CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

80.

A/N: hello everyone, thank you so much for reading this far. I published a new book today called "Eden in Garden" and it would mean a lot to me if you could check it out and leave some feedback on it for me.

July 1839

I had finished the first chapter of his memoir. Everything was based on his notes and drawings. Our memories were all in there. The baby was kicking away in my belly, making me jump occasionally. Raphael thinks it's funny, but it really isn't. But I am glad to know that my child is alive and moving.

Combeferre does the occasional check-up with me. Delilah and Combeferre had taken care of me since Bastien left this world. They were the ones to take me in, after finding out the news. They stayed awake with me the entire night, let me cry my heart out.

I was so thankful for them. Delilah and Caroline feared for my well-being. But I was a strong individual and I could deal with it. Not get over it, but deal with the pain.

Timothy was thriving. He grew tall quite fast. He needed a new pair of pants almost every week. He started to resemble his father more and more. He was telling his friends and teachers all about his loving father, that was killed.

It was hard for him and sometimes I would hear him cry at night. He doesn't know that I know and it breaks my heart every time. This night was no different.

He stopped crying and went to sleep. I went to our bedroom and got ready for bed as well. I looked into the mirror. My belly looked like growing each second. I knew a living human being would soon fill this world with love and laughter.

"I will always love you, baby. No matter what you are, I will always support you.", I whispered to my baby.

"And so will I.", Bastien said.

He was back in the mirror, just like most of the nights before. He had his beautiful smile on his face. He had color to his face and his lips were not blue. It was almost like he looked into the mirror on a normal day.

"Tell me what you're thinking."
"I am thinking about how handsome you are."
"Were."
"No. You're still here for me. You never left.",  I whispered.

"My love, I am not here. I am dead."
"Stop saying that! As if I don't know that myself."
"Annelise—"
"No. I sat next to your dead body, I was the one who kissed your cold cheek. I saw your lips turn blue.", I whispered, beginning to cry.

"Don't cry, my love."
"It is so incredibly hard without you. I don't know how I am supposed to do it myself."
"I know you can do it. You are a good mother. You are not weak."

"I know, but sometimes I feel so helpless."
"I know. But do what you've always done.", he said.

I turned to the side to show him my belly.

"You look beautiful."
"Thank you. I hope that, whatever it is, is healthy."
"I know what the baby will be.", he said.

I looked at him in disbelief.

"Tell me."
"No, that would be no fun."
"Bastien, please."
"No. But you'll be happy. And it will be healthy. Just like Timothy.", he said.

I smiled.

"I must go now. Go to sleep. My baby needs all the sleep she can get."
"Her baby will refuse."
"I know. I know everything.", he said.
"I miss you."
"I love you, Annelise. And I always will. No matter where I am.", he said, disappearing.

I was incredibly sad that it ended. But he was right. I could do this. He was always by my side. I went to bed, thinking about him. I had to smile. He was a wonderful man. I still couldn't believe he was gone.