Ink and Insurrection || Enjolras

03. Jealousy

Paris, France
1831

A knock on the door the next day sounded through Jo and Amelie's apartment around 2 in the afternoon. Amelie smirked up at Jo as her sister ran through the living room with only one shoe on and the other in hand.
She composed herself and opened the door, being greeted by Enjolras who smiled softly, barely noticeable, but it was there.
        "Give me one second. I have to put my shoe on." She held up the item for the man to see and he breathed a laugh.
        He waited at the door frame as Jo sat on the floor in front of him to lace her boot.
        "Bonjour, Amelie." The blonde man called out to the other sister who sat on the chaise lounge with a book in hand. She waved back at him as Jo stood up.
        "Oh! My notebook!" She quickly grabbed the small book from the desk and she was ready to go.
        Enjolras and Jo walked side by side and discussed how they wanted the speech to go as they made their way to the Musain.
        When they arrived they sat down together at Enjolras' desk to discuss his speech.
        "You have to be passionate. The people are influenced by the words you speak, but as long as they are said with meaning and passion and devotion." Jo quickly added, "Though, you won't fail at that part."
        "Thank you." Enjolras mumbled, "What points do we need to come across?"
        "Speak of the people in power, speak of General Lamarque and speak of what you plan to do, what change you plan to make. That's what will rally the people." Jo told him.
        They sat there for the next hour writing notes down and scribbling drafts of the speech. Now, they sat talking and getting to know each other.
        "What brought you to Paris, Jo?" Enjolras asked the girl who sat on front of him.
        "Well, last year I was planning to put on a performance for Provins, where we came from. My three sisters and I would somehow gather the town's people to watch our Christmas show. But my sister, Belle, fell ill from cholera. She fought it for 2 weeks but she passed. I knew that I couldn't just live my life in Provins forever, so Amelie and I set off for Paris and now here we are. I'm not really sure what I was searching for but since last night, I realise I might have found it."
        Enjolras stared at her a moment after she finished talking, "I'm sorry." He whispered but she shook her head, "You're brave. I mean, incredibly brave."
        He admired her so much more now and she smiled at his compliment.
        It was then that the door was swung open to reveal Courfeyrac and Grantaire.
        The room continued filling up and soon the meeting began again.
        This time, Enjolras' eyes kept locking with Jo's. The glances were often short, but they held so much admiration and adoration.
        The boys couldn't help but notice something different with Enjolras. Was he ill? Why was he so enamoured by a woman he barely knew when so many previous women had thrown themselves at him. Maybe that was the reason. Because she wasn't trying to hard. Or maybe because she was of a similar nature to him. Either way, Enjolras seemed to be in a better mood. Though, the Les Amis were not complaining. They definitely liked this side of Enjolras.

****

        The Laurent sisters had been in Paris for a week now and they had also been apart of the Les Amis for a week. Jo was as happy as ever and Amelie seemed to be enjoying her time in the city.
        Jo was currently in a rush to the bakery as she planned to get some bread and pastries that she could bring to the meeting tonight. The girl had a book in hand and was completely and utterly enticed by the story she was reading.
        However, this proved not to be her smartest idea as she collided with a taller body.
        "I am so sorry, monsieur." She apologises, looking up at the man who had shoulder length blonde hair.
        "Not to worry, mademoiselle. I too should've been watching my surroundings." He chuckled softly, "Where are you heading? Perhaps I can walk you there?"
        "I'm just headed for the bakery over there." She pointed the stall which was now in view.
        "Ah, well let me accompany you." He held out an arm for her and she took it.
        They talked as she cued to buy her pastries and she learned his name was Louis, though he didn't mention his last name. They seemed to get along well and that's when he asked, "Would you be my guest, and accompany me to dinner tonight?"
        "Um, well, it couldn't hurt." She shrugged, but quickly added, "I will have to ask my sister though. We were supposed to meet some friends tonight."
        "I'm sure they won't mind just for tonight." He walked by her side.
        "Okay, where should I meet you?" Jo asked the man.
        "There's a lovely restaurant over there," he pointed to a rather extravagant restaurant, "meet me outside it."
        "It looks expensive." Jo grew nervous, knowing she couldn't afford it.
         "I have money." Was all the man answered and she nodded.
         She wished him a farewell and left for her home, rushing straight up the stairs and into her apartment.
        There she found both Enjolras and Amelie in the kitchen.
        "Jo, thank goodness your back. Enjolras was looking for you." Upon seeing the unfamiliar look in her sister's eye, she asked, "Is everything alright?"
        "I met someone. A man. He asked me to dinner tonight. Is it alright if I go? It's just one night." Jo turned her attention to Enjolras as she knew he would be the hardest to convince.
        The man sighed, looking down with almost a look of hurt, "I suppose." Was all he said.
        "What did you need from me?" She asked him, wondering why he was so eager to meet with her.
        "Nothing, forget it. Enjoy tonight." And with that he left.
        He was jealous. Undoubtedly jealous but Jo couldn't see that. However, Amelie noticed and she placed an arm on Jo's shoulder, "Be careful who you choose."
        Jo was unsure of what her sister meant but she had no time to question it before Amelie was picking out dresses for Jo to wear.
        Eventually they settled on a deep red dress that Amelie had bought years ago but never worn.
        Jo had a bad feeling about tonight, but she brushed it off as nerves and began getting ready.