A New Beginning

Chapter 21

(Raoul's POV)

"Erik," I told him. "Try to move and we will help you to the bathtub," I said firmly.

He rolled his eyes. "I can't, okay? It's as if you hadn't heard Nadir," he replied. "Christine, will you help me please?"

I looked at Christine and shot her a look that clearly said 'Don't you even dare.' She bit her lip and looked at me. "E-Erik, I-," she stuttered.

"She will not help you anymore if you don't try by yourself," I interrupted. "So I suggest you make an effort for the sake of your wife."

He growled and gritted his teeth. Christine stared at him and slowly walked over to him. "Just try, love," she spoke softly and stroked his cheek, "Just put your legs on the side of the bed and I will help you from there," she smiled.

Erik looked at her, gave a loud sigh and then nodded, "Okay."

He did as he was told and then tried to stand up, then she pt his arm around her shoulders and held his waist with the other one. "It wasn't that hard, was it?" She led him to the bathtub with my help and then I left them alone so that she could help him bathe.

I was just leaving the room when I heard a scream. I rushed back in and swung the door open.

"What are you trying to do? Cook me?!" Erik yelled.

"Erik, the water is just warm, barely even a little bit hot," Christine responded.

I walked in as I rolled up my sleeves, then I felt the water with my fingers and sure enough, it was barely warm.

"We need more hot water," I stated, and before Erik could interrupt me I continued, "and I don't care whether you like it or not, you need it, so stop acting like a five-year-old."

I brought more hot water and again left the room. I stayed in the bedroom just in case. I heard nothing but Erik's occasional growl and I guessed what was causing it was Christine moving his legs in the 'hot' water.

They came out a few minutes later and I helped Erik back on the bed. Then I announced I was going to make dinner and Christine followed me. I held a chair out for her at the kitchen table and she sat down. I made her a cup of tea and brought it to her, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"Don't stress so much please, this attitude of his won't last long," I told her. She nodded and drank the tea.

"Thank you," she spoke softly as she finished the tea and headed back upstairs.

"Of course," I replied and continued making dinner.