of what else she could do. As they turned the corner to the ABC Café, Eponine spotted Enjolras at the window, brooding over what seemed to be important documents. An idea lit inside of her like a flame, and she sped past Marius as he shouted a number of incoherent protestations.
"Monsieur Enjolras!" She shouted as she reached the top stair of the café, grabbing the attention of every man in the room, who all stared at her in shock and disbelief.
"Mademoiselle?" Enjolras answered with a puzzled expression. Just then Marius appeared behind her, panting, shaking his head manically at Enjolras.
"Don't listen to a word she says, she is deluded. Come along, Eponine." He said, grabbing her arm, but she turned and gave him a look that could kill even the most vicious of men, and tore away from him.
"What on earth is going on?" Enjolras demanded with a booming voice, a voice that made her understand why he was the leader of this rebellion.
"Monsieur, I wish to join the crusade." She stated, holding her ground as she felt every eyebrow in the room raise, and heard multiple shouts of protest. Enjolras, though, looked at her as though she was the most interesting person on the earth. "I understand that you think it unfit for a woman, but if I may, I believe it unfit for an insignificant group of school boys to fight for something they know nothing about." She knew that would probably get her a very large "no" but it was how she felt. It infuriated her that they were making such a fuss over something they had no experience or knowledge of, and did not seem to have any plans to. It seemed to her that they were looking for something to put them in the history books. And there was no way she was going to allow the hope of glory kill her Marius.
She moved closer to Enjolras. "Please, Monsieur. I am smart. I may not seem so but I am. I am quick, I learn fast and I know the streets. The people you fight for are my family and my friends. The streets you wish to improve are my home. If something were to go terribly wrong I could get everyone away safely. I could be of great use to you if you would just allow it. I will not be a burden. I will attend all meetings, give my opinion if you wish for it, help prepare weapons if I am taught. I will be at that barricade no matter what, the least you can do is help me to help you." Eponine stared into his deep blue eyes, his face hard as stone.
"You speak well, Mademoiselle." He said. Eponine bowed her head and smiled in thanks. "You may join us." Enjolras was answered with a wave of cheers, the men had been won over by Eponines' plead, and her heart leapt with pride. "Only, if I can be sure you will not be a distraction to my friends." Enjolras said. Not accusingly, it came across as a warning against his friends, which she appreciated.
"I can assure you, I am no distraction to anyone, sir." She smiled. Enjolras nodded and went to Marius, who Eponine planned to avoid for a couple of hours. Instead she was greeted by a man named Joly, who introduced her to everyone else. She cast a glance toward Enjolras, who was unenthusiastically speaking to Marius, and a warm sensation came over her, giving her the feeling that she and him were to become very good friends.