Running

15

Fifteen

Eponine had finally healed completely and was feeling much better. With encouragement from both Grantaire and Enjolras, she began to see a counselor who helped her work through her issues that years of abuse had brought on. She had gotten quite acquainted with Grantaire's friends and they welcomed her in with open arms. Eponine had her own little makeshift family. She was truly happy for the first time since she could remember. And she was deeply in love. Grantaire was her real Prince Charming. He wasn't just her boyfriend, but he was her partner in crime. He was always there for her. In the occasional time that they disagreed, he never raised his voice, and he never, ever acted like he was going to hit her. He was tender and loving and gentle. She couldn't have asked for a better man. 

Because of the incident, authorities questioned Eponine, as well as Grantaire,, but it was quickly affirmed that it was self defense. Neither one faced any sort of consequences. With Marius's death certificate, Eponine was free. 

One evening, Grantaire showed up at her door with a bundle of daisies, dressed in his usual fashion, a button up and a vest. 

Eponine smiled, "What's this?"

"I was thinking an impromptu date night?" he grinned. 

Eponine's heart fluttered, "Okay, but you'll have to give me time to get ready."

"Take your time," he said, stepping inside and taking the daisies to the kitchen. 

Eponine disappeared to her room upstairs and got ready as fast as she could. As she stepped down the stairs, she took Grantaire's breath away. She wore a light blue, polka-dotted sundress with white sandals. Her dark hair fell around her shoulders in loose waves. 

Grantaire cupped his hand under her chin and kissed her soundly. 

When they finally pulled away, Grantaire smiled at her, "You are so beautiful, Eponine."

         She combed her fingers through his dark, wavy hair, "And you are quite handsome."

He kissed her forehead before grasping her hand, "Shall we go?"

Once they were in the car and on the road, Grantaire spoke again. 

"I have a surprise. Then I was thinking we could get something to eat?"

"Sounds perfect," Eponine smiled. 

When they pulled up outside of the college, Eponine eyed him curiously, "Are we going to the theatre again?" 

"Well yes. After all, this was where our first real date was, and I thought we could celebrate."

Eponine slipped her arm through his and they walked into the dark, empty theatre together, and Grantaire flipped on the overhead lights. 

"Have you ever been on a stage before?" he asked her. 

She shook her head. 

"Well, it's an exhilarating sight. Especially when it's just you up there and the lights are down and you can see the entire theatre."

The description alone made Eponine's heart beat faster.

"It's sounds wonderful, but terrifying."

Grantaire smiled mischievously at her and tugged on her hand, "Come on."

         Before she knew it, they were on the wings, leading to the stage, the heavy red curtains keeping the view of the theatre hidden. He gestured for her to walk out onto the wooden stage, and she did. She walked until she stood center stage, staring at the wall of curtain. The curtain began to shift, and she realized that Grantaire was opening it. He was right. The view was breathtaking. There she was alone on the stage, looking out into an empty but beautiful theatre. She immediately imagined herself as a Broadway Starlet, smiling here after her standing ovation.