What is Love?

Chapter 26

Monday morning Éponine awoke due to trouble breathing. She sat up in bed gasping for air and her hands flew to her neck, which was swollen and painful. She had hidden in her room the day before, away from Enjolras's watchful eye. Luckily he had plans with the guys so Éponine was alone again. She looked at her clock. 5:30. It gave her an hour to get ready.

She jumped into her shower quickly and didn't bother looking into the mirror. She didn't want to assess the damage yet. When she was done she paced the floor still refusing to look into the mirror however finally she built up the courage and turned around.

She gasped at her appearance, her hand flying to her mouth. Although the swelling wasn't terrible the bruises were. They climbed up and down her neck and covered her collar bone and chin, and her eye and cheek were badly bruised as well. She quickly pulled out every concealer she had and shakily began to apply it to her face and neck. She watched as each bruise slowly disappeared under several layers of makeup. When she was done she looked completely normal, yet she didn't feel relieved.

She tried to smile but nothing came. She was defeated. It was just like before with her parents, only this time he did it for a reason. She had been stupid and careless. It wouldn't happen again she promised herself. She would try to prevent it from happening again by being better.

She looked at herself closely. The swelling in her face wasn't terrible but the swelling on her neck was. She tried to pool her hair around it and cover it but it would move and people would see. Suddenly she had an idea.

She grabbed a huge scarf from her closet that she had never worn before and wrapped it around her neck. Perfect. Her neck was barely viable. Everything was fixed. However she never wore scarves so people who knew her would see and question, mainly Enjolras. He was her best friend and knew all her habits and tendencies. He would find out soon.

What would Marius say? What would he do? Éponine took a breath. He wouldn't do anything, he promised it wouldn't happen again. She pushed the thoughts from her mind. Nothing was going to happen, it was just like any other day.

She walked past Enjolras's room and saw the light out. It was still early for him. She went down the stairs and made herself a quick breakfast before she was out the door. She walked the normal route until Marius pulled over to pick her up. She opened the passenger door and climbed into the car.

"Good morning beautiful" he said cheerfully.

She smiled, "Morning Marius" she said.

Marius smiled, "I have something for you" he said mysteriously.

Éponine's eyes widened, "Oh? What is it?" She asked eagerly.

Marius chuckled and pointed to the backseat. Éponine turned around and saw a beautiful red rose and a small rectangle box under it.

"Oh Marius!" She said as she picked them up. The rose was beautiful and she hesitantly opened the box. It was a silver necklace with a heart charm. "This is amazing. Marius it's beautiful" she said excited to put it on. She reached to put it on but remembered her scarf, the bruises.

"What's wrong?" Asked Marius, "just take the scarf off" he said.

She shook her head, "I can't do that. It's covering the bruises" she said in a hushed tone even though they were the only two there.

"Oh, I see" said Marius, "just put it on under the scarf, our secret for today" he said with a tender smile.

She nodded as they pulled into the school parking lot. No one would be suspicious, just a normal day she assured herself before she let Marius help her out of the car and towards the school.