My Angel of Music

Recovery

I woke in a cold sweat and tears streaming down my face.  Because for one I had a nightmare about Raoul.  For two my ankle was aching so much that I could feel every beat of my heart in my leg.  I sat up and cried out.  I covered my mouth and glanced at the sleeping form of Erik.  He stirred and bolted up, knowing that I was awake.  "Mon ange, what is the matter?" He asked softly.  I let out a little whimper.  "My ankle."  i replied, crying softly.  He gently took me in his arms and rubbed my back.  "I know it hurts, my love.  Would you like some brandy?"  He suggested.  I shook my head.  "That stuff burns, and tastes awful."  I said.  He chuckled.

"Is there anything I can do?"  He inquired.  I took his hand and brought it to my cheek.  "sing to me, a Angel."  I whispered.  He smiled and began tracing the outline of my features with his finger.  I closed my eyes, his cool finger running along my lps.  

"Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation.."

***

Erik took care of me for the next few weeks, brushing my hair, feeding me, carrying me anywhere I needed to go, and to my dismay, bathing me.  

"Erik, I'm not a baby.  Just carry me to the bathtub and I will do the rest!"  I protested as he sat on the bed next to me.  He scooped me into his arms gently.  "Okay now set me in the chair and turn on the faucet." I ordered.  He did so obediantly.  Then I removed my robe and laid it aside.  Once the tub was filled with hot water, Erik picked me up and deposited me in the tub.  I sighed.  "You can wash my hair, if you wish."  I said defeated.  Erik smiled and sat while I washed everything else.

"There is a bottle of shampoo in the cabinet over there."  I pointed.  He grabbed the pink bottle and walked towards me.  He knelt beside me and cupped his hands in the water and slowly wet my hair.  I leaned back and closed my eyes, enjoying the relaxation.  He poured some shampoo on my head and began massaging it in with his fingers.  "That is delightful."  I whispered.  I could tell he was smiling.  He rubbed the shampoo throughout my hair, down to the very ends.  Then he gently dunked my head in the water, but left my face dry.  He rubbed my scalp until there was no trace of shampoo left.  Then he raised me up and put a hand to my cheek.

It felt wonderful, but a thought plagued me.  "Erik, tell me what you did with Raoul."  I whispered.  He stopped and stared into my face.  Fear and shame flodded his green eyes, making me want to take back my question.  But it had been burning within my chest all night and I couldn't take it any longer.  He shook his head to clear it, and looked me straight in the eye.  "He was dead, Christine.  Dead.  There is nothing that anyone could have done to change that."  He said quietly.  I nodded and looked down into the water.  I guess I didn't want to know, anyways.  

A tear fell into the soapy water, clearing away the soap.  Erik saw my tears and lifted my head gently with his hand.  "My love, I am so sorry."  He whispered.  I sniveled up my tears and gave him a brave smile.  "I'm fine.  I never loved Raoul.  I just......Wish he didn't have to die for loving me."  I finished in a whisper, still trying to hold my brave smile.  I shook my head, to clear away the thoughts and gave Erik's hand a pat.  

"Do you wish to get out or sit in the tub for a little while?"  He asked.  "I'll get out if you don't mind."  I answered.  He lifted me out of the water and sat me down in the chair, handing me a towell.  when I was dry, he lifted me into his arms once more.  But before he could open the door I grabbed his neck and pulled his face closer to mine and kissed his lips gently.  He pulled back, smiling.  "Thank you for taking care of me."  I whispered.  

Erik leaned into me once more and planted a swift kiss on my lips.  "You're welcome, my dear."  He answered.

***