Jean sighed and stared at his change jar. He had been saving up to buy Fantine a birthday present, but he didn't have enough money.

"Jeanne, do you have anything Fantine would like?" Jean asked his sister.

Jeanne sighed and took out a small box in which she rifled through it, "It's not much, but it's something," she held up a round, black button.

"It's black glass," Jeanne said. "Last time Father went into the city on business, someone was handing them out, saying how they were "useless." Father didn't care, and brought it back home."

Jean took the small piece of glass and grinned, "This is perfect! Thanks!"

Jeanne smiled and ruffled his hair.

XXX

Javert clutched the wallet tightly as he navigated the shop. His parents gave him money to buy Fantine a present. Although he was young, he was still responsible.

Javert found a flower crown that he thought Fantine would like.

XXX

Fantine ran around the house, watching her parents and sister set up the house. "Fantine, relax!" Favourite snapped.

Fantine pouted, but ran to her room and waited there. Soon, Fantine's aunts and uncles came to the house for the party.

XXX

Finally, the sun started to set and the party was starting. Dahlia and Zéphine arrived first. Then came Félix, Listolier, Fameuil, and Blachevelle. Finally, Javert and Jean arrived.

"I'm older than you guys now," Fantine said, grinning. "I'm eight!"

Jean and Javert started laughing, "We're both eight too, Fantine. You're the youngest," Javert said.

"I'm turning nine soon," Jean said.

Fantine rolled her eyes, "Well, now we're all the same age!"

Fantine's parents came out with a cake, and they all gathered around it. The cake was round and had pink decorations on it. Fantine blew out all eight candles at once, and everyone applauded. Cake slices were passed around, and Fantine, Javert, and Jean sat in a corner and started eating.

"How's school, Fantine?" One of Fantine's aunts asked.

"Good," Fantine said.

Her aunt smiled, "Which part are you in now?"

"Ecole primaire!" Fantine said proudly. "So are Jean and Javert."

"That's wonderful!" The aunt gushed and ruffled her hair. She walked away to chat with Favourite and Fantine sighed.

"I'm bored."

Jean raised his eyebrows, "You get a party, cake, and presents," he pointed out. "I usually only get a special dinner and one present," he said, triggering guilt into Javert and Fantine.

They talked for a little bit more before it was time for presents. Fantine was excited over the black glass button and the flower crown, "Thanks, these are amazing!" She said, happy.

Fantine also got a locket from her mother, "It's been passed on from generation to generation," her mother said, smiling, "One day you'll pass it along to your daughter."

Fantine held onto the locket and smiled, "Thank you Maman," she said, kissing her cheek. Fantine got a few pretty dresses and a picture of a lake with lily pads.

"That's from the grand artist Monet," Fantine's uncle said, nodding. "It'll look perfect in your room."

After the presents, the party died down a bit. Fantine put on the locket and kept touching it, conscious of it around her neck.

"It looks nice," Jean said, giving her thumbs up.

Javert nodded. "I wish I could stay longer, but my bedtime is getting closer," he said.

"Bye Javert," Fantine hugged him goodbye. Jean decided to go too, and he got a hug as well. They both left and Fantine sat on the steps, holding onto her locket.

"Hey Fantine," Félix sauntered over to her and sat next to her on the steps.

"Hey Félix!" Fantine said, grinning. "Did you like the party?"

Félix nodded and ruffled her hair, "It was sweet! You're eight now, do you know what that means? You can hang with the older kids."

"Really?" Fantine said, excited. Félix nodded and Fantine hugged him, "Thanks Félix!"

Félix rubbed her back and wrapped his arm around her, "Anything for little Fantine."