A New Beginning

Chapter 31

(Christine's POV)

There he was, lying on the bed like he had ben the last few months which had felt more like an eternity. One single thing was different about him— his eyes were open. I ran up to him, dropping to my knees at the side of the bed and crying into his hand, placing kisses on it between each sob.

"Don't cry, angel," Erik spoke weakly.

I smiled slightly as I choked on my tears, "Don't speak, save your energy." I stroked his hair and placed my hand on his cheek. He held my hand in place and smiled. "Stay there," he asked.

He looked down at my stomach and smiled. "Our son," he whispered.

"Or daughter," I replied, smiling. "Rest now, we will be home soon. The doctor said you can return tomorrow if you rest enough," I told him sternly but gently before kissing his forehead and leaving.

The next morning I woke up early and left Raoul some breakfast on the table before heading out the door. I went straight into Erik's room as soon as I reached the hospital and found him intently staring at the door. He smiled as I walked in and I kissed his forehead. "We're going home, love," I whispered.

I helped him dress and then a nurse came into the room to help him on a wheelchair. I smiled at him and took his hand as the doctor came into the room to explain to me how to take care of him. "He must stay in a dark room at all times, change his bandage every two days, and don't let him stress or work at all," he told me and I assured him I would follow every detail. He offered to help me take Erik home, but I held his hand in reassurance the whole way.

"Call me if you need anything," the doctor said and left.

I helped Erik lie down on the bed and I changed him into his nightgown so he would be comfortable. Then, I placed several pillows under his head and made sure he was comfortable. A second later, Raoul burst into the room. "Is he here yet?!" he yelled, but I covered Erik's ears.

"Raoul, he is resting," I told him.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he whispered. "Well, I want to see him," he said and walked over to the window, opening the curtains.

"No Raoul!" I ran over and closed them. Erik groaned, but I walked over to him and stroked his head, trying to calm him down. After that, I explained to Raoul how Erik could not be exposed to sound or light at all. He asked for a moment with my husband, so I asked him to be very careful before I left the room.

(Raoul's POV)

"I have something for you," I told Erik and handed him a small box, which he opened, and a ring was revealed.

Erik looked at me confused, "Raoul, I'm married."

I snatched the box from him, "No it's not for you! It is for you to give Christine tomorrow." Again, he looked at me and rested his head back, closing his eyes.

"How long was I gone?" he asked.

"Five months."

His eyes widened and he sat up. "I'm the worst husband in the world," he told me. "Of course only I would forget her birthday," he threw himself back on the pillows and covered his face with his hand.

"Erik, you were not conscious of anything, relax."

After spending the next few minutes convincing him, he gave in. "I want to do something for her," he said.

"I think we can arrange something," I told him.