Chapter Two
Marius:
Why is it so bright out? I check the clock, 10:28. I look to my left and notice Cosette wasn't there. She must've gotten up early, after all, her dad did just recently passed away. I walked to the kitchen and fond a note.
Went to go see dad. I didn't want to make you up. Don't wait up for me. Love you. –C
Well, maybe now I can go back home and get the rest of my things. It's been a whirlwind ever since we got married. Everything just happened so fast. I'm surprised I even made it this far with the limited clothing I had.
It was a peaceful walk back to my house. I'm glad things are calming down for us. As I reach the door, I realize there's a note. Dear Marius, I lied. I can't express to you the guilt I feel right now. I'm not dead and I didn't get shot…This has to be a joke. Well, that was my first thought.
As I kept reading, things kept getting more and more surreal. 'Ponine can't be, can she? I saw the blood with my own eyes! I sank to the floor. My head is spinning, full of possibilities. She could be hurt! She could die roaming the streets. A voice popped in my head. I'm a street rat, remember?
I laughed. It was just like her to be so courageous like that. I guess she had to be though. She wasn't like me. She was so much better. My book smarts meant nothing out there at the Barricades. Of course she made it out alive. Out of everyone she would be it.
New York City. Why in the world would she pick NYC? I love this picture. Look at all the lit up sky-buildings, or something. It's like the stars in the sky. Just the sound of it makes me smile. It's like paris, but better. Of course, I thought. She always had a thing for stars. She would tell me that she would spend nights just staring up at them, thinking.
All of the sudden I hear a bird. Jerked out of my head, I look around me. I hadn't even made it through the door of my own house. I suddenly climb inside and set the letter down on the table.
I travelled to my room to collect the rest of my things. I'd be needing it all. Just then I heard the door open. It must be Cosette.
"I'll be down in a bit. I'm just finishing gathering my clothes," I yelled.
I continued folding, waiting for a response. After silence I called out again.
"Cosette, sweetie? Everything Alright?" I asked.
Then I heard the front door slam. It shook everything in the room. I ran downstairs and out the door after Cosette.
"Get away from me!" she yelled.
"What happened! Cosette, tell me what happened," I asked.
"How long?"
"How long for what?"
"How long have you known about this!" she yells.
She hands me the letter and runs away. You could hear the sniffling and see the tears streaming down her heartbroken face. I looked again at the letter. Everything felt so wrong.
"I just found the letter today! I didn't know, I swear," I called after her.
"Were you ever going to tell me?"
I thought about that part awhile ago. I decided it was best if no one knew. Like 'Ponine said, they never would find out. I ran up and tried to stop her. I grabbed her arm, a little tighter than I had wanted.
"Let go of me!"
Once again my head was spinning. I tried to call for her.
"'Ponine, come back here!"
Crap.
"Did you just call me Eponine?"
"No, I was confused. My head, it's – it's."
I couldn't talk anymore. I had to sit down. This was all happening way to fast. I just need her to listen. I looked up to see her face. Had I really called out Eponine? Ever since that letter – ever since that night. I couldn't stop thinking about her.
I never realized it though. I just thought it was normal, because it was feelings of sorrow over the loss. Never had I imagined ever feeling something for her. She was just the friend.
"You know what? No. I'm done. I'm done with this stupid love triangle!"
"Love triangle? What are you talking about?"
"I've seen the way she looks at you. God, she was even there the night we finally met. Did you even notice the way she was always there?"
Now that he thought of it, she had been there that night. My mind was a bit focused on Cosette, but Eponine did save me from those men lurking around the shadows of the house.
Eponine always had this huge grin on her face every time we saw each other. I just thought she was in a good mood. I never pictured her liking me. I mean all the times we fooled around. I told her I loved the way she always teased me. And I meant it.
I never really questioned it though. I just thought we would always be close, like best friends.
"Hello? Earth to Marius?"
"Sorry, I was just – "
Thinking of Eponine? God, no. I couldn't tell her that. I wonder where she is now. Obviously on her way to NYC. I miss her. When I thought she was dead, well – it killed me.
"I have to get to New York," I suddenly burst out. "Cosette, you were right. About everything. I have to go.
"Marius wait –"
But it was too late. I was already gone.