Running

12

Running Twelve

Eponine and Grantaire's relationship only got stronger. They still weren't sure what they were going to do about Eponine's marriage, but they were going to try to figure it out. Eponine emphasized to Grantaire that Marius was a dangerous man, and she didn't want anymore contact with him. Eponine also got much closer to Grantaire's friends. She found that she had her own little family. Eponine loved it there.

One afternoon, Eponine decided she'd go to the campus and surprise  Grantaire for lunch. She was walking through the quad when someone suddenly grabbed her from behind, lifting her into the air. Panic set in, her heart nearly bursting out of her chest until she heard that familiar laugh that made her tingle all the way to her toes. She smiled as Grantaire sat her back on the ground.

When Eponine turned around, she smacked Grantaire on the arm playfully.

"Grant, you scared me to death!"

He smiled, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to surprise you."

"That's funny. I came here to surprise you for lunch!"

Grantaire quirked an eyebrow, "Great minds think alike, my love."

He leaned down and placed a long kiss on her lips, pulling her close. They heard some people snicker beside them, and Grantaire smiled against her lips.

"Some of my students," he explained after pulling away, "Their in college, yet they still find their teacher kissing someone amusing. Not quite grown up yet."

"I suppose not. Where should we eat for lunch?" Eponine asked as she intertwined their fingers.

"Hmm. How about the sandwich shop on the corner? I have to be back in an hour for my next class."

"Sounds good to me."

Lunch was simple, yet delicious. It didn't matter what they did, as long as they were together, they were happy. On their way back, Eponine decided to ask Grantaire something.

"Grant, would you be willing to do something with me?"

"I don't see why not," he smiled.

"Could you go to Azelma's grave with me?" she asked quietly.

He stopped and stared down at her, "Of course. Just tell me when, and I'll go with you."

"Thank you."

Reluctantly, Eponine had to tell Grantaire goodbye for the time being, but she knew she would see him again in a few hours.

****

Marius threw several items into an overnight bag. He's finally gotten the time off, but he was hoping it would be a short trip. Find Eponine, bring her home, then carry out her punishment. After packing, he shoveled down a quick meal. He had to get to the car rental place before they closed. It would've been much easier for him to drive his own car, but he couldn't have Eponine recognizing the car and running again. No, she would definitely not be running from him again. All ready to go, he shut of all the lights and locked the doors. It was time to bring his wife home.

****

A few days later, Eponine opened her front door to Grantaire.

"Are you ready to go?"

She nodded. Her heart was already heavy with grief. She hadn't been able to visit Azelma's grave since she was much, much younger. If she didn't face her grief now, she never would.

Eponine shut the door behind her and walked with Grantaire to his car. The journey to the cemetery was almost completely silent. Eponine just had to tell him when cemetery, then they didn't speak again. Grantaire could feel her tension and sadness, so he placed a hand on her thigh, trying to let her know she wasn't alone. When they pulled up to the cemetery, Eponine pointed him in the right direction. Grantaire parked right next to the walk that led to Azelma's grave and turned the car off.

Eponine turned to him, "Could you give me a moment alone please, before you join me?"

"Of course."

Eponine smiled at him before exiting the car. She walked slowly to her sister's grave, not ready to feel her heart ache. Once she reached it, she sucked in a breath. There it was. Her simple gravestone. The only things etched on it were her birth and death dates along with the name Azelma Rose Thenardier. Tears immediately pooled in Eponine's eyes, and she let out a shaky breath.

"'Zelma, I am so, terribly sorry. I should've done something, anything to help you. I miss you, 'Zelma. I miss you so much. I think about you everyday, and it still hurts so badly. I just hope that you know how much I love you. I always have, and I always will," she cried.

She broke into sobs, letting out her grief for her little sister. It wasn't long after that, Eponine felt Grantaire's arms encircle her waist from behind.

"Are you alright?" he questioned.

"As alright as I can be," she sniffed.

"I can tell you loved your sister very much. I have no doubt she loved you too."

"I miss her almost more than I can bear," Eponine turned in Grantaire's arms, "I don't think I can stay here any longer. Can we go?"

Grantaire nodded and took her hand, leading her back to the car. Although before she slipped into the passenger seat, he managed to sneak a kiss to her cheek.

****

Marius couldn't believe his eyes. Not only had she run away, but Eponine was cheating on him as well. He was there at the cemetery, parked a good distance away. But he was still close enough to see that other man come up behind her and wrap his arms around her. Who did she think she was? He watched as the two walked back to the car hand in hand, utterly disgusted. She had no idea what was coming her way. After tonight, Eponine was going to wish she'd never even thought of the idea to run away from Marius.