Not a Dream

Chapter 41

Éponine really hoped Cosette's plan would work. She held the package Cosette had given her tightly under her arm as she made her way back to Enjolras's apartment. She thought through what she had to say in her head, it had to be convincing. She had

to convince him that she wasn't going to fight. She would just stay in the apartment and wait until the revolution was over and for him to return.

She entered their apartment and closed the door behind her when she heard Enjolras call out for the bedroom, "Éponine is that you?"

She placed the package behind a bookshelf before answering, "Yeah Enj it's me. I was with Cosette" she said.

Enjolras walked out of the room nodding, "What were you talking to her about?" He asked.

Éponine took a deep breath, this was it. "Well I was talking to her about tomorrow and what I should do. I was telling her that I wanted to fight, but you didn't want me to and I asked her what I should do. She and I agreed that I should not fight tomorrow. She thinks that it's a better idea, and she isn't fighting either so, I decided that I should just sit it out" she finished and held her breath, waiting for Enjolras's reaction.

He was nodding throughout her explanation, and at the end he smiled, "I'm glad that you're not fighting. I'm sorry about our argument last night. I was out of line and I just wanted to keep you safe" he said sadly.

Éponine took his hand in hers and squeezed it, "Lets just forget about that, ok? I don't want to spend our last night together before the revolution fighting".

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, "I couldn't agree more".

She giggled and draped her arms behind his neck. He bent his neck so their foreheads were touching and she placed her hand on his face and his eyes lifted to meet hers. Éponine could see the smallest bit of fear in his eyes and as much as Enjolras did not want to admit it, he was scared of what tomorrow had in store for the revolutionaries. She could feel the doubt swelling inside her and almost like he could sense it he pressed his lips to hers. She closed her eyes and ran her fingers through his hair. He pulled her against him and she could tell he was trying to make up for any lost time, just in case. Her eyes began to water and tears rolled down her face.

They dropped onto Enjolras's cheeks and he pulled away from her. "Shh it's ok, everything's going to be fine" he said gently as he wiped the tears off her face with his thumb.

She sighed and shook her head, "I'm just scared about tomorrow. What's going to happen to you guys, what if it's not like what you guys planned?"

Enjolras took her hand and lead her over to the bed, "Éponine, we are all going to be fine. It's time for us to take our stand against the oppression and unfairness present in our society" he said.

She nodded and felt him put his hands under her chin and lift her face up, "Éponine, I love you and will do everything in my power to get back to you".

She smiled and pressed her face into his chest. His arms wrapped around her shoulders and he kissed the top of her head gently. "I love you too" she whispered softly. He pulled apart and kissed her again, pulling her onto his lap.

She knew it was possibly their last night together so she placed every ounce of passion she could into the kiss. Neither dared to say a word in fear that it would tear them apart. Enjolras pulled away and gently kissed Éponine's cheek. The pair stood up and climbed into the bed, their hands entwined. They laid in silence and soon Éponine could hear steady breathing coming from Enjolras.

She sat up and stared down at his face. It was peaceful and calm, no hints of fear, insecurity, or rage. Loose hairs framed his face and Éponine gently pushed them aside. Enjolras's eyes fluttered open and a smile formed on his face. He leaned over and gently kissed Éponine's lips, his lips linger and Éponine can feel her chest tighten. Neither of them want to think of the possibilities tomorrow. Enjolras pulled Éponine into his chest and she was grateful to feel his strong body surrounding her.

She felt safe in his arms for what might be the last time. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Tomorrow they would see what the world had in store for them, but for now they were together and that's all that mattered.