Toujours Javert (A Les Misérables Fanfiction)

Chapter 2

It has been weeks since that fateful night. For a week after the incident, an officer would stand guard outside my door. Each night, while returning from work, I hoped that it would be the Inspector, but when I arrived home my heart felt heavy with disappointment. 

My life has turned from mundane to somewhat interesting, however. Since that evening, I haven't been able to forget him. I long to see him again, even if it's just to see him for a brief second. At first, I couldn't reason why I felt such a way about someone I didn't know. I chalked it up to loneliness. Am I just wanting company? I am tired of being alone. The chill from the factory and the journey home only gave my loneliness a physical reminder. I lost my family. I have no friends. Am I just grasping at the wind out of desperation? Whatever may be the case, I continue to long for his presence again. I considered going to the station, but I decided against it to refrain from looking weird. Or crazy.
The thought of him being dead has crossed my mind, but I quickly dismiss it. No need to get worked up over something uncertain.

~

I lie in my bed, basking in the warmth from the fire while pondering over my options. It has now been months since that eventful evening. A small part of me has given up on seeing him again, perhaps this is the logical side of me. My heart tells me that he is still somewhere out there...  that I just have to be willing to get up and seize the moment. After all, what do I have to lose? Either way, I need an answer. I do not want to go another day... no... another hour being caught in this torture. If I do not find him tonight... I will have my answer once and for all. 

 I climb out of bed, cover my gown with my blue cardigan, slip on my old, worn boots, and begin combing the streets.

If I am being completely honest with myself, I just need to know if he is real. My memory is faded, his facial features no longer etched in my mind. But I don't think anyone could forget those piercing eyes...

As I round a corner, my leg suddenly falls out from under me, pulling me to the cold, hard cobblestone. However, this is the least of my worries. I instantly feel the seething pain of my ankle as it throbbed. Panic begins to set in. I feel completely alone. In desperation, I call out.

"Help! Can someone please help me? I don't think I can stand..."

I immediately hear footsteps coming from behind me. It doesn't take long for the person to reveal themselves.

It's a man  with greying hair. He's dressed nicely and clean. He helps me up.

"Oh my, are you alright? Will you be able to walk? Perhaps we should get you to a hospital." I only stand on my one leg. The other one can not hold my weight.

"Ahhh! I think it's broken. I can't walk. Oh Monsieur, thank you for your kindness, but I am afraid that I cannot afford a hospital."
A look of disgust crosses his face as he wraps an arm around me, holding me close and supporting my weight.

"Nonsense! I shall pay for it. Now let's go, we must get you better."  Confusion begins to flood my mind. A stranger... paying my hospital bill?

"But Monsieur, you don't even know me. I have failed to get your name, as I have failed to give you mine." We start walking, his strength supporting most of my weight.

"I am Jean. Jean Valjean. I have been in Paris for the last ten years. I have a daughter about your age. Her name is Cosette. Speaking of which, I would be so terribly upset if she were out here alone this time of night."

"I was looking... for something." I look down to avoid his gaze. When he says nothing in response, I speak again. 

"My name is Charlotte. I live here in Paris as well, just a couple of streets over. There isn't much to know about me other than I work in a factory. Well, except for the fact that because I work in a factory, I like to leave the city and enjoy scenic views of nature when I can." He helps me into his carriage, which is parked just one street over from where I had fallen.