Disclaimer: Still not mine…
Author's Notes: My final audition for Fantine is on Friday (down to the final four!), so keep your fingers crossed for me. I'll let you know how I do. More reviews! : ). Eponine87 - *hugs* Thank you Mika! Again : ). Happy Hobo – Alrighty….*gives happy hobo some cake*. Rosie – Thank you so much! I just hope you're right about me being a perfect Fantine *blushes*. Anyway on with the story….we all know what's coming…
When autumn came
On that Wednesday I was up bright and early to brush my hair, wash my face and tidy my dress. I did the same to Cosette – dressing her in her prettiest dress and combing her chestnut curls until they shone.
"What's the occasion?" the woman upstairs asked when I went to drop Cosette off.
"Cosette's father will be coming back with us tonight" I smiled. "And I want her to look her best."
The woman smiled back at me, and took Cosette inside. I hurried downstairs, where (as promised) Tholomyes was waiting.
"You look nice today" he said quietly.
"Thank you"
"And Euphraise, is she well?"
"She's fine. But you'll probably find that out for yourself later."
He blinked and looked a little confused. I ignored him and we proceeded to walk arm in arm through the golden autumn leaves to where the rest of our double-foursome was waiting.
On that day we had a wonderful time. We breakfasted at the Tete-Noire, had fun tossing quoits by the big pond, climbed up to the Lantern of Diogenes, bet macaroons on the gambling-wheel on the Pont de Sevres, picked bunches of flowers at Puteaux, bought cream-puffs at Neuilly and ate apple-turnovers everywhere.
I was the happiest I'd ever been, wanting to get to the surprise so Tholomyes and I could go home and be with our daughter. I wondered, would he reveal the surprise in front of everyone or in private?
We came to a great swing, slung behind the chestnut-trees. Taken over for a moment with memories of Marcelin, who had once had a swing just like it, I refused myself to be swung.
"I don't like people who give themselves airs" Favourite said sharply. Then she turned to Tholomyes. "But the surprise? When do we get the great surprise?"
I gave him a strange look, how did she know about my surprise? I let it pass though, assuming that he was planning to reveal the start of our happy new life in front of everyone.
"You must be patient" Tholomyes said, glancing at me.
After a drunken dinner where Tholomyes kissed Favourite instead of me, he informed us all that it was time for the "great surprise". I sat up straight in my chair, a big smile on my face. The four men kissed their respective women on the forehead, and then left in a solemn line.
Favourite laughed. "It's fun already!"
"Don't be too long" I murmured, thinking of Cosette and me. "We shall be waiting."
"What do you think they'll bring us ?!" exclaimed Zephine.
"Something nice, I'm sure" said Dahlia.
"I hope it will be something in gold" Favourite mused.
"They're being very slow" I sighed, my eyes never leaving the door. Where had he gone? Maybe to collect Cosette and bring her to me?
The waiter who had served our meal reappeared holding a letter. "It was left behind by the gentlemen" he explained. "To be given to the ladies."
Favourite snatched it from him and told us it was labelled "here is the surprise".
I was more confused than ever. A surprise for all of us?
Favourite read aloud:
Beloved mistresses!
Be it known to you that we have parents. They want us back. Being dutiful, we obey. When you read these lines five fiery horses will be taking us home.
For nearly two years we have made you happy. Do not bear us illwill.
Signed: Blachevelle, Fameuil, Listolier and Felix Tholomyes.
I felt as though someone had punched me in the stomach, desperately trying not to cry. How could he leave me? And Cosette! Because their parents wanted them home! I bit my lip. Cosette wanted her parents home, but she didn't get what she wanted.
Dahlia however was smiling. "It was Tholomyes's idea. It's typical!"
I glared at her, how could she be so insensitive? Wasn't she upset that her beloved Listolier was gone?
"In that case, long live Tholomyes!" cried Favourite.
All three repeated this, and dissolved into laughter. I joined in – my laughter sounding slightly hysterical. A few minutes later, I excused myself and hurried from the table.
When I was sure I was far enough away I collapsed onto the ground, sobbing. Suddenly I felt someone patting me on the shoulder, and I admit I thought it was Tholomyes – returning to tell me it was all a joke.
It wasn't though, it was Dahlia.
"Go away" I spat at her.
"What's the matter?" she asked, looking awkward.
"Are you completely stupid?" I growled. "Did you just hear the same letter I did? Aren't you at least a little upset that Listolier is gone?"
Dahlia shook her head. "He's….he's coming back for me."
I shook my head. "Don't be so naïve Dahlia. He's not coming back, none of them are. I've been left alone with a ch –". I cut off, realising what I had been about to say.
Dahlia stared at me. "With a what?"
I stood up and ran away. Ran all the way home. Dahlia followed me, but she wasn't quick enough. I hurried upstairs and hammered on the door.
The woman opened it. "Oh lovely. Cosette has been looking forward to…..where is he?"
"Just let me have my daughter" I told her. "Please."
With a sad look the woman ushered Cosette out the door. She smiled up at me expectantly. "Where?"
"He's not coming" I told her. "I'm sorry."
The second I was in the safety of my own room I wept bitterly. Cosette wiped away my tears, not even understanding why I was crying.
