An Unraveling World

A maniacal banging woke the young man from his fitful slumber. He had tossed and turned for the greater part of four hours before the unwelcome interruption brought him to complete consciousness. Rubbing the bleariness from his eyes, Enjolras slipped gently from the bed; so as not to awaken Adrienne. Peeping through the tiny keyhole, his stomach dropped for on the other side of the portal stood Christian Lurondeux.

Soon, Christian's enraged voice echoed through the barred threshold.

"Open up!" he yelled. "I know you're in there!"

By now, Adrienne had stirred and upon hearing Christian's voice, bolted upright. She covered her mouth with her hands and look hysterically upon Enjolras.

Moving away from the door, Enjolras whispered to Adrienne, "Hurry, get dressed. I'll hide you in the closet.

Her heart pounding in her ears, Adrienne threw on her dress. Enjolras helped her with the buttons as Christian continued to scream like a madman outside.

"Don't make a sound," Enjolras whispered, cupping Adrienne's face in his hands.

With one last kiss, he stowed her away in the dark, quietly shutting the door.

Taking a deep breath, he made his way to the door. When he opened it, Christian glared up at him, his lips contorted in a snarl.

"Where is she?" he demanded, his hazel eyes onyx in the dim light.

"Who?" Enjolras asked, feigning a yawn. "I am the only one here."

"I know she's here!" Christian spat.

"Who is here?" Enjolras reiterated, playing dumb. "Are you playing some sort of game with me? You wake me up out of a sound sleep and…"

"Shut up," Christian cried. "I know that my wife is here!"

"Who's your wife? I…"

"ADRIENNE, YOU ASSHOLE! I KNOW THAT SHE CAME TO YOU TONIGHT!"

"Adrienne…Beaux? I haven't seen her in nearly six months…not since that enlightening dinner party."

Enjolras was surprised at how level his tone came out. Outwardly, he appeared collected and entirely in control; while inside his whole world had begun to unravel.

"Adrienne Lurondeux and I know that you two have a romantic history. I am not stupid!"

"Really?" Enjolras said, raising an eyebrow. "You could have fooled me."

Ignoring the snide remark, Christian demanded, "Then let me inside. If I don't find her, I will apologize and take my leave."

"No," Enjolras said firmly. "My apartment is not suitable for guests. You are not welcome here."

With a strength Enjolras was not prepared for, Christian pushed him down, knocking the air out of his lungs. Falling breathlessly to the floor, Enjolras watched, helplessly, as Christian bee lined for the only hiding place in the room. He did not even have time to react as Christian flung the door open and pulled Adrienne out by the hair.

Adrienne screamed in fright as Christian threw her down upon the ground. She managed to catch herself, her hands scraping across the splintery wooden floor. Turning over, she scrambled backwards, trying to escape her husband's frenzied grasp. By now, Enjolras had recovered and he lunged at Christian, pulling him off of Adrienne's trembling form. With perfect aim, he landed a powerful blow to Christian's left cheek, causing him to stumble backwards. With a roar of pain, Christian kneed Enjolras in the groin, inciting him to double over with a groan. Taking the opportunity, Christian slammed his pistol down upon Enjolras' blonde head.

Eyes wide with horror, Adrienne watched as her lover fell to the floor in a heap.

"NO!" she screamed, tearing away from Christian's grasp and rushing to her beloved. She cradled his head in her hands, "Julian," she said, her tone hysterical. "Wake up!" She clutched him until her hands were ripped away.

"Get up!" Christian growled, pulling her to her feet. "You are coming home with me."

Adrienne's eyes blurred with tears as Christian dragged her from the apartment.

"Stand up," he hissed in her ear. "Do not embarrass me any further."

Adrienne struggled to stand but her knees kept buckling beneath her. This further infuriated her husband and he slapped her across the face.

Looking up at him with revulsion, she caught the glimpse of a figure in her peripheral vision. Turning, she saw Combeferre craning his head out from the door of his apartment. For a moment, they locked eyes, prompting Combeferre to enter the dark hallway.

"What's going on here?" he asked, his face full of concern

"It's none of your business," Christian spat, continuing to drag Adrienne down the hall.

"When I see a lady in distress, it becomes my business," Combeferre said coldly.

"This isn't a lady," Christian said, his voice full of open hostility.

"I think that she is and you should stop manhandling her," Combeferre retorted, his demeanor impassive.

"I think that you should go back inside your hovel," Christian roared, his tone menacing.

"Please monsieur," Adrienne said in a weak voice. "I am alright."

Combeferre looked down at her with such a compassionate and understanding gaze that it impelled her to cry even more. He gave her one last pitying glance before Christian had dragged her from sight.

Dread coursed through Combeferre as he raced down the narrow corridor to his ami's room. Pushing open the, already ajar, door; he gasped as he took in the sight of his crumpled and bleeding friend. Rushing to Enjolras' side, he gently shook him.

"Julian," he said his tone urgent. "Wake up!"

A faint moan met his ears as the injured man's eyelids fluttered open. Enjolras' hands drifted up to his pounding head and he clenched his eyes shut once more.

"Adrienne," he groaned. "Where is Adrienne?"

"She's gone, Julian," Combeferre said his tone sympathetic. "Her husband took her."

Enjolras forced himself up into a sitting position, "I have to go to her," he rasped.

"Julian, you are no position to go anywhere," Combeferre insisted, placing a hand on Enjolras' shoulder.

"I have to make sure that she is alright," Enjolras groaned before his eyes rolled back and he reentered the black abyss of unconsciousness.

A tap at the door interrupted Combeferre from his stomach churning apprehension.

"Monsieur?" an older woman's alto timbre said. "Is everything alright in here; I heard shouts?"

Turning, Combeferre saw the shadow of the landlady.

"No," Combeferre admitted, his voice shaking. "Please send for a doctor. My friend has been injured."