It had been a day and a half since she'd blown up at Erik. She'd wanted to stew in her own anger and disappointment for bit longer, but she couldn't. She just couldn't. It wasn't possible.
She missed him too much. Perhaps she even loved him more than she'd ever rationally loved another person. But she didn't care about that.
She was well aware that he was crazy about her too, despite what his recent actions indicated. He'd been trying to explain but at the time she hadn't been ready for it. Now she was.
There was no promise that the explanation wouldn't make her angry all over again, but it was a chance she needed to take. If they were to ever get back on track, they'd need to communicate.
Since she was the one to ask for time, she'd have to be the one to instigate it. Otherwise, Erik would probably overthink and let it fester far longer than nessacary.
Thankfully, she'd been released. Which meant they'd have all the time in the world and she could finally satisfy her cravings for decent food.
She ensured she had everything and made her way to the hospital's phone. She dialed Erik's number and waited patiently. Christine was only half way worried that he wouldn't answer the call.
Thankfully, he did on the third ring. Rather than let him say anything, she cleared her throat.
"Hey, Erik. It's me." She didn't say anything else, mouth falling shut.
The reason she'd been so eager to speak hit her like a ton of bricks. She wanted him to have some sort of proof that she wasn't angry at the moment. It was the only downside of knowing him as well as she did.
"Hello, ma chèrie. Do you need something?" Erik responded almost immediately, his tone warm yet hesitant.
Christine nearly melted against the wall, her eyes falling closed. Despite just recently hearing it, his voice was still one of the best sounds she'd ever heard. It was soothing. It gave her a sense of safety.
"Mhm. I've just been released. I was wondering if maybe you could come pick me up?" She asked, nibbling on her lower lip.
Before she had no reason to doub that he'd agree to pick her up. Before she knew that he'd do it without hesitation. But as things were right now? She couldn't afford to let herself hope too much.
The longer the silence on the other end seemed to drag on, the more uncertain she became. It wasn't entirely rational as she could hear him moving around, but she couldn't help it.
"Hey! I'm sorry! Had to get my shoes and such on. I'll be there as soon as possible." Erik finally informed, causing her to jump slightly.
She'd been too lost in her thoughts. A wave of relief washed over her and she found a small smile forming on her lips despite herself.
"Thanks! See you soon!" She responded, keeping her tone level.
She sat the phone down after he hung up and headed out to wait in front of the hospital. She didn't want to be stuck inside for any longer than she really needed to be.
Once she got things cleared up with Erik, she'd have to talk to her boss and find out if she still had a job. That was something that would require all of her attention and thus she couldn't risk being distracted by her relationship worries.
If her boss spotted even an ounce of weakness, he would exploit it to the best of his abilities. That was what the ass did best and how he got his desperate employees to work far longer shifts than they really should be.
He even did that sort of thing to the seasonal employees , promising them full time jobs but never delivering. He was the trashiest person but he paid well. He legally had to.
She didn't have to wait long. Not in the slightest. A jolt of joy filled her when she spotted the familiar car. She leapt to her feet and rushed to the car just as it rolled to a stop.
She waited long enough for him to unlock the passenger side door and got in once he had.
Erik was very much surprised when she immediately leaned over and yanked the mask off. He opened his mouth to protest but he was stunned silent when she kissed his cheek. He gaped at her, opening and closing his mouth like a fish.
Christine nearly giggled before putting the mask back in place, sighing as she shook her head. He simply arched a brow.
"I thought I made it clear, Erik? The problem was never your face. Now get us out of here." Christine requested sweetly enough, leaning back in the seat.
"Ah. Forgive me if I still find that surprising. It's nothing to do with you." He uttered somewhat awkwardly.
She simply nodded as he put the car into drive. He didn't speak up again, opting to let the sudden silence continue for lack of anything better to say.
It dawned on him that she wasn't exactly clear where he was to take her once he picked her up. He hadn't asked during the call and she certainly hadn't bothered to clarify.
"Where are we headed, darling?" Erik questioned, clearing his throat slightly.
Christine looked at him as if it should be obvious, eyelashes fluttering delicately as she blinked at him. Maybe it was obvious and he was just being stupid.
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to go to your place. We have a lot to discuss and it's closer than mine." Christine finally informed, nibbling her bottom lip.
He felt horrible for making her nervous, but it couldn't be helped. He'd rather know for sure than be presumptuous and make it much, much worse.
"That's more than fine with me, chèrie. We can even stop at a restaurant or something. I'm sure you're ready for actually decent food." He found himself rambling.
It was embarrassing until he received the brightest grin in response. It was like seeing the sunshine for the first time in a long time. If he was anywhere but behind the wheel, he'd be basking in it and the way it warmed him.
Erik did his best to ignore the pit that formed in his stomach when he realized something though.
He'd have to tell her about the consultation he'd made with the plastic surgeon. That was sure to go over well.