I am so sorry guys! I've been really busy with school! But now I'm finished with high school so you guys have me all to yourselves, now. I'm currently on break so I will try to update as much as I can!

Chapter Five

"But she's not afraid to die,
The people all call her Alaska,
Between worlds so the people ask her
'Cause it's all in her mind."
-Stephanie Says by The Velvet Underground

Five years later

"Mommy!" Alaska shouts as she catches sight her mother. The little girl, with luminous chocolate eyes and prominent dimples, runs and is caught in a warm embrace.

"How's it going, munchkin?" Eponine laughs while balance on her knees.

Alaska, already the age of five, is small and skinny, just like Eponine was at that age. Her dark hair is smooth with no sign curls, unlike Enjolas' gold locks and Eponine's messy waves. But Eponine prefers it that way; it's easier to manage. The child lookes absolutely adorable in her purple t-shirt and denim jeans and Eponine is still in shock that this little girl is hers.

"I got another book from the library," Alaska informs her with wide eyes of excitement.

"Really? What book did you get?"

Alaska pulls away from her mother's embrace to get the book from within her blue backpack. "Matilda."

A memory flashes in Eponine's mind: the day she found out she was pregnant. She recalls sitting on the couch while watching Matilda. It was also the day before she broke up with Enjolras. Her heart swelled at the memory. "That's a good choice, Baby Jane. I can't wait to listen to you read it."

Alaska is such an intelligent child that it saddens Eponine at how proud Enjolras would be of her. She's been reading books since the age of three, first starting with Alice's Adventure in Wonderland and The Secret Garden. During the winter season, Eponine would read to her the entire Lord of the Rings novel (which happens to be the only fantasy series that Enjolras enjoyed, beside Game of Thrones). Alaska's personal bookshelf is filled with novels such as Coraline, Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Peter Pan, James and the Giant Peach, etc.

"Come one. Lets go home," Eponine says, getting up from her knees and reaching to grab a hold of Alaska's hand.

They both walk to along the sidewalk with Alaska excitedly recounting her day to her mother. Eponine always listens intently and often asks questions here and there. It is a nice routine. Though, sometimes Eponine would do something spontaneous like take Alaska to get some ice cream. Today, she is taking her to Sarah's Burgers, the only place in town that sells such.

As they enter, they are greeted by numerous smiles. And when the waitress approach them, she did not even have to asked what they want. Alaska always orders her usual cheeseburger with no pickles, tomato, salad, or onions. Eponine gets hers without onions.

"So what big news do you have, mom?"

Eponine raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Little Alaska mimics her mother's action. "Usually when you do something like this, it means that you have news to tell me."

Eponine smiles at her daughter's intelligence but the memory of Enjolras causes her heart to clench. "Well, you know that fancy newspaper up in New York?"

Alaska nods. "The New York Times."

"So they may have told mommy that they want her to work there..." Eponine elaborates in a whisper, lowering her head closer as if she was sharing a secret.

A wide smile appears on Alaska's countenance but once her eyes glaze over, the smile disappears. "Does that mean we're moving?"

Eponine reached out a placed a hand on her daughter's arm. "Sorry, sweetie. But you'll like New York. We'll be closer to Uncle Grantaire and Aunt Cosette and we'll visit Grandma every weekend."

"What about the library?"

A lighthearted laugh escapes Eponine's lips. "Oh Baby Jane, the library there is big and full of books."

Alaska stares at her with calculating eyes-so akin to Enjolras-before saying, "okay."

The waitress comes with their orders at hand and they begin to eat comfortably.

xxx

New York University, Sophmore year

Looking back at it, Eponine could not explain exactly how every single detail occurred. The cafe was uncharacteristically empty when she entered through the door. Enjolras was seated at the counter and Eponine looked twice to make sure that the drink in his hand was indeed a glass of scotch. Though neither of them would be considered as close friends, she knew him well enough to know that the great marble statue only drank under tense circumstances.

"Enjolras?" Her voice was uncharacteristically soft, and the steps she took to reach him were slow and cautious; as if he would explode if she was not careful. His mop of gold locks was disheveled-well, in it's usual way. His shoulders were hunched and tense, the muscles of his arms flexing from how he would clench and unclench his fists. The air around him seemed dark and angry, though the man is infamous for his anger. But that anger is usually targeted towards the injustices of society; and it usually does not lead him to consuming glasses of alcohol. "Are you alright?"

He shook his head before he brought the glass to his lips. He took a large gulp of scotch and when he finally put the glass down, it was nearly empty. "Nope," he voiced nonchalantly. "What gave it away?"

"Well firstly," Eponine began slowly. "You look like a complete mess."

"My entire family is a complete mess," he muttered under his breath, though Eponine was not sure she heard right.

As an attempt to comfort him, she placed a hand on his shoulder and immediately the muscles under her touch relaxed. She tried to keep her mind from appreciating the feel of his strong shoulders. Stop it Eponine, she scolded herself. This is Enjolras. And either way, you love Marius.

She suddenly became very conscious and very nervous once Enjolras turned, fixing his eyes on her. He stared at her for what felt like hours, his eyes so vulnerable that was easy to forget that this was the famous Enjolras. The man who was brave enough to say what he honestly thought. The man who was always the center of any protest or riot in school. A man who also maintained a powerful atmosphere wherever he went. Vulnerable was not a word usually associated with him.

She was startled when a hand reached up and gently pushed a strand of dark hair away from her face. His fingers lingered on her cheek, feeling the smooth olive skin. The small action caused Eponine's stomach to flutter and this confused her. Something flashed within his eyes and before she knew it, he leaned closer and pressed a rough kiss on her lips. She tried to resist but, instead, found herself reciprocating the action. She ran her fingers through his hair and his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

This was how the mess started.

xxx

The office was medium size and very neat. Every sheet of paper was perfectly organized and stacked at the edge of the polished desk. The room held an air of elegance and sophistication, the perfect office for a prestigious lawyer.

Enjolras sits behind the desk in a clean, black suit that accentuated his lean yet muscular form. Being the son of the Mr. Nathaniel Enjolras, he was respected among everyone in the building. No one dared to get on his bad side. His stern eyes were enough to cause one to tremble with fear. He was a natural leader and a talented lawyer.

"Mr. Enjolras," his assistant's voice came from the phone. "You fiancé is on the line."

"Okay," Enjolras says, pushing the papers away and reaching for the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, honey," Annabel's voice sounds on the other end of the line. "I was making sure whether we're going to meet up at lunch? Your mother says she barely sees you anymore."

"Yes, I will be there."

"And remember, we have to attend that party next week."

Enjolras rolled his eyes. "Yes, I know. I won't forget."

His fiancé lets out a sigh. "Alright, I'll see you at lunch. I love you."

"I love you, too," Enjolras says almost automatically. He hangs up the phone and continues with his work.

xxx

"Alaska!" Grantaire exclaims as he gets out of his car. He drops to his knees just as Alaska leaps into his arms. Standing by the door, Eponine smiles as she witnesses the scene.

"Uncle R!" Alaska says with much enthusiasm. "Is it true that we're going to live with you?!" She stares up at the man with wide, brown eyes and a dimple smile. Grantaire had a habit of melting at her hands.

"We're going to be neighbors," he clarifies. "Isn't that going to be exciting?!"

"Very!"

"Come on, Alaska!" Eponine says from her spot on the porch. "Get your things and say goodbye to Grandma."

Alaska rushes into the house, leaving Eponine alone with Grantaire. They stare at each other, neither wanting to speak first. Eventually, it was Eponine who finally asked what has always been probing her mind. "Is this the smart thing to do? I heard he moved back to New York long ago."

Grantaire smiles at her and the action is almost comforting. "New York is a big city, Ep. You'll live on one side while he'll live in another."

Eponine looks back at the house and watches as Alaska says goodbye to Grandma Estelle. "Lets hope you're right."

I know I know, I'm so sorry for taking so long. I promise that the next chapter will be longer. Please leave a review! They are always appreciated.