The Lady Or the Beauty

Fallen Tears

Christine's POV

My life is falling apart. No children? How is this possible? How did I get it?

Questions raided my muddled brain, and I buried my face in my hands. I didn't want to cry. I was already destructed inside. I can't be completely dissolved on the outside too.

"Christine?"

My head shot up, and I plastered a grin onto my face. "Erik," I replied, struggling to keep the smile intact.

"What did the doctor say, my love?" He inquired, grasping my hand in his own.

I swallowed, hoping I would be able to hold my act together. "He says that I'll be fine in about a week." I answered as smoothly as I could.

I saw something flit across his gaze. It looked like he'd just lost all happiness. But it was only for a millisecond. The edges of his lips turned upwards. "That's wonderful!" He exclaimed. "I-I was worried for a while."

I beamed, about to fall apart from lying to him. "Myself as well."

"Well, Christine, I believe you should get some rest if you want to recuperate."

"Of course, Erik, but you should, too. It is entirely obvious that you haven't slept in a while."

He sighed heavily. "I suppose you're right. But that is due to you, my angel."

"Wait," I said quickly as he began to leave.

When he rotated around to acknowledge me, for the first time in a dreadfully long time, I see exhaustion clouding his gaze.

"Will you stay with me? I-I don't want to be alone..." I whispered.

Erik gave me a tired smile. "Of course I will, my angel."

He settled on the chair by the window and drew the curtains. It seemed only seconds later that his breathing was slow and steady. He was asleep.

It granted me time to mourn. I couldn't believe how I had held myself together while being untruthful with Erik.

There needed to be trust in our relationship. But I couldn't tell him now, when the news was fresh and anew.

That's when the tears came. I didn't want to cry anymore. It was exhausting. But, alas, I couldn't hold them back.

I sobbed until no more tears came out. But I let them fall quietly, not wanting to wake Erik and have to face his questions.

I tried to fall asleep, but I found immediately that it was virtually impossible. So I laid there, waiting for Erik to wake so I could feign sleep.

I started as the large oaken door swung open. "Nadir?" I questioned in a hushed whisper. "Is that you?"

The dark shape stepped in, looming over me. As the light from the corridor shone on his face, I gasped and shrunk down against the pillows.

"Raoul..." I murmured, to shocked to say anything else.