Christine

The last thing I remembered was waking up in a hospital. My eyes fluttered open, but everything was one big blur. All throughout my head, voices echoed, making it pound. My body was sore all over, and I couldn't move.

A figure appeared in front of me. But there was more than one.

"CChrissstinnneee," said a familiar voice.

I batted my eyes a few times, finding Jesy in front of me. "Jesy," I breathed silently. "What happened..? Where am... I?"

She touched my hand. "You're in the hospital. Do you know who we are?"

My eyes wandered the room slowly, observing each person in the room. "Ella... Cory... Ray... Jesy... Raoul."

They sighed in relief, bowing their heads. "Thank you Lord. Bless you," prayed Ella.

Raoul moved in closer to me, holding my hand. "The doctor said you're lucky to be alive. Very lucky."

"How do you feel?" Ray leaned in a little.

"Honestly... like I fell... into Hell. But, someone... saved me. It was... Mr. Destler. He carried me... out of Hell... and into the light. He was like... an angel. An angel that... was guarding me." At that moment, I was sure I was going crazy. But it was true. Mr. Destler looked like an angel when my eyes were open for that brief moment.

Everyone exchanged glances or worry. "Really? Is that what it was like?"

"Yes. But it was all so strange. The kids,"I suddenly remembered. "What about the kids? Are they safe?"

Raoul calmed me down. "Yes, Christine. They are safe, thanks to you."

Ella smiled, rubbing my leg. "What you did was very brave. Maybe a little crazy, but very brave."

"Those kids survived because of you," complimented Jesy. "But, why would you risk your life like that?"

That made me think for a moment. "Maybe because, they're like me. Orphans, alone in this world. No one was willing to help them, so I did."

The door opened, and the Doctor entered. "Oh, Ms. Daae. you're awake. That's good."

I swallowed, turning my head towards him. "Doctor, please tell me. Those kids, are they OK?"

"Don't worry they're fine, thanks to you. You'll be a hero all over the news soon," he smiled. "And you're lucky to be alive. If it wasn't for the patient next door, you wouldn't be here."

"How is Mr. Destler? Is he alive?"

"Yes, But, his ankle is broken, and half of his face has been burned," he sighed. "However, the ankle can be fixed."

My worry for Mr. Destlers health began to grow. But I still wished to keep my distance, considering our past events. "When I get the chance, may I thank Mr. Destler?"

"Of course. But for now you need rest. We were forced to operate on your leg and arm immediately. You will heal, but it will take a while. At least three weeks after you get out of the hospital," he explained.

My heart sank, then I noticed my two casts. "Oh no. No, this can't be happening." Tears formed in my eyes.

Raoul leaned in, rubbing my shoulder. "I'm sorry Christine. You'll be back on your feet in no time."

Jesy looked to the doctor. "I know why she's crying. Auditions for Rodger and Hammersteins Cinderella were being held at our school. She was going to audition."

The doctor sucked in his lips. "I am sorry Ms. Daae. There's nothing more we can do. We are putting you on medication for sudden pain and dizziness spells. You will be able to leave in a few days. Until then, we have to run more tests."

Jesy hugged me lightly. "It's OK. I know you're upset. Everything will turn out just fine though. I promise."

More tears fell from my eyes. Soon, we had a light group hug, and found myself to be the only one crying. "I am so lucky to have friends like you."

The nurse entered with a tray of food. It smelled delicious, but I wasn't hungry. "Here is your dinner Christine. The doctor figured you were hungry."

My group hug ceased, and everyone parted. One of my arms was useless, and the other arm was terribly burned.

The doctor entered the room, sitting next to me. "Christine, it would be good for you to exercise your arms so they don't grow stiff. Of course you can't do much with your other arm."

I sighed, feeling more tears form in my eyes. But I did as I was told. My needles were removed, and I bent my one good arm. It was sore, but it started loosening up the more I moved it.

My meal was a plate of steak and mashed potatoes. "Wow. This looks really good. I'm starving."

Raoul cut up my food for me, since my strength hadn't entirely returned. It was delicious, and I hadn't eaten in three days due to my unconsciousness.

"Merci Raoul. I appreciate it," I thanked him, trying to feel his hand under my hand attached to my broken arm.

The doctor took a deep breath. "Ms. Daae, do you wish to thank the man who saved you?"

I nodded, but hesitated for a moment. "Yes, but make sure he does not approach me too suddenly, or close."

The doctor nodded, heading for Mr. Destler's room. Everyone in the room grew uneasy.

Jesy took my good hand. "Chrissy, do you really want that man in the same room?"

"It's just for a few minutes. After all, he saved my life, and I would like to show my gratitude," I spoke out to her.

She shrugged, sucking in her lips. "Very well. And don't sweat it. If he comes close to you, we will be sure to warn him."

A weak smile crossed my lips. "Merci Jessy. Thank you to all of you for being here for me."

The door swung open once again, and Erik was in a wheelchair, his broken ankle propped up. "Christine, you're awake," he said excitedly.

My head turned slightly towards him. "Yes Mr. Destler. I am awake, but not very happy to be."

He nodded, putting his head down. "I'm sorry this ever happened to you Christine. I should have been more aware of where you were in my arms."

"Mr. Destler, there are some things in my life I have forgotten, but I also remember more recent things. Don't think I haven't forgotten the incident," I assured him. "But I also remember you saving my life."

He smirked, making a strange face that always made me shy. "You are lucky I was there."

"I am grateful to you. Very grateful to you. I wish there was some way I could repay you." My apology was brief, but meaningful.

After finishing my apology, the nurse rolled him out, and was returned to his own room.

The room was at ease, and all went silent.
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Hello everyone!! For Christmas spirit, I am going to write a Christmas short story for ya'll!! It will be posted on Christmas Eve. Happy Holidays! Marry Christmas to all from ME!!