Author's Notes: New Beta didn't have time to fix my errors, but it's okay. I'll just post them anyway. Love Changes Everything is a song sung by Michael Ball. It's one of my favorites. So, I had to use it.

Chapter Eight: Love Changes Everything:

As applause echoed off the walls, Eponine knew Marius had made the announcement, she ran out onto the balcony. She had just stepped out of the doorway, when she tripped over her gown, and met the pavement. Eponine did not bother getting up, she remained there, letting her tears fall.

Enjolras stood outside on the balcony. He too could hear the applause. He managed a small smile, and uttered under his breath: "Congratulations friend." He turned away and looked up at the stars. Marius and Cosette would end up happy, however, it would be Eponine who would be heartbroken. He wondered where she was. Enjolras received his answer when the sound of soft sobs reached his ear.

The young gentleman walked around the balcony and was surprised to see Eponine. She was on the floor, crying. He rushed to her side. "Eponine…"

Eponine did not look up. She did not want her friend to see her in such a mess. Enjolras did not have to ask what was wrong. He all ready knew. He knelt down and took her into his arms.

"Go away!" Eponine cried out, pushing him away. "Go away!"

The second time Enjolras embraced her, Eponine aloud him to do so. She cried into his chest. "It isn't fair!" she cried.

"I know, I know…"

Eponine pulled away from him, and asked: "How do you know…?"

Enjolras smiled at her as he brushed away her tears. "I am not blind as you think I am. I have known for sometime how much you cared for Marius."

"Why couldn't he see me!" she screamed. "All he ever saw was that Cosette! Damn them both to hell!"

The sadness had turned into anger. Enjolras tried to calm her down the best he could. "No need for such harsh words." He said gently. "You do not need him, you have your suitor remember?"

Eponine gave him a short laugh. "Why are you laughing?"

"You might not be blind to love Enjolras, but you are blind when it comes to other things." She said. "I never had one; it was all just a game. Besides, what gentlemen of a high class ever look at me?" Eponine asked, hanging her head.

Once again, Enjolras brought his hand to her, he took her chin gently into his hand, and brought her face up so she could look at him. "Do not fret Eponine, there is someone out there for you, perhaps someone who is right in front of you…"

Eponine gave Enjolras an odd look. She didn't understand what he was saying. However, when she looked into his eyes and saw her reflection in them, she now knew the truth. A familiar feeling washed over her, it was the feeling that she had for Marius. Only now, it was for Enjolras.

"Enjolras…"

"Shh… 'Ponine, just let it happen…"

Before Enjolras he was drawing closer to Eponine. The moment he had been waiting for all his life was finally near. It was not long until the two met in a passionate kiss.

Unknown to them, they were being watched. Erik had followed Eponine to the balcony. He hoped to be the one to comfort her but he was too late. The young man he had seen before beat him to her. He was happy for Eponine.

All though he was happy for her, sadness washed over him. He was heartbroken. The Phantom knew that in days to come, Eponine would be too busy with her new gentlemen to visit him any more. He would be alone once again.

"Erik…"

The Phantom jumped at the sound of his name. He turned around and came face to face with an old friend. "Meg!"

Erik was taken aback as Meg through her arms around him. "I knew it was you!" She cried out to him. "I have been so worried!"

"For me…?"

Meg pulled away from him. "Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

Erik did not answer her. He never thought any one would miss him. Meg knew this. She lifted a comforting hand to his cheek. "You are forgetting, I am not Christine. I will never reject you."

The Phantom smiled down at her. "How did you know I was here?"

"I didn't." answered Meg, removing her hand. "You are not going to believe the story your friend came up…"

Erik listened to her. Meg told him how the Mayor had introduced her to his daughter and her friend. However, she never got a chance to look at her. "According to Cosette, you were Eponine's fellow, who went by the name Erik De Changey."

The Phantom shivered at his name. He couldn't believe that Eponine had come up with that. All though, he figured that she was in a tight spot, and used the only material he had given her.

"Where is your friend?" asked Meg. "I wish to meet her."

"See for yourself…"

Meg turned in Erik's direction and spotted a lovely girl with a young man, embracing one another. The younger Giry looked up at Erik. She noticed a familiar look in his eyes. She knew that look. It was the same look he gave to Christine.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He replied, looking down at her. "She was never mine to lose." Erik sighed. "What will happen with me now?"

"You shouldn't ask such a silly question." Meg told him. "You should know better, you know momma and I will take care of you."

"But Meg, Populair, it has burned to the ground."

"Yes, but we find another home." Assured Meg. "Momma is all ready making arrangements with the mayor. We can keep you safe and guarded until the news of the Phantom dies down."

"Thank you…" Erik said, taking Meg into his arms.

Meg had never thought he would hold as he did now. She felt safe, and loved in his arms. She did not want to let go of him. Alas, their moment had come to pass. "Now, come away with us Erik."

"You know I will, but…" Erik turned around and looked at Eponine. "Before I go, there is one thing I must take care of…"

TBC…