Part One: Chapter Five

Time flew by and everything seemed to be moving so fast. Libertè was already almost two months old, and the people of Paris had become even tenser, causing the meetings to turn toward revolution.

Enjolras left that night's meeting with a sickening feeling in his stomach. That night, plans had been made for a fight. A storm was coming, and he didn't want Eponine or Libertè in the middle of it. He knew what he had to do, even though he didn't particularly like it, and he knew Eponine probably wouldn't agree with it. He'd already talked to his mother, and she'd agreed with his plan. Now he just had to convince Eponine, which he feared would be impossible.

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Eponine was sitting on the couch reading a book when Enjolras came home from the meeting.

"Is Libertè asleep?" he asked.

Eponine nodded, patting the spot on the couch beside her. He walked over and sat in the spot.

"Eponine, we need to talk."

"OK, what is it?"

"Things are really heating up in the city and tonight plans were made for revolution. I think it's best if you and Libertè go away for a while. I don't want you two here if things get ugly."

"No! I'm not leaving you, Enjolras!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"Eponine, please! This will not only keep you and Libertè safe, but it will keep me safe as well. I need to fight with a clear mind, and I can't do that if I'm worrying about my family's safety. My mother has already said you could stay with her," he explained.

"But I can't go. What if something happens? You'll need me!"

"The only thing I need from you is for you to keep yourself and our daughter safe. Eponine, you know I never, ever make you do something you don't want to do, but this is different. You are going to stay with my mother even if you hate me for it!" he sighed.

"I can't leave you, Enjolras! I just can't. If I go, then that might be the last time I see you!" she cried.

Suddenly, they heard Libertè's cries coming from their bedroom. Eponine started to get up to tend to her, but Enjolras grabbed the crook of her elbow, pulling her back down.

"I'll take care of her. You won't be able to calm her down if you're upset as well," he said.

He got up and walked into the bedroom. Libertè's cries stopped after only a couple of minutes, and Enjolras returned to sit with Eponine.

"She's back to sleep," he said.

Eponine leaded against him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Please don't make us go, Enjolras," she sobbed.

"I'm so sorry, 'Ponine. I don't want you to leave, but it's what's best for all of us."

He hugged her tightly, and she wept quietly, leaning on his shoulder. Eventually her cries stopped and her body went slack against him. He looked down and saw she was asleep. Enjolras picked Eponine up and carried her to bed before checking on Libertè one last time and climbing into bed as well.

0000

A month passed, and it was time for Eponine and Libertè to leave. Enjolras knew the revolution would happen at any moment, and they couldn't put off their departure any longer. A large bag was packed full with the things Eponine and Libertè needed most, and a carriage waited outside the apartment. Enjolras picked up the back and wrapped his arm around Eponine's waist as they walked outside. Enjolras sat the back inside the carriage, and Eponine started to cry. He took little Libertè into his arms, kissing her head.

"Papa loves you very much," he said, hugging her to his chest.

Almost as if she knew what was truly going on, Libertè began to cry, breaking Enjolras's heart into pieces. He rocked her gently, calming her, and kissed her head one last time before sitting her down in the carriage. Then Enjolras pulled Eponine close, never wanting to let her go.

"I love you so much, 'Ponine. Don't you ever forget that."

"I love you too," she sobbed into him.

He pulled away even though he didn't want to and gripped her arms.

"Listen. My mother will be waiting for you when you get there. Stay strong, and I'll come get you two as soon as all this is over. If something were to happen-"

"Please don't talk like that, Enjolras!" she interrupted, shaking her head furiously.

"Eponine, I need to say this. If something happens to me, then my mother will care for both of you. When my mother is gone, Courfeyrac has promised me that he will look out for you. But we won't have to worry about any of that because nothing is going to happen."

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out three envelopes, pressing them into her palm.

"There are three letters here, one for you, one for my mother, and one for Libertè. Only read them if I don't return home, but wait until Libertè's sixteenth birthday to let her read her letter," he requested.

Eponine nodded, tearing up again. He reached up and wiped a tear from her eye, pulling her close again.

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

"I am too, but everything is going to be OK. I'll see you soon," he said, tangling his fingers in her hair.

He placed a long kiss on her lips before helping her up into the carriage. Watching the carriage that held his whole heart drive away, it was one of the few times that he allowed himself to cry. His heart ached, and he was completely terrified of what was to come.

0000

Eponine clutched her baby to her chest, sobbing. She was so scared, and the last thing she wanted to do was leave the person who was her rock, her everything. She thought about their kiss, wondering if that was the last kiss she'd ever receive from Enjolras. Libertè started to drift to sleep, and Eponine tried to calm herself so she wouldn't scare her daughter. She sat back against the seat, cradling Libertè in her arms. It was going to be a long and torturous ride.

0000

The carriage arrived at Antoinette's large home late into the night. Antoinette greeted them outside and embraced her daughter-in-law, careful not to wake the sleeping baby in Eponine's arms. She grabbed their bag and led them inside. After a quick tour, Antoinette left them to rest. Eponine settled Libertè into the bassinette that had been set up and collapsed onto her bed. It was then that she realized that Enjolras wouldn't be sleeping beside her that night or for what would probably be many nights to come. Eponine broke down, overcome by heartache and fear. Antoinette heard her cries and came to comfort her. She was just as scared as Eponine.

Author's Note: Hi guys! So, I lied. There will be one more chapter in part one. I had it as one huge chapter, but I decided to split it up. I might try and post it today. Then we can get to part two, which is the main part of the story! Please, please, please review! I REALLY want to know what you think! Suggestions and ideas for the story are always welcome, and I consider all of them. If there is something you want to see happen in the story, just let me know and I'll see what I can do. Thanks for reading and please review!

~loislane16