Even if the Barricade Should Fall

Chapter forty-four

My stomach twisted in tight knots as we approached Marius' house. I linked into Enjolras' arm for dear life, I must've squeezed him a bit too tight as he caught on.

"Gen, my darling, I am honoured to have you on my arm but I am beginning to loose the feeling in it" Enjolras chuckled.

"Sorry... I'm sorry my love, I'm just really, really nervous" I sighed, loosening my grip around Enjolras' arm.

"I know" Enjolras nodded.

He let go of my arm and opened the black, iron gate, entering first and then holding it open for me.

"You'll be fine, I'll be right by your side the whole time and you can let me know if you feel uncomfortable and I'll find a way to excuse ourselves" Enjolras gave me a reassuring smile.

"Okay" I returned his smile then relinked our arms.

Enjolras grabbed the door knocker and tapped it against the oak twice, soon after Marius and Cosette appeared wearing warm smiles.

"Welcome, please come in" Marius greeted us, stepping to the side.

Enjolras entered first, placing a kiss on Cosette's cheek as Marius did the same to me. Enjolras spoke to Costette for a brief moment while Marius embraced me in a hug.

"Remember if anything goes wrong, I'll sort it. Please don't worry Gen" he whispered softly.

"Thank you" I replied before we broke away.

"Genevieve, how wonderful to formally meet you after our unofficial introduction at Enjolras' ball. I have heard much about you" Cosette smiled to me as the two boys greeted each other.

"Likewise" I nodded with a polite smile.

"Well, supper is almost ready if you care to follow me through to the dining room" Cosette addressed us.

We followed her instruction and we sat opposite each other, Enjolras to my left and Marius across from him.

"So Genevieve, how did you and Enjolras meet?" Cosette asked, unfolding her napkin and placing it across her lap.

"Oh, well it's a little bit complicated actually. I was in a sort of forced relationship situation so I ran away from home..." I started.

"That's terrible" Cosette added.

"Yes, but it all payed off because I bumped into this handsome man who walked me home safely" I smiled, giving Enjolras a slight nudge.

"Yes... and quite literally bumped into me" Enjolras taunted causing a small laugh from the room.

"I suppose it wasn't the most graceful way of meeting, but it was memorable" I sighed.

"It certainly was" Enjolras nodded in agreement.

There was some light small talk discussed over dinner, even a few stories of Enjolras and Marius' childhood adventures together. As lovely as it was to hear about the good old days, nobody had addressed the very large elephant in the room and the reason Enjolras and I were here in the first place, Cosette and I's newfound blood relation.

"You know Enj, I think I still have those old wooden guns in the attic... care to help me look them out?" Marius suggested, he tried to look innocent but it seemed like it was an excuse to leave Cosette and I alone for a moment.

Enjolras stayed silent, sending me a look that asked for permission to leave my side. I sent him a small smile and gentle nod, but I could see that he wasn't buying my disguise. Enjolras could always see through me, that's why he took my hand and looked into my pleading eyes instead of getting up.