Chapter Twenty Five

On the way back to Paris, Enjolras told Adelaide everything that had happened since he left home at sixteen. He told her about Les Amis l'ABC and their cause. He described all of his friends, and painfully spoke about the rebellion. Then, he told Adelaide all about Eponine and their very interesting relationship. Finally, he managed to catch her up on everything.

"Well, your friends sound like very interesting characters," she laughed.

"They are quite a peculiar group, but we are like family."

"And Eponine sounds wonderful," Adelaide smiled.

Enjolras smiled sadly, "She is. My description just doesn't do her justice. She's one of the most amazing women I've ever known."

"I can't wait to meet her. I'm sure we'll be good friends."

"If we find them," he sighed.

Adelaide placed a hand on his shoulder, "We will, Adrian."

He offered her a smile, "Listen, from now until we land in America, you should probably call me by the name Montparnasse. As far as the government is concerned, Enjolras is in prison and awaiting execution for treason."

"Of course. I'm very glad you're able to live, but I can't believe that man did that for you," she stated.

"Neither can I."

Enjolras looked out the window of the carriage to see the sun almost completely set.

"We should get some rest," he sighed before moving to the seat across from Adelaide so they could stretch out.

0000

After arriving in Paris, Enjolras and Adelaide took refuge in Combeferre's apartment. He didn't think it was a good idea to stay at his. He hoped they'd be safe there for a couple of days.

The day before they were to leave, Enjolras and Adelaide rose early and walked to Enjolras's apartment. His trunk with his things was still there and he needed to get it. Once safely inside and the door locked behind them, Enjolras turned to Adelaide and asked her to help make the place look ransacked. He wasn't sure why, but for some reason, he thought it might be a good idea. Then, he retreated into his old bedroom. His chest tightened as he looked around the room and saw the few belongings Eponine had left behind. His trunk sat alone, as her was gone, and he quickly opened it to see if she had taken the money like he hoped she would. As expected, the pouch of money was gone, but so was something else. He realized he was missing the coat Eponine had gotten for him at Christmas. He knew she must have taken it with her, and the thought made his chest constrict again. Luckily, not all of their money had been in the pouch Eponine had taken. He'd put some in a separate pouch in the bottom of his trunk, and he's intended on removing it and carrying it on him when they were originally supposed to leave. After helping, Adelaide mess up the apartment, Enjolras left with his belongings, saying goodbye to the home that held so many memories.

0000

The next day, Enjolras left Adelaide at Combeferre's apartment and made his way to the public execution, the execution that was meant for him. The least he could do was be there for Montparnasse, even if he didn't know he was in the crowd. The people had already gathered in masses, and it made Enjolras sick to see that people found the death of another human as entertainment. He didn't have to wait long for the morbid event to begin because Montparnasse was led out to face the public. However, to the people he was not Montparnasse, the career criminal, but Enjolras, the revolutionary traitor. While he still had a chance, Montparnasse loudly cried, "Vive la France! Vive la revolution!" At first, Enjolras wondered if it was part of the act but he heard something in his voice that told him that Montparnasse truly meant what his words. The executioner shoved Montparnasse onto the base of the guillotine, and Enjolras hung his head, closing his eyes. He heard the blade fall and knew the act was complete. Enjolras felt sorrow for Montparnasse, but he also had a deep respect for the man. He would be eternally grateful to Montparnasse.

Later that afternoon, it was time for them to leave. With the citizenship papers he'd received when released from the prison that named him Montparnasse, Enjolras and Adelaide boarded the ship smoothly. Soon, they were on their way to America.

0000

The day had finally arrived, and Eponine couldn't have been happier. They ship finally landed in the state of New York, docking in New York City. Eponine was both excited and terrified. She still barely knew any English, and she wanted Enjolras to be with her very badly. Her life would never be the same again. As they disembarked, she stuck to Grantaire's side like glue. They wandered the city until they found an inn to stay at, where Combeferre did most of the talking since he knew the best English.

Eponine was getting settled into her temporary room when there was a knock at the door, and she answered it to Grantaire.

"The others want to go explore the city," he said as he walked in and shut the door behind him.

Eponine sank onto the small bed, "Oh, I just don't think I'm up for it, Grant."

"Well, I'll just stay with you, then," Grantaire sat down beside her, "Are you OK, 'Ponine?"

"I'm fine," she lied, trying to fake a smile.

"Listen, Eponine. I promised Enjolras I would look out for you, and I have every intention of keeping that promise for him. But, Eponine, I can't take care of you if you don't tell me what's wrong," Grantaire sighed.

Eponine leaned forward and put her head in her hands, fighting back tears.

"I just can't…I can't do this!" she cried, looking back up at Grantaire.

"I know it's going to be difficult, but you can, and I'll always be there for you."

Eponine knew he was right, but that's not what she wanted to hear. She wanted him to tell her that everything was going to be OK. She wanted to know that when she woke up the next morning, she'd wake up beside Enjolras. But she knew that wouldn't happen. Eponine fell completely apart, and Grantaire pulled her into his arms, trying his best to console her. The world was crashing down on her for what seemed like the thousandth time in her life, and it felt as if she was losing everyone in her life. She didn't know how much more she could take.

"Please don't leave me, Grant," she sobbed into his shoulder.

"I'm not going anywhere, 'Ponine."

0000

Two Months Later

The remaining Amis had finally gotten somewhat settled in New York. They found some cottages that weren't in the main hustle and bustle of the city, but they weren't too far out either. Joly and Musichetta settled in one cottage. Just down the road, Combeferre, Grantaire, and Eponine shared a cottage for the time being because of money. Joly was working on doing what was needed to open his own medical practice in America. Combeferre was trying to find a college or school to teach at, while Grantaire did odd jobs and looked after Eponine. Musichetta and Eponine were both focusing on trying to learn more English since they desperately needed to know it. Everything was finally looking up, and things were going well. Despite the fact that a depression still hung over Eponine, she was slowly healing. She knew she would probably never move on from Enjolras, and she was OK with that, but she was starting to smile more. That's what he would've wanted.

0000

The boat docked in New York City, and Enjolras couldn't have been more anxious. He was so close to being with Eponine again. As they stepped onto land, Adelaide looked up at him with a smile.

"Puis-je vous appeler Adrian maintenant?" she whispered.

"Yes, but remember your English," he smiled.

She knew almost as much as he did because when he'd learned it as a boy, he taught her to speak it as well.

"Right, now let's go find your wife," Adelaide laughed.

Author's Note: According to Google translate, the French phrase I included a few lines up translates to "Can I call you Adrian now?."

Just two or three chapters left! I've already been toying with some more ideas for my next story, though. So, thoughts on this chapter? Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. It means a lot!

P.S. – A reviewer brought up a question about the fact that in the original story Montparnasse's hair was black. I, for some unknown reason, have always pictured Monty with blonde hair, so I modeled him that way from the beginning. I went back and read my early chapter, and I thought I had included that detail when describing Monty, but apparently I accidentally left it out. I apologize, and I hope this clears up any confusion about Enjolras and Montparnasse's resemblance. Any questions or concerns are always welcome! I would love to try my best to answer them. So, in this story, Monty has blonde hair, not black.

Once again, thanks a lot!

~loislane16