Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. We are in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. We are continuing the story of Christy for our own amusement only. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writer. ************************************************* Title: Eternity Author: Frances H. This story is entitled: Eternity It was night in the Great Smokies. Deep dark night. it was warm and breeze was blowing lightly through the opened windows of Christy's room. She lay thinking on this Friday night, thinking about the school week and the children, but mostly about the events of the past few months. David's proposal, Margaret's death. It all happened so fast. Miss Alice was just beginning to return to normal, Margaret's death was quite a blow to her. Finally, Christy drifted off to sleep. Later that night she awoke again, opening her eyes she scanned the dark room. She could have sworn someone had whispered her name. Her eyes stopped on a figure sitting next to the bed. It was Neil. "Neil?" Christy whispered. "Neil, what are you doing here?" "I need your help. I have to perform a delicate surgery tonight and have no nurse...will you come?" Neil whispered. "Of course, just let me get dressed." Neil left the room and she listened to his footsteps decending the stairs. She dressed quickly and hurried down to the front of the mission where Neil was waiting on his horse. Christy mounted up behind him and they rode off into the night. There was no talking, they were both preparing themselves for the task ahead. Christy prayed for peace and help. She had helped with Burl's surgery and she knew she had to rely on God for strength. They arrived at cabin looming in darkness. A faint light could be seen inside. As they entered Christy learned of the man's injury, he had been thrown from his horse and sustained internal injuries that needed surgery. As the hours ticked on and Neil worked Christy tried to occupy her mind to keep herself from feeling sick. Then, it was over. The man died during surgery. It wasn't Neil's fault, it just happened. Christy searched Neil's face. He didn't seem to be affected, this must happen often, especially in these conditions. After everything had been taken care of Christy and Neil departed. It was still the black of night. "Christy, you did a wonderful job comforting his wife when it was over." Neil said this as he reached back and took Christy's hand. She held on to it. "I've never seen someone die before, it was strange. He was there...then he wasn't." "Yes, it is a moment I'd like to forget. But I can remember so many of those moments. Let me take you somewhere to clear your mind." They rode hand in hand in silence for a long time. Christy was aware of Neil's breathing as she leaned lightly on his back. Then they reched a clearing. Neil swung down and lifted Christy down. They were standing on a cliff that displayed the night sky like Christy had never seen it before. Stars by the thousands. Neil took her hand and they stood in silence for a long time. "Neil, I'm glad you are here. I realize how life is fleeting and I want to live in this moment forever. I never want to lose you." Neil was shocked by her confession. He turned to her and they stood face to face. Christy reached up and pushed back a stray curl from Neil's face. As she brought her hand down he stroked her cheek. "Christy, love, I never want to be without you. Will you stay here with me? Will you be my wife?" He spoke, barely above whisper. Christy looked at him with her luminous eyes "Yes. I love you Neil. You are my shelter. Stay with me always." Christy wrapped her arms around Neil's waist and as they embraced that moment became an eternity. In that moment they feared not separation or tragedy. Christy buried her head in Neil's chest and breathed a deep sigh. He is her protector. He is her love. Neil held on to the small form of Christy. She is his anchor, his beloved. In that eternity they found eachother. The End!