Remember Me

Chapter Three: Arrival (pt. 1)

"Monsieur? Are you alright?" I urge, shaking the boy. No, not a boy, he looks older than me, even though I'm not sure how old I am.

I had walked back into the library because I still hadn't got the book for my brother, Gavroche, when I noticed the young man unconscious on the ground.

Now, he slowly opens his light blue eyes and looks around the library.

"Where-" he groans, but stops abruptly when he glances at me. His eyes widen in shock and he jerks backwards. I step backwards with surprise. He's looking me up and down and his face is filled with emotions so mixed that I can't tell them apart.

"I'm... I'm sorry, what's wrong?" I sputter, putting my hands out in front of my chest. 

"'Ponine?" He whispers, looking at the ground, but inching forward a bit. I gasp and stumble backwards.

How does he know my name? Or my nickname for that matter?

Suddenly memories of the dream I had cloud my thoughts: of the boy holding me...

This boy.

But it can't be the same boy, that was a dream.

I don't know what's happening to me!

"Who are you! How do you know my name!" I yell, panicking. His eyes fill with tears and he stares into mine.

"Please, Ép, it's me," He begs quietly. "Please, 'Ponine, how are you alive? It's me; Marius, please." He starts to cry a bit, and brushes away the tears with his hand.

How are you alive?

The words feel like one of Gavroche's swift punches to the windpipe (I taught him well), leaving me unable to breathe for a second.

But I am alive. I've been alive since birth... Even if I don't remember a time before three years ago. But I must have been in The House my whole life. There's no other explanation. I've never died. Unless I don't remember dying... But that would never happen.

This boy must be delusional.

But there seems to be truth to his words.

"What's going on in here? Éponine! Are you alright? Who is that?" Bahorel shouts from the door. Gavroche runs in behind him, fists balled and teeth bared in an attempt to look menacing. Bahorel's hair sticks up every way it can, but I doubt he notices.

"I don't... I dunno." I mumble. I pinch the bridge of my nose and stare at the floor.

"Bahorel?" The boy... Marius, whispers, tears flowing from his bright blue eyes. "Gavroche? I don't understand, you're... You're dead."

"What? 'Ponine! That man's insane! I ain't dead!" Gavroche cries, pointing his finger at Marius defiantly. Bahorel puts an arm on Gavroche's shoulder and glares at Marius.

"Who are you." He growls, taking a step forward. "And how the hell did you get here."