Chapter 15

Police Station, Nadir's car… July 26-27

Christine's POV

The next three hours were a blur of confusion and explanation. The police showed up, gathered Michael, William, and the six men, and threw them in cop cars. Erik and I were also taken to the station for questioning. Nadir was taken to the hospital for medical attention to his shoulder.

So, we were driven to the station in silence. When we got there, the Grants and henchmen were handcuffed and shouting for their lawyers.

I could tell Erik was nervous being in such a place. I remembered his past and, feeling like he needed a friend, I put a hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture. For some reason, he tensed under my touch.

Our questioning took a long time, the two of us not leaving a detail out. I was forced to retell what William did to me. It felt good to get it all out.

We learned some new information, too. It turned out the Grants had more secrets than anyone thought. They also had tens of thousands of dollars worth of drugs hidden throughout the house. That, the entire situation that had just transpired, and my kidnapping and rape would keep them locked away for a very long time.

Finally, and I do mean finally, we were able to leave. It was dark outside. Erik drove, since Nadir was injured and on a high dose of medication. He lay in the back seat and slept. I sat in the passenger's seat beside Erik.

Once we were driving, I sighed and let out a victorious but soft, "Yes!" Then, turning to Erik, I spoke my mind. "I'm so glad it's over."

"I know you are," he replied gently. "I am, as well."

I whispered a soft, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Without you, we wouldn't have succeeded."

"No, Christine. Without you, we would not have succeeded. You truly saved me. I am eternally grateful."

I smiled and basked in his words. Then, though, I remembered something and gasped.

"Guess what?" I asked nervously.

"What is it?" Erik asked worriedly.

"I still have the gun.. in my pocket." I pulled the small gun out and dropped it on my lap. It scared me.

"Why you do, don't you? I can think of a few times when that could have come in handy." He smirked.

I blushed. "I kind of forgot about it while we were in the house. It's just really small.."

"Yes, it is supposed to be."

"Why?"

"Well, as you know, it is not as noticeable that way."

"Does it still have.. the same effect?"

"To kill others? Yes, it does."

"Oh." We sat in silence again, but I remembered something else. "Erik, your face!"

With one hand, he instantly made sure the piece of black pant from Grant's leg was still in place, and, with the other, he pulled over to the side of the road. With venom in his usually beautiful voice, he asked, "What about my face?"

Of course he would react in such a way! I felt really stupid then. "It's just.. he hurt you, Erik. You've got to be in pain. I mean, he cut you with the blade of a sword. Let me just see how bad it is." I reached towards him, but he shrunk back.

"Christine, what in god's name are you doing? You saw it once, is that not enough?"

I stopped and became a bit angry. "Wait. Wait just a second. You still think I would judge you. You think I would judge you based on your appearance! How immature do you think I am? I mean, my God, we've been through hell and back together! One little deformity means nothing to me. It doesn't change what I think of you."

He turned on a car light and sat there studying me. His intense eyes caused me to blush. "And Christine, what do you think of me?"

Erik's POV

It was a question I was dying to know the answer to. She blinked but then took on a look of confidence.

Her precious lips moved. "Erik, I think you are one of the strongest men I have ever met. You may seem a little rude at first.." She smiled at my raised eyebrow. "But I've gotten to know you. And, after what we've been through, I have to say you're one of my best friends."

Friend. Just a friend. I turned my head and nodded. "As said by the kind Christine," I sadly stated.

"Now," she began, obviously returning to the subject at hand, "Let me see how bad the cut is." She sounded like a concerned parent.

I shrugged, too tired to argue any longer. "Do as you wish. Just.. be prepared."

"Oh no, you think the wound is that bad?" She sounded terrified.

"No," I sighed. "I am referring to my face. I do not wish to hear screaming."

"I would never scream."

There was silence and no movement. I sighed. "Christine, I refuse to remove it myself. If you truly wish to see, then go ahead."

"Ok." I closed my eyes as she carefully removed the black cloth. I winced as the part matted to now dryed blood was released. She gasped. "Erik, how can you not be in pain?" I felt fresh blood dripping down my face.

"I never said I was not in pain, Christine."

"It looks pretty deep. Y- you might need stitches."

"There is no way in hell I am going to a hospital."

"I didn't mean that. I- I could do it. I know how to sew-"

I stopped her before she could say anymore. "Christine, this isn't anything like home economics."

"I know, I know. What I'm saying is, I can do this. I promise. And, if I numb it enough, you won't feel a thing."

"Numbing would not be necessary. I am quite accustomed to pain." I frowned and finally opened my eyes, which met with her deep green ones. So lovely.. "How can you even think of touching this?" I pointed to my raveled flesh. I noticed she was catching the blood coming off my face with the black piece of pant leg.

She rolled her eyes. I was shocked. Then, with a single finger, she lightly touched my cheek. "See? Really, you're making way too big a deal out of this when you should be worried about the wound. I can't believe you're letting yourself suffer like this. Please, let me help you. I want to."

Her words and actions calmed me down. Maybe I should just let her. "Yes. Yes, I will allow this, as long as you promise to complete the job. I cannot have you fearing my face near the end and stopping."

"You have my word."

"Excellent."

"Erik?"

"Yes?"

"Can we stop at the next Wal-Mart? I'm going to need supplies."

I groaned but couldn't help but laugh. My beautiful Christine was also so caring. How and why I'd gone through my life without knowing such a human being was beyond me. But, at least I had found her at all. In a sick sort of a way, we had William Grant to thank for that. But, enough of those thoughts. Christine was speaking again.

"Please?" she begged sweetly.

I couldn't help but smile. "Of course."

"Thank you!" She gave a radiant smile. I shook my head at her excitement.

We drove, and it turned out that a Wal-Mart was fairly nearby. I assumed the store must be quite popular, though I hardly cared to know. "Christine, I wish I could go in with you, but-"

"Don't worry about it. I'll only be a few minutes." She smiled reassuringly.

"I wish Daroga would wake up and go with you, but I know that is out of the question. Please, Christine, be careful. I do not like the idea of you going into this store alone."

"I'll be fine.. I need to do this for you."

I pulled to the front of the store in order to drop her off.

"Now, keep the piece of cloth against the wound. And don't move it." She watched as I obeyed. "Good." With that, she got out of the car and walked quickly inside.

I could tell she was terrified. My poor, precious Christine would never live without fear, I was afraid. I would help her through it, though. Or, I would try to help her.

She had been through so much. I still could not believe her strength. Going into this store alone was a huge task to fulfill, I knew. I needed to know just how traumatized she still was. It would help me know how therapeutic to be.

About fifteen minutes passed before I saw her walk out. She was glancing in every direction with fear and defense radiating off her body. I pulled to the front of the store and she jumped in.

"You know," she began, "While I was in there, I realized that all three of us could really use showers. We are filthy."

I laughed. "Yes, a hot shower would be nice."

"Anyway, I got everything. And look! I was able to buy this cool mask. I found it in the toy section." She held it up. It was black and plastic. I smiled at her care.

I pulled into a parking place. "Ok, let's just stay here and I'll work with the car light on," she said.

"Sounds divine," I sarcastically said. Then, questioningly, I asked, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yeah! It'll be great! Don't worry, you'll be fine." Her reassuring smile was back. "Ok, just stay completely still."

"You have my word." Then, to my utmost surprise she got so close to my face that I could feel her breath upon my skin. I shivered involuntarily and tried to calm my racing heart. "Christine," I couldn't help but whisper.

"Huh?" she asked.

"Just.. be careful.."

She backed away, and got a piece of ice. With the most care and compassion I had ever received, she brought the ice to my wound. She put a plastic bag underneath so that blood and water would not go everywhere.

Christine's POV

I kept the piece of ice still on his face for about a minute before it leaked into nothing. I then got another piece. I wanted to try to numb his skin for ten minutes before proceeding any further.

My thoughts were on no one but Erik. I was really close to him right now. Actually, it made my hand shake a bit. He kept his eyes focused on me the entire time.

Finally, it was time to do the procedure. I'd never done such a thing before and was actually really nervous. But I couldn't show it. "Erik, does it feel pretty numb to you?"

"I said I did not need to be numb for this, but yes. I really cannot feel that side of my face.. which is a relief."

I frowned at his opinion of himself. I hated everyone for making him feel how he felt about his face.

I had to shake the thoughts from my mind, though. I needed my full attention on this. I got the needle and put some surgical thread through it. "Erik," I gulped, "Are you ready?"

"Yes," he replied, his eyes never straying from mine.

I began. Pulling the needle in and out of his skin, I tried to keep a steady hand. He never made a sound. I was really impressed, though I definitely knew I never wanted to be a doctor.

It took a long time. I was very careful with the stitching knowing that any sort of screw up was out of the question.

I was so close to his face. For some reason, it made me more nervous than the procedure. It didn't help that he was watching my face the entire time.

Finally, it was done. I carefully tied a small knot at the end of the thread. "There," I announced.

We were both silent for a moment. Then, as I watched with wide eyes, he brought my hand to his lips and kissed the top of it. "Thank you," was all he said.

I blinked. Something was happening. I'd never felt this way before... But still, there was something that wasn't quite right. Why, in the pit of my stomach, was there fear? Not of Erik, no. But, of everything else. I knew it was William Grant still manipulating my mind. Why? It was a question I really wanted an answer to. Why can't I be happy? Maybe I would never be…

"Christine?" His voice made me jump.

"Yeah?"

"Are you alright?"

"Y- yeah. It's just…" Even with my fear, I knew I could trust him. "I'm still so scared," I whispered.

Erik reached out and gently grasped my hand. "I know you are. You have every right to be." He watched as a tear rolled down my cheek.

Then, I straightened and shook my head. "I'm sorry. I'm not usually so weak. I'm fine, really."

He looked at me with a furrowed brow and shook his head slightly. I looked down under his gaze. But, he would have none of that and lifted my face to meet his. "You are not fine." I nodded, ashamed. He then gave me a slight smile and confidently said, "But, you will be. You just need some time to heal. Really, you haven't had any time yet."

My mind wrapped around his reassuring words, and I whispered, "Thank you."

His soothing hand moved a strand of loose hair behind my ear. Then, he asked, "Christine?"

"Yeah?"

"...Could you hand me that toy mask you bought?"

I couldn't help but laugh as the serious moment ended so quickly. I handed it to him, he fastened it, and then we were on our way again.