Erik stayed awake. He knew that Christine was afraid of him. He got out a bottle of wine and poured himself a glass, thinking about just how he could change Christine's mind about him. When the glass of wine was empty Erik poured himself another. He drank glass after glass until the bottle was empty. When it was Erik turned to whiskey. He was just barely drunk, but that was enough.
Erik had actually taken a long time drinking and Christine was awake. When she went out to the main chamber Erik had his head down. Christine thought he was asleep and decided to sneak away. When she walked past him Erik's head shot up to look at her. Christine didn't notice she just kept walking.
"Where are you going Christine?" Erik asked, his words slightly slurred. Christine gasped and looked back frightened. "I said where are you going?" The wine and whiskey were talking for Erik. He rose and went up to Christine. "You weren't thinking of leaving were you? You're mine now Christine, mine."
"I wasn't going anywhere Erik." Christine said frightened. She could smell the wine and whiskey on Erik's breath. Erik grabbed her sprained wrist roughly and pulled her around so her back was facing the lair. He tried to force her onto her knees and as he did so there was a loud snapping noise and Christine screamed in pain.
Her scream broke through the cloud covering Erik's mind. He looked down at Christine who was cradling her wrist, rocking back and forth. He realized instantly what he had done.
"Christine, I'm so sorry. Let me see it." Erik said kneeling in front of her. Christine whimpered and backed away. "Christine please! Holding it like that will only make it worse. Let me help you."
Christine still looked wary but slowly extended her wrist. Erik gently took it and guided Christine to her feet. He took her over to a corner of his lair, and got two small, thin pieces of wood to use as a splint. He wrapped Christine's wrist with the two pieces of wood holding it still.
When he was done he pulled Christine close to him and hugged her. Christine buried her face in his shirt and let him hold her. She never would have done this had anyone else been there, but she needed comfort, and Erik was the only one around to give it.
Erik was truly sorry that he had hurt Christine, and he told her this, he whispered it in her ear as he held her close and let her cry. He cursed himself for allowing himself to do such a foolish thing, which resulted in his little angel's injury. How he hated to see her hurt and in tears.
Christine cried into Erik's shirt for a half-hour. He had lifted her up, and carried her to the bed and sat down with her. She curled up on his lap, and just cried. Erik rubbed her back, and ran his fingers through her hair.
Erik was elated; he thought that Christine was finally warming up to him.
After awhile Christine looked up and spoke; "Erik why did you do this to me? Why?"
Erik looked down at her. "Christine I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to break your wrist. I had a little too much to drink. It was a very foolish thing to do. Please forgive me."
"Not my wrist Erik. Why are you keeping me prisoner here?" Christine's eyes filled with fresh tears.
"I love you Christine. You are like my daughter, and I would do anything to protect you, and I'm so sorry that I hurt you. I never wanted to. I never ever intended to harm you. Oh, Christine." Christine had buried her head in Erik's chest again with fresh tears.
It was true; Erik really hadn't meant to hurt her. He never wanted to harm his little angel. He wanted her safe and happy. But he realized that she might never be happy if she stayed here; safe yes, but never happy. This realization hurt and Erik blocked it from his mind. He kept telling himself that in time Christine would be happy.
Christine knew that somehow she had made Erik angry. She also knew she would have to watch her step around him from now on. He may be gentle now, but how long would it last? Christine knew she had to get away. But for now she would be careful and do her best to keep Erik happy.
