004-- action

[ospreyed]

[Guess who's back, back again? Epiny's back, tell a friend.

Or don't, but come December 30th, you can spot Eponine making her way back to Cabin 11, wrapped in a new sweater, a gift from Enjolras. She's pale, her makeup completely gone, and walks as though, for the first time in her life, she's unsure of where she's stepping. She's wearing Dave's sunglasses again, of course, to hide the deep circles under her eyes, and, more startling than anything, is just now thin she looks.

Because for the past month or so, Eponine has, in case you missed it, living in the Big House, going through all sorts of withdrawal.

So you know how your liquor became milk, pot became easter grass, and cigarettes were replaced with candy cigarettes? That's her fault.

But you'll find her back, and even more withdrawn than usual. If you were one of the lovely people to come visit her, well... Thank you.]

Comments

[ospreyed]

[if there's anything else in the room, she is completely unaware of it. It's just her and Charlie, and even he's hard to see sometimes. Before she realizes it, she's on her feet just the same, hardly recognizing the words out of her mouth as her own.]

Because I hate myself! Because I want to die, Charlie! I want to kill myself! THAT'S what you don't understand!

[moointhedark]

[Just like that, Charlie deflates as if he's a balloon and her words are sharp enough to pop.

Eponine wants to kill herself. He feels numb and his mind races at thinking about a world without one of his favourite people.

The only thing he can manage is a soft, mumbled:] But I don't want you to die...

[ospreyed]

I don't care what you want. [The words are out before she can even consider them, and she knows she's just hurt him. Hurt him deep. She reaches out behind her, grabbing on to the upper-bunk for support.]

All my life everything has been for everyone else, Charlie. Drugs? Alcohol? They were for me.

[moointhedark]

[That hurts too. He wants to run away and hide under the bed, takes a step backwards toward the door. But no, he can't leave her. Not yet.]

Then can I help you?

[ospreyed]

How? [With one hand, she wearily wipes at her tears.] I'm past help.

[Somewhere inside of her, a laugh bubbles out.] You picked a real bad role model in me, kid.

[moointhedark]

I-I dunno know... I'll figure something out, though! Promise! You don't have to be alone or anything 'cause I'll always be your friend...

[ospreyed]

Charlie? Can I... Can I hug you? Would that be okay? [He won't figure anything out. She has no hope of that. But she wants the comfort, and to hold him.]

I just hope you can keep that promise.

[moointhedark]

'Course! [He nods eagerly -- anything that brings her happiness at this point. He holds his arms up to her, ready to wrap Eponine in another hug.]

And I mean it, I really do! I'll try my hardest.

[ospreyed]

[She wraps her arms around him. She's lost weight since she went through withdrawal, and wishes he won't notice. But he's already seen so much. How he can still be her friend is amazing.

Eponine drops her head to rest on top of his.] I know. I believe it. Thank you, Charlie. You're amazing. And one of the most genuine people I know.