United by the Barricade

Chapter Eight

     The National Guard stood in front of the barricade firing. Eponine attempted to dodge the musket balls. She began to climb the barricade. As she climbed, she saw a horrible sight. One of the young men within the barricade had been shot in the arm. He fell to the ground and yelled in pain. It was agonizing to hear. She became nauseous. She wanted to sob but she held it in and walked towards Marius. Her vision was blurry.

    "I brought the letter to her father and I.." She jumped in front of Marius. A sharp pain stabbed through her body. Her breath became short and the world around her was suddenly slow. Bent over at the waist, she tried to continue talking but she lost control of her body and fell. Marius caught her now frail body mid-air. His hand saved her heavy head from hitting the cobblestone. He embraced her. Suddenly, blood began cover his hands.

      "Oh, Eponine! You're safe. You're going to be alright." Even her delirious mind understood that this was a lie.

      The blood began to soak her shirt and all she could think of was rain pouring.

       "Marius, I...I have a letter for you... from Cosette." The bleeding became worse. Marius pressed his one hand upon her chest to lessen the bleeding and grabbed the letter with the other.

        "Marius, do me a favor. When I am at rest please kiss me to show your love. This is all I ask of you. I love you, Marius" Marius began to weep. He touched her pale face.

       "I'm here, I'm here." Tears dripped onto her wound.

       "This rain will make the flowers grow Marius."

        "I must read this to you," Marius cried as her saw Enjolras look over. Enjolras gasped. His eyes filled with tears.

         "Dearest Eponine, you wonderful sole. Stay safe tomorrow for me. I don't want you to get hurt. I love you, Eponine. If I am to die, which is most likely, do not weep, I will always live within your heart. I love you and I do not know how to express it. Eponine, I will always be with you. Love, Enjolras"

        She raised her hand towards Marius' face but she lost all strength. Her breath stopped and she was at rest. The last thing she felt was a pair of lips touching her forehead.