I'm sorry this chapter is so short. I'm suffering from a "small" writer's block. HOWEVER, I make sure to write at LEAST 3 pages a day. Well, here's the three pages. It will get better, I promise. :)

Chapter 7

From Hospitals to Home

Erik stretched before opening his eyes. It was the first time in four days he was able to sleep. He had spent almost every waking minute at the hospital. He opened his eyes, and his thoughts went directly to Corrine.

"I have to go," he told himself as he jumped out of bed, and hurriedly dressed.

He opened the door and saw Theresa waiting outside his room for him.

"I was wondering when you were going to wake up. Sarah and I fixed some food for you and Madame Giry. We figured you oculd take it with you to the hospital."

"Thank you Theresa, and thank Sarah for me."

Erik could see in the girl's face that there was more she wished to say.

"Is there anything else?" He said trying to sound annoyed.

She fidgeted before telling of her concerns.

"Well... Sarah and I have been talking it over... And... Well, Mme Giry's been at the hospital this whole time. Shouldn't she have a rest? She must really be exhausted."

The simple question shocked him. It took him a moment to realize that Mme. Giry had been at his and Corrine's side ever since that first night. His mind went back over the last four days.

All the times she held his hand, or gave him some words of encouragement. The times she worried about him not sleeping or eating. All the times he'd walk in and see her sitting by Corrine, and holding her hand. Surely she wouldn't have done any of that unless...Unless she really did care about the two of them. Either way, he knew Theresa was right, Mme. Giry must be exhausted.

"I'll see to it that she gets a well deserved rest," He told the girl.

Erik quietly walked into Corrine's hospital room. The last time he'd seen her awake was the time she'd asked him to sing to her. He expected her to be asleep this time as well. A lump came to his throat when he saw Corrine slightly propped up, and awake. She saw hiim standing in the doorway, and broke out in a big smile. Her smile... It was like the sun coming out after a storm. How many times in the last few days had he prayed to see just one more smile?

"Erik, I do hope you brought me another rose for my collection," she gently chuckled.

"Well, it's nice to see you haven't lost your sense of humor," he said as he handed her a single rose, and kissed her.

He turned to greet Mme. Giry. Her face was pale, she had bags under her eyes, and she looked as though she lost twenty years in the last few days. It only brought to mind Theresa's concern.

Before he could say anything, the doctor came in.

"Ah, I see you're still awake. I need to check your stitches young lady."

Erik flinched at the doctor's words.

"Why didn't I realize she'd have stitches? Stitches always turn into scars. My perfect beautiful angel will have a scar."

That thought made him want to weep, but he held himself in check.

Erik and Mme. Giry left the room, so the doctor could check her. It wasn't long before the doctor came out smiling.

"Corrine is healing nicely. If her fever doesn't return, then I see no reason why she couldn't go home within twenty four hours."

Erik was so happy that he could've easily hugged the doctor.

Erik and Mme. Giry were sitting in Corrine's room the next afternoon listening to the doctor's instructions...

"I want Corrine on complete bed rest for at least two weeks. You'll need to check her stitches three times a day. If there's any redness, bring her back here pronto. Also, I don't want you to do any walking," he said looking directly at Corrine.

"Also you are restricted to lift no more than ten pounds for a month, and NO housework. You need to give your body time to heal. I want to see you back here in five days, so we can remove your stitches. Now remember complete bed rest, and NO walking!"

"I'll see to it that she obeys your orders," Erik spoke up.

Erik walked over, and picked Corrine up. He then turned to the doctor.

"Thank you for everything."

The sincerity in his voice caught the doctor off guard.

"You're welcome Erik. Take good care of her."

"I will, that's a promise."

"It's so good to be home," Corrine sighed as Erik carried her into the opera house.

There was a crowd of people waiting for them. Erik knew that they just wanted to welcome her back, and they were relieved that she was better. However, he also knew that she needed her rest.

"Corrine and I thank you for your generosity and kindness, but she really needs to rest. Please let us through."

They divided down the middle, and let them pass. Some gave her flowers, while others just stood there smiling. Erik carried her right past her room.

"Erik? Where are you taking me?" she asked curiously.

"You'll find out soon enough."

It didn't take her long to realize that he was taking her to his lair.

"I would be fine in my own room. You don't have to go to the trouble of taking me down there."

"I know that, but I thought you could use the privacy and quiet."

He laid her down in his boat. The gently rocking motion lulled her quickly to sleep. She didn't stir when the boat stopped and Erik carried her to the swan bed.

Day by day Corrine improved more and more. Only Erik, Alec, and Mme. Giry knew Corrine's true whereabouts. Everyone else was told that she was "sleeping" and not allowed to have visitors. Since Erik couldn't bring himself to check her stitches, Mme Giry would check them for him. In three months time, Corrine was as good as new. Except , of course, the ten inch horizontal scar on her abdomen. That was the ONLY reminder of that night.