A/N: As always I apologize for lateness. But things have been really crazy lately. And trying to write two stories at once, and also school work and pre-production for filming for class...and everything, my life is just so hectic.

I apologize if you think the pacing of this chapter is bad, I hope it doesn't seem too rushed. But, just know,as long as you guys are here with me, I will not give up this story! We've only got until chapter 43! We can do this!

Worlds Away

Chapter 34 - And You Never Would've

Our lives are made up of tiny moments, little fragments of time. Some are important and some we forget. But this moment now, just may be be another story someday.

It was the warm air around them, the sounds of children laughing and screaming on rides, the lights and the colors of the vendors and that wonderful smell of vomit as he held her hair back.

"There, there..." Enjolras soothed as he rubbed Eponine's back.

She gave another heave as she gripped the garbage can for dear life. She shakily stood up straight again as Enjolras reached in his pocket and pulled out a napkin for her to wipe her mouth.

Another little heave came from her, but she was done; that was the last of her breakfast. Enjolras ran his fingers through her hair, letting her lean against him for a moment. It was a bit alarming how pale she still was.

"Next time, we won't get on a ride immediately after you eat," he said, trying to smile.

She inhaled a shaky breath and tried to smile, "But it was fun. I had fun on those...what are they?"

"Swings," he smiled.

"No, they flew in the air. Swings don't fly."

Enjolras chuckled. "These are carnival swings. It's much different than the swings you know of." He glanced around and began walking toward a vendors cart, with her still leaning generously against him. "Let's get you some water."

"Please, my mouth tastes awful."

He laughed at her wittiness and bought her a bottle of water. After listening to her remark about the plastic bottle for a bit, he led her to another ride.

"I think your stomach may be able to handle this ride," he said as they approached a big circular ride, surrounded by a fence.

Eponine gripped onto the metal of the fence in front of her, ogling at it, wide eyed. "It's so beautiful! We can ride it?"

"Yes. This ride is called a carousel, Eponine."

"Look! Look!" She pointed to one of the many horses delicately hand-painted around the carousel. "That one there, he looks just like Nobel!"

Finally, seeing which plastic horse she was talking about, Enjolras smiled. "Yes, he does. You want to ride that one?"

"Oh yes! Any of them would be splendid, actually."

"Okay, c'mon then, let's get on line."

Eponine was in awe so much so that she barely even noticed the length of the line for the ride. Enjolras was grateful too that he had her to keep him occupied. She asked all kinds of questions about the ride - just as a child would - questions from the mechanics of it, how it moved, where the music came from to why there were more horses than lions. Enjolras didn't mind answering any of her questions, in fact he found it amusing. She was just like a child first experiencing the world and he always found himself smiling at that fact when he thought about her. This was all just what made her: his Eponine.

Enjolras handed the manager of the ride their tickets and immediately Eponine bounded onto the carousel, just as she had seen so many other people do. She raced around, with Enjolras following gingerly behind her until she found a horse that was just to her liking - and of course it was the one that looked just like Nobel.

The one she chose was the large black plastic horse; it was the last one in the row of three, closest to the edge of the ride. As she had made sure to tell Enjolras, everything about this horse was just like Nobel except this one had red ribbons running through its ebony mane, a red saddle to match, and golden pole sticking right through its body. She climbed up onto the ornate horse, gripping the pole just as she had seen everyone else do.

Enjolras climbed onto the horse next to hers - a decorative brown one with green accents. "Eponine, look at me and smile!" he called out and as soon as she looked back at him, he was holding up his phone. "Now I've got two pictures of you with a horse," he laughed.

"This one doesn't count," she sniggered, "this horse isn't real."

"It's close enough."

Soon, the music started and the ride began to move. Eponine squealed in delight as her horse gently rose and then fell. The both laughed as they rode their horses round and round on the carousel. It was a never ending circle, one that continued right where it ended, for there was no beginning and no end. They were stuck on this ride that only went round, forcing them to move along with all it's up and downs that the horses took.

But Eponine thought the ride went by too fast, for soon, it was over.

They walked away from the ride excited and carefree, both hand in hand and for a moment it felt as if they were both normal. Just a couple like everyone else. One that didn't have nearly two centuries between them and one that didn't have an impending revolt looming over their heads.

But unfortunately, this sense of normalcy can only last for so long.

Guy Daniau came running up to the couple, stoping them short in their tracks. "Ah, Enjolras, my good friend," he said, clasping Enjolras' empty hand with both of his own and shaking it vigorously. "Are you ready for the big speech at noon? I've got the stage all set up for you, now come, come this way, let me show you." Daniau turned around so he was walking in step with Enjolras. He placed one hand behind his back and began leading him through the crowd.

Reluctantly, Enjolras let go of Eponine's hand as Daniau continued leading him through the crowd. Eponine's only option was to follow close behind them as she tried to understand everything he was talking to Enjolras about.

"We owe this whole operation to you, my friend..." The conversation was cutting in a out as Eponine struggled to keep pace with them and hear them over the roaring crowd, the vendors' music, and the shrills from rides.

"Well, it's really not a problem...I owe my thanks to you as well...I'm excited for the speech. Now, I've got to ask - "

Eponine was suddenly cut off as a woman and child stepped in front of her. She hurriedly raced around them, trying to keep sight of Enjolras' bright red shirt. They were up a little bit ahead, so she quickened her pace to keep up, only to be knocked to the ground by a large burly man who stepped in her way.

"Excuse me, mademoiselle," he apologized as he helped Eponine to her feet.

Eponine eyed around but it appeared she lost sight of Enjolras. She didn't acknowledge the man much as she jogged away and continued through the crowd. She saw the red shirt and made a beeline to the left for it. She approached him with a hand outstretched, beaming, "Enjolras!"

But when the man turned around, it was not Enjolras. He had straight blonde hair and a red jacket. It was easy to be confused from afar.

She was lost, Eponine spun around and searched through the thick crowd. But she couldn't spot him anywhere, not Enjolras or Daniau. Panic was beginning to set in as she could feel her cheeks getting flushed. She took in a calming breath. No matter, I will just continue looking for him.

She walked a few paces along strips of brightly colored vendors, keeping on the edge of the crowd and keeping firm watch for any sign of Enjolras.

"Eh, girlie! Hey, hey you!"

Eponine whipped around, finally realizing that someone was calling to her. Her eyes landed on a group of three men standing to the side of a vendor selling Peintures et dessins. The men where large and a bit gruff looking. The one in the middle - who must've been the one to call her - was eyeing her with narrowed yellowed eyes. He had scruff painted around his face and a dirtied green shirt on. Eponine could've sworn by looks alone, they could've passed for members of the Patron Minette. But of course, she knew they weren't.

"My, why yer a pretty thing. You look a bit lost, ain't ya, girlie?" he sneered in a sweet voice.

She was not frightened, she just stared at them intensely. There was something about the way smiled to her, something about those teeth that matched the color of his eyes, something about the words he said to her, something that just seemed so familiar.

She couldn't place him, but she knew she had see him before. Somehow he was there in her thoughts, suppressed underneath in her memories. He had a name too, but she couldn't recall it as hard as she tried.

Her feet moved her closer to the three, mesmerized by them. "Do I know you?" she asked slowly.

The man in front reached his arm out to her, touching her hair with his grimy hands. She could clearly see the large and gaudy rings he wore all over his fingers. "I'll be whoever you want me to be," he replied in his slimy tone, causing the two other men to chuckle.

"Have you ever been to Paris?" She didn't know what made her ask that, but something stirred in her mind, making her think of Paris as the last place she remembered this man.

She saw this man standing at the foot of an alley, smiling his wicked yellowed smile to her, beckoning her closer. "I have something for you," he called.

"Why? Would you like to go? I can take you there." His hand slid down her arm and grabbed her waist, tugging her in closer to him.

Slowly, she crossed the street, heading toward him. She was so curious. What could he possibly have for her?

"What is your name?" she asked, staring mesmerized into his eyes, not even seemingly bothered by the close contact. She wanted answers, she wanted to know what she was trying to remember.

"You tell me yours first, sweetheart."

He grabbed onto her roughly, tossing her into the adjacent stone wall. He pressed himself against her. His fingers brushed along her jawline, admiring her, as she panted and struggled to break free. "My, why yer quite a pretty thing, darlin'."

Suddenly, Eponine pulled backwards, but he was quick, grabbing her wrist before she could go anywhere. "What's this?" he jeered, "We were gettin' along just fine."

"I have to find Enjolras. H-he must be looking for me now..." she breathed heavily.

"We'll help you find him, right boys?" he said, grinning wildly as he turned his head to the two behind him. They smiled in return, nodding along. "Come with me," he murmured softly.

Eponine's head whipped wildly back and forth, hoping someone would notice the scene, hoping Enjolras would magically appear and rescue her. This man gave her a tug and she collided into him. "No, I don't think - "

He turned around, keeping her firmly in his grasp and pulled her along behind the vendors' tents. "Now, we'll help you, I promise...come along..."

She struggled and struggled. She shut her eyes as she unwillingly stumbled along behind them, trying to remember how the scenario in her memory ended. Did someone come save her? Did the man get away with what he wanted? How did it end? What did she do?

The man stopped short, tossing her in front of him but still not letting go of her wrist. He waited to let go until the two other men stood behind her, completely encircling her. Eponine stood frightened and motionless in the center of them. They were much taller than her, each taking a step inwards as the leader of them reached a hand out to grab her shirt. She looked up to the sky, praying for God to save her now. Eponine was panting uncontrollably, feeling as if the world was imploding on her. There was no space to breathe as she stood surrounded by them and she was finding it difficult to get air to her lungs in the midst of this panic.

His breath on her neck was hot; the air was sticky in the heat. Every muscle in her felt like it was on fire as she used all her strength to break against his grasp. She jerked her head into his shoulder and bit down as hard as she could, feeling like she could break her teeth.

That was it, Eponine realized. She lunged forward, trying to scoot between them. Yet she knew they would grab her.

"Not so fast, my girl. Where are ya off to? We don't mean no harm," he grinned, seizing her by his hands on her waist.

She was flushed against him now, close enough to smell his bodily oder and crinkle her nose in disgust. She stood on her toes and bit the closest piece of skin she could get to.

He yelled in pain, pushing Eponine back and gripping his left upper forearm tightly. "Bitch!" he hollered, swinging his other arm across and whacking Eponine in the side of the head. She could feel the sting of his rings as they made contact with her cheek. But it all happened so fast as he hit her while she broke between two of the men. She stumbled a bit, gaining her momentum and focusing on making it back to the crowd of people.

She dove into the sea of humans, frantically searching to some place that Enjolras might have gone, knowing full well that the three men might be close behind her. The crowd was so thick, they were suffocating her. No one seemed to notice her wildly distraught running. She pushed her way through the crowd, cheeks heating up, heartbeat thundering, and the air was so thick, she couldn't even take in a mouthful.

She spun around, gaping like a fish with no water. She couldn't breathe, she didn't know where to go. But Enjolras had taught her what to do once before - on the plane ride - when it felt like the world was caving in around her. She tried to remember what it is, she tried to breathe, she tried to think straight. But nothing was working. She was too panicked, too frantic, the silent tears streamed down her face.

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder and she whipped around, frightened that it would be those men. She was ready to run when the hand grabbed her wrist again. She let out a strangled cry and then she was being suffocated. Firm arms were wrapped around her, holding her securely, and her head was being buried into someone's chest. But this chest was warm, and it carried that familiar scent of books.

She let herself fall over the edge, crying into his chest and holding onto him for dear life. She was still finding it difficult to breathe and her breaths only came out as hyperventilation.

"Shhh...Eponine, I'm here," he said kindly as he rubbed his hand up and down her back.

Gently and slowly, he led her her through the crowd until it began to thin. He brought her to a bench and sat her down. It was then he noticed the small trickle of blood that made its way from her temple down her cheek.

"Eponine, what happened?" he whispered.

She peeled back from him, taking in large and heavy breaths. She had the words set in her mind, but she couldn't control herself enough to speak.

His hand came up and held the side of her face tenderly, "Shhh...take your time."

"I...I-I couldn't r-remember the trick y-you...showed me. I-I couldn't b-breathe."

"It's okay," he soothed, gently rubbing circles on her cheek. "Look," he picked up her arms and held them out in front of her. Her arms were so loose when he held them and slightly still trembling. He folded them together forming a circle. "This is your space," he said, "this is all the space you need. Now just close your eyes...and breathe."

He inhaled and waited a moment for her to do the same before he exhaled. They did this for a few minutes until she seemed to have calmed down enough.

"Hey! Oh! You found her," Daniau said, a little out of breath as he came running up to them on the bench. "What happened?" he asked as he noticed the trickle of blood that came down the side of her face.

Enjolras turned his head up to Daniau. "I don't know...but I think she just got lost. And she's highly claustrophobic. The crowds probably stressed her out," he explained as he gently stroked Eponine's arm.

Daniau nodded, seeming to be in understanding. "Well, good thing you found her now. But Enjolras, it's fifteen until noon. You've got to come get ready."

Enjolras made a move to stand up off the bench but something made him stop and look at Eponine first. He caught a glimpse of her trembling lip and sighed. "I'll be there at noon, I promise, just give me a few minutes."

Daniau reluctantly nodded as he turned on his heel and headed toward the stage.

With delicate movements, Enjolras lifted up the hem of his shirt and wiped the blood away from Eponine's cheek. If Eponine wasn't so distraught at that moment, she would've giggled at seeing Enjolras' bare chest and she would've relished on the fact that he made himself indecent in public in order to help her. But in the next second, he fixed his shirt back in place and whispered, "What happened, Eponine?"

She averted his gaze, looking to the dirt on the ground beneath her. "I met someone," she finally said quietly.

"Who?"

"I don't know," she jumped, the panic beginning to rise in her voice. "He looked so familiar, he called me over...and I thought I knew him. I know I had seen him before...but then..." she trailed off.

"Then what, Eponine? What happened?"

"He grabbed me...he new I was lost, but he said he'd help me find you - "

"No - you didn't?"

"No, Enjolras, I tried to get away...I bit him...and he hit me, then I ran."

Enjolras only responded by pulling her into his chest and hugging her firmly. "I should've never let go of your hand," he muttered into her hair, berating himself for his stupidness. "I'm sorry I let you go. I won't let you go again...I promise."

Eponine just nodded against him, reviling in his warmth and finally feeling at ease.

"I'll never let you go," he said this time. He was resolute in his words for they were the truth.

...

She laid awake next to him. No matter how much she tried, sleep would not find her. Every so often, a light snore from Enjolras would drag her from her thoughts and her attention would be turned to him. But he remained asleep, nothing could seem to wake him at this moment.

She let out a small exhale in contentment and cast her eyes upward to the white ceiling fan, just making out the white panels of it in the darkness. Soon she sighed, letting her thoughts corrode her mind once again.

She wondered what was in store for them. The speech Enjolras gave today seemed to ignite the hearts of the people, they were all supportive of the promises he was making and all seemed willing to help him in any way they could. And constantly while he was giving his speech he kept looking back at her while she stood on the side of the stage next to Daniau. He would toss her these little smiles in between sentences of his speech and she would force a smile back to him. For each time he would cast a glance at her, she would feel guilty. He had so much else to look to; he was leading a rebellion, for goodness sake! Yet, he constantly worried for her. Especially after she told him of her encounter with that man, Enjolras was truly worried for her safety. And she felt so guilty for how much he worried about her.

But what had gotten into her, she wondered. She used to be so strong, she used to take care of herself when no one else was there to. Yet, this new world was so new, with all sorts of new dangers and even new wonders. And she was constantly on edge, feeling like any second this world could be taken away from her and she would truly have nothing. She felt like at any time, her old life would be thrust upon her and she would have to leave it behind, and she would have to leave Enjolras. then as her thoughts reminded her of how much she cared for Enjolras, how much she loved having him in her life, she constantly worried that she wasn't good enough for him. He had been nothing but kind and gracious to her, she did not deserve his worry, she was not good enough for his worry, and she certainly should not be getting in the way of his goal by making him worry.

Eponine shifted from her back and laid on her side facing away from Enjolras. She didn't want to look at him right now, the guilt would only eat at her more. She was so uneasy for this revolution. Every day more meant one day less with Enjolras. He constantly assured her that no one would die but who was he kidding. That was what happened in 1832 - everyone died. Thankfully, Eponine didn't see the revolutionaries die and she did not witness Enjolras' death but yet she knew it happened. Just like she knew her name, she knew of her friends' deaths. She knew they all died that summer day in 1832. But then again, the people seemed to be responding to Enjolras' message right now. They really seemed to support him in his endeavors against the president. Maybe it was possible he could win, but even if he did, whose life would be lost in the process? This was something Enjolras did not understand, Eponine was certain of.

Who was he fooling? Who was any of them fooling? The same fate lied in store for them all and Eponine did not want that. But it was inevitable.

It was as if Enjolras could feel her heartbeat quicken the more she thought about everyone dying and his arm came swooping over her waist in his sleep. She stiffened at his touch, rather than embrace it. "Enjolras?" she whispered, wondering if he was truly awake and only pretending to be sleeping. But he didn't answer.

Suddenly, she was finding the air getting thicker and the room felt stuffy. She was finding her breaths coming out shortened and quick despite the chilled air in the room from the metal box in the window. She loved Enjolras so much but she reminded herself that he was too good for her. He didn't need her, she was nothing. She didn't have a sous to her name, not a house, or really any clothes. Everything she had had been provided for her through Enjolras. And it sickened her how much she let him take care of her, how much she did nothing to deserve any of it. Enjolras didn't need this extra worry of taking care of her while he was trying to live out his dreams. She was only making life more difficult for him and she couldn't keep doing this to him.

She wanted to get up and leave him be; leave him and let him solely focus on his revolution. But she knew the second he woke to an empty space next to him, he would only be filled with more worry for her well-being. And in effect, she couldn't cause him more distress that way either. So what should she do? What was her next course of action? Her lip quivered the more she couldn't come up with an answer.

Maybe what was really bothering her was the still looming fact that she and Enjolras would not have a future together. She had never planned on falling in love with Enjolras. This was not what originally happened, but in this present life, she couldn't help it; she couldn't stop herself from falling in love with him and she couldn't imagine why she never noticed him before. But perhaps this was destiny's way of letting them finally fall in love. Perhaps they never had the chance to in 1832 since their lives had ended so suddenly. Perhaps this was destiny giving them a second chance at love. Perhaps this is why she is here. Perhaps they have always been destined to be together.

Eponine gasped out loud, finally realizing.