Disclaimer: They're still not mine….

Author's Notes: Ooo, I think that's the longest I've been without an update! : ) But I was auditioning for my college's version of Les Mis – really really hope I've got Fantine! Anyways, reviews! You guys are so nice. Eponine87 – I'm running out of ways to thank you! Thanks again for reviewing In Search of Happiness too. Happy Hobo – Awwww, I'm glad you liked Baby Cosette – she'll be back in this chapter. Peakechick – I'm so honoured that this is the first thing you've read! *blushes* And it's always nice to see another Fantine fan. Shandethe Sanders – Thank you! You're a very talented writer, just read some of your fics. Marzoog – Thank you again! It really means a lot to me.

Love was blind

Why did I stay with him? He'd as good as called me a whore, and yet I still loved him. Why? I didn't even know the answer. We kept up the charade of being a happy couple in the double-foursome, but really our relationship had fallen apart. Neither of us seemed to want to admit it.

Cosette was our secret. No one except Tholomyes, the woman upstairs and myself knew about her. Favourite had once remarked that I had lost my extra weight very quickly, but went no further. With no job, I spent all my time in my room with Cosette. Tholomyes provided for us – we never went hungry.

It had been almost a year, and still he didn't come to see her. He would drop off dresses for her, but never seemed to want to see his daughter. I was forbidden to take her outside, in case someone saw and then what would people think of him? The woman upstairs was a godsend though, and frequently took Cosette out to feed the ducks and for little walks. Things I'd never done in my childhood.

She is the prettiest child I've ever seen – but being her mother I'm a little biased. Chestnut curls from her father, and her mother's big blue eyes. She's just starting to walk, holding on to things and pulling herself along. She's very content, and laughs at everything.

August the twenty-third. Cosette's first birthday, we didn't have a party – but I tried my best to let her know the day was special. No parcel arrived from Tholomyes, he'd probably surprise us later. I'd slaved all day to make a little cake for Cosette, which she ate in two mouthfuls – promptly spilling crumbs all down her dress.

"Cosette!" I scolded, brushing her off. "Be careful.."

There was a sharp knock on the door, Cosette smiled and pointed.

"Yes, you can go and answer it" I told her, crossing my fingers.

Holding onto the table, Cosette edged herself to the door before finally reaching up and opening it – coming face to face with Tholomyes.

"Oh" he said, looking flustered. "I….is your mother in?" . He spotted me, "Fantine!"

I scanned his arms, no present. "It's Cosette's first birthday" I reminded him.

"So it is.."

"Did you forget?"

"No….I remembered. How could I forget?" he paused for a while, then touched my arm. "We're all going out next week, just for the day or something……us men have got a surprise for you."

I brightened up. "A surprise? What kind of a surprise? Is it something for me and Cosette?"

"I dare say it will effect you and Euphraise…very much"

I smiled at him. He was coming back to us! We could be a family at last! Trying not to let him know I'd caught on, I replied "I'll look forward to it."

"Remember, next Wednesday. I'll come to pick you up."

I nodded, and he left – without a backward glance at Cosette.