Dawn Over the Seine

Chapter 9

After she made her way out of the building where Javert lived and got back on the street, Eponine headed towards the Seine. "Stupid Inspector. Thinking he can help me then hurt me," she mumbled under her breath as she walked. It was strange of him in the first place to take her back to his flat. Javert would normally look down on the abused. That was his manner. His heart was supposed to be stone cold.

Eponine shook her head. It was stone cold. No emotions were in that man. All there was inside of him was hate. He was probably doing some sort of drug when he took her to his place. Didn't know what he was doing. Unless he did know what he was doing. "BUT WHY?" Eponine shouted out loud. People around her looked at Eponine like she was nuts. Eponine rolled her eyes and stormed away from the crowd.

Once she reached the Seine, Eponine pulled out her phone and checked the messages from Marius.

I have great news to tell you!

'Ponine! I need you to meet me at the Café!

Where are you? It's been two days. I'm getting worried.

Her name is Cosette. The girl I told you about. Ep, I want you to meet her. She's incredible. I really hope you text me back soon.

Eponine stared at her screen. He found her. He found the girl. There was no way she could ever win Marius' feelings now. Unless she killed Cosette and got rid of the body. But, that was totally unrealistic.

Letting out a small sigh, Eponine checked the missed phone calls from Azelma and Montparnasse. Azelma never really called Eponine unless it was an emergency, but Monty was always calling Eponine. Quickly deciding that Azelma was more important, Eponine called her sister back. Azelma picked up on the first ring.

"Eponine?!" cried her sister. Eponine winced at the high pitch of her voice.

"Yeah, hey 'Zelma. Why'd you call me? Is everything alright?" Eponine could her small sniffles coming across the other side of the line and began to worry. "Azelma answer me."

"W-when you didn't come home after a few hours, Mother and Papa screamed at me to find you and I looked everywhere, 'Ponine, but I couldn't find you! It's been two days since you left!"

"Two days? Oh god," Eponine groaned. "Did they hurt you?"

"Papa hit me once. But I'm okay. Really." Eponine frowned. She hated whenever their parents hurt Azelma. Eponine could take the pain but her sister was another case. She was fragile, like a glass doll. Azelma could cry on hours end from the abuse, but she always had Eponine. Until now.

"Look, I'm coming home now. Don't ask where I was or I'll lock you in a closet. Meet me outside of the house. Bye 'Zelm." Eponine pressed the end button on her phone and returned it to her pocket. With a last glance at the river, Eponine sprinted away from the Seine. She smiled wide as the wind whipped throughout her hair as she ran through the crowds. Everything was just a blur of colors. Music floated in the air and scents of flowers and bread and all kinds of food danced around. Eponine could hear distant singing as well.

Somewhat slowing down, Eponine spun in a circle, taking in her beloved Paris. The city was brilliant, but knowing what lay in the dark shadows of the brilliance she had a small spot of dislike of her home. But there were certain things that had not been touched by the shadows. Like the Café!

Oh god, Marius still hasn't heard from me! Eponine thought to herself. Maybe he's at the Café... But Azelma's waiting... Shaking her head, Eponine slowed down to a walk and continued heading to her house. Marius could wait. He would understand why she couldn't be with him right now. Marius was like that. Putting a smile on once more, Eponine quickened her pace. She soon reached the slums and spotted the building and in front of it, Azelma.

Eponine cleared all of her thoughts away and focused on having to explain herself to her sister and parents. But, there was something that remained at the back of her mind. No. Not something. Someone.