Only Through Love

Part 4

Erik was the first to wake the next morning. Careful not to wake Christine, he got up and pulled on his trousers. Christine rolled over, hoping Erik would wrap his arms around her. When she felt nothing, she sat up and looked around. He was nowhere to be found. She hurriedly got dressed and exited their room. As she was walking past the other compartments, Erik silently came up behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder as she spun around.

"Oh….Erik, you scared me." She said out of breath.

"Where did you go?" He looked at her for a moment then said,

"I needed some air, that's all." She sighed with relief as he led her back to the room. When they arrived, breakfast was already awaiting them. After breakfast, Christine packed up their belongings and put them on the cart. When she was through, she climbed into bed with Erik and snuggled up to him.

"Erik."

"Hmmm?" she leaned over and kissed him.

"I love you."

"I love you to mon amour."

As the train came to a stop, passengers were bustling about in the halls. Erik and Christine were still asleep when the train came to a stop. Erik woke abruptly when his head collided with the headboard.

"Ouch!" He rubbed his head and got up, hearing people outside the door.

"Christine wake up love, we're here." She didn't wake. Erik gently shook her shoulders.

"Christine please wake up." Her eyes fluttered open to see Erik looking at her.

"Erik what's going on?" He sat down next to her on the bed. "The train has stopped in Scotland love." Christine lept up.

"Erik would you help me with my corset?" As she put it on, Erik laced it up and helped her with the dress. She sat down to lace up her boots when a sharp pain shot through her. Erik looked at her concerned as to what was wrong.

"Just a little sore from last night. It'll pass."

"May I assist you in any way?" She smiled weakly at him and handed him the luggage. "Yes, you can carry this." She handed Erik the bags and they headed out the door.

"Let's go or we'll miss our stop." They exited the room and headed for the main door when a little ran up and hid behind Erik's legs.

"Please help me monsieur, please." He looked at Christine in confusion before answering the little girl.

"What seems to be the problem little one?" She began to cry profusely against his trouser leg when two men came up to them, a sickening look on their faces. The larger man spoke first.

"If you would be so kind as to give us back the girl, we will be on our way." At this the girl clung tighter to Erik's leg.

"Please don't let them hurt me again, please." She whispered to Erik. For the first time he looked down at the child hidden behind his legs. Her face was dirty and bruised and her clothes were grimy and tattered. He knew what they did to her and he grimaced at the thought.

"I will do no such thing, for you see I can easily report the two of you for taking her innocence by force." The two men gawked at his response. "You little whore! I should have killed you when I had the chance. At least you where goo-….." He didn't finish because Erik's enraged fist hit him square in the jaw.

"How DARE you violate a child! She has done nothing wrong. If I ever see you near her again you won't live to see the next day!" Both men took a step backwards and retreated to their compartment.

"Last call for Scotland." Erik picked up the small child and exited the train. Once it pulled away, he brought the girl to face him.

"What is your name little one?" She hesitated for a moment then spoke.

"Aurora." Erik smiled.

"Such a beautiful name. Now, lets get settled for the night shall we." He hailed a carriage and headed off to another inn.