This face which earns a mother's fear and loathing. A mask, my first, unfeeling scrap of clothing.

-France, 1840 ~ Cosette's P.O.V.-

    Four years passed since Erik was born. He was a strong, beautiful, and healthy child. He was so sweet and loving. It was so hard for me to look at him with hate in my eyes but love in my heart. He looked at me with such innocent love. His first word four years ago was "Maman!" and I had to act with hate. I hated myself for doing it, but there was nothing that could be done about it.
    "I love you, Maman." Erik said suddenly one day. I couldn't reply how I so desperately wanted to. "I love you too." I whispered under my breath before I replied, "That's wonderful." Erik's big, beautiful yellow eyes welled up with tears. "Do you love me, Maman?" He cried softly. I turned my head to avoid him seeing me cry. I wanted to say, "Of course I love you!" But I couldn't. Instead, I just didn't reply.
    Another day, long after Erik's bedtime, I sat on my bed, sobbing. I didn't notice him creak open the door with his little fingers and stare up at me. "Maman?" He asked softly. I gasped and turned to face my beautiful boy. "Yes Erik." I replied softly. "Why are you crying? Are you hurt?" He asked me innocently. I wish I could tell him exactly how much I was hurting. "No, Erik. I-I'm not hurt. I was just thinking about your Papa." I said quietly. I didn't have the heart to be mean to him tonight.
    "What was Papa like?" Erik asked me sweetly. "Erik, you really should get to bed." I told him sternly. He looked up at me sweetly, begging for me to tell him about Marius. "Not tonight, Erik. Maybe some other time. I promise I will tell you about him soon. Okay?" I tried again. Erik nodded and gave me a hug. "Goodnight Maman. I love you. I hope you're not sad anymore." He whispered to me. I smiled. "I lo- I mean, Goodnight Erik." I said softly. "I love you." I whispered as he left my room.
    Erik had never seen his face before because I loved him too much to inflict that kind of pain on him. I realized that if I was going to act like I hated him, I might as well play the part as much as it killed me. I started sewing a mask in secret, a mask that would hide his face from the world.
    One day, Erik caught me as I was finishing the mask. He was 5 years old at the time. "Maman? What is that?" he asked cautiously. I held up the mask made out of old clothing that was rough and unloved. "Erik, my son, I think it's time you saw your face for the first time." I said nonchalantly, but my heart felt grave. I led him to our only mirror and with a heavy heart, showed him his face.
    His blood-curdling scream will forever haunt me. He screamed for a long time after seeing his horrifying face. "Maman! It's a monster! Save me!" He screamed hysterically. "The only thing that will save you is this mask." I said coldly and held up the mask. Erik quickly grabbed it and put it on his face. He cried and cried for a long time after that, and I couldn't comfort him. I just scared him for life and I felt like the worst person in the world.
    They say there is a small line between hatred and love. I once used to love myself, but now I think I crossed that line. I completely loathed myself, not my son like he was led to believe. But there was no going back now. My poor Erik would be sent on the worst journey of his life come his 6th birthday.

Author's Note: Cosette is very cruel in this, and I hope y'all understand that it's because she's gone absolutely crazy. She loves her son but fears for his life, so she pretends like she hates him. It's essential for this part of the story, however sad it may be.