Seven years passed since Grantaire died. His death left a gaping hole in their hearts. Maximilien and Josephine grew closer. They would spend nearly every day together, just talking. Everyone commented how the two were best friends and very cute together.
Charlotte would generally be cheerful, but she fell into these depressing moods. Only Maximilien would be able to snap her out of them. It was an unspoken fact that she missed her Uncle R greatly. The two had been very close, and Grantaire would spend all of his time with her. She was there when he died, and that took a heavy toll on the child. During these moods, her eyes will become downcast, and she'll stare into space. She blocked out sounds, and sometimes let a tear fall from her eyes. Maximilien would rouse her by touching her shoulder.
Enjolras was busy with the new situation in France. Revolutionaries had heard his name and his story. They would constantly come to his door, and try to talk to him. While Enjolras wanted to change France, he couldn't help but remember the last revolution he held. Enjolras didn't think he could make friends and then watch them die again. But the lure of revolution was too strong. Enjolras joined in, even though he kept himself cold and distant from the other members. They thought he was just pompous. They didn't realize that he was trying to avoid any more pain.
It took a while for Éponine to convince Enjolras to let her join in the rebellion. Some of the worst fights their children have seen got started because of this.
"Why can't I help?!" Éponine shrieked.
"Because it's dangerous!" Enjolras nearly shouted.
"So was the last rebellion!" Éponine shot back.
"In case you haven't noticed, we're the only ones left!" Enjolras said, quietly. "Only Marius, you, and I."
"But, it's going to be bigger this time—" Éponine started.
"And more people will die," Enjolras said. "More innocent Jehan's, more helpful Bahorel's, more caring Joly's, more of our friends. The last thing I can do is protect you," his voice broke at the end.
Éponine rushed over and hugged him tight. They both were crying.
"It's time for bed, you two," Éponine said to her children, who were staring at them. They nodded and rushed off.
Enjolras reluctantly let Éponine into the new revolution. He kept a careful eye on her, making sure she was always safe. Éponine was strong, he knew that. He also knew she could be reckless. At least Marius was sitting this one out.
Marius and Cosette decided to help out with the wounded. They knew that there would be wounded, as the crisis was serious and the people were mad. They opened their home to the homeless and sick. Musichetta joined them and helped out as a nurse.
When the actual rebellion happened, the children stayed at Marius and Cosette's house. They helped out Musichetta, and did chores around the house. They weren't allowed outside.
"What's that sound?" Charlotte asked, looking outside.
"Fighting," Musichetta said, distributing bread and water to the patients.
"Why are they fighting?" Charlotte asked, turning around.
"It's complicated. They are rebelling against the government. They are mad. And they are going to fight for the cause they believe in. They believe in it so strongly that they'll leave their loved ones to fight for tomorrow. Even when they might not live through today," Musichetta started tearing up. She got back to her work, leaving Charlotte to think.
Enjolras remembered the first day Charlotte called him Apollo. Éponine was making dinner, and she sent Charlotte to go see if Enjolras could take a break from working.
"Papa! Papa! Apollo, are you there?" Charlotte called out.
Enjolras frowned. "What did you call me?" he asked, puzzled.
Charlotte blushed, "I picked it up from Uncle R. He had always called you Apollo. Mama was Artemis. I was Hestia, Maximilien was Zeus, Uncle Marius was Eros, and Aunt Cosette was Aphrodite. Aunt Musichetta was Hera!"
Enjolras smiled and ruffled her hair. "Well, then, my little Hestia, why have you called me?"
"Dinner's ready!" Charlotte said, excitedly.
"I guess I can take a break. Besides, I want to hear more stories about Greek Mythology," Enjolras said, standing up.
"Didn't Uncle R tell you?" Charlotte asked her eyes wide.
"No, he only tells his favorite person in the whole wide world those stories," Enjolras said, picking her up. "And that person is you."
"Is he still looking after us?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes, he is," Enjolras said, putting her on his hips.
Charlotte looked upwards. "Uncle R, will it be okay if I tell them the stories?" She waited patiently. Enjolras smiled as he felt a wave of calm settle over them. It was as if Grantaire was looking down on them.
"I think he'll let you," Enjolras said with a smile, walking inside the kitchen.