Fifteen
Eponine had finally healed completely and was feeling much better. With encouragement from both Grantaire and Enjolras, she began to see a counselor who helped her work through her issues that years of abuse had brought on. She had gotten quite acquainted with Grantaire's friends and they welcomed her in open arms. Eponine had her own little makeshift family. She was truly happy for the first time since she could remember. And she was deeply in love. Grantaire was her real Prince Charming. He wasn't just her boyfriend, but he was her partner in crime. He was always there for her. In the occasional time that they disagreed, he never raised his voice, and he never, ever acted like he was going to hit her. He was tender and loving and gentle. She couldn't have asked for a better man.
Because of the incident, Eponine was questioned by authorities, as well as Grantaire, but it was quickly affirmed that it was self defense. Neither one faced any sort of consequences. With Marius's death certificate, Eponine was free.
One evening, Grantaire showed up at her door with a bundle of daisies, dressed in his usual fashion, a button up and a vest.
Eponine smiled, "What's this?"
"I was thinking an impromptu date night?" he grinned.
Eponine's heart fluttered.
"Okay, but you'll have to give me time to get ready."
"Take your time," he said, stepping inside and taking the daisies to the kitchen.
Eponine disappeared to her room upstairs and got ready as fast as she could. As she stepped down the stairs, she took Grantaire's breath away. She wore a light blue, polka-dotted sundress with white sandals. Her dark hair fell around her shoulders in loose waves.
Grantaire cupped his hand under her chin and kissed her soundly.
When they finally pulled away, Grantaire smiled at her, "You are so beautiful, Eponine."
She combed her fingers through his dark, wavy hair, "And you are quite handsome."
He kissed her forehead before grasping her hand, "Shall we go?"
Once they were in the car and on the road, Grantaire spoke again.
"I have a surprise. Then I was thinking we could get something to eat?"
"Sounds perfect," Eponine smiled.
When they pulled up outside of the college, Eponine eyes him curiously, "Are we going to the theatre again?"
"Well yes. After all, this was where our first real date was, and I thought we could celebrate."
Eponine slipped her arm through his and they walked into the dark, empty theatre together, and Grantaire flipped on the overhead lights.
"Have you ever been on a stage before?" he asked her.
She shook her head.
"Well, it's an exhilarating sight. Especially when it's just you up there and the lights are down and you can see the entire theatre."
The description alone made Eponine's heart beat faster.
"It's sounds wonderful, but terrifying."
Grantaire smiled mischievously at her and tugged on her hand, "Come on."
Before she knew it, they were on the wings, leading to the stage, the heavy red curtains keeping the view of the theatre hidden. He gestured for her to walk out onto the wooden stage, and she did. She walked until she stood center stage, staring at the wall of curtain. The curtain began to shift, and she realized that Grantaire was opening it. He was right. The view was breathtaking. There she was alone on the stage, looking out into an empty but beautiful theatre. She immediately imagined herself as a Broadway Starlet, smiling here after her standing ovation.
"Well?" she heard Grantaire ask from behind her.
"It's amazing. I'd love to be up here during a show."
When she turned around to face him, she gasped. He was down on one knee in front of her, holding out a small box.
"I could make a really long speech, but I'm afraid words will fail me. Will you marry me, Ep?" he asked, his voice shaking.
Tears welled in her eyes and she smiled, "Yes, of course, Grant!"
He stood, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her, lifting her slightly off the ground. She laughed as he sat her back down. He opened the small box, revealing a diamond u two rubies on either side. He slid it onto her finger, and she was genuinely shocked when it actually fit her perfectly. Nothing could ruin this moment.
As they left the theatre, Eponine felt as if she was floating on a cloud.
"Where are we eating?" she asked.
"I had a place in mind."
Eponine laughed when they pulled up outside of the cafe where Grantaire and his friends often met. She figured they were all inside, waiting to hear the news.
As expected, as soon as they both walked through the doors, cheers erupted in the cafe. They both laughed at their friends' reactions, and Eponine held out her ring adorned hand. They gathered a table, all talking excitedly. Grantaire kept one hand rested on Eponine's knee under the table.
"Congratulations," she heard from beside her.
It was Enjolras.
"Thank you. For everything," she smiled.
"You have nothing to thank me for. I'm a friend, and that's what friends do."
"And you were right by the way. I am free. My own mind was keeping me trapped, but I finally figured that out, and now I am more free than I've ever been. And I never want to be trapped again," she said softly.
He smiled at her, "You and Grantaire will be incredibly happy together. You're meant for each other."
Eponine smiled back at him. The night was merry, and to Eponine, it seemed like a fairy tale.
6 Months Later
Eponine sat nervously in the small cottage in the garden she and Grantaire were getting married in. He was already standing in front of the small crowd that had gathered at this point. They had wanted a small ceremony, but Grantaire insisted that it be special. They found the prettiest garden with large hedges and bright flowers, perfect for a whimsical wedding. Eponine's dress wasn't traditional either. It was tea-length ivory lace, but it fit her personality perfectly. Now her two bridesmaid, Musichetta and Enjolras's girlfriend, (they started dating shortly after Grantaire and Eponine got engaged), Adella were hurrying around the room to make sure everything was ready. Musichetta carefully pinned the dainty flower grown to Eponine's head, her long curls flowing down the back. Eponine's heart jumped into her throat as a knock sounded on the door. Adella answered it, letting her boyfriend inside. Eponine had asked Enjolas to give her away. It seemed appropriate since he was the one who helped her open up to Grantaire.
He smiled at her, "Beautiful. Are you ready?"
She nodded, and Musichetta shoved the bouquet of daisies into her hands.
"Let's go then!" Musichetta squealed.
The group left the cottage and hid behind the large hedges that kept the ceremony area out of view. As music played, Adella began her walk, then Musichetta. When the music shifted, Eponine squeezed Enjolras's arm tighter. This was it.
"Don't pass out on me," he joked.
"I'm fine. Just a little nervous."
"Everything's going to be fine. When we turn the corner around that hedge, just focus on your groom," he advised.
"Thank you," she breathed.
They began their slow walk, and Eponine could barely breathe. She didn't look up until she knew she'd be able to see Grantaire. Looking up didn't help the breathing situation either, but for an entirely different reason. There was her groom waiting for her, handsome as ever in his dress shirt, vest, and yellow tie. His gaze at her was one of pure adoration and love. Her heart beat wildly in her chest. When they finally reached the end of the aisle, Enjolras passed Eponine to Grantaire and gave her a reassuring smile before taking his place as a groomsman.
The officiant, who happened to be Courfeyrac, began and all too soon, it was time to exchange vows. They had chosen to write their vows themselves.
Grantaire cleared his throat, "Ep, I knew from the moment that I completely embarrassed myself in front of you, we were going to be friends. I just didn't realize that we'd be best friends. I didn't realize that I'd fall madly in love with you. It was unexpected for the both of us, and we've had our obstacles, but I think some of the best things in life are unexpected. I want you to know that I will always, always be there for you, from the darkest night to the happiest moment. I will be your biggest fan, your shoulder to cry on, and most definitely your partner in crime. I love you for everything you are, everything you have been, and everything you'll become. I'll love you forever and always, Eponine."
Eponine had to reach up and wipe tears that were streaming down her cheeks. She took a moment to get control of her emotions before beginning.
"Grant, meeting someone like you was the farthest thing from my mind when I came here, but you didn't care. I put up my walls, but you did everything in your power to break them down. And I am so glad you did. You have taught be how to be free. You have taught me not to be afraid. Most importantly, you have taught me what true love is. You are my Prince Charming, and I wouldn't trade all of our obstacles for anything in the world. I have so much more to say, but I simply can't put my feelings into words. Thankfully, I have a lifetime to show you just how I feel about our love. You are my one and only true love, Grant, and I can't wait to see where this adventure called life takes us."
She sniffled as she finished, and Grantaire reached up to wipe more of her tears away, his own eyes welling with emotion.
The rings were exchanged, and Courfeyrac smiled widely, "I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont. Grantaire, you may now kiss your bride."
Eponine wrapped her arms around Grantaire's neck and kissed him soundly. They both laughed as they parted, overcome by joy. The turned to walk back down the aisle, now as husband and wife, but Grantaire surprised her by suddenly sweeping her into his arms.
The rest of the day passed by in a blur. The first dance, the cake, all of the congratulations. All of them were the best memories of Eponine's life, memories she would never forget. Everything felt right when they returned to Grantaire's home, their home. The future was a mystery, but it was a grand, wondrous mystery, and they couldn't wait to face it together.
Author's Note: Hi guys! I know it's been a while, and I apologize! This is the last chapter of Running, although I will be posting an epilogue. I truly hope you enjoyed it! I know I enjoyed writing it. You guys have been great, and I have appreciated all the support this story had gotten. Thank you so much! Keep an eye out for that epilogue: coming soon!
~loislane16