A/N:Once again, sorry for the delay. You are now back with the two love birds. Maybe this chapter will help you and me decide which man Maria needs to be with. Please read and review.
Chapter Twelve
The Caregiver
Erik placed Maria down on the bed and took in the damage. Maria's face was bloody and bruised. Her chest was also starting to turn an ugly purple color. He slowly started to pull her blood-stained blouse off. He could see that she was having trouble breathing, and he could understand why. She had one of those horrid corsets on. After he removed her blouse, he the cut the corset away. He could tell that she could breathe better. He finished undressing her and pulled the blankets over her under dress. Finally he got a wash cloth and started to clean the blood off her face.
He couldn't believe that anyone would do anything so horrible to someone like her. He wiped away the last spot of blood and noticed a small gash at the tip of her eyebrow. He examined it closely. It was a small wound that had already started to heal. He gently placed a small piece of cloth on the wound as a makeshift bandage. He pulled up a chair and watched her. He wondered if she would come back this time. He prayed that she would. She had so much to give, and he had so much to tell her.
The night passed and a new day dawned. Erik had not moved all night. Maria had only made soft whimpering noises. He had examined her again and discovered that she had a fever making. He quickly started putting cold wash cloths on her head. He hoped that that would break it. He looked at her as the lair started to fill with morning light. Her face was horribly bruised. Her right eye was swollen shut, her bottom lip had two splits in it, and at least two ribs were cracked. Her breathing was quite labored, but she was making it.
Erik changed the small bandage over her eyebrow and decided to go above. Maria would need more clothing and medicine. He didn't want to go into the world, but he had to. He grabbed his cape and hood. He gently pressed his lips to Maria's forehead.
"I will be back soon," he promised in a whisper. He tied the cloak and disappeared into the bright, sunny world above.
Erik returned two hours later. He had gone into Maria's room and got three of her work dresses and many skirts and blouses. He had then gone to the general store and collected bandages, ointment, and washcloths. He finally stopped at the small café and market to buy some fruits, vegetables, meats, and a fresh bottle of red wine.
Now he stood over Maria, who had not moved since his departure. He felt helpless and more alone than ever before.
"Come back," he whispered. "It is not your time."
Erik could feel the tears welling in his eyes. He had so much to tell and show Maria. He turned away from her sleeping form. He started the music box and went to the organ. Perhaps his beautiful music could bring her back.
Maria opened one eye slowly and painfully. She could hear the small chimes of familiar music. She went to sit up and stopped. Pain was shooting through her face, and it felt broken. She could tell that one eye wasn't open all the way. She lay back down and tried to figure out where she was.
The room had rock walls, and it seemed as if she had been here before. There was music echoing through out the place. Then it hit her where she was. She was safe; she was with Erik. She closed her eyes, listening to the small music box and the organ.
The melodies began to softly fade. Maria opened her eyes once more only to hear silence. She looked up and saw Erik walking toward her.
"Erik," she whispered.
Erik looked over at her, hearing his name whispered faintly. He could see that she was awake and half alert. Then he noticed her face. Her cheeks were bruised and had a little blood still stained on them. He felt a wave of sadness pass over him. If he had only gotten there sooner. He walked up next to the bed and sat down. He gently touched Maria's unharmed cheek. She closed her eyes and rested her face on his hand.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
Maria sighed. "My face feels like it has been destroyed, and my side hurts."
Erik slowly reached over and pulled out the washcloth. He moved it up and down her worst bruises. Maria winced every time he pressed against her jaw.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"It's alright," she managed to say through clenched teeth.
Erik looked at her. He wanted to hold her close and protect her. She lay back against the pillows and sighed.
"Get some rest," he said, kissing her cheek again.
Maria felt tears welling in her eyes as he pulled away from her. She hated herself for being so cruel to him. She turned away, looking at the small music box. Erik followed her gaze and started it back. Maria looked at and reached out. He turned to her.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Play another song for me," she said with her eyes pleading.
Erik nodded. He could feel a small smile play across his lips. He caressed her cheek and walked back to the organ.
Maria closed her eyes as he started to play. Soon sleep took over her body.
Erik finished the song and walked back to the small bedroom. She stopped in the doorway. Maria was lost in a peaceful sleep.
The next morning the sound of an angry fist on organ keys awoke Maria. She sat up, noticing that sometime during the night Erik had dropped the black curtain. She gently pulled the cord and tried to stand. She soon realized that she was in her under dress. She held the sheet as she tried to find something to cover herself with. She spotted a disregarded white shirt. She grabbed it and slipped it on. It was one of Erik's with a wide neck that came down to her thighs. She pulled the neck closed a little more and walked out.
Erik was sitting at the organ with candles and sheet music about to smother him. His head was resting on the music holder. He was holding a pencil in one hand and a notebook in the other. He sighed and began to play again.
Maria watched from a distance as he played. Even with her blurry eyes she could see that he was lost in the motions of the music. She leaned against the wall for balance and support. The music was starting to carry her away. Then suddenly there was another loud slam. Maria's eyes flew opened, frightened.
Erik threw the sheet to the floor and stood up. He started to pace, hoping it would calm his nerves. Then he stopped. He eyes had locked on the beautiful Maria. She was leaning against the wall with her hair down and all dressed in white. Even with her bruised and swollen face, she still looked radiant.
"I didn't mean to wake you," he stammered.
Maria smiled and walked toward him. She took slow, cautious, and deliberate steps. She was also holding onto everything that didn't sway when she touched it. She took a step and tripped. Erik went to catch her, but instead Maria grabbed at the mirror nearby. The huge curtain that covered it fell away, revealing an unscarred, perfect surface. Maria looked up in the glass at her disfigured face. She couldn't even see where the once bright, rosy cheeks had been. All she could see was Buquet's handy work. She placed her face down in her hands and began to sob.
Erik had watched as Maria looked at her face. She could not see what he still saw. He could see the bruises, the cuts, and the welts, but he could also see the Maria he adored so much. He could see those beautiful eyes dancing, her cheeks red from singing or making a fuss, and he could barely see the small gash that would plague her perfect face forever. He walked over and knelt down beside her. He put an arm around her and pulled her to his chest.
"Maria," he whispered with a melody playing in his voice.
Maria sniffed and looked up at him. Her good eye was puffy from crying, and her bad one was to swollen to open.
"Don't cry," he said, holding her tighter.
"Look at me," Maria nearly shouted. "I have to be the most horrid woman to ever live."
Erik gently cupped her face in his hands. "You are the most perfect woman I have ever met. You are kind, gentle, and caring. You're also strong and very, very beautiful."
Maria scoffed at the last part. Erik quickly placed her on her feet, facing the mirror that he couldn't look in. He placed his hand over the marks and left the other side.
"The woman I adore is not in that mirror," Erik said, turning Maria to him. "She is right here." He gently placed his hand on her heart.
Maria looked up at him and placed her hand on top of his. She then smiled.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"You're welcome," he said, placing a small kiss on her cheek. "How about we have something to eat?"
Maria nodded. "I hope you don't mind, but I borrowed your shirt."
Erik turned to her with a smile. It was the first one that Maria could ever really recall. She smiled back.
"It looks better on you."
