What a Life I Might Have Known

by Nacho the Greato

This is Éponine's untold story, from the time that Cosette arrived at the inn to the time of her death. Of course there will be that ten year time skip, cause I'm not writing THAT much. And, yes, for you people that read the book, Azelma is in it. I guess this is kind of the crossover between the novel and the play... but that doesn't really count. Rated T cuz I'm paranoid.

5. The Bargain

A few minutes later, I walked back downstairs, holding Gavroche's hand in mine. As we passed through the inn, moving closer to the front, we watched the customers stumble back and forth from their table to the bar. I steered Gavroche in between the sea of inebriates, trying to get to the front door, which I had discovered was standing wide open.

When we finally escaped from the hectic dining area of the inn, we saw mother and papa talking to a man. Azelma stood by the door, listening.

I walked up behind her. "What's happening?" I asked her.

She turned to me, looking slightly somber, and said, "They're trying to sell her."

"What? Who?" I asked, but she shushed me and kept listening.

"There is a promise I have made... to Cosette's mother," the man said. "Now her mother is with God," he said. Then he kneeled down to reach the child's level. "Fantine's suffering is over, so I have come here in her place"

Mother reached over and grabbed the girl, who was silently sobbing. The man stood up.

"I speak here with her voice. Now from this day and evermore, Cosette shall live in my protection," the man told mother and papa.

Papa looked at mother, them back at the man. "What to say? Shall you carry our treasure away? This child, she's our gem. Beyond rubies is our little girl."

"Monsieur, I will pay you if I must. I understand that Fantine was in a great deal of debt to you," the man said.

Papa gasped, as if what the man said was so terrible that it should have never been mentioned. "How can we speak of debt?! Let's not haggle for darling... Colette."

"Cosette," mother corrected.

"Right," papa agreed.

The man raised his eyebrows. "Your feelings do you credit, sir..." he said with a hint of sarcasm. "But I will ease the parting blow." The man reached into his coat and pulled out a roll of bills.

"No, no, Monsieur. We will not take your money. Our child is too precious to be paid for," papa said.

The man started to talk, but mother interrupted him. "One thing more! There are treacherous people about. No offense, but your intentions may not be correct..."

"No more words! Here is your price. Fifteen hundred for your... 'sacrifice'," the man said.

Papa turned to mother and then grabbed the roll of bills. "Goodbye, Courgette!"

"It's Cosette..." mother corrected again.

"She's not our problem anymore," papa said as the man walked off, Cosette in hand.