Even if the Barricade Should Fall

Chapter four

I didn't get much sleep last night. I lay awake thinking about Enjolras of all people, contemplating the pros and cons of... him.

I woke up and my first thought was him, wondering why he was so cold in the beginning. How we managed to argue so much in such a little time frame and get under each others skin. Then again, on the contrary, how I felt a buzzing tingle at the mere touch of his hand, and how I saw a the passion for new world and fire in his eyes... but did he feel the same? Did he just hold my hand to keep me put... more importantly did he feel it when we touched, that strange feeling that ran through me, like a warm shiver or something.

I got up and ready, I was going on another trip into town, this time escorted by Courfeyrac.

"Goodbye Father!" We called as we left.

"So... was he angry when I left last night?" I asked Courfeyrac, looking at the ground.

"A little but his anger turned to worry when it got dark..." he answered, I nodded in response.

"You know, I got lost last night... someone helped me home..." my gaze remained on the road as a small smile crept up on my face.

"Oh yes? Who?" He nudged me lightly.

"A man... well, a boy really" I could feel his stare on me but I intently held my focus down so he wouldn't see any reactions.

"A boy, huh?" He teased, I nodded again.

"Yes..."I blushed.

"Really? And what was the name of this mystery stud?" He stopped and crossed his arms, taking on an interrogation stance.

"I'm not telling" I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Very well... I'll just find out for myself, when will you be seeing him again?" His stance remained strong.

"Courfeyrac please don't get involved! I don't even know if I like him as a friend, there's no need for your input... he's kind of different from your everyday gentleman" I squinted, trying to find a way to describe Enjolras without saying too much.

"Alright, but if there's any problems-" He threatened my mystery man.

"I know, Courfeyrac. Thank you"

We arrived in town finally after an awkward walk of me trying to avoid answering questions about Enjolras. We spent time just wandering around for a bit until Courfeyrac suddenly had to leave, no say in where he was going. I decided to go into the bakery while I waited, also I told the boy that I would meet him again. On my way up the street, a little body with blonde hair and blue eyes came rushing into me, the force from his bash knocking him back and onto the floor.

"Oh my dear! Are you alright?!" I immediately crouched down and grabbed his tiny hand, beginning to slowly help him up.

"Yes, I'm terribly sorry Miss!" He his little voice spoke the words of a little man.

"That's quite alright little man, just try and watch were you're going! The streets are incredibly busy on Saturdays!" I explained to him, propping him on his feet.

"I will do Miss! Have a nice day Miss!" He gave a small bow before scurrying off like he was late.

"What a sweetheart" I couldn't help but say out loud.

"Hello again, Miss Genevieve" a familiar face emerged from the bakery.

"And hello to you monsieur...?" I replied, waiting for him to fill in the blank.

"Julien" he answered with a smile.

"I knew you'd come back" he said, putting an arm on my waist. It's not that I didn't find him attractive, I just didn't feel a spark, or something special... like I felt with Enjolras...

"Yes, well my brother took off somewhere so I thought I'd come by and see a familiar face" I smiled, slowly trying to remove myself from his grip.

"Great, you look beautiful today by the way" he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand nervously, his hand firmly planted on me.

"Thank you monsieur, but I really must get going" I put my hands on his chest and lightly pushed him off  of me.

"Will I see you soon?" He called after me.

"I'll be around" I turned my head to direct my voice his way.

I walked back down the road and turned round a corner I've never been round before, I was eager to explore Paris with the freedom father had recently granted me. Sitting right in the middle, at the end of the street, was a building named 'Café Musain'. It looked closed and out of business but I could see people upstairs through a large window.

Young men, boys really, not one looking older than 26 maybe? Maybe even younger, all gathered around a table excitedly chattering and some having a laugh. I understood it was hardly my business but I couldn't help but venture closer to get a better look.

Through a small gap in between laughing boys, I noticed one was sitting, I couldn't see much but I could make out a white shirt and a finger eagerly pointing at paper in front of him... then he stood up and removed himself from the crowd.

Although the signature burgundy jacket wasn't there, like I told him I could recognise his golden locks anywhere. Enjolras stood in the gaping window of the Café Musain, gazing out at his view of Paris.

I quickly ran and hid down the street to the Café's left, but so I could still see him through a smaller side window... but soon my view was blocked by a very familiar face.

Courfeyrac now stood above me, luckily not looking down or he would've seen me in an instant. I pressed myself against the wall of the Café praying I was to far beneath him for him to see me.

"Right, that's all for today boys! It'll be dark in an hour get yourselves home, and Grantaire for gods sake put down that bottled will you?!" Although I couldn't see him, I could tell that was fire boy, I stood there listening to his voice ring out.

I snapped out of it and realised that the boys, including my brother, would come hurdling out the Café any moment now.

Courfeyrac came out the Café, so far I had gone unnoticed but of course the moment my brother comes out a cat clumsily knocks over an empty tin can that was sitting out in the street. Courfeyrac immediately turned to see what the noise was and saw me, back pressed to the Café Musain and hand over my mouth trying to keep myself quiet.

"Genevieve what are you doing here?" Courfeyrac walked over to me and whispered, grabbing my arm, but still making sure not to hurt me.

"I took a wrong turn and saw you in the window. Why did you leave me?" I tried to struggle free from his grip as he practically dragged me down the street I was hiding in.

"That doesn't matter Gen, it's dangerous here!" He stressed to me, still speaking in a low volume.

"How? What were you doing in there?" I stopped walking, we were already out of the alley and into the main streets by now.

"That doesn't matter" he looked away from me. Then it hit me... was he revolutionary? No, he couldn't be, not Courf... but then again I knew Enjolras was a revolutionary so it made sense for a meeting to be taking place in that matter.

"Yes it does! Tell me!" I started to draw passerby's attentions.

"Genevieve we're going home" he leaned closer to me, keeping our conversation private.

"No!" I held my ground, almost deliberately drawing attention to us to annoy him.

"Genevieve!"

"No!"

"Fine! Walk yourself home! Supper will be ready at seven" Courfeyrac lost his temper with me and began walking away.

"I'll be home at nine!" I called after him bitterly.

I walked back down the alleyway, I didn't know where I was going and yet again the adrenaline had over taken me and I was lost...