Erik came back a half-hour later.He called Christine's name, and when she didn't respond dread filled Erik's entire being. He rushed to Christine's room, and found her curled up on the bed, shaking with cold. Erik dropped the bag he was carrying and ran to Christine's side. He felt her forehead, she was burning up! Erik then remembered that short time ago when this same thing had happened to his little angel. He tucked her under the covers, and sat on a chair beside her.
Christine was no longer unconcious but she still couldn't open her eyes; her eyelids felt so heavy. She opened her mouth and managed to whisper: "Erik?"
Erik looked up at her, and took her hand in both of his. "Yes, what is it little angel?"
"What's happening to me? Why do I feel so weak?" Christine whispered half sobbing.
Tears welled in Erik's eyes as he replied; "I don't know. But I promise to do all within my power to help you get better."
"Alright. Please, don't let me die like this..."
Erik could no longer control it, tears began to run down his face. "I promise I won't let you die." Christine nodded, and fell asleep again. Erik held her hand and cried. He didn't know how to help her, because he didn't know what was causing the illness. But he would find out, and help her. He let Christine's hand go and got up. He went to the sitting room where he kept the medical supplies.
He got a basin full of cool water, and a wash rag. He dowsed the rag in the water and put it on Christine's forehead. He couldn't give her any of the medicines, until he knew what she had. Oh, how he hated to see his little angel so frail and sick. It tore him apart. He couldn't help but feel it was his fault. If he didn't force her to stay here with him, then she might still be well.
Christine was dreaming about her father. They were in Perros and he was telling her and Raoul stories by the fire. Christine was the age that she was now, and so was Raoul. Then out of nowhere a man in black came between her and her father. He took her in his strong loving arms, and carried her away. For some reason, Christine was glad. Her father didn't care he just nodded and said; "You're right Erik, it isn't her time to join me yet." Then Christine woke up. She found she really was in Erik's arms.
Erik had decided to take her back to the surface. He had just picked her up and was carrying her to the boat. He looked down and saw that Christine was awake. She looked up at him questioningly.
"Where are you taking me Erik?" Christine asked.
"Back to the surface so that you can get well." Erik replied looking away.
"No. I don't want to go back. Papa says it isn't time for me to go. You can make me well again. I know you can." Christine said clinging to Erik's jacket. Erik looked down at her, and smiled weakly. He took her back to her room and put her under the covers of the bed. When Erik sat down on the chair beside her, Christine grabbed his hand, and wouldn't let go. "I'm hungry Erik."
"I will make you some broth." Erik said. Christine nodded and let go of Erik's hand. Erik went and did what he said he would do. He made Christine some broth. He came back, carrying a steaming bowl. He proped Christine up on the pillows. "Do you think you can hold the spoon?" Erik asked quietly.
"I'll try." Christine whispered back. Erik set the bowl down gently on her lap and Christine picked up the spoon; but she was too weak to hold it. The spoon went clanging back into the bowl. Erik looked at Christine with pity in his eyes. His poor Christine was so sick, and weak. Erik picked up the bowl and fed Christine. She was only able to eat half the bowl. She had just drifted off to sleep when a loud electric bell rang.
Erik looked at Christine, but she was still asleep. Erik fumed, how dare someone ring his bell when Christine was sick! He got up and went to see who it was. What he saw from the shore surprised him and made him even angrier, Raoul was rowing up in a boat. Erik decided to wait. He would definatly have to kill this man, there was no doubt about it. Erik reached down to the floor and picked up his lasso.
Raoul saw that Erik had reached for his lasso. He quickly raised his hand to the level of his eyes. He called out to Erik; "Please! I just want to see Christine!"
"She is ill. Besides you no longer have anything to do with her." Growled Erik.
"Ill! Then you must let me see her! Please, she is like my little sister." Raoul was genuinly concerned for her. He had cared about her, but now he knew that she would have to stay with Erik.
"I must do nothing for you. You tried to take my little angel away from me. Besides there is nothing you can do for her." Erik was determined to kill this man, but with his hand at the level of his eyes, that would difficult.
"Please, I promise I won't try to take her. Just please let me see her." Raoul said.
Erik sighed. "Very well. COme this way." Erik led Raoul to Christine's bedside. He kept his lasso at the ready. Raoul knelt down beside Christine's bed and gently stroked her forehead. She felt so hot! Raoul had let his hand drop to his side. Erik didn't do anything for the time being, but if Raoul tried anything he wouldn't hestitate to kill him.
Raoul was worried about Christine. He didn't know what was causing the illness, nor what the illness was. One thing he did know, she would have to go to a doctor. He just had to convince Erik to take her to one.