Chapter Fourteen

A few days after their trip to the opera, Eponine was reading intently when Enjolras came home from his classes.

"Our friends want us to join them at the café this evening," he said, shedding his coat.

Eponine closed the book, "That seems nice. We should go."

Enjolras stared at her, "That place doesn't bring back too many memories for you?"

"I suppose it does, but we can't avoid it forever. It was a huge part of our lives, especially yours. I think if we go and create some new, good memories there, then it will help wash those bad memories away."

"Those bad memories will never be wiped from my mind, Eponine, but I see your point. We'll go."

Eponine smiled at him before eyeing his school books on the desk.

"You know, I've never thought to ask. What are you studying?"

"Well," he began, sinking down beside her on the couch, "Believe it or not, I actually study law."

Eponine looked at him quizzically, "You, Enjolras Rousseau, a law student? Really?"

Enjolras chuckled, "Yes, me. I know it's hard to believe, but I rather enjoy politics. Everyone knows that I don't exactly agree with the government, in fact I'm pretty much against it, but I thought that maybe I could get into law and work on making a difference that way. I would at least have more influence."

"It sounds like a good way to send yourself to the guillotine, if you ask me," Eponine frowned.

He raised an eyebrow at her, "That's a bit extreme."

"I guess I have to admit that it is a pretty good idea. It just worries me."

"That's understandable. Just think of it as payback for all the times you've worried me sick," he shrugged smugly.

"When have I worried you?"

"Let's see…"

He began a counting motion on his fingers.

"When you were heartbroken over Marius, when you were shot, there was the time you ran off and I couldn't find you, and when you were deathly ill…shall I go on?" he smirked.

"No, I get the picture. I guess it's my turn to worry, then."

"Sure is," he sighed, wrapping his arms around her and kissing the top of her head.

0000

Enjolras and Eponine stepped into the café to find Marius, Cosette, Courfeyrac, and an older gentleman chattering excitedly. Marius was the first to see them and stood.

"Ah, there you are! We were beginning to think you two weren't going to show."

Cosette and the elderly man stood as well.

"This is my father, Monsieur Jean Valjean," she introduced.

"It is nice to meet you, Monsieur. I'm Enjolras and this is-"

"Eponine," she interrupted. He glanced at her. She was such an independent person that she couldn't even let someone else introduce her.

"It is nice to meet you as well. Please, call me Jean," he said, shaking Enjolras's hand and bowing politely to Eponine.

Suddenly, Eponine recognized the man as they all sat.

"You're the one who took Cosette away from the inn, aren't you?"

Valjean was startled, "Yes, I was. How did you-"

"Papa, she is the innkeeper's daughter," Cosette mumbled.

"Oh, is that so?" he questioned with a hard look on his face.

Enjolras tensed, afraid of where the conversation was heading.

"Yes Monsieur, I was. Well, I still am, but I'd be more than happy to never see them again. I'd like to apologize for the way I treated Cosette when we were young, and I'd like to apologize for my parents' ridiculous behavior," she stammered.

"Eponine and I are good friends now, Papa," Cosette smiled.

Jean Valjean's expression softened slightly.

"Thank you for being a friend to my dear Cosette," Jean remarked.

"So what had everyone so excited earlier?" Enjolras asked, changing the subject.

Courfeyrac spoke this time, "Well, I was just telling everyone that there is going to be a gala at the opera house for any patrons who have attended in the last few months."

"It sounds very exciting," Cosette beamed.

"We're all attending. Will you two be coming as well?" Marius asked.

"Well, I…" Enjolras looked down at Eponine. Her face was bright. Social events weren't usually Enjolras's type of thing, but Eponine had never experienced some of the things he had. She seemed so enthralled with the idea of operas and galas. When he saw the look of excitement on her face, he knew he had to take her to the gala. He sighed.

"I'll only go if Eponine agrees to join me."

Eponine's face lit up brighter, if that was even possible.

"Oh, I'd love to!" she exclaimed.

She reached up and kissed Enjolras on the cheek, then blushed at her outburst. Everyone laughed and Enjolras gazed lovingly at Eponine.

0000

Enjolras and Eponine were spending their day off differently than usual. Normally, they went on walks and spent the day in the city, but Enjolras had an exam coming up, so he was studying while Eponine busied herself by cleaning the apartment, even though it was already immaculate.

Suddenly, Eponine stopped what she was doing and spoke, "When is the gala?"

"In a week," he stated, never looking up from his work.

Then, she went into the bedroom and he heard her fumbling around. Wondering what she was doing, Enjolras got up from his desk and leaned against the doorframe of the bedroom, watching her. She had several of her dresses laid out on the bed and a look of concentration was on her face.

"I guess I'll wear the pink one. It's the only one presentable enough," she shrugged.

"Mmmm," he hummed, his eyes narrowing.

He turned and walked away quickly.

"Where are you going?" Eponine asked.

"I need to run an errand. I'll be back shortly."

Before Eponine could tag along, he was out the door and gone.

0000

Enjolras returned a few hours later, and when he saw Eponine sitting on the couch, he spun so she couldn't see what he was carrying.

"Close your eyes," he called.

"What?" Eponine asked, confused.

"Close your eyes. I have a present."

Enjolras waited until her eyes were shut before walking over and placing the present on her lap. She opened her eyes and stared down at the beautiful emerald green gown draped across her legs.

"Oh, it's gorgeous!" she exclaimed, feeling the silky material in between her fingers.

"I thought you deserved a proper dress for your first gala. I hope it fits."

"I'm sure it will be perfect! Thank you so much!"

She beamed up at him, and he smiled back at her before sitting in the chair adjacent to her.

"I was also thinking that maybe you'd like to go over to Cosette's house and have her help you get ready. I'm sure she'd love that."

"That sounds like a great idea."

He smiled at her again. Enjolras wanted her to feel special for the gala because he knew it was going to be a very special night for both of them. Enjolras had something planned, and he was extremely excited.

Author's Note: Hmmm, I wonder what Enjolras is planning… Thank you for all the fabulous reviews! Please, please, please review! I love to get all reviews. The good, the bad, AND the ugly! It helps me write better.

~loislane16