Can It Be?

Shouts of, "I haven't seen you in forever!" and "Hey man, what's up?" filled the air as Eponine was lead into the auditorium by Cosette. She was thankful to have the girl at her side to guide her, or else she would've been run over, just like her first year at Prestige.

"Sorry about the commotion," Cosette shouted over to her. She was leading Eponine down the middle aisle of the grand room.

"Mmhumm…" Eponine was able to stutter out. Truthfully, she didn't care about the noise because she was too much in a daze at the sight of the room.

Auditorium or theatre didn't seem appropriate to name the great architecture. Opera house was more fitting, Eponine thought. The ceiling high above was painted to look like marble, and from the center hung a giant light that looked like a pearl pendant. The walls were covered with red paint and held a bust of a famous writer or singer from the middle ages to the 1800's every here and there. Faux red velvet hugged the seats. The aisles were also covered in a red carpet, the edges had a small gold intricate design. Two bronze columns stood erect, one on each side of the stage. The two columns held up a black bar-like thing to hold up lights, and the equipment was then covered with curtains using the same velvet of the seats.

"How the hell did you guys afford this?!" Eponine exclaimed once Cosette and she sat down in the front row.

Cosette laughed, "This high school has always been the best with theatre. We've been earning great reviews since the mid-90's. The school was very supportive, and after much fundraisers and donations, we were able to rebuild the auditorium."

"Wow," Eponine breathed. "How long has this been here for?"

"Maybe, I don't know, 10 years now?"

"I- this- just-ugh- WOW!"

Cosette laughed, throwing her head back and letting her perfectly curled hair fall. Eponine watched her with slight jealousy. Of course, here she was again, and rich looking, healthy, pretty, sweet. Yes, this was the Cosette from her childhood, she could never forget the miserable face, torn clothes, and unfortunate life. Well, unfortunate until that man came to get her. But Eponine didn't hate her, not only because she was so nice, but also because she, too, had felt the abuse, and the saving.

A loud cough broke her out of her thoughts. Up on stage, a large woman, maybe around her 50s stood tall and commanding. The theatre quieted down. To her far left, she saw Les Amis, as she learned they called themselves. Then she also noticed that the girl was here again, Colette. She was leaning against Enjolras, trying to snuggle up to him when he was obviously uncomfortable. He was stiff and he looked unhappy, but apparently that's how he'd been the past few years.

"Hey," Musichetta whispered behind Eponine. She jumped, turning around and rolling her eyes at Musichetta. "Just a warning, don't speak unless this bitch tells you too. I learned that the hard way." She pointed at the teacher.

"Okay," Eponine whispered in return.

The lady on stage started to speak in a loud, strong voice that matched her appearance, "Good morning class. My name is Mrs. Caballero. I run a tight ship here, so screw things up, and you'll fail this class. I've been in charge for almost twenty years now, and look at the successful theatre. Without me, you'd probably have to sing and dance at a petting zoo."

Eponine leaned back in her seat. This lady seemed conceited and pushy. How was she supposed to enjoy theatre when this bitch would probably be pushing her around, making everyone stressed out?

She continued, "Let's start with introductions, starting from the right to the left."

One by one each student introduced themselves. As it neared Eponine's turn, she stole a glance at Enjolras. She still didn't want him to know it was her. She was looking for options to try and distract his attention away from the names.

"Your name miss?" Mrs. Caballero asked, stopping right in front of her. All eyes turned to her for interrupting the smooth line of names. She felt the heat rising up to her cheeks.

"Your name?" Mrs. Caballero demanded this time. Eponine took a glance to the left, finding Colette whispering into Enjolras's ear.

She took the chance, "Eponine, ma'am."

The teacher scrunched her nose, "I need you to be on the ball missy. And don't call me 'ma'am' it makes me feel old." She turned dramatically on her heel and walked to the other side of the aisle.

Eponine crumpled down in her seat. Great, she already had a teacher thinking she was the day dreamer kid.

"Hey, Eponine, it's ok," assured Cosette.

"Yeah, I know. It takes more than a little upturned nose to bring me down," Eponine told her.

All of a sudden, Eponine heard the teacher squeal with joy, "Colette! Darling! How good it is to see you!" They shared a hug, and Eponine rolled her eyes. This Colette chick seemed like the queen of the school.

"She kinda reminds me of Regina George," Eponine said to no one in particular.

"That's right sister. She is the Regina of Hugo. She's been getting everything she's ever wanted just because she 'daddy' is the school's superintendent," Musichetta informed her.

"She gets the lead of every single play so far, even if her voice sounds like Ms. Piggy's," Cosette giggled. The little group of girls laughed.

After introductions, they were all to sing the a quick scale so that Mrs. Caballero could organize them into parts for any musicals they might want to do in the future. As Eponine went up to sing, she felt Caballero examining her. She quickly looked up, challenging the teacher, not letting her see the fear she held.

"Your scale," Caballero demanded. She scribbled some notes on her clipboard.

Eponine complied. Caballero's features softened. She then asked Eponine sing a couple of lines from a song.

Eponine breathed,

"As long as he needs me.

Oh yes, he does need me.

Despite of what you see,

I'm sure that he needs me."

It was a small, but she sang it with a strong voice and with much emotion.

Caballero looked up at her, a small smile playing at her lips. "Enjolras! Get up here for a few seconds please!"

Enjolras turned, obediently leaving the line for the boys. He glanced at Eponine, and she offered him a smile, but he didn't return it. She asked them to sing a small harmony, grinning to herself as they sang the short duet.

Eponine didn't deny it, they sounded really good together. Both of them sang with passion. He seemed to know his harmonies, too.

Soon enough, the bell rang, and Caballero let the class out. Cosette said goodbye to Eponine, rushing out the door because her class was far, and Musichetta stayed with Eponine, helping her pack.

"You guys sounded really great up there together," she complimented Eponine.

The other smiled, "Thanks. You have a one of those really nice voices that can reach really high and still stay strong, though. Hey, do you know the way to the poli-sci class?"

"No, but I know someone who does." She grabbed Eponine's hand before she could protest and led her to the group of boys, catching the one Eponine was half-hoping she wouldn't pick and half-hoping she would.

"Enjolras, can you be ever the gentleman and lead my old friend here to poli-sci?" Musichetta asked sweetly, nudging Eponine towards him.

Enjolras was never one to refuse someone a favor, so he nodded once, showing his displeasure even though he agreed. Musichetta then left, claiming she would be late if she stayed any longer.

Enjolras grabbed his backpack and turned to the doorway, Eponine took that as her cue to follow. He lead her down the halls, turning right, then left, and then up a staircase or two. The silence was killing Eponine, it was too awkward, and besides, she had to make amends with this guy.

Thankfully he said the first words, the first words they had ever shared since the last day of school in sixth grade. "You sing beautifully."

She looked down at her shoes, "Thank you. You have a great voice, too."

He nodded in thanks. Yeah, it wasn't much, but Eponine still felt that familiar burst when talking to him. Sadly, the walk seemed too short, as they had reached their destination.

Eponine entered the classroom, greeted by Courfeyrac and Marius. She sat near them and soon the class started.

(Enjolras)

There was something about this girl that made his skin tingle and mind malfunction. It was as if she had come back to haunt him and remind him of the pain she put him through.

He settled next to Courfeyrac, unpacking his things. The teacher, Mr. Morrigan, stood behind the podium.

"I call this session into order. We'll take attendance first," he declared. Everything had to be handles like in court. "Renee?" He only called first names because of how small the class was.

"Here."

"John?"

"Here."

A few more names passed until one caught his attention.

"Eponine?" Enjolras sat up straighter scanning the room. Nobody here looked like her, nobody except…

"Here," the new girl answered. He turned to look at her, brown eyes, dark hair, and small frame. No, no… Can it be? Was that his Eponine?

A/N: Hey, sorry I didn't update in a long time. I was spending some time with my family in another country, so I couldn't really do much. This is a kinda crappy fic, so thanks for staying with me even though! I have most of my outline all set and it's about 20 chapters. If you have any suggestions, or anything, please don't be afraid to review! Every author likes their feedback! I don't anything.

-Franky