Chapter 21. Bloody Elbows and Living Arrangements.

Christine had been shot in the elbow, and the doctor said she may never be able to bend that arm again, or she won't be able to without causing her ulnar nerve to pin and needle. My poor Christine who had been so flawless now had a hole in her arm joint the size of a quarter.

And then there was the awkward part. Erica knew.

Sitting there in the waiting room that was empty except for us was torcher. Neither of us spoke, until Erica broke the silence.

"Are you really my father?" She asked.

"I believe so. You are certainly not Raoul's and I am the only other one besides him who could be."

She reached over and hugged me and said. "Can I call you Papa?"

I smiled and nodded, putting my arm around her.

Then the doctor came out with Christine, who's arm joint was covered with bandages.

Erica and I both stood up quickly and said. "Is she going to be alright?"

"She'll be just fine. Now she has to keep the bandages on for some time, but she should be good as new by then."

Erica ran and hugged her mother then frowned at her and said. "You have some explaining to do."

Christine got on her knees and said. "Erica, Mr. E and I were good friends before I married Raoul, and Raoul has left us with him."

"The Fool Boy left?"

Christine stood up and looked at me.

"I only said that once." I said.

"I have a question." Erica asked. "If he's my father then why don't I, um, look like him."

"You take after your mother in looks."

"Oh. Another question. Where are we going to stay now?"

Christine frowned and said. "I guess in the hotel until something happens."

"Something did." I replied. "You may stay at my home, I'm hardly ever there anyway."

"Oh thank you Eric but I…"

"Oh Christine, please stay at Eric's home while you are. He is sure it's better than a hotel."

Christine looked at me and said. "Um…"

"He is speaking in third person again, isn't he?"

"Um yes." Erica said. "Does he do that a lot?"

"Yes he does."

I took them back to my small apartment, and Erica started to fall asleep, so I carried her then when we got my apartment, I woke her and put her down to open the door then took her to the guest room where Christine tucked her in bed.

When she fell asleep, Christine walked out and closed the door and said. "Thank you Eric. You've been so kind."

"I can do nothing ells for you, by trying anyway."

She kissed me and said. "I forgave you for all that for years ago."

"Oh Christine you should not forgive Eric for that, he was acting dreadfully selfish."

"Eric you did it out of a love that turned to obsession."

"Oh but Eric does not deserve to feel love. After all, he is a living corpse."

"No. No you aren't." She said and kissed me again, and this time I kissed her back.

And of like that night so long ago, I found myself sitting her on the bed, both of us undressed.

"Oh Eric…" She said.

"Christine, what of Erica?" I said between kisses.

"She's sound asleep."

"What of your husband?"

"He left me."

"And my face?"

"It's beautiful in my eyes."

"I don't want to hurt you…"

It only hurts the first time."

"Oh Christine say you want me…"

"I need you."

I took her in my arms, kissing her neck all while knowing it was wrong, yet I didn't care.

and yet it still isn't over! and that is not the last you see of Raoul...