He stopped playing his flute. He looked deep into Eponine's eyes. Eponine felt cold chills running through her bones. So it was him.
"You. I've seen you before." Jehan murmured.
"How could I have not seen it before?" "What?" Eponine asked, trying hard to play it down.
"It was you. The one who broke into my parent's home and stole the family heirlooms." Jehan looked at her. Eponine's heart thudded. She remembered. That was the job that always left her with nightmares. Eponine closed her eyes.
Flashback: "Alright, you stupid brat, it's time. Go and don't fail me." Thenardier thrust the weapons into Eponine's hands and shoved her along. Eponine growled and went on her way. She stood in front of the large estate. For some reason, this mission didn't settle right in her stomach. It sent cold chills up and down her arms. Out of all the missions that she had, this one did not feel right. It was raining out with thunder and lightning cracking in the sky. Eponine tucked the gun and the knife in her waist belt, praying that she wouldn't have to use them. She never had and she wasn't experienced with them at all. She slipped to the back courtyard and picked the lock. It was a two story home. Eponine crept in. In one room, there was a box, obviously newly delivered. There was a light on upstairs, but if Eponine failed this mission, it would be worse than going to prison. Eponine quietly sliced the package open, as thunder cracked. There was jewelry in the package, as Eponine stuffed it into her thin corset. She hadn't been given a proper sack from her father. She headed up the stairs where there was more fine things and heirlooms. She was about done, when a scream was heard. She turned to see an older woman and man standing there in their nightwear. The woman didn't stop screaming, as the man came toward Eponine. She was in the corner and she was trapped.
She tried to get through the man, but though he was older, he was stronger than she thought. She ripped from his grip and backed into a firm chest. A man stood there and caught her arms. Eponine flailed and pulled out her gun and aimed it at the man who had her captive. She pulled the trigger that was aimed at the man's side, but not before he lost his grip on her and she fired at the older man. "No! Father!" The younger cried out. The older man looked at her with stunned eyes. Red blossomed through his nightshirt on the right side of his chest. He collapsed immediately. The younger man was caught off guard, as Eponine drew her knife and stabbed him in the stomach. She drew the knife out and ran from the house. By the time she was to safety, police were arriving. Eponine blinked away tears. She reached into her corset and pulled out everything she had stolen and thrust it to her father and ran away sobbing. Montparnasse had tried to stop her, but she had pushed past him. She ran into a far alley and sobbed. For a long while, she sat there and sobbed for what she had done. She then realized she was still holding the gun and the bloody knife. Eponine gasped and ran to the river, before cocking her arm back and sending them to the bottom of the river. The next day the buzz was all over town. Eponine managed to grab a new newspaper out of a trash can where the headline was large. "MAN KILLED IN ROBBERY; SUSPECT ON THE LOOSE" Eponine's heart pounded. She had just killed a man. She had wanted to guarantee her safety and escape, but it was never her intention to kill the poor man. She read on to the article.
"Last night a robbery occurred at the Prouvaire estate. Marc and Mary Prouvaire were asleep in their home, while their son Jean was studying in the other room. Marc heard a thump and went to investigate. They saw a young female, dressed like a street urchin taking their family heirlooms. Mary Prouvaire screamed and frightened the young girl. The robber tried to get past Marc and ran into their son, who grabbed her before she could leave. But the robber held a gun that was originally aimed at the son holding her captive and shot the elder Prouvaire in the chest. She then stabbed Jean Prouvaire in the stomach and fled the scene. Marc Prouvaire and his son were taken to the hospital where five hours later, the elder Prouvaire drew his last breathe. Jean Prouvaire is in fatal condition, having lost so much blood. The doctor are not sure that he will even make it through the night. The robber and murderer is described to be a street urchin about 1.574 meters tall with black-brown long hair, dressed in rags with brown eyes. If anyone is to see her, contact the police immediately." Eponine's heart beat faster. For about a month, Eponine was in hiding. Her father didn't sent her on any missions. Surprisingly, the didn't even bother her. She sat in a corner for a month, crying and not eating. At night she had terribly nightmares, in which Montparnasse would have to wake her and bring her some stolen chocolate to calm her down. But she would never eat it if it was stolen. She made Montparnasse show that he had bought it instead of stealing it before eating it. That night had scarred her forever. The gang didn't go near her, touch her or talk to her. They must have noticed how broken Eponine was, because until a month was over, they didn't disturb her. Flashback Ends
Jehan looked deep into Eponine's eyes. He saw tears filling them, as she looked away and started to sob. She saw through her tears, as Jehan started to do something. It was highly inappropriate, but Jehan unbuttoned his waist coat, and pulled his fine tucked shirt out of his trousers. He pulled it up slightly, to reveal a large scar, obviously from the knife that Eponine stabbed him with. Eponine took her fingers and grazed it slightly. She felt Jehan wince slightly. She remembered, it had only been about two or so months ago. The wound was still not in full recovery yet. Jehan redressed, when Eponine realized they were near shore. Eponine jumped out of the boat, not caring if the hem of her dress got wet and ran. She heard Jehan calling after her, but she didn't stop. She ran into Combeferre and Enjolras but didn't stop. She then ran straight into Montparnasse, but feebly pushed him away before running off again. Montparnasse didn't think anything of it and kept on walking. Eponine, blinded by her tears, ran straight into another firm chest. Eponine was looking down and she would know those shoes and stick anywhere. She wrapped her arms around Joly and sobbed into his chest. Joy stumbled back slightly, his pipe falling from his mouth. "Nance?" Joly looked confused. Eponine looked up at him but buried her face into the lapels of his coat again. Joly stooped down to pick up his pipe, wrapped a comforting arm around Eponine and guided her back home. When they got there, Eponine told him the story. Joly was shocked, and at the same time, he wasn't.
For about two weeks Eponine was not the same. She didn't eat as much or go out to town. Jehan didn't call on her, which made her even more upset. Joly tried to convince her to live regularly again, but Eponine wouldn't. By the next week, Eponine was done. One night she laid wide awake. 'If only'... Then Eponine had it. She knew where the heirlooms were. They were buried, but only she knew where they were. If she could go and find that box and dig it up, perhaps Jehan would find the heart to at least forgive her. 'But Joly will never let me! And I can't be a proper lady digging in the dirt. And Joly threw away my rags.' Eponine sighed. Somehow, she would figure out a way to get Jehan back. After another week, Eponine got her chance. Joly was out of town for the weekend. Eponine went through the trash and found something similar to her old rags. She put that on and went out of the apartment. Darting down a few blocks, Eponine saw the alley where it all was hidden. She went over and started to dig with a spoon and a small knife that could be easily hidden. She couldn't just drag a shovel with her. All of a sudden, a shadow loomed over her. Eponine made sure that her hair was in her face before looking straight up at Montparnasse's face. He looked confused.
"Well, well, well. Look at who we have here." Mont grabbed her by the arm. "Let go of me, you bastard!" Eponine screeched in a high-pitched voice. She most certainly did not want Montparnasse to know it was her. "Now, now, now, what are you doing in these parts, you little street urchin?" He gripped her arm tighter. Eponine tried not to squeak in pain. He was familiar with that. But Eponine watched as his eyes lowered to a scar on her arm. Eponine closed her eyes and knew the truth was out. There was no mistaking the large scar that her father had made when he had been drunk one night. "Eponine? No, you can't be. You're dead. You're suppose to be dead! She told me you were dead!" Montparnasse cried out. But still, he moved Eponine's hair and her face was revealed. It was true. The look in Montparnasse's face was anger. More anger than Eponine had ever seen in him before. He slapped her hard in the face. Eponine cried out. The tall man screamed, "How could you do this to me?" Eponine was glad that walls were thick and people were fast asleep. "I didn't do anything!" Eponine cried out. "Liar!" Montparnasse yelled and punched her in the stomach. Eponine gasped for air. They didn't see the shadow watching them, nor did they see it run away.
Gavroche ran as fast as he could. He had to find someone, anyone. He ran straight into Combeferre. "Gavroche, what on earth has you in such a haste?" Combeferre readjusted his cravat. "Eponine's in trouble and you've got to come and help me!" Gavroche wasted no time in telling him. Combeferre dropped his books on the pavement and touched his hip, reassured of his revolver under his overcoat. He and Gavroche dashed back. Montparnasse hit Eponine until her face felt numb. She couldn't breathe and her lip was busted and her nose was bloody. Montparnasse had kicked her so many times in the stomach that Eponine was praying for death to come swiftly and relieve her of her pain. Before she knew what happened, it was silent.
(While Eponine was too blocked out to remember anything) Combeferre rushed to the corner with Gavroche. "I don't know if he has a gun too. Give me your pistol. I'll cover you." The younger boy whispered. Combeferre sighed and pulled out his extra pistol before turning to the scene once again. Combeferre ran at full speed before butting Montparnasse in the head with his revolver. The taller man fell to the ground and cradled his now-bleeding head. Combeferre grabbed the injured man by the neck and threw him against the brick wall. "How dare you assault a lady like that?" Combeferre spat. "She's, no, lady. She, is a lying, deceiving, abandoning, piece of garbage." Montparnasse struggled to stand. Combeferre's eyes darkened and he hit Montparnasse in the head with the revolver again. But this time Montparnasse came at him. Combeferre grabbed his revolver and shot Montparnasse in the shoulder, before hitting him over the head once again for good measure. The taller man finally fell, unconscious. Combeferre picked Eponine up and Gavroche grabbed the potato sack that Eponine had come back for. "Is he- is he dead?" Eponine whispered against Combeferre's chest. "No. Well, not yet." Combeferre admitted. "Take me to Jehan's house." Eponine murmured. "No, Ep, we need to get you back to Joly's apartment." Combeferre tried to tell her. "Take me to Jehan's house." Eponine repeated. Her tired, pained and worn out voice had a determined edge to it. Combeferre stopped to pick up his fallen books, before doing what Eponine told him to do.
Jehan was up in his home writing new poetry and practicing new songs on his flute. He had to apologize to Eponine. He had avoided her long enough to gather his thoughts. 'I hope she does not hate me.' Jehan finished the last word of his poem. A knock came at the door, making Jehan jump. Who would be out at this time of morning? Jehan went down the stairs, beating his butler. He looked through the window and threw the door open. Combeferre rushed in, Gavroche on his heels. "What's going on? Combeferre!" Jehan hurried after them. Combeferre laid Eponine down on the settee after Gavroche put a she over it. Jehan averted his eyes from the girl. He didn't know who it was, but it was highly improper for a man to stare at a woman in her torn revealing undergarments. "Jehan, don't you know, it's Eponine." Combeferre told him. Shock mirrored his face, as he fell to his knees and tenderly took her fragile hand in his. Tears fell down his cheeks. "Oh, Eponine, forgive me. I am so sorry." Jehan softly kissed the back of her hand and held it to his cheek. Eponine moaned unconsciously, which made Jehan ask Combeferre what happened. Combeferre didn't say a word, but with a nod of his head towards Jehan, Gavroche came forward and handed him the dirty potato sack. When the younger man unfolded each flap, dirt made a pile on the floor, dirtying Jehan's cream shirt and waist coat. But he didn't care. He reached inside and pulled out a green and white box, lined in gold metal trim. Jehan's eyes widened. He opened the latch and tears filled his eyes. His mother's best necklace, his father's waist watch and even his own ring. There was much more, but Jehan turned to a side table and placed the box down, before returning to the young woman's side.
"She was almost killed. All because of me." Jehan murmured through her tears.
"It was not because of you." Combeferre stated firmly. "Yes! It was! If I hadn't told her the truth, hasn't gotten so angry at her, hadn't stayed away for so long, none of this would have happened!" Jehan screamed, tears streaming down his rough cheeks. Combeferre was shocked at his outburst. Jehan was not one to get mad or even raise his voice above speaking level. To see him so upset over this was saddening.
"It, wasn't, your, fault." Eponine's breathy voice came through. "It, was mine." Jehan dove to the settee and took up Eponine's hand again.
"I'm sorry, I'm so very sorry, mon Cherie." Jehan wept.
"It's not your fault. It was mine. I was obstinate to the danger of it and I even betrayed Joly's trust, because I knew if he knew that I was going to do that that he would never let me." Eponine tried to breathe. She sustained a few blows to her ribs, and she was positive that one of them had to be broken.
"Don't speak, I'm here." Jehan tried to soothe her.
"I went after the box, because I knew where it was. I, was hoping, to show you, that I was, and still am, sorry. I never got over it." Eponine kept talking. "I wanted to, well, to restore my relationship with you."
"Oh, Ep, you have. And I am sorry, as well. I knew that I stayed away for too long. I knew you thought that I thought the worse of you. And. I am sorry for that."
Joly arrived back in town to an out of breath Gavroche. "Gavroche, what's the matter?" Joly asked.
"It's Nancy. She's hurt bad." Gavroche told him. He and Joly took off at a run. After a while, Joly confirmed a broken rib, a sprained wrist and some bruises on her arms. "You're going to have to take it easy for a while. We'll just tell people that you are ill." Joly told her. "What about that bastard who attacked her?" Jehan demanded. "Montparnasse." Eponine murmured. "Hopefully I put an end to him." Combeferre replied.
"If you didn't, I'll go hunt him down and finish the job." Joly told them all.
"Why can't we turn him in, if he's a swindler?" Lesgles asked. "Because the trail will lead back to Eponine, and we would all be in trouble for aiding a, no offense, Ep, thief." Joly told them. Eponine nodded, but didn't move anywhere else. She ached too much. They later transferred her to Joly's apartment.