Chapter 1
"Thenardier, I did what you wanted me to. I payed you up. Something for me, now." I spat at the loathsome conman in front of me. He was smirking as he watched me get worked up. His daughter Eponine stood behind him silently, daydreaming about Pontmercy without a doubt. I did Thenardier's dirty work for him after he pressured me to rob a small house along the river. I narrowly escaped the police. There was no way I was going to escape my payment.
"You pay me. Now. Or I'll alert the police that Eponine was the one who robbed that bourgeoisie's house down the street." I said coolly, but still gritting my teeth. Of course, I would never tell the police anything. Eponine was one of my only friends, and she was Thenardier's most valuable asset. She was pretty and could read and write. My strategy worked. I saw the smirk briefly disappear from Thenardier's mouth, but he quickly regained it as he pulled out 250 francs and shoved them into my hand.
Grinning, I curtsied and said sarcastically, "Pleasure doing business with you, monsieur." I pocketed the money as I confidently walked away. The alleyways of Paris could be dangerous, but not if you knew how to handle them like I did. It was only a short way to the house. I walked with long, confident steps as I saw the sun dimming in the amber sky above. I hoisted up my long greenish skirt as I walked. Before I knew it, I was at the shack I called home.
I turned the knob on the front door and walked into the decrepit house. I lived alone, with very few belongings. The shack was two rooms big, a living room and a tiny kitchen. In the living room was my 'mattress', which was really just a mat, a small mirror on the wooden, decaying wall, and a clock. In the kitchen, it had the food, a stove, and a table. Everything was falling apart. I took a quick glance at the clock. It was almost seven. Damn. I was almost late for my shift at the Café Musain.
I was a cook and waitress at the Café Musain every day. My mother always said I had a talent for cooking, and I guess it is one of the only things I'm actually good for. If I was late, each minute would deduct one franc from my already meager pay. I slipped on my apron, arranged my auburn hair into a tight knot on the top of my head and ran out of the house. The café was only a block away. I would most likely be on time.
As I neared the café, I heard shouting and laughter inside. Oh yes, how could I have forgotten? The 'revolutionaries' were meeting today. They were barely revolutionaries. They just got drunk and laughed while Enjolras shouted about equality. But even though they weren't revolutionaries, they were still entertaining to be around. Most of them were quite fond of me, mainly because I fetched them more liquor when they wanted it.
I slipped in the doorway at the same time as another girl, who I didn't notice there before. Of course it was 'Ponine. Coming to swoon over Pontmercy some more.
"Hello 'Ponine." I said, smiling at the thin brunette girl. She was only a year younger than me, but I still looked on her as a little sister, but also a best friend. She noticed me there finally.
"Oh hello Amabele. I figured I would see you here!" I smiled and nodded.
"You as well. Coming to see Pontmercy, I'm sure." I teased. She shushed my and playfully punched my shoulder. Laughing, I said, "Well, I've got to get to work now." She nodded as I strode behind the counter to get started on the boys' usual orders. Bottle of whiskey for Grantaire… I grabbed a bottle of a type Grantaire was especially fond of and brought it over to his table. He was sitting with Pontmercy and Enjolras. I could never remember Pontmercy's first name…
"Here you go, Monsieur Grantaire." I plopped the bottle down in front of him. No doubt he will have it finished within the hour. Grantaire smiled up at me in a drunken stupor already.
"Madame DuPont, please sit," He gestured to an empty seat between he and Enjolras. I had work to do, but not much. I decided to accept his offer and sit down. Enjolras and Grantaire were both incredibly handsome. How could I refuse? I nodded curtly to each of them.
"Monsieur Enjolras, Monsieur Pontmercy," I used to work as a maid for a wealthy family, and I observed each and every one of their mannerisms. I mimic them now, and I act nothing like the waif I am. Enjolras and Pontmercy nodded back to me.
"Good evening, Miss DuPont." Enjolras said. I tried to hide the blushing I was sure my cheeks were doing. One of the reasons I loved my job was the fact that I got to be around the students. Every one of them was at least mildly attractive. At age seventeen, I needed to be looking for a husband. I doubted any of them would marry someone so out of their social class, but you never know…
