AN: Oh my gosh I am so sorry! If anyone has unfollowed the story I can see why! it's literally been months! I've been feeling absolutely dreadful about not updating, so here it is! (you may have to go back and read the previous chapters) Once again I'M SO SORRY!
DISCLAIMER: Obviously I do not own any of these characters, they all belong to Victor Hugo. So all credits belong to him.
The sun burst through the window and illuminated the room before it. Éponine's eyes opened quickly, and she pushed herself up. She expected her father to be standing before her, but he was not. She sighed and remembered where she was, Joly's. Éponine had been woken every day since she was twelve years old by her father opening the door, light streaming into it, and him yelling at her to get up. At least, for once she was safe, she thought to herself. Rising from the bed, she winced but persisted through the pain. She slipped off the nightshirt that had been put on her and pulled her rags on that had been left on the side. She tightened her bodice as tight as possible; at least that would numb the aching pain she felt rippling over her skin.
Walking over to the window, she pushed her tangled hair behind her shoulders. She shuddered; it was full of grime and grease, as it hadn't been properly washed in months. At least my body is clean, she thought to herself. She pulled the latch on the window, willing it to open. Nothing. Éponine cursed under her breath before lightly stepping across the floor, careful not to cause any noise. She placed her fragile hands firmly on the door and pushed it open, and peered round the edge. Now she knew it was safe to sneak away, she took a few more careful steps, closed the door behind her, to buy herself more time. Frantically she looked round, searching for a way out, she had never been to Joly's before. Éponine decided to walk straight on, she thought she could see an exit through a slightly opened door. She reached where she wanted, she was wrong, this was a spare room. She turned on her heels and headed back down the corridor before taking a sharp right. Desperate to get out, she didn't see the figure in front of her.
'Ouch!' gasped Enjolras as the wind was knocked out of him. Éponine's eyes widened before she squealed and tried to get away, but she was too slow. Enjolras had already caught her waist in his hands, as he realised the inappropriate placement he quickly moved his hands to her shoulders. "And where do you think you're going Mademoiselle?" said Enjolras softly, Éponine looked down and muttered "nowhere". Enjolras sighed deeply and rubbed his head, before pausing and speaking once again. "I am afraid I am under strict instructions not to let you leave, at least until you are cleared healthy by Joly". Éponine groaned, she had no way out. If she was healthy she might've been able to find a way out, but she was sore and tired. "Fine, I'll stay a little while longer".
Enjolras led her back to Joly's room, and gently helped her back into the bed before pulling the covers over her and smoothing out the edges. Éponine stared at his face, "why are you doing this?" she asked "I mean, why me?" Enjolras looked straight back into her brown eyes, "because, you are our cause, you are what we fight for" he answered simply before turning towards the door. "Wait!" Éponine burst out, Enjolras turned on the spot "yes?" he answered quickly. "Are you really going to leave me alone in here? What if I can't sleep?" Éponine asked, tilting her head as she asked, Enjolras could see the desperation in her voice. "I'll stay, but only until you are asleep". Éponine smiled "thank you Monsieur", Enjolras quickly replied "please, no formalities". Éponine's smile grew wider "then what can I call you?" He paused for a second; a corner of his mouth curled up with a smile, "call me Enjolras. Now we have dropped the formalities, are you Éponine or do you have another name you would prefer? I have heard Marius call you 'Ponine". Éponine flinched at the nickname, it had originally been thought up by her siblings, before Marius had adopted it. Marius. She could feel her heart aching and longing for him, no. Stop it, she told herself. You can't do this now, he has Cosette. He is happy with Cosette; you will not ruin his life.
Enjolras could see the thoughts going through the poor girls head, everyone knew she loved Marius. Well, everyone but Marius himself. He pitted the girl, but it also brought up a burning flame inside of him. This is what he needed to fight for, better lives, better homes and, most of all, equality. Enjolras then made himself promise, he would help her, try to get her a better life. One way or another, he would find a way.
AN: if you have just read this, then thank you so much! and I apologise for it being so bad! It was hard to get back into the story, I hope that my writing gets better soon! I also apologise for it being so short, I just wanted to get it out so you guys have something to read... thanks again! Feel free to give me any tips or anything like that in the reviews!