Running

8

Running Eight

Grantaire pulled up in front of a quaint little cafe called Le Musian.

Eponine turned and smiled at him, "French?"

Grantaire nodded, "My friends are all connected to France in some way, like me and you. That's kind of why we ended up becoming friends, I guess. That and we all have the same passion to help the less fortunate in the community."

Eponine couldn't really say anything to him. She used to be one if the less fortunate of the community. Some would argue that she still was. She liked that people like what her family used to be have someone on their side now. Even if the adults don't want to listen, the kids at least have a chance.

Grantaire quickly hopped out of the car and opened Eponine's door for her.

"Are you sure I won't be intruding?" she asked timidly.

"Of course you won't. I'm sure they would love to meet you."

With a charming smile, Grantaire offered her his arm and she took it gladly. She would need support since she was meeting the men who had "researched" her.

The cafe was small but lovely inside, and Eponine's could easily see why Grantaire and his friends spent their time there. He led her over to a long table in the back corner where there was a group of men sitting. One of them saw the two coming and waved at them.

"Well, Grantaire's brought a lady!" the one who waved announced.

Grantaire huffed, "Can it, Courfeyrac," then he turned to the rest of them, "guys, I would like to introduce my friend and neighbor, Eponine."

A blonde man with glasses smiled at her, "Welcome Eponine. I am Nicholas Combeferre, but my friends just call me 'Ferre. I teach philisophy here."

After Combeferre introduced himself, the rest of the group did as well. There was Marc Courfeyrac, a history professor. He was the one who waved. Next came Feuilly, Boussett, Bahorel, and Jehan. Feuilly was an art professor and Jehan taught creative writing, specializing in poetry. Boussett and Bahorel both taught Health courses. Hugh Joly was a doctor who also taught classes in the medical school at the college. The last person to be introduced sat with several folders of documents spread out in front of him. The blonde man introduced himself as Gabriel Enjolras, law professor.

Eponine already felt a little overwhelmed by all the introductions, but she tried to keep it from showing. There were two seats vacant in between Joly and Enjolras, so Eponine took the one by Enjolras, closest to the corner of the room. It was cozy there, it felt safe. The men began to carry on conversations, and Eponine just observed them, thinking it would be nice to have such a close group of friends, friends almost like family. Enjolras wasn't participating in the conversation much, too focused on the documents in front of him, so Eponine mustered up her courage and spoke to him.

"What are you reading over?"

He looked up at her and she swore his eyes could see right into her soul. It unnerved her.

"It's notes from some of my students' mock trials," he answered.

"So they aren't real trials?" Eponine clarified.

"No. They are scenarios and such that I made up to give them courtroom practice before they have to deal with a real case. You could read over them if you'd like."

Eponine shook her head, "Thank you, but I'm sure they're way over my head."

Enjolras leaned in close to her, "Are you - or were you - Azelma?"

Eponine looked down, her throat going dry.

"Yes, but Azelma was my sister."

Enjolras just leaned back in his chair, with not really anything to say. Eponine could tell he wasn't really an emotional person. About that time, Bahorel slammed his fist on the table in the midst of telling a joke, and Eponine jumped in her seat, her heart hammering loudly in her chest. She didn't think anyone had noticed, but then she saw Enjolras looking at her in a peculiar way. She stayed pretty quiet for the rest of the night, content to watch the guys interact. She made it through the night with only flinching a few times when some of the men made grand hand gestures, making the memories of Marius's beatings surface to her mind. Most of the men eventually left until it was only a few left. When Grantaire left with Courfeyrac to walk out to his car to give Courfeyrac something back of his, Eponine felt vulnerable with just her and Enjolras sitting there. She figured he would just keep focusing on his cases, but when he closed the folders, all those hopes faded.

"Who are you running from, Eponine?" he asked suddenly.

"Excuse me?"

"I know that you're running from someone. Someone abusive. I've watched you tonight and you jump or flinch at loud noises and big motions. And you picked the name of your sister who passed many years ago to be your new identity, so I would guess you're running from a boyfriend or husband?"

Eponine was too astonished to be mad. How had he done that?

She stared at him wide-eyed, mouth slightly ajar.

"How did you know that?" she rasped, barely above a whisper.

He smiled slightly, giving himself more of a friendly air, "You remind me of my sister. She was in an abusive relationship, her husband."

"Oh. Then your sister and I are very much alike."

"No, no you're not. You had the courage to do the right thing. You made the right choice, Eponine. You did what you needed to do to survive. My sister, Brielle didn't have that courage. She didn't try to get help or even help herself. Brielle believed she could change that evil man, and she held that belief until the day he put her in the hospital and ultimately killed her," Enjolras explained.

"I'm so sorry," Eponine gasped.

"Me too. But I try to tell everyone I see like her to get out, make a real life for themselves. And I commend you for having the courage to do what most women would not have," he smiled.

"Thank you, but it will always haunt me. You won't tell Grant any of this will you?"

"Of course not. But you should tell him, you know, especially if this man is technically still your husband. Grantaire and I have our differences, but he is a very good, kind man. He'll be there for you, and if you ever need to talk, I'll always listen. I know you barely know me, but I want to do anything I can to help, if only for my sister."

"Thank you, Enjolras. I needed that. And I will remember your offer. I'm sure your sister thought the world of you."

Grantaire returned then, keeping them from continuing their conversation.

"You two seem to be hitting it off," Grantaire commented.

Enjolras smirked, "Don't worry. I'm not going to steal your girl."

Grantaire just glared at Enjolras in return.

"Are you ready to head back home, Eponine?"

"Alright."

The two said their goodbyes to Enjolras and were on their way. Once they reached their quiet little street, Grantaire pulled into his driveway and walked Eponine over to her house. They stood on the front porch under the dim light, and Eponine smiled at him.

"I really liked your friends. You seem like one big family."

Grantaire chuckled, "I guess you could say we are."

They fell silent, just looking at each other. Grantaire reached over and brushed a stray strand of hair put of her face and behind her ear. And then just like that, he leaned in and kissed her. It was a simple kiss, but Eponine felt it from the top if her head to the tip of her toes. When they broke apart, she smiled.

"Goodnight, Ep."

"Night, Grant."

After Eponine shut the door, she leaned back against it and bit her lip. She liked him. She really did. Running a hand through her hair, she realized she had to do something she really didn't want to do, wasn't ready to do. Eponine had to tell him about Marius.