A Promise

Chapter Nineteen

        Weeks passed, and each minute was pure bliss with Enjolras at my side. We seemed to fall more and more in love each day, and Les Amis supported our relationship wholeheartedly. As Jehan said again and again, it did Enjolras much good to have a woman in his life. He seemed less marble-like and more human. Grantaire was surprisingly our biggest supporter. He took great interest in our relationship and even helped Enjolras plan out dates. He seemed to grow much happier, and as a result, he was seen less frequently with a bottle in his hands. Grantaire and I became very close friends, and when I was not with Enjolras, I spent most of my time with him. He had a great sense of humor and never failed to make me laugh.

        Although spirits were high,  a general sense of foreboding fell upon the group. We all knew that it was only a matter of time before the barricades arose and the revolution would begin. Enjolras and I continued to speak to great multitudes of people, urging the bourgeois to show more compassion to the poor and speaking out against the oppressive government. In addition to giving speeches, I also helped the cause by sewing rosettes with Musichetta. As time passed, I became quite proficient at sewing, although I was never as good as 'Chetta. I spent long hours at her house, sewing rosettes and talking to her about her upcoming wedding. On one such day, I was at 'Chetta's house, and Joly and Bossuet had also stopped by for a visit. As 'Chetta and I sewed, the boys sat on the couch drinking and striking up conversation.

        "'Chetta and I are very excited for the wedding," Joly said, putting an arm around Musichetta's shoulders. "I cannot wait to see you in your dress, cherie," he said, kissing her cheek. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Bossuet turning away, a look of pain etched across his face.

        "Are you okay?" I asked him quietly as Joly pulled 'Chetta into a passionate kiss.

        Bossuet gave a half-hearted smile. "Yes," he said with a nod. "It gives me great joy to see her so happy."

        I didn't reply, but continued sewing in silence. "Oh no!" Musichetta cried out.

        "What is the matter, my dove?" Joly asked.

        "I've run out of red material," she replied. "Eponine, would you mind accompanying me to the store to buy some more?"

        "Not at all," I replied. "I have nothing else to do. Enjolras is at Combeferre's house. They're working on battle plans, so Enjolras won't be home for hours."

        "Bossuet and I must go as well," Joly said, standing up. "Au revoir, Mademoiselles." He nodded his head to me and gave 'Chetta a quick peck on the lips. The four of us left the house and parted our separate ways. 'Chetta and I headed to the fabric store to buy the red material. While she bought the material, I examined the fabric, running my hand along the soft velvet and the smooth silk. Then, we left the store and headed back in the direction of 'Chetta's house.

        "Eponine Thenardier!" a familiar voice called out as we walked down the street. I froze and cursed under my breath. I turned to the direction of the voice, and, sure enough, it was the young police officer with the mustache who had spoken. Would he ever leave me alone?

        "Monsieur," I said in a mockingly polite tone. "We meet again. Strange, you seem to be very familiar with my name, but I do not know yours."

        "My name is Inspector Vauquelin," he said, his chest puffing out proudly at the word 'Inspector.' "In the name of the law, you are under arrest for thievery and participation in scams."

        Musichetta looked extremely frightened, but I merely stared at Inspector Vauquelin with a cool expression.

        "I am taking you to jail," Inspector Vauquelin said with a growl.

        "Only if you can catch me," I said with a small grin. Without hesitating, I caught Musichetta's wrist and practically pulled her arm out of her socket. We tore down the street, Inspector Vauquelin running close behind us.

        "Where are we going?" 'Chetta asked, breathing heavily. "How are we going to escape him?"

        "Don't worry," I said. "I know my way around."  I pulled her down a long, winding road and into a dark alleyway.

        "I think we lost him," I said, panting. Musichetta didn't reply. Her eyes were wide with fear, and she seemed to be staring at something just behind me.

        "What is it?" I asked.

        'Chetta opened her mouth to reply, but no sound came out. She raised a trembling hand and pointed to something just behind my right shoulder. I whipped my head around, and my heart sank to the pit of my stomach.

        In my haste, I had not realized that 'Chetta and I were not alone in this alleyway.

        "Hello, Eponine," Montparnasse said, looking at me with disgust  and hate. "Fancy seeing you here."