One day, Eponine woke from a long rest and found Javert standing at the door and putting on his coat.
"Monsieur, what is going on?"
Javert looked up to see Eponine. "You're awake. Good. Are you ready?"
"For what?"
"For our walk. You've been trapped in this house far too long, soon you'll begin to collect dust. Exercise is what is needed and I'm going to see that you receive it."
Eponine smiled and allowed Javert to help her with her coat and then her bonnet. When Javert offered his arm, Eponine couldn't help but hesitate. Once the door opened, people would see them together, and probably figure them for lovers. Then again, they both knew the truth, so what would it matter what people said?
Taking Javert's arm, Eponine and him stepped outside. As they walked down the street, people began to stare at them and whisper. When they arrived at the park, it was Eponine who saw her parents sitting on a bench. They were dressed in fancy clothes and their faces were caked with powder. If Eponine wasn't mistaken, her father was even wearing a wig to hide his thinning, gray hair.
"What is it?" Javert asked.
Eponine pointed to the Thenardiers. "It's my parents. They're dressing differently, but it's them."
"Should we leave?"
Eponine shook her head. "I mean nothing to them now. I haven't for some time. I'm a pawn to them, nothing more. We can walk by, I'll be all right."
So, Eponine and Javert walked by the Thenardiers. Just as they passed by them, Eponine's bonnet came loose and the wind blew it off her head and at the feet of Madame Thenardier.
"Pardon, Miss. Your bonnet had-"
Just as Madame Thenardier was handing Eponine her bonnet, their eyes met. No matter their differences, a mother always knew her child.
"Eponine! What are you doing?"
Eponine took the bonnet from her mother and tied it back into place. "Me and Inspector Javert are having a walk."
Madame Thenardier smirked. "Why Inspector, it's been so long since we've last seen one another. I am Madame Thenardier, and that is my husband over on the bench. My, you look very handsome today."
"Thank you, Madame." Javert said.
"I take it's you who gave our little girl such beautiful clothes? Why, she looks like a lady in this dress. Such kindness to take pity on her."
"It's not pity, Madame. Your daughter has been a guest in my house while she recovers, and I wish to make sure she is comfortable."
"A word of warning, monsieur: You'd better keep an eye on her. Me and my husband are reformed thieves, but I cannot speak for Eponine. Best lock everything up that is valuable."
"Mama, I wouldn't steal from Henri or anyone else. I've changed."
"Henri? First names now, is it? Well, no matter how many dresses you wear, you still belong on the streets. A rat you were raised, a rat you remain."
Javert stepped in front of Eponine. He was naturally much taller than Madame Thenardier, and the stout woman stepped back.
"I still have authority, Madame. If either you or your husband harms Eponine, physically or emotionally, I can have you arrested."
Madame Thenardier swallowed hard and then rushed off in the opposite direction. Javert shook his head in disbelief and turned to face Eponine.
"Thank you." Eponine said.
"It was nothing. Shall we continue with our walk?"
Eponine nodded and took Javert's arm again. Perhaps she wasn't thinking, or perhaps she wished to show her gratitude to Javert; but she slid her hand down his arm and took his hand, giving it a light squeeze.