Author's Notes: Yes, another fast update. Hey, I'm on a roll, I can't help it. Besides, this chapter was all ready done. I just had to post it.

Chapter Five: An Invitation:

The next afternoon, Enjolras waited outside for Marius. He hoped that he received a yes from Cosette. All though, he had a feeling he would. Cosette loved him very much.

Inside, Madame Thendier, was yelling at Eponine to fetch some water from the well. Eponine did as told. She grabbed the bail by the door, and went about her way. As she opened the door, she had no idea that Enjolras was outside. She gave the door a good hard push, causing him to tumble over into the street.

"Enjolras!" cried Eponine, dropping the pocket and went to his side. "I'm very sorry! Here, let me help you up."

Eponine extended his hand to him, and Enjolras gladly took it. As she helped him to his feet, Enjolras felt a little light headed. Eponine had never once took hold of his hand, as she did with Marius. He enjoyed the feeling that suddenly washed over him.

"Please, forgive me." Eponine replied once he was on his feet. She bowed her head in shame.

Enjolras found himself lifting a hand to her chin, and gently lifting her face so she could look at him. "It is all right. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Eponine smiled at him. Enjolras had a gentle touch, just as Marius did. "Then you're not mad at me?"

"My dear, no." Enjolras answered her. However, to himself, he adds: Why would I ever be mad at you?

An awkward silence came between them. Eponine noticed a strange sensation had danced over her. No, it was not strange. She knew this feeling well. It was the same feeling she had whenever Marius was around. Eponine laughed to herself. No, she told herself. You are in love with Marius not Enjolras. How silly, she thought.

"What are you laughing at?" asked Enjolras.

Eponine had to think fast. She could not repeat what she had thought. She realized that he was still holding her. "You're still holding my face."

"Oh, forgive me then." Enjolras replied quickly as he removed his hand.

"its okay." she assured him.

"Where are you off to?"

"I havta get some water from the well."

"I see." said Enjolras. "May I accompany you?"

"I don't see why not."

Eponine was the first to step ahead. Enjolras was hesitant. He had the strangest feeling as though he was being watched. He turned and looked up and the Thendier's attic window. In a brief moment, he thought he saw a figure of a man looking down. Enjolras shook the feeling aside. The news of the Phantom caused him to see spooks every now and then. When he looked back up, nothing was there.

"Enjolras! Are you comin'?" Eponine called out to him when he was not at her side.

"Coming." he called back, and quickly went to join her.

Enjolras had not been wrong. Someone had been watching him. Erik had snuck out the room when he heard the commotion outside. He smiled when he learned that it was only Eponine. His smile did not fade when he saw the young man flirt with her. However, he noticed that this was not the young man that Eponine spoke off. It was another.

Erik ducked back into the room as soon as Enjolras looked up. Once back inside his room, Erik closed it off, and went back to writing another letter to Eponine. He still imagined that he was giving this letters to Christine, and he wished that he had more then just words to give to Eponine. The Phantom also wished to give her more roses. However, he knew he could not.

In the olden days, when he lived in Populair, he would ask Madame Giry or Meg to help him with gifts. Now, he did not have the sources. He did not ask, what Eponine could not afford. Erik did not want to be rude.

As he continued to write the later, Christine still haunted his mind, along with Raoul. "Raoul." He said aloud. Erik's thoughts then went to the young man who was with Eponine. It was Raoul that he reminded him of. He hoped he would no long look upon his face. Raoul was the last person he wanted to think of.

Outside, Marius had finally made his way to the Inn. He was hoping to find Enjolras outside waiting for him, but his friend was no where to be found. He had to talk to him right away, not only about his joyous news, but about the plan he had set for Eponine.

Speaking of the little devils, he found the two walking towards them, laughing and talking with one another. He noticed that Enjolras carried a water pail. He guessed that the Madame had scent Eponine to fetch some water. He was thrilled to see the two together.

Enjolras did not know Marius' presence. He was too busy talking with his dear friend. On the way to the well, they talked about nothing in particular. All though, he noticed that Eponine would mention Marius ever y now and then. He did not mind as much as he use to. Soon, he saw that Eponine was no longer talking to him, her attention had been drawn else where.

"Marius!" she cried out happily and ran to her friend.

Enjolras sighed. At least he had got to spend some time with Eponine. "Good day Marius." he greeted his friend with a smile.

"Good day to you two." Marius teased, glancing at Enjolras. "I was wondering where you two were."

"Enjolras helped me with my chore." replied Eponine. "Which, by the way, I better get back inside. Thank you again."

Eponine took the pail from Enjolras and went back into the Inn. When she was gone, Marius smirked at his friend. Enjolras knew all too well on what that look meant. "Do not start with me."

"I was not-"

"I am warning you Marius, it is time to change the subject." he replied. "Tell me of your evening. Did it go well?"

"She accepted and Valjean gave us his blessing."

"Congratulations!" Enjolras cried out. "When is the wedding?

"Please, hold your tongue." replied Marius. "We will not make the announcement official until the ball."

"Do you mean the Masquerade Ball at the Mayor's home?"

"Yes." Marius answered. "Which reminds me," he said. "I have a plan on how we can lore Eponine's suitor out of hiding."

"How?"

"Cosette has invited Eponine to come along; I will ask Eponine if she could bring her fellow with her."

"That is brilliant." stated Enjolras.

"Thank you." Marius replied. "We will tell Eponine of the mask, but leave our plan out of it."

Enjolras agreed, and followed his friend inside. They found Eponine waiting for them in side. She had managed to sneak away from her parents. "Eponine, I need to speak with you." Marius told her.

"What about?"

"The Mayor is throwing a masquerade and Cosette wishes to invite you."

"Me?" she asked, surprised. "Marius, you know I can't go. I am not of your society."

Marius went to speak but Enjolras spoke up first. "You are friend, and that is all that matters."

"Here! Here! To that good man." Replied Marius.

"But Marius, I have nothing to wear."

"I shall fix that," he said, pulling out the invitation that Cosette had giving him. "Here, it's from Cosette."

"For what?"

"To the mask, and she wishes to speak with you."

"About what?" Eponine asked.

"That is between you and her." Said Marius. "Now, about the mask, we were wondering if we could meet your suitor."

"I'll havta see what he is doin'." Eponine told him. "He's a very busy man."

"Then please, talk with him, make him come." Replied Marius.

"I said I havta to see…"

A few hours later, Marius and Enjolras left. When Eponine was done with her work, she dashed upstairs to see the Phantom. She smiled when she found him asleep. Eponine walked over brushed her hand across his face. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he was on that one side. She went to remove the wig and mask, figuring it would be much more comfortable, but Erik began to stir in his sleep.

"Christine… Christine…"

Eponine watched as she saw him bring a hand around her and brought her closer. She didn't know what was going on, until he brushed his lips with her's. She could feel all the love he had for her-

Christine…

Erik's eyes popped open when he realized that it was not Christine he was kissing, it had been Eponine. Erik quickly pulled away. "I am sorry…"

Eponine sat beside him, and once again brought her hand to face, "Don't be. It's alright. It's probably the only kiss I'll ever get."

"You have never…"

"No." answered Eponine.

"Do not give up on love childe, it will happen for you… My kiss will not be your last."

"You loved her very much didn't you?"

"You all ready know that answer."

"Forgive me then," Eponine apologized. "But Erik, I must speak with you."

Erik could hear the worry in her voice. He could tell something was wrong. "What is it?"

"There is to be a Masquerade ball at the Mayor's house, and Marius, along with Enjolras wishes to meet you there."

"You are going then?" asked Erik.

"I have to." Eponine told him. "Marius, along with Cosette invited me. Not only that but it seems that Cosette wants to meet with me. What should we do?"

Erik gave this matter some thought. It was Masquerade ball. He could come out of hiding for a short time, he would be safe. The costume would hide him. However, he remembered another mask which he attended…

The Phantom looked at Eponine; she looked as though she was on the verge of tears. He found himself bringing his hand to her cheek. "We will attend." He replied. "And you will answer to Cosette's invitation. We do not want to raise suspicion."

Eponine smiled at him. "Thank you."

"Now, go and get some rest you have a busy day tomorrow."

Eponine bid the Phantom ado and went to bed. Erik remained on the floor. He couldn't help but mentally kick himself for being so foolish. He knew he had to push Christine away from his mind, but that easier said then done.

TBC…