Chapter Six: Twisted Everyway:

Eponine was nervous as she reached the Mayor's home. She had come here many times before, but never had she stepped inside. As walked up to the door, she fixed a piece of fallen hair. All though she didn't like Cosette, she still wanted to look her best. Once that was done, she couldn't help but wonder why on earth Cosette wanted to meet with her. She would soon find out.

"Ah, Eponine, I have been expecting you." Cosette greeted her at the door. "Please, come in."

Eponine came in, and Cosette closed the door behind her. "My dear, who's at the door?"

Eponine stood as still as stone. Cosette laughed at her. "Relax, tis only my father."

Eponine couldn't believe she was face to face with the Mayor. She thought he would yell at her to flee from his home, however, he did not. He welcomed her. "Welcome." Val jean replied with a smile.

"Papa, this is Marius' friend, Eponine Thenadier."

"Thenadier…" said Val jean to himself.

The Mayor knew that name all too well. He had received several complaints about that family, only on the mother and father. Val jean had no idea that Master Thenadier had a daughter. He could tell by the look of her eyes that Eponine was not at all like her parents. Val jean could see that she was very kind at heart.

"So you are the one he speaks so highly off?"

Eponine blushed at his comment. She didn't know that Marius talked of her so much. She couldn't be any happier. "The way he speaks of you, I thought it was you he was after, not my daughter."

"Papa, hush now." Cosette replied. "As he and I have both stated, she is nothing more then a mere friend."

Eponine didn't like how she said that. Still, she held her tongue. After all, she was in the presence of greatness. "Marius said you wanted to speak with me."

"Yes, come, I we shall talk in my room."

Cosette dragged her away. When Eponine reached Cosette's room, she was taken away by its beauty. By the looks of it, Eponine could tell that Cosette was very spoiled. She had the best bedding, furinature, and clothing. Eponine was lucky to have a bed at all, if you could call it that. It was just a small closet, with a few blankets and pillows.

"Marius tells me you have a young suitor." Said Cosette, bringing Eponine out of her thoughts.

"Yes."

"I am happy for you." Cosette replied with a smile. "What is his name?"

"Erik." Answered Eponine.

"And what of his last name?"

Eponine had to think fast. She did not know his last name. She wasn't sure that even the Phantom knew. She never asked him. Eponine let her memory go back to his story, it was then she came up with the perfect name. "De Changy."

"De Changy?" Cosette questioned. "I know that family very well. I had no idea that they had three sons."

"They don't speak of him much." Said Eponine quickly. "He isn't to their liking…"

"Ah, I see." Cosette said. "Image is everything when it comes to the De Changy family." She paused before continuing. "Still, he is of the De Changy line, is he must be a man of information."

"I don't see why he wouldn't be."

Cosette laughed her. Then continued: "And I'm sure he is very handsome."

"Yes." Eponine answered.

"Has he said anything to you about his brother Raoul?"

Eponine did not know what to say. All she could think of is: "No. Why?"

"It seems that Raoul, along with his love, have gone missing."

"I'll ask him about it." Eponine told her. The truth was, she would not mention it. She knew why Raoul and Christine had gone missing. They had escaped the Phantom, the man who they thought was a monster. She was glad of their departure. She never wanted to lay eyes on them.

"What's wrong with you, your face has gone red."

Eponine quickly apologized. She cursed at herself. She had to be more careful. She could not blow his cover now.

"It is all right." Cosette assured her. "Now, onto the matter at hand."

"The mask?" asked Eponine.

"Yes."

"Thank you very much for inviting me, but I have nothing to wear." Eponine replied, bowing her head.

"Do not worry, I will take care of that." Said Cosette with a smile. "Please, take a look at my gowns and chose the one you desire."

Eponine followed Cosette to her closet. She watched as Cosette through open the doors and a see of gowns lay before her. "I don't think-"

"I do not mind, I promise."

At her promise, Eponine slowly approached the gowns. She searched them. It wasn't long until she found one that she liked the most. It was a light blue dress, with lace trimming. "I like this one."

"Good choice." Cosette replied.

"I don't think I can take this where I live." Said Eponine.

"You won't have to. If it is all right with you, I wish you to come here, this way I can help you get ready, and your fellow can meet us at the mask."

"I think that would be okay." Eponine replied. "I just have to make sure it's alright with mum and da'."

"In case they do not allow you to come, I have a letter that will be delivered to them. I promise, they will let you come."

"Thank you."

Cosette thanked her by giving her a swift bow of her head. As she did so, Eponine caught a glimpse of something gold her right finger. "What is that?" she asked, pointing to her hand.

"Oh, this…" Cosette asked, holding up her ring. "Marius didn't tell you I see."

"Tell me what?"

"We are to be married!" squealed Cosette with glee.

"Married…"

"Yes!"

Eponine could feel the tears coming. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She thought for sure her plan was working.

"Please, do not tell anyone." Cosette said. "We are going to announce it at the mask."

"I am happy for you…" replied Eponine, giving Cosette the best smile she possibly could. "If you excuse me, I havta go. My parents are waiting for me."

"All right, I'll walk you to the door."

Cosette showed Eponine the door. She bid her ado, and then closed the door behind her. Eponine ran from the house, she let the tears fall.

Enjolras was on his way to visit with Cosette. He had wished his friend happiness. Now, it was time to congratulate her. As he turned a street corner, someone bumped into him. He was about to grow cross at them, but stopped when he realized it was only Eponine.

"'Ponine, what is it? What's wrong?" Enjolras demanded, seeing that she was clearly upset.

"I'm sorry! So sorry!" she apologized.

Eponine had not paid attention to where she was going. She did not wish to speak with Enjolras now. All she wanted to do was run from this place.

"EPONINE!" Enjolras called after her.

Enjolras had gone to grab her, but she was too fast for him. Before he knew it, she was out of sight. He wondered what had made her so upset. Then it came to him, Cosette's meeting. He sighed. Now, he knew what happened. "Cosette told her…" he said to himself. He felt so sorry for his friend. He wished he could take her in his arms and comfort her, but he could not. Still, he made a mental note to himself, "After visiting with Cosette, you must have a stern talk with Marius…" And with that, he went about his way to the Mayor's home.

Eponine was thankful her parents were no where to be seen. She dashed up to the Phantom's room. "Erik!" she cried.

Erik turned to see Eponine. "Childe, what's wrong?"

Eponine through her arms around him. Erik let her cry on his shoulders. "Everything!" she told him.

"'Ponine, calm down." He replied soothingly. "I can not help you, unless you tell me what's troubling you."

Erik pulled away from her gently. "Now, what happened?"

"Cosette and Marius are to be married!" Eponine cried out.

Erik sighed. He knew this news was very heartbreaking to his young friend. However, he did warn her… Still, he could not get cross with her now. The Phantom didn't want to cause her more sorrow.

"I am sorry." He apologized. "The game has come to an end then…"

Eponine wiped away her tears. Her tears of sadness, turned into anger. "No!"

"What!"

"I still have time! Don't you see!" Eponine cried out.

The Phantom could feel the anger inside him rise. He could not hold it back any longer. "You can not force someone to love you! I warned you!"

"And what would you know of love?" spat Eponine.

Erik went silent, and turned away from her. Eponine quickly covered her mouth. She removed them, and went out to reach for him, but he stepped away. "Fine," she said. "I'll do this on my own!"

When Erik turned back around, he now regretted what he said. He shook his head. He didn't know when everything had gotten so twisted. The Phantom made a deal. Eponine had been so nice to him, when no one else would. Erik planned to keep his promise. He would go to the ball and help her.

TBC…

Author's Notes: Don't you readers love me any more? sniff, sniff I see all the hits I'm getting, and I only got three reviews. Oh well… I still love you lovely reviewers anyway. Anywhoo: I can see all you phans now, you want to kill me, don't you? For making Erik, Raoul's brother. Well, I had to think of something didn't I? Plus, it makes the story interesting. Chapter Seven will be up soon.