Coseete's point of view
When I was eight years old I went to school for the first time. I was excited and at the same time very nervous. I had never been to school before. Father said I had nothing to be worried about. I will enjoy it. I did enjoy it. I enjoyed it that is until 2 o'clock that afternoon.
Valjean's point of view
As I went to pick Cosette up I saw my little girl had tears in her eyes and her hand was marked with red. I picked her up comfortingly and stroked her hair. With Cosette still in my arms I went to see her teacher.
"Why did you strike her," I demanded.
"She answered several questions wrong on a quiz Monsieur," he explained, "The rule is one stroke for every wrong answer. I assume you'll be following it up at home."
"You assume incorrectly," I snapped, "and if you ever strike my child again you'll regret it"
Nobody's point of view
Valjean walked out of the classroom with Cosette in his arms. He took her to a physician just to make sure the wounds were not infected. They weren't and he suspected they wouldn't be. He set out a picnic dinner for them. He baked an apple pie because he knew she loved that. They ate their dinner while the pie was cooling.
"Father," Cosette asked, "are you angry that I was struck today"
Valjean's point of view
I was angry but I wasn't angry with her.
"Dearest Cosette," I explained, "You were a new student there. There is no way you could have known all the answers. There is no way you could have known all the answers even if you weren't a new student. You did nothing wrong and I am not angry with you. I am angry with the teacher for what he did to you. Now come the apple pie has cooled."
Cosette's Point of View
Father had made an apple pie. It was my favorite. I ate a little of it and then fell asleep. I was quite tired. It had been a long day. I had bad days before but I always hated bad days. They just take the energy out of you.
Valjean's point of view
Cosette slumbered until morning. I hesitated to wake her. However I did not want her to live in fear.
"Wake up dearest," I told her kissing her forehead gently.
Cosette roused and rubbed her eyes sleepily. I had fixed her a hot breakfast.
"Good morning father"
Nobody's point of view
Jean Valjean talked with Cosette about going back to school. He expected resistance but instead she said, "Father if you think that is what I should do I trust you fully"
Cosette was very mature for her age. She knew her father had only her best interest at heart. She knew that and she trusted him 100 percent. She trusted him since the day she first met him. If he thought it was best for her to go back she would go back without question.
Cosette's Point of View
Father dropped me off at school and he had a word with the teacher. The teacher came in and apologized to him.
"Thank you Monsieur," I said calmly with a smile.
"I shall never act in such a manner again," he promised
Father must have given him quite a stern word. He has a way of giving someone a word without being harsh but making it clear that he doesn't approve of what the person is doing. The few times he has given me a word he never raised his voice but he has made me aware I should make better choices.
Valjean's point of view
I waited nervously for the end of the day. Cosette came out smiling. There was a little girl with her. She was about her age, maybe a little younger or older.
"Hi father," she said, "This is my friend Mary-Anne. Can she come over some time?"
I laughed and nodded in the affirmative.
Cosette's point of view
I was actually glad father encouraged me to go to school. I had a wonderful time. The teacher apologized and I got a 98 on my test. I also made a new friend. Father was right. Father is always right. I know I can trust him.
