Chapter One

"Eponine Thénardier?" The secretary's voice cut through the silence of the office. I jumped. "Your teacher just called. She's sending a student to come and show you to class."

I shifted nervously on the seat. It was the kind of seat they put in all waiting areas, hard, with little padding.

I let my mind drift away from the thought of a new school. I played back the words my sister Azelma had said just before she'd been taken to her classroom:

"You'll be fine 'Ponine. You shouldn't be worrying yourself over nothing!"

Her words made a streak of sunlight peek through my gloomy prospects. The office door opened, and the prettiest girl I'd ever seen came in.

"Hi Ms. Amherst, I'm here to take the new girl."

"Thank you Cosette, that was very nice of you."

Cosette. What a pretty name, I thought. She walked towards me, her hand extended.

"Hi, My name's Cosette. What's yours?" I quickly found my voice.

"Eponine, Eponine Thénardier."

"Oh, that's a pretty name! I want that name! Is it French?"

"Yeah." I answered.

"Cool, mine too." Cosette said, smiling. I returned the smile.

"I guess we should go to class then." She said.

As we passed through the door, Cosette gave the secretary a cheerful wave. I wondered if Cosette was the secretary's favorite student, like one of those people who help out in the office during free periods.

"So, did you just move here?" Cosette asked curiously.

"Yes, From New York. How long have you lived here?"

"Since September, the beginning of school."

"Is that why you asked?"

"Yeah."

"How do you like it here in LA?"

"Fine, I just can't get used to the weather." I said. "I always pack a sweater just in case I get cold."

"Oh. I guess it's a lot different than here in that it's always wet instead of dry and cold like in New yourk, but I've never been there, so what can I say?"

"Your basicsally right."

As we walked, I thought that just maybe, Cosette and I could become friends, and that maybe things would turn out well after all.