Fixing You

Chapter 10

The boys were right, I did feel worse this morning. I looked beside me, my brother was still asleep and snuggled into my side. He looked so peaceful when he slept; he wasn't hurt or hungry , just a peaceful little boy. I ruffled his hair lovingly as I wondered what he was thinking about. Suddenly he started to stir beneath my hand " Eponine?" He mumbled, sleep still being heard in his voice. "Yeah baby?" I asked him while trying to roll over on my side. Halfway through the pain of my ribs became unbearable that I fell back in defeat. "Are you okay? I was afraid for you." I sighed and kissed his forehead. "Yeah, I'm going to be okay. I'm just a bit beat up, I will try and get better soon. Why don't you go see if Courfeyrac has breakfast made." By the time Gavroche made it to the kitchen, Courfeyrac was coming to check on me. "Morning" he said lovingly, "how are you feeling?" "Awful" I mumbled, "I'd be better if you held me," I weakly smirked. "Oh my poor baby" he said kissing my head. "Do you feel well enough to rest in the sitting room, I could hold you in there while we wait for Maman to come?" I nodded and perked up at the idea of a change of scenery. "May I change first? I asked quietly. "Of course, but no corsets, Joly said you ribs are still badly damaged."

When I finished getting ready, Courfeyrac supported me as we walked to the sitting room where Gavroche was playing with some of the toys that we had bought for him. "Sit down and I will get your medicine" he said kindly. He returned quickly and gave me my medicine and sat beside me. I snuggled into his side and closed my eyes realizing how perfect my life had become. "Courfeyrac, is you mum nice?" I whispered to him. My biggest fear is that Madame Courfeyrac will judge me because of my last name before she lets me explain myself. "Yes Eponine you needn't fret, she'll love you. She always said she wanted a daughter; just be yourself and rest, she is here to help us so you can get better." I sighed and nodded; I was relieved to know that Courfeyrac's maman wasn't a typical bourgeois. "Now rest, you need to save your energy." I sighed and laid my head on my beloved's shoulder.

It seemed that I had just fallen asleep when Courfeyrac got of the sofa. "Eponins my maman is here. Ready to meet your future mother in law?" I took a deep breath and sighed.

Madame Courfeyrac was not at all what I had expected from a typical bourgeois. Yes she did have the look of a woman with a high social standard, but she was a very kind woman.

When Courfeyrac opened the door she engulfed him in an enormous hug. "It has been to long" she soad as she released him. She then turned to me seeing my curled up on the couch. " You must be Eponine." she gushed, I nodded and said "Bonjour Madame." She sat down beside me and hugged my a bit to tight, I'm glad she didn't see me wince. "Please dear, call me Maman." I nodded saying okay.

Gavroche then tool the opportunity to curl up beside me and ask, "who is she?" Courfeyrac picked him up and put him on his hip. "Gavroche this is Courfeyrac's maman" he whispered pointing to his Maman. "Oh," he said softly. "Hello" Maman responded smiling.

After dinner, Maman asked me "What can I do to help you rest more dear?" I sighed, I hadn't moved all day; it hurt to breathe. "Well if you don't mind, could you help me wash my hair; I can't because it hurts my ribs?" She nodded in understanding, "of course, just get Courfeyrac to carry you to your room and I will get the water basin okay dear?" I nodded "oui."

As Maman washed my hair, she sparked up a conversation. "You know Eponine, I've always wanted a daughter?" I looked at her smiling. "You know I've always wanted a parent who loves me, now we both get what we want." She stopped brushing my hair and turned to face me. "What do you mean dear?" I looked down at my wounds and then back at her, tears streaming down my face. "Did Courfeyrac tell you how this happened?" She shook her head. "My papa beat me until I couldn't stand" I said with a hint of anger in my voice as I started to break down and sob like a little girl. She embraced me "I'm so sorry honey. If only I knew" I started crying harder. "What can I do?"she asked. "I need Courfeyrac." In mere minutes my beloved was at my side. "What's the matter?" He cooed taking my hand and pushing my hair from my face as I laid down. "My whole body hurts and I want to go home." He pulled me in his arms and kissed my temple. " You are home darling."