Wanted

Chapter 31

Christine's face paled at what the doctor told her. She had heard plenty stories of people who had pneumonia and passed away. She couldn't fathom the thought of that happening to Erik.

"He is awake. I gave him medication that you'll need to give him everyday. Don't get too close to him. He's very contagious right now." Dr.Moreau explained and Christine nodded. "That means no kissing, hugging, sexual intercourse, or anything of the sorts." Christine nodded and pointed towards the door.

"May I go in?" She timidly asked.

The doctor nodded, "Just remember what I told you." He said and Christine nodded and slowly opened the door. A smile spread across Erik's face when he saw Christine. Erik's mask was off to make it easier for him to breathe.

She slowly came and sat in a chair beside the bed. She reached for his hand and held it. "Don't worry about me." Erik rasped out and Christine shook her head.

"I'm not worried, I know you're strong." She said but her gaze was at the floor as tears brimmed her eyes. She didn't want Erik to see her cry.

"Christine, please look at me. I can put the mask back on if I'm frightening you." Erik said and began reaching for the porcelain mask. Christine looked up and shook her head.

"No, darling! It's not your face. I just don't want you to see me cry." Christine explained and Erik sighed.

"I won't judge." Erik promised and Christine laughed a little bit. She gazed into his golden brown eyes, and at that moment all she wanted to do was kiss him. But she couldn't. A few tears slipped from her eyes and Erik let go of her hand to reach up and wipe the tears away.

Silence came over them until Erik realized something. "Where is Gustave?" Erik asked quickly sitting up. Christine put her hands on his chest and gently pushed him back down.

"He's with your father. I should go get him." Christine said just as the doctor came back in. "I'm going to go get our son, I'll be back." Christine told Dr.Moreau but he stopped her.

"How old is he?"

"He's two." Christine said and the doctor shook his head.

"He can't be anywhere near Monsieur Destler, it'll be easier for him to get sick. And if he does, the outcome will probably be death." Dr.Moreau said and Erik looked depressed. "He can be in the room, just don't let him near Monsieur Destler.

With that, Christine walked upstairs to Erik's office to get Gustave. "How is he?" James asked when she entered.

"He's awake. But he has pneumonia." Christine explained as she picked up Gustave and held him on her hip.

"What does that mean, Mama?" Gustave asked and Christine stroked his hair back. He needed a hair cut, but that would have to wait until Erik was better.

"It means that Papa is very sick right now. You won't be able to go near him for a while." Christine explained and Gustave sadly nodded. Christine kissed his forehead and carried him downstairs, James right behind her. When they reached the house, Christine walked to the bedroom and opened the door. She stood in the doorway so Gustave could see Erik even though he wasn't allowed to be near him.

Erik smiled when he saw his son. "Papa!" Gustave exclaimed and Christine laughed at his excitement.
"I love you, Papa." Gustave said and a tear fell down Erik's deformed cheek.

"I love you more than words can say, my son." Erik whispered since he could barely talk. Gustave heard him and blew him a kiss, which Erik returned.

Christine took Gustave out of the room and walked to the kitchen to prepare lunch. It was hard for her to focus, when she knew her husband was lying in bed with pneumonia. She trusted the doctor, but she couldn't help but worry.

Once lunch was ready she called everyone into the dining room. They ate peacefully until Christine heard Erik start coughing. She picked up her glass of water and walked to the bedroom. Christine sat him up and rubbed his back. She handed him the water and he took a few sips.

"You'll have to be doing this a lot." Dr.Moreau said as he exited the bathroom with a cold cloth. He had Erik lay back down before placing the cloth on his forehead. Christine nodded in understanding.

Christine squeezed Erik's hand before walking back out to the dining room. She got a new glass of water since she had given hers to Erik. Christine sat back down and put on a smile for everyone. Madame Giry could obviously see through her facade because she stood up and motioned for Christine to follow her.

They walked to the hall where nobody could see or hear them. "Are you alright?" Madame Giry asked calmly. Christine shook her head and tears fell down her cheeks.

"I'm so worried about him, but there's nothing I can do." Christine said helplessly. Madame Giry wiped away the tears that continued to fall.

"You can love him. I know Erik, and right now I think he's worried that you're going to leave him." Madame Giry said and Christine looked up. She would never - could never leave Erik. She had given him her heart, mind, soul and body. That man meant the world to her.

Christine thanked Madame Giry and ran to the master bedroom. She ran to Erik's side and grabbed his hand. "I love you." She whispered over and over again. The words came out along with sobs and Erik was thoroughly confused. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and comfort her, but he couldn't. He was about to speak but Christine shook her head.

She put a hand on Erik's disfigured cheek and began softly singing.

"They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
I of course replied
Something here inside
Can not be denied

They, said some day you'll find
All who love are blind
When you heart's on fire
You must realize
Smoke gets in your eyes

So I chaffed them, and I gayly laughed
To think they would doubt our love
And yet today, my love has flown away
I am without my love

Now laughing friends deride
Tears I cannot hide
So I smile and say
When a lovely flame dies
Smoke gets in your eyes"

Erik smiled at the woman who was once his student. "You've come a long way, my dear."

Cast:
Christine Destler ~ Sierra Boggess
Erik Destler ~ Ramin Karimloo
Dr.Moreau ~ Derek Klena
Madame Giry ~ Liz Robertson
James Destler ~ Michael Crawford
Gustave Destler ~ Hadley Karimloo
Meg Giry ~ Daisy Maywood
Nadir Kahn ~ Nadim Naaman