Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Marshall-LeSourd Family, L.L.C. 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 character were invented by the writers of the alt.tv.christy Round Robin and the Christy MailingList. The content of each story is the responsibility of the individual writer. The fanfic here is being posted as a service to the Christy mailing list, Pax Christy Forum and Alt.tv.christy News Group. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writer. Any similarities to other works of fan fiction are purely coincidental. Title: Memories Author: Sarah J. lilangel678@yahoo.com Disclaimer: See Prologue Authors Note: Thank You: I want to say thank you to LadySEWalton for giving me suggestions on this story, along with the other people who read and critiqued it for me! Thank you all! Prologue Summary: Christy tells of her life in Cutter Gap to her granddaughter,Melissa on the eve of her wedding. *~Prologue~* The sun was shining in the cloudless blue sky over the Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, the warmth of the upcoming summer fighting the briskness of the winter that didn't seem to want to leave. Any other day, Christy would want to be outside, enjoying the spring weather. Taking a walk up to her "secret places" to think, or draw. But not today. Today, Christy was too busy with last minute arrangments for her granddaughter, Melissa's wedding the next day. Her granddaughter, getting married! Why, the thought of it shocked Christy more then words could say. To think that her daughter Catherine had a daughter of marrying age! And that Melissa was a grown women, getting ready to take on the duties of a wife. Could that many years really have passed since the day Melissa was born? Yes, 20 years. Melissa had grown, and aged, into a beautiful young women, and even Christy had to admit that at 67 she had aged quiet a bit, though her husband was! q! uick to remind her that she was just a beautiful today as the day he married her. Christy stifled a yawn as Catherine and Melissa entered the room. "Mother, I was just thinking now may be a good time to tell Melissa about when you were her age. Marrying Father.. and everything" Catherine said, folding up a quilt that was laying on the bed. "Everything?" Melissa asked, perplexed. "I think you may be right. I had wanted to do it sooner but with all the wedding preparations, and everyone being so busy, I got sidetracked. Do you have time Melissa?" Christy asked "Of course Grandma, I always have time for a story from you!" Melissa said, smiling at her grandmother, who had been like a second mother to her. "Alright, come then, we'll sit on the porch. Maybe your mother will bring us a pitcher of lemonade?" Christy said, looking over a Catherine. "A whole pitcher? This must be a long story!" Melissa said with a laugh. "Long indeed, full of joys and sorrows, laughter and tears." Christy said as they walked out of the bedroom and down the stairs. They situated themselves in their rocking chairs on the porch as Catherine brought out the lemonade. "I made it just the way you like it, Mother." Catherine said with a smile. Christy looked down and saw the sprigs of mint floating in the drink. "Just the way Fairlight used to!" "Fairlight... you mean your friend from the mission you taught at?" Melissa asked. "Yes, she taught me many things about life in the time I knew her... Fairlight, dear Fairlight" Christy said as her thoughts traveled back to that day almost three decades ago. "It was a beautiful day Melissa, just like today. Not a cloud in the sky, and my mountains were as beautiful as ever..." *~* *~* *~* End of Prologue "And this, this here is sassafrass. You can tell by its leaves. The only tree I've ever seen with three different shapes of leaves." Fairlight told Christy, her hand cradling one of the saplings leaves. "It makes good tea too." "Fairlight, you never cease to amaze me. You have such a wealth of knowledge on herbs and plants. I don't know how I'll ever remember all you've told me today." Christy said smiling at her friend. "Oh, don't worry about hit teacher, I didn't think I'd remember it... but it sorta grows on ya afterwhile." Zady Spencer told Christy. Zady had come along for a lesson on herbs herself. The likeness between Zady and Fairlight never ceased to amaze Christy. Not just in looks, but in attitude. They were both always willing to help, never thinking about themselves. And they were such quick learners! Zady was one of the fastest in sums in the school, and Fairlight had learned to read in record time! "Zady's right, Miz. Christy. Don't worry yerself on learnin' hit all today. We have plenty of time to have lessons." Fairlight said, and then looked up at the sun for a moment. 'She must be telling the time' Christy thought. "Is it time for you to leave?" Christy asked Fairlight nodded. "This sun's right straight up in the sky. Means my young'ins will be wantin' their lunch meal real soon. So's Zady n' me' better be getting on home." "I still can't figure out how you can tell the time by the sun! I guess that's just another thing that I'll have to learn from you... but another time. Is Jeb back from Lyleton yet?" Fairlight sighed, "Not yet, he's been gone on 'bout 3 weeks now, he must be doing real good sellin' the honey." "Well, I'm sure he'll be back soon. Thank you for the lesson, see you tomorrow at church." "Bye Miz. Christy" Zady said as they walked away. Christy waved back at her. She should be getting on back to the mission herself, Ruby Mae and Alice would have lunch ready and they hated it when anyone was late! She wasn't really in a rush, and loved taking walks... it was one time when she could let her mind wander wherever it wanted to go, so it surprised her when she heard a horse galloping behind her. "Miss Huddleston, out for a walk on this lovely day?" Christy turned around to see Neil smiling, atop his horse Charlie. "As a matter of fact, I was Dr. MacNeill. And what may I ask is making you so happy on this 'lovely day!' " Christy said quoting him with laughter in her voice. "The miracle of life!" Neil answered with exuberance. "I just came from delivering the Holt baby girl. No matter how many times deliver a wee one, I am always amazed at life." Christy had to admit, she was surprised at Neil's outright display of emotion. It wasn't often that he gave her a glimpse into his thoughts and heart. "A miracle it is. How innocent they are. Not knowing at all the life that they were born into, or the hardships that they will have to face. How are Rebecca and the baby?" Christy asked. "Lily Grace Holt is doing just fine. A little on the small side, but very strong willed, I can see it already. Rebecca is doing fine. Everything went like bookwork. Are you headed back to the mission?" "I am, I just finished my lesson on herbs and plants with Fairlight and Zady. I expect Ruby Mae is exasperated with me for being this late already! Where are you headed?" Christy asked, looking up at him on Charlie. "Back home, to scrounge up whatever is left of the food Fairlight brought over for me 2 days ago, for lunch." Neil said with a half smile. "Instead of scrounging, why not come to the mission? I'm sure you could persuade Ruby Mae into making a basket of her 'Possum Surprise' for you to take back home." Christy said teasingly. "I will take you up on lunch, but may have to decline on the possum delicacy." Neil replied with a smile. "How about a ride there? Care to join me and Charlie?" "I thought you'd never ask!" Christy said as Neil gave her an arm up behind him on Charlie. *~* *~* *~* "John Spencer! I told you not to go splashin' me!" Zady Spencer called to her brother as they waded in the pond behind their house. "Yes she did John-John! You list'in ta her!" Clara Spencer added from behind Zady. "Aww, stop being such sissy's. I was just havin' fun" John answered, kicking the water once more in their direction. "If you don't stop John, I'm gonna tell Pa!" Zady said walking over to him. "Me too!" Clara added, hands on her hips. "Alright.. if'n you two's gonna be such--" John started to say, when a gun shot pierced through the air, followed by some shuffling of feet, like someone was running away. John froze. Nobody spoke for a moment. "What was that?" Zady whispered, fear in her voice. "I don't know... you stay here with Clara, I'll go look" John directed his younger sisters, who were only too eager to comply. John slowly walked out of the water, and over to the bushes where the shot was heard. Looking down the small hill he could see the form of a body lying near a tree. He could see where the shot had hit them, right in the shoulder. He looked around, making sure the people responsible for this were not waiting around to strike again. Then he walked back to the girls. "Come on! We need to get Pa!" He told them, lifting Clara out of the water and carrying her to the bank, with Zady at his heels. "What was it?" Zady asked as they half walked, half ran back to their cabin. "Someone got shot... in thar shoulder. Don't know who... didn't look like anyone from the Cove." John replied as the came to the cabin. "Pa! Pa!!" John yelled as they ran into the house. "What is it boy? Why 'er you hollerin' at me?" Jeb asked him. "Pa, someone got shot..." John said breathlessly. "While we was playin' in the crik" Zady said, finishing John's sentence. "You gotta come now Pa! They're hit in the shoulder and wern't movin'. We need ta take em' to the Doc's" John told him. "Come on, we'll take em' to the mission, it's closer" Jeb said running out the door with John close behind. "Be careful!" Fairlight called out the door. *~* *~* ~*~ *~Chapter 2*~ "Thanks for the meal Mrs. Tatum. It was delicious, as always" David said standing up from the table at Mrs. Tatum's boarding house in El Pano. "How much do I owe you?" "Not a penny Reverend, this meal's on the house!" Mrs. Tatum replied, "It's always a pleasure when ya stop by. The Cove's blessed ta have ya" David smiled warmly at the older women standing in front of him. "Well, thank you. Have you heard any news that Christy might be interested in? She doesn't get down here much, and she always is interested in the happenings around town" David had said the right words. Mrs. Tatum was always looking to share the bit of gossip that she'd heard from someone that day. While it was a good thing in some cases, it had been known to get her and others around her in hot water on more then one occasion! "Actually,there was a bit of news that ya'll at the mission, Doc and Mi! z.! Alice in per'ticular 'ill find inter'sting. You'll never guess who Miz. Brady spotted in town earlier today....." *~* *~* *~* "Ruby Mae, has thee set the table yet?" Miss Alice asked, walking down the stairs and into the kitchen at the mission. "Yes'm.. I even got the food all set out purty like" answered the fiery red-head. "When'! sthe Rev'rand gonna be gettin' back? I didn't set him no place, cuz I wasn't sure iffin' he'd be here for lunch, and iffin' he wasn't and I'd set him a place, I'd just have to--" "No, Ruby Mae" Alice said cutting the talkative teenager off, Ruby Mae could ramble on about the tiniest issues, like they were first class news! "I don't expect Mr. Grantland to be back until later this afternoon. He had alot of things to do in El Pano" Before Ruby Mae could answer, there was banging on the front door. "I'll get it!!" Ruby Mae said running towards the door. "That's alright, I'll get it. You go wash up for lunch" Miss Alice said catching up to her before she opened it. "I never get ta answer the door! It jest ain't fair.. I'm good at answerin' doors, jest nobody'll let--" Ruby Mae muttered under her breath as she walked out of the room. As Alice opened the door, Jeb and John walked in carry! in! g a person lying on a makeshift stretcher. Before Alice could get a word out Jeb was already explaining. "John heard a gunshot while the young'ins were playin' in the crick, they's shot in the shoulder. Someone needs to get the Doc" Jeb explained as he and John carried the person up the stairs and into Alice's bedroom in the back. "Easy now, lay 'em down." "Why--" Alice started to say as she walked behind them into the bedroom. Then she looked down at the person laying on the bed and her breath caught in her throat. "Oh my goodness!" She said, her knees felt weak, she wasn't sure if she would be able to hold herself up. "It can't be!" she whispered. She walked over to the bed and looked more closely at the person. The blood covering their upper body and bruises on their face and neck made them almost unrecognizable. "Who, ma'm?" John asked, helping her into a chair. "It's Margaret, my daughter." *~* *~* *~* "I wonder why Jeb Spencer's wagon is here? I didn't think he was back from Lufty Branch yet" Christy mused as she and Neil rode up to the mission yard. "Maybe he had something to drop off from someone in Lufty Branch, or maybe he had some of the sourwood honey leftover to give to the mission?" Neil reasoned. "Well, I guess w! e'! ll find out..." Christy replied as Ruby Mae ran out the mission door yelling something and flailing her arms about crazily. "Doc!!!! Come quick!!" they heard her say when they came to a stop. Neil jumped off Charlie, following Christy. "What is it Ruby Mae?" he asked getting his saddlebags down of Charlie's back. "Someone, hurt bad... upstairs" Ruby Mae said breathlessly. "Miz Alice said ta wait fer Miz Christy to come back, cuz maybe you'd be with her. You better come quick, they's bad off" "Who, Ruby Mae?" Christy asked as the went inside. "I dunno, some lady I think, done nevah seen her b'fore" Ruby Mae said as they went up the stairs. "They're in Miz Alice's room" Neil and Christy came to her door and opened it up. They saw Alice standing over someone, ringing out a rag to put on their forehead. "Alice, what is it?" Neil said, as he looked at the woman lying below him. He stopped dead in his tracks, his face going pale. "Who is it Neil? Christy asked, walking over to him. Then she looked at the woman. She knew before Neil even replied that it was Margaret though she had never met her. She bore a striking rese! mb! lance to Christy, as Neil and Alice had said before. Her dark auburn hair lay matted on her pillow, her face black and blue from the neck up, blood covering her chest and shoulders. "What happened?" Neil asked, shaking his head as if clearing his thoughts and bending down to examine his wife. "John and his sister's was playin' in the crick behind our cabin when they's heard a gun shot. John went to see what happend, found Miz. Margret laying there and ran back ta get me. I'd just got back from Lufty Branch, so's I had the wagon out and we brought her here." Jeb explained "She's shot in the shoulder" John said "And burning up with fever, I can tell already that she has penumonia and a bad case of it." He said, listening to her heartbeat. He moved his way down to the gunshot wound, and examined it. "It's a good thing you both brought her in as fast as you did. This wound is already starting to get in! fe! cted." Neil said to Jeb and John. "I'm going to have to operate to get the bullet out, though" "Neil, I know thee needs assistance, but I don't think I could assist thee." Alice told him. She was pale, and visibly shaken. "I understand Alice. Why don't you and John and Jeb just boil my instruments, and bring me up some rags." He said to Alice, who nodded. Jeb and John left the room with her, shutting the door quietly behind them. "Christy, would you-" Neil started to say but Christy cut him off. "Of course, just tell me what to do." Neil smiled, but Christy saw the pain that had clouded his eyes. How hard it must be for him to see Margaret ,after thinking for so long she was dead? How could he bare it? "Could you cut her clothes off around her shoulder, then apply these compresses, like Alice was doing, to stop some of the bleeding" he instructed her, handing her the scissors. She started cutting away lay! er! s of blood soaked garments. Finally, Alice returned with the instruments and cloths and Neil began the operation. It was slow and tedious work, at some points, Christy wasn't sure if her stomach could take it. But she set her mind on helping Neil. She needed to be strong for him. He needed her, and that was a wonderful feeling. *~* *~* *~* Chapter: 3 Authors notes: I forogt to tell you all in the first chapter that I made Neil already "saved". Since I already had the plot in my head and I had forgotten to add a place for Neil to pray ect. I just thought I'd make it so that he already had. Oh and one other thing.. was there a fanfic already written with the name Memories of the Heart? For some reason the title sounded familiar, if there isn't I will be changing my title to that, if there is I'm leaving it Memories. Could someone tell me if there is? Chapter 3 *~* *~* *~* "Well, that should do it" Neil said as he cut the thread he had used to stitch up Margaret's head wound. He examined her shoulder, making sure no infection had set in after he removed the bullet, and turned to Christy. "Is she alright?" Christy asked. It had been a long process, removing the bullet and stitching up the gash above Margaret's right eyebrow. But Neil had finally finished, clearly exhausted. "She'll be fine" He answered shortly. He picked up his instruments an! d ! put them in the pot of water, and then walked over to the basin to wash his hands. Christy pulled the blanket up to the still unconscious Margaret's shoulders and then picked up the blood stained cloths that had fallen off the bed and onto the floor. "You don't have to do that." Neil said turning around. "It's alright. Someone needs to" Neil sighed as he put his supplies back in his saddle bags. "I guess we'd better go down to Alice. She'll be wanting to come up I assume" "Yes, I'm sure she will" Christy nodded standing up and placing the soiled cloths in a basket to take downstairs. The room was eerily quiet. Christy could tell Neil was in no mood to have a conversation, so she respected that and followed Neil out the door and down the stairs. "I really appreciate your assistance, Christy. I could not have done it without you" Neil said once they reached the bottom of the stairs. He looked at her, and! t! he pain and exhaustion in his eyes was clearly evident to Christy. "Of course, Neil. I am glad I could help" she said giving him a small smile. The continued walking into the kitchen, when Christy stopped and put her hand on Neil's arm. "Neil, you know I am always here for you. If you need someone to talk to, or just to listen" He gave her a small smile, "Thank you Christy. I will remember that" They walked into the kitchen to find David, Alice and Ruby Mae sitting around the table eating their dinner. "I'm finished Alice. She is still unconscious, but it is probably just from the ether. You can go on up if you'd like" Alice nodded, "Thank thee Neil. I will go up now" Neil sat down at the table, and Christy went to the kitchen to dish up their plates. "How is she, Doctor?" David asked, turning towards Neil. "She is as good as can be expected. She has a bad case of pneumonia but I can't do anything ! ab! out that until she wakes up." "Have any idea as to how this happened?" David said as Christy came back in the room setting down Neil's plate in front of him. "Thank you" He said looking up at her. Their eyes locked for a moment, and Christy felt a blush rising up her neck. She quickly looked away. "Jeb didn't know anything, but from her injuries I would say that it was someone from the tea house. Margaret didn't give them what they wanted, and the followed her up the mountain" Neil told David. "The beat her, then when she still wouldn't do what they wanted her to, they shot her in the shoulder" "That is terrible" Christy said, pouring herself and Neil some coffee and refilling David's cup. "It is, but that comes with the territory I expect, with working at the tea house" Neil said. "I wish I knew why she wanted to come back. What could she possibly need from me? For the past 2 years I have thought of her as dead...! I ! just don't know why." *~* *~* *~* Later that night, Christy lay in bed unable to fall asleep. There were too many thoughts running through her head. Too many things had happened that day. So many things altered by the return of one woman. So many lives changed. She finally gave in to being awake, and put her legs over the side of her bed and got up. Putting on her robe, she walked to the door and quietly walked down the stairs. When she got dow! n,! she was surprised to see a light on. She walked into the parlor to see Neil sitting in a chair, staring into the fire. She knew he was staying the night, incase Margaret woke up, but she thought he had gone to bed long ago. She quietly walked over to him and sat down on the chair next to him. "Nickel for your thoughts" she asked Startled, Neil turned to her. "Nickle? Wasn't it a penny?" Neil asked "Well, I figure they've got to be worth more then a penny" "You'd be getting the bad end of the bargain" "Oh, I don't know...So the mission doesn't pay as well, as say as school in Asheville, but I'd wager a month's salary that anything on your mind would be fascinating." Neil laughed. Christy blushed at her last statement. She didn't mean to sound that way. Well, maybe she did just a bit, but this wasn't the time for that. Neil was a married man afterall. "Well shouldn't you be asleep?" "Shouldn't you?"! C! hristy countered "Couldn't... " Neil replied "Well, me either. So it looks like we'll just have to put up with each other until we get so exhausted that we can't say another word" Christy said with a smile. "That shouldn't be too hard, I mean talking with you" Neil replied, looking at her that way that made Christy's knees go weak. She blushed, then recovered quickly. "Well, how are you doing?" she asked him "How am I doing? Well, I must say I've been better" "You must be exhausted, with delivering the baby and then the operation..." "Amazingly enough I'm not... I don't know why" "Maybe because there are too many things floating around in that mind of yours, and too many things that have transpired today for you to settle those thoughts" Christy said Neil was silent. "Your right. I just can't settle my mind." "Do you want to talk about it?" He sighed. "Things were going so well. I felt like my life was sta! rt! ing to fall into place. My new spirituality was opening my eyes to things I never knew existed. And if it wasn't for you, and David and Alice I know I wouldn't be where I am today. Then Margaret comes back, and suddenly I feel like I did 2 years ago. Everything I had worked towards personally, the things I had planned to accomplish, just disappeared into thin air. And I still don't know why she came back" Christy just let him talk; he needed to get this off his chest. She ached for him, she wished she could hold him in her arms and tell him everything would be alright. That this too would pass and things would go back to normal, like they were before. But she couldn't. She couldn't tell him that he would wake up tomorrow and everything would be fine again. Because Margaret would still be lying in the bed upstairs. "Does that make any sense?" Neil asked her Christy was silent for a moment, "Yes. It does. I ca! n'! t tell you I know how you feel, not really. But I can tell you that even though it may not seem this way now, everything is for a purpose. Our lives can't go along perfectly, like something out of a storybook. We need little bumps and sometimes not so little ones, along the way to make us stronger and to show us things that we never would have seen before. I don't know why Margaret came back. I don't know why she faked her death. I don't know the circumstances surrounding her return. But whatever it is, and whatever you will find out, remember that everything is for a purpose. That once a door closes, another one will open. But you have to be strong, and holdfast to your faith and know that there is a higher power in control over your life" Christy told him. She had never said anything like that to anyone before, and she really surprised herself. "Thank you Christy. You don't know how much your words mean to me. I needed to ! he! ar that." Neil told her. Just then the clock chimed, telling them it was 11:00. "Your welcome, Neil. I'd better be going back to bed. School tomorrow." Christy told him. "Me too. Goodnight, Christy." Christy stood up. "Goodnight, Neil." *~* *~* *~* Chapter: 4 (yes, this is the correct chapter this time) Author: Sarah Disclaimer: See prologue ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ The next morning, Christy awoke to dark clouds and a gray sky. Thunder rolled in the distance and not a single bird was singing their morning song. She lay in bed for a moment, thinking over the past days events. Margaret's return, the operation, her talk with Neil. She sighed as she got out of bed and walked over to her balcony. She looked out and saw the almost black clouds looming in the distance. The wind was picking up fast, and it was only a matter of time before the rain came. "How perfect," She said sarcastically under her breath. "Just what we need, a storm on top of everything else" She sighed again and walked to her wardrobe and looked inside, trying to decide what to wear that day. She looked towards the back and came upon the dress she had worn just a week ago on the day she had ridden to El Pano with Neil to pick! ! up some supplies. It had been a wonderful day, not a cloud in the sky. Everything seemed perfect. Neil had surprised her by bringing a picnic lunch for them to have on their way down, and they stopped by a little stream to eat it. They talked and talked, about everything. It had been wonderful to be with a good friend whom Christy felt she could say almost anything to. A much needed break from the every day grind of living and working in the Cove. She pulled the dress out, and an envelope fell to the floor. She bent down and picked it up, reading her name written on the front. "What in the world could this be?" she said to herself. She didn't remember getting a letter that day, and there was no address on it. She turned it over and lifted the seal and pulled out the letter. "Dear Christy," it read "You’re prob!! ably wondering how I possibly got this to you without you knowing it. Well I'll tell you it was a hard process, but I have my ways! I have had a wonderful day with you, and I just want to let you know how much it has meant to me. As I write this, you are probably over in the general store picking up some school supplies, and you think I am in the post office sending off a package. Well I am at the post office sending a package, but I am also picking one up. Why aren't I getting it from Ben Pentland? Good question and that is one that will have to be answered after you read this letter. So as soon as you read it, I'll need to know because.. well, you'll find out. Now if your time runs out and you haven't read this, I guess it won't really matter. Now you are probably confused, don't be. I hope you like what I will give you, I know it i! s! something you have wanted for a while now, seeing as it has been a long time since you had it last. I only hope is that it gives you as much pleasure as this day has given me. Ok, I see you walking out of the store now, so I'll close. Always, Neil" Christy stood there staring at the letter. "How did he possibly get this to me without me knowing?" she asked herself. "I'll just have to be more perceptive next time!" she said setting the letter down on her bed. She would have to remember to tell Neil she had read the letter, but now was not a good time. Christy changed from her nightgown to the dress and picked up her blue ribbon from the top of the dresser. She didn't feel like pinning her hair up today, so she just pulled half of it back and tied it securely with the ribbon. As she sat on the edge &am! p;nb! sp;of her bed putting on her shoes, she heard yelling in the hall. "Neil! Come quick! It's Margaret!" Alice called from her bedroom. She heard the scurry of feet as she stood up and almost ran out of her room and down the hall. She stopped in the doorway looking at the scene. Miss Alice was sitting next to a very pale Margaret, her lips were a light blue color and Christy immediately thought they had lost her. Neil was kneeling down next to her bed, listening to her heartbeat and taking her pulse. "It’s the pneumonia. She can't get enough air to her lungs" Neil said as he worked on her. Christy walked in the room and stood next to Alice. Moments passed and the color slowly returned to Margaret's face. "What happened?" Neil asked "She had opened her eyes, so I went over to her and when she open! ed! her mouth to speak she gasped for air and lost consciousness" Miss Alice explained "I thought it was the pneumonia, is there anything we can do?" "I have some medication I can give her when she wakes up again, which should be soon, but I must tell you plainly Alice. She has a bad case of it, and there isn't much I can do with the limited supplies I have here. She needs a bigger town, like Asheville, where she can be in a good hospital. But I don't know if she did wake up if she could make the trip" Neil said looking up for the first time at Christy. Their eyes locked for a moment, and unspoken words and emotions passed through each other’s eyes. The spell was broken with a moan coming from Margaret. "Mac" she whispered. "What-" she said when Neil stopped her. "Don't speak yet Margaret, you ! ! will need to save your strength to talk to us later. First, take the medicine." He said as he poured a reddish liquid into a tiny cup and helped her swallow it. "Margaret, how does thee feel?" Alice said, tears in her eyes. Christy thought how many emotions her mentor must be feeling right now. Relief, joy, sorrows. "I've been better" she managed to get out. She turned her head and looked at Christy and then looked back at Neil. "That's Christy. The school teacher at the mission" Margaret nodded and closed her eyes again. "Let's let her rest. Alice you can stay with her, call me if you need me" Neil told Miss Alice. She nodded. He looked back at Margaret and said nothing, then turned back and walked out of the room. Christy followed him. She hadn't said a word through the whole ordeal but felt as though she had said a thousand. The walked downstairs and sat down at the kitchen table. David walked in the back door as Christy set to making breakfast. They had sent Ruby Mae to stay with the Colburn's. She was the last person they needed running around under foot. "Morning Christy, Doctor" David said sitting down. "Good morning David" Christy said as she poured the two men their coffee and continued making their breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast.&nb!! sp; "How is she?" David asked. "She's awake" Neil replied "Woke up earlier and tried to talk, ended up loosing her breath and passing out. It’s the pneumonia. Nothing I can do really" Neil really didn't look good. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his eyes were red and blood shot from lack of sleep. He was wearing the same clothes he had on the night before and his hair was as unruly as ever. Christy knew how exhausted he was. Then she looked at David. The immaculate outfit and hair though she knew he too had been busy the past few days, helping with a cabin raising in Lufy Branch, as many of the men of the Cove had been doing the past couple days. "I'm sorry... about everything" David told Neil. Neil nodded. "Me too" Christy brought over their plates and set them on the table. "Well I hope t! h! is is palatable. We all know I'm not exactly a gourmet chef" "Well, just as long as it isn't possum" David said with a grin "Anything at this point would be great, I'm starved" Neil said. They paused as David prayed, and then began to eat. Little conversation was had during the meal, so it was almost a relief when Alice came down stairs. "Neil, Margaret is ready to speak with thee," She said sitting down. "Alright," Neil said standing up and picking up his plate to take over to the sink. "Thanks for the meal Christy" "Your welcome, and leave your plate, I'll take care of it" Neil nodded and walked up stairs. He knocked on the door. "Come in Mac" He took a deep breath preparing him for whatever he was about to hear and turned the knob. ~*~ Chapter 5 "Come in, Mac" the voice said from behind the closed door. Neil took a deep breath as he turned the knob and pushed open the heavy oak door with his other hand. "How did you know it was me?" He asked Margaret shut her eyes and chuckled. "You mean other then the fact that I asked Mother to send you up?" She said with a smile "Even so, Mac. I know you. I know your knock, your voice, your walk. I am your wife, remember?" "Are you my wife Margaret? Are you really my wife?" Neil asked. "Because I didn't think that a wife just wakes up one morning, and decides that she is going to fake her death and then magicly reappear out of, seemingly nowhere over two years later and expect things to be just the same as they were before. I didn't think it worked that way Margaret" Margaret sighed, "I know what I did wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, nor was it what I should have done, necessarily. But you have to put yourself in my place," Margaret told him "I was dying her, Mac. Here I was stuck in a rickety hundred-and-something year old cabin in the middle of nowhere while you were off gallivanting in these godforsaken mountains. I just couldn't live like that. ! And I knew you would never get a divorce. That was my only option" The pain and anger was now evident in Neil's eyes. "Gallivanting. So that's what you call it. You call riding miles on end all over these mountains, taking care of sick and dying people gallivanting? When you made the decision to marry me you knew I was, not only a doctor, but also the only doctor for miles around. You knew I would be gone more then I was home. Why didn't you tell me you felt this way?" "When I made the decision to marry you?" She retorted "If I remember correctly, you were the one who asked me to get married. You wanted to get back at your mother for all the things you thought she had ever done against you. I don't think you ever really loved me, I was just accessible. I was a 'heathen' and you thought that you could spite your mother by marrying me. Well let me tell you, Margaret, I am not one to be thrown around and then dropped at yours or anybody else’s convenience" Neil told him, fire in his eyes. These were things he had wanted to say since yesterday. Questions that had to be answered. "Don't you see? I mourned for you. I mourned for my wife. Your mother mourned for you. You have to realize that I wasn't the only person you hurt. You also hurt your mother" "I realize that Neil, but can't you forgive me? I know what I did wasn't right. And I am sorry for it" Margaret said. "Margaret, I can forgive you because it is the right thing to do. But I can't forget. Not now, maybe not ever.! " They were both quiet for a moment, thinking what to say next. "Mac, there's one more thing......" *~* *~* *~* Downstairs, Miss Alice had excused herself to go rest in her cabin, and David and Christy were cleaning up breakfast dishes when the sound of a horse whinny floated inside the kitchen. "I wonder who that could be" David asked as he set the clean plates on the table and walked out the door. Christy wiped her hands on the dishtowel and followed him out. Downstairs, Miss Alice had excused herself to go rest in her cabin, and David and Christy were cleaning up breakfast dishes when the sound of a horse whinny floated inside the kitchen. "I wonder who that could be" David asked as he set the clean plates on the table and walked out the door. Christy wiped her hands on the dishtowel and followed him out. "Can I help you, sir?" David asked, walking over to the man who was tying his horse to the rail. The man looked to be in his late 30s to early 40s. Tall, dark hair and wearing a suit. "Yes, is this the Cutter Gap mission?" the man asked "Yes it is" David replied "Good, I am John Hinley and I am looking for a-" he paused as he looked down at the paper he held in his hands "a Miss Alice Henderson" "You've come to the right place, Mr. Hinley. I'm David Grantland the minister at the mission, and this is Miss. Christy Huddleston the schoolteacher. But I am sorry to say, Miss Alice is resting right now. I'm afraid she was up most of the night with her ill daughter" David told him. "Her daughter Margaret?" Mr. Hinley asked "Yes, do you know her?" Christy asked, speaking for the first time "Accually, I know her quite well. Or atleast I thought I did" Mr. Hinley replied "Where do you know her from?" Christy asked hoping to find out where Margaret had been at least some of the time she had been gone. "Margaret didn't tell you about me?" "No, I'm afraid not" David replied "Why, I'm her husband" he replied "Your her what?" Christy asked, not sure if she had heard correctly. If he claimed to be her husband, what did that make Neil? "Her husband, I'm surprised she didn't tell you about me. We've been married about a year but Maggie ran off 2 weeks ago while I was in Boston giving a lecture. I just got back 2 days ago and found her gone and remembered she had told me her mother ran a mission in Cutter Gap, Tennessee so I took the train from Knoxville to here to see if I could find her" Mr. Hinley explained "This just keeps getting better and better" David mumbled "Well that story sounds amazingly familiar" "What do you mean?" Mr. Hinley asked "He means Margaret did the same thing to her other husband.." Christy replied. "Her other what?" He asked "Margaret's husband, Neil. The doctor in the Gap. He's up talking with her right now" Christy told him "I don't believe it," Mr. Hinley muttered "And you said she was ill?" "Yes, someone from the Cove found her lying in the woods yesterday morning. She was beaten and shot in the shoulder" Christy said "Dr. MacNeill operated and took out the bullet. She has some minor cuts and bruises and she does have a pretty bad case of pneumonia but Neil is doing his best to take care of that" "Well, I guess I'd better speak with her" Mr. Hinley said after a moment. He looked about as shocked as everyone else felt since yesterday. "Yes, I'm sure your exhausted from your trip. And I'm sure this wasn't quite the news you were expecting" Christy told him as they walked towards the mission "I'll take your horse to the barn, and be right in" David said "Thank you, Reverand" Mr. Hinley replied Just then, Miss Alice walked out of her cabin towards the mission "That's Miss Alice. I expect you'll want to talk to her also" Christy said as she pointed in the direction of Miss Alice "Yes, I will definatly need to do that" Mr Hinley replied as they walked to the door of the mission. "Miss Alice!" Christy called as she motioned for Miss Alice to come over to where they were. "Hello Christy" Alice said. Then looking over there visitor, "I'm Alice Henderson, may I ask who you are?" "Of course Miss Henderson. I've heard so much about you. I'm John Hinley from Knoxville.. your daughter Margaret's husband" "Excuse me?" Alice asked shocked "I seem to get that reaction alot.." Mr. Hinley replied "I haven't any idea what has been going on here with Margaret, but I do know that I married her a year ago" "Well, it looks like we have some talking to do with her then, doesn't it?" Miss Alice asked. "Let's all go in and sort all this out" Christy said opening the door. "I'll get some coffee for us" Christy said walking into the kitchen. "Bring plenty of it, Christy" Miss Alice said "We'll need it" *~* *~* *~* Chapter: 6 Disclaimer: See prologue ~*~ *~* *~* "Your what!?" Neil asked, a little too loudly. He was sure anyone outside the mission must have heard him, but he really didn't care. He was in so much shock and pure disbelief that he was beyond caring. "I said I am married" Margaret told him again "This is just too much Margaret. Even for you" "And what is that supposed to mean?" She retorted "Of all the things that you are capable of, you pull this stunt. How did you manage this one? Because wasn't there the minor detail of already being married?!" Neil asked her. He wasn't sitting any longer, by now he was up and pacing the floor in front of the bed. He was trying hard to keep his composure, but try as he might he couldn't completly contain the fury that he was feeling. The Scottish blood racing through his veins didn't help matters. "Well it wasn't easy, I had to change my last name from MacNeill to Henderson again, and since they had no records of a Margaret Henderson, I was basically a free woman" She explained to him. "A free woman? But you were still married to me!!" Neil exclaimed. "Technically Margaret MacNeill was married to you, Margaret Henderson was a free woman" "So what happend to this poor soul?" Neil asked sarcastically. "Things didn't really work out between us..." Margaret started to say when a fit of coughing came over her. She took a moment to catch her breath as Neil continued to talk. "So did you divorce him? Or did you change your name again, leaving the poor man to think you were dead. Because we all know how very good you are at that" "Very funny Mac, you always did have that dry sense of humor" Margaret said lightly "Answer the question, Margaret" "I left him. Ran off a couple weeks ago while he was in Boston giving a lecture. He's a cardiologist" "You do seem to have a thing for poor unsuspecting doctors don't you?" Neil asked her "Where did you go?" "Came back to El Pano, to the Tea House. That's where I've been working before..." "Let me guess, you were working at the Tea House, got involved with someone and didn't give them what they wanted. So you left and headed up here for safety, but they followed you and this is what happened" He said indicating the bruises on her arms and face. "Basically, yes. I knew I could come here and at least Mother wouldn't turn me away. I always knew there had to be something good about her being Quaker" She added dryly. Before Neil could answer, there was a knock on the door. "Come in" Neil called out The door opened and there was Alice, Christy and David with a man Neil had never seen. "John..." Margaret said "Is this-?" Neil asked Margaret nodded. "Neil, this is Mr. John Hinley. Margaret's husband" Miss Alice told him "I gathered that...I'm Neil MacNeill, Margaret's other husband" Neil said, trying to push down all his anger and extending his hand to Mr. Hinley Mr. Hinley shook it and replied "Yes, I guess we have some talking to do" "I think I've heard all I can take from Margaret today. It seems every time I turn around the story just keeps getting better and better" Neil told them all "But I'm sure you and Alice need to talk to her" "Yes, we do. Are you sure thee doesn't want to stay, Neil?" Alice asked "I'm sure, I think I've heard everything I can handle right now. I'll be back later. I have some thinking to do" Alice nodded as Neil walked out of the door with Christy and David behind him. "What a day. And it's only 11:30" Neil said as he sat down at the table. Christy poured them some coffee and sat down across from David and Neil. "I'm sure it has been quite a day for you Doctor. It's been quite a day for everyone" David said as he picked up his cup and took a drink from it. "The story is just what we thought. She was beaten by an unhappy comstomer from the Tea House. She said she thought she could come here and at least her mother would welcome her" Neil told them "Then she told me she was married" "How is that possible, Neil? I mean I am not very knowledgable when it comes to legal matters, I always went to my father for that, but I know that it isn't possible to be married to two men at once" Christy asked. "Your right, it's not legal. But when you change your name, I guess it is" "She changed her name?" David asked "She went from MacNeill to Henderson again" "So now she is Margaret Henderson MacNeill Henderson Hinley?" David asked "Something like that.." Neil replied with a small smile. When you stepped away from the situation, it all was rather funny in a strange way. Who would possibly think anything like this was possible? "Well I'd better get to my cabin. I need a change of clothes and I'm sure a bath. I haven't been home in 3 nights, but I'll be back later. Around dinner I expect" Neil told them standing up "If you need anything Neil, anything at all.. we're here" Christy told him "Thank you Christy, I'll see you both later" Neil said and walked out the door *~* *~* *~* Authors Note: After reading this you may be a bit confused.. I hope me writing this chapter at about midnight didn't hurt it too much! But don't worry I plan to get everything straightened out soon! It may not be until Monday or Tuesday that you get the next chapter though... been a busy little bee for the past week and it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon! I love everyones comments, so keep um' coming and thanks to everyone who has replied! =) Ok, I'm finished.. you can read now. *~* *~* *~* On his ride home, Neil decided to stop off at God's Fist. It was where Christy had said she always went when she needed to pray, or just to be quiet. Neil definatly needed to do both. When he got there, he got off Charlie and tied him to a tree nearby and walked over to the ledge. He sat down, looking at the valley below and all the emotions of the past 2 days overcame him and he started to cry almost uncontrolably. He didn't feel ashamed, he really didn't care. He just knew that he needed to put into practice things he had heard for a long time. He closed his eyes and prayed the most honest prayer he had ever prayed. "Dear God, I don't know why this has happened. I don't know why you brought Margaret back right now. With her return, all my hopes for the future were shattered. Whatever I had hoped there to be with Christy is gone. I mourned for her for over a year, and then Christy came and emotions I thought were gone forever came back, stronger than ever before. I know there is always a purpose in everything you do, but right now I can't see the purpose in this. I also know you never give us more then we can handle, but I'm almost at the breaking point. Right now, I want to give up everything to you. Margaret, Christy, all my hopes, dreams and fears I give to you. Do with me what you will" Neil prayed. He put his head in his hands as the tears fell down his cheeks. *~* *~* *~* "I just can't believe this" John Hinley said to his wife. Was she his wife? He didn't know what she was anymore. Margaret had just finished explaining everything to him and Alice and he didn't know what to say. "I had to leave. I don't know why, but I did. When I left Neil I wanted to start over. So I changed my last name back to Henderson. Then I met you and it just sort of happened... I never told you because I didn't want to hurt you" Margaret told him "I've got to go. I need some time to think.." John told her "Maybe I'll go riding.. I'll be back later" he said as he walked out the door. Alice was quiet.. she had nothing to say to Neil,Margaret or John. She had thought that there might have been a chance for Neil and Margaret. But you had to be blind to not see the way that Neil looked at Christy. And the way she looked at him. They had something special. Something that Margaret and Neil never had. As much as she wanted her daughter to be happy, she knew that she had made unwise decisions in the past, and now was reaping what she had sewn. "Is this one of your Quaker silences, Mother?" Margaret finally asked. "I suppose thee could call it that. I just don't have much to say" Alice started to say "I feel partly responsible for thee leaving in the first place. I've wanted to apologize to thee since thee left. I thought I had lost that chance, but now... I want to apologize to thee Margaret. For anything I ever did to hurt thee in the past. I hope thee can find it in thy heart to forgive me" Alice told her, tears in her eyes. "I do mother.. I know I hurt people when I left. I also know I don't have much time left. Between this pneumonia and tuberculosis.. I've been to all the doctors in Boston and Knoxville and they can't do anything for me. It's only a matter of time now. I don't know why I came back... not really, it wouldn't have made any difference if I hadn't-" She said when a spasm of coughs overtook her frail body. "Shhh" Alice said "No... I need to tell you this." Margaret said "Mother, I- I want what you have. I want your peace" tears were in her eyes, threatening to spill. Alice let her tears fall freely. She never thought she would hear those words coming from her daughter. "Thee does not know how long I've wanted to hear thee say that. So many many nights I layed awake wondering what I had done wrong with thee. What I could have done differently. Why, maybe if I hadn't followed you and Neil to the Cove after your marrige, how we may have had a relationship. I thought I had lost any chance of ever hearing thee say those words. If it is alright, we can pray now" Margaret nodded. Alice took her hands and bowed her head. "Dear Almighty Father, I have waited so long to say this prayer for my daughter. She was lost, but now is found, was blind but now shall see. Give her thy love and power to change her life. Show her your amazing love, and let thy light shine through her. In your powerful name we pray, Amen" Alice finished her prayer and looked at her daughter. Already she sensed a difference in her. "Thank you Mother" Margaret said. The tears running down her cheeks. She was like a new person. It seemed as though all the hatered had left her, leaving behind a little girl, just wanting love. A little girl who need her Almighty Father's love to heal her broken heart and soul, and now she had it. There was nothing more Alice could do for her except pray for her, the rest was up to her. "Now thee needs to rest. And think about what this prayer has done to change thy life. We can talk later" Alice instructed. She walked to the door and walked downstairs. Once downstairs, she stood in the hallway overcome by emotions. "Thank thee Father! Thank thee for answering my greatest prayer" When she walked into the dining room, the tears were still flowing freely. "What is it, what's wrong?" Christy asked with concern as she walked over to Miss Alice. "Margaret has just prayed with me-" She said, unable to say anything more then that. Christy's own eyes welled up with tears as she opened up her arms to Alice. She knew how much this meant to her mentor. She knew that Margaret didn't have much longer on this earth, but now, hopefully she could be at peace now. "That is wonderful, Alice" David said after the women had parted. "It truly is. I am so happy for you, and her" Christy told her. "I don't know what brought this about, but as soon as she asked for the peace I had it seemed as though the wall that Margaret had built around herself fell and there sat a vulnerable woman, who only need love. But not just the love that I could give her, or that a husband could give her. But love from her Father..the only thing that could give her the peace she needed" "I wonder what Neil will say" Christy stated after a while. "I know he is in so much pain right now. I just wish there was more I could do for him" "I'm sure he appriciates your prayers Christy, but sometimes people need to walk these roads alone. He just needs time, I'm sure" David told her "I know. But so much has happened to him. I just don't know, things are so much different now. I hope he knows how much we care" "He does, Christy. He does" Alice told her as she sipped her tea. "This is a trying time for him, but as David said, it is a time that will make him grow, and all of us. It won't be easy, for anyone. But somehow I know that everything is going to work out. How, I'm not sure. But it will." *~* *~* *~* Back at his cabin, Neil dismounted Charlie and put him in the barn. "You've been a good boy, Charlie. I don't know what I'd do without you" he said as he put some hay into Charlie's stall. He set down the shovel, and walked out of the barn and into his cabin. All he wanted to do right now was sleep. He felt so much better since praying. Like a weight had been lifted from him. He knew everything would work out. Margaret didn't have much time left, and they needed to settle things. He didn't want her to go before he could tell her that he had forgiven her for everything. Not just for her peace of mind, but for him. To close this chapter in the book of life and open a new one. He didn't know how, but somehow there would be a way. "U-NITED STATES MAAILL!" Ben Pentland called out as he walked up to Neil's cabin. "Hello Ben, do you have something for me today" Neil asked him, walking down the steps on his porch. "Howdy Doc, yep. Shore do. First class mail. Must be mighty im'pertant" Ben said taking a long letter out of his mailbag and handing it to Neil. "Thank you Ben, How've you been? Is your cold gone?" Neil asked "Yep, that medy'cin ya gave me shore licked the little devil" "Thats good" "Whal, I'ze got more mail ta drop off, so's I'd best be goin' " "Alright Ben, Thanks again" Neil said as Ben walked off. "Bye, Doc!" Ben called back Neil looked at the letter in his hands. It was from a former collegue of his, Patrick Denton from Savannah, Georgia. "I wonder what he would be writing me about" Neil asked himself as he walked inside. He opened the letter and let his eyes scan it. "Dear Neil, "You must be wondering what I am doing writing you. It has been a long time since we've seen each other or spoke. About a week ago, I found out that my collegue here at the clinic, Timothy Martin, was relocating to Asheville to start his own practice. I need someone with me in my practice because I have so many patients and just not enough hours in the day to take care of them all. Well, your name came to mind about the position. I know your the only doctor in the mountains you live in, but this is a once in a lifetime position. I'm getting up their in age, and I'll be needing someone to take over for me soon. I had planned for Timothy to, but now, obviously he won't be. There would be no one else I would want in the position then you. I know this will be a hard decision, and it is asking alot of you, but I need your answer as soon as possible. Think on it and get back to me. We can set up a date for you to come up here, whenev! er! your available. Sincerely, Patrick Denton" Neil closed the letter. He had never seriously thought of leaving the Cove, he had had thoughts of going of course, when things seemed to be too much for him to handle, but he had never accually had an offer to go anywhere else and practice. This was an amazing opportunity for him, Patrick was a world renound surgon and taking over his practice would be everything Neil had ever dreamed of. He would have to give this serious thought. Could it be time for him to move on? "What timing Patrick, what timing" *~* *~* *~* Chapter: 8 Author: Sarah Disclaimer: See Prologue Authors Note: Sorry it took so long to get this next chapter out! Enjoy!! ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Chapter 8 Neil was just as preoccupied on his way back to the mission later that evening as he was when he had left hours before. He couldn't believe that there was not a reason for him receiving the letter from Patrick Denton right now, today. Then a thought came to him, he pulled the letter from his pocket and slowed Charlie down to a walk. He opened the letter and looked for the date in the upper right corner. "April 15, 1912" he read.. "It is April 31" He said to himself... "There is no way it took the letter over two weeks to get to me from Georgia" It had to mean something. Why did the letter come today, out of all days? Was he supposed to go to Savannah? He had to admit it was what he had always wanted. To have his own or even to co-own a practice like this. And to have Patrick Denton personally ask him, well that was a true honor! "I can't make my decision yet, I have to pray about it. To make sure I am doing the ri! ! ght thing" he told himself as he came upon the mission. If only there was someone he could tell. As much as he wanted to he couldn't bring it up with Christy. Something in him just wouldn't let him. Alice was out of the question. She had too much on her mind to have to take in his problems. Then there was David. They had really never been "close". Especially since Christy came. It was like there was an unspoken vow between them to make Christy one of theirs. He still hadn't figured out anything as he walked into the mission. From the sounds coming from the kitchen, Neil assumed Christy, David, Alice John and Ruby Mae were having dinner. But he walked straight up the stairs anyway, without letting anyone even know he was there. He had to talk to Margaret first thing. It was like he felt this was his only chance. He stood outside her door and knocked. "Come in, Mac" "How did you-?" Neil asked walking into the room and shutting the door behind him. "I know your knock, remember? I have this strange feeling we've been this road before though.." Margaret replied "Yes, we have. Listen Margaret, I need to talk to you" She motioned for him to sit down on the chair next to her bed. "I need to talk to you too, I have news that you will most likely be surprised to hear" "I doubt much could surprise me right now, but I know if there would be anyone to surprise me, you would be the one" He said with a grin. "Very funny, ha ha" Neil smiled. This was just like old times. Times when he and Margaret got along, and agreed. Which happened more then he had given her credit for now that he thought back on it. "Anyway, this afternoon on my way back to my cabin I stopped to think, to pray. I know that sounds shocking. Me praying. But I do and I can't believe I was so stubborn not to do it sooner. But then sitting on the ledge at God's Fist I realized that it wasn't your fault that I was so angry and upset. It was my fault. I have the choice whether or not I want to let something anger me. And earlier, I chose to blame you and be mad for all the pain I had basically caused myself over the past years. Yes you caused pain when you left, but it was my decision to stay in that 'rut' so to speak for so long. It was my decision to be mad at you when you came back, and to not want to forgive you" He told her. "I said earlier I could forgive you, but not forget, but now I have to take that back. I can forgive you and while I can't forget the past two years, I can forget the way you and I acted. I am a stubborn old Scot, but I want to apologize for the way I treated you. I f! ! orgive you, for everything. You were, or maybe you still are, my wife. And while I don't love you like a husband should love a wife anymore, I love you as a friend. And I hope that you hold no hard feelings toward me" "I do forgive you Mac. I can only hope, and pray that you will know and understand that I and truly sorry for what I did to you. It hurt you, and now I realize the mistake I made. Mac, today I prayed with mother. I've realized that my actions were wrong, and I didn't want to live the way I've been living for the short time I have left on earth" "That is wonderful news Margaret. I really am happy for you" Neil replied. Clearly surprised at what she had just told him, but so happy for her. "I know that there is nothing more you or any other doctors can do for me, but that's okay. My time here is almost through, and I've made my peace with you, Mother and John. Almost everyone" "Who else is there?" Neil asked "Christy" "Why-?" Neil asked questioningly. Margaret had just met Christy the day before, what could there be to apologize for already? "It's a women thing. But from what I've picked up, mostly from Ruby Mae who has been up here dozens of times today, she cares for you. And I don't want to stand in either of your ways" "I don't understand.." Neil asked. Could she really be saying what he thought she was? Did she tell him that Christy loved him? She had hardly even talked to Christy, once, maybe twice and she had already picked this up when Neil had seen Christy almost everyday for a year and had no idea? "You will. One day. I just hope you two have better luck then we did" Margaret said with a smile. "Now how about helping me downstairs. I am stick and tired of being cooped up in this bed. I just can't take it any longer" "Do you feel up to it?" Neil asked. "I feel as good as I ever will. Now help me up" she replied as she held her arms up. Neil helped her out of the bed and slowly guided her down the stairs and into the kitchen. It seemed every time he left Margaret's room he went to the kitchen because everyone was always there. "Margaret! Is thee feeling well enough to be down here?" Alice asked from her seat. David, Ruby Mae, John, Christy and Alice were all eating their dessert of apple pie just as Neil had thought. "I'm fine Mother" Margaret replied as Neil helped her into her chair. He looked over at Christy and caught her eyes on him. She looked away, but not before Neil flashed her a smile that made her blush. ”Now, how about a plate of that wonderful smelling food?” Neil asked sitting down himself. “I’ll get it Doc, watcha want? Thars Miz Christy’s pot roast, or my possum pie” Ruby Mae said standing up. “I think I’ll try that pot roast” Ruby Mae turned around and walked into the kitchen “I don’t know why nobody wants none of my pie, it’s the best I’ve ever made!” she said. “It is wonderful to see you up, Margaret” Christy told her setting her fork on her plate. “Thank you Christy, if possible, I would like to talk to you sometime soon.. ” Margaret asked. ”Of course,” Christy replied, a bit surprised. Why could Margaret want to talk to her? They really didn't know each other, and certinaly came from different worlds. ”How are you feeling Maggie?” John asked for the first time. There was concern in his voice. The sound of a husband who was truly worried about his wife. ”I’m feeling better, I just couldn’t stand another moment in that bed up there” "Well, this has been some day. Long, but it has been wonderful” Alice said after a moment. “A life changing day” ”Amen to that!” David said with a smile. ”Always the preacher, eh Reverend?” Neil asked with a smile. “Well, you know what they say.. You can take the preacher out of the church, but you can’t take the church out of the preacher” David replied, and everyone laughed. "Here ya go, Doc" Ruby Mae said as she set down Neil's plate in front of him. "Mmmm, smells wonderful Christy. I didn't know you could cook pot roast..I thought your specialty was charbroiled chicken. You surprise me" Neil said with a grin. "Yes, well, I'm no chef. bu I do know my way around kitchens. At least well stocked kitchens.." She said with a sideways glance at him. "Am I to think you are referring to the way my kitchen is stocked?" Neil asked in mock surprise. "Oh Mac, we all know you were never one to cook. If they left you alone, you probably would starve to death" Margaret said sarcastically. "You are absolutely right Margaret. I can't tell thee how many times I have gone to Neil's and found his cabinets bare. If it wasn't for Opal and Christy I think he would have starved long ago. And what good is a starving doctor?" Miss Alice asked. "Alright, enough, enough. I promise to start stocking my cabinets to your satisfactions. You make me a list and I'll buy it" Neil said "Anyway, why are we speaking of this now? If I'm not mistaken, this mission is well stocked with food.. I can always come over here for a meal if I find I am starving half to death, which is something that I haven't gotten to yet, mind you" "Are you all finished with your dishes?" Christy asked standing up and taking her plate with her. She was met with nods all around. She walked around everyone, clearing their plates and carrying them into the kitchen. "Christy, do you think we could speak now?" Margaret asked when she came back in the room. "Go ahead Christy, Ruby Mae and I will finish the dishes" Alice told her "Well, alright. If you’re sure you want to do it" Christy asked Alice. "It's fine. Go" she replied Christy set down the plate that was in her hand on the table and followed John, who was helping Margaret outside. He helped her into the rocking chair and Christy sat across from her in the swing. Once they were comfortable, John left them to talk. It was a beautiful evening. The sun was just beginning to set over the mountains and the breeze was blowing. Just warm enough to let them know that summer was on it's way, but cool enough to let them know that winter hadn't forgotten about them yet. "I suppose you are wondering why I asked to talk with you" Margaret started off saying, her hands folded in her lap. "Well, I guess. Only because we have only talked once or twice before.." Christy replied. "I felt like I needed to apologize to you, and I needed to do it soon. Before it was too late" "Apologize to me? Why?" "For ruining what you had with Neil" "What do I have with Neil that you ruined?" Christy asked completely bewildered. "Don't tell me you don't see it, Christy. The way he looks at you when he thinks nobody is watching, the little smiles, gestures, and compliments. His feelings are all very evident to everyone" Margaret explained to a very confused Christy. "I don't know what your talking about Margaret, really" Christy replied. What could she mean? Did Neil actually have feelings for her that went beyond just friendship? Was she so blind to miss it completely when everyone else seemed to know? And what about David.. didn't she have feelings for him? "Are you saying Neil is in love with me?" "I'm saying Neil has feelings for you that are more then just friendly feelings. The way he looks at you, speaks to you.. He never spoke to me that way. We may have been married, legally, but the emotions, the love just wasn't there. I think we fooled ourselves into it for a while; we never were really in love. He never looked at me the way he looks at you. Your something special" Margaret told her, "If I hadn't returned now, I have a feeling it wouldn't have been long before you became Mrs. Neil MacNeill. I'm not sure that still won't happen" "Are you saying that I'm going to marry Neil?" Christy asked shocked. "Why that is unbelievable. I mean Neil is so, so- stubborn and thick headed and, and-" "Handsome, and dashing, and any other verb you want to use to describe him. He would be a catch for any woman, and you know it" Christy couldn't believe that Margaret was sitting here telling her this. Why the whole idea of Neil wanting to marry her was almost laughable! But the question still stayed in the back of her mind, could it be true? "Margaret, I have to tell you that the thought never crossed my mind" "Alright, but be a little more perceptive okay? You just may be surprised at what you find" Margaret told her. "I'm glad we got to have this talk. I feel much better now, but it is getting dark and I am getting tired so I think I should go back to my cave upstairs and settle in for the night" "I'm glad we did too, let me get one of the men to help you up. Just wait here" Christy turned and walked inside. "David, could you help Margaret upstairs? She said she is ready to go back" she asked him as he passed her in the hall. "Sure," David said turning back around and walking outside with Christy behind him. "Did you two have a nice chat?" David asked helping Margaret from her seat. "Oh yes, quite nice" Margaret replied with a sideways glance at Christy "Yes, uh- very nice" Christy replied. As David helped Margaret inside he turned to Christy. "Neil said he wanted to know when Margaret was back upstairs so you may want to go tell him. I think he's in the parlor" Christy nodded and walked to the parlor. She found Neil sitting on the couch in front of the fire smoking his pipe."Um, Neil? David said you wanted to know when Margaret was back upstairs. Well, she is" Christy said.. She wasn't sure how to speak to him now, after her conversation with Margaret. "Thanks, you two had a productive conversation I trust?" he asked her pulling the pipe from his mouth and turning towards her. "Oh yes, very ah- productive". An uncomfortable silence followed. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Neil spoke. "Well, ah I guess I should go up now" "Yes, you probably should" Christy replied. Neil stood up and walked to the doorway then turned back to Christy as if he was going to say something to her. He stared at her for a moment, and then turned back around and walked up the stairs. Christy closed her eyes and breathed a silent prayer. "Oh Lord help me know what to do about Neil!" *~* *~* *~* Chapter: 9 Disclaimer: See prologue Authors note: Enjoy!!! ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Chapter 9 Chapter 9 A week had gone by, with Margaret still at the mission. Her health had been slowly deteriorating and everyone knew she didn't have much time left. John was still at the mission, and things had begun to be settled with them, which brought much relief to Miss Alice. Neil still hadn't decided what to do about the letter from Savannah. He felt he just couldn't make a decision at this time and told Patrick so. Patrick had given him all the time he needed to make up his mind, as he knew what a large change it would mean for Neil if he chose to come. "Alright children, you may go out to recess now" Christy instructed her class on that warm and beautiful spring day. As the children filed out, Christy sat back down at her desk to grade history papers. She was so engrossed she didn't notice the footsteps of a person walking up to her desk. "Christy, may I speak with you?" the voice said. Christy turned her head up and looked at the figure of Neil standing in front of her desk. The light shining in from the open door behind him made it almost impossible for her to see his features, but she knew his voice immediately. "Neil could you sit down, I can't see you that well with the light shining in behind you" Christy asked him. "I would, but I don't have the time. Mary Allen is in labor and need your assistance. Alice is in Low Gap and you’re the only other person able to help me. Can you leave now?" "Of course, let me see if I can get David to come and teach math and bible class now and I'll be ready" Christy replied standing up and getting her shall from the peg next to her desk. It was cool that day and with riding on a horse she was sure to need it. "I'll be out on Charlie, you can ride with me" Neil told her following her out "To save time" She knew that it wouldn't save any time her riding with him rather then riding on Prince, but she nodded her head in agreement anyway as she half walked half ran to the mission. "David!" She called once she got through the door. "David!" David ran down the stairs like lightening. "What is it Christy, what's wrong?" "Mary Allen is in labor and Neil needs me to help him, can you teach bible and math early today?" she asked him. "Sure, I was just finishing up fixing the window Sam Huston broke with his baseball earlier, let me put my tools away and I'll go right over" "They are having recess. If I'm not back after you finish with them, dismiss them for the day" Christy said turning to the door. "You've got it," David replied "Oh and David?" Christy said turning around "Thank you" ~*~~*~~*~ The ride to the Allen's cabin was unusually quiet. Christy still didn't no quite how to act around Neil, and he seemed to sense that. "Christy, what's wrong?" he asked finally. The question brought her back to reality. "Nothings wrong, what would give you that idea?" "You just seem more quiet then usual. And when a women gets unusually quiet, you know something has to be wrong" Neil replied "And since when are you an expert on women's feelings and actions, Doctor?" Christy asked him. "Didn't say I was, but really Christy. You know you can't hide anything from me" "I noticed" She mumbled under her breath. "What was that?" Neil asked "I said I noticed" "So there IS something after all?" he chided. "It's nothing really.." she started and then trailed off. She didn't know how to tell him, or even if she should. He soon cleared that up though. "No, it is something. And I plan to get it out of you before we get to the Allen's" "Alright, alright. I've just been thinking about my conversation with Margaret last week" Christy finally told him. "Must have made quite a mark for you to still be thinking about it over a week and a half after the fact" Neil stated "I guess it did" Christy replied. To her relief, they came upon the Allen's before she could explain just WHY it was troubling her so. "Aren't you the lucky one. Don't think I'll forget about this little conversation" Neil told her after she dismounted. "Remember we have the whole ride back to the mission, and I can take as long as I want" he said with a smile. They were met at the door by Bob, who's arm was in the sling that Neil had made him from 2 weeks ago when his horse threw him on his way to El Pano. "Thanks for comin' Doc. Mary's in a bad way. Seems this young'un jest don't wanna come" Bob told them, ushering them inside. "Well that's what I'm here for Bob" Neil said walking over to the bed that Mary was laying in, with Christy following. "How are you feeling Mary?" Neil asked, opening up his saddlebag and getting the stethoscope to check the baby's heartbeat. "I'm ailin' some Doc. This young'un must be a stubb'rn one ta be acting this a'way” Mary replied. Perspiration was forming on her brow, and she looked exhausted. "Christy, have Bob boil some water and get plenty of clean rags. Then take the children outside and have Bob stay with them" Neil instructed "Oh and don't forget a blanket to rap the baby in" Christy nodded and did the task at hand. Returning minutes later with the hot water, she set it on the chair next to the bed along side the clean rags and blanket. Neil was examining Mary. "Mary, you rest for a minute while I talk to Christy" Neil told her, Mary nodded. Neil took Christy aside,” It’s a breech Christy" he said under his breath "I think we may have to operate to get the baby out. It's heartbeat is strong, but I'm afraid too much longer inside and it may start to fall" Neil told her. "How is Mary?" Christy asked him. "She's fine. As strong as an ox those Allen women are. Don't worry about her, we need to focus on the baby" They walked back over to Mary's bedside and Neil explained what they would have to do. "Mary, the baby seems to be in a breech position, the only option we have for delivering it as I see it is to operate and take the baby. Christy will give you some ether, and the next thing you'll know you'll be holding your wee one in your arms" Neil told her in a soothing tone. At Mary's worried expression Neil said "Don't worry, everything will be fine. I promise" she nodded her head and closed her eyes. Christy got the ether from Neil and put a bit on the cloth and held it over Mary's nose. "Ok Mary, just breathe this in alright?" Christy told her. She nodded in response as she took some deep breaths. Before long she was asleep and Neil began the surgery. Christy had never witnessed this kind of operation before, and wasn't quite sure what to expect. "How many times have you done this Neil?" she asked him, as he was getting ready to make the incision in Mary's lower abdomen. "I've never done one myself, but I've seen it done countless times" Neil told her. That was when Christy realized how nervous Neil was. He was trying his best not to let it show, but deep down inside she knew he wasn't sure if he could do this or not. "Don't worry, Neil. If anyone can do this operation, you can. Relax" Christy said as she touched his arm. He looked up at her for a brief moment and Christy really saw for one of the first times's the man behind the mask. For that brief moment he had let her see a part of him he tried to keep hidden. A part that she had only seen once before, when Margaret returned. He turned back to Mary and made the incision. Before Christy knew it, he was pulling up a squalling baby girl. "She's a fiery wee one, isn't she lass?" Neil asked Christy. Christy blushed at his nickname for her. He rarely said it, but every time he did Christy felt a rush she couldn't explain. "She sure is, do you want me to clean her up?" "That would be wonderful, Mary should be waking up any time now and we want a clean baby for her, don't we?" Neil said as if talking to the baby. Christy saw such love in his eyes, even though the baby was not his. He handed Christy the little one and she cleaned her off with the warm water and wrapped her in a blanket just as Mary woke up. "Mary, let me be the first to congratulate you on your new baby girl" Neil said with a big grin. Christy carried the little bundle over and handed it to Mary as Neil went and got Bob. "She's beautiful Mary" Christy told her. Mary seemed to beam with pride at the newest addition to her family. "Ain't she perty Bob?" Mary asked her husband after he had entered the room. Neil and Christy stepped back to let the family have a moment. "She shore is, Mary. Looks jest like her ma" "Have you two decided on a name?" Neil asked after a moment. "How 'bout Abigail Louise?" Mary said. "Abigail after my ma, and Louise after yers, Bob" "Sounds right fine ta me" "It is a beautiful name" Christy agreed. A little while later, after making sure that Mary and Abby were fine Neil and Christy left to go back to the mission. They rode along in silence, much like the ride there. "Isn't life amazing?" Christy asked after a moment of thought. "Think about it Neil, you just brought a new life into the world. A baby" "I know, it amazes me every time" Neil said. Christy could tell something was troubling him."What's wrong, Neil? And don't tell me nothing" "It is a times like this, when I deliver a baby, that I think of what I could have had. And how much I wish I had it" Neil said softly. Tears welled up in Christy's eyes. She knew how much he wanted children, and knew how hard it must be for him right now. "You will be a wonderful father Neil" Christy said "You mean I would have been. It would be a little hard to have children without a wife, now wouldn't it?" "Someday you may meet the women who is perfect for you. Who you can love with all your heart" Christy told him, completely oblivious to how it may have sounded. And Neil replied so softly that not even Christy could hear him, "I already have" ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Chapter 10 Neil and Christy were met with an eerie silence that covered the whole house when they arrived at the mission later after returning from the Allen's. "I wonder where everyone could be?" Christy asked. "The horses are here, they couldn't have left" Neil stated walking around downstairs, with Christy following. Other than a candle burning on the kitchen table, there was no sign of life at all. "Let's check upstairs" she whispered. Neil nodded and they walked up quietly, as though not to disturb the silence. Then they saw Ruby Mae standing in the hall quietly crying. "Why Ruby Mae, what is the matter?" Christy asked walking over to the girl. "It's Miz. Margaret. She's mighty bad off.. Miz Alice said she don't have much mer time" Ruby Mae managed to say. With that statement, Neil walked through the closed door, with Christy not far behind. Their eyes were met with Alice softly crying standing by Margaret's bedside, John too had tears in his eyes as he held the hand of his wife, who's eyes were close. Her face was pale, she looked like death itself. David was standing by Alice with his hand on her shoulder, bible in the other. At the sound of the door closing, Alice looked up to Neil's questioning eyes. "Not long after thee left she started coughing. She couldn't stop, and couldn't breathe. She turned blue, but John was able to revive her. I think she is waiting for thee, Neil" Alice said tears running down here cheeks. She had just gotten her daughter back, only to have her taken away again. "How hard it must be for her" Christy thought. Neil walked over to Margaret, and John stepped back. "Margaret, can you hear me?" he asked her. Her eyes fluttered a little and slowly opened. "Mac-" she whispered. "It's my time" "I know" he replied. "I'm glad I came back" she could hardly make out the words. "Thank you, for forgiving me” Neil nodded, and Christy saw a tear in his own eyes. "I am glad you came back too, I'll never forget you Margaret. My life will be so dull without you surprising me every couple of years" Neil said, jokingly. She smiled. "John" she whispered. "I am so sorry" "Don't be, all is forgiven Maggie" he replied huskily, now standing at her side. "I will always love you" "I too" she replied. "Christy, remember what I told you" Margaret said. Christy walked up to her, her tears flowing also. "I will" Christy replied. Then Margaret looked over to Alice. "Oh Margaret, how I love thee" Alice said taking her hand. "I love you too, Mother" and those were the last words Margaret Henderson MacNeill Hinley spoke on this earth. *~**~**~* -Present Day- "That is so sad, Grandma" Melissa said, wiping a tear from her eye. "It was a very sad moment for us all. Especially for Alice. I can hardly imagine what she must have been going through" the older Christy replied. "I can't believe all you went through. I had no idea that Margaret came back, and that she was married to John! That sounds like something you would see in a soap opera of today" Melissa stated. Christy chuckled at her granddaughter’s analogy. "It does now, doesn't it? But it really did happen" "What you and Grandpa went through! But now that Margaret was gone, Grandpa was single and you and he married right?" Melissa guessed. "It didn't quite happen that way, dear. We went through many more trials before our wedding day. And I still didn't know I loved your grandfather. I was so stubborn, and naive at the same time, that I didn't realize my true feelings" "How are you liking the story Melissa" Catherine said as she walked out onto the porch, carrying with her some more lemonade and some fresh chocolate chip cookies. "It is amazing! I can't believe I didn't hear about any of this sooner!' "I thought you'd like it" her mother replied with a smile towards Christy. "Now I'll leave you two alone, I just thought you'd like some more refreshments" "Thank you Catherine" Christy replied "Yes, thank you mom!" Melissa called as Catherine walked back into the house. Turning back to her grandma, she asked, "So what happened next?" "Well, then my parents came for a visit, with my brother George. It was always an interesting time when they came to the Cove...But even more so when they decide to surprise me!" Melissa smiled. "I can't wait to hear this!" *~**~**~* Chapter 11 It had been two in a half weeks since Margaret's death. John Hinley left after the funeral, and Miss Alice had heard from him twice since then. Things had slowly gotten back to normal, but Alice still worried about Neil. He had been very sullen and quiet in the last month. He had hardly come to the mission at all, other then when necessary. It was almost as if he was avoiding something, what Alice couldn't tell. She knew the past few months had been hard one's for him, it had been hard for everyone. But she did know that she wasn't going to sit around watching Neil act this way. She was going to do something about it. "David, would thee do me a favor?"Alice asked as David walked pass her in the hallway. "Of course" he answered with a smile. "What do you need?" "Could thee get my horse from the barn please? I have to make a trip to Neil's" "Sure can" David replied as he turned and walked outside. Alice got her hat and followed him out. Minutes later, the horse was ready and she was on her way. As she rode, she thought of what she could say to Neil. Nothing entered her mind, no matter how hard she thought. "I'll just have to let thee tell me when it is time, Father" she silently prayed. After dismounting when she reached Neils, she walked up the front steps and firmly rapped on the door. Seconds went by, and finally she heard the sound of heavy footsteps. "Why Alice, your the last person I expected to see here" Neil said as he opened the door. "Why, yes. I suppose I am" she replied. They both stood there, staring at one another for what seemed like hours. "Isn't thee going to ask me in?" she finally asked. "Oh, yes" Neil said almost as an afterthought, opening the door for her to enter. She walked in and took off her hat. "Can I get you some coffee? I just made some" he asked walking over to his stove. "Yes, coffee would be wonderful" she replied sitting down at his table. "I suppose thee is wondering why I am here" "Yes, the thought crossed my mind, since we've never really been ah, well the best of friends"he answered as he poured her coffee. "Milk or sugar?" he asked "Neither, thank thee" she replied. He walked over and set coffee on the table in front of her.She took it in her hands and looked at him. "Neil, I've noticed that over the past weeks thee has been, different" He didn't respond, just looked down as he stirred his coffee. "I know that it hasn't been easy for thee as of late, but.." "I appreciate your concern, Alice, but I have nothing to discuss" he replied with a hint of gruffness in his tone. "Neil, I've sat back and watched thee be in agony for too long. We may not be friends, but we are related whether we want to be or not, and I think that thee should be able to tell me what is wrong" she said, almost demandingly. "Margaret was my daughter too, and it hurt me too when she left, and came back and died, but we must move on-" "Alice, it isn't Margaret's return or death that has been bothering me" he finally interrupted. "At least that isn't all it is" She looked up, surprised. "Then what is it Neil?" He faltered, not knowing if he should tell her or not. "I'm actually glad you came and asked. It gives me a reason to tell you now instead of prolonging the situation" he told her "I received a letter from a friend. Patrick Denton, who has a practice in Savannah. His colleague who also co-owned the practice is leaving; I'm assuming he was offered another position somewhere else. Patrick has asked me to come and replace him" Alice sat in silence. It wasn't the first time Neil had considered leaving the Cove, but he never had a reason as good as this. "Hast thou made a decision yet?" He sighed, stood up and began to pace the floor. "Yes, I have" Again, there was silence. "Thee is leaving us, aren't thou?" Alice finally asked. "Yes, you don't realize how hard the decision was for me. But since Margaret came back, and then died.. I don't know. I just think I need to go" "Hast thou prayed about this?" "Oh yes, I've done more praying then I ever thought I would" Neil replied "And thee feels this is the Lords direction in thy life" Alice asked him "Yes, I do" "Well then, thee must go" Neil was shocked at what she had said. "You sound like you want me to leave" "It would not be right, or good for thee to be here if thee thought thou needed to be somewhere else" Alice told him, taking her first sip of coffee. "Thee will be missed, Christy in particular will miss thee. We all will" Neil tried to ignore her statement about Christy and moved on. "There is a doctor in El Pano who has agreed to come up here once a week until you can find a permanent one. I've already contacted him" "When will thee be leaving" "I need to write Patrick, and I hope to leave in a week, maybe a week and a half" Neil replied walking over to the sink and setting his cup down. Alice stood up and walked over to him. "I don't know what we will do without thee" she said looking in his eyes. He turned away, trying to hide the tear that was starting to fall down his face. "I should go" Alice told him picking up her hat. "Could you tell everyone for me? Maybe have the Preach make an announcement on Sunday" Neil asked her. "I think thee should tell Christy" Alice said putting her hand on the doorknob and opening it. Neil nodded, as she walked out. "Then I guess I will be stopping by the mission later"Neil said as she mounted her horse outside. "That will be fine" she replied, Neil handed her the reins. She turned the horse around and galloped off and Neil walked back inside. ~*~~*~ ~*~ Chapter 12 It was after dinner, dusk was beginning to settle over the mountains. The crickets were starting their evening serenade and the birds were singing their goodnight song. After helping Ruby Mae clean the kitchen after dinner, Christy decided to take a walk. She didn't know why but she felt something almost pulling her down to the stream that ran through Neil's property and the Spencer cabin. She followed it down stream just thinking about how the past year and a half had changed her. There was no doubt in her mind that she was a different person then she was when she first stepped off the train in El Pano. She would never fit into the city scene again. Not like all her friends back in Asheville, who lived for the parties, and balls and teas and going shopping and to the theater and opera. How could she go back to that life after living here and knowing the life that these people lived? If only other "city folk" as the highlanders called them, could come to the Cove and expe! ri! ence the life that is being lived here. "Am I disturbing anything" a husky voice asked from behind her. She whirled around and faced the tall form. "Oh Neil, it's just you. You startled me. No you're not bothering anything" "Sorry to shock you. I was hoping to find you here. I need to talk to you" he replied. "Alright, should we sit down?" she asked him motioning to the rocks on the bank. He nodded his replied and sat next to her. He took a deep breath, not sure where to begin. "What is the matter, Neil?" she asked him. "If it is about Margaret-" "No, it's not about her.. It is about a decision I made" "Well, what is it?" she asked. As he looked up at her, that one stubborn curl fell down his forehead. She lifted her hand to brush it away, and then realized what she was doing and quickly pulled it back down. "Christy, about three weeks ago I received a letter from a former colleague named Patrick Denton in Savannah. He asked me to replace his co-owner and join his practice" Neil told her. He watched her expression of happiness turn downcast. "What did you tell him?" she asked softly. "I wrote him a letter today and accepted the position" Neil told her. She said nothing as tears lightly fell down her cheek. "Please don't cry lass" he told her, wiping the tear away with his thumb. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. "Neil, how could you leave?" she asked. "We need you here, I need you here, you're the only doctor for miles.." she said. "There is a doctor in El Pano that has offered to come up once or twice a week until Dr Ferrand can get a replacement" Christy nodded. "I wish you didn't have to leave" "I have to, I don't know why, but it is for the best" he took a breath and looked up at the evening sky. "You'll write me?" he asked "Of course, if you'll answer" she said with a smile. "And of course I will" he replied as the curl fell back over his forehead. "Did anyone ever tell you, you have stubborn hair?" Christy asked, wanting to change the subject if only for a moment. Neil laughed. "No, but it must have something to do with my personality" Christy laughed, "Well your finally admitting it!" they were silent again. Then Christy remembered the letter that she found in her pocket over a month before. "Neil, what about the letter?" she asked "What letter?" "Do you remember the day we went to El Pano, you somehow put a letter in my pocket and I found it about a month ago. With everything that has been going on, I completly forgot about it" she told him. "Well that makes two of us, I suppose you're wondering what I was meaning aren't you?" he asked her with a smile. "Well yes," she replied. "Well I can't tell you now," he started to say "What do you mean you can't tell me? Neil MacNeill, at this point I think it is the LEAST you can do" she retorted. "Give me a few days, then you'll know" "Alright, if you say so. But you'd better not forget this time" she said wagging her finger at him. "I won't, I promise, not that you'd let me though" he said with a smile. They were silent again. "Neil, when are you leaving?" She asked after a moment. "In about a week. I've already begun packing" "What about your cabin?" she asked. "I'd been thinking about that.. and I thought that maybe I could leave some of my supplies that I won't be needing in Savannah and you can bring some of the children over for science lessons, if you wanted to that is" "That sounds wonderful, the children will love it" Christy replied. "You know they are going to miss you so much. Especially the boys" Neil nodded. "It won't be easy leaving them" "You'll just have to write the class too you know" she said "Just to let them know you haven't forgotten about them" she said, trying to mask the feelings that she didn't understand. "I'll do that" he replied, swatting away a mosquito with his hand. "You know, if we don't go inside soon, we're going to be eaten alive" "I think your right, are you coming in the mission?" "I think I will, just for a few minutes" he replied standing up then extending his hand to her to help her up from the rock she was seated on. She took it and said, "Thank you" "My pleasure" he said. They stood there for a while, looking at each other. The realization of what Neil had told Christy was sinking in. He was leaving, and there was nothing she could do to stop him. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Chapter 13 "But how could he leave, Grandma? He was meant to be in the Cove. It was his home, everything and everyone he loved was there" Melissa asked her Grandmother. "Right then, he felt that is what he needed to do, for whatever reason. And you know your grandfather, once he's set his mind to something, your hardpressed to change it" ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ A week had gone by since the night by the river when Neil told Christy he was leaving the Cove and he was preparing to leave the next day for Savannah. Christy still hadn't heard a word about the letter, so she was hoping he hadn't forgotten and would tell her today. When the Cove heard the news of his leaving, Fairlight, Jeb, Opal and Tom had arranged, along with Miss Alice, Christy and David, a surprise going away party for him and invited the whole Cove. "Ya know, it ain't gonna be easy ta get the Doc down here and be sa'prized. He ain't one ta be sa'prized easy like" Tom told David they set up tables and benches outside the mission and school house. David set his end down, and replied "Well, I for one never thought the Doctor was one to like surprises very much" "Wall, I guess we'uns will find out soon" Tom replied. Christy and Opal and Fairlight were tying streamers onto the tables, while Jeb, Bob and Alt Allen were setting up the tables. "Now then, that looks wonderful" Christy said stepping back from the table and admiring their handywork. "That shore does" Opal replied. "How are you gonna keep Doc away until the right time, Christy?" Fairlight asked hammering in the last end of her side of the streamer. "I had him give the children their science lesson out at the river, Ruby Mae promised to bring him back in time" Christy told them. "Speaking of time, we only have about 45 minutes left" she said looking at her watch pin. "And we still need to get the food out!" Opal replied. "Well then lets stop flappin' our gums and get the women ta'gether and get this food out" Fairlight told them. And they did just that. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ "Doc, this be a mighty fine lesson, but I think we'uns should be gettin' on back ta tha mission now" Ruby Mae told Neil trying to get them back in time for the party. "Well Ruby Mae, I'm not quite finished with the science lesson but when I am we'll go back. Besides, I think Miss Christy needs a bit more time to finish grading all your papers, don't you?" Neil, who was holding Mountie while showing the class pictures of the eye, replied. "Whal, yes.. I guess so.." Ruby Mae said, not knowing what else to say. "Then, what do you say we continue our lesson?" She nodded in reply. "Alright then, Creed, can you tell me what the black part of the eye is called?" Neil said pointing to the picture he was holding. Creed nodded his head, "Yes, sir.. that be the people" Neil tried his best not to laugh, but when a few of the other children started laughing he couldn't hold it in. "No silly, it be the pupil, not people!" Zady corrected him. "Thats right, Zady. You were pretty close though, Creed" Neil told him trying not to make him feel to bad. How he was going to miss these children. He had to admit to being surprised when Christy had asked him to teach them one more lesson before he left. Since he was finished packing, and all of his belongings that he was taking with him were already on their way to Savannah, he gladly complied. "Alright, who knows what the name of the part of the eye that is colored?" he asked. Looking around for raised hands, he spotted Sam Houston sitting in the corner, a tear running down his cheek. "Lizette?" he asked noticing her rasied hand. "That be the iris, right Doc?" she asked him. "That is right, now how about you all get out your slates and chalk and draw me a picture of some eyes, and you older children lable the parts" he instructed, sitting Mountie back down. When the children were busy drawing, he walked back to Sam Houston. "What's the matter?" he asked, crouching down beside the little boy. Sam Houston sniffed and looked up at Neil. "I jest wish ya didn't have ta go, Doc" he said, new tears forming in his eyes. "I'm gonna miss ya somethin' aweful" Neil looked down at him, "I'm going to miss you to, Sam" he said. Neil was one of the only people that Sam Houston let him call him Sam. "But if you promise to write me back, I'll write you letters" Sam's eyes brightened. "Letters just ta me?" Neil nodded. "Yes, just to you. If you'll write me back" Sam smiled and nodded vigorously. "Ya bet I will! I ain't never got a letter of my own!" Neil smiled, "Now, how about drawing me a picture of your eyes?" he asked. Sam nodded and pulled out his slate. Neil patted him on the head as he stood up. Seeing Ruby Mae's raised hand, he walked over to her. "Yes?" he asked. "Doc, I think we'uns had better be gettin' back to the mission now. This has been a mightly long lesson" she said, again trying to get him to leave. "Ruby Mae, you seem to be in a rush to get back, is there any reason for that?" he asked her, bewildered at her wanting to get back there so much. She shook her head hard, "No sir, I just was thinkin' that it's gettin' kinda late, and whal, we'uns had better be gettin' back" Neil looked at his watch, it was a quarter to three. "Well, if you insist. I was finished with the lesson anyway. As soon as everyone finishes their pictures we'll head back, alright?" Ruby Mae nodded then turned to the class, "Alright all ya slow pokes. Finish those pictures and give 'um back ta Doc so's we can go ta the mission" Neil smiled as the children accually obeyed Ruby Mae and brought him their pictures. "Wonderful, you all are some mighty fine artists" he said after looking at the pictures. "Now, lets all get together and head back" he said opening the door of his cabin for them, waiting for each of them to file out. When everyone was on out he closed the door and followed them back. Once they got about five minutes from the mission ,Ruby Mae said "Come on, Doc. Hurry up" and ran ahead, all the children following her lead. Neil had no choice but to run and follow them. Once he got to the top of the hill, knowing he wouldn't catch up with them, he stopped to get his breath. He looked up at the mission yard shocked. "Well, I'll be-" he said noticing everyone stand about and a big banner reading: "Goodbye Doc! We'll Miss You!" hanging up over the schoolhouse door. With tears blurrying his vision, he heard everyone yell "SURPRISE!!" ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Chapter 14 "I can't believe you people!" Neil exclaimed as he walked up and saw the highlanders that had gathered in the mission yard. "I had no idea!" "Well that was the point! It was mainly Fairlight, Opal, Jeb and Tom's idea" Christy pointed out as she walked towards him. She took his arm and led him up to the head of the table. "Now, sit here. The children have put together a small presentation in your honor" she told him, then louder so all could hear her "and I will point out I had nothing at all to do with this, the children did it on their own with the help of some of the older students" Neil took his seat as the curtain over the makeshift stage opened up. "Ladies and Gen'elmen" Creed Allen said "This is a play 'bout our very own Doc MacNeill. So sit yourselves back and enjoy the show!" he finished with small bow and a smile that lit up his whole face. The curtain was closed again and shuffling could be heard "backstage". Finally, all was quiet and the curtains opened back up. Zady Spencer could be seen laying on a cot with John Spencer, acting as Neil, sitting next to her, with an open medicine bag to his side. "Now Zady, have you been takin' the medicine like I told ya to?" he asked her. "I tried aweful hard to take that stuff Doc, but it tates mighty bad!" Zady replied, her face scrunching up in disgust. "I know it does, but ya got to take it ta feel better" John replied, pretending to pour some liquid into a spoon. So started the play marking some of the most memorable moments and experiences with Neil as doctor in the Cove. Everything from Little Burl's surgery, to Becky O'Teale's eyes, even to Mr. Huddlestons stroke at Thanksgiving. All in all it was a wonderful play, with only a handful of small mistakes. Then at the end, all the children that participated in the play lined up on stage and Creed spoke. "So all's we want ta say, is we're gonna miss ya Doc!" "And there'll never be a better Doc anywhere in the world" Zady said. "And even though we wish ya didn't have ta leave, we're really glad ta have had ya this long" John finished. The each child held up a sign with a letter on it spelling out "Goodbye Doc!" Applause followed, and as Christy looked over at Neil, she thought she saw a tear in his eye. *~* *~* *~* It had been a wonderful evening, everyone seemed to have a good time and even Christy had to admit to being exhausted by the time the last person had left. "Well, Miz Christy.. everythin' seems ta be cleaned up. I guess me and Jeb and the young'uns will head on home" Fairlight said as Christy put away the last bowl of food in the ice box. "Alright, Fairlight. Thank you for all your help. This was a wonderful idea and I know Neil enjoyed it very much" Christy replied looking at her friend. After saying goodbye, Christy walked outside and sat down on the swing on the mission porch not noticing the figure standing in the darkness. "Beautiful night isn't it?" a voice said startling Christy. She looked up as the figure walked into the light. "How do you never cease to startle me, Neil?" she asked him. "Oh I don't know.. you're pretty easy to sneak up on" he said with a smile. "Mind if I sit down?" he asked motioning to the spot next to Christy on the swing. "Not at all" she replied. They sat in a contented silence for a while, enjoying each other's company. "Thank you for tonight. I was really surprised but very very touched" he finally said. "I really didn't do much at all. The Cove just pulled together and made everything happen wonderfully" Christy replied. "And I know the children had a great time setting up the play" "Well, thank you still. And yes, that was some play. You've really come a long way with them" he told her. Then he looked at her face, staring right into her eyes, piercing her very soul "Christy, I am going to miss you" She looked back up at him, knowing he was saying the truth. "And I will miss you too, Neil. We all will" "Christy, I almost forgot" he said taking a small package from his pocket. "Here, this is your surprise. A bit later then I had intended, but here just the same" He handed her the brown paper covered package, and she took it, unrapping it quickly. Then, down fell a long thin piece of paper. She bent down to retrieve it, reading the words on it. 'Good for one two way ticket to Asheville, North Carolina' she read to herself. "Oh Neil!" She said grabbing him in a hug. "How did you manage this?" "I have my ways. Do you like it?" he asked her. "I love it. It has been so long since I've seen my family. I didn't think I would be able to see them again until Christmas! Thank you so much" she said sincerely. "I'm glad you like it. I cleared everything with Alice and whenever you are ready to leave, just call the station. Everything has been arranged" "Thank you" she said again. She wasn't sure if the tears in her eyes were of joy, shock, or sadness. "I'd better be going home, have to be in El Pano by 10 in the morning" Neil told her standing up. "I've already said my goodbyes to David, Alice and Ruby Mae" She stood up and faced him. "Then I guess I'm the only one left" she said. He bent down a hugged her, placing a light kiss in her rose scented hair. "You have been a wonderful friend" she told him when they parted. "Don't forget to write now," he told her "I won't" she replied. He walked down the stairs and mounted Charlie. "Take Care, Neil" she called out to him as he rode off. He stopped at the edge of the mission property and turned to look at her one last time. And then he was gone. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Chapter 15 "Next stop, Savannah! Ten more minutes!" the conductor called out across the train. Neil's eyes opened and he yawned as he collected his bags. Bending over, a letter fell out of his coat pocket. He bent over and picked it up reading the neat handwriting on the outside. "To Neil" was all it said. He opened it up and began to read. "Neil," "I don't know when thee will receive this letter. It may be days after thee leaves, it may be as soon as thee gets home tonight. All I really want to say is thank thee. I know we've had our differences in the past, but thee has always been a good son-in-law, even when I'm sure thee wished thee weren’t. So many things have transpired in the past months, and I know it hasn't been easy for thee. Now thou are leaving us, and I don't know what we'll do without thee. "Thee will never know the difference thou has made in all of us in the Cove. Thee have made a special place in all of our hearts. Especially Christy's. "I hope thee gets everything thou desires in Savannah. Please keep in touch. No matter what thee will always be like a son to me. God Speed, Neil." "Alice" Neil refolded the letter and put it back in the envelope as the train pulled to a stop in the Savannah train station. "Savannah, Georgia! All out for Savannah!" the conductor called. Neil picked up his bags and walked down the isle of the train. As soon as he stepped outside he heard his name being called. "Neil MacNeill!" Neil turned towards the sound, and his eyes met those of a stranger. The man walked over to him, and Neil set down his bags. "You must be Doctor MacNeill" the young man said extending his hand. He couldn't have been much over 20. Tall, with blonde hair and brown eyes. "Yes I am, and who, may I ask are you?" Neil replied, shaking the extended hand. "I'm Peter Denton, Patrick's son. He wanted me to tell you how sorry he was not to be here, but there was an unexpected emergency at the clinic and he couldn't get away" Peter told him, helping Neil with his bags. "Our auto is over here, let me help you with your bags" "Thank you" Neil said following the young man. "So this is Savannah" Neil stated, surveying the area around him. The hustle bustle was a shock to Neil after being in the Cove for so long. It had been many months since his last excursion outside of the Cove. The automobiles driving up and down the streets, the men and women walking to and fro were something he would have to get used to again. "Yes sir, this sure is. Have you ever been here?" "Well I came many years ago, when I was a lad like yourself. But it has changed greatly since then" Neil replied. "Will your wife be joining you later?" Peter asked him. "Uh, no. My wife died a few months back" Neil told him. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. My father made the impression that your wife would be coming with you" "That’s alright. It really is a rather long story. But no, nobody will be joining me" Neil replied as the rode down the street. After a few minutes went by, they pulled up to a large brick house overlooking Main Street. "Well, this is it. Home sweet home" Peter told him, stopping the car and stepping out. Neil followed suit, and with Peter's help, picked up the bags and walked up the front steps. Patrick met them at the door. "Well Neil, my boy. Great to see you" Patrick said giving Neil a firm pat on the back. "Great to see you too, Patrick" Neil replied. "You had a good trip, I trust?" "Wonderful, everything went fine" When they walked inside, Neil looked at his new environment. In the hall was a spectacular oak grandfather clock with brass trim lining its base and head. Thick oriental rugs lined the wood floor and stairs. Large paintings of men and women in colonial garb graced the walls. And huge ornate chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. "Maggie, Melissa, Neil's here" Patrick called when they entered. "Liza, will you take Dr. MacNeill's bags up to his room?" Patrick asked the women standing in the doorway. It was the first time he had noticed her. "That is Liza our housekeeper. I honestly don't know what we'd do without her" Patrick informed Neil. Just then two women entered through the parlor. "Neil, I would like you to meet my wife Margaret, and my daughter Melissa" Patrick said, motioning to the women. "We have twins, Rose and Andrew, who are still at school" "Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Denton, Miss Denton" he said shaking their hands. Neil couldn't help but let his eyes linger on Melissa. She couldn't be over 25, and she had stunning green eyes and wavy strawberry blonde hair that was tied back with a ribbon. "Melissa is the teacher at the private school down the street. She teaches the fourth grade" Patrick informed Neil. Neil couldn't help but wonder why someone as old as Melissa must be was not only unmarried, but also still living at home. "It is none of my concern" he told himself. "A very good friend of mine back in Tennessee was a teacher at the mission. She taught all 12 grades in one room. How are you enjoying your teaching?" Neil asked her. "I love it. The children are wonderful. But I can hardly imagine teaching all the grades in one room. Your friend must be very talented" Melissa remarked. "That she is, Christy is an extraordinary person" "Well Neil, Liza has your bags upstairs. You must be exhausted from your long trip, why don't you go on upstairs and take a rest before dinner? You'll have a good hour" Margaret said after Liza had come back downstairs. "I think I'll do that, Mrs. Denton" Neil replied. "Margaret, please" she instructed him. "Only if you'll call me Neil. All of you" Neil said to them. They nodded. "Good, now I won't feel like an old man, you all calling me Mr MacNeill or Dr MacNeill" They laughed at his remark and Neil went upstairs. His room was very handsome. The walls were dark wood with maroon tapestries hanging around the windows. His large four-poster bed was covered in a maroon down comforter with matching pillows. He found his suitcases sitting next to the wardrobe, so he proceeded to unpack. After finally finishing, he decided to write a letter to the mission, letting them know he arrived safely. "Dear Alice," "I thought I would send you a quick note to let you know that I arrived in Savannah with no troubles. While being rather long, the train ride was uneventful and went smoothly. The Denton's are wonderful people, with a gorgeous home. Patrick has a wife and four children. Melissa is around 22 or 25 I would think, Peter around 19 or 20 and Rose and Andrew are still in school, they are twins. I hope to be living on my own soon, though the family is wonderful it will be nice to have a place of my own again. I'm sure they won't want a slob of a bachelor living with them for too long. I'm sure Christy can vouch for my messiness. Give everyone my best, the children too. I'll be writing again soon. Take Care. "Neil" *~* *~* *~* Chapter 16 "Alright class, take your seats" Christy instructed her students as she walked up to the table. It had been two weeks since Neil had left the Cove, and Christy decided that today would be a good day to take them to his cabin for their science lesson. "Now, today we will be finishing your lesson on the eye that you started with Doctor MacNeill a couple weeks ago. Who can tell me a little about the eye?" Immediately many little hands were raised. "Zach, what can you tell me about the eye?" Christy asked the little boy. He pulled his hand down and stood up off of the floor and looked at his teacher. "Well, the eye lets us see. The colored part in the eye is called the, the-" "Iris" Christy said helping him out. "Yeah, that be it. The iris. And the black part is called the pupil" "Very good, Zach. You may take your seat" Christy told the boy. "If you didn't have eyes, you wouldn't be able to see. And if you couldn't see, you wouldn't be able to do a lot of things. Can any of you give me an example of what you wouldn't be able to do?" "I know, Miz Christy" Becky O'Teale said "Yes, Becky?" "When my eye was hurtin' me, I couldn't see some stuff. Like the words on yer big black board in school. I couldn't read my sums or nothin', until Doc fixed 'um" "Your right Becky. And if Doctor MacNeill hadn't fixed your eyes, what might have happened?" Christy asked her. "I would have been blind" Becky told her. "That's right. Now there are different kinds of blindness class. People who are totally blind cannot tell light from dark like Miss Hattie, people who are partially blind like Becky was have some sight but still not much, people who are congenitally blind were blind at birth. That means they never could see. And other people can get hurt and their injury could cause blindness. That is called acquired blindness" Christy told her class. Before she could continue, she heard Ben Pentland outside. "UU-NITED STATES MAAAIL!" "You all stay here, I'll go see what Mr. Pentland has. While I'm gone please pick one thing that you can see and write why you're thankful that you can see it" Christy instructed her class. When they got to work, she weaved her way outside through the many children's bodies and opened the door. "Why hello Mr. Pentland, what brings you here today?" she asked him, wondering why he would be coming to Neil's cabin since nobody lived here. "Miz Alice told me you'uns were here t'day and since I had a letter from Doc I thought on bringing it over here fer ya" Ben said handing Christy a bulky letter. "Well, thank you for being so thoughtful. I know the children will be thrilled to hear from Neil" "Yes'm. Whal I best be goin' got me lots more letters ta give" "Alright, have a nice day then" Christy said waving as he walked off. Immediately she tore the envelope open and two letters fell out. She picked them up and noticed one was for the children, and one addressed to her. As she walked inside, Christy said "Class, guess who I have a letter from?" *~* *~* *~* "So you see, all you have is a little fracture. I will rap it and it will be as good as new in no time" Neil MacNeill said to the little boy sitting on his examining table. "Thanks Doctor, it didn't even hurt" the little boy said, smiling up at Neil. "See, I told you. Now you be careful for the next few days. No running around or playing baseball until I say, alright?" Neil instructed him. "And no more jumping off the wall alright?" The little boy nodded. "Here is some pain medication, should Joshua need it. If there are any complications come to me immediately" Neil told the boys mother, handing her a bottle of pills. "Thank you Doctor MacNeill. Everything should be just fine" the woman replied taking the bottle and slipping it into her handbag. "Alright, down you go" Neil said picking the little boy up and setting him on the floor. "I'll see you in three weeks" he said as they walked out the door. Once they were gone, he turned around to put away his instruments. "Knock, knock" a voice said from the doorway. Neil turned around, still rolling up the remainder of the gauze, and looked at the person in the doorway. "Well hello, Melissa. I wasn't expecting to see you today" as he set down the gauze, one of his syringes rolled off the side of the table, and onto the floor right at Melissa's feet. She bent down and picked it up. "I think you'll be needing this" she said handing it to him. Her hair was all down, with not even a ribbon to keep it back. It fell over her eye and she tucked it back with her fingers as she stood waiting for him to take what was in her hand. "Oh yes, I probably will won't I?" he replied, removing it from her open palm. He set it on the table and finished putting everything back. "Joshua was my last appointment of the day, would you like to go for some coffee or tea or something on our way home?" "I would love to. What I came by to tell you was that a few of my friends were going to the opera tonight, and had two extra tickets.." she began to say. She knew it wasn't proper for the female to be asking the male out, but she decided Neil wouldn't mind too much. "Of course" he replied to her unasked question. "Of course what?" she asked, surprised. "Of course I'll come to the opera with you. It has been a long time since I went" She smiled. "Well in that case, I will be happy to go for coffee with you. The opera starts at eight, we should probably leave at seven thirty to be there in time" "That sounds fine," he said putting the last of his instruments away. "Shall we be going?" he asked extending his arm to her. "We shall" she said with a smile and they walked out the door. Later as they sat with drinks, coffee for Neil, tea for Melissa, they talked. "You miss the mountains don't you?" she asked him. He looked over her shoulder to the hills, out beyond the city. He didn't speak for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "I miss the sereneness of the mountains, the silence, the people.. my people" he replied. "As a boy, I always longed for the city. I wasn't always content to be out in the woods. I yearned for the life I read about in books. So when I was given the opportunity to go to Scotland for medical training, I rather jumped on it" "Scotland, so that is where you get your accent" she commented. "Yes. Though born in a cabin in Tennessee, I am Scottish through and through. As was my father, grandfather and his father before him and on and on. When I went to Scotland, it was as if I gained a part of me I never knew I lost" "What made you come back?" she asked. Neil took a sip of his coffee before answering. "The mountains were calling me. I had been in Scotland for four years, living in the city, experiencing things I never thought I'd get to. But still, I yearned for the solitude of the mountains. And I missed my people. I knew they needed me.. just as much as I needed them" "So what made you come here?" "I can't honestly say I know. I just felt like it was time to go. I really had nothing keeping me there, and it would be easy enough for them to get another doctor. When I received your father's letter, I took it as a sign" he said, taking another sip of his coffee. "What about you?" She smiled as she looked down at her tea. "Well, I'm really nothing out of the ordinary. Was the 'perfect daughter' I guess you could say. Went to all the parties, teas, balls... had all A's in school. Went on to the university, then started teaching at the local private school. I've basically been the old maid school marm for the past two years" she told him. "You, an old maid?" Neil said and threw back his head and laughed. "You must have had men falling all over you in school, and you call yourself an old maid" She blushed slightly, then replied. "Alright, maybe not an old maid.. at least not yet" They continued their conversation until Neil thought it time to leave and get ready for the opera. "You know, I think we'll get along just fine Melissa Denton" Neil said as they walked down the street. "Just fine" *~* *~* *~* Chapter 17 *~* *~* *~* "How hard could it possibly be to tie a tie?" Neil asked himself as he stood in front of the mirrior in his bedroom. It was seven fifteen and he and Melissa were due to leave for the opera in just fifteen minutes. "We'll never get there at this rate" he said as he adjusted the tie around his neck. "Alright, stay put. I think I've got you" Just as he finished dressing there was a knock on his door. "Come in" he called out. "Neil, Maggie and I are leaving for the theater," Patrick said from the doorway. "Melissa told me to tell you that she is almost ready" "Thank you Patrick, have a good time tonight" Neil told his friend. "You do the same," he said. "You know Neil, my daughter thinks very highly of you" Patrick said as he prepared to walk out the door. "And I her, sir" he replied. "Good, have a nice time" Patrick replied as he shut the door. Neil picked up his coat and glanced around the room to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything, then opened the door and walked down the stairs. Once down, he saw that Melissa wasn't yet ready so he sat down on the chair, facing the stairs. "Don't you look like Mr. Dapper tonight" Peter said walking into the room from the kitchen. "I hope my outfit isn't too outdated, it has been loner then I care to admit since I went to the opera" Neil replied. "I'm sure you'll be fine" a voice said from the stairs. Neil turned and looked up and saw Melissa walking down the stairs. She was wearing a maroon floor length sleeveless dress with a matching wrap over her bare shoulders. She wore matching diamond necklace, bracelet and earrings and her hair was up with her natural curls falling and framing her face. "You look stunning, Lissa" Peter said to his older sister. "Yes, beautiful" Neil said, standing up. "Thank you, now I think we should probably be going..." she said looking at the clock. "Yes your right" Neil said, offering her his arm. "Your carriage awaits you" "Have a good time!" Peter called as they Neil helped Melissa into the auto. *~* *~* *~* "I hear thee recieved a letter from Neil today, Christy" Miss Alice said at the dinner table that night. "I did, he sent one to the children" Christy said as Ruby Mae stood up and started clearing the table. Christy didn't add that Neil had sent her one also, and that she was waiting until later tonight to read it. "What did he say?" David asked, handing Ruby Mae some other plates when she came back into the room. "Oh, how busy the city is. He said that when he first arrived he felt like he was a fish swimming upstream. It was so busy and loud. But I think he likes it. He said that the Denton's home is amazing. Much larger then he had expected, and that they have a grandfather clock that chimes ever half hour, which the school children thought was amazing" Christy said with a smile. "He also said that the Denton's have two grown children. Peter is 19 and Melissa is 24. Peter goes to the university, and comes home on the weekends and Melissa is the school teacher in a private school there. She still lives at home" "Did he say anything about his new position?" Miss Alice asked. "He said, though it will take some getting used to, he is enjoying it. He said it will be different not getting paid by chickens,or gingerbread or beans" Christy replied with a smile. "I'm glad he is enjoying his work. He is being sorely missed though. I visited the Allens today, seems that Mr. Allen sprained his ankle when he was out hunting today. I did my best, but as we know I am no professional doctor" Miss Alice told everyone, standing up. "I'm sure you did just fine" David replied. "I hope so. I think I will retire early this evening" Alice said walking towards the door. "Call if anything is needed" "We will. Goodnight Miss Alice" Christy said standing up. "Goodnight, Alice" David called out as she closed the door. "I think I'll go to bed too, I have some letters to write and papers to grade. Are you alright down here with Ruby Mae?" Christy asked David. "I'm fine.. I think she's almost finished with the kitchen. Then maybe we'll play checkers or something. I'll try to keep her quiet so you can rest though" David told her. "Thanks, goodnight" she said. "Night Christy, sleep well" David said as she walked up the stairs. Once in her room, she opened the letter from Neil. She just couldn't wait to read it any longer. And the note on the outside said "Read Alone". "My Dear Christy," he said. "I had a uneventful train ride to Savannah. Almost too uneventful, I was bored beyond belief! I felt a bit of homesickness as I left the mountains, and the ground started to level out. It has been a long time since I've been to the city, and I was amazed at the speed of everything around me. I won't go into the details of the home, or the Dentons, as you already know that from my letter to the children, but I'll say what I've been needing to say for quite a while. I think that one of my reasons for leaving the Cove was my feelings. Of course, there were so many memories, but having to deal with the feelings I felt every time I was around you was getting to be to much to bare. Ever since you first came to the Cove, I've loved you. I've seen you change tremendously in the past year and a half, and you've grown into a person who I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with. But I can't. I knew I couldn't marry you and tie you down to living in the Cove forever. I know you love it there, but I know you also miss your home in Asheville. Since I couldn't tell you my feelings or act upon them, I thought it best to leave. To spare us both the grief and pain that would have been had I stayed. I hope you understand, and can move on. You'll always hold a special place in my heart. You've changed my life Christy Huddleston, you've made me a praying man, which I know was shocking for alot of people! Please keep in touch, and I will do t! he same. Always, "Neil" A tear slipped down Christy's cheek as she folded the letter. She walked over to her bed and placed it under her pillow. She would keep in touch with Neil. She knew he had feelings for her, but she didn't realize they were this strong. "If only I had known..." *~* *~* *~* Chapter 18 When Christy awoke the next morning, she knew what she had to do. She had to go home.. to Asheville. Neil had said she could use the ticket any time, and she knew that now was that time. After quickly dressing and pinning up her hair, she went down stairs to tell Alice and David. She wanted to leave as soon as possible. If not today, then tomorrow morning. She didn't know why she felt so strongly about this, but she knew she had to go. "Ruby Mae, has Miss Alice come over yet?" Christy asked as Ruby Mae made their breakfast. "Looks like she's a comin' right now" Ruby Mae said pointing out the window. "Great, thanks Ruby Mae” Christy said and walked out to meet Alice outside. "Good morning, Christy.. did thee sleep well?" Alice asked when she walked up to Christy outside. "I did. Miss Alice, when I woke this morning, I had this feeling that I needed to go home to Asheville. Neil gave me that ticket, and I was hoping to leave as soon as I could and take my vacation" Christy wasted no time in tell Alice. "I know this is sudden, everything has seemed to move so fast this morning" "That is fine, when thee get's this kind of feeling, thee should do what thy heart tells thee. How soon does thee want to leave?" "If not today then tomorrow morning. For some reason I know I need to get there soon" "I understand. I'm sure thee will be able to get away today. I will tell David to call the station and thee can go pack,” Alice said. "Thank you, Miss Alice. I hope my leaving now isn't going to add any extra burden on you-" Christy started to say. "No burden at all, thee need to see thy family. The children can take off for while thee is gone, they will love the break. Don't worry about a thing" Alice said lovingly. "Now go pack" Christy nodded and went back inside and up the stairs to her room. She pulled her travel bags from under her bed and began taking dresses out of her wardrobe. When she was almost finished packing, there was a knock on her door. Christy looked at the clock and was shocked to see that almost an hour had gone by. "Come in" she called out. It was David. "Christy, I called the station. They have a train leaving at 11:30 for Asheville. That is in about an hour and a half can you be ready?" David asked her. "Yes, I am almost finished packing now. If you could take me-" "Of course, would you like me to call your family and tell them to expect you?" David asked. "No, I think I will surprise them" Christy said with a smile. "I'm sure you'll do that. Your mother will be shocked" David said smiling, thinking of Mrs. Huddletson's statement when she opens the door to find her daughter standing there. "Do you have any bags ready to be taken now?" "Yes, you can take this one down. I'll carry my other one down when I'm finished with it" she said handing him her biggest bag. He picked it up and walked towards the door, then stopped and looked back at Christy over his shoulder. She didn't notice, she had already started packing again. "I'll put it in the wagon. How about leaving in twenty minutes?" he asked. "That will be fine. I'll be right down" she said, not looking up. Once he left, she went over to her desk and collected her journal, some writing paper and pencils and slipped them into her small bag. After looking over the room to make sure she didn't forget anything, she remembered Neil's letter. Why she wanted to take it, she had no idea.. but still she walked over to her bed and pulled it from under her pillow. For the first time, she noticed the way he wrote her name. Not quick or scrawled as he wrote most things, but slow and careful. Almost softly. As if coming out of a daze, she picked her journal back up and tucked the letter into it and slid it back into her bag. "I think that is everything.." she said to herself again glancing around the room. She picked up her bags and walked down stairs. "Are thee packed?" Alice asked meeting her, with Ruby Mae in the hallway. "I am, I hope I didn't forget anything" Christy replied. "Well, have a wonderful time with thy family. Give thy parent's my best" Alice instructed, as she hugged the woman that had become like a daughter to her. "I will, I know they will be happy to hear from you" Christy replied. Then she hugged Ruby Mae. "Have ya a fine time Miz Christy" Ruby Mae said. "I will, Ruby Mae. I'm expecting you to keep an eye out on all the school children while I'm gone. Do you think you can do that for me?" "Shore can, Miz Christy" Ruby Mae replied, excited that this heavy responsibility had been laid on her. "Are you ready?" David asked walking inside. Christy nodded. "All right, then let's go" David said taking her bag from her. Christy followed him outside and he helped her up into the seat. He then secured her bag in the back of the wagon, and got in beside her. Picking up the reins he said "Giddyup" to the horses, and they were on their way. *~* *~* *~* "If we want to make it to the station on time, we're going to have to leave now Julia" William Huddleston called up the stairs to his wife. "I know, I'm coming, just a moment" she called back down. She stood in the hall upstairs looking around, check to make sure everything was in order then looked down to William who pulled out his pocket watch and pointed to it. She nodded. "We're leaving, George!" she called as she walked down the stairs. "You go crank up the auto, I'm on my way" she said tying the ribbon that held her hat in place. Moments later she heard George come bounding down the stairs. "Your sure you'll be alright alone?" she asked him as she pulled on her gloves. "Yes mother, I'll be just fine" he said, answering her question for what seemed like the hundredth time. "He'll be alright, Julia. He is a grown boy, don't worry about him" William said, starting to get irritated because they may miss their train. "Alright, you know where we'll be if you need anything. And you can always call Christy if you need something.. they have a telephone at the mission now" Julia told him walking to the door. "Yes mother, have a nice time" George said as they walked outside and got in the auto. After waving once more, they pulled off and George turned to go back inside. "Finally" he said closing the door. "I thought they'd never leave" *~* *~* *~* "Next stop, Asheville North Carolina!" The conductor called out. Stirring in her seat, Christy opened her eyes. She looked around her, and realized that they were almost at the station. She had no idea how exhausted she had been, but as soon as she closed her eyes she was asleep. "Asheville, North Carolina! Next stop, five minutes!" the conductor again called out. Christy collected her bags, and set them on the seat next to her, and looked out the window. It had been months since her last visit, and the excitement of seeing the city and her family again was building. As the train pulled to a stop at the station she stood with the rest of the passengers and they filed out. Once outside, Christy, so used to having someone they’re waiting for her, looked around for a familiar face. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw her father at a ticket booth but brushed that thought aside, as there would be no reason for her father to be a the station today. Looking around again, she saw a man standing in front of his automobile with a sign that said CAB on the side. "Need a ride?" the man said when she walked over to him. She stopped for a moment, wondering if she had heard correctly. "Do you need a ride, Lass?" the man said again. Christy froze completely at that last word. The cab driver had an unmistakable Scottish brogue, and he had called her 'Lass'. Only one person had ever called Christy lass, and that was Neil. The name sounded foreign coming from another’s lips. Finally, she came out of her daze and looked up at the man standing over her. "Uh, yes I do. I need to get to 17 Elm Street" Christy told him; he was already putting her bags in the back of the auto. "I know that street well, should be no trouble getting you there" he said as he opened the door for her and she bent over and got inside. Before Christy knew it, they were pulling up to her house. It had been so long since she had laid eyes on it, and she felt a relief as soon as she saw it. Getting out, she noticed the driver already had her bags out and waiting for her. Opening her change purse, she took out the amount of money she owed him and with a goodbye, walked up the front steps. Setting her bags down, she lifted her hand and turned the knob. But nothing happened, the door was locked. Not having a key, she firmly rapped on the door hoping someone was home. Moments later she heard footsteps and the door opened and there stood George. "Christy?" he asked, disbelief in his voice. "Hello George!" Christy said to her little brother, who was taller then she was, as they embraced. "What are you doing here?" he asked, helping bring her bags inside. "Well, Doctor MacNeill gave me a ticket to come home whenever I wanted to before he left, and I've had it for a few weeks now and thought I would surprise everyone now since the school term was over and I had some free time" she said taking off her gloves. "Doctor MacNeill left the cove?" "Yes, I Mother forgot to tell you. He left about a month ago to be a co-owner in a practice in Savannah" Christy told him. "So, where is Mother and Father and Annie?" she asked, partly because it was too quiet in the house, but mainly because she wanted to get off the topic of Neil. "Well, surprisingly enough, Father had a case in Savannah, and Mother decided to go with him. They left a little while ago and won't be back for a week" George explained. "I thought I saw Father's face at the station, but didn't think he had any reason to be there! Maybe I should have called after all" she said walking over to the stairs. "Well I'm sure glad you came, I would probably starve if you weren’t here. Mother gave Annie the week off" "Well I not sure we both won't starve now, I am no chef!" she said with a smile. "How about this, I'll go up and get changed then we can go out for dinner? I can unpack later" she asked him. "Sounds great to me, I'll go get ready" he replied. Christy smiled; it was good to be home. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Chapter 19 Neil and Melissa had been seeing a lot of each other in the past month that Neil had been in Savannah. It first started out as small things like meeting for lunch, or walking home together at the end of the day. But even Neil couldn't deny that all the opera, and dinner outings were made just as two friends enjoying an evening together. He turned up the brim of his coat and pulled it closer around his body as he shut the door of his office. Just when they thought summer was finally here, heavy winds and rain came, bringing with it chilly temperatures. He stood under the overhang in the doorway of his office looking out into the street, trying to judge the best time to make a run for the auto. When the rain seemed to slow a bit Neil hurried over to it and cranked it up. He was supposed to be picking Melissa up from her school, since he had insisted she not walk home under these conditions. She had given him a good argument, but finally had succommed to his wishes. He knew what it was like to have to walk a couple miles home in weather like this. If he were in the Cove, he'd do the same thing for Christy. Christy. That one name brought back a flood of memories he had tried so hard to bury. Did a moment ever go by during his first days in Savannah, that he didn't think of her, wondering ! what she was doing, how things were going for her. Was she having as much trouble keeping him out of her mind as he was her? He knew her sechedual by heart and would follow along with her daily duties in his mind. From the moment he woke up, to the minute he went to bed at night his thoughts always led him back to her. At first, he didn't know how he would handle it, not seeing her everyday, hearing her voice or looking into her deep blue eyes. But he made himself think on other things. This was the whole reason he had left the Cove in the first place, there was nothing he could do to change what happened so there was no sense dwelling on what might have been. After finally getting in the auto, Neil drove the five blocks to the Franklin School for Girl's in downtown Savannah. Before stopping, he saw her, waiting outside for him. Leaving the auto running, Neil got out and half walked half ran up to her, trying to stay as dry as possible. "You didn't have to get out, I was on my way" she said, brushing off the rain drops from his coat. "And you didn't have to stay outside to wait for me. You could get a chill" he told her, as he led her back to the automobile. As soon as she was in, he closed her door and jogged over to his side and got in. "Always worrying, aren't you?" she asked playfully. "Well it would be a pity to get ill just because you chose to stand out in the rain and cold" he said as they drove off. "Well at least I would have two doctors living with me to take care of me" she said looking at him. He stoped at a crosswalk, and waitied for the pedistrians to cross, and looked over at her. There eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity. Time froze, and they noticed nothing but eachother. Then, slowly Neil saw her head leaning in towards him. Without realizing it, his head bent down to hers, and their lips met in a soft kiss. *~* *~* *~* "You simply must come to my party tonight, Christy" the voice said over the phone. Christy sighed. As soon as word got out she was in town, her phone was ringing off the hook with calls from friends she hadn't seen in months. This one was from her friend from the Univeristy, Abigail Phillips. "Please say you'll come Christy. It just wouldn't be the same without you there" Abigail said again, in her best attempt to perusade Christy. "And I know John would just love to see you!" Christy blushed. John was Abigail's older brother. He and Christy had courted on and off before she left for the Cove. Everyone always said they made the perfect couple, and it would have surprised anyone if they ended up marrying, so everyone shocked when word was out that Christy was leaving Asheville. "Alright, what time should I be there?" Christy asked, finally relenting. She didn't know if she was ready to see John again, but she couldn't let her friend down. She knew she had changed alot in the past year, and wasn't sure if she would still fit in with all her old friends from the University. "How about eight?" Abigail asked. "That sounds fine, I will see you tomorrow" Christy said, ready to get off the phone. "Great! I am so excited! See you tomorrow Christy" As soon as they hung up, Christy's mind whirled. "What will I wear?" she asked herself. She knew she didn't have time to buy anything, so something that she had left here would have to do. Last season or not. Walking up the stairs and into her room, Christy noticed a couple of letters on her bed, a note laying on top of them. "Christy," the note read. "I went to Peter's house to work on a project for school. This is the mail that came for you. See you later tonight" "George" Setting George's note down, Christy picked up the two letters. The first was addressed from Miss Alice. Christy tore open the letter and began to read. "Dearest Christy," "Thee is enjoying thy vacation I trust. Things have been going well here at the Mission, though all the children miss thee terribly. Fairlight has been over to help Ruby Mae with the cleaning and cooking, which has been a blessing. We all know that Ruby Mae isn't the best of cooks, and Fairlight has been able to teach her some new dishes. I recieved a letter from Neil a few days ago, he asked about thee, and in my reply I told him thee was in Asheville and gave him the address if he wanted to reach thee. So thee may be recieving a letter from him soon. Thy presence is missed greatly around here. But I know thee is having a much needed rest and visit. Please write when thee can, and maybe enclose a note to the children. They would love it, I'm sure." "Until thy return, I remain, "Your's Truly," "Alice Henderson" Christy closed the letter, taking a mental note to send a letter back to Alice and the children as soon as she could, then she opened the next letter. She was surprised to see it was from David. She began to read. "Christy," "I hope you've been having a good time in Asheville. I know your family was happy to see you. Things have been going fine in these neck of the woods, though it is strange not having you here everyday. I miss you very much. I didn't realize just how big of a part of my life you are until you left. Not seeing you everyday or hearing your voice is enough to drive a poor man mad! But I know how much you wanted to go back to Asheville and so I will try not to be too upset about it. Fill me in on what you've been doing. Oh, and Ruby Mae said to write all about any parties or balls you go to. See you in a couple of weeks! "Love, "David" Christy smiled, her sprits lifted by reading the two notes from two very special people in her lives. She had to admit being a bit let down at not recieveing a letter from Neil yet, but knew that he must be busy. After all, Alice did say she just sent him her address in her last letter. Still, only getting one letter from him in the month that he had been gone, and having sent him three, was a bit of a let down. But she brushed those thoughts away as she opened her wardrobe to try to find a suitable dress for the Phillip's party tomorrow night. *~* *~* *~* Neil and Melissa were brought back to reality with auto horns were blaring at them. Neil turned from Melissa and looked behind him. There was a long line of cars, waiting for him to move. "Guess we got a bit carried away" Melissa commented, also noticing the traffic. Neil push on the gas and made the turn to go back to the Denton's. Silence envloped the car. Neither one knew just what to say. What had just happened between them? What were these feelings inside of Neil? Pulling up to the house, Neil parked the auto on the street. Before getting out, Melissa looked over at Neil. "Does this mean we're courting?" she asked him. "Is that what you want it to mean?" he replied. "Only if I was properly asked" Neil smiled. "Then I'll ask. Melissa Denton, would you do me the honor of courting me?" the words were out of his mouth before he even realized it. "With pleasure" Melissa replied with a smile. *~* *~* *~* Chapter 20 The next day went by unbelievably quickly for Christy. She felt like she hardly had time enough to prepare her outfit for that evening, make some minor adjustments here and there, in between making breakfast and lunch for herself and George and tending to the daily duties that she had taken over while her parents were gone. "Don't you think it is time you go ready to go, Christy?" George asked walking into the kitchen where Christy was preparing dinner for George to have while she was gone. She looked up from the carrots she was chopping at the clock on the wall. Noticing it was already seven o' clock Christy realized George was right. If she wanted to make it to Abigail's party on time she would have to stop what she was doing right now and go upstairs to change. "Your right, just let me pour these carrots in the stew and I'll go change" she told him, lifting up the cutting board and pushing the carrots into the big pot on the stove. "Now, the stew should be ready in another thirty minutes or so, the carrots just need to cook a bit. I hope you'll like it" she said wiping her hands on the dish rag on the counter. "It smells great, but where on earth did you, my sister who specializes in burnt delicacsies learn how to make beef stew?" George asked. He knew his sister was not a very experienced cook, and to think that she could make something like this was surprising to say the least! "It's nice to see you have so much faith in me!" She said with a smile. "My friend Fairlight taught me to make it. This is only the second time I've ever tried it" "Who was the poor unfortunate soul who had to try your first pot?" George asked with a grin. Christy swatted him playfully with the dish rag before setting it back on the counter. "Doctor MacNeill for your information, and if it didn't hurt him, I'm sure it won't hurt you" she replied smiling. George got a knowing look on his face but didn't say anything. Christy blushed, knowing what he was thinking. "Now I'd really better go up and change" she said, a bit flustered. "Good, you do that" he said nodding his head, that same grin still covering his face. Christy walked out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom. Extremely glad she had decided to take her bath that morning, rather then waiting for tonight, she looked at her cobalt blue dress lying on her bed. "Well, I guess you'll have to do" she said out loud. It may not have been the latest fashion, but it still was a beautiful dress. The blue snug fitting bodice, and flowing matching skirt with white taffeta on the underside, barely visible on the bottom when worn, was the exact shade to bring out the color of her eyes. White lace lined the somewhat swooping neckline, and a stream of tiny pearl buttons graced the back. After changing, Christy looked into the mirror. She had to admit, it did flatter her figure, but she just didn't feel comfortable in it. Maybe it was because of seeing what the people in the Cove wore. They never worried what they looked like, and she was sure they had never even see a dress like this before. In the time Christy was there she realized that it didn't matter what you looked like on the outside, but what you were on the inside that made all the difference. "Now what am I going to do with my hair?" she asked herself. She had purposely worn it down today, trying to keep some of the natural wave from falling out. She fiddled with a few different styles before deciding on one. It was pulled up and pinned in a large twist, with her soft curls falling in a very fashionable way. To finish it off, Christy stuck some small baby's breath blooms in the back and lightly powdered her face. She applied some light rouge to her lips, and pinched her cheeks to give her the slightest glow. "Now, I think I am finished" she said picking up her matching blue handbag. As she opened the door, the grandfather clock chimed, letting Christy know it was seven thirty. Going down the stairs a bit faster, Christy had the strangest feeling of forgetting something wash over her. Walking into the parlor, George smiled. "Don't you look lovely" he said smiling. "Thank you" she said, giving a mock curtsey. "When does your ride get here?" George asked her. "My ride?" Christy's face paled. "I can't believe it! I forgot to arrange a ride!" she said, covering her mouth with her hand. "I have no idea what I'll do now" "I can take you" a voice said from behind Christy. She turned around to see a young man sitting in the chair behind her. She didn't notice him when she entered the room, but she did vaguely recognized him. "I forgot to tell you, Christy. Peter decided to come over and keep me company tonight. He does have a motorcar, why don't you let him take you?" George asked. "Well, do you know where Jeffrey Phillips lives?" Christy asked. "Very well, my chum is his youngest son" Peter told her. Then Christy remembered. Peter, George and Jason Phillips had been inseparable growing up. Wherever one was, you could be sure the other two were close behind. Peter being two years older then the other boys was their role model. "If it wouldn't be a bother, I would be very grateful for you to take me" "No bother at all, maybe I can even pursuade Jason to come back, I'm sure the last place he wants to be is at his sisters party" Peter said with a grin. "That sounds fine, we should probably be going now, though" Christy said, casting another glance at the grandfather clock. "Right, I'm ready" he said jumping up from his seat. "Have a nice time" George said opening the door for them. "And make sure you don't leave without Jason" he said to Peter. "I'll do my best" he said and they walked to the auto. *~* *~* *~* "I would like to make a toast to one of the most talented physicians I have ever met, who has, in the past month accepted my offer to be the owner of the practice when I retire next month. Doctor Neil MacNeill" Patrick Denton said to the crowd at the dinner table. Neil stood up and nodded his head to the crowd that was applauding. "Have anything to say to them, Neil?" Patrick asked. "Nothing other than I am very happy to be here. Everyone has been so wonderful, and I have met some wonderful people. I hope I can carry on Patrick's business half as well as he did" Neil said, more applause followed. Patrick had invited some of the leading physicians and their wives to dinner to meet Neil. Six other couples were at the table, along with Patrick, Margaret, Peter and Melissa who was sitting beside Neil. By now, it was obvious to everyone that Neil and Melissa were more then friends. Though nothing was said about it, Neil could tell by the looks on people's faces. He didn't quite know what to think about the situation himself. It had been years since he had ever officially courted a woman, and he didn't know what the ways of doing it were like now. It didn't seem to matter to Melissa though. She went along with whatever Neil wanted to do. "Well we are glad to have you, Doctor" one of the physicians sitting across from Neil said. "Thank you" Neil said sitting back down. Dinner continued, and the conversation led to Neil's background. "I know you don't get an accent like that from living in America!" Martin Finley, another physician commented to Neil. Neil smiled. "No, you don't. I was born in a small cabin in Cutter Gap, Tennessee. My father, and his father were both born in that cabin, but my great-grandfather was an immigrant from Scotland. When I was 16 I was offered a chance to go to medical school in Scotland, where, as you can tell I picked up the brogue" Neil explained. "I went back to Cutter Gap after finishing my education, and became the doctor of the Cove until I decided to move on a come here" "How interesting" Mrs. Finley remarked. "I wonder if Martin would pick up that accent by visiting Scotland. I think it's worth a try!" she said with a laugh, and the others joined in. "What made you decide to come here? It sounds as if you were very needed in Teneessee" another doctor asked. "Many things. For personal reason mainly. For a while I'd been feeling a change was on the way, and when I got Patrick's letter, I knew that was the change and that was what I was supposed to do" Neil explained. He didn't see the need to go into the more personal, and true details of why he chose to leave the Cove. "Now on a more political note, what do you all think about this women pilot, uh Harriet Quimby I think her name is. I heard she just made it back from flying across the country" Kenneth Lawson remarked after the laughter had died down. "I think it is preposterous. A woman pilot" Andrew Pickett, one of the oldest and most respected doctors in Savannah said, shaking his head. "Why the very thought is laughable" "I think it is very brave. It is about time women were allowed to do things that men have only done before" Melissa commented, speaking one of her first words of the evening. "I'd have to agree with Miss Denton. I think there is nothing wrong with a female pilot. Though I wouldn't want my wife doing it, I don't see anything wrong with her doing it" another physician remarked. "What about you, Neil?" Patrick asked. "Well," Neil said. "Seeing as I know this woman, it wouldn't be right for me to say I don't like it. I think what she does in commendable and, as Miss Denton said, very brave" Neil said. "You know Harriet Quimby?" Melissa asked. Neil nodded. "She crashed into a field in Cutter Gap a while back. Got a wound on her upper chest, I had to stitch it up" Neil explained. "She is a very nice woman. She had mentioned she was planning to fly cross country, but I had forgotten when she planned to do it" "Why, that is amazing" Patrick said. "Yes, amazing. But I still don't like it" Dr. Pickett said. Neil smiled. "I think it may be something we will have to get used to, Doctor Pickett. Times are changing, why there may be a woman president some day" Neil remarked. "Oh no, a women president? Why that is more preposterous then a women pilot!" he replied. Neil laughed. "We'll see, doctor. We'll see" *~* *~* *~* "Preacher, Preacher!" a little voice called out through the mission. David heard the sounds of little feet running towards the kitchen. "No running, in the mission!" he called out before they came into the room. Immideatly the running stoped and all David heard were very quick footsteps. "Preacher, Preacher.. ya gotta come quick!" a voice said, entering the kitchen. Daivd looked up from the table, where he was preparing his sermon for the next day and saw Creed and Sam Houston standing in the doorway, their faces flushed from running a long distance. "What is it?" he asked. "It's- it's" Creed said, still catching his breath. "It's a still preacher!" Sam Huston finished for him. "I wanted to tell him" Creed said, poking Sam Houston in the side. "If ya'd stopped yer jabbering and got it out I wouldn'ta told him" Sam Houston replied "A what?" David asked, ignoring the boys bantering and hoping he hadn't heard correctly. "A still preacher.. fer moonshine" Creed said. David stood up. "What are you boys talking about?" "We 'uns were out playin' down by the crick, by the Doc's cabin.. playin' baseball.. jest like ya tought us. And I threw the ball jest like ya said" Creed told David. "Ya should have seen it, Preacher it-" David cut him off. "The still, Creed. What about the still" "Oh yeah.. uh well I threw the ball mighty hard and it landed over yonder in the briar patch. So's I went over to get it. It shore is prick'ly down in thar" he explained, showing David the scratches on his arms and legs to prove it. "An'ways, I went back in that patch, way far back to find my ball. And right there, was a still, running like thar was no tomorra' " "Did you see anything else?" David asked. The boys shook their heads. "Alright, I'll go and check on it. You boys run on home. And I don't want you playing down there any longer, not at least until we get this settled" David told them. They nodded. "Thanks for telling me, boys" "Yer welcome, Preacher" Creed said. "Come on, let's go finish the game" he said and Sam out. As soon as the boys were gone, he grabbed his hat from the peg by the door, and went out to saddle Prince. Just when he thought things had settled down with the moonshiners, this happens. He put Prince into a hard gallop, and in minutes he was down at the site. He found the briar patch with no trouble, and quietly got off his horse. He knew it wasn't a wise idea to go down to the still, not knowing what could be down their waiting for him, so he just went down to the bushes and looked through. Sure enough, if you looked hard enough, you could make out the still. And just like Creed said, it was running. Rage filled David, and turned and walked back to Prince.After riding back to the mission, David walked inside and saw Miss Alice sitting at the table. "I saw thee leave. Thee seemed to have something on thy mind" Alice said when he sat down. "Yes, Alice I do. Creed Allen informed me of a location of a running still. I went down there to see if it was really there" David said looking up at her. "And it is?" "Yes it is" he replied. "I thought I had taken care of this issue. I thought I had finally gotten it across what a sin running a still was, I guess I was wrong" "David, may I ask thee a question?" Alice asked. He nodded. "If thee says moonshining is a sin, then are the people who promote it sinners?" David looked up at her. "Why of course" "Then how do you explain Revelation 13:8?" she asked him. "I'm afraid I don't know that off the top of my head" he said. Alice handed him the bible he had left sitting on the table from his earlier studies. He turned to the passage a read it allowed. "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain, from the foundation of the world" he read. "I don't see your point" he said. "Daivd, what does the Lamb Slain mean?" she asked him. "It can mean different things" "One thing it can mean is that sin was slain from the foundation of the earth" Alice told him. "And if sin was slain from the foundation of the earth, what would that mean?" "That there could be no sinners" he said looking down. "Exactly. So if sin has really never been but in the eyes of humans, then how can their be sinners in the eyes of God?" she asked him. "There can't be" "And where is God?" she asked him. "In everyone" "So if God is in everyone, and there is no sin or sinners in God' eyes, doesn't that mean there can be no sinners or sin in your eyes?" "No, Alice. I don't think that is what it means. I'm not God.." he said. "But how can that be if God made man in his likeness and image?" David didn't know how to respond. She was right. "So your telling me, that I am God in the form of a man, and that there can be no 'sinners' because sin was slain from the foundation of the earth and there is no sin in God's eyes?" he asked "David, I am simply saying what the bible says. Thee can take it any way thee wants to" David nodded. "I don't know that I understand, but I'll pray on this" It was a hard thing to comprehend. Everything David had been taught concerning sin in seminary was blown out the window by one scripture and Miss Alice's imput on it. How could he know that it was true? "Thee doesn't have to understand now. I don't understand everything myself. Just pray and let the answer come" Alice told him. "Thank you" "Thee is most welcome" *~* *~* *~* Title: Memories Chapter: 22 Author: Sarah S. Disclaimer: See Prologue Authors Note: This is a rather long chapter, but I hope you like it! I think you'll find it interesting... especially some of you =) I know that most of you won't get this for a couple days, until you get back from CF but I thought I'd send it out now for those of us at home. * * * * Chapter 22 "William, you did very well. Congratulations" a lawyer friend of William Huddleston's said as he patted him on the back. "Thank you Jack, though honestly, I'm just glad it is finally over" William replied. "Where is your lovely wife today?" Jack asked William as they walked out of the courthouse. The case William had been working on had just finished, and they were more then ready to leave the building. It had been a long and exhausting trial, but in the end it had been worth it. "She was feeling a bit under the weather and I insisted she stay at the hotel this morning" The men continued their conversation a while longer, and then went their separate ways. While he was walking down the street, William thought he saw a familiar face turning into a clinic, but shook his head. "It couldn't be" he said to himself, and turned to go through the hotel doors, nodding to the doorman on his way in. He took the lift up to the fifth floor, and walked three doors down to his room. "I'm back, dear" William said walking into the room. He set his briefcase down and took off his coat and hat. He then turned to look at his wife who was sitting on the lounge by the window. He looked at her pale face and knew she was feeling no better. "William, I don't know what happened" she said looking at him. "I started to feel better so I got up but when I did I felt nauseous and it has only gotten worse" "Julia, I think I need to get you to a clinic" William said. Julia started to protest, "No, Julia don't argue. I promised myself earlier if you weren?t better by the time I got home I would take you to the doctor, and that is what I plan to do" he said, already starting to help her up. She realize he was right and didn't argue further. "I noticed a clinic on my way home, I'll take you there" he said. Minutes later they were walking, slowly, out the door of the hotel. "You sit here while I hail a cab" he instructed, helping her sit on a nearby bench. After one try, William had a cab and was assisting Julia in. "I saw a clinic about 3 blocks up this way" William said to the cab driver, pointing the direction. "That would be Dr. Denton's clinic" the driver said. William nodded. "Please take us there, and quickly" Once at the clinic they walked inside and William helped Julia find a seat in the waiting area, and then walked to the desk. "My wife is feeling ill, is there any way we could get a doctor to see her quickly?" William asked. He noticed there weren?t many other people waiting, and hoped they could get in quickly. "Dr. Denton has left for the day, but I think our other doctor is available right now" the receptionist said. "While I check, could you fill out this form?" she asked standing up. "Of course, thank you" William said taking the form from her before returning to his wife. "I think they'll be able to get you in now, Julia. Are you feeling any better?" he looked at his wife's face. The rosy glow that always lit up her face was gone, and in it's place the white gray look of sickness. He filled out all the required information, and then set the form back on the desk. > > "Sir, the doctor will see your wife now" the receptionist said standing in the doorway minutes. William helped Julia up and they followed the lady into a room. "He will be right in" she said. William nodded and helped Julia to sit on the examining table. Not two minutes went by before the doctor walked in, head down, reading the chart. Walking over to a desk, the set the chart down and turned around. "I'm Doctor-" he said before being interrupted. "MacNeill?" Julia said the same shock in her voice as was on Neil's face. "Why Julia, William.. I had no idea" Neil said shaking Williams hand. "We had no idea you were in Savannah now, Christy never said a word" Julia said weakly. At Christy's name, Neil felt a jolt go through his body. He hadn't heard her name in weeks, and hearing it now started to bring back all the memories he had tried so hard to bury. "I moved here not long ago, but before we get into that, what seems to be the problem?" Neil said looking a Julia. William explained as best he could. "I think it is appendicitis" he said after examining Julia. "All the symptoms are there. I'd like to take her to the hospital. I think I'll need to operate" "Is it that serious?" William asked. "Appendicitis is serious and even more so if left unattended. I think we caught it early enough that it shouldn't be any trouble" Neil explained. "Someone must call George" Julia said. "I'll take care of that, Julia. Right now I just want William to get you to the hospital and get settled" Neil instructed. "Thank you, Neil" William said to the doctor. "Not a problem. But may I ask what brings you all to Savannah?" "I had a trial, which just finished today. We had planned to go home tomorrow, George is there alone, but now it seems we will be extending our trip a bit" "Yes, well in any case, I am glad that we came here. I wouldn't want anyone else performing this operation" Neil smiled, remembering that, that hadn't always been Julia's sentiments concerning him. "Now you to go, I'll call George and then come straight to the hospital" After they left, Neil walked out to the desk. "Mary, Mrs. Huddleston has appendicitis. After I make a call to their son, I'll need you to call ahead to the hospital and have a room made for her, and then call Dr. Denton and tell him the news" Neil instructed the young women. "I'll do that, Dr. MacNeill" she said filing the chart he gave her. Neil walked over to the telephone, and dialed the operator. "William Huddleston residence please, Ashville North Carolina" Neil told the operator. He waited a bit impatiently as the call was patched through. "Hello, Huddleston residence" a female voice said on the other end. Neil stood in shock. Could it be? "Hello, is this-" "Neil" Christy breathed. "Christy?" Christy didn't respond. She was too overcome with sudden emotions. Why was Neil calling her? What did he want? How did he know where she was? "Hello? Christy, are you there?" "Oh, yes.. Neil. What-?" "I had no idea you were in Ashville, lass" he said. Christy heard him call her lass and immediately missed him. She had tried to bury that in her mind, that name he called her. It had been so long since she had heard him, the sound of his voice that it seemed to shake her to her very core. "The reason I called is that your father brought your mother to my clinic today? he continued. "Mother? Is she ill?" Christy asked, in a worried tone. "She as appendicitis. I've admitted her to the hospital, and plan to operate tomorrow morning. She asked for George to come, but I take it she didn't know you were their also" "No, she didn't know. I used the ticket you gave me and planned on surprising them. I got here four days ago and George informed me they were in Savannah" Christy explained. "Well, we'll come right away" "Good, that will help her, knowing your coming" Neil said. Then his voice lowered, and softened. "You know I've missed you, Christy" he said. "I missed you to, Neil" she said. She knew she could say no more, without the threat of her tears spilling over. They were both silent, neither one knowing what to say next. Finally, Neil spoke. "I'd best get to the hospital. Your parents are waiting for me" "Yes, I need to make train arrangements..." "The name of the hospital is Savannah Mercy Medical. Call when you have made your arrangements and I will have someone pick you up from the station" "Alright" She paused, taking a deep breath, composing herself. "Neil, I would never feel comfortable if anyone else was operating on Mother, but you" "And I wouldn't have anyone else do it if I was available. You know your mother said the same thing" he said with a smile in his voice. "Really? You do remember when she didn't feel that way, don't you" Christy replied, smiling herself. "That I do, lass. Now I?d better go. See you tomorrow" "Okay, Neil" "Oh, and don't worry about sleeping arrangements. You will be staying with the Denton?s. I'd have you and George stay with me, but I don't think that would be considered appropriate" he said chuckling. "Are you sure they won't mind, Neil?" Christy asked. "Not at all. Now I'll see you tomorrow" "Goodbye, Neil" "Goodbye, Lass" * * * * Title: Memories Author: Sarah S. Chapter: 23 Disclaimer: See Prologue Authors Note: Hope ya like it! * * * * "Yes, that should be fine. Two tickets to Savannah Georiga.. leaving tomorrow morning at 9:00am. Thank you very much" Christy said, hanging up the telephone. She had set up all the travel arrangments for their unexpected trip to Savannah, and called the mission to let Miss Alice know she would be extending her vacation a week longer to help her mother after the operation. Miss Alice had been very gracious, and very surprised at hearing who would be performing the operation. Alice knew it would be good for Christy to see Neil again, and just as good for him to see her. "Christy, I'm home!" George called out, slamming the door as he walked inside the house. "I'm upstairs, George! Come up, I need to talk to you" she called from her bedroom. "What are you doing, Christy?" George asked walking into Christy's bedroom, and noticing the suitcase on her bed. "Are you leaving already?" he asked. "No, George. We're going to Savannah. Doctor MacNeill called me today. It seems Father took Mother to his clinic, without knowing Neil worked there, because mother was feeling ill. It turned out to be appendicitis and Neil is operating on her tomorrow. She asked for you to come, and she still doesn't know I'm here" Christy said all in one breath. "Well, ok.. then I guess I should start packing?" George asked, still processing all the information that was just given to him. "Yes, our train leaves at 9:00 tomorrow morning. It is only about an hour and a half train ride. We will be staying with friends of Neil's" Christy told him, putting another dress in her bag. After George left, Christy mentally went over the things she had packed to make sure she didn't forget anything. She wasn't sure how long she would be in Savannah, so she deciding what to bring and how much of it wasn't easy. "I hope this will be enough" she said and hooked her bag up and set it next to the door. * * * * * "I'LL GET IT!" Ruby Mae yelled across the mission house, flying to get the telephone when she heard the ring. It wasn't too often that the phone *did* ring, so when it did, Ruby Mae always made a dash for it. "Hello, this be the mission at Cutter Gap, " Ruby Mae said loudly into the mouth piece. Still not used to using it, she sometimes spoke a bit too loud. "Ruby Mae? This is Doctor MacNeill" "Whal Doc! Can't reckon the last time i's heard yer voice, but it shore is good ta hear it now!" Ruby Mae asked. Neil chuckled. "It's good to hear your voice too, Ruby Mae. Is Alice around?" he asked. "Naw, she be down at Swannie O'Teale's place. That thar new young'un's right up and fitified. Cryin' somethin' fierce!" A pang of guilt hit Neil. For a moment, the thought that he should be the one caring for that baby. It was his responsibility, he had delivered it, and he was the doctor. He shook it off. It was his choice to leave the Cove, no if, ands or buts about it. "Well, then is the Reverand around?" "Naw, he be down in Lufty Branch with some of the other men helpin' the Patterson's rebuild their cabin. It got burned down few nights back. Everyone's sayin' how it 'twirnt no accident. No sirrey, I'm a'thinkin' someone did it purpose'like" Ruby Mae rambled. "Is anyone else there, Ruby Mae?" Neil asked. He didn't really want to give the important message to Ruby Mae, for fear she would get it wrong, but if she was the only one there, then it would have to do. "Yessir, Miz Spencer's right here. Ya want ta talk ta her?" Neil breathed a sigh of relief. How good it would be to talk to Fairlight. "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Ruby Mae" "Yor' welcome, Doc. Gotta tell ya though, Creed and Sam Houston, an' all the kids.. well we be missin' ya somethin' a'ful" "I miss you all too, Ruby Mae. You tell all those kids I said hello, alright?" "Yessir, Doc. Here's Miz Spencer" Ruby Mae said. "MIZ SPENCER!!!" Neil heard her yell out through the mission. "TELEPHON FER YA!" Moments later Neil heard the scuffle of feet and muffled voices. "Hello?" a quiet voice said on the other end of the phone. "Fairlight, it is so good to hear your voice. This is Neil" "Well, Doc! What a' surprise! Never 'spected to hear from you t'day" Fairlight exclaimed. "Well, Fairlight.. I need you to take note of this and make sure to tell Alice or David when they return" Neil proceeded to explain the situation with Mrs. Huddleston, and how Christy would be away longer then origionally planned. Fairlight promised to tell them as soon as they got back. "It is so good to hear your voice, Fairlight. Tell Jeb I said hello, and those children too" Neil said. "I'll do that, Doc. You tell Miz Christy and her ma and pa hello from Cutter Gap" Fairlight said. "I will, Fairlight" Neil replied. After saying goodbye, Neil got his things together and headed to the hospital. All of the sudden, Neil felt like he was floating. He knew it was a serious cause that had he and the Huddlestons together, but all of these emotions that he had not allowed himself to have over the past months were coming back with full force. What would happen when he saw Christy? Then his thoughts switched gears and he thought of Melissa. "This will be a very interesting week, I'm sure" he said with a slight grin. "Very interesting indeed" * * * * * Chapter 24 Silence was something not often granted David at the mission. So when he got the chance to sit down for a minute to read his bible, or write a letter, he took it. "Let's see, who should we write to today?" he asked himself. He had to admit, writing letters wasn't one of his favorite things to do, but Ida expected them, and his mother demanded them so he put his personal wants aside and sat down to pen a letter. About half way thru writing, there was a knock on the mission door. David thought nothing of it, there was always someone at the mission, and he expected it to be one of the school children come to ask him to play baseball. "I declare, if I had known baseball would cause this much of a stir, I would have let Neil teach those kids his 'highland games' instead" David mumbled to himself as he walked to the door. "Now listen, kids I really-" David said opening the door. Then he looked up. There had been unexpected visitors at the mission before, but this was one visitor that had to be the least expected of them all. * * * * "LAST CALL! Savanah, Georgia NEXT STOP!" the conductor called out across the train. The call couldn't have come soon enough for Christy. She didn't know why the ride had felt so long to her, and looking over at the sleeping George, she knew it hadn't felt long for him. Maybe it was because she had accidently forgotten to pack her book in the rush to get things together yesterday, or the fact that she knew her mother was in surgery right now. But maybe it was because of the person she was about to see for the first time in months. She shook her head in spite of herself. No it couldn't be that. She had promised not to have any expectations in seeing Neil. They had made the decision to go their seperate ways, hadn't they? Wasn't that why Neil had left in the first place? She looked back over at her sleeping brother, amazed that he could sleep through the racket of passengers getting their bags together, and the conductor calling out. Just as she was about to move over to wake him up, she saw a women's feather hat fall down from an upper compartment and land squarely on George's head. With that, George's eyes flew open and the look on his face was so hilarious that Christy had to supress a laugh. "Excuse me! I had no idea it was just laying free up there" a female voice said from behind George. Christy watched him look up into the eyes of a young women, around his age and blush. "Oh, that's no big deal. I had to wake up anyway" he replied taking the hat from his head and handing it to her. She smiled sweetly at him, and Christy knew he was smitten. "I'm Annabelle Preston" she said extending her hand to George. "I'm George Huddleston" he said lightly shaking her hand, never once taking his eyes off her face. "Ahhem" Christy said clearing her throat. George swung his head around to Christy and blushed. "Oh, this is my sister Christy" he said to Annabelle. Christy smiled at the girl and picked up her bag. "Well, George. We need to get going" Christy said indicating that he needed to get his bags together. His eyes never left Annabelle's face as he picked up the bag sitting next to him. "Maybe I'll see you again?" the girl said to him. "Yes, maybe" he replied. She nodded to him and walked away. "Wasn't she the nicest girl you've ever met, Christy?" George said as he and Christy walked to the door of the train. "Well she was nice, though a bit flirty" Christy teased him. They walked down the steps looking around for the person who would meet them. "Christy and George Huddleston?" A male voice said from behind them. They turned around and Christy's eyes met a young man, around her age, with dark hair and eyes. "Yes, I'm Christy and this is my brother George" She said. "Great, I'm Peter Denton. You'll be staying with my family this week" he said. "Nice to meet you, Peter" "Here, let me help you with your bags" he said taking Christy's from her. "My car is over here. I expect you both want to go directly to the hospital. Not like you have any choice though, because Neil made me promise to bring you straight there" he said with a smile. "And when Neil says something like that, we can do nothing but comply!" Christy said with a smile. Peter opened the door for Christy once they reached the car, and he and George loaded up the bags in the back. Soon they were all in and on their way. It couldn't have been more then 5 minutes before they pulled up to the hospital. "I'll park the car. You two go on in and tell the nurses who your looking for" Peter said as they got out. After walking inside, they made their way over to the desk. "We're looking for Julia Huddleston. She was in to have her appendix taken out this morning by Doctor MacNeill" Christy said to the nurse sitting behind the counter. She gave them th! e directions that led them down the hall and up a flight of stairs. George spotted their father immideatly and walked over to him. "Dad, we're here" George called out. "We?" William said turning around. "Why George, Christy!" He embraced George, then moved to Christy. "We had no idea you were coming, Christy. How did you get here so soon?" "I had come to Asheville the day you and mother left.I wanted to surprise you and you ended up surprising me! It is just so good to see you now" She said, hugging her father again. "How's mother?" George asked. "I don't know yet. The operation should be over.. I'm just waiting for Neil to come out now" William explained. "Come over here and sit down and let me introduce you to someone" he said motioning over to the chairs in the corner. "Christy, George, this is Melissa Denton, one of Dr. MacNeill's very good friends. Peter's sister, and Phillip and Margaret's daughter. Melissa, this is my daughter Christy, and son George" "Pleasure to meet you Miss. Denton" George said. "Yes, very nice to meet you" Christy echoed. She sat down in her seat as Melissa stood up. "I hope you'll excuse me, I think I will go take a walk, and maybe get some coffee. May I get anything for anyone?" "I think a cup of coffee sounds wonderful, thank you Melissa" William said. "Just black, please" As Christy sat taking in her surroundings, she wondered just how good of friends Melissa and Neil were. She sat her head back and closed her eyes, telling herself who Neil chose to be friends with, or more then friends with, was none of her concern. The next thing Christy remembered was a gentle hand on top of hers. She turned her head and slowly opened her eyes to see Neil bent over her, smiling. Instead of being flustered, as she usually did around Neil, she felt at ease. He stood up and helped her up. "Oh, Neil" Christy said embracing him. Suddenly tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to keep her emotions in check, wondering why she was suddenly overcome. It felt so good to be with him again. Until now, she hadn't fully realized how much she had missed him. Finally, she pulled away and looked up at him. "It is so good to see you, Lass. It has been too long" he said stairing into her blue eyes. "You haven't changed a bit" "I should hope I haven't changed much in just 3 months" she said with a smile. For the first time, she looked around and noticed that her brother, nor her father were there. "Where-?" she started to ask. "They are with your mother. She is resting comfortably in her room. Everything went perfectly" he told her. "I should go in and see her now" "Yes, her's is room 207" he said pointing down the hall. "I will be in soon. I have to finish filling out the paperwork" "Ok," she said walking towards the room. Then she turned around. "Neil?" she asked. "Yes?" he said turning back around to her. "Thank you" "Your more then welcome, lass" * * * * * Chapter: 25 Author: Sarah S. Disclaimer: See Prologue Authors Note: Sorry this was so long in coming! I hope you like it! * * * * * Christy walked down the hall at the hospital, to room 207 and softly knocked. "Come in" She heard her Father say. Slowly she turned the knob and pushed the door open with her other hand. "Julia, we have another visitor for you" William said patting his wife on the shoulder. Her eyes opened and fell on her daughter. "Christy" she breathed. Still groggy, her mother smiled at her and motioned for her to come over. "Hello, Mother!" Christy said bending down to hug her. "I had no idea you were in town, how did you get from Cutter Gap so quickly?" "I was in Asheville. I came in to surprise you the day you left to come here. Neil called yesterday and I answered, to his surprise, and told us about the situation and we took the 9 o' clock train from Asheville this morning" Christy explained. "We had to come, of course" George said from the corner. "Knock, Knock" Neil said walking into the room. "How's my patient recovering?" he asked Julia walking over to her bed. "Still rather groggy, but I feel so much better. I don't know how to thank you, Doctor" Julia replied. "Yes, Neil. We really can't thank you enough" William echoed his wife. Just then Melissa entered behind Neil and placed her hand on his arm. "Well, I am just happy to see you feeling better, Julia" Neil said, he looked over at Melissa and smiled. Christy tried to ignore this exchange as best as she could, reminding herself that Neil was free to do as he pleased. But she didn't understand the feeling that washed over her. "You may been feeling a wee bit of discomfort for the next couple days, but after that you should be as good as new. Though I do want you to take it easy for a week or so when you get home. No sense in over taxing yourself" "When will I be able to leave?" "If everything looks good and we don't detect any signs of infection I'd say 2 or 3 days. You were also dehydrated not to mention you had a bit of the flu so once we get your immune system built back up we'll let you go" Neil told her. Just then Melissa tapped Neil on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear. Whatever she said brought a smile to Neil's face. "Well, I think we ought to let our patient get some rest now. How about I take you all back home and get you setteled?" Neil asked Christy. "Oh, um.. well, I guess that's fine. We'll be back over in the morning, alright Mother?" Christy said bending down to give her a kiss. "Yes, don't worry about me dear, I'll be fine" Julia said. "I am so glad to see you. I know I will recover much faster knowing your home" Christy smiled. She walked over to the door, trying to keep her distance from Neil and Melissa. It was obvious they were more then just friends. "But why didn't he say anything?" she asked herself. When George finished saying his goodbyes, they followed Neil out. "Now, I think we'll have to get two cabs for the ride home.." Neil said once they were outside. "Why don't you and Christy go together, Neil.. I'm sure you two have alot of catching up to do.. if that's fine with everyone that is" George suggested. Christy couldn't look up at Neil, but she heard him say something to Melissa and then he smiled. "That sounds fine, George. You and Melissa will go together and Christy and I will follow. I will admit, I have alot of questions about everyone in the Cove" "I'm sure you do, Neil. We'll see you two at home" Melissa said, getting into the waiting cab. George winked at Christy before getting in. Christy didn't know wheather to strangle him or thank him. Of course she wanted to talk to Neil, but that was before seeing he and Melissa interact. "Well here's our cab. Shall we be going?" he asked. He didn't seem to be his normal self, Christy noticed. As if there was something else bother him. But, she nodded and got into the cab. Once inside, Neil gave the driver the directons and then sat back in his seat. There was an awkward silence between them. Christy didn't know what to say. Three months had changed things, and they both knew it. "Melissa seems very nice" she commented after a few moments of silence, then scolded herself for mentioning Melissa. If Neil wanted to talk about her, he would have. "Yes, she is. We've become.. uh, rather close these past months" Neil said. He looked very uncomfortable, which was rather amusing to Christy. "Oh, really. That's nice" Christy said, relaxing as she watched him become more uncomfortable. "No, Christy. We have become very close" he said again, looking down at something near the floor. "Neil, you don't have to be embarrassed about it" she said turing her head to look at him. "We decided when you left to move on, and that is what you are doing" She knew what she said was true, but though she wouldn't have admitted it, it still hurt her. Neil didn't answer, he just looked up at her and nodded. * * * * "Who is it Preacher?" Ruby Mae said walking into the hall. David stood there stairing at the person in front of him. "David? Aren't you going to invite me in? Did I teach you no manners?" she asked brushing off the front of her dress. "Oh, of course. Come right in" he said opening the door wider for her to walk through. Seeing Ruby Mae standing there he made the introductions. "Ruby Mae, I'd like you to meet my mother, Mrs. Grantland" and turning to her, "And Mother, meet Ruby Mae Morrison. As I told you in my letters, she is living with us at the mission right now" "Right fine 'ta meet ya, Mrs. Grantland" and to David's surprise, for the first time Ruby Mae said no more. "Nice to meet you too, Ruby Mae" Mrs. Grantland replied swiftly. "Now David, what room will I be using?" "There is a spare room next to Christy's that you can use. Let me take your bags up" he said bending over to pick up the two carpet bags off of the floor. The walked up the stairs and down the hall into the room. "Where is the teacher?" Mrs. Grantland asked when David pointed out her room. "Well, she went to visit her family in Asheville, and it ended up they were in Savannah and her mother was ill so she traveled there with her brother" he explained as he opened the door to the spare bedroom. He set the bags on the floor and pointed out the basin and towel and where she would find spare blankets. "I hope this will suit you, Mother" he said as he turned to leave. "It's fine, rather small, but fine. Now I must get some rest before supper. The train ride was horrid. Between the noise of the children, the cigar smoke from the men, and the endless chatter of some of the women, I did not get any sleep" "Well, I will be studying for my sermon tomrrow, and Ruby Mae is going to a friends house so it will be quiet for you. Fairlight will be over in about an hour to start the meal, she is helping us out while Christy is gone, and Miss Alice should be back from Lufty Branch any time" David told her. "Good, I shall be down in time for dinner" she said. David smiled and walked out of the room. As he walked down the stairs, he realized how alike she and Ida were and this time, could not supress a laugh. * * * * Chapter: 26 Author: Sarah Disclaimer: See Prologue Authors Note: Since I didn't get a chapter sent out all last week, I thought I'd give you at least 2 this week. Enjoy! * * * * Three days had gone by, and Neil had agreed that Julia Huddleston was well enough to leave the hospital, but not yet leave Savannah. She was still in a bit of pain and he wanted to be able to keep a closer eye on her, so she was being moved to the Denton's house where Christy and George were already staying. The first day at the Denton's home had been a bit uncomfortable for Christy. Maybe because she was in such close contact with Melissa. Neil was renting an apartment two blocks away, and since he had the habit of coming to the Denton's for almost every meal, Christy saw him daily. He had asked if Christy would like to go to see a play with he and Melissa, but she had declined complaining of a headache and the need to retire early. That evening, Christy took the opportunity to call the mission house to update them on her mother. She had not spoken to anyone since her arrival in Savannah, and only once before while she was in Asheville. It had been wonderful to hear David's voice, and Ruby Mae in the background, and it soothed her to speak to Miss Alice. David told her of their visitor, and she could read the mix emotions he was feeling in his voice. She knew he loved his mother, but she also knew from him that she could be a bit of a bother at times. Miss Alice brought her up to date on everyone in the Cove, and told her how all the children sent their love to her, and Doctor MacNeill and how they all hoped her mother was feeling better soon. Christy knew Alice read something in her voice, but wisely the woman let it be. She knew that if Christy had something to say about it, she would, and Alice wouldn't push the issue. The whole evening seemed to drag by to Christy, but little did she know how the evening was progressing for Neil. "Neil, I think we ought to talk" Melissa said as they walked along the side walk after the play that evening. "Of course, what is it?" he asked. They sat down on a bench and Melissa looked up at him. "We've known each other for over three months now, Neil" "Yes, we have" he said. "And we've courted for 2 1/2 of those months" she said. Neil didn't answer, he only nodded. "I know that in certin ways that isn't very long, but I feel as though I've known you for much longer" Neil had to admit it did feel like longer that he had known Melissa, but he still had no comment to make to her aloud. "And I know these matters are something not commonly brought up by women, but I feel like we should make the next step in our relationship" Neil hadn't been looking straight at her the whole time, but with this comment his eyes found hers immidately. "What are you saying, Melissa?" "I'm saying I love you, Neil" she said. Neil knew she expected him to respond with an 'I love you too' but for some reason he couldn't get the words in his head to come out of his mouth. Realizing he wasn't planning on saying anything, Melissa continued. "I think we should discuss the issue of marriage" Neil really had no idea what to say to this statement. He hadn't felt it coming at all, and reciently hadn't been sure if he should contiune this relationship at all. He did not feel to say yes to this, or no at that time. He just felt to tell her what he was feeling. "Melissa, you are a wonderful person. And I've enjoyed every moment I've spent with you, but right now I think it is too soon to be thinking of marriage. I'm not saying that it wouldn't ever be a possibility, but at this time I am just not ready. My first wife, though the circumstances were very unique to say the least, passed away not even a year ago and in that aspect I also think it is just too soon. I hope you understand" She nodded. "I respect your answer, Neil. I hope what I said doesn't hurt our relationship any" "When the time comes, if it comes, we will both know. Without any doubt" he said and smiled. "Now, what do you say I take you back home. I wanted to check on Mrs. Huddleston anyway" "That sounds fine" Melissa replied, and they began the treck back. * * * * Two more days passed and Julia was feeling back to normal, so the Huddleston's decided it was time to make plans to go back to Asheville the next day. It was also decided that Christy would stay in Asheville for three days until she could get a train, and the return to Cutter Gap for the start of school again. Christy could hardly believe that she had been gone from the Cove for 2 1/2 weeks. It seemed like so much longer. Since being at the Denton's, Christy had frequented the park down the street. She missed her beloved walks in the mountains back in the Cove, and though the city park wasn't the same, it did give her some moments to herself to think and reflect. This particular day, Neil had asked if he could walk along with her. At first she thought to say no, but the look in his eyes was too much for her and she had to say yes. So minutes later she found herself walking by the pond in the park, with Neil at her side. "It has been wonderful to see you again, Christy. And your family" Neil said as they walked. "It has been wonderful to see you too, Neil. It really had been too long" she said quietly. "Christy, look at me" he said puting his hand under her chin and lifting it to look up at him. "I know you have been wondering about Melissa. I should have told you something sooner, but.." "No, Neil. It is none of my business. You are a free man, and you could see a different women every day of the week and it would still be none of my concern" her words had come across more harsh then she had wanted them too and as soon as she said them she wanted to apologize. "Wheater you think it is or not, I still want to tell you. We were such good friends in the Cove, Christy. I didn't want that to change" he told her. They had stopped walking and were now sitting on a park bench overlooking the pond. "Christy, when I first came here, you were the only thing I was thinking about. From the moment I woke in the morning, to the moment I went to sleep at night you were on my mind. Thinking of you and what could have been was almost too much for me to handle. Then I realized that it had been my choice all along to leave the Cove and move on. I know I hurt you, and that was the last thing I intended to do. You still hold a special place in my heart, Christy, and you always will" His words touched her, but still the question lingered. "What about Melissa?" Neil sighed. "Melissa and I began courting about 2 months ago. At the time all I was thinking about was moving on, and I thought the best way to do that was to meet someone else. So I started spending time with Melissa. We had a good time together, and would have interesting conversations. I thought what I was feeling was love, so I asked her to court me" "And what are you feeling now?" Christy asked him. "I don't know what I'm feeling. The other night, after the play, Melissa brought the subject of marriage up. I told her it was too soon, and I wasn't ready. To tell you the truth, I don't know if courting her is still the right thing to do. I don't want to lead her on, but my emotions are so mixed right now I just don't know what to do" Neil told her. She could see the pain on his face. The pain of uncertintity. The pain she had felt before. "Well, Neil. I guess there is nothing more to say about it. Your courting Melissa, and living in Savannah. I am going back to Cutter Gap" she said. Tears threatened to spill, but she took a deep breath and held them back. "Neil, I loved you. Maybe I still do, but we both made choices, and now we must live by them" and with that she stood up. "I think I need to get back to the house now" she said, and turned to walk away. Neil sat there not knowing what to say or do. "Dear God, Lead me. Show me what I am to do. I know I still have feelings for Christy, but I also have them for Melissa. Please make my path clear to me, so I only do your will" * * * * Chapter 27 The day finally came for the Huddleston's to return to Asheville, and for Christy it brought mixed emotions. After their conversation yesterday, she knew Neil still had feelings for her. But he was courting Melissa. None of it made any sense, but what shocked her the most was finally realizing herself that she loved Neil. Saying goodbye to everyone was done at the train station since the Denton's and Neil had both insisted on coming to see them off, and when it came time for Neil to say goodbye to Christy she very quickly told him goodbye and didn't let her emotions get in the way. She saw the look on his face, she knew she had hurt him, but she reminded herself that it was better this way. Now she sat on the train, across from her mother with George and her Father sitting in the seats behind them. She staired out the window, just thinking, about nothing in particular. It would be good to get back to the Cove. She had missed everyone so much. David had told her in their last conversation that his mother was still there and was planning to stay there for at least two more weeks. Though, David said, he was sure she would end up staying longer. She had chuckled when David said how much alike she and Ida were, but inwardly grimiced. It was sometimes hard enough to be around Ida a long time, she didn't know how she would handle being around her mother! "There is something on your mind, Christy" her mother's voice startled her. She had been so deep in thought that she had tuned out everything around her and had forgotten for a moment where she was. "What makes you say that, Mother?" "Christy, I know you very well. Your my daughter. And, I did see your interaction with Neil while we were there. What is it?" her mother asked her. And with that one question, days worth of emotions that had been pushed down inside of Christy came to the top and spilled over and she could do nothing to stop them. Her mother moved, somewhat slowly, over to Christy at sat besided her. "There, there. Let it all out. You'll feel better" she said soothingly as she embraced her daughter. "I thought I had gotten over my feelings for Neil, but I realized I hadn't. And the worst part is neither has he" she said through her tears. She knew people would be stairing at her, but she didn't care. "Why is that the worst part?" her mother asked. "Because he also has feelings for Melissa, but I'm sure you noticed that" Christy said as she sat up and dried her eyes with her hankerchief. "I told myself that going back to the Cove and moving on is what I need to do. But Mother, I thought that Neil was the one. Then his wife came back, and the turmoil that that caused.... and then she died and the thought came to me that maybe we still had a chance. But then he left, and no matter how many times I told my head it was for the best, my heart didn't want to listen" "Christy, sometimes things happen and we just don't know why. I know without a doubt that Neil has feelings for you, but maybe he thinks that admitting them would cause too much pain for both you and him, so the only thing he can see to do is ignore them and move on. All I can tell you is that whatever is supposed to happen, will happen, no matter what anyone tries to do" * * * * Christy's 3 days in Asheville were wonderful. It was so nice to be together as a family, without any distractions. For once, she had no parties to attend, no dress fittings, no teas or Ladies Aid Society meetings to go to, she could just be herself, in her home with her family. But as good as those days were, she knew it would be wonderful to go back to the Cove. She may have had a big four poster bed, feather pillows, beautiful clothing in Asheville, she had so much more in the Cove. Not in material things, but the mountains, the mountain people, her friends and she knew then, without any doubt, that Cutter Gap was where she was supposed to be. Maybe that would change tomorrow, but as for right then, at that moment she knew she wouldn't rather be in any other place. * * * * "MIZ CHRISTY!!!!" Ruby Mae yelled across the mission lawn as soon as she saw Jeb's wagon come into view. Christy smiled, it was so good to see Ruby Mae again. David had been unable to pick up Christy at the train depot, because he was with his mother, so Jeb had kindly offered to take his place. "Ruby Mae! It is so good to see you!" Christy said as Jeb helped her down from the wagon. Ruby Mae stood next to her, already giving her the latest gossip in the Cove. "Oh, Miz Christy.. wait 'till ya meet Miz. Grantland. Lawdy, she's jest like Miz Ida!" she exclaimed. Christy laughed. "That's what I hear" she said with a smile. Then she turned to Jeb. "Thank you so much for picking me up" "Shore, Miz Christy. We had a right fine time" Jeb replied as he got Christy's bags fromt he back of the wagon. "And please tell Fairlight I will try to stop by tomrrow or if not then, very soon to see her" "Will do" he said as he helped carry her things to the mission. He set them right inside the door, where Christy had said he could leave them, and tipped his hat. "It shore is nice to have you back, Miz Christy" he said. She smiled. "It is wonderful to be back" * * * * Chapter: 28; Final Author: Sarah Disclaimer: See Prologue Authors Note: See End * * * * Slowly, Christy got back into the routine of life in the Cove. She was as busy as ever getting school started and making sure everything ran smoothly again. She tried to keep busy at all times, so much so that she started to get annoyed if something happened to disrupt her order of things. Many things had been trying her patience in the past days, from little things like one of the children not behaving in school to Mrs. Grantland's remarks or attitude towards her. Christy tried her hardest to befriend David's mother, if not for herself but for David, but she was finding it harder then she had ever imagined. She wasn't sure what it was that Mrs. Grantland didn't like about her, but she had an idea it had something to do with her turning down David's marriage proposal. Even little things that Fairlight or Miss Alice may have said or did rubbed her the wrong way. She didn't know what the problem was, but she knew something ! would have to change. She recieved a letter from Neil a week after her return, and now, two weeks after that it still sat unopened. What was the point? They just were not meant to be together, and that was that. It would be better to keep whatever Neil said in the letter just that. In the letter, and not in her mind and heart. It would only make matters worse. She sat down at her desk in the class room and tears filled her eyes. She looked at the envelope sitting in front of her and picked it up. She read his handwriting on the outside. She had always thought how neat and readable his handwriting was compared to other doctors. All the letters were lined perfectly on the page, her name penned with careful strokes. She set it back down and shook her head. "This has gone too far, Christy Huddleston" she said to herself, outloud. "Just stop it, your only making it worse for yourself" She turned around and started writing tomrrows lesson on the blackboard and didn't hear the footsteps coming up the stairs outside. "Your right, this has gone too far" a voice said from behind her. Christy didn't move, she seemed to be frozen in place. The voice. Was she dreaming? Was that the voice she hoped it was? Shaking her head, she didn't even bother to turn around. "This is silly, I'm hearing voices now!" she continued writing on the board, faster trying to turn her attention elsewhere. "No your not Christy" the voice said. Again she froze. She knew this time that she wasn't dreaming, that she wasn't hearing things. There was someone in the room with her. The tears she thought were undercontrol spilled out and ran down her cheeks. She took her hand off the blackboard and put her hand over her eyes. Then, suddenly, she felt arms closing in around her. She didn't try to move, she didn't say anything but with the person's head bent aginst her cheek she felt tears that were not hers. She opened her eyes and looked up through her tears and saw him. It was him. He had come back to her. "Oh, Lass. I don't know what took me so long" he said softly in her ear. "It dosen't matter, your hear now. That's all I care about" she said turning around to him. He looked into her eyes and she in his, and all they found there was love. * * * * Melissa took a tissue from the tissue box sitting on the table next to her. "Oh, Grandma. That was beautiful" she said sniffing. "Yes, it was a wonderful moment for me and for your grandfather" "So then you and Grandpa got married and the rest his history, right?" Melissa asked. "Well, pretty much. There is much more of the story for you to hear, but not now. Tomrrow is your wedding day Dear, your special day and you need your rest. It's late" Christy said looking up at a clock on the wall in front of them. "I want to hear the rest Grandma, soon" Just then Christy felt a hand on her shoulder. "So, you lived through the soap opera like life, Melissa" her Grandfather said smiling at her. "What did you think?" "I think it was the most romatic and wonderful story I have ever heard" Neil laughed. "We were young, and sometimes crazy. I still don't know what took me so long to high tale it back to the Cove from Savannah" he said shaking his head. "But like I told you all those years ago, Neil.. it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you did come back. Of course if you hadn't I would have gone down there and brought you back myself" she said with a chuckle. "I hope that Matt and I have as much love in our marriage as you and Grandpa do" Melissa said with a smile. "You will, dear. You'll also have hard times and struggles, but love can do amazing things. If it can change a stubborn Scot like your Grandpa it can do anything!" * * * * The End (for now!) Authors Note: And so ends "Memories" my first attempt at writing FanFiction. I hope it wasn't to awful and I hope it gave you a bit of enjoyment! Maybe there will be a sequel, maybe there won't but I do hope you have enjoyed this one. Thank you for all your support and let me know what you think about this chapter!