A/N: Hey everyone! I've had a very Les Mizzie day today (it constisted of me making a Les Miz referance in English -we are reading Wuthering Heights- and having a long discussion about Les Miz with my French teacher -my French name is Eponine so anytime she sees or hears about Les Miz she thinks of me.)
Anyway this is not my best chapter but I hope you like it... its a lot of fluff but if you read between the lines you may notice some important things..
Oh and over the weekend Fanfiction was having some problems updating stories, if that ever happens again and you really want to read the story just PM me and I will send you the chapter.
Guess what else?! I'm officially a novel now! 50,000 baby! Wooh, thank you all for your support and reviews, I would never have continued this story if not for that.
Please R&R. Love you all!
Eponine read over her French notes again as her pencil tapped against the table. She sat at her usual table by the window of the café. She and Enjolras have been studying for awhile and all the work was starting to get to her.
Enjolras pointed at some notes on her paper with his pencil, "You see all the superlative roots-"
"Enjolras….." She groaned as she leaned back on her chair and let her head droop back, placing her hands behind her head to prevent her hat from falling off.
"Eponine we have to focus if you want to do better."
She closed her eyes in attempt to zone him out, "But we have been studying non-stop for forever!" she whined, "I don't know how much more I can take."
He rolled his eyes but didn't look up to meet her face, "It's only been an hour."
She pouted her lip.
"Whining isn't going to do you any good."
"It just might."
"No it won't."
"Yes it will."
"No it won't."
"I'm not studying right now." She said with a tone implying that she knew better than him.
"That is not due to whining, that is due to you being stubborn. We will be done quicker if you focused again."
"But Enjy I don't wanna!"
"Do you really think resorting to calling me Enjy will get you anywhere?"
"Can't we just take a break? What's wrong with a break, I don't see a problem with one."
"Oh fine!"
"Yeah!" she grinned, straightening herself up a bit. "You know you aren't as stubborn as everyone claims you are."
"I'll pretend you didn't say that. So what did you have in mind to do instead of studying?"
She shrugged, "Nothing really. I just want to stop studying."
He shook his head at her, "Typical…."
"Hey we can't all be academic epitomes like you!"
"Is that supposed to be your defense or a compliment?"
"Oh forget it!"
"So….." he said in an attempt to change the subject, "have anything fun planned for tomorrow?"
"Thanksgiving?" she asked to which he nodded, "Well as I told you my family isn't really keen on the whole 'expensive holidays' stuff, they see it as a waste of money. What about you?"
"My parents are out of town." He said plainly.
She almost jolted out of her seat, "What!? How could they be gone around Thanksgiving?"
"Coming from the girl who doesn't celebrate it?"
"That's different; my family isn't your typical family."
"Well mine isn't either."
"What do you mean? You have the perfect life." She said solemnly, "You are the star of the football team and the pride of the speech team, not to mention school president. You're a straight A student, everyone loves you and at the end of the day to get to go home to a big house with a warm meal on the table, luxury, and a loving family to support you."
"You make that all sound like a bad thing."
"Excuse me for being envious….but in all honestly, why aren't your parent gonna be home?"
"Well they are each on a separate business trip, my mom is in China and my dad is in Spain."
"Oh wow….touch luck."
He shrugged it off, "Yeah but I don't really mind all too much, I actually kind of prefer it."
"Why is that?"
"It's a long story."
She leaned back on her chair, "I've got time, and I owe you for hearing me out during my rants."
He sighed and brushed some of his hair back, "Very well….once upon a time-"
"Enjolras!" she snapped
He did his best to hold back a laugh, "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it."
She rolled her eyes, "Come on, I was serious! What's your story?"
"Why are you so interested?"
"We have been friends for 2 years and all I know about you is that your first name is Aiden. Besides, I really want to hear what you've got to say."
"There isn't really much to tell…I don't really have the best relationship with my parents." He looked over at Eponine who raised an eyebrow at that statement, "My father is a very cold man…"
"Is that where you get it from?" she teased, causing him to glare, "Ok I get it, touchy subject. Sorry, please continue."
"Thank you, anyway….he isn't really one for emotion and it was very notable growing up. We aren't close under any means, but there was a time when I did everything to try to please him."
"Try?"
"Yep, he still hasn't shown me even the slightest bit of pride."
Eponine looked shocked, "How can that be? You have to be the child every parent wants."
"You don't have to try to make feel better Eponine."
"I'm not I-"
"It doesn't really matter anyway." He said, not hearing her speak, "We never see eye to eye on anything and argue, and that's only when we actually talk."
"What do you mean?"
"My father is more concerned with his business and making money than he is with me."
"Wall street?"
"Yep." He said, annunciating the 'p'. "He is always working or away on business trips and when he is not he is critiquing me for my views and beliefs. My mother isn't much better; she is a big CEO so she is always off too when not cooped up in her office."
"I'm sorry." She said wrapping her arms around his and leaned her head on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.
He just shrugged it off, "Don't worry about it. I've gotten used to it."
"Well if you ask me, it's their loss for not realizing what an amazing son they have."
"Thanks."
"I mean it; you are smart, nice, athletic, and handsome….." she muttered the last part under her breath.
"What was that?"
"N-nothing"
"I could have sworn you said handsome."
"Well I-….oh what the hell, it's no secret that you are hot Enjy, every girl in school thinks that. That's one of the reasons why every girl likes you."
"I severely doubt."
She gasped as she hit him upside the head, "Have you been living under a hole?"
"What was that for?" he asked as he rubbed his head
"Do you not see how every single girl in school looks at you? I mean come on; they practically gawk anytime you walk by. Do you not notice how every cheerleader in existence has made at least one pass at you, and how you are constantly being flirted with?"
"I don't really keep tabs on things like that."
She giggled, "You just don't keep tabs on anything that's not academic."
Enjolras was about to open his mouth to answer her back when he noticed someone walk up to them and stand by their table.
"Hi." She said overly-sweetly, causing Eponine to roll her eyes but luckily she didn't notice.
"Um….. hello." Enjolras replied hesitantly. Both he and Eponine recognized the blonde girl standing right by them. Her name was Galinda, she was your stereotypic cheerleader- overly perky, popular, blonde, and shallow, everything Enjolras didn't particularly like.
"Oh I do hope I'm not interrupting something?" She stated, not even taking note of Eponine
Enjolras shrugged, "I don't-"
"Well that's good, wouldn't want to be known as the girl who interrupts stuff, not a good reputation." She said overly enthusiastically.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Enjolras asked
"Enjy!" She sounded offended, but only mockingly so, "I'm shocked you would think so little of me. Do I really need a reason to come over and talk to a friend?"
"I guess not? But please don't call me Enjy."
"Alright! I just wanted to pop over and say hi, I mean we hardly ever talk and you never show up to any parties, I swear finding you alone is like finding a needle in a hay stack."
Eponine's jaw dropped a bit, Alone! She thought. What does she not see that I am right here! Or am I just too much of a nobody to be worth her attention.
"Anyway," Galinda continued, "I was wondering if you aren't too busy…"
"Actually," Enjolras stated, cutting her off, "I am little preoccupied at the moment."
"Really with what?"
Eponine poked her head from the other side of Enjolras shoulder, "With me." She stated as she waved her pointer finger around.
"Oh…..really?" Galinda said, not even bothering to hide her disappointment. She gave her what Eponine deemed as the 'Popular Girl Glance Over" –PGGO for short. She looked slightly disturbed by the fact that Enjolras would have rather spend time with Eponine than with her.
Enjolras came back into the conversation, "Yes, and I don't really have time for anything else at the moment."
"Oh well then, never the matter." She said, taking out a pen and scribbling away on a napkin. "Here's my number, give me a call once you…..liberate yourself."
Eponine pressed her lips together to hold back a laugh caused by Galinda's attempt vocabulary. Galinda pressed the napkin into Enjolras hand and gave him a flirt wave before walking off.
Enjolras shook his head and shoved the napkin into his pocket before turning back to Eponine. He noticed she had a smug look at her face.
"What?"
"Don't tell me you didn't notice that."
"Notice what?"
"Don't try to deny it; Galinda was flirting with you clear as day."
"I'm not denying it, I simply don't care."
"Well she seemed to care. Did you notice her face when you said you were busy with me? Priceless!"
He rolled his eyes, "Let's move on, we need to get back to studying."
"Oh no, you are not changing the subject on me!"
"I don't see the reason in staying on this topic."
"You're just upset because you know I'm right."
"I don't really see the reason in staying on this topic."
She studied him for a moment before continuing, "Let me ask you, do you concern yourself with anything that deals with, oh I don't know, human emotions?"
"Not really, I don't see the reason in it. Things like love and crushes won't help me in anyway."
"But the feeling is blissful."
"You're one to talk."
"Hey!"
"It's true; you are a walking example of someone who is completely distracted by it!"
"I am not!"
"Remind me again why you needed a tutor?"
She raised a finger in protest, "Love did not cloud my mind contrary to your belief, Gavroche leaving and the Marius-Cosette fiasco and playing messenger did!"
"If that helps you sleep at night."
She crossed her arms over her chest, "You're a dick."
"And you're a stereotypical girl." He retorted, causing her stick her tongue out at him, "Oh very mature Eponine."
The next thing he knew his face became the target for her notebook.
"Ow! Now was that really necessary?"
She shrugged innocently, "Yeah I think it was."
"You are really something Eponine."
"Why thank you."
"I didn't mean it as a compliment."
"But I am going to take it as one either way."
Enjolras sighed as he picked up the notebook from its place on the floor where it had landed after Eponine threw it at his head. "So enlighten me Eponine, why do you like love?"
"I don't." she said simply, "I simply fell in it."
"Ok….. Let me rephrase, what made you fall in love?"
She shrugged innocently, "Who knows how love begins, who know what makes it start. One day it's simply there, a light inside your heart." She began, "It chooses you at whim and forces you to feel more joy than you can bear."
He cocked an eyebrow at her, "But it just caused you pain."
"Love gives you pleasure and loves brings you pain, yet when both are gone love will still remain." She answered simply.
"You are very poetic. I think Jehan has some real competition."
"You're just saying that."
"No I mean it." He reassured, "But I still don't understand why everyone is so caught up with the idea of falling for someone. I mean there are so many other things that could be done in the time that people waste pondering over it."
"Only those who allow it to distract them," she responded, "there are many who feel it but they simply don't let it get in their way."
"And I suppose you believe you are one of those people?"
"I know I am." She responded proudly. "Come on are you telling me that you have never liked anyone? That no one has ever made your heart soar, or your cheeks blush?" She asked before putting a hand to his stomach and letting her fingers dance over it, "That you never have felt butterflies fly around in your stomach when you saw a special someone."
Enjolras felt his cheeks heat up a bit but he forced that aside, "No can't say I have."
She drew her hand back and set her head in her hands as her elbows leaned on the table, "I don't believe that."
"Oh really?"
"Yes really, you are a 17 year old boy, can you honestly tell me you have never liked anyone?"
"Well I-"
"I knew it! So who is the lucky girl?"
He narrowed his eyes at her, "There isn't one, and even if there was I wouldn't tell you."
"Why not?"
"If I don't tell Grantaire and Combeferre I doubt I going to tell you."
"You are no fun."
"Yea I know, Grantaire tells me all that all the time."
"Why don't you fix it then?"
"I don't really see it as much of a problem."
Eponine scoffed and threw her head back. "Of course not, you just are that perfect aren't you?"
"I never said I was perfect." He rebutted. "If you will excuse me, I have to use the restroom."
"Enjoy yourself." Eponine teased as he walked off.
Eponine chuckled softly she watched him go. Enjolras was a very unique person but she liked spending time with him either way, he had his kinks but she did too and he didn't seem to mind them. She opened her textbook to study but as she read the first few lines the wheels in her head started turning. The second she felt Enjolras' presence sit next to her she opened her mouth.
"You know I think I figured it out."
He looked at her in confusion, "Figured what out?"
"Why you are so stoic."
He cocked an eyebrow, "Please enlighten me; I would love to hear what you think."
"Your father." She stated plainly
"What do you mean?"
"Your father is the reason why you are the way you are. You told me that you always wanted to make him proud when you were young."
"I still don't see the correlation."
"You burden yourself with tasks that would gain his approval; sports, school, speech, appearance, it was all a way to gain his attention." She explained, "Emotions came in second, you had no time for them because you knew that your father wouldn't approve."
"But you forget that I don't look to gain his approval anymore." He said defensively, "I couldn't care less about what he thinks of me now."
"That may be but old habits die hard. You strived for perfection then so you still do now."
Enjolras opened his mouth to say something to prove her wrong when he realized that she actually had a valid point. He sat there with his mouth open while she looked at him waiting for a response.
"Damn it…" he muttered under his breath
"Ha!" She exclaimed proudly
"Oh like you are always right…"
"Most of the time I am." She paused for another moment then continued on, "You know I was thinking…."
"Yes?"
"You don't have any plans for thanksgiving, and I don't have any plans."
"Uh-huh?"
Just as she was about to go on both of their phones dinged. Enjolras reached into his pocket as Eponine snatched hers from the table top.
Courfeyrac- Hey peeps! I was thinking that since many of us are lame and have nothing to do for Thanksgiving and Enjolras' house is big and empty that we could have our own little celebration at his place! Text me back if you want in!
"Scratch that…" Eponine remarked as she read over the text, "Looks like you are having company."
"I am going to kill him." Enjolras muttered.
"Can I help? I'll make it look like an accident."
"Be my guest."
"So Thanksgiving at your place now?" She asked
"I guess so." He sighed, "Last time I tell Courfeyrac my parents are out of town. I am almost certain that something bad will happen and I will get stuck cleaning it up."
"Lighten up Enjy, maybe things won't turn out so bad. It might even be fun."
"I guess I'll just have to wait and see."
A/N: Cookie if you find the musical referance
In other news, This will probably be my last update til Easter, i may update once more on Valentines Day but no promises. I love you all and will miss you all as i leave the barricade
Enjolras: Wait you are leaving the barricades?
Me: Yeah! I've been telling you that for three chapters now
Enjolras: I knew you werent going to update but i didnt think you would leave
Me: Well I am, I'll stay tonight but i'll be gone by tomorrow night. Don't worry I'll leave you in the capable hands of Mormeil
Enjorlas: WHAT! I thought i'd be getting a break from your annoyance
Me: Ya not so much...
Grantaire: Well if tonight is your last night then lets make it count!
Me: I'll get the karaoke machine
*Everyone looks at me like I'm insane*: The what!
Me: Dont worry it will be fun!
Enjolras: I doubt that
Me: Don't be a kill joy