A Promise

Chapter Twenty-Seven

        The next morning, Enjolras left the house to get into position for the start of the revolution. I gave him a kiss and waved good-bye, promising that I would head straight to Musichetta's house once he left. The minute the door shut, I raced to the closet where I was keeping my disguise. I quickly stripped off my dress and wrapped the white cloth around my chest. Then I threw on the pants, shirt, and trench coat. Finally, I pulled my hair into a ponytail and tucked it under the cap. I threw a quick glance in the mirror and was surprised to see that I was almost unrecognizable. I looked just like a young boy. Smiling, I hurried out of the house.

        I rushed down the street in the direction Enjolras had gone. I suddenly heard a loud bang and a series of loud screams. My body tensed. I knew what those sounds meant. The revolution had begun. I raced toward the sounds of fighting, hoping I would not be too late. Suddenly, I caught sight of a familiar face. I shrank back in fear. Inspector Vauquelin. I prayed he would not recognize me. He began to walk  up to me, and my heart stopped.

        "You, boy!" he said loudly.

        "Y-yes?" I stuttered, trying to make my voice sound deep.

       "Yes, sir," he corrected me in a stern voice.

        "Yes, sir?"

        "Do you know what's happening over there?" he inquired.

        "No, sir," I said quickly, ducking my head so that my cap hid my face.

        "Well get home quickly," he instructed me. "Whatever it is, it sounds dangerous."

        "Yes, sir," I said again, then ran off as fast as I could. I breathed a sigh of relief. He had not recognized me. I headed straight for the sound of exploding guns, knowing that I would find Enjolras there. Finally, a come upon a street flooded with people. They were running and screaming. "Throw down any furniture you have!" they yelled. I recognized Grantaire, Jehan, and Feuilly among them. Looking around, I saw all of Les Amis, including Enjolras, who was waving a red flag in the air, his blonde curls blowing in the wind. As fast as lightning, Les Amis piled the furniture on the streets, creating a huge barricade. Everyone held their guns in readiness, holding their breath. A loud marching sound filled the air. I didn't have to look to know what it was: The National Guard. My heart pounded nervously. After months of planning, this was it. The revolution was finally happening. 

        "Who's there?" a soldier yelled.

        "French Revolution!" Enjolras responded proudly.

        Silence filled the air. I could hear the sound of everyone's hearts pounding in their chests, echoing the beating of a drum. Then- "Fire!" a soldier yelled. I was not prepared for the loud explosions that ensued. Bullets flew in the air and everyone was screaming. I covered my head, realizing that I was of no use to anyone without a gun. I looked around, but could not find anything to arm myself with. Feeling useless, I ducked behind a large wooden table until the chaos died down.

        "They're retreating!" Jehan yelled.

        "We've won!" Feiully said excitedly.

        "Not yet," Enjolras corrected them. "They will be back, mark my words. Listen, I need a volunteer to spy on the foe and bring back information."

        "I'll do it!" a deep voice said.

        I looked up to see who was speaking, and my heart dropped, Inspector Javert. The most notorious inspector in France. I prayed Enjolras would recognize him, but Enjolras was not paying close attention to him. "Good, thank you," Enjolras said, waving him off. I almost spoke up to apprehend Javert, but I would have blown my cover. No matter, I thought to myself. I'll just have to keep an eye out for Javert when he comes back.