The young women were on their way back to the Café after visiting the dressmaker. Eponine walked on silently next to Cosette, as Elodie and Musichetta took the lead, speaking excitedly. She was deep in thought, recalling their earlier visit that left her unexpectedly pleased.
Flaws. Eponine knew she had many, and standing in front of the dressmaker and her friends, she felt overly conscious of herself. She fidgeted with the sleeves that was designed to hang precariously on the edge of her shoulders, revealing a long faint scar running parallel to her collarbone from her left. The corset, which was tied tighter than usual, made it impossible to shy her face away when it made her stand taller than she ever had. Her long brown wavy hair, seemed so dull compared to Musichetta's red curls, or to Cosettes elegant blonde or to Elodie's long straight hair that swayed gracefully as she moved.
She released a huff as she waited for the women to give their approval, silently questioning her decision to say yes to Enjolras' invitation, and even more when she said yes to letting the girls drag her here when she could have been in the café with the rest of Amis preparing for the rally tomorrow.
"Well…" It was Musichetta who broke the silence in the room and her musings.
"I, Eponine... beautiful." Cosette stuttered.
"It fits her perfectly, Madame Beauville!" Elodie added.
She looked unbelievingly at them, and decided to ignore their gushes as she turned to actually look at herself in the mirror… and well, she must admit, they were quite right. Her cheeks colored prettily.
The dressmaker clapped her hand approvingly. Eponine could not remember the last time she felt this beautiful.
"Oooh, Enjolras is in trouble. There's no way he can deny it with her looking like that!" It was Elodie who whispered in a sing-song teasing tone; she thought Eponine didn't hear but the furious blush said otherwise.
Eponine was so consumed by her thoughts that she failed to notice Lizette running towards her, leaving a group of small children she was playing with when she saw Eponine from across the street. When the young girl finally got her attention, Eponine smiled and lowered herself to talk to her.
"Lizette! Last I heard you were sick, Petite." Eponine said, smiling to her. A thought crossed her mind, I haven't seen Parnasse in awhile.
Elodie spoke "Lizette? Oh you're the little girl Combeferre was talking about aren't you?"
Before Eponine could comprehend what her friend had said the little gamine replied, "Monsieur Ferre was very nice, he made my coughs go away. I like him."
"You know Ferre?" She asked Lizette, and then to Elodie she asked, "Ferre knows her?" Both girls nodded, the latter looking quite confused.
"You mean to tell me Enjolras never told you about it?"
"I don't think I follow." Puzzled would be an understatement. What would Combeferre and Enjolras know about Lizette… more importantly, where does Parnasse fit into all this?
"Oh I like Monsieur En… Enjolras too!" Lizette said his name with a bit of difficulty. "He gave me a book!" Eponine just continued to look lost.
"You really didn't know? Ferre told me Enjolras brought him to a friend of yours who's taking care of Lizette here. She was sick, so Enjolras asked him to check up on her."
Parnasse and Enjolras? How did that happen? She looked worriedly at Lizette, but then she saw the girl smiling and telling Elodie to say hi to Combeferre and Enjolras for her. "Petite, could you tell Parnasse that I'd like to speak to him soon please."
The young girl just nodded and happily waved good-bye as she rushed off to join her friends again.
When the young women got back to the café, they found the men in various degrees of business. Jehan, Bossuet and Fueilly were revisiting the pamphlets for the next day's rally. Joly, Marius and Bahorel were discussing some points in their programs. Combeferre, Courfeyrac and the ever drunk Grantaire sat around Enjolras who was running his speech and getting feedback from his friends.
The female group dispersed: Cosette went to kiss Marius on the cheek, Elodie went with Chetta to the kitchen, and Eponine decided to join the circle listening to Enjolras. I'll speak to him about Lizette later.
When she leaned unto the table slightly behind the men, Enjolras wavered ever so slightly in his speech as his eyes landed on her; she gave him an encouraging nod to plow ahead. Combeferre hid a slight grin as he witnessed the exchange.
Eponine listened as Enjolras completed his speech, and made a few mental notes in her head choosing to save her comments for later while the men had their go. The rally the next day will be the biggest one the Amis has put on and the first one they're doing with two other organizations introduced by Jerome Lamarque shortly after his first visit. To add to the pressure, they were targeting an area in Paris that was not particularly safe, and its people a little more distrustful and harder to sway. Eponine knew the place well, she once dwelled there, so she's given even more interest and input lately to help them carry it through with as little difficulty as possible.
When Enjolras finished, Courfeyrac said a few words with regards to the topic of education and then Combeferre said, "Well what do you think Eponine?"
Eponine blinked, she didn't expect her to be called out like that. She crossed her arms, "Well, let's start with the basics, tomorrow the assembly will be mostly laymen and women – meaning they won't have such an extensive vocabulary such as yours."
"But it's a big public square Eponine, there will also be bourgeoisie attending." Combeferre said.
"Yes, I understand that. But it's the message that's important here, is it not? It will be the simple words that will bring it to the people."
The men nodded.
"The speech was inspiring… but you need to let them know what you want to happen in between now and the republic. What will you be able to do for them?"
So they went on like this. Courfeyrac had excused himself to join Marius' group, and Grantaire eventually dozed off, leaving Combeferre the sole witness to the conversation that was quickly turning into a rather loud argument.
Combeferre regarded them silently, how beautifully fierce they were becoming. Their push and pull was mesmerizing, and it was all too easy to get lost in their words. Eponine, who had pushed off the table, was standing directly in front of Enjolras, her hands wildly gesturing. Enjolras was obviously getting frustrated, the crumpled paper in his hand said as much.
"Why don't you go ahead and re-write the whole thing if you're so sure it wont work!" Enjolras said.
"That's not the point, Enjolras. I'm just saying there are a few parts that are in need of reconstruction!"
"Few parts? You basically want to change the whole thing."
"I want this to work as much as you do! I am only looking out for the cause, and I think…"
"Why don't YOU do the speech tomorrow then…"
"Actually, that idea's not half bad." Combeferre spoke calmly but firmly, effectively silencing them both. He shrugged at the burning stares directed at him. "You know the people better than anyone here, Eponine. You could relate to them, and make them relate to us as well." He said to her, pointedly. Then he turned to his chief, "Enjolras, you know about the republic, the law, the system and what it will bring. You talk about that."
Eponine and Enjolras seemed to think about it for a moment before turning to each other; their eyes met. They realized the room had gone quiet; turning to look around, they found everyone waiting expectantly and Grantaire still blissfully asleep.
"That's –" they both said at the same time.
"Actually not a bad idea." Enjolras pressed.
"It's ridiculous." Eponine countered.
"It's not." The chief insisted.
"I think I can speak for everyone here, and we all agree that individually you both are explosive when you talk about something you're passionate about. Having you two on the stage tomorrow will be convincing and informative at the same time." Combeferre reasoned.
"It will also show some equality in terms of gender too." Jehan added.
"I have nothing against it." Enjolras said.
Courfeyrac clapped his hands together. "Well then! Eponine?"
All eyes were on her, she suddenly felt self-conscious again. "I.." and then her eyes were drawn to the man beside her; his eyes demanding. "You think I can do it?" She whispered enough for only him to hear.
"I have no doubt." Came Enjolras' equally quiet response.
"Okay." She whispered back, ignoring her friends' expectant stares for a moment longer as she appreciated the small smile on Enjolras' lips. "Okay" she said again, much louder for everyone to hear.
Montparnasse stood against a wall just beside a tiny alleyway. His usually more fancy clothes left at home in exchange for a long black coat, and simple work pants; his usual hat was perched on his head at the angle that would allow him both to see and be hidden.
From his vantage point, he could see Louis Gaston – the man Magnon was with the other night at the tavern. His little reunion with Pandora earned him access to valuable information, part of which is the knowledge of an inter-group rally organized by Jerome Lamarque. He scanned the crowds again waiting for familiar faces to grab his attention.
A flash of green crossed his line of vision, the sound of a child's laughter echoing in its wake. He saw Gavroche atop a young man. One of their friends, perhaps. He thought to himself as his gaze followed the two. Where it stopped he found Enjolras and – what was he called again? The young medic, ah! – Combeferre seemingly caught up in a conversation with an elder man who did not look familiar to him. Around them, the other Amis were already working on gathering a crowd and handing out pamphlets. He felt a sudden dread when he saw an all too familiar figure walk up to Enjolras.
Eponine! Always in the middle of potential trouble. He sighed. He knew they were her friends, but he didn't assume that she'd participate in their cause. Maybe she's just here to show them some support. He willed himself to relax, besides he knew the cops were only going to interfere if drastic actions were to take place during the program, otherwise they would all be like him: a watchful observer with a keen ear eager for more incriminating information.
He perused the growing crowd again, and failed to ease his worried nerves. His instinct was usually sharp, and he relied on it far too many times to escape and survive another day. As the rally commenced, and speakers took the stage one by one, the nagging feeling in his gut increased by the second.
Nothing seemed to be out of place, he spotted a few cops dressed as civilians but they did not seem poised to attack. The people seemed unexcited, and uninterested to be honest. He saw Enjolras tensed by the side of the platform, noting the disappointment and impatience in his eyes at the flustered speaker from another group. Eponine stood beside him looking even more impatient and frustrated, he saw her say something to Enjolras, which the man answered with a raised brow.
What happened next made his jaw drop.
"This is ridiculous, Enjolras! The people aren't even pretending to listen anymore!" Eponine whispered beside him, the tone of exasperation lacing her words. He knew she was right as his gaze followed some of the people slowly leaving the square.
A man from another group was on stage, and though he was an eloquent speaker by all means, his words did not reach their audience's ears. He realized then just how valuable Eponine's help was to their cause. He was about to tell her this when he noticed she was no longer beside him.
Eponine was on the move in front of him, walking steadily and briskly to the platform. For a second, he honestly thought Eponine would knock the poor man off the stage and with everyone's attention now on her it would no doubt cause a riot. Just when he was about to run after her, Eponine calmly passed the bewildered speaker who was silenced with a nod. She made her way to the front of the stage, precariously standing on the edge while her eyes scanned the finally enamored crowd.
As she stood and saw the crowd completely, she felt her courage suddenly waver. This was not some debate at the Musain; here, she actually had an audience. An audience composed of familiar faces from her old days, some of which had a look of recognition on their faces. Suddenly feeling the weight of the situation, she forced herself to see more.
Amongst the crowd, she saw Gavroche smiling wildly and proudly at her. Lizette and her friends from yesterday were making their way quickly pushing and inching to the front of the crowd. She saw an old friend, who looked worse than she has ever seen before, a small bundle in her frail arms – a child. Those faces brought her back to her senses, erasing the doubt in her mind. Her thoughts began to clear, and a sense of humility and purpose weighing heavily in her heart. She flashed the waiting mass a hopeful smile.
Eponine gathered her skirt as she lowered herself down on the wooden surface; she sat on the edge, just slightly towering over the people with her legs dangling.
"Remember me?" She spoke clearly and loudly, and whispers arose around her. "I know you do. How can you not remember a Thenardier?" All around her, she saw a mixture of reactions. "That's right, it's me… Ponine. Maybe you doubt me because I'm wearing clean clothes, and I am no longer just skin and bones. But it is me… the girl you saw growing up with no shoes on her feet, the girl who got dragged from one scam to another: a pawn in her father's countless schemes. I am the same girl hardened by years of hunger and cold on the streets; the girl who, just like you, struggled to survive day after day and who have lost the will more than once in her life."
She took in a deep breath. "But things changed when I decided I'd had enough. It changed when my little brother made me see that I could do something about it. I am here to tell you that you too could do something about it. Waiting for things to change, will not make things move, neither will doing the same old things. I did something different, and I altered my life. You have the same choice now, you can opt to listen and follow these men who wish to better the country for everyone or to stay and continue doing what you've always done."
Her brave face betrayed nothing of her pounding heart. She has never spoke so passionately about something so personal in front of so many people. "What we need is reform in the system. The crown will blame the poor for turning to crime and drastic means, blaming it all on us and our incompetence, but they also fail to see their fault in it. They, who think so little of us as not to grant us the resources we need and are entitled to to better ourselves, are the same ones keeping us in darkness. People question now who really is at fault? Is it us who steal, and beg and even kill to survive creating a ruckus in our wake? Or is it them who turn their heads and pretend not to see those in need?"
She paused to let the question simmer, and the volume of whispers increased. "I believe the fault is ours to share.
The fault is ours to share unless we decide to do something about it. And now my dear friends, we stand at a time and place where these young revolutionaries serve the option to better our society and therefore the lives of each and every citizen to us. All you need to do now is decide if this change – a chance for people like us to be heard, to serve and be served, and to be treated more humanely – is a cause worth fighting for."
"And what have we to do, eh? We know nothing of politics!" An elderly man – a laborer with his plain clothes- raised his voice.
"Do you expect us to rise in arms!? The stupidity of it! How can we stand against the guns of the guards?" This time a younger man voiced his thoughts.
"What do we get?"
"These bourgeoisie will only use our men to fight!" A young woman clinging to her lovers' arm added in.
"And only they will reap the benefits of this!" Chimed in another.
"How will we feed our children when all the men who earn our bread are killed?"
Eponine schooled her features in order to hide the bubbling panic in her head. When she first stood up to speak and slowly felt like she had gained their attention, she was almost sure that she would win the crowd. Now she was trying so hard not to run away and hide from the multitude of questions that she, in her state of bewilderment, could not bring herself to answer.
A mixture of frustration and annoyance was brimming over its limits, and just about a second before Eponine could verbally lash out at the pessimistic crowd, a strong hand steadied her trembling shoulders. She looked up to see Enjolras by her side. His eyes were bright and focused fiercely on the crowd, and the straight line in which his lips fell painted a look of a person who demanded to be heard and respected. Preoccupied with reading Enjolras, she failed to immediately note how the crowd's heated cries mellowed down to nervous whispers.
It didn't take long until a blanket of silence covered the audience. Enjolras stood, unmoving, as he waited for them to settle down; a wave of eagerness and curiosity moved through the people who looked up to him. At the very moment, Eponine could understand why Grantaire had taken to calling their chief Apollo – Enjolras had seemingly shone like the sun, his presence had the heat one would cling to on a winter night, and his posture was regal.
And then he began to speak, addressing each of the concerns thrown their way. He spoke about the political changes that their movement would bring about. He touched on the subject of education and labor regulations for both genders. And he candidly spoke about rising in arms as means to the change, cautious and weary of the authorities he was sure was lurking around.
When he finished his passionate yet simplified discussion, he was pleased to note that the people assembled around them have increased in number. Instead of questions and accusation raised and directed to them, the people were now discussing things among themselves. He saw heads nodding as they spoke, and overheard people who grasped the idea better explaining it to the others around them. The Amis and their other colleagues were spread amongst the crowd joining in the small groups that have formed in order to address their specific individual questions and concerns. Even Grantaire was passing his flask around a group of men surrounding him, engaged in a serious discussion about unjust wages of the current governing system.
He didn't realize he was holding his breath until he finally allowed it to escape his lungs. This was better than what they had expected… and all because Eponine had enough guts to actually do what was needed to be done in the first place. Eponine! His eyes wandered down to see Eponine grinning subtly at him from her seat on the stage floor. He didn't bother hiding his own smile as he lowered himself to sit beside her.
For a moment they sat side by side in silence, taking in the bustling energy around them. It was clear that they've won the crowd over, and the response – actual intellectual discussions rather than the usual wave of anger and furious battle cries – was more than anything they dared to wish for.
"You were amazing." Eponine said quietly, so quiet in fact that Enjolras had to make sure he heard her right. She had kept her eyes on the various groups, refusing to meet his gaze, but the smile on her face made him think he heard what he thought he did. A faint blush rose to his cheeks.
"Thank you. But everybody here knows you made this possible." He said.
Eponine finally turned her head to look at him. "You saw what happened before you stepped in. They were taking it wrong. I thought I ruined it for you."
Enjolras shook his head. "No. On the contrary you made them think. You related to them, drew them in, and then made them think! When they threw those words at us, they weren't just stirred by desperation like how the past rallies had gone. They were stirred by actual interest, a little pessimism – yes, but still enough curiosity to actually have them consider this movement as more than just a revolution with guns and canons, but an actual reform with laws and system. If I had gone in before you did, my words would have had a drastically different effect on them." His words were so sure, and his gaze unwavering. "We needed them to ask those questions."
As the words left his lips, he found himself realizing the weight of what he just said. This lady whom he had held with high regards have left him once again pleasantly stunned. As he watched Eponine's features move and change as she thought about what he had just said, he was battling an increasing temptation to show her just how amazing and grateful he was to have her by his side. All he had to do was reach for her, pull her close, lean in... his fingers were twitching were they lay.
"This is something, Enjolras!" Marius stood on the ground in front of them, a huge smile plastered on his face. Enjolras was relieved and welcomed the distraction, and Eponine managed to beam. "I knew you were one hell of a speaker, but with her beside you…" He looked at Eponine with equal awe, slowly shaking his head in mock disbelief. "You are so much more."
"Indeed. Such a stirring pair!" A voice from behind Eponine and Enjolras added in. They turned to see Jerome Lamarque making his way closer to them. He extended a hand to Eponine, who took it, and pulled her on her feet. Enjolras stood up as well. "Why have you not introduced us before, Enjolras? A fine lady such as her should be known to the world." He flashed Eponine a charming smile as he pressed a kiss on her hand.
As introductions were made, Marius observed with unconcealed mirth. He knew it was fleeting, but he could have sworn a scowl made it's way to his chief's face at the young Lamarque's actions. It also didn't help his efforts that Enjolras' usually even tone sounded clipped and tense.
Montparnasse studied the people on stage, noting with distaste the lingering stares and overly flirty smile Jerome Lamarque was throwing Eponine. He was pondering who he would hit first if he was at the liberty to expose himself: Jerome for flirting with Eponine or Enjolras for not being man enough to tell the other bastard to keep his eyes off.
"You did not tell me she was involved." A familiar chill ran along his spine. He was not expecting her to be here.
Why is she here? He fought to keep a steady tone. "I had not known."
"Tsk tsk. If she gets in the way…" She drawled.
"She won't." Montparnasse gritted his teeth.
"You better make sure she doesn't, garcon." Pandora eyed him with distrust evident in her violet orbs for a second before she disappeared into the crowd.
Montparnasse watched Eponine with the Amis who were now convening with the other groups. He clenched his fists as the weight of frustration settled on his shoulders. Things were going to get complicated.
Because of the little victory the rally earlier in the day has earned them, the Amis and the rest of the young revolutionaries retreated to their respective headquarters with extreme caution. Although the rally may have exposed them physically, to their knowledge names were not at all mentioned during the event. The only notable person – Jerome Lamarque – was careful to stay barely noticeable unless specifically sought for. With the buzz that surrounded it had slipped their notice that there was actually one person who revealed her identity to the people. Without the realization of this mistake, they continued in blissful ignorance and drowned themselves in their victory.
The Amis have trickled down to the Musain by dinner time after having stopped at random places to ensure they haven't been followed to their meeting place. A small celebration was held for the success of their efforts. Everyone was in a festive mood, extremely gratified that all those nights of planning have finally paid off and grateful for the evening of amusement. Even their marble chief was found with a bottle in hand contentedly observing his friends. Bottles were strewn everywhere, especially near Grantaire, Feuilly and Bossuet who have been engaged in a game of cards and getting a bit more wasted by the minute. Bahorel had his fingers merrily dancing along the keys of the old piano of the café while Jehan and Courfeyrac sang exuberantly along. Combeferre and Elodie were dancing, so was Musichetta who pulled Cosette to join her. Not so long after, the girls pulled both Joly and Marius, despite their protests, from their seats at the table they shared with Enjolras to join them in their dance.
It was a lovely evening and for a rare moment Enjolras had allowed himself to simply be. He would've had no other thoughts unrelated to what he was currently witnessing, except for the recurring question in his head regarding the whereabouts of a certain young lady.
Eponine had excused herself earlier as they departed the rally in order to finish some errands she had to see to and to bring Gavroche home. She had promised Courfeyrac that she would drop by the Musain once her brother was sound asleep.
Enjolras, though try as he might to quell his wandering thoughts, could not help but keep on wondering when Eponine would show up. He hadn't have much of a chance to speak to her about the rally and her brilliant performance before Marius and Jerome joined their conversation earlier. He was convincing himself that the only reason he was so eager to have her arrive soon was because he'd like to discuss the highlights of earlier – what they did well and what they could have done better. He did not want to admit that more than that, he wanted her there because, well, there was just something with her mere presence that was so pleasant to him and undeniably compelling. If anyone had read his thoughts, he would blame them on the wine.
He hadn't noticed how he had unconsciously retreated to his thoughts until a slightly inebriated Courfeyrac stopped mid-song to call out the new arrival's name. He looked up to see her just by the stairs smiling wildly at his friend, and laughing as Courf pulled her in to a dance. He watched almost hypnotically as she twirled around laughing with her dimples showing. I think I may have had enough alcohol for one night.
He shook his head and shut his eyes only to find Marius with a raised brow staring with amusement at him once they opened again. "What?"
"You've been staring at her like a hungry man would stare longingly at a piece of steak, chief." And he burst with abandoned laughter that was quickly drowned by more voices joining in song.
Enjolras gave an indignant grunt. Marius stood up and patted his shoulders heavily and went to rejoin the others, grabbing a new bottle that he handed over to Eponine.
After thanking Marius, Eponine took a generous swig from her bottle and locked eyes with the golden haired Apollo from across the room. He looked embarrassed at first at being caught staring – again – but eventually managed a shy lopsided smile when Eponine gave him one of her bright ones.
Oh dear, the boy was way in deep, not that he'd even realize it and definitely more than he would ever care to admit. We all know how serious it is if Marius Pontmercy, The Oblivious One, could see it bright as day.
On the darker parts of town, Montparnasse found himself standing behind the seat where Pandora resided. All around him were people who would normally make him retreat but this time they needed him and the others for a different reason. He looked among familiar faces of those who were from Pantin, these were the people who never got caught, bandits and troublemakers who always seem to stay one step ahead of the cops. He knew the system was corrupt, he just didn't know how easy it was to join their scam.
After the rally earlier, word was sent to them to convene in the back room of a rundown bar, which ironically reminded him of The Musain. Although he has yet to study that place, he had a hunch that it wont be so different to this one.
So far the meeting was mostly a report of the information gathered. There were a few names mentioned of the young men involved, but none that was remotely familiar to him. He had convinced Pandora not to intentionally focus on Eponine, though he wasn't naïve to think that none of the others would bring it up sooner or later. There was a part of him that hoped his fellow criminals still held some sort of respect for the Thenardier name and the girl of the streets that Eponine used to be.
But alas…
"What about the girl?" A young officer spoke, his eyes narrowed at the obviously conflicted look that almost everyone shared. "Spit it out."
An old man in a scruffy coat, sneered. He knew the man; he was one of those small time thieves who were really better in watching people than taking from them. Eponine had once dumped a ragged blanket on him during what had seemed to be the coldest winter night in Paris all about 5 years ago when she had seen him freezing in the street.
"Well?" The elder cogne pressed. A pulsing silence hovered over them.
"She's Thenardier's girl. I bet she's just running a con for him, and with those rich young boys she could easily sway, who knows what kind of favors she can get." Pandora said, earning her the attention of the whole room. Montparnasse tensed, trying to get a better feel of what she intended to happen here.
"But she sounded seriously… invested to their foolish cause." The young officer spoke again.
"Have you forgotten how clever and convincing the Thenardiers are?" She cocked her head to the side. "It's really stupid of you to have harassed him while he was in jail. He could have been a great ally."
"If it is the case then perhaps we could reach out to him again."
"He will not budge." She said, sounding annoyingly bored. "It's a dead end with that girl. Let's move on. What do we do now?"
Montparnasse had never been so appreciative of Pandora's charm and manipulation skills as he had been at that moment. He sighed quietly as he felt his shoulders drop when several others brought up suggestions and speaking over one another.
"Act now! Arrest them!"
"It's too early to make our move. We've barely scratched the surface."
"Make examples of them! Public execution!"
"Catch them at their next rally."
"Let them gather the people. And then you'll see the others who are out to cause you trouble!"
Hypocrites! You idiots talk like you've done no crimes yourselves, easy to pass judgment where one is not involved. Montparnasse bit his tongue and tried desperately not to crack the stoic face he had on.
"Silence!" The elder cogne stood up, slamming his hands on the table and effectively rendering everyone speechless. "You dopes better listen well. You are not to act on anything yet. You will continue to watch because we have reason to believe that the movement is way bigger than what we have already uncovered. The people we saw this morning do not even make up one tenths of the whole."
He paused letting his words sink in. He then spoke again with a tone so menacing it brought certain eeriness in the little room. "There will be no arrests made; no public executions… nothing that could flare up these silly sparks they've been trying to ignite. The people will not know how affected we are of their efforts. The guillotine will not be used on them… but accidents?" He smirked. "I think we all know those could happen."
A/N: Hello everyone! I apologize for the long wait. It's been a tough couple of weeks dealing with loss, and illness, and stress. The long break in writing might bring you to find some errors and weakly conceived sentences or gaps/inconsistencies with the rest of the story. But I do hope this extra long chapter will ease my faults even in the slightest.
Please let me know what you guys think... the reviews and follows that I've been getting despite my leave motivated me to write back as soon as i could and for that I am grateful. You have no idea how your kind words lift my spirit when I read them - even for the nth time.
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