Part Two: Chapter Eight

Over the next week, things began to calm down. Eponine was able to spend more time at home rather than with Giselle. Courfeyrac and Enjolras were almost done with their campaign planning even though they wouldn't begin campaigning for several months. Libertè was much better and was able to go back to her classes at the university.

On her first day back, Gabriel ran up to her as she entered the courtyard. He was now in his third year at the university.

"It's good to see you again! I assume you're feeling much better?" he asked.

"Yes, I feel much better. I'm glad to be back."

"I need to tell you something. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I knew you needed your rest and didn't want to disturb you," he began.

She looked at him curiously, "OK."

"Well, you know Madeleine and I have been seeing each other for a while now. Last week, I went to her father and asked permission to marry her. I proposed a few days ago. Madeleine and I are getting married, Libertè!"

"That's wonderful, Gabriel! I'm so happy for both of you," she smiled, placing a hand on her best friend's arm.

"Thank you," he said kindly, "Let's go find the others. They'll be very happy to see you."

They walked off to find their other friends before classes began.

0000

A few days later, Enjolras woke up to find the bed empty beside him. He realized that he must have overslept since Eponine was already up. He got out of bed and began to get ready for the day. As he was buttoning up his shirt, Eponine opened the bedroom door, entered, and then shut the door behind her. Enjolras looked up at her and saw she had a letter in her hand and her face was pale.

"What's wrong, 'Ponine?" he asked, staring at her with concerned eyes.

She held out the letter to him, "It's your mother, Enjolras."

He took the letter from her and sat down on the edge of the bed to read it.

My dearest son and daughter-in-law,

I am writing to tell you that I am very ill. I know it seems rather upsetting to be talking this way, but I don't know how much time I have left on this earth. I want to see my family again, if for the last time. I hope to see you soon.

Deepest love,

Your mother - Antoinette.

Enjolras dropped the letter to his lap and looked up at Eponine. Her muddy eyes were a combination of worry and sadness. He held his hand out to her, and she took it, sitting down beside him.

"When are we leaving?" she asked.

"Later this evening. I don't want to waste time," he said.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm not sure, 'Ponine."

He hugged her to his chest and let a tear fall from his eye. He loved his mother dearly, and he wasn't ready to say goodbye to her.

She sat back and looked up at him, brushing the tear away.

"I'll pack our things," she muttered, barely above a whisper.

"I don't think we should bring the kids. They don't need to see their grandmother like that. I'll explain the situation to Courfeyrac and ask him to bring the children when I write to him."

Eponine nodded in agreement, "OK."

Enjolras sighed before going to speak with Courfeyrac.

0000

Courfeyrac agreed with what Enjolras told him and said he'd bring the children to Antoinette's when he was asked to. After everyone was home from school, Enjolras and Eponine sat the kids down to tell them what was going on.

"We got a letter today telling us that Grandmother is very sick. Your mother and I need to go be with her right now, but you three are going to stay here," Enjolras told them.

"When are you leaving?" Gavroche asked.

"In just a few minutes. We won't be gone very long, 'Roche," Eponine answered.

"Why can't we go?" Jolie frowned.

Enjolras sighed, "Well, this is something that just us parents need to do, alright Jolie?"

The little girl nodded. Libertè didn't say anything, but only stared down at her hands resting in her lap.

Enjolras and Eponine stood up to tell their kids goodbye. After they hugged Gavroche and Jolie, the two younger kids ran off to play. Libertè stood and looked up, her eyes darting between her parents.

"Is Grandmother going to be alright?" she asked quietly.

Enjolras looked at her with gentle eyes and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It doesn't sound good, Libby," he said.

She let out a ragged breath and fell onto his chest. He stroked her hair while she hugged him, trying to hold back tears. Finally, she pulled away.

"You'll be alright by yourself with Gavroche and Jolie?" he asked.

She nodded with a weak smile.

"Courfeyrac and Giselle are always here is you need them," Eponine said.

Libertè hugged her mother for a long while, and when she pulled away, Eponine placed a kiss on her forehead. Libertè watched as her father helped her mother into a carriage and it drove away. She went back inside to start making dinner for herself, Gavroche, and Jolie.

0000

Enjolras and Eponine arrived at Antoinette's house very early the next morning. Enjolras sat with his head resting against the back of the carriage and Eponine lay across the seat sleeping, her head resting in his lap. He had an arm wrapped around her to keep her from falling off the seat, and his other hand stroked her hair out of her face. He hadn't slept the entire ride. His gaze switched in between looking out the small window into the blackness of the night, and watching Eponine as she slept peacefully. He wasn't ready to see his mother ill, but he knew he'd have to deal with it. Enjolras watched as the carriage pulled into the long drive of his mother's house just as the sun was beginning to rise.

"'Ponine," he said, nudging her awake.

She rolled her head slightly so it was looking up at him, cracking one eye open, "Hmm?"

"We're here."

Eponine yawned and sat up, but stayed leaning against his shoulder. She placed her hand in his, intertwining their fingers.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

"As I'll ever be," he sighed.

She looked up at him and noticed that his blue eyes were dull, filled with exhaustion. Dark shadows circled underneath his eyes.

"Did you sleep at all?"

He shook his head.

"Enjolras," she whispered in a worried tone, placing her small hand on his cheek and looking up at him sadly.

"I'm OK, 'Ponine," he said, kissing her forehead.

She mumbled in response, "No you're not."

Enjolras sighed, wrapping his arms around her, "OK, you're right. I'm not OK."

Before Eponine could say anything, the carriage lurched to a stop. Enjolras released his hold on Eponine and swung the carriage door open. He stepped out into the nippy morning air before helping Eponine out of the carriage as well. He reached back into the carriage to grab their bags, and then shut the door. Enjolras wrapped his free arm around Eponine's waist as they walked toward the front door of Antoinette's home. The sight of the home brought back many memories for Eponine from when Libertè was only a few months old. She spent months living here with her baby daughter and mother-in-law, wondering if Enjolras was still alive or if he'd ever return to her. She remembered the day he came for them, his face smudged with gunpowder and blood. It was here that she was reunited with her husband and Libertè was reunited with her father. It was also here that she learned of the people's victory in the second revolution, and it was here that Enjolras decided to run for president. This was a place that even though she had spent such a short time here, it had greatly shaped their life into the one they had today.

A servant answered the door.

"Monsieur and Madame Rousseau, your mother is anxious to see you," the servant said.

She let them in and took their bags before pointing them in the direction of the room Antoinette was in. They entered the room quietly in case she was sleeping, but found her lying in bed awake. Her grey hair was draped across the pillow and her body looked incredibly frail. Her skin was extremely pale and dark shadows lay under her eyes. Enjolras walked over and knelt by the bed, taking his mother's bony hand in his. He noticed the clamminess of her skin and her short breaths. His heart sank, and he felt Eponine come stand by his side, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Enjolras," Antoinette smiled.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

"How are you, Mother?"

"Much better now that you're here. And you too Eponine," she said weakly.

Eponine pulled two chairs up to the side of the bed so she and Enjolras could sit. Enjolras decided not to ignore the obvious question any longer.

"What has the doctor told you, Mother?" he asked, never letting go of her hand.

She looked at him with weak eyes, her blues ones matching his.

"I am old, son. There is nothing to be done. It is my time."

Enjolras nodded grimly.

"How are my grandchildren?" she asked, a small smile on her lips.

"They are growing up fast. Libertè is in her second year at the university and she's about to be seventeen. Gavroche has gotten so tall. He's twelve now, and he thinks he's all grown up. He reminds me so much of Eponine's brother, the first Gavroche. Jolie is in her second year of school and has proved to be quite feisty, much like her mother," Enjolras smiled.

Eponine let out a quiet laugh, and Antoinette smiled widely.

"Libertè is going to do great things. I see so much potential in her, just as I saw in you when you were young. Gavroche sounds like he's growing into a nice young man. I'd love to see him all grown up one day. It sounds like Jolie is quite the handful, but I know she'll grow up to be a wonderful, lovely, young woman just like her mother. Please tell them that I love them," Antoinette said.

Eponine leaned into the bed and spoke, "Antoinette, I wanted to thank you for everything. You have been so kind to me and treated me like your own daughter. You were always there when I needed it the most. I am extremely grateful for that. You were my mother when I didn't have one who cared. I also wanted to thank you for opening up your home many years ago to myself and Libertè. You were the support I needed to get through those months when I wasn't sure if Enjolras was alive or dead. Thank you for raising your son to be a loving husband to me and to our children. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"There is no need to thank me, dear. I am very thankful that you entered our lives," Antoinette said.

Then she turned back to Enjolras.

"Enjolras, I don't even know how to begin to tell you how proud I am of you. You have accomplished so much and have done so many great things. You grew into a wonderful husband and father. I am so proud of what you've become. I love you so very much, my son."

Enjolras's words caught in his throat, and he tried not to cry.

"I love you very much, Mother. You are the best mother I could ask for and you always supported me, even when no one else did," he finally said.

She stared at him, smiling.

"Why don't you try to get some rest, Mother?" he suggested.

She closed her eyes and was asleep within minutes. Enjolras let out a ragged breath and looked at Eponine, his eyes weary.

"I didn't realize how sick she was," he whispered.

"I know. Should I write Courfeyrac?" Eponine asked.

He nodded. Eponine composed the letter to Courfeyrac, explaining Antoinette's condition and telling him to bring the children as soon as possible. They spent almost the entire day by Antoinette's side as she drifted in and out if consciousness.

0000

Courfeyrac sat in his study reading the letter Eponine had sent. It had only been a day and a half since they left for Antoinette's. From what Eponine described in her letter, Courfeyrac pondered the possibility that Antoinette would already be gone by the time he and the kids got there since it had taken a while for the letter to be delivered and it would take them an entire night to arrive there. He got up and went to tell Giselle before going to break the news to Libertè.

0000

Courfeyrac knocked on the open door of Libertè's bedroom, and she looked up at him as she sat on her bed with a school book in her lap.

"Gavroche told me you were in here," he said.

Libertè closed the book as Courfeyrac came to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Your mother sent me a letter. Your grandmother is extremely ill, Libertè. Your parents want me to bring you three there," he explained.

"How bad is it?"

He sighed, "It's not good at all. There is a small chance that she might already be gone by the time we get there."

Courfeyrac watched as she blinked her eyes rapidly to keep the tears from falling, trying to stay strong. She was like a niece to him, and it hurt to see her upset. She straightened her shoulders and looked back up at him.

"What do you need me to do?" she asked.

"I just need you to tell Gavroche and Jolie that your parents want you three there with them, and I need you to pack your bags. I think it's best if we leave tonight so we can sleep most of the way and get there sooner. I'll come get you guys after dinner," he said.

She nodded and stood up, "OK. I can do that."

"Are you OK?" he asked.

"Yes. Thank you, Courfeyrac."

"Alright. I'll see you in a few hours."

He left, and Libertè sighed before penning a letter to Gabriel and getting to work.

0000

Later that evening, Courfeyrac came over by himself with his bag to load the kids into a carriage. Giselle and their children were staying home. Courfeyrac loaded all their bags into the carriage and helped them all climb in. He and Gavroche sat on one side, and Libertè sat across from him with Jolie in her lap. An hour into the ride, Gavroche was slumped against Courfeyrac asleep, and Jolie was sleeping curled up on the seat beside Libertè. Neither she nor Courfeyrac slept the entire trip. They sat in comfortable silence, staring out the windows of the carriage.

0000

The morning after Enjolras and Eponine arrived at Antoinette's house, it was solemn and silent. Eponine sat at her husband's side as he grasped his mother's cold hand, tears staining his cheeks. Antoinette's eyes were closed, and she was very still, a peaceful look on her face. She was gone. Eponine placed a hand on Enjolras's arm, and he turned to look at her, fresh tears filling his eyes. He released his mother's hand and fell onto Eponine, clutching her tightly. His shoulders shook with sobs as he cried into Eponine's shoulder. She cried with him, rubbing circles into his back and rocking slightly. They sat like that for a long while until Enjolras felt like he couldn't cry anymore. They knew that Courfeyrac and the children wouldn't arrive for a while because Eponine had just sent the letter the day before, so they would use this time to get things in order and plan her funeral. It was going to be a very long couple of days.

0000

The carriage pulled up outside Antoinette's house early in the morning, and Courfeyrac and the children climbed out. He and Libertè grabbed their bags and a servant let them inside. The house was extremely quiet. Enjolras and Eponine were waiting for them in the living room, and as soon as Courfeyrac saw his friend's face, he knew what had happened. Libertè noticed it as well. Enjolras looked exhausted, his eyes bloodshot and rimmed with red. Eponine looked exhausted as well and dark circles were under her eyes. Libertè broke down, no longer able to stay strong. She ran to Enjolras, burying her face in his chest and sobbing. He held her tight, rubbing her back while he let tears escape his own eyes. Gavroche and Jolie looked at the pair, and then back at their mother with an expression of confusion and fear on their faces. She sat them down on the couch and explained what had happened. They were extremely saddened, but not near as distraught as their older sister. Libertè was still sobbing, and Courfeyrac thought they could use a moment alone, so he offered to take the younger children outside to play. He took Gavroche and Jolie to the backyard and made sure they were content before returning inside. Gavroche sat down in the middle of the yard and started picking at the grass, while Jolie chased some bugs around. He asked a servant to keep an eye on them, and stepped back into the living room. Enjolras, Eponine, and Libertè were all sitting on the couch and Libertè's sobs had finally stopped. She was leaning against Enjolras's, a glazed over look in her eyes. Enjolras had his arms around her, and Eponine clutched her hand. Courfeyrac sat down across from them and sighed.

"When did it happen?"

"The morning after we got here," Eponine responded.

"What can I do?" Courfeyrac asked.

"Everything is pretty much done. Your presence is enough," Enjolras said quietly.

"Have the funeral preparations been made?"

Eponine nodded, "It is tomorrow."

The rest of the day was quiet and solemn. Courfeyrac helped whenever needed and entertained the younger children. He didn't bother writing Giselle because he would probably be home before she even got the letter.

0000

The funeral was small and short. Courfeyrac went back home that evening, taking Gavroche and Jolie with him. Enjolras, Eponine, and Libertè stayed a few more days to make sure everything was taken care of. Antoinette's estate was left to Enjolras, and he decided not to sell it. He thought that he and his family might live there one day after he felt he had done all he could for his country. They left Antoinette's home a few days after the funeral, saying goodbye to her for the last time.

0000

The week after they arrived home, everything got somewhat back to normal. On Libertè's first day back to the university, she started walking to the courtyard and saw Gabriel sitting on a bench smiling at her. She put her hand up to wave, but suddenly someone stepped out of a building and collided into her. The collision knocked her to the ground and threw the other person back a few steps. Gabriel watched in shock. Libertè looked up at the other person and caught herself staring, a feeling she couldn't place bubbling up inside her. She had collided with a young man who was, in her opinion, very handsome. He was tall and had some muscle to him. He had short, light brown hair and shining, emerald eyes. Light freckles were sprinkled across his nose and cheeks. He smiled an apologetic smile and held his hand out to her. Libertè took it and as he gently pulled her up, he shook his head.

"Please forgive me, Mademoiselle. I should have been watching where I was going," he said.

Libertè felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, and she wasn't sure why.

"It's quite alright, Monsieur. I should have been paying more attention as well. May I ask your name?"

He smiled, "George. And yours?"

He did not tell her his last name, so she decided to withhold hers also.

"Libertè," she replied.

"Well, Libertè, it was very nice to meet you, even though I knocked you down in the process," he chuckled.

"It was nice to meet you as well, George. I should be getting to my class now."

He nodded, and she walked away, trying to hide the involuntary smile playing on her lips. When she reached Gabriel, he had a teasing smile on his face and an eyebrow raised.

"What was that?" he asked, nodding in the direction the altercation had taken place.

"Neither one of us was watching where we were going, and we ran into each other. We introduced ourselves and apologized. It was nothing," she shrugged.

Gabriel scoffed, "I'd hardly say that it was nothing. I've never seen you blush like that before, Libertè. You were practically gaping at him!"

"Oh, shut up," she muttered and started to walk away.

She stopped and turned to face him, noticing he still had the same teasing expression on his face.

"Are you coming? We're going to be late," Libertè huffed.

"Mmhmm," he hummed, laughing to himself before joining her.

Libertè pushed all thoughts of the handsome young man named George from her mind. She most certainly didn't have time for a distraction such as a silly crush.

Author's Note: Hello readers! I hope you all don't hate me for this chapter. I'm sorry it was so deep and sad, but I felt it was necessary. Also, what do you guys think of the mystery man named George? Please, please, please leave me some reviews! I want to know whether you guys hate me for this chapter or not! Haha! But seriously, REVIEW! Thanks for reading!

~loislane16