(A/N : Brace yourselves...a long chapter of little people has arrived! I just thought of this and HAD to put it in! Enjoy!)

Chapter 3: In My Life

 There are times when I catch in the silence,


The sigh of a faraway song!


And it sings
,

Of a world that I long to see,


Out of reach…


Just a whisper away,


Waiting for me!

 ~~**~~

Paris, July 1824

 8 Years Ago

 The small blonde girl sat, quiet and patient, minding her Papa’s stall in the busy street of St. Riché. She steadily read her tattered book, blocking out the noise of France to concentrate on tales of monsters and magic; her hair falling past her shoulders in a neat plait tied with blue ribbon. Clutching the book near to her face, she lent back in the tall stool, lips pursed as the story deepened, blue eyes wide. The golden loaves were still warm, the heat could be seen radiating in the summer light, their scent drawing in the people as they passed. Her legs swung in a steady rhythm under her simple beige skirt, as she was not tall enough to touch the ground. Every moment she would unconsciously pull at her white top, slowly un-tucking it as the day continued.

All of this was observed from across the street. Hidden by the darkness of the alleyway corner and the fast paced crowd, was a young boy. He watched the baker’s daughter intently with the good childish curiosity that all boys have. For an hour every day, he sat and watched, imagining what she was thinking, what she was reading and what she would say to him…what would she do if she saw him? But, he would never know. He always had to leave and join his friends. Did she have any friends? He never saw any. The girl did not attend the local school (if she did he was sure she’d be in his class) but she could read extraordinarily fast for her age. He knew this because every other day she would finish the book, snapping it shut, and then she would sigh, looking at the cover with content, and finally begin to read again. It was always the same book; he could never get close enough to see what it was called, though he wanted to, so maybe he could buy her a new one. But, the boy was too shy, so he kept to the shadows and watched her instead. He liked her, she was pretty but there was something else about her. Something…something he couldn’t really describe at his age. 

Joleigh hummed a sweet melody as she turned the pages, oblivious to the people watching her. 

There was a beggar girl, a year younger, observing her as well. Her face was dirty, her brown hair knotted and wild. Her clothes were in tatters, the flat hat she wore on her head was the most expensive thing she owned. Truthfully, it wasn’t hers, but neither was the shoulder bag she carried or the contents rattling inside it. In this girl’s world, stealing was the way of life, her parents taught her that. Today was like any other: she was going to steal again. Her baby brother was starving, he mewled throughout the night for food but there was nothing to spare. Her toddler sister was screaming this morning. Bread was perfect. Soft and fluffy, it would be easy for the children to chew and it got rid of hunger fast. The baker was never at his market stall, he kept to his bakery; entrusting the job to his daughter. The street rat saw that the girl was unaware of her surroundings. She kept her stupid nose in her stupid book. The girl wouldn’t even notice if the whole stall disappeared!

When the boy saw the beggar girl move towards the stall, his eyebrows knitted together in confusion. At first, he thought that his friend knew the baker’s daughter…that she was going over to greet her. He was perplexed when she slipped around and behind the stall, unnoticed by the blonde girl. The boy stood, brushing his curly hair out of his face and ran to hide behind a corner closer to the stall. His friend had gone to the opposite side of the stall, her eyes wandering over the variety of bread. Was she going to buy one? No, that wasn’t her style. He knew what the beggar girl was planning. Suddenly, this boy felt very angry; he wanted to protect the book girl.

The sea of people passed by quickly, nobody would notice if she took a loaf or two. Quickly checking if the police were around, the beggar girl silently opened her shoulder bag and slipped the nearest roll into it. Although it was small and cracked, it smelt so good; so delicious that her mouth watered, her large brown eyes gleaming proudly. Suddenly the baker’s daughter sat up and shifted in her seat. The girl had already ducked down. A few moments passed and she peaked over the edge to see the silly blonde buried in her book once again. The people in St. Riché were too busy and too tightly packed to notice. The beggar girl almost laughed to herself. This was too easy! Carefully she stood. When the baker’s daughter didn’t react, she reached out for another roll; this one was long and crispy. In one swift motion she shoved it into her bag. The baguette was too long, and the beggar girl grumbled, trying to shove it further down; yet it peaked out the top.

His friend was struggling to put her stolen loaf into the bag. This was his chance. Forgetting his shyness, the boy stormed up to his unaware friend and grabbed her arm tightly. The beggar girl froze in shock, her bag slipping to the floor and the contents rolling onto the street. “ ‘Ponine, what do you think you are doing?” He hissed, shaking her arm roughly. Eponine glared up at him, now trying to pull herself from his grasp.

“Enjolras?! Leave me alone! I’m doing nothing! Gerrof me!” the boy just tightened his grip, as the girl squirmed.

“Give them back, right now!” he pointed at the bread, which was now half inside her bag.

“Shut up!” She anxiously looked at the blonde girl.

“You’re not a thief Eponine!” Enjolras growled, his blue eyes blazing.

“What are you talking about?” The beggar girl looked up at him afraid. Are you mad? -Is what he read in her eyes.

“Stop it!”

“Shh!”

“Eponine-“

“Leave me alone-“

“I’m so sorry!” A voice interrupted. The two dirty children looked to see the baker’s daughter sliding off her stool, blushing a deep red. “I didn’t see you, would you like to buy something?” She asked pleasantly, her blue eyes wide and innocent. “It’s fresh! My Papa made it this morning.”

“Eh-um…” Enjolras stuttered. She was looking at him. She was talking to him. He couldn’t process anything that was happening. Eponine, who had taken that moment to break free of his grasp, dove to the floor, gathering her belongings and shoving them into her bag.

Joleigh blinked, her smile turning into a small ‘o’ as the tall boy looked at her. He was blushing; his golden curls falling into his clear blue eyes and a charming smile spread across his lips. She could feel the redness rushing to her cheeks. He’s just a customer. She told herself. She broke off her gaze and turned to see the little brunette crawling around on the floor.

“Let me help you!” She felt terrible for not seeing her before.

“No I-“ The girl started, but Joleigh was already on her knees, picking up the random and curious objects that the girl owned.

“You own some pretty things…” Joleigh laughed, holding up a jeweled bracelet. The grimy girl’s dark eyes widened and quickly snatched the bracelet out of her hands and shoved it into her bag. Joleigh watched as the girl stood held the bag behind her.

“I’m sorry I can’t buy anything.” She muttered and turned to leave, the large bag swinging on her back. The girl froze when a baguette tumbled out and rolled to Joleigh’s feet. Joleigh gasped and stiffened. 

Enjolras snapped out of his little trance and grabbed hold of Eponine before she ran. The girl struggled, growling various words at him that no little girl should know. He was embarrassed and angry that stupid Eponine would ruin his first encounter with the book girl.

“I’m so sorry for what she did, I-I can repay you in any way, please, forgive her she’s just being- please don’t report her. Eponine’s just-“ The baker’s daughter smiled softly at the pair. She quickly grabbed the baguette off the ground and shoved it underneath the stall. Enjolras watched in shock as she took three fresh loaves and moved to Eponine. The beggar girl stopped struggling when she saw the blonde shove the loaves into her bag.

“I’m sure you have a good reason for trying to take them.” She said softly, wiping her hands and flicking her plait over her shoulder.

Eponine didn’t know what to do. She quickly looked inside her bag, checking if she wasn’t dreaming. The food was there. She blinked at the girl.

“Th-Thank you,” Was all she could manage. The baker’s daughter smiled wider.

“Your name is Eponine?”

“Yes.”

“That’s a pretty name.” Eponine turned red with embarrassment. Her grip tightened on the strap of her bag.

“Um-thanks.”

“What’s yours?” Enjolras asked shyly. Shyly. The little girl looked at the older boy puzzled. She didn’t know Enjolras had that sort of emotion.

“Joleigh Accord.” The blonde beamed. “And you?”

“Enjolras.”

“Enjolras…?”

“Just Enjolras.”

“Ah…well-nice to meet you Enjolras. Just Enjolras.” Joleigh held out her hand for a handshake. Enjolras took it, and placed a light kiss upon it. Eponine rolled her eyes.

“I’m going to go now.” The beggar girl stated, looking at the boy. “Are you coming?” Enjolras didn’t even look at her. The boy and the baker’s daughter were just staring at each other. Eponine grumbled and turned to leave.

“Ponine!” Enjolras exclaimed.

“What?”

“I’ll see you later, at the drinking fountain. Be there at two. No later.” He commanded, sounding more like Enjolras and not this squeaky show off he suddenly became.

“Fine.” With that, the beggar girl sprinted back to the shadows, excited to make her family proud.

When Eponine disappeared, Enjolras looked at Joleigh. She was watching the people pass. He knew a word to describe her, the most fitting word: angelic.

“That was very kind of you. Not many people would give to the poor so willingly.” He said. Joleigh turned and looked at him.

“People should give to people. The poor are people too.” She shook her head sadly. “Everyone is equal aren’t they?”

“Yes.” There was a pause of silence. Enjolras thought deeply. What she said was right; at the end of the day…everyone is someone...rich or poor. This made him think. He dug his heel into the ground.

“Was she your friend?” Joleigh asked suddenly, clambering back up her stool.

“Well, a friend of a friend…of a friend.” Enjolras laughed.

“You must have many friends!” She joined him, her laughter like a trickling stream.

“I guess so. Don’t you?” Joleigh frowned slightly and Enjolras almost kicked himself.

“I don’t get to meet people often.” She looked down and kicked a pebble with her toe. Enjolras was surprised, how could nobody know this perfect girl?

“Why not?”

“I don’t go to school,” He already knew this. “My Papa teaches me.” This he didn’t. “I need to help him with selling bread, so I don’t really have time.”

“Why don’t you just talk to someone passing by? There are many of us around.” Joleigh turned bright red.

“It’s not as easy as it seems…”

“You’re talking to me aren’t you?” Enjolras beamed and she giggled.

“You’re kind, and easy to talk to.”

“Thank you!” He mock bowed and she laughed again. The sound of church bells rung through the hot air. It struck twice. A spark suddenly burst into little Enjolras mind. He brushed his curly fringe out of his eyes and grabbed Joleigh’s hand. “I think I have an idea, Joleigh Accord.”

“And what is it, ‘Just Enjolras’?”

“Would you like to meet my friends?” Joleigh blinked in surprise, her lips parted into a happy gasp.

“I would love too!” She jumped off her stool and hugged him. “Hang on! I must ask Papa! Come with me!” The little girl grasped his hand tightly and dragged him down the street until they were at the entrance to the local bakery. “Stay here.” Joleigh ran up the steps and pushed open the door, ringing a bell inside. Enjolras was breathless with excitement. He leant against the building, shaking his head in disbelief. He couldn’t make sense of his emotions. It was as if his life had stopped, yet this strange new one had scarcely begun. When Joleigh appeared, she made them return to the stall. “I can’t forget this.” She stated, grabbing her worn book off the counter and clutching it to her chest. Enjolras nodded, tilting his head slightly, trying to read the title. He wasn’t very good at reading. Giving up, he took her small hand in his and the couple ran through the streets.

~~**~~

 Joleigh had to admit she was nervous. Enjolras was nice, but who knows what his friends are like! As they approached the drinking fountain, she could see a little group of boys and sunk behind her new friend. “Are you okay?” He asked, looking back at her.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She knew he could see through her. He smiled kindly and gave her hand a light squeeze. When they were in sight, the boys perked up

“Oi! Look! It’s Enjolras!” They got up from slouching on the fountain and ran towards him. Joleigh stood slightly away, frightened that she’d do something embarrassing.

“What took you so long?”

“You’re never late!”

“Where’s ‘Ponine?”

“You shout at us when we are, now here you are!”

 “Yeah!” At least seven boys gathered around their friend, jumping and hitting and doing all the peculiar things boys do. Joleigh watched in awe and confusion. The group reminded her of one of the short stories she read. What were they called? She couldn’t remember…but they looked like what she imagined; scruffy and dirty, with mismatched clothes and gap-toothed smiles, their eyes searching for adventure and mayhem in the magical world they lived in. They had a leader too, who could fly and take children from the world to his world, where the adventure never stopped. Was Enjolras the leader to these lost boys? Ah! Lost Boys, that’s the name. Suddenly, a little boy smaller than the rest appeared from behind the drinking fountain and stared at her. He cocked his head slightly; making his black curls fall to one side of his head.

“Who’s that?” one of the other boys said, pointing at Joleigh. The girl turned to them, but kept watch on the black haired boy in the corner of her eye. Silence drifted around the small corner of the street. Enjolras quickly went to Joleigh’s side and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“This is Joleigh Accord. The baker on St. Riché’s daughter. I want you all to treat her with respect and welcome her to our-um-group!” Joleigh blushed and stared at the ground.

“We have the same names!” One of them said at last. The girl looked up to see a hand in her face. “Name’s Joly, how do yah do?” The boy beamed, he had kind grey eyes and short chestnut hair.

“Good thank you.” She took his hand carefully, but he shook it so hard that she was bouncing.

“I’m Combferre.”

“Bahorel.”

“Lesgle.”

“Jehan!”

“Feuilly.”

“And Coufeyrac!” He smiled, dimples appearing at the sides of his plump face. With two strides he wrapped her into a hug, spinning around. Joleigh giggled. “Welcome to Les Amis!”

“Les Amis of what?” She asked confused.

“Well…I dunno. Each other?”  Enjolras said sheepishly, sitting down on the edge of the fountain. The boys cheered; Combferre clapped him on the back. The small black-haired boy watched him, slowly creeping out of the shadows. Joleigh saw it and walked towards him. The boy backed away. Joleigh frowned confused.

“That’s Grantaire, don’t mind him, he don’t talk much.” Lesgle stated bluntly, sitting next to Enjolras and twirling his fingers in the drinking fountain. Grantaire stepped forwards slightly, allowing himself into the light. He was wearing a small flat cap on top of a mass of uncontrollable charcoal curls. His knees showed through the holes in his trousers, his vest was a moth eaten fading green. Grantaire looked cautiously at her and the rest of the boys. Joleigh curtsied at him, holding the edges of her skirt out lightly.

“Bonjour Monsieur.” She said softly and politely. Grantaire was taken aback in shock. Never had he seen a girl do that to him. He didn’t know what to do. Awkwardly, he copied her, bending his knees in a diamond shape and quietly replied;

“Bonjour Mademoiselle…” When the older boys laughed he shrank back into the shadow, his shoulders hunched in embarrassment. Joleigh scolded them and they instantly shut up. For some strange reason this new girl had an effect on them. Enjolras watched in amazement as Joleigh followed the strange boy into the darkness. After a few moments there was the sound of hushed voices and a contagious laugh. Joleigh proudly walked back, Grantaire trailing at her heels.

“So what are we going to do?” She inquired innocently, placing a gentle hand on Grantaire’s shoulder. The boy lit up with a new boldness, and tried glaring down his nose at his friends. When he got to Enjolras, Grantaire paused and reddened, looking to his feet again.

"Eponine still isn't here." Combferre pointed out.

"When is she ever on time?" Jehan chortled.

“Umm… how about 'kick ball'?” Coufeyrac suggested, tapped his bare foot on the cobblestone in thought.

“Well we can't, ever since Feuilly,” Bahorel clopped his friend over the head. “Lost the ball, we have nothing to do.” Feuilly rubbed his head in pain and growled.

“How about…no…”

“Err…”

“What about…nah…”

“I know! Wait…never mind, I forgot.” This continued on for quite a while. Joleigh was now sitting cross-legged and tugging at her braid in polite and silent boredom.

“Aha!” Joly exclaimed, pushing himself up. “How about we go to the Thenardiers?”

“Joly that’s a stupid idea.” Enjolras stated bluntly. "They hate us. You remember what happened last time?" The boy pouted and sat back down with a huff. Grantaire mumbled something. “What?” The blonde asked, and the little boy looked at him with wide eyes. “Have something to say Grantaire?” He coughed and looked Enjolras in the eyes, his cheeks red.

“Um…no.” Grantaire said softly, fixing the angle of his cap.

“What?”

“Nothing!”

“Okay…” The little boy was looking at him weird. A weird way that Enjolras couldn’t really explain. It was like the way his mother or Joleigh looked at him. Something along the lines of admiration and...Enjolras shook his head and sighed. The kid was strange. He watched as Grantaire leaned up and whispered in Joleigh’s ear.

“Hey! What did yah say?” Lesgle shouted. Grantaire ignored him. Joleigh beamed and pulled her book out from behind her. Immediately, this action caused commotion amongst the boys, resulting in them crowding around her. Enjolras smirked and wandered over last, shoving Jehan out of the way, so he could sit next to Joleigh.

“I can read to you if you want? It’s what Grantaire suggested.” she said excitedly, glancing at every boy before looking to Enjolras. His heart flipped.

“Why would we want that?” Courfeyrac sneered. “School’s ‘nough for me!” Enjolras glared at him, though Joleigh didn’t seem to mind. The blonde girl shrugged her shoulders and traced her fingers along the creases of the cover of her book.

“I doubt what she reads is anything like what we have to in school.” Combeferre pointed out, and sat down. “Besides, Courfeyrac can’t read.”

“Can too!” the boy snapped. His friends laughed.

“Try it then! May I?” Combeferre held his hand out for her book. When she gave it to him, he pointed to the cover. "Read this." Courfeyrac, accepting the challenge, took a deep breath and squinted at the text.

"T-tal-ees Off a Wol-or-d-...Off a Wold? Wolrd?" Combeferre gave the book back to Joleigh.

"Point made." He laughed. Courfeyrac grumbled and crossed his arms. 

"Since we don't have anything to do today, I think we should just let Joleigh do the honors of entertaining us." Enjolras proclaimed. Eventually the boys obliged and huddled around the baffled little girl. They watched her intently. 

"Well...okay then...um..." Joleigh cleared her throat and straightened her back. Blushing, she read the cover, "Tales of a World Long Forgotten."

"I was close!" Courfeyrac yelled, but Bahorel quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Sounds pretty," Jehan blushed. "Is it poetic?"

"Ew, I hope not!" Joly stuck out his tongue. "Why do you even like poems? They're boring." Jehan looked like he was about to cry.

"There's a variety of stories..." Joleigh smiled taking Jehan's hand. "I'm sure everyone will like at least one of them!" With this, she began to read. 

From that lazy afternoon, began a new life for the book girl. It was a summer never to be forgotten. It was the start of new friendships, that would last the years to come. Joleigh was young and unafraid of the outside world, as it did not matter to her little mind. How long ago that seemed...now it was just a distant memory. She longed for that world to come back. She dreamed that herself and the boys could live in harmony once again, with no fighting, no rebellion. No death, pain or suffering.

But, there are dreams that cannot be.

~~**~~

 Ah! I'm sorry for it being so long! There are literally a thousand ideas for Joleigh's memories it could almost be made into another book! ... ... ...Hmm... ;)

Please tell me what you think! Also, who likes the new cover?! 

-Grantaire/Kat xx