Better Run for Cover

Chapter 7: Éponine

((So... I know I haven't updated in a while, and I'm terribly sorry. I haven't been able to find much free time even though it is summer, especially because I was at camp for a month. Please comment and vote if you like this because I really need the support, or else it makes me think that no one likes it and I have no reason to continue... So, comment and vote if you like it so I know I should continue this fanfic. Thanks! -Wolf))

Chapter 7: Éponine

{André's p.o.v}

"Why hello there young miss," said a silky voice as a greasy looking man in an assortment of clothes all topped off with a blue jacket and a dirty, ripped black hat sidestepped in front of the door. I skidded to a stop, looking up with wide eyes. I noticed his eyes flickering back and forth between my face and my pocket that was bulging with the francs I had stolen from the rich man before. "What do ya want?" I growled slowly.

I knew who this man was, and to say the least, I HATED HIM. This was Monsieur Thénardier, the owner of the Café, and he was a greedy, thieving man, not necessarily unlike myself, but he was much less trustworthy than I and he would rob you of everything. I don't just mean he steals your money, but he'll take your hat, your coat, your bag, your glasses, your shoes, everything!

I glared at him and he smiled anyways. "Why don't you stay a while? I'm sure we could find a seat for you somewhere over,"

"I'se not interested, good day's monsieur," I hissed, trying to go around him and out the door.

"Oh come on deary, we insist!" said another voice. I turned around to glance at Madame Thénardier, giving her an evil look as well. She forced a smile as I continued to scowl.

"I'se not interested. I'se be leavin' now," I growled, making a run for it.

Thénardier lunged for me, snatching at my pocket. I swatted at his hand, digging my finger nails into his wrist. Letting out a cry of pain, Thénardier yanked his wrist away, stumbling back into my way again. "Let me's out!" I snarled.

The drunken buffoons that were scattered throughout the inn completely ignored what was going on around them.

Then, I heard a voice. "Father, leave the poor child ALONE!" it growled. A girl who looked to be around my brother's age appeared from back behind the bar area.

"Clear out of 'ere Éponine!" snarled Thénardier. The girl rolled her eyes, stomping over to him and shoving him away from me. "Come with me," she murmured, giving Thénardier, who was apparently her father, another murderous glare.

I nodded, following immediately. Anything to get away from those two greedy idiots.

Éponine lead me through the inn and out a back door, taking me a safe distance from the inn before stopping.

"Just pretend I'm not related to them," she muttered in annoyance. "I'm ashamed sometimes, honestly."

I smiled slightly. "S'okay miss," I said simply. "Me name be André," I told her, offering a hand to shake.

She smiled, shaking my hand. "My name is Éponine," she said. I nodded, grinning. "Thank you's for savin' me back there," I added, glancing back the way we had come in case for some reason Thénardier had decided to follow.

"No problem," said Éponine with a smile. "I hate when my parents steal from people who seem to need it more than they do."

She paused for a moment. "What happened to you?" she finally asked, looking at my dirty, patched clothes with concern.

"I'se a street rat, as you's might call's it," I told her. "I'se hafta steal to stay alive."

Éponine regarded me with concern. "I don't have much money at all either. That's why my parents are always stealing all that they can get their hands on. You, however... A young child should not have to steal to live... Here." She pulled a small handful of francs from her pocket and handed them to me. Then, she walked out into the street, buying a small loaf of bread and an apple from a street vendor. "And, take this," she said with a smile, handing me the food.

My eyes were huge, the scent of the fresh bread making me feel like I was in heaven.

"Thank you's, madame Éponine," I said gratefully, taking off my cap and bowing low, revealing my long, messy dirty-blonde hair. She laughed softly. "Take care, young André," she said.

I nodded, tucking my hair back under my cap and taking a bite of the apple. "I'se will. Thank you'se again."

"Anytime," she said with a smile. Then, she vanished into the shadows of the alleys, heading back in the direction of the inn.

I grinned. I liked that girl already.

Éponine, huh?

Well, one day, I would find a way to repay the kind girl. Even though she didn't have very much either, she still gave me money and food...

Yes, I would find a way to repay her kindness. "One day, I'se'll find a way ta help you'se too," I said softly, as I turned and continued on my way back towards the Inspector's house. "I promise."

...

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