Chapter XXV
Enjolras and Gabrielle stayed in bed for two days and both would have been content for it to never end. Marie left them alone, but did make sure they were well fed, leaving food and water outside the bedroom door at least three times a day. Gabrielle only picked at hers, but Enjolras didn't seem to notice.
During the day, Gabrielle was careful to keep a sheet covering her body so that Enjolras wouldn't see the tell-tale signs of her pregnancy. Not that he would have noticed, anyway; he was rather clueless, and she could tell he didn't suspect a thing. They made love, being more bold and brazen with each other than ever before, and Gabrielle almost cried at the pleasure he made her feel. It was so intense as she gazed at him moving inside of her that it was like looking into the sun.
They talked about his plans, too, and he was eager to hear what Gabrielle had to say and suggest. The one thing she didn't tell him, however, was that he was going to be a father. She didn't know why, since it was on the tip of her tongue more than once, almost slipping out, but it never felt like quite the right time. Telling him made it so final. And it scared her half to death.
On the morning of the third day, Gabrielle finally tried to kick Enjolras out of bed for good. She could tell he was eager to begin implementing his plans, and had already mentioned wanting to set up meetings with several potential investors he knew. Money for the orphanage and school couldn't come only from their own pockets.
"Are you sure you really want me to leave?" he grinned, pulling Gabrielle onto his lap and sensuously running his hands over her skin.
"Well, no...but it isn't as bad since I know you'll be coming back this time." She kissed him gently, letting his tongue explore her mouth. She moved her lips to his jaw and felt his stubble rough against her skin. "You need to shave again," she mumbled. "And did I warn you yet that I'm never allowing you to grow a beard again, no matter how old you are?"
Enjolras laughed and squeezed her breast. He had been paying an awful lot of attention to them in the last few days, Gabrielle thought, though that wasn't really that unusual. He had even told her outright once they were his favorite feature of hers. Enjolras suddenly pulled away a little bit and looked at her, raising his eyebrows. "You feel...different," he admitted and looked a little nervous to be mentioning it at all, like he would offend her.
Gabrielle froze, wondering if she should just say it, but asked quietly, "How?"
He looked at her like it was obvious, his eyes flicking down to her chest. "Well..."
Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak, but felt a rush of fear and kissed him instead, pressing her chest against his to distract him. "Maybe you just don't remember," she mumbled, grinding her hips against his erection and effectively driving him insane.
"I remember," Enjolras panted after a minute, and helped Gabrielle move onto his length. She moved slowly, keeping her arms around his neck, and he gripped her hips, letting her ride him at her own speed.
"Are you sure you want me to leave?" he asked again as her breath began to grow short.
She leaned her forehead against his shoulder and stubbornly said, "Yes." Gabrielle was satisfied to receive a low moan from Enjolras as she began to bite and suck at his skin. Her movements became more frantic as she neared her climax and Enjolras began to lose control, too, thrusting his hips up to meet hers. His hands tangled roughly in her hair and she didn't mind, pulling away a little bit to lean back and rest her hands against his chest.
Enjolras swore in a whisper as he looked at her in the throes of their passionate love-making, his own eyes heavy and unfocused. "You're absolutely beautiful."
She smiled and tightened around his length, earning another bout of cursing and faster thrusts from Enjolras, which soon sent her over the edge. He spilled into her not long after and Gabrielle sighed in satisfaction, leaning forward to curl up against his chest. They were both slick with sweat, and Gabrielle felt like purring she was so content.
And, once again, she had successfully diverted his attention.
When Enjolras had a goal, there was no stopping or holding him back. Within a week's time, he had secured quite a bit of money, found a large enough building to house the orphanage that wasn't completely falling apart, and had even begun interviewing potential caretakers for the children, the building upkeep, and the grounds. Gabrielle was amazed at what he could do when he put his mind to it. There seemed to be no stopping him.
If everything went according to his plan, they would have the building ready to open in less than two month's time, and Gabrielle was keen and eager to help. Luckily, within a few days of Enjolras being home, her sickness had magically vanished, just as Cosette said hers had. And, when she looked in the mirror, Gabrielle noticed the tiniest bulge in her stomach that hadn't been there only a few days before. Her pregnancy would soon be too difficult for her to hide, and Enjolras would notice on his own, considering how much time she spent completely naked in front of him. He would notice if that changed, too, and she suddenly grew modest, so there was really no getting out of a confession.
She made up her mind to tell him one evening and let Marie in on her plans so she would be out of the house. Enjolras, however, distracted her with his unbelievably talented mouth, first in the hallway as he barely made it out of his coat, and then again on the sofa in the library. So Gabrielle promised herself that she wouldn't let him get out of the door in the morning without first telling him the news. It was growing ridiculous of her, really, she knew.
However, both Enjolras and Gabrielle woke up to a frantic knocking on the front door the next day. The sun's first rays were just peeking through the window and Gabrielle sighed, pulling the covers up over their heads. "Ignore it. Maybe they will go away," she mumbled.
Enjolras chuckled quietly and rubbed her back, not intending to stir himself. The knocking, however, only became more insistent. "Fine, fine...I'm coming."
Enjolras stretched and carefully disentangled himself from Gabrielle's body. He stumbled trying to pull on his trousers and Gabrielle simply closed her eyes and turned her head away, determined to fall back asleep.
It was not to be that day, however, for when Enjolras opened the front door she heard Marius' voice. She rose onto her elbow and looked at the bedroom door, which Enjolras soon burst through. He closed it again behind him and quickly began to gather her underthings in his hands.
"Get up, Gabrielle. Marius is waiting for you. The baby is coming and Cosette is asking for you."
"Oh! Of course!" Gabrielle's stomach turned into a mass of knots as she rose and let Enjolras help her dress. What had she gotten herself into, agreeing to be there for the birth of Cosette's baby? It would only make her more terrified of her own delivery, she was sure. There was no turning back now, though, since she had agreed. She wished she could share her anxiety with Enjolras, but since she was too much of a coward to tell him she was pregnant right then, she would have to bear it on her own.
Gabrielle didn't bother doing anything with her hair other than brushing it, and turned to look at Enjolras when she was ready.
"Are you coming, Antoine? I'm sure Marius would appreciate your company today, too."
"Yes, I'll be there shortly. You go with Marius now and I'll follow." He searched her face for a moment, then said quietly, "I wish you wore your hair down all the time."
Gabrielle smiled, taken aback by his sudden compliment. "Thank you, but it would get in the way, don't you think?."
She kissed him again, then hurried to meet Marius in the hall, who quickly took her arm and led her outside. His grandfather's driver, Eric, waited for them in the street. As Marius climbed into the fiacre behind her, Gabrielle noticed how pale and worried he looked.
"Marius, is everything alright? The doctor didn't say anything was wrong, did he?" she asked in concern.
"No, no, I suppose everything is fine. I'm just nervous, I guess." He rubbed his hands together. "I don't like the thought of Cosette in pain when there's nothing I can do about it."
Gabrielle smiled and laid her hands over his. "Marius, you are sweet. But Cosette will be fine! Women have been having babies for longer than you and I can fathom. And soon you'll have a strong, healthy baby. Enjolras is coming to wait with you, as well, and you know he'll tease you all day if you keep this up," she warned.
The thought forced a bark of laughter from his throat. "Indeed he will, and I hope someday I'll get to pay him back in kind. It isn't pleasant feeling helpless when it comes to someone you love, as he well should know."
Gabrielle smiled tentatively and thought, That day may come sooner than you think, Monsieur...
As soon as they got to Monsieur Gillenormand's home, Marius practically flew out of the fiacre and through the front door, leaving Gabrielle trailing in his wake. She couldn't keep up with his long strides, and he impatiently waited for her at the bottom of the stairs. He led her upstairs, through a maze of corridors, and gestured to the closed door at the end of a long hall. "They're in there," he said quietly.
"I will come let you know how she is soon," Gabrielle said, and gave him a reassuring smile. "Will you be downstairs?" Marius nodded tersely and watched Gabrielle open the door, craning his neck to try and see inside before she shut the door firmly behind her. Cosette was alone, sitting up in bed, and though she looked tired, she wasn't in pain at the moment.
"Gabrielle! I'm so glad you came." She held a hand out and Gabrielle quickly crossed the room and took it. "I was so nervous I wouldn't have a friend with me. And is Enjolras with Marius? He is so worried for me...Oh..." Cosette winced and laid her head back against the pillow as another wave of pain hit her. She gripped Gabrielle's hand tighter and Gabrielle reached out to smooth her hair back, whispering softly.
"It will pass soon, Cosette. You're doing wonderfully. Relax and breathe, darling...I'm sure it's almost over..." Gabrielle rubbed the back of Cosette's hand soothingly and smiled when her eyes finally opened again.
"That one wasn't so bad," Cosette said softly.
"How long has it been now?" Gabrielle asked.
"Several hours. It was still dark when Marius first called for the doctor. He says it will be a little while yet, but the pains are getting closer together."
Gabrielle smiled and squeezed her hand. "Well, Cosette, for a woman about to have a baby, I have to say you look remarkably beautiful. I don't think I would look as you do."
Cosette laughed. "It hasn't gotten bad yet, Gabrielle. And how was Marius?"
Gabrielle rose. "He will be a lot happier when I go tell him you are laughing and smiling still. Do you need anything?"
"Some water would be nice, thank you," Cosette said gratefully. Gabrielle nodded and left the room, hurrying down the stairs. Enjolras was just entering the front door and looked up at her. She smiled brilliantly and hurried down to meet him, feeling unexpected adrenaline course through her.
"I'm glad you're here, Antoine. I must find Marius." She took his hand and led him into the parlour. Marius was pacing in front of the windows, but looked up hopefully as they entered.
"Cosette is fine, Marius. She is better than fine, really – we were just laughing together. You have nothing to worry about."
Enjolras let go of her hand and crossed the room to his friend. "See, Marius? You are doing all of this worrying for nothing. Let's play a game of chess while we wait."
Marius' face softened and he nodded. "Thank you, Gabrielle. Please let me know if anything changes."
Gabrielle left the room and requested some water from a servant before going back upstairs. When she entered the room again, the doctor was there. Cosette was obviously in considerable pain this time. Gabrielle quickly sat next to her on the bed and took her hand, reminding her to breathe deeply.
When the pain passed, the doctor examined Cosette, then retreated back downstairs with barely a word.
"He's a pleasant man, isn't he?" Gabrielle said sarcastically, and Cosette laughed.
"I think Marius called him much too early. Everyone told me not to worry until the pain came every five or ten minutes. Marius went to get him when I was still sleeping between each one! They were at least an hour apart! Now he's just paying the doctor to stay here for nothing."
Gabrielle laughed. "Well, I suppose if it eases his mind, then it's no matter to us."
Several more hours passed. The first few were pleasant, and Gabrielle and Cosette talked and laughed between each painful contraction. Cosette began to speak less and less as the pain grew more intense and closer together, however. Gabrielle helped her walk about the room, since she insisted it helped the pain, and Gabrielle tried not to let the low moans of suffering Cosette let out every once in a while scare her. She did hope that Enjolras kept Marius from upstairs, however, because he would certainly be alarmed at the sounds escaping his wife. She was clearly in intense and horrific pain by the time the doctor next examined her, five hours later. He said in a calm and matter-of-fact, voice, though, that it wasn't quite time yet, and told Gabrielle to come fetch him should she suspect that anything had changed. She could only glare at his back as his left, and was thankful a servant appeared with more water and a soothing cold cloth for Cosette's forehead.
It was now early evening, Gabrielle finally realized, and Cosette could find no relief anymore, no matter how she contorted her body. She had tried sitting, standing, sitting on her knees, laying on her back, on her side...it was terrifying to watch, knowing Gabrielle was going to go through the same thing in only a few months. Surely the baby would be here soon, though, she thought, from the way Cosette was acting.
"Gabrielle," Cosette said, gripping her hand. "I think it's time for the doctor to be here. I feel like I need to push," she gasped. "Please, please go find him!"
Gabrielle looked between Cosette and the door, hesitating. She was saved from her dilemma of having to leave Cosette alone by another servant enterting, however, and quickly rushed into the hall and down the stairs.
When she burst into the parlour, Marius had his head in his hands and Enjolras sat calmly reading a book on the sofa. "Marius? It's not going to be long now, and Cosette is fine. I just wanted to tell you. And have you seen the doctor?"
The soon-to-be father's eyes grew wide and he gaped at Gabrielle dumbly.
"He's right behind you," Enjolras said calmly, and Gabrielle turned to see the doctor in the hall. She grabbed his arm and hauled him back upstairs, praying that she would make it through Cosette's delivery without crying hysterically.
Marius rose and began to pace the room again, wringing his hands. It was at least the fiftieth lap he had made that day. He would soon wear out the damn carpet, Enjolras thought. He rolled his eyes and snapped quite unkindly, "For God's sake, Marius, be still. There is nothing you can do to help her right now."
Marius turned on him and said accusingly, "You don't understand, Enjolras! What if something goes wrong?"
Enjolras put his book down, making sure to keep his tone even and trying to be kind, even though his patience had worn out hours ago. He had canceled several appointments to wait with Marius, and this damn baby was taking forever to arrive. "Well, you mustn't think that way, my friend. Gabrielle just said she's fine. And it won't be long now. You're making yourself sick."
Marius winced as Cosette let out a sharp cry of pain that echoed all the way down the stairs. "And what if it was Gabrielle, Enjolras? Having your child? You would be just as worried," he said firmly.
Enjolras paused and considered. He hadn't thought about it before. What would he feel like? "I don't know," he admitted.
The thought of Gabrielle in pain was troublesome, and this waiting was fairly gut-wrenching. But, they had already decided to do everything they could not to have a child, so he supposed it was something he didn't have to worry about.
"Well, it isn't a walk in the park," Marius said sarcastically. "There are lots of things that can go wrong, Joly said, and..."
Enjolras held up a hand and said incredulously, "You listened to Joly? The man sneezes and is convinced he's going to die! Yes, things can go wrong, Marius, but that doctor is the calmest man I've ever seen. If he isn't concerned, I don't think you have any reason to be."
Marius shrugged and glared at the floor. "I'm going to wait upstairs. I want to be close if she needs me."
Enjolras rose and quickly followed Marius up the stairs. There was just no stopping him anymore, so it was better to let him do what he needed to, if it would ease is mind. Marius stopped in front of Cosette's door and listened, squeezing his eyes shut every time Cosette cried out or moaned. Enjolras leaned against the wall and watched his friend silently, wincing a bit himself at the awful noises emitting from the room. Having babies seemed quite a nasty business.
It seemed like they were standing there for hours before they finally heard the faint cry of a baby.
Marius turned to look at Enjolras in awe, his face turning from worried to exuberant in only a moment. "I have a child!" he exclaimed.
Enjolras grinned at the expression on his face and reached out to shake Marius' hand, pulling him into a one-armed hug. "Congratulations, Marius."
Marius laughed and hugged him again, practically lifting Enjolras off the floor. He was practically hopping up and down, waiting to be let into the room.
In a few minutes, Gabrielle opened the door and beckoned Marius inside. "Marius! I had a feeling I would find you here. Come and meet your beautiful son!" Gabrielle laughed when Marius hugged her. As he entered the room, she quietly closed the door behind her and met Enjolras' eyes. He was surprised at the emotion he suddenly felt, and knew Gabrielle could see it in his gaze. He was strangely touched at the thought of his friend becoming a father, and the way he had lit up as he heard he had a son.
"Oh, Antoine! He is so beautiful. It was amazing...I never..." Gabrielle gave him a watery smile as a few tears suddenly slipped down her cheeks. Enjolras wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. He didn't really know what to say. "They will be so happy and he's going to grow up to be so loved."
Enjolras nodded and smiled. "Yes, he will. And you're alright?"
Gabrielle gazed up at him as he took out his handkerchief and wiped her cheeks. "Yes, I'm fine. I just didn't expect to feel so much. And he's so tiny, Antoine! Absolutely perfect, and so soft. I'd never held a baby before! You should hold him, really, he's the most incredible thing."
He laughed at her excitement. "I wouldn't know the first thing about holding a baby," he said quietly.
"Well, neither do I, but it really isn't that hard."
They waited in the hall another few minutes, still wrapped in each other's arms, before Marius opened the door again, a little bundle in his arms.
"Cosette isn't quite up to visitors yet, but we wanted you to meet him, Enjolras." Marius was positively beaming at his new son.
Gabrielle made a soft sound of delight and reached out for the baby's hand. Marius carefully handed him to her and she leaned down to kiss his forehead.
"He's so perfect, Marius. I can't tell you how happy I am for you," Gabrielle said sincerely. She looked up to find Enjolras gazing at her with an expression that was hard to place. He didn't look like he wanted to run away, in any case. She cocked her head at him and smiled tentatively. "Antoine? Isn't he wonderful? You can touch him, you know..."
Enjolras shook himself from his daydream and tentatively reached out to grasp the baby's tiny hand. "Have you named him yet, Marius?"
"Jean, for Cosette's father. His middle name is Matthieu."
"That's perfect," Gabrielle said. "Oh, look at his little fingernails!" Gabrielle lifted the baby to her shoulder and rubbed soothing circles on his back as he began to fuss. Enjolras couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her, and Marius took notice.
"Gabrielle, I think by this time next year, you and Enjolras will have one of your own." Marius clapped Enjolras on the back and took no notice of his friend's sudden frown.
Gabrielle quickly glanced at Enjolras and her face darkened for a moment at the expression he wore. "Oh, perhaps, Marius. But I don't quite know if a family is in the cards for us," she said dismissively and with a suddenly false cheer. "But here, I think someone wants his mother...and we really should be going and let you all rest." With one last kiss to little Jean's head, Gabrielle handed him back to Marius.
They said their goodbyes and were soon walking home in the moonlight, Gabrielle's hand tucked into the crook of Enjolras' arm.
They didn't speak, which wasn't unusual for them. And Gabrielle seemed quite pre-occupied. Enjolras supposed she was tired. It was a long day.
As they neared the house, Enjolras suddenly burst out, "Now you want one of your own, don't you?"
Gabrielle stopped in her tracks. Was he crazy, or did she actually look guilty? She didn't answer and lowered her eyes to the ground.
"Gabrielle," he said quietly, and reached for her hand. "I can tell that...well, that you were moved by everything today. I can understand that. But...I just..." he faltered, taken aback when she looked up at him. Her eyes were filled with sadness, a sadness he didn't expect.
"I know, Antoine. You don't have to explain anything to me."
"I do, though. I know I've said I don't want children, and I don't, not particularly. We're so young, especially you. We have all the time in the world to have a family someday, when the time is right. I used to say never, but now, I think we can talk about it again in a few years, love. But with everything we're doing now, opening the orphanage...Hell, it's almost going to give us an instant family, anyway!" Enjolras said lightly, trying to change the mood and the horrible look that had come over her face as he spoke. He had a feeling he had really put his foot in his mouth, and he wasn't sure why. He had no idea she would suddenly feel so strongly about having a baby.
He was completely out of his league.
"Don't worry, Antoine," Gabrielle said icily, and pulled out of his grasp. "I would never want to bring a child into this world that isn't wanted." She turned away from him and walked hurriedly into the house, slamming the front door behind her.
Enjolras stood outside for a minute, astonished at how fast she had seemingly changed her mind about wanting a family. How was he supposed to know actually telling her how he felt would make her so angry? He was just trying to be honest. She couldn't possibly be mad at him for that. It was better than lying, getting her hopes up, and then letting her down when she found out how he really felt.
Enjolras waited an hour or so before going in to bed, guessing that it was probably best to leave Gabrielle alone for a little while. He undressed quietly and climbed under the covers, watching her for any sign of movement. Her back was to him and she didn't stir at all.
"Gabrielle?" he asked quietly. "Are you awake?"
There was no reply. Enjolras reached over and gently stroked her arm, but she pulled away roughly and Enjolras withdrew his hand with a sigh.
"Not tonight, Antoine. Go to sleep," she whispered.
"For what it's worth, Gabrielle, I'm sorry. I just wanted to be honest. There's no use lying to you. I don't want to lie to you about anything."
He waited for a reply, but none came. He had really done it this time, and it had happened so unexpectedly. Enjolras sighed heavily and closed his eyes. He had tried, at least, to mend things, but it seemed Gabrielle wanted to be difficult.
"Well...good night, then," he mumbled, but it was a long time before he fell into a fitful sleep.
Aw, our boy is so clueless, y'all. Poor thing.
And I'm at the beach, listening to the gulls obnoxiously yell at each other and the waves lap against the shore! LOVE IT.
So, I may or may not finish writing this week. ha I don't want it to end, so I might try and stretch this out for myself. In any case, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and getting to meet Baby Pontmercy! Look forward to some backstory for Musichetta in the next chapter, which I'm really anxious to write! Hopefully I can update again on Wednesday or Thursday. :)
~Aimee