Part One: Chapter Three

Weeks passed and things were progressing greatly in Enjolras's cause. He had gained so many supporters that he hadn't expected. The group grew so large that they had to split up and have multiple meetings across Paris. Several of the people in Enjolras's group had stepped up to lead the other meetings. Courfeyrac, however, remained with Enjolras because they worked best as a team. Enjolras was a natural leader and speaker and had many ideas, but Courfeyrac helped him think them through more carefully.

Enjolras stepped into the apartment after his classes, excited about that evening's meeting. However, all his excitement faded when he heard cries coming from the bedroom. He dropped his books to the floor and took off toward the cries, finding Eponine face down on the bed and bawling.

"Eponine, what's happened?" he asked, placing a hand on her back.

She didn't respond, but only cried harder. Enjolras sat down on the bed and pulled her up into his arms. She buried her face in his chest, wailing and gasping for air. Eponine's sobs were beginning to scare him. He'd seen her pretty upset before, but it had never been this bad. He began to rock her gently, trying to calm her.

"Eponine, tell me what's wrong, please," he pleaded.

She tried to take deep breaths and calm herself down. She pulled away slightly and looked up at him, her lip quivering and her eyes swollen.

"I think…I'm not sure, but…well, I think I might be pregnant," she managed to get out.

Enjolras couldn't believe it. He definitely wasn't expecting this news, and he didn't know how to react. Of course, he was excited. How could he not be? But he was also very confused as to why Eponine was so upset. He knew they really hadn't talked about children, and they were unsure about having any, but he didn't honestly think she'd be this upset if it did happen. He reached up and put his hand to the side of her face, caressing her cheek with his thumb and wiping away some of the tears.

"Eponine, this is a good thing, isn't it? It's wonderful! Why are you so upset?"

"I'm excited about the baby, but it you fight – what if something happens? I can't lose you, Enjolras!" she crying, collapsing back onto his chest.

He closed his eyes, realization hitting him. She was afraid that he would die and leave her alone.

"I'm not going anywhere, 'Ponine."

"You don't know that! Please don't fight, Enjolras! Our baby needs a father, and I need a husband. I can't do this alone."

"You know I can't do that. I am the leader. It's too late for me to back out now. You and I just have to trust that nothing is going to happen and that I'll always be here with you."

"I'm scared," she sobbed.

"I know. So am I," he whispered.

He kept holding her tight, letting her cry into his chest.

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A little while later, Enjolras left Eponine at home while he went to get a doctor. On the way, he stopped by Courfeyrac's place and told him that he couldn't attend the meeting, simply saying that Eponine was ill. Enjolras returned home with a doctor, and Eponine's suspicions were confirmed. They were going to have a baby. Eponine was still somewhat scared, but excitement was slowly taking over. Enjolras sat down on the bed beside her, half-smiling.

"Are you happy?" Eponine asked.

Enjolras held her hands and looked at her with shining eyes.

"Of course I am."

Eponine smiled back.

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The next day, Enjolras stayed home from his classes because Eponine was ill. He tried to feed her small amounts of food, but she couldn't keep anything down. He just held her hair and rubbed her back as she got sick over and over again. He knew it was just a side effect of the pregnancy, but it still worried him. He wanted her to feel like herself again.

While Eponine was napping, Enjolras took the time to write his mother and tell her their news. He knew she'd be very excited. After he finished the letter, he began to go over some of the speeches he'd written for the meetings. He got tired of that, so he sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, running a hand through his hair. He couldn't believe he was going to be a father. Enjolras never thought that would happen. Becoming a father wasn't even on his radar just a year ago. His eyes snapped open when he heard the sounds of Eponine getting sick again. Enjolras jumped up and ran back into the bedroom to help her.

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The following morning, Eponine was feeling much better, and she only got sick once.

"Enjolras, I'll be fine by myself. You need to go to your classes," she said, trying to convince him.

"I don't know, 'Ponine. If you start feeling like you did yesterday, then you'll need me here."

"I feel much better than I did yesterday. Everything will be fine."

He stared at her for a long moment before sighing, "OK."

"Please don't worry too much," she said.

"I'll try," he smiled and kissed her.

Then, he set out for the university, leaving Eponine by herself. She tried to take it easy, reading mostly, but she found herself getting bored. Something made her mind wander to the goodbyes she'd shared with Marius and Cosette over a month ago.

Courfeyrac, Giselle, and Eponine made their way to their friends' home to see them for what would probably be the last time. When they got there, neither Marius nor Cosette asked about Enjolras. Cosette acted very distant towards Eponine, which she found strange since they had become such good friends. Cosette was always bubbly, but today she was quiet and reserved. Eponine told her how much she would miss her, and Cosette returned the words rather stiffly. Eponine gave her an awkward hug, trying not to squish the baby in her arms. Then she moved on to Marius, letting Courfeyrac and Giselle have their time with Cosette. The goodbyes with Marius were much more comfortable.

"I'm sorry I couldn't see Enjolras again, but I'm glad I got to see you one last time," he said.

"I don't exactly agree with what you're doing either, but I had to tell you goodbye."

Marius embraced her in a large bear hug then pulled away.

"Eponine, I wanted to apologize for hurting you like I did before you were with Enjolras. If I had only known…"Marius said, shaking his head.

"It's alright. I wouldn't trade our friendship or my relationship with Enjolras for anything. You didn't mean to hurt me."

"I'm going to miss you so much, Eponine."

"I'm going to miss you too. You are a great friend, Marius," she smiled, tearing up.

He hugged her one last time, and everyone said their final goodbyes. Then, they walked away.

To this day, Eponine still didn't know why Cosette had acted so strange. She tried to stop thinking about it because it made her sad. She closed her eyes, wanting to take a nap.

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Enjolras tried not to worry about Eponine, but it was very hard. He rushed home after his classes, hoping to find her still feeling better. Unfortunately, he found her in bed, feeling bad again. He sat down on the edge of the bed beside her.

"I knew I shouldn't have gone," he said.

"No. I've been fine all day. I just started feeling bad again," she groaned.

"Do you want to try and eat some dinner?"

She covered her mouth and shook her head, the thought of food nauseating her.

"It's going to be a long couple of months, isn't it?" he asked.

She nodded and tears started to fall from her eyes.

"Come here," he said sympathetically.

She pulled herself into his arms and started sobbing. He held her and gently stroked her hair, wishing he could make her feel better. He was beginning to wonder if he would survive Eponine's pregnancy, with the sickness, mood swings, and other side effects. He chucked to himself, knowing that if he didn't, he would start sobbing too. It truly was going to be a long several months.

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A few days later, Eponine wasn't getting as sick as often, so they decided it was time to tell their friends the news. They invited Courfeyrac and Giselle over for dinner that evening. When Enjolras got home from his classes, he helped Eponine prepare the meal, and soon their friends arrived. They sat eating and having a good time. About half way through dinner, Eponine nudged Enjolras under the table, letting him know that she was ready to tell them.

Enjolras cleared his throat, "'Ponine and I have some news."

Courfeyrac and Giselle waited expectantly for them to continue. A big smile crept onto Eponine's lips.

"We are going to have a little Rousseau," she announced.

Giselle gasped in delight, and Courfeyrac started choking on his food.

"From now on, could you two not announce big news while we're eating? I've almost choked twice now!" Courfeyrac said.

They all laughed, Enjolras and Eponine remembering when they announced their engagement, Courfeyrac almost choking that time as well.

"That is fantastic news!" Giselle exclaimed.

"Thank you. We are excited," Eponine smiled.

"I am very happy for you, but you never cease to shock me, Enjolras," Courfeyrac said.

"If it makes you feel better, I tend to shock myself most of the time," he laughed.

Eponine swatted him on the arm playfully. The friends continued to talk excitedly, having a good time.

Author's Note: Well, what do you guys think? Please review and let me know. I want to hear what you have to say. I hope you are enjoying it so far. Suggestions and ideas are always welcome. Just PM me! Please review! Thanks for reading.

~loislane16