Before either Erik or Christine knew it, the week was nearly over. Christine had been with Erik for about five days, lying in his bed and helping him take care of baby Evangeline. Of course, Erik was doing an excellent job with the child, bathing her, changing her, keeping her company. He'd even gone out and purchased some fabric so Christine could sew the child a new blanket and a jumper to keep her warm during the cold winter nights, along with materials to create a little bassinet. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.
"You're looking much better, Christine…" the masked man said, pulling her skirt down after he had finished examining her. Erik had made it a priority that he check on her condition every day, at least once. He wanted to make sure she was healing and that he give her the proper treatments, whether it be a bath, rags, or other remedies.
"That is good news…" she said in return, though she was a bit distracted by her little baby, who was snuggled close in her arms. Christine slowly raised her eyes from the child and looked over at Erik, giving a soft smile as he made sure she was covered. "Thank you…"
Erik gave a nod before standing, pondering something for a moment. "Christine… would you like to try and walk around a little bit?" he asked with furrowed brows, for he was still in thought.
Christine sat up a little more. "Walk around? Erik, you haven't let me leave bed for nearly a week. And when I do need to get up, you've carried me. Are you sure I am ready to get up and walk around?"
A small chuckle came up from Erik's throat as he went to her, taking the child from her arms and bringing her over to the makeshift bassinet Erik had built for now. He kissed her head and laid the sleeping child down before returning to Christine. "I just want to see how you are doing. I want to see if it hurts when you walk. Come, I will help you up."
He went to her, taking her hands into his and helping her slowly stand. Christine was reluctant at first, but listened and finally stood on her feet. She clung tightly to Erik, for it did hurt her a little to stand up. Erik noticed this and held her close, wrapping an arm around her and laying his hand on her hip to support her. "It's alright, Christine… you tell me when you want to lay back down."
She nodded, taking in a breath to calm herself and trying to take a step. Oh, how had she walked so much after being thrown out of the hospital? This pain was horrid! "I-I can't go far… it hurts…" she whimpered, holding tightly to his arm and squeezing her eyes shut.
Erik felt awful for making her try and quickly lifted her into his arms, carrying her back over to the bed. He laid her back down and sat beside her. "Where exactly does it hurt, dear Christine?" he asked in a hushed voice.
The young soprano laid her head back, keeping her eyes nearly closed. "All of my injuries hurt. It's like I'm never going to heal!"
"Now, don't say that… I will go run you a bath, or would you like me to get your rags?" He asked, taking her hand and stroking it with his thumb.
Christine looked up to him, slowly opening her eyes all the way. "Just comfort me… that's all I need…" she said softly and shyly.
Erik was a bit surprised when she asked him to comfort her, but he certainly did not say no to it. Instead, he climbed into bed with her, with limited hesitation, and let her snuggle in close. Christine laid her head of wild curls on his chest, wrapping her arms around his warm body, letting Erik do the same.
He stroked her curls gently with his fingers, trying to bring her as much comfort as he could. All was silent in the room until Christine began to speak, her voice quiet and soft as it brushed past her lips.
"Erik…" she spoke, "Do you love me?"
Erik froze, his eyes wide as he stared up at the ceiling. Had she asked that, or had he been hearing things? Oh, she must've! Why had she asked this now? And… what was she thinking about?
He fought to come up with the right answer, and before he realized it, an entire minute had passed by. Christine slowly raised her head and looked down at him, the tiniest frown upon her face as she awaited his answer.
"I-I…. I must be honest and say I was not expecting this question," he said nervously, his voice shaking a little.
Christine furrowed her brows a little, though her eyes were sad. "Does this mean that you do not love me?"
"N-No!" he exclaimed. "Of… of course I love you, Christine… I mean… I l-love you more than anything… I always have…"
She laid her forehead down against his and sighed, her big, blue eyes gazing into his golden ones. "Then promise me you'll never leave me again," she said.
Erik was mesmerized by her intense stare, her twinkling eyes catching him off guard. He nodded slowly, never taking his eyes off of hers. "I-I promise, you have my absolute true word, Christine," he said, meaning every word of it.
Christine slowly nodded as well, knowing that he wouldn't break his word. "Alright… thank you," she mumbled, though not taking her eyes off of his.
What she did next completely shocked Erik, for he had definitely not expected it at all. Suddenly, her lips were upon his, pressing a gentle kiss to them! Oh, she kissed him! An Angel had kissed him! Oh, how he had missed the feeling of her soft lips on his, it had been nearly a year since he'd last been given a kiss!
Erik could hardly believe it! He froze once more, his eyes wide open as she kissed him. The kiss itself seemed to last hours, but in reality, it was only a few seconds long. Once it was done, Christine laid her head back down on his chest, closing her eyes and snuggling back up to him.
"You get one for now, and you can save the other for later," she said, giving a small yawn.
Oh, she truly was an Angel! She'd given him a kiss, and she was saving yet another for him later! He was the luckiest man in the entire world! Erik sat in shock and utter amazement for a little while before pressing a kiss to her head, wrapping his arms tighter around her.
"Christine… you are bright than the sun, the moon, and all of the stars… thank you for letting me cherish you…" he whispered, watching as a smile formed on her face as she fell asleep.
