Title : Moments in the Wind

Author : Jessica K.

Disclaimer: Catherine Marshal wrote the story and
characters of "Christy" and they are     owned by the
LeSourd family.  In no way is the writer seeking
profit for this, it is only for the amusement of those
who enjoy the book "Christy."

_______________________________________________________
        

Moments in the Wind


Part 1


        "I do." He voice had strength as she stood
with these cove people.  David smile at her, so proud
to be the one next to her, so proud to have her hand
is his.  Alice stood before the couple radiant as
ever.  Her pale eyes twinkled with the joy of the
event.  Alice had to marry then because there was no
way David could perform his own ceremony.  
        All eyes were on the bride, radiant as ever.  Her
beauty had been something unknown to these mountains
before.  The white dress hung on her, a crown of
flowers in her long cascading hair she was something
to envy.  
        David gave her a quick smile, her bright eyes showed
her tenseness, but were blissful as well.
        "David, thee may kiss the bride." Miss Alice repeated
for the second time.  David and his new wife laughed,
but then he grew serious and looking into those huge
eyes.
        "I love you, Mrs. Grantland." With that he gave her a
quick but meaningful kiss then they dashed through a
crowd of cheering people.  
        The festivities were wonderful, the whole cove had
pulled together, everyone had brought provisions, and
right about now everyone had broke into dancing and
singing.  David led his new bride into the center of
the dancers, he held her tightly.
        "I'm not much of a dancer." He apologized.
        "I know well enough." She smiled, "David I'm sorry it
took me so long, so long to realize that my love for
you was worth leaving everything."
        "No sorry dear,  we were always meant to be, it was
providence you know." With that David sent her
twirling, but only to run into a nearby couple.
        "Hey preacher!  You just wrecked my waltz!" Neil
turned to the newlyweds with a boyish grin.  
        "I am not your preacher for long." David was smiling
but for a brief moment grew uncomfortable.  He ran his
hand through his hair to the nape of his neck.  
        "So we cannot get you to reconsider?" The doctor put
his arm about the shoulders of his dancing partner.
"Christy here told me she will be so upset when you
go."  Neil smiled at her, giving her shoulder a
squeeze.
        "I am disappointed that you decided to leave David,
but don't let that stop you.  I am so happy for you
and Sissel!" Christy left Neil's side and took hold of
Sissel's hands, "I am truly happy for you, and you
must write to me often and tell me about the trouble
David get's himself into."  Everyone laughed politely.
        "Now here lassie, let's leave the newlyweds to
themselves!"  Neil took Christy by the shoulders and
gently led her away into the crowd of friendly faces.
        David looked into Sissel's eyes.  He had often
thought about this moment, the day of his wedding, and
when he was little he had thought he would marry
Sissel, and now he had.  Dreams like that weren't
supposed to come true, but it had, oh it had.  For a
while he had thought he had loved Christy, he had made
such a fool of himself with her.  But that was in the
past, only Sissel mattered.  She was his first love,
and last love.  When she had visited he hadn't thought
that he still loved her, but he had.  Months after she
had left he had received a letter from her; she had
declared her love and begged him not to marry Christy.
 Afterwards Sissel had traveled back to Cutter Gap and
when David had seen her again those feelings had come
to her.  It was comfortable, but it was love.  After
he asked her to marry him they had planned fast and
now a week later she was his forever.
        This also brought about new problems, David had to
leave the cove.  Sissel could never make it here, she
was not Christy.  They were to go home, live under the
tyranny of his mother again, but he would have a safe
ministering position there.  Already with three offers
he was sure of that. 
        The new minister for the cove was to arrive three
days hence.  He was young, and fresh out of seminary. 
Miss Alice had met the boy, Jeremy, just once she said
he had been lively and 'would do.'  David was saddened
by this news, he wished that he would be missed more,
and would be harder to replace.  For he would miss
this cove dearly.    

Part : 2       
Summary : David and Sissel got 'hitched.'  David will
be leaving the cove, the replacement preacher is a
young man named Jeremy; Jeremy is to arrive in three
days.



        Neil led Christy away from the crowd and out from the
hustle of the jollification.  It was late afternoon,
but not yet sunset.  The air was moist.  A warm breeze
had swept into the mountains today.  It made Christy's
hair attempt flight as it would kiss at her ears. 
Walking a pace ahead of her, Neil had her hand as he
gently tugged her along.  She hadn't wanted to leave
the party, but Neil said she needed to talk.  How did
he know what she needed?  How could she be such and
open book to him when he was still such a mystery to
her.  It wasn't fair.  
        Spoon Lake quietly lapped at its dirt shore.  Its
ripples creating a rainbow of colors as they glowed
radiantly off of the water.  The wildflowers around it
seemed to welcome them with happy waves.  How strange
that these inanimate object were so alive.  
        They moved onto the gazebo, it was one of Christy's
favorite spots.  She could remember the joy of
countless times spent here watching the sunrise and
set.  Nature was glorious to her, God spoke to her
through nature.  
        Neil sat down on the floor of the gazebo and tugged
of his boots, then his socks.
        "Well now, sit down her love," Neil winked, "I meant
lass, do not look so scared.  I won't slip up again." 
She shook her head, pretending to be annoyed but did
as told.  He grabbed at her feet and slipped off her
shoes.
        "So you think I need to talk, and now you think we
need to take our shoes off?" Christy raised a joshing
eyebrow.
        "First, I do not think, I know.  Second you cannot
dangle your feet into the lake with your shoes still
on.  Well I guess ye could but it would end up a
mess."  She gave him a light nudge with her shoulder
as she sat down next to him.
        "Neil MacNeill sometimes I don't understand you. 
Sometimes I think you treat me just like a five year
old." 
        "Aye lass, sometimes you act like one." He laughed
quietly to himself and once again slipped his arm
about her shoulders.  She crossed her arms over her
chest and remained silent.  Neil let out a yelp of a
laugh, "See there, I rest my case, you're pouting!"
        "I was not pouting!" Christy defensively moved her
arms to her side and scooted a couple inches away from
his side.  "I was cold."
        "Oh Christy, you lass make life exciting.  Always
keeping me on my toes.  Come back 'ere.  I did not
mean any of that as a bad thing.  I like that fact
that you can sometimes be a child, I wish I was like
that."  He smiled and jerked his head in one
direction, pleading her silently to come back and sit
down next to him.
        "That is the funniest thing I've heard in awhile
Neil, you don't think you act like a child. Ha!"  She
reclaimed her seat next to him.  Neil smiled at her,
shacking his head in disbelief.  Scooping up her hand
softly he brushed his lips against the top of it.  He
didn't let go, instead he entwined it with his and
covered the other side of it with his free hand.  It
was done quickly, but it swept Christy off her feet. 
He could be so romantic! 
        But more than anything the gesture confused her more.
 Neil and her weren't married, and nothing had ever
been said about courting.  They had become very close
though and shared every free minute together; but
there was no understanding.  Sometimes she wished he
would just get it over with and ask her.  What was he
waiting for?  Maybe he didn't feel this way.  These
were things she dared not speak to anyone about, even
Neil. 
        "What ye thinking about lass?"  She brushed one of
his dancing curls behind his ear.  
        "So why did you call this meeting?  I'm pondering why
do I need to talk?"  She asked with a quizzical look
in her eyes.
        "Oh yes, back to business I see.  Well you need to
talk about David leaving."
        "What's there to think about?  I mean I will miss
him.  David has become like a brother to me, and I
don't understand why he wont even try to say but it's
his decision.  Why do you think it's wrong of him to
leave?"
        "No, he doesn't belong here.  Well I do not mean it
so harsh.  These mountains, this cove, they aren't
special to David.  Yes he will probably miss
friendships here, but not this place.  David doesn't
belong to this mountain, he did a great job here, but
it's time for him to move on."  Neil kicked his foot
from out of the water sending little droplets flying
to make tiny ripples throughout the lake.  Christy
swung her feet in the cool water, they were submerged
but she was moving them in circles.  Feeling the
chilly water slosh around her ankles and flow between
her toes.  
        "I am happy for him." Christy chirped.
        "Me too, me too." Neil agreed.  "I wonder what this
new man will be like?"  It was more of a comment than
a question.  Christy looked into the dimming sky, they
had been gone from the part quite awhile.  People
might be wondering by now.  Neil looked intently at
her, memorizing the way she looked when bathed in the
glow of the sun reflecting from Spoon Lake.  She
turned to him, making uncomfortable eye contact.
        "We better go.  People will be looking for us, and my
toes are getting cold."
        "Oh no!  Could it be a medical emergency!" He joked
her, "Do not fret, there is a doctor on hand."
        She grinned at him, how could he not think that he
acted like a kid sometimes!  "Hilarious Neil.  I'm
sure I can make it through this one without you."  He
helped her off of the floor to lead her back to the
dissipating jollification.   


Part : 3       
-Summary : Neil and Christy talked about David leaving
the cove.  Neil and Christy's relationship is
'undefined' and Christy doesn't know what to do about
it.  Everyone is awaiting Jeremy's arrival.  


        "Miss Huddleston!  Miss Huddleston!"  Alice rushed
into the classroom waving a piece of paper franticly
in her hand.  Christy wondered what information that
paper must have etched on it that would make refined
Miss Alice act so.
        "Rob Allen, can you please take the rest of the
children outside for a break?" She smiled.
        "Yes'um Miz Christy.  Comon youngins!" Rob sauntered
out through the wooden framed doorway and children
followed him; just like ducklings following a mother
before they can spread their own wings and fly.  When
all the children were out of earshot Christy turned to
Miss Alice with an amused grin.
        "Miss Alice?  So what news do you have."
        "This letter Christy.  I received a letter today from
the seminary that is sending Jeremy to us.  It seems
that they have decided to send us two preachers now. 
Another man is joining Jeremy, a young man it says
here named Chad."
        "Jeremy and Chad." Christy repeated in a whisper more
to herself then for the benefit of others.
        "Yes Miss Huddleston.  It seems that they found this
necessary because Jeremy probably will not be able to
do as much teaching as David had, this Chad fellow is
interested at helping you teach though."
        "This is a good thing Miss Alice.  We need more help
around here, you told me so just a couple days ago."
        "Yes dear, but I do not know these men.  I met Jeremy
and he seemed well enough, but now we will have two
single young men running around here.  I just don't
know." Miss Alice placed her hand upon her temples for
a moment.  Christy paused; how out of character Miss
Alice was acting?  Why was she so worried about these
two young men?  Christy wondered if Miss Alice was
holding something back from her.
        "Miss Alice, remember you didn't know me before I
came." Christy offered the memory for comfort.
        "Yes, but you are a girl, there is a difference. 
These are two single men."
        "They are single yes, but who are they going to go
after here in Cutter Gap?"  Christy spoke with her
hands on her hips, Miss Alice remained quiet and
avoided eye contact. "No, Miss Alice you aren't
thinking that I?  Oh Miss Alice you need not worry
about me.  I don't need to fall in love with either of
them I already.." Christy stopped herself.  She
couldn't figure out what she was going to say.
        "Thee is already in love with Neil?"
        "That's not what I meant to say, but I think it just
came out that way." Christy shrugged her shoulders.
        "Christy I believe in thee, but I don't want you to
hurt Neil."
Well here it is.  Sorry it has taken me so long to
write it, hope you all remember the story line.  Any
feedback that can be given is very welcome, hope you
all enjoy!  --jessica--

-Title : Moments in the Wind
-Part : 3       
-Author : Jessica, Hammywa@yahoo.com
-Summary : Neil and Christy talked about David leaving
the cove.  Neil and Christy's relationship is
'undefined' and Christy doesn't know what to do about
it.  Everyone is awaiting Jeremy's arrival.  
-Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall wrote the story and
characters of "Christy" and they are     owned by the
LeSourd family.  In no way is the writer seeking
profit for this, it is only for the amusement of those
who enjoy the book "Christy."
_______________________________________________________


        "Miss Huddleston!  Miss Huddleston!"  Alice rushed
into the classroom waving a piece of paper franticly
in her hand.  Christy wondered what information that
paper must have etched on it that would make refined
Miss Alice act so.
        "Rob Allen, can you please take the rest of the
children outside for a break?" She smiled.
        "Yes'um Miz Christy.  Comon youngins!" Rob sauntered
out through the wooden framed doorway and children
followed him; just like ducklings following a mother
before they can spread their own wings and fly.  When
all the children were out of earshot Christy turned to
Miss Alice with an amused grin.
        "Miss Alice?  So what news do you have."
        "This letter Christy.  I received a letter today from
the seminary that is sending Jeremy to us.  It seems
that they have decided to send us two preachers now. 
Another man is joining Jeremy, a young man it says
here named Chad."
        "Jeremy and Chad." Christy repeated in a whisper more
to herself then for the benefit of others.
        "Yes Miss Huddleston.  It seems that they found this
necessary because Jeremy probably will not be able to
do as much teaching as David had, this Chad fellow is
interested at helping you teach though."
        "This is a good thing Miss Alice.  We need more help
around here, you told me so just a couple days ago."
        "Yes dear, but I do not know these men.  I met Jeremy
and he seemed well enough, but now we will have two
single young men running around here.  I just don't
know." Miss Alice placed her hand upon her temples for
a moment.  Christy paused; how out of character Miss
Alice was acting?  Why was she so worried about these
two young men?  Christy wondered if Miss Alice was
holding something back from her.
        "Miss Alice, remember you didn't know me before I
came." Christy offered the memory for comfort.
        "Yes, but you are a girl, there is a difference. 
These are two single men."
        "They are single yes, but who are they going to go
after here in Cutter Gap?"  Christy spoke with her
hands on her hips, Miss Alice remained quiet and
avoided eye contact. "No, Miss Alice you aren't
thinking that I?  Oh Miss Alice you need not worry
about me.  I don't need to fall in love with either of
them I already.." Christy stopped herself.  She
couldn't figure out what she was going to say.
        "Thee is already in love with Neil?"
        "That's not what I meant to say, but I think it just
came out that way." Christy shrugged her shoulders.
        "Christy I believe in thee, but I don't want you to
hurt Neil."
        "Wait Miss Alice, what are you saying?" Christy
lowered her eyebrows.
        "I am saying that it will be hard for Neil to share
you with these two new men, he might not know how to
take it if you abandon him."  
        "Miss Alice, please don't talk like that.  Neil is my
best friend, I would never abandon him."
        "I trust that you wont."  With that Miss Alice turned
and walked out the wooden doorframe.  Christy caught a
hint of Alice's scent in the breeze.  It tickled her
nose with fond familiarity.  Christy closed her eyes
for a moment, but her thoughts began to trouble her. 
Was there something that Miss Alice was holding back
from saying to her?  What could it be?  Christy opened
her eyes again to see children peering in to the
doorway, their eager faces gave her strength to forget
her thoughts and focus on them.  They were what
mattered, what had always mattered to her.

*********************************************
        David looked around his old bunkhouse.  It held so
many fond memories, and so many dreams.  It was bare
now; he and Sissel had finished packing hours ago. 
They would soon have to leave but it was so hard,
harder then he had imagined to leave a place that you
had poured so much of yourself into.  
        Stepping outside he gave his trunks a quick nervous
tap with his hand.  Yesterday David had visited
everyone from the cove to say his good-byes, but the
hardest were now coming.  How could he say good-bye to
Alice, Christy, and yes-even Neil.  Their friendships
had sustained him through his hardest, lowest points. 

        Alice stepped up to him first.  She gathered the man
in her arms just like he was a little boy.  Alice was
so motherly, like a chicken gathering up her brood. 
She whispered something into his ears, and David
nodded without a word.
        "We will miss thee David GrantLand.  And I wish thee
well."  David gave a weak smile in reply.  Neil
stepped forward next, he slapped David heartily on his
back, his chest filled with deep laugher.
        "Aye David, I will miss all the fun we always had! 
You are a fine preacher, those city folk will be happy
to have you.  Take care of your lass boy!"  David held
out his hand for a handshake, but the doctor gave him
a quick one-armed man-hug instead.  Then David turned
to Christy.
        "Christy, I will miss you." David's voice was shaky. 
Christy had always been a good friend, the most
important of his life.
        "I will miss you too David." She opened her arms and
gave him a tight hug. "Take good care of Sissel. 
Write to me often."
        "I will, I will." He repeated then softly kissed her
cheek.  David gathered himself again and took in a
deep breath.  He jumped onto the rickety wagon that
held his belongings and his wife, took the rains and
the horses began to walk away.  
        Christy whipped back tears.  "This wind is stinging
my eyes." Neil smiled and slipped his arm about her
shoulders.
        "It'll be alright lass, it'll be alright."  The stood
together in silence as they watched David's wagon
growing smaller each time the wheels turned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If you can not forgive and forget, then forgive every
time that you remember."

Part : 4       

Summary : Christy and Neil are watching David leave. 
Two preachers are being sent from the seminary to fill
in for David. (Jeremy and Chad)
-Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall wrote the story and
characters of "Christy" and they are     owned by the
LeSourd family.  In no way is the writer seeking
profit for this, it is only for the amusement of those
who enjoy the book "Christy."
______________________________________________________

        The wagon that carried David to El Pano had
disappeared but Neil and Christy still stood together
as if they could still see it.  Dusk had crept into
the mountain; the voice of wind remained as silent as
the pale moon shimmering in the burgundy sky.  The
crickets and frogs of Spoon Lake joined in chorus to
sound like additions for a foreign  opera.  A cloud
played hide and seek with the fallen sun; causing it
to make quick peeks with dim rays at the hushed
couple.  
        Neil took his eyes off of the path and let them lay
on Christy.  Her cheeks were glowing; probably with
the mixture of cried tears, and the sun kissing them
through out the day.  Her blue eyes were pools of
wonder to him.  She held so much of herself in those
eyes, yet still didn't tell everything.  He wanted to
know everything, everything she thought, hoped, and
wondered.  How would he ever tell her?  His hand moved
to the end of her auburn hair, he had to run his
fingers in it, he had to at least once.  It was so
soft, so clean, yet wild and free.  
        Christy blinked herself out of a daze.  How long had
she been standing here?  Shifting her weight she
realized how sore and aching her legs really were. 
How good Neil was to have waited out her with her.  To
have been here for her.  He ran his hand through her
hair, it brought her the comfort that she was longing
for.  
        "Well lass are ye ready to get goin'?" Neil placed
his arm around her tiny shoulders.
        "Not yet Neil, not yet." Christy whispered then
reached her hand to hold Neil's.  He accepted it,
entwining his fingers with hers.  He pulled her a
little closer to him.  He felt the need to always
protect her.  As long as Neil stood with her Christy
he believed that she would be free from pain.  A song
skipped across Neil's memory, it was a song of his
ancestors, one he hadn't sung in a very long time.  A
smile crossed his features as he began to sing into
the chilling air. 
        "Running in the light of the ghost moon,             
         Running wild lass make me swoon,
                Lass come home, lass come back to me,
                Only then will we both be set free."  His words came
out in white buffs, it was really cooling off. Christy
leaned her tired frame against Neil's for support.  He
could sense her weakness.  
        "That was beautiful Neil." She whispered closing her
eyes.  
        "Aye, speaking of beauty…" Neil stopped his words
then began again, "I believe Miss Huddleston that you
need your beauty rest." She turned quickly to reply
but was caught up in his hazel eyes too much that
speech didn't come.  How many times had her eyes drank
from his and yet those hazel moons were always new to
her?  They always captivated her?  
        He returned her deep gaze.  What was she looking for,
searching for in his eyes?  Doctor MacNeill always had
an explanation, but he didn't have an answer now.  If
only he knew how fast her heart was racing at the
moment, and how flushed her cheeks were in the dark. 
If only he knew.  
        Christy moistened her lips subconsciously, she sipped
in gulps of cool air.  Her face and his only rested
inches apart.  Christy knew she should back away but
she didn't; for some reason her mind was blank of
everything but she was enjoying the nearness.
        Neil's deep eyes searched her face for an answer but
it was too dark to see anything.  
        "I'm tired." Her voice trembled a bit.  
        "Aye lass, get some rest."  Neil bent close to her
and brushed his lips against her forehead.  Giving her
hand a quick squeeze then released it to turn and
quickly vanish into the night.  Christy stood silently
for a moment hoping he would come back but it was only
in vain.
        "running in the light of the ghost moon… running wild
lass make me swoon… lass come home, lass come back to
me… only then will we both be set free." Her voice
quivered and was so soft she could barely hear it.  A
single tear carved a trail down her cheek but she
didn't bother to wipe it away.  "Come back to me." She
whispered then turned back to the mission house still
humming the tune.  
        Miss Alice stood only feet away.  She clasped her
hands together to pray.  Then turned quickly in the
direction of her own cabin.       
                 

Part : 5       
-Summary : Christy and Neil had a moment, Jeremy and
Chad are on their way!
-Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall wrote the story and
characters of "Christy" and they are     owned by the
LeSourd family.  In no way is the writer seeking
profit for this, it is only for the amusement of those
who enjoy the book "Christy."
_____________________________________________________
     
        Christy sat contently on the steps of the
schoolhouse watching her students at recess.  The
children moved about like a milling anthill.  Each had
a planned path in mind but to the untamed eye it
created whirlwind of chaos.  
        A crisp cool air nipped at everyone's fingers.  She
turned to face the morning sun as it's light dripped
through a rising fog.  Dew sparkled on leaves like
diamonds on stars.
        Christy paused for a moment, how like God that sun
was.  The fog consumed and brought fear but a Son had
risen to light the way, to wipe away darkness and to
give away a precious shinning gift.
        "Teacher?"  John Spencer came to his teacher,
"thinking 'tis 'bout time un we start again?"  Christy
turned her face to him to share a warm smile.
        "Of course  John.  Please gather the children for
me."  John nodded his reply.  The students made their
way to waiting desks, Christy stood on the porch
smiling welcomes to them.
        "You-Nited States m-a-i-l!!"  A voice called from the
dense fog.  Christy need not see the owner of the
voice to know who it was; Ben was the mailman for
Cutter Gap, he was unbelievably dedicated to his job
and had delivered every kind of imaginable cargo. 
Squinting her eyes Christy was astonished to make out
the outline of three figures.  Ben usually traveled
alone.  
        As the three forms approached her they became
clearer.  The two men with Ben formed an odd couple,
one was very tall and one was much shorter.  The tall
man wore blue dress slacks and a shirt that had
probably been neatly pressed before the long hike from
El Pano.  This man was lanky; much thinner then David
had been.  On his head was a top hat, which looked
quite out of place when compared to the rest of his
attire.  The other man, the shorter man, had a more
filled out look.  He wasn't fat but he was someone
that made the word jolly appear in Christy's mind.  A
thick red beard shielded his face from further
examination.  
        "Hellue there Miz Huddleston!  I've brought ye these
two fine men all the way up 'er mountain to teach with
you!"  Ben gave her a smile through grimy teeth faded
with years of poor keep-up.  "To tell you the truth
Miz Huddleston, you were much better company and much
braver then these two when in you came up this here
mountain with me!" Ben let a chuckle take over his
shoulders, it made them bounce up and down as if to
some unheard tune.  
        "Thank you Ben, for your flattery and safe delivery
of these men." Christy couldn't help but smile every
time Ben came, he had such a fun way with words.
        "Yea, well I best be off.  I don't have anything else
un for you.  Have a letter here for the Coburn's
though, first one of the year for them!  Wonder what
it says…" Ben held the envelope up towards the sky but
the light wasn't strong enough for him to view the
letter within.  With that he shrugged his clumsily
thin shoulders and vanished into the dissipating mist.
        "Hello." Christy turned her attention to the men
before her,  "I'm Miss Huddleston the teacher here at
Cutter Gap.  You must be the new preacher and the new
teacher!  We are so happy that you made it!"  Christy
tried to greet them warmly.  It was the taller fellow
who stepped forward and offered her his hand to her
first.
        "Hello Miss Huddleston, it is wonderful to finally
meet you.  Miss Henderson told me much about you, but
the praise that she sung didn't pay you justice."  His
voice  was singsongy and carried a thick accent, but
from where Christy couldn't place.  "I am Jeremy,
Jeremy VanderVean, and this here is Chadwick
Clemmings." Christy looked into Jeremy's eyes, they
radiated with such a bright blue Christy though about
closing her eyes for a moment.  He took off his
awkward hat witch  revealed a short blond mess of
hair.  
        "Chadwick is a name that is only still used in
England these days.  I go by Chad.  My confidant in
travel here has been rather drab and I am rather glad
to see another face, especially one so beautiful." 
The Englishman gave a quick wink then a sweeping bow. 
He spoke cheerfully and seemed rather personable, and
his bright red hair was such a sight that Christy knew
right away she would enjoy teaching with him.
        "Everyone is so glad you both could come here to
Cutter Gap.  The children are so excited.  Speaking of
the children I better get in there and teach them
something before the day is wasted!  You two would
probably do best to head to the mission house, you can
make out it's outline through the fog over that way. 
Miss Alice…, Miss Henderson will be in there.  I'm
quite sure she will want to speak with both of you."
Christy pointed in the direction where she only knew
the Mission laid because due to the fog sight eluded
them.  
        Chad gave her a warm smile then set off for the
Mission, but it was Jeremy that worried her.  His pale
eyes held her.  His stare reminded her of  looking
into the eyes of a determined falcon in a dive for
prey.  His eyes penetrated her, she wondered what he
must be thinking.  After an awkward moment, Jeremy too
turned and sauntered toward the Mission house. 
Christy was left on the porch starring after him.  She
looked down and saw that her hands were trembling,
something about those eyes chilled her.               



Part : 6       
Summary : Jeremy and Chad arrived…something about
Jeremy just doesn't set right with Christy.
-Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall wrote the story and
characters of "Christy" and they are     owned by the
LeSourd family.  In no way is the writer seeking
profit for this, it is only for the amusement of those
who enjoy the book "Christy."
_______________________________________________________

        In the hours of darkness the rain threw itself
against the mission's walls with rage.  Christy
stirred in and out of sleep all night.  At one point
the tempest grew so angry Christy had to run to her
balcony to see it's fury for herself.  The rain came
down so thick that the schoolhouse wasn't even
visible. 
        At the same time Chad and Jeremy were bedding down in
David's old bunkhouse that would prove to be small
quarters for two well-bread men.  Moving to the window
Chad laughed.
        "Don't think it's an omen do you!" He was wide eyed
with the absurd thought.  "This storm is saying that
it doesn't think it's a good idea that us two are up
here!" 
        "Will you be quiet already!  I'm so sick of you and
your jokes.  Could you act like the man you are for
once instead of the immature boy you pretend to be." 
Jeremy was agitated by Chad and was too selfish to not
let it show. "And don't tell me you believe in omen?"
        "Of course not, it was only a joke.  Loosen up
Jeremy." Chad shrugged of Jeremy's criticism.
        "And if it was an omen it would be that you shouldn't
be here, not me." With that Jeremy blew out the only
burning lantern and turned over in bed.

************************************

        "Sure was some storm last night!" Christy spoke to
Alice, Jeremy and Chad at breakfast that morning.  "I
do hope that everyone got a little sleep in, I was so
thankful that the storm subsided earlier this morning,
I'm such a light sleeper and wouldn't have been able
to get a wink in if it hadn't."  Christy rambled on
trying to keep conversation alive at the table.  
        "It was pretty powerful." Chad agreed between
spoonfuls of steaming oatmeal.  For the most part it
was quiet at the table.  Christy would speak up every
once and a while, but as friendly as she was it was
hard.  She didn't know these men, and they didn't know
the cove.  She couldn't talk about the inhabitants of
the cove with them because they knew no one, or
anything about the cove yet.  
        "Chad I would like to talk with thee in my cabin when
you are done eating." Miss Alice raised her eyes
momentarily from her plate.  Chad nodded in reply. 
        "And while they are meeting I think that I would like
to get to know you better Miss Huddleston, seeing as
we will probably be working in close quarters here. 
How about a walk, you could show me all around the
cove?"  Jeremy interjected after Alice had spoke. 
Christy grew a little uneasy by his request, something
in her screamed 'no'.  She shifted in her seat for a
moment then turned to Miss Alice's waiting face.  Miss
Alice gave Christy a quick smile and Christy knew that
meant 'go'.
        "Of course." Christy chirped.  Jeremy promptly stood
up and offered his arm, and Christy reluctantly
accepted it.  
**********************************

        After walking in silence a couple minutes it was
Christy who finally spoke up.
        "So what brought you here?" To that Jeremy let out a
snort.
        "The seminary sent me.  I had to come.  Believe me
this little hole in the wall wouldn't have been my
first choice.  How did such a beauty as yourself get
stuck here?" Jeremy's words made Christy cringe; he
didn't want to be here..
        "I came here on my own accord.  And I love it here."
Christy talked a little matter-of-factly.  To that all
Jeremy gave was a shrug.  Why was he so indifferent to
everything?  Then talking ended again.  The silence
was almost too loud for Christy to bear.  Hadn't he
said he wanted to get to know her?  Then why wasn't he
talking?
        Without warning Jeremy grabbed hold of her hand. 
Christy tried to pull her hand from his grasp but he
was much stronger.  
        "Jeremy!" She stopped in her tracks.  She barely knew
anything about this man, and he knew absolutely
nothing about her.  How dare he be so bold!  "Jeremy
let go of me!" She stood stubborn with her free hand
on her hip.  Then she made the mistake of looking at
him; his eyes caught her again.  What was it about
those eyes that mesmerized her so?  They were amazing
and frightening at the same time.  With that he
dropped her hand.  "That's better.." Christy attempted
to blink but couldn't.  
        "You're so attractive.."  Jeremy had a smile on his
face that made Christy sick.  He moved closer to her
and moved in to kiss her.  She stepped back, but he
only stepped forward again.  Her next step back sent
her falling backwards into a fresh pool of mud.  
        "What is it with you preachers!" She yelled at him.  
        "I'm really sorry; I didn't mean to.." Jeremy tried
to help her up, but Christy refused only sending
herself splattering to the puddle once again.  
        "I thought you wanted to get to know me!" She spoke;
still sitting in the mud.
        "I was!" He shot back as he crossed his long arms
over his thin chest.
        "Not like that!  Not with me!" Christy shook her head
in disbelief.  
        "Miss Huddleston!" Came a voice that Christy knew
very well.  How come it always seemed Neil showed up
always at the right time?  
        "Doctor MacNeill!" She smiled at him from the ground.
 He dismounted his steed and then stood next to
Jeremy.  
        "May I ask what you are doing down there?" Neil
laughed at the sight before him.
        "If you must know, Jeremy here was telling me how
wonderful the mud was for your skin.  I thought I
would try it!"  Neil shook his head at her and offered
his hand, which she accepted.  
        "Can I offer you a ride home?  Or are you walking
back with this fellow."  Turning his attention to the
man beside him Neil added, "I'm Neil MacNeill, this
cove's doctor.  I don't think that we have been
formally introduced."
        "I didn't think anything was done formally here."
Jeremy snorted, "I'm Jeremy VanderVean, the new
preacher."
        "VanderVean?" Neil raised his eyebrows, "Then you're
a Dutchman."
        "That I am." Jeremy smiled broadly.
        "Your brainless country built itself under the
ocean!" With that Neil winked at Christy.
        "In truth I think it is a work of great genius."
Jeremy shot back.
        "Genius?" A laugh rumbled for Neil, "They are just
too cowardly to try to battle for land so they make
their own?  I don't know about that.  Christy do you
want a ride?" He added as he mounted Charlie.
        "As a matter of fact I'll take you up on that ride
seeing as Jeremy just told me he wanted to be alone." 
Christy reached up to Neil's extended hand then
wrapped her arms tightly about his chest.  
        "Well nice meeting you Jeremy." With that Charlie
started down the path leaving Jeremy behind them. 
Christy leaned a little closer to Neil.
        "Thank you." She whispered with her mouth close to
his ear.
        "For what lass?" 
        "You just saved me." 
        "From what" His voice grew concerned.
        "From him."
        "We need to talk about this, tell me what's wrong."
He whispered unable to see her face. 
        "Later Neil, later." She whispered and then clung to
him a little tighter then before.   


Part : 7       
Summary : After a storm, Jeremy and Christy go for a
walk.  Jeremy gets a little too friendly for Christy's
taste thus sending her tumbling into a mud puddle;
none other then Neil comes to her rescue….
____________________________________________________
        After dismounting, Neil turned around to help
Christy down.  His face showed lines of mixed
confusion and worry.  He wanted to talk with her, and
find out what had just happened back on the trail. 
How had he saved her?
        "Christy, you said you would talk to me?" He
allowed his hands to linger about her waist a brief
moment before busying himself with tying Charlie's
reigns.  
        "Not now Neil.  I said later.  It really isn't
worth talking about."  It was one of the first times
since her arrival to Cutter Gap that Christy felt her
youth.  She had wanted to spill out everything to Neil
instantly, tell him her problem, but now it seemed
immature.  Only a child would be so needy.  She was
strong, and had been strong.  She could take this on
alone.  He would think that she was childish, and she
would never want him to think that.
        "Why later Christy?  I want you to tell me
whatever it is now." Neil turned back to her, trying
to keep his voice low and soothing. 
         Christy just shook her head. 
        "Don't ye trust me lass?"  His soft hazel eyes
lit open and his gaze silently pleaded with her.  
        "Neil this really has nothing to do with
trust. It really is nothing.  I'm sorry I worried
you."  Christy gave a confident smile then sidestepped
to walk past him.  "Thanks for the ride," she tossed
the words over her shoulder. 
         Neil stared after her, his eyebrows lowered
in concentration.  He knew she was keeping something
from him, but he was more worried about why than what.
  
*****************************************

        Christy tried to keep her walk sure.  She knew
that Neil was still watching her.  She knew that he
was
confused, but what else did she have to say to him? 
It would have been very embarrassing to talk to 
him about a man trying to kiss her.  He was her best
friend, but some things were only meant to be
discussed with girls. Looking up she saw that Alice
was walking towards her.
        "Christy how was thy walk with Jeremy?"  Miss
Alice's voice was full of the joy of a new day. 
Christy stopped rigid in her place.  What was she to
say?  She couldn't lie to Alice.  Was is a lie to
remain silent?  Moments later she heard the pounding
of Charlie's hoof prints riding quickly away from the
Mission.  "Christy why is thee hesitant?"
        "Oh!  Do you think Neil is mad with me?"
Christy spat out.  Her eyes were not on Alice but
remained off in the direction the Doctor had rode.  
        "Did thee have an argument with Neil?" Miss
Alice urged.
        "No, no.  I'm sorry Miss Alice.  There is
nothing wrong."  Remembering her vow to be strong
Christy sucked in a deep breath of fresh mountain air.
It revived her. 
        "Christy, you can talk to me.  Is this about
Jeremy?"  Alice noticed her uncertainty
        "Oh, Miss Alice, really I'm fine.  Dirty but
fine." Christy motioned to her mud covered backside.  
"Actually I'm going to go out to the gazebo and
think."
        "Does thee mean pray?"  Miss Alice spoke to
Christy's back.
        "What?" Christy spun back around.
        "Are thee going to the gazebo to pray?"  Miss
Alice repeated.
        "No, just to sort things out in my own mind. 
I don't think that God wants to hear about what I'm
thinking about."  Christy shrugged.
        "God doesn't want to know, or thee does not
want to tell Him?  Christy, to not pray about
something thatcauses you to worry is to boast in the
face of God. 
You are saying that you can solve it better then He
could."  Christy's lip quivered at Miss Alice's words.

Alice was right and Christy knew it.
        "I don't know what to say," she whispered
back.
        "Oh Christy," Miss Alice put her arm around
her, "those make the very best prayers.  It is much
better to be silent before God then to babble on as
the river does.  Often we give Him a list of requests,
when we should be listening.  Prayer is a conversation
between a party of two, not one."  
        "You are right Miss Alice.  You're always
right." 
        "Oh don't go that far!"  Alice gave her an out
of character grin, then returned to her serious poise.

Christy gave her a glimmer of a smile in return then
turned about again to leave.  "Miss Huddleston, where
are thee going?"
        "To listen!" Christy called back, then jogged
ahead. 


****************************
        She decided against going to the gazebo. 
Instead she chose a sunny path that ran right along a
string of trees.  She had been jogging a long while
before deciding to slow to a walk.  Now noticing the
warmth of the hanging air she wished that she hadn't
been running.  Her cotton dress clung to her as she
rolled up her sleeves.  
        Sitting herself down against an aged tree she
looked out upon the expanse before her.  What a wonder
nature was.  What beauty and treasures it held.  She
was so thankful to be here, here in Cutter Gap.  In
Asheville, she would have never found such an amazing
view of creation.  Yes, there was man made beauty, but
that wasn't even comparable. 
         Looking around her there were still
traces of man.  A tree had been cut down and only a
stump remained.  The stump was so decayed its only use
was for insect residency.  Along the beaten path were
footprints hardened  in dry mud.  Man had a hold on
this land too.  It was amazing to think that the world
could still be so beautiful when man had his clutches
on it.  Think of how awe struck we would be if God had
kept it to Himself?
        She curled up in quiet conversation, letting
shafts of sun seep onto her.  Laying her head at the
foot of the tree, she slowly and peacefully drifted
off to sleep.     

Part : 8       
Summary : Christy won't confide in Neil. Miss Alice
advises Christy to pray.  Christy goes for  a walk and
falls asleep beside a tree.
_____________________________________________________

        "Christy?  Why Christy Huddleston is that
you?" A lively voice called to her.  Blinking her
heavy eyes,
she shifted her position.  How long she had been lying
there she knew not.  She rubbed her hand against her
aching neck while her eyes tried to focus.  "Just
taking a noon day nap?  I didn't know folks did such
things anymore."  Her eyes finally focused on the
stout red bearded man before her.
        "Oh.  Hello Chadwick."  Still a bit groggy,
she smiled at him.  Chad made her feel good. There was
something about him that made a person smile in his
presence. Words didn't just come out of his lips, they
bubbled out cheerfully. 
        "Please, just call me Chad." He offered a hand
up to her.  "Seriously now, what were you doing out
here?" Chad's voice grew serious, but his lips still
formed that lasting glimmer of a smile.  
        "Thinking, well, praying actually.  How about
you?" She asked joining in step with him.
        "Actually the same as you.  These mountains
are so beautiful.  It's much easier to sense God here
then
back in the real world." 
        "I don't agree, and I don't think that you
will
either after you've been here awhile.  Nature is truly
beautiful here, but life… life is harsh.  I think that
it could be better put that it's easy to sense God
anywhere.  There are just different places to look in
either place."
        "Well put."  Chad nodded. "I got to talk with
Miss Henderson.  I guess I should start calling her
Miss Alice.  Now she's a wonder isn't she?"
        "Yes she is.  Chad, if you don't mind me
asking, what brought you here?"  Christy wondered if
his answer would be the same as David's and Jeremy's
had been.
        "It's a long story.  I'll try to summarize it.
I always knew that God wanted me to be working for
Him,
but I didn't know it what way.  I entered seminary
school bright and full of hope, but I was a little too
loud for those in charge.  While others were being
sent off to serve I remained unassigned.  They said
that I wasn't minister material.  I don't follow that
old style of preaching.  I had my own ideas that shook
them up."  Chad paused in a memory then continued.
"One day, not all that long ago, Jeremy came to me. 
He was complaining about his assignment.  You see
Jeremy always wanted to be a leader of a huge
successful church, but the seminary had sent him here
to Cutter Gap.  The second he said the name, Cutter
Gap, my heart leapt.  It may sound silly but I knew
that this is where God had planned for me to be.  I
took it up with those in charge, and they approved
under the condition that Jeremy is in charge and that
I help with the teaching." 
        "That's an amazing story Chad."  Christy was 
wide-eyed with interest.
        "No.  I see the story just beginning.  I've
only just arrived.  There is so much I want to do.  I
have big plans for Cutter Gap, Christy.  That is, if
Jeremy approves."  
        Both remained silent as they walked toward
the Mission.  Suddenly Christy gasped.  Sitting on the
Mission steps was Jeremy, and he didn't look happy. 
Thoughts and worries came rushing back to her. 
Everything had only happened earlier this morning. 
What was she to say to him?  
        "Afternoon, Jeremy.  It's a good day for a
stroll."  Chad leaned comfortably against the railing.
        "I see Miss Huddleston entertains all the
boys," Jeremy smirked, his eyes fixed on the expanse
before him. 
        "Actually Miss Huddleston and I met by chance
on the path."  Seeming not to notice Jeremy's foul
mood, Chad spoke cheerfully.  
        "So are you and that country Doctor.. are you
involved?" Jeremy's icy gaze met Christy's eyes.
        "Doctor MacNeill and I are very good friends,"
Christy answered, trying to remain strong in this
man's
presence.  
        "Hmm. How interesting."  Jeremy stood, his
figure towering over Christy.  "I wonder if you could
show me inside of the shed?"  Raising his eyebrows,
Christy knew that she couldn't say no.  She was afraid
to say no.  Besides, she was safe on the Mission
property, and the man before her was a preacher, not a
moonshiner.  
        "Well then.  I better be off.  I promised Dan
Scott I would met with him today."  Chad, being an
English bred gentleman, gave a quick nod then
continued toward the woods. 
        "Looks like it's just you and me.  How about
you show me the shed now?"  Christy's stomach churned.
For the first time that day she wondered if she should
have confided in Neil or Miss Alice about Jeremy.  

Part : 9       
Summary : Christy and Chad meet by chance on the path
back to the Mission. Christy gets a good glimpse at
who Chad really is.  They meet up with Jeremy at the
Mission who asks Christy to show him the shed.  
_______________________________________________________

        Christy stood speechless.  Jeremy
stood before her, his lanky figure towering over her. 
Sweaty bangs clung about his forehead as his stone
cold eyes fixed upon Christy's face.  
        "The shed Miss Huddleston…" He spoke almost as
a taunt.  She felt trapped.  Should she grant him this
request?  It was so small, and he probably meant her
no harm, but why couldn't he look at the shed himself?
 
        "The shed is right over there." Christy
pointed in mock innocence.  "There is really not much
to see.  It will only take you a moment to examine
it."  Christy
turned to leave…to get away before he could speak.  It
was only a momentary freedom though.  Jeremy snatched
Christy's arm and drew her back towards him.
        "I would like your company.  As you said it
will only take a moment."  Christy closed her eyes to
block his image. "Christy.. why don't you like me? 
What did I do?"  His voice grew soft and reassuring. 
Her heart melted.  How could she be so cruel to this
man? Had she learned nothing about the importance of
forgiveness?  Forgiveness was such a rarity in a cove
that was plagued by feuding.  Shouldn't she lead the
way?  
        "I'm so sorry, Jeremy.  I have been rude to
you.  We got off to such a bad start." Christy forced
herself to smile at him.
        "Bad start?  In whose opinion?"  His voice
slowly came out of his thin  smirking lips.
        "Let us be going then." Christy nodded and
allowed him to guide her there.  "It's such a quaint
little shed.  I can't believe this horse...his name is
Prince right?  I can't believe he has enough room in
here."  Jeremy swung open the heavy doors easily. 
Dust puffed forth from the small, dark shed.  Christy
realized just how long it had been since she'd been in
the barn.  David and Ruby Mae had always taken care of
Prince, and Chad had readily volunteered upon arrival.
        Prince pawed the ground and nickered softly to
the pair.  He seemed to be looking for handouts. 
Christy was suddenly disappointed that she had never
come here with David when he mucked out the stall.  It
could have been fun.  
        "So do you come here a lot?"  Jeremy asked,
looking at her as if he had read her mind.
        "No, but I wish that I had."
        "We can start."  Jeremy raised his eyebrows
and in two steps closed the distance between them. 
"Even
when there's no light you're beautiful.." Jeremy
tilted his head down to her and reached to touch her
face with his right hand.
        "Jeremy!" Christy took a step back from his
advances. "What are you doing?"  
        "Christy, I can't believe you.  A moment ago
you practically told me that you liked me, and now
you're playing coy?" 
        "What?  I never said anything like that! 
Jeremy, I hardly know you! What do you think you're
doing?" Anger rushed into her words.
        "Oh, you know me."  He gave her a sick
smirk. "You're gorgeous when you're angry." He added
stepping closer to her again.
        "Jeremy stop!" He pulled her towards him and
she pushed him away, but he was stronger.  She stepped
back quickly, but her foot caught on something on the
ground. She stumbled back, losing her footing.  Jeremy
was wide eyed and reached out a hand to catch her, but
missed. She crashed onto the ground atop a pile of
tools.  Her face contorted in a mix of agony and
confusion as metal ripped through warm flesh.  Thick
blood oozed out hot and quickly.  
        "Christy!  Oh...oh...Christy I didn't mean for
that to happen.  Christy you're bleeding...Christy!
Speak to me."  Jeremy knelt down next to her.  His
feet were covered in her blood.  
        "Jeremy get Doctor MacNeill,"  she whispered,
"Please get me Neil… I need to see Neil." She closed
her eyes in pain.  
        "No!  Christy if people find out about this
I'll be kicked out.  Please, Christy, we can't tell
anyone." His eyes pulled at her, they pleaded with
her. He looked so desperate.  
        "Run inside and grab the gauze.  We have to
wrap this up.  We have to stop the bleeding."  Christy
seemed more at ease than Jeremy.  Without a word,
Jeremy leapt to his feet and ran out the open doors.  
        Christy pulled herself up enough to lean
against the wall.  She looked down and was sickened by
the sight of her own flesh ripped open.  Across her
stomach a metal tool had ripped through her side right
above her hipbone.  Her clothing was moist with her
own blood, and the pain sent violent pulses through
her body.
        "I'll be alright," she told herself over and
over, "It's just a deep, big cut."  Her own words
worried her.  But she told herself not to tell on
Jeremy.  Her side would be painful, but it would heal.
        "I've got the gauze!"  Jeremy bolted through
the doorway with wound bundles spilling from his arms.

"We're safe.  No one will know.  Miss Alice left for
Catileechie an hour ago, and Chad went to Dan Scott's
place.  We can clean you up and clean the mess off the
floor and no one will ever know."
        "Just help me to my room, I can clean myself
up." Jeremy shook his head and grabbed for her,
brushing against her side
        "Ahh!" She screamed in pain.  Clinching her
teeth together she hobbled beside the man who had
brought upon her injury.  He drug her up the stairs
and left her standing in her room.
        Christy ripped off her shirtwaist and threw it
onto the floor.  She plunged a rag into her water
basin on her dresser.  She had seen Neil clean out
countless
wounds.  She had even helped on occasion.  Could she
do
it to herself?  Bringing the rag to her torn flesh she
winced.  Patting the cloth gingerly against the wound
tears spilled from tortured eyes. The pain was too
much.  She needed Neil desperately.   


Part : 10      
Summary : Christy shows Jeremy the shed.  Jeremy
makes advances at Christy causing her to fall and her
side to be cut open.  She promises Jeremy that she
will not tell anyone.  Alone in her room Christy is
left in agony to clean out and bandage her own wound.

        Tears of pain, worry, and frustration poured out of
big blue eyes as Christy crumbled onto her bed.  She
had gently cleaned out her cut then wrapped the gauze
around her waist.  The wound had begun to clot and for
the most part the bleeding had subsided.  Trying not
to focus on the pain, Christy stared at the ceiling in
thought.  What was she to do?  It was a huge gash.  It
was not wise to not have Neil examine it.  On the
other hand, if she told, then Jeremy would certainly be
kicked out of the cove.  At first the thought pleased
Christy, but suddenly she shook away such an unforgiving
thought.  Everyone deserves a second, third, and
hundredth chance.  Hoping this incident had snapped
Jeremy into his senses, she pulled herself off the bed.
 
        Every move made her ache.  Raising her arms up just
enough to slip on a clean blouse was torture.  Shaking
her head Christy looked at herself in the mirror…
where had her vow to remain strong gone?  Taking a
very deep breath she splash water onto her reddened
face.  
        "Christy!!  Christy are ye in here?  Is anyone home?" 
A voice snapped her away from her thoughts. 
It was Neil!  Neil was here.  Neil could help.  Rushing
out her door she stopped in the hallway.  Was she
kidding herself?  She couldn't confide in Neil; she
couldn't ask for his help.  Closing her pained eyes
she said a silent prayer. 'Lord help me!' she prayed,
'Lord I need your strength.'  Opening up her eyes,
Christy readjusted her blouse.  Then, slowly, as to have
her side pain her the least, she descended the stairs.
Neil rushed to her.
        "Christy!  Come with me lass.  Something terrible has
happened!"  Grabbing her hand he ran out of the
Mission and towards the shed.  She could feel her
wound pulling as she ran, throbs shooting threw her body
causing her to wince.  Releasing her hand, Neil threw
open the shed doors.  Suddenly Christy's stomach began
to churn.  She knew why Neil was so frantic.  Jeremy
had not cleaned the blood off the floor yet.  "Look!" 
Neil pointed with doctoral concern. "Christy someone
is hurt!  Do you know who is hurt?"  He moved quickly
examining the area.  "I don't know what happened but
someone has lost a heap of blood.  And if they fell on
the tools they could be infected with tetanus!" Neil
rambled on.  "Christy who's hurt?  Why did ye not send
for me?"  
        Christy wrung her hands together.  What was she to
say?  She couldn't tell Neil, but she also couldn't
lie to him.  Her eyes wandered to where Charlie stood.
 That must have been how Neil discovered her blood. 
He must have brought Charlie here to rest before the
rest of the journey home.  
        "Christy?" Neil's facial expression changed from that
of a doctor's to that of a concerned friend.  "Christy
why are ye not speaking?"
        "Neil I can't talk right now." Christy shook her
head as a tremble raced down her spine.  She was so
scared, so confused, but yet so determined to remain
strong. 
        "Christy!  What do ye mean ye can't talk to me? 
What is this?  All day ye have been acting strange.  If
ye know something about this blood on the floor you
best tell me." As he spoke the color drained from
Christy's face, her determination shattered.  She moved
to speak but a cold hand upon her shoulder stopped
her.
        "Christy, I've been looking all over for you." 
Jeremy smiled slipping his arm around her shoulders. 
"And what is this man talking about?"  Jeremy raised
an accusing eyebrow at Neil. 
        "I believe that this is none of your business,
preacher." Neil stood firm.
        "Doctor, I believe that you are wrong.  First I
believe that you are wrong because this is my
business.  Christy and I have become fast and close
friends.  Maybe you would know that if you weren't
always gone."  Jeremy rubbed his chin tauntingly at
Neil. "Second, it's my business to protect women like
Christy from men like you.  You have no right to raise
your voice to a woman , sir." Jeremy shook his head in
mock anger.  "And this blood was only that of an
animal.  I found a raccoon in here.  He was obviously
injured so I put him out of his misery."
        "With what might I ask preacher?" Neil crossed his
large arms over his broad chest.
        "With those tools over there," Jeremy shrugged, "and
if you don't mind I'm going to take this lady away
from your presence until you can learn to behave
yourself around her."  With that Jeremy turned
Christy, who gave little fight, away from Neil and out
of the shed doors.  "That was close," Jeremy whispered
into Christy's ear, "too close." 
        Neil stood in the shadows of the shed, his thoughts
pained him.  Nothing fit.  Nothing that had taken
place seemed right.  What was Christy about to tell
him?  Why had she not spoken up in his defense?  Why
had she left with Jeremy? 
****


-Part : 11    
-Summary : Neil discovers the blood in the shed and is
frantic, Christy is about to tell  (Jeremy says that
the blood was from a raccoon that he had killed)
-Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall wrote the story and
characters of "Christy" and they are owned by the
LeSourd family.  In no way is the writer seeking
profit for this; it is only for the amusement of those
who enjoy the book "Christy."

        "Leave me alone now Jeremy."  Christy maneuvered out
of the tight grasp he had on her elbow.
        "I'm not about to leave you alone for a very long
time my dear!"  Jeremy sneered as he pushed her down
into a seat.  Feeling her side pull a cry of agony
rose from her thin lips.  Jeremy lifted his arm as if
to hit her.  Silencing herself Christy stiffened.  As
he towered above her, her knees began to tremble.
'Stay strong' she told herself. Putting his arm back
down at his side he continued,  "See, I've realized
that you cannot be trusted.  The second I leave you,
you are going to run to that no good doctor!" 
        "And what reason could you have given her to run to
no good me?"  Neil stood broadly behind Jeremy.  His
frame taking up most of the doorway,  "Do ye give her
reason to run to me?  If that be the case laddie ya
should be the one running."  Placing his medical bag
on the floor Neil pushed up his sleeves.
        "I don't know what you are talking about." Jeremy
threw one hand into the air then took a seat on the
couch.  How could he be so calm in the face of such
opposition?     
        "Be a man will ye!  Whatever ye have done to Christy
ye will pay fer!"  Neil  narrowed his eyes at Jeremy. 
A minute crawled by without words.  Neil never took
his eyes off of Jeremy, and Jeremy sat coolly, crossed
legs, completely relaxed.  Christy leaned on her
non-injured side as her eyes moving from Jeremy to
Neil.
        "You are quite absurd old fellow." Jeremy rolled his
eyes back to Neil.  "You are making a fool of yourself
in front of the lady again." Jeremy tossed his hand in
the direction of Christy not even giving her the time
a look would take.
        "It is ya who be a fool!  Stand up man and defend
yourself!"  Neil flung his hands in anger.
        "In front of a lady?  Ha!  Christy he is quite a
brute.  I didn't believe you at first but I understand
why you wanted my help now."  Stretching his legs
Jeremy faked a yawn.  Neil's face dropped, his eyes
changed from anger to pain.  What had Christy told
this man about him?  How come nothing was making any
sense?  
        "Neil.." Christy's eyes were huge and pleading.  It
had to be true then.  What a fool he had been! 
Throwing his coat to the ground the Scot slammed the
door behind him.  "No!  Neil!"  Christy screamed as
she leapt to chase him.  Side throbbing she tried to
run.  "Neil!"  She called desperately out the
Mission's door.
        Neil slowed his pace for his lass was calling to him.
 Pained as he might feel the love he held for her was
overwhelming. Turning back he faced her.  In the dim
light he saw the agony in her face.  It couldn't all
just be from this situation.  The doctor in him took
over.
        "Christy," Softening his tone he continued, "lass
what is wrong, why haven't ye been telling me
anything?"  He reached the Mission's stairs and leaned
against the railing.  Now he was close enough to see
her tears.  Neil held such a soft spot in his heart
for her that he was shattered.  Ever tear she shed
pained him.  "Christy.." he began.
        "Not a chance!"  Jeremy burst through the front door.

        "You leave her alone!"  Neil climbed up the steps
quickly to be beside her.
        Grabbing a hold of Christy's arm Jeremy yanked her
toward himself.  "Christy don't you dare say a word,
don't you dare!"  Struggling to break free Christy
beat tiny fists on Jeremy's chest.
        "Let her go man!" Neil's eyes were alive with rage as
two deep lines appeared on his forehead.  Clenching
his fist Neil made a move at Jeremy who shoved Christy
between himself and Neil's fist.  Neil's fist came to
rest inches before meeting Christy's delicate nose. 
"Don't hide behind the lass." Neil's smirk was one of
a possessed man.  
        "Are you crazy!" Jeremy yelled over Christy's
shoulder. "Only brutes fight anymore.  Why don't you
settle this like a real man."
        "I cannot, ye aren't a real man." Neil grabbed at
Christy to free her, but instead Jeremy flung her onto
the hard deck.  Christy moaned on the cold wood.
        "Christy!"  Neil called out springing towards her
concern filling his hazel eyes.  "Christy love, I mean
lass," Neil was at her side in seconds stroking her
hair.  "Are ye alright ma lass?"
Christy shifted in pain to meet his eyes.  With all
the strength she possessed she smiled up to him, "Yes,
I'll be fine Neil." 
Turning to Jeremy, Neil stood up, "I would yell at ye
but the words I'm a wanting to say are improper to say
in front of ma lass!"  His rouge was thick as his
temper rose.
        "Doctor MacNeill!  Doctor MacNeill!"  Chad puffed as
he ran up to the Mission steps. 
        "What be it man?" 
        "It's Creed Allen sir.  He is just up the rode, he's
been shot in the leg by a hunter.  Rob asked me to
find you first.  Rob is on his way.  He should be here
any moment.  He's carrying Creed with him." Stoutly
Chad was tiring to regain his breath while he talked.
        "How bad is it?" Neil scanned the porch for his
doctor's bag.
        "A lot of blood, but I don't think it's too bad, the
boy could walk with only little pain, Rob just thought
it would be faster to carry him." 
Neil turned to retrieve his bag from the Mission
living room the glanced at the ground.  "Where's
Christy?"  He asked into the darkness.

Chapter: 12


          Clinging to the railing, Christy stumbled. 
Her fall had caused her side to split back open. 
Blood surged out of the gash and seeped through the
gauze onto her blouse.  Lying on the stairs in pain,
Christy held her side.  Looking at her hand, wet with
blood, hot tears spilled forward.  How could she keep
this up?  Clutching the stairs and bracing her body
with the railing she pulled herself up in agony.
Scrambling into her room, she quickly closed the door.
 Staggering to her dresser she saw her own face in her
small mirror.  Tears would do her no good.  She had to
recompose herself quickly and bandage herself again. 
Summoning all the power within herself, she delicately
pulled off her blouse.  How many blouses would she
ruin with blood?  Pulling open her drawer she took out
the last role of gauze.  The old gauze must be removed
first.  To get the pain over fast, she ripped it off
quickly.
        "Ahh!" Christy cried out.  She had forgotten that
her wound would have scabbed together with the gauze. 
Shoving her wrist into her mouth to prevent further
sound from escaping her, she softly pressed a damp
sponge to her side.
           ******************************* 
        "Will he be 'right Doc?" Rob leaned over Neil. 
Neil's fingers ripped Creed's pant leg off.   His eyes
began examining the bullet hole, and his fingers were
soon to follow.  
        " 'Tis not bad, Rob, not at all." Neil scooped Creed
up in his arms and carried him inside the Mission
house.  Laying him on the table, he turned back to
Rob. " 'Tis only a wee nick.  The bullet isn't in the
flesh.  Could you run out and fetch me some water,
lad?" Without a word, Rob obeyed.  Neil turned back to
Creed. "You'll be right as rain soon.  Are ye in
pain?"
        "Not really doc.  Landsakes, I can hardly feel it
t'all." 
        "That means your leg is in shock Creed.  You'll be
sore for a couple days."  Rob returned with the water
and Neil began to clean the wound.  Neil heard a
scream and stopped cold.  Turning quickly he scanned
the room.  Was that Christy? 
        "What was that?  Were it a ghost, Doc MacNeill?"
Creed's eyes grew big.
        "Naw, Creed.  T'were Miz Christy." Rob walked out of
the room.  Neil started to follow Rob but remembered
Creed and turned back around.  What was he to do?  As
a doctor he should stay with Creed, but as a man
deeply in love he should search out his lass and the
reason for her fear.  He should shield her from all
pain and fear.  Jeremy could be doing something to
her.  Why else would she cry out like that? Handing
Creed a rag, he said, "Creed, my boy, can you hold
this to your leg just like this." Neil pressed the rag
hard against the cut.  Creed shook his head. "That a
boy...apply a lot of pressure.  If ye need me, just
call.  I won't be gone long."  
        Neil's eyes showed his pain.  Was he failing as a
doctor?  Would he have done the same for Margaret? 
Shaking the thoughts from his head, he stepped out of
the kitchen and onto the porch.  He squinted his eyes
in the darkness, hoping to see her form.  Turning to
go back inside his eyes caught something on the porch.
 Looking down, Neil saw blood.  Kneeling down he saw
that the blood was still wet and fresh.  That was
where Christy had been.  Was she bleeding?  She had
said she was alright?  Could it be from Creed?  Then
he remembered the blood in the shed.  It can't be
possible; Christy would have told him if she was hurt.
        Walking back inside, Neil's eyes rested upon
Christy.  She stood at the top if the stairs.  She was
now wearing a light blue blouse, but other than that,
she was unchanged.
        "Christy!"  Neil took the stairs two at a time to
reach her.  His hands suddenly clasped her cheeks. 
"Lass, are ye alright?  I heard ye holler and I was
worried.  Christy...speak!" he pleaded.  She took his
hands off her face and clasped them in her own.
        "Right now...I am okay." She smiled and gave his
rough hands a quick squeeze.  He had been worried
about her.
        "Right now?"  His eyebrows questioned her.  
        "Doc!" Creed called from the kitchen table.  
        "Creed." The doctor's eyes grew big with
remembrance.  Taking Christy's hand he led her down
the stairs and into the kitchen. "I want ye to stay
near me for now, lass.  I think it safer for now.  At
least until we can talk together."  Turning to his
patient, he smiled, "Yes Creed?"
        "Nothing really doc, I were just wonderin' how long
y'ed be."  Creed gave a devilish grin.
        "Ye was teasing me!" the Doctor laughed for the
first time that night.  "Christy will ye fetch the
gauze?  I think it's in the cupboard over yonder. 
Let's get this boy bandaged up and send him home." 
Christy opened up the cupboard, but found no gauze. 
Suddenly remembering that all the gauze was in her
dresser, she began to worry.  Neil stepped behind her
and peered into the cupboard himself.  "Where is all
the gauze?  I just replenished the Mission a week ago?
 Has someone been hurt since?"  Neil put his hand on
Christy's shoulder.
        "Yes, Doctor MacNeill, someone has been hurt."  She
couldn't look into his eyes for she knew his next
question.
        "Who?"
        "Please don't force me to say it Neil.  I made a
promise and I cannot tell you." Her eyes still roamed
the floor.  Cupping her chin in his work beaten hand,
he turned her face up.  Their eyes met and a single
tear slipped out of her eye. 
        "Lass," he whispered as he passed his thumb over her
lips, "I thought we were friends. I thought that ye
could tell me anything."  His eyes were so intense,
his voice so soft, her eyes spilled over with tears. 
She remained silent.  He gently wiped stray tears from
her cheeks.  "If someone is hurt... If ye are hurt, I
must know."  Her silence frustrated him.  His patience
melted and his hand dropped away from her.  In a cold
voice and with his back to her, he continued, "Fetch a
clean sheet so we can rip it into bandages."
        "Neil, please," Her voice cracked with emotion.
        "Hurry, woman!  The boy is bleeding while you talk."
He put his head down as she left the room.  Why did he
torment himself with loving someone who did not love
him back?  And why when she did reciprocate did he
turn into a monster?  Was he, a weathered doctor, and
an older man, now incapable to truly love someone. 
She reentered the room and he looked up.  Their eyes
met again and his passion stirred.  He did love her,
every cell in his body told him so.  
        ******************************
           "We are mighty beholden to you Doc
MacNeill."  Rob grinned as he lifted Creed off the
table.
        "He should be fine.  I will stop by in a day or so. 
Ye must keep the wound clean just as I showed ye,
Creed." Creed nodded as Rob carried him out the front
door.  Turning to Christy, Neil crossed his arms but
still allowed one hand to rest upon his chin. " 'Tis a
fine night." 
        "Yes."  She answered quietly.  
        "Will you join me for a walk?" Neil offered his arm.
She moved to join him, but stumbled. "Are ye alright,
Christy?"
        "Yes, my leg just suddenly trembled.  I'm quite
alright now."  She smiled and received his arm.



Chapter: 13


****************

        Neil led Christy down the Mission stairs by
her arm.  At the last step Christy's left side
shuddered again  causing her to lose her balance. Neil
caught her in his open arms, his hazel eyes filled
with concern.
        "Sure ye be alright lass?"
        "I don't know Neil.  My muscles in this leg keep
tightening without me doing it."  The worry could be
read in her voice. 
        "I shouldn't take ye out walkin' then.  Here lass,
let me bring ye inside and I'll examine ye."  He
talked as he gathered her tiny frame in his
encompassing arms.
        "No, Neil, I don't want to go inside yet."  She
shifted in his arms to take pressure off her side. 
"Please, carry me to the gazebo."  She lifted her hand
to tuck a rebellious curl behind his ear. She allowed
her hand to linger to trace the side of his chiseled
face.  
        "Ma head says to bring ya straight inside, but ma
heart says to do what ya say." Christy's hand still
held his cheek.  The wind blew, causing the rebellious
curl to squirm free again.  It begged Christy to train
it once more.  For a moment their eyes met, both
burning brightly with a secret fire.  
        "Listen to your heart, Neil."  Christy whispered. 
Neil moistened his lips and raised an eyebrow in
question.  Was she 
Sending him a message?  "Well?" She lifted her
eyebrows, "to the gazebo?"
        "Ah yes, to the gazebo then."  She sighed, resting
her head on his broad shoulder.  He walked slowly,
either out of extreme care or to make the moment last
longer. The night was still, only the breeze spoke for
now.  The sun's fingers still clung to the tops of the
mountain side but soon they would lose their hold. 
The crickets' night opera was only just beginning and
the tall grass quietly grabbed at Neil's knees with
every careful step.  
        Tenderly setting Christy on the bench in the gazebo
Neil stood silently before her.  His hand moved ever
so slightly, almost as if he was already in a
conversation, or playing one out in his head.  He
shook his head at his silent talking then walked to
the other side of the gazebo.  With his back to
Christy, he scanned the surface of Spoon Lake.  The
water was barely moving, and he wondered what was
happening beneath the calm surface.  Turning back to
Christy, he thought the same thing.  
        "It's been a long time since we have had time alone
together.  Ever since Jeremy and Chad came we've both
been busy."  He swung his arms so they clapped in
front of him.  
        "Yes, busy." Christy remained solemn, but shifted
when Neil mentioned Jeremy.  They stood silent; both
were frustrated with themselves.  Losing patience,
Neil dropped to his knees before her.
        "Christy!  We know each other too well for this!" His
voice was desperate, his eyes searching her’s.  "You
know what I want you to tell me lass.  I know
something is amiss."  He took one of her hands and sat
down at her feet.
        She turned her eyes from him to the lake.  It was a
beautiful serene night how she wanted to enjoy it! 
How she wanted to enjoy this time here with Neil!  Why
did he have to beg her so this wasn’t like him. 
Christy’s eyes connected with Neil’s again.  His eyes
were eager and welcoming.  Something in them not only
called to her, but comforted her.  A strong wind
howled through the gazebo as night began sweeping over
the mountains.  It chilled her but not as much as the
memory of Jeremy.  The man’s eyes were so piercing, so
sinister was his laugh, so vial his grimace.  The
thought of him and his threats sent shivers up her
spine.  
        “Tell me lass..” the Scot’s voice, like a quilt, was
thick but soft.  Christy took a deep breath, she could
rely on Neil’s strength.    
        "About Jeremy?" Neil nodded for her to continue.
“It’s embarrassing to tell you.”  
        "Tell me all the same."  He lightly squeezed the hand
he held.  
        Christy tried to swallow, but her mouth was dry. 
“I'm afraid of Jeremy.  Earlier when I went for a walk
with him, when you rescued me."  She smiled to herself
and continued, "he had tried to kiss me and I had
refused.  He was so persistent.  He kept trying. 
Finally I landed in the mud and that's when you came."
Her face was hot with embarrassment.  
        "I wish I would have come sooner.  I knew there was a
good reason I didn't like that preacher.  Has anything
else happened?"
        "He's tried again and.." Christy stopped, not knowing
how to continue.
        "And what?"  She remained silent, "What happened
Christy?  What has he done to ya!"  Neil's muscles
clenched just thinking of the creep with Christy.  
        "I'm sorry, Neil." Christy's eyes grew glassy, daring
to flood her cheeks soon.  She was torn.  Pulling her
hand from his clasp she rose and took a step towards
the Mission house.
        "No, Christy no." His hurt was obvious.  
        "You don't understand." She started walking.
        "I wont have it, lass!" Determined to know he
followed her.  Catching up to her he grabbed he arm
tightly.  “I wont have you march out on me like this.”
 She didn’t know if he pulled her to himself to
comfort her or to hold her hostage, but suddenly he
slipped his arms around her waist.  
        "Ohh." The cry that escaped her lips wasn't loud but
was one of severe pain.   She crumbled to the ground
at his feet.  She began to cry.  For so long she had
remained strong alone, but she could not be strong
now.  All the fear and pain she had held in came to
her now and the tears came with them...deep shoulder
shaking sobs.  Her body trembled even though she
wasn't cold.
        "Christy!"  Neil once again dropped to his knees.
Pulling her hands away from her face, he hugged her to
himself. “Christy don’t cry.”  He wanted to shelter
her against his chest.  She clung to him, her face
buried in his chest, her tears making his shirt wet,
her nose inhaling in his soapy smell.   He stroked her
head then pulled her away from him by her wrists. 
"Christy it is ye who used up all the gauze?  That was
your blood in the shed."
        "Yes." She whispered.  
        "I am such a fool!  I should have figured it out
sooner!"  Neil was angry with himself.
        "I promised him I wouldn't tell you.  Neil, I'm so
scared."  
        "Hush now lass.  Ya needn't worry about him.  I'll
take care of it.  Where is it, where’s your cut?"  He
was gentle again. 
        "On my side." Christy sounded defeated.  Her whole
left side trembled again.  Neil noticed and without a
word carefully scooped her up in his arms and brought
her to her bed in the Mission house.

                **************************

        After examining her wound and stitching her up Neil
sat in silence for a long time.  She lay sleeping
facing him.  He sat in a low back wooden chair worn
with age and use.  His elbows rested on his knees as
he hunched forward on the tip of the chair.  His
thumbs pressed against his lips and hands folded as if
he was praying.  But he wasn't praying then.  He had
been praying only minutes before as she rested.  Now
he just stared at her with a tortured expression on
his face. 
        How beautiful she looked, how innocent lost in sleep.
How could he tell her?  She stirred and blinked her
eyes, smiling when she saw him.
        "Well, doctor?" Neil rose and sat down again on her
bed facing her. 
        "Christy I don't know how to tell ya this.  Your cut
is big, but I stitched ‘er up.  It should heal alright
but it will leave a scar." He stopped but his mouth
was still open.
        "It's okay, Neil, no one can see the scar there." She
lifted her hand up to touch his face.  He placed his
hand over hers.
        "There is more, lass.  Those tools ya fell on were
rusty… and ya have been trembling."  His voice cracked
with emotion. "Christy ya have tetanus." 
        "Tetanus?" She repeated it. "What does that mean?"
        "It makes your muscles contort when you don't want
them
to.  It spreads all over your body, then it gets to
your jaw.  It's called lockjaw then.  Your jaw muscles
freeze and won't open…" He stopped.
        "Am I going to die?"
        "You could."  Neil looked away for a moment to
recompose himself.  Now was his turn to be strong for
her sake.  "But we have caught it early lass.  I think
that I can treat it.  I will have to give ya many
injections.  For now just rest Christy.  Don't
worry...
I'll take care of ya."  He bent and brushed his lips
against her forehead.  It was so hard to leave her
right now.  He wanted to stay with her, but as a
doctor he needed to go and retrieve the medicine that
could heal his lass.  He closed the door softly behind
him. Leaning against the wall hot tears stung his
face.  His shoulders were shaking.  She couldn't die. 
He needed her too much.  
        Wiping his eyes with his sleeve he set off on his
mission; he had medicine to fetch and a preacher to
find.  
****

Chapter 14

        Unbolting the laboratory door Neil headed
straight for the medicine cabinet.  Rummaging through
his supplies he found the antimicrobial that he
needed.  Placing the brown bottle into his bag he
turned back to the cabinet.  He still needed to find
the diazepam.

        *********************************
        Chadwick paced unsteadily in front of the stairs. 
“Oh dear Miss Huddleston, oh dear,” he kept mumbling
to himself.  Hearing the door open he stopped and
faced Jeremy. 
        “What’s wrong?  What happened?” Jeremy’s pale eyes
scanned Chad’s face for an answer.  Jeremy stood
cautiously in the doorway looking over his shoulder
every now and then.
        “It’s the teacher, Miss Huddleston.  The doctor just
informed me on his way out that she has tetanus. 
Doctor MacNeill went home to get the right serums but
he will be back soon.  God speed, God speed.”  Chad
rambled on in his nervous manner.  
        “Tetanus?”  Jeremy hid his trembling right hand
behind his back.  He straightened his frame and rubbed
his chin quickly.
        “Yes.  It seems she fell onto some old tools in the
shed.  Oh, Doctor MacNeill didn’t have enough time to
relay to me the whole story.  I just pray he hurries.”
 Clasping his hands back together Chadwick began
pacing and chanting “oh dear” again.  Jeremy pensively
brushed past Chad and mounted the stairs quickly. 
Pushing open Christy’s door he found her awake.
        “Tetanus?”
        “That’s what Neil says.”
        “You didn’t tell him it was me did you?  Christy you
promised… do you know what could happen to me?  It
wasn’t even all my fault Christy, you’ve got to cover
me here!”  Jeremy now stood next to Christy’s bed his
hands visibly shaking. “I didn’t mean for all this to
happen.”  Christy closed her eyes for a moment to
think.  She was still afraid of this man but how could
she be?  This man was now quivering before her, but it
could be at his hands that she was to die.  Could she
forgive him even though he seemed unwanted of
forgiveness?  Summoning up the strength she still
retained she grabbed one of his unsteady hands.
        “Jeremy, I forgive you.”  She whispered, “Just wait
it’ll all work out.  Have faith Jeremy.”
        “It will not be alright if people know the town
preacher did this to you!  How can you tell me to have
faith?”
        “Jeremy don’t worry.” She gave his uneasy hand a
light squeeze.  She fought with the feelings inside
her.  She fought her anger with this man.  He didn’t
care that she might die because of him; he only cared
to clear his name of the crime.  
        “You can’t tell anyone.” Jeremy continued.
        “Too late for that.” Neil’s voice boomed in the room.
“Get away from her. Don’t ya think you've caused
enough trouble?” 
        “Doctor don’t concern yourself with anything but the
patient.” Jeremy flung the phrase at Neil while
looking him in the eye. 
        “Believe me...I'm not concerned with ya! I am here
only for Christy.”
        “Oh, must be hard always playing the hero. Too bad
you weren’t there when she needed you most. Too bad
you rode off so fast on your horse that night." 
Losing all his patience Neil grabbed Jeremy by the
shirt and pulled him so their noses touched.
        “If you say one more word...” Neil spoke through
gritted teeth.
        “Oh don’t strain yourself on my account.” Jeremy
shrugged thin shoulders.
        “Ye aren’t worth ma time.” Neil released Jeremy then
turned to attend to Christy. Jeremy didn't move, but
stared hard at Neil.  Then, in one swift motion, he
grabbed an oil lamp off of the dresser.  Raising it
above his head, he aimed for the doctor.  Out of the
corner of his eye, Neil glimpsed the lamp's
trajectory, and raised his arm 
to block the blow. Glass shattered. Christy let out a
strangled cry that had been waiting to escape only
moments before.  Neil stood to his full height and
faced Jeremy.  "Remember, I gave ye a chance to get
lost."
        "Neil, don't."  Christy's quavering voice broke
through Neil's rage.  Neil turned to Christy, and his
gaze softened with concern.  Fighting Jeremy would
solve nothing and only postpone her treatment. 
        Turning back to Jeremy, he coolly said, “I would give
ya the thrashin’ ya deserve but I have a patient to
attend to.” Flinging open the door Neil pushed Jeremy
out into the hallway.  He continued, “Ye’ve got about
an hour to clear out of this Mission!”
        Christy lay with her eyes fixed on the ceiling when
Neil softly closed the door behind himself.  “You
didn’t have to do that Neil.” She whispered still
looking at the ceiling.
        “I know lass.”  He picked his medical bag up off the
ground and pulled out the two bottles and a needle.  
        “Neil your hand.”  Christy gasped as she noticed the
blood pouring quickly out of Neil’s knuckles.  He
shrugged rapping a bit of gauze around it so he
wouldn’t bleed on her.  
        “Let me explain tetanus to ya as I give ya some
injections.”  He slowly filled the needle to the right
amount. “Tetanus is caused by toxins that are produced
by the bacteria clostridium tetani.  These bacteria
live on dirty things like the tools ya fell on.” 
Pulling her shirt up a little to expose the wound he
administered the first injection.  Christy winced
slightly. “Sorry love.” For the first time he didn’t
correct himself.  “Now I just gave ya diazepam which
is a muscle relaxant.  It’ll ease those twitches ya
feeling.  Now this,” he held up the second filled
needle, “is a very strong antimicrobial to fight the
tetanus.”  Christy clenched her fists as he gave her
the last shot.  “Now rest, I’ll have to stay here and
keep you under a close watch.  I’m afraid ya wont like
to see me much after this because all ye will think of
me is the mean doctor.”
        “I would never not want to see you Neil.” She pulled
her lips into a pained smile. “Let me take care of
your hand.” 
        “No lass, ye are in no condition to be looking after
other people.” 
        “And you will never look out for yourself.  Now come
you wouldn’t say no to a sick woman would you?”  He
smiled to himself then shaking his head sat next to
her.  Fishing into his medical page he poured a clear
liquid onto his bloody hand.  Biting his lip he handed
himself over to Christy to be bandaged.  Holding his
injured hand lightly in her own she wound the gauze
delicately around his knuckles.  Making a neat not she
finished it but still held onto his hand.  Suddenly
she pulled his injured hand and pressed her lips to
it.  “Now you should be all better.”  
        “Do ya do that to all your patients?”  Neil flashed a
boyish grin.
        “No just the special ones.” Christy lowered herself
back onto her pillows.  “It hurts Neil.  I hurt all
over now.”  
        “I know love.  I’m sorry.”  He raised himself from
her bed and sat down in a low backed chair.  “Rest
now.  I will be here all night."
 _________________________________________


Part: 15
-Last chapter: Neil threw Jeremy out of Christy's. 
Neil had a gash on his hand which weakened Christy
bound.
_________________________________________________

        Alice pressed her horse to tread on through
night.  Helping at Cataleechee had revived her, but
she was happy to be on her way back to the mission.  A
sound caused her to pull back on the reigns.
Something…or someone was walking in the forest.
        "Show thyself!" Alice called out.
        Jeremy crouched in the woods, hoping it was too dark
for Alice to see him.  He hid behind a tree, a bag of
belongings clutched in his hands.  If she caught him
things would only be worse.
        "Is anyone over there?" Alice called out again, but
hearing no response, nudged her horse onward. 
Breathing a sigh of relief, Jeremy remained in hiding
until Miss Alice was far up the trail.
  *********************************
        
        "Miss Alice!" Chad ran out of the mission
house when he saw her.  Without waiting for her to
respond,
he continued. "Miss Christy has been badly hurt. She
fell on some tools in the shed.  Doctor MacNeill says
she has tetanus."  
        "Tetanus?!"  Throwing her horse's reigns at Chad, she
ran toward the mission.  How had this happened? 
Tossing the door open with a bang, she hurried up the
stairs.  Bursting through Christy's doorway, she was
met by Neil.  Alice moved to get close to Christy, but
Neil caught her arm, pulling her back.
        "Now Alice, I just got her to sleep.  Let the lass
rest.  I'll tell ye everything ya need to know."  Neil
was exhausted; his voice labored.  
        "Tetanus?" Alice whispered.  Neil sat back down in
the low backed chair, closed his eyes, and nodded. 
"How did this happen?"
        Taking a deep breath, Neil began. "It seems Jeremy
VanderVean took a liking to Christy from the start. 
He had tried to make advances at her a couple times. 
This last time was in the shed.  Christy moved away,
but fell onto some old tools.  I'm not going to lie to
ya, Alice.  Tetanus is horrible and hard to battle. 
Christy has to be watched at all times and to be given
injections around the clock."
        "Jeremy?  That is terrible.  We must get rid of him."
 Alice's eyes widened.
        "I think I did already."  A smirk passed his lips
before he yawned.
        "Neil, I'm well rested and thee are tired.  I'll sit
up with her." 
        "No.  I told her that I would stay with her 
tonight."  Looking at Christy, he added, "I need to
stay with her."
        "Why?" Alice asked, knew the answer, but wanted to
hear the reply. 
        Neil rubbed his hands together and made eye contact
with Alice.  "Because I love her."
        "I know thee does.  And I know she loves thee too." 
        "Glad ye are so sure!" Neil smiled.  "Sometimes I
think she does, but other times I'm certain she
does not." 
        "Thee can rest assured she does.  I spied on the two
of you the night before I left.  The night thee sung
to her.  When thee left she sang it back to you, and
she was crying." She looked at Neil, but now it was
his eyes that were spilling over.  "I prayed for you
both that night; that you would both know."  Alice
stepped backward quietly leaving the room.  Shifting
in his seat the last two lines of the song came back
to him.  
        "Lass come home. Lass come back to me.  Only then
will we both be set free."  Whispering the words into
the silence of the room, Neil rested his elbows on his
knees and his face in his hands.  He did the only
thing he could do now...wait.  
   ***************************************

        Days passed with Christy only stirring in and out of
sleep.  Due to pain and tiredness, she didn't speak. 
She allowed Neil to administer injections and take her
temperature, but then rolled back over to sleep.
        "Neil, thee should go home and rest." Alice would
come to Christy's bedroom and tell the doctor
everyday.  Neil only shook his head, never offering an
explanation.  
 ****************************************

        Walking to the window, Neil held the wounded hand
Christy had wrapped for him.  It had healed nicely,
only leaving a small scar.  
        "Neil..."  It was only a murmur.  Swiftly turning
around, Neil took swift long strides to Christy. 
        "Lass!  Ye have enough strength to talk do ye?" 
Clumsily dropping to his knees beside her bed, Neil
seized her hand.  "Tell me how ya feel love!" He spoke
rapidly. "Let me examine ya!" 
        "Settle down, Neil," she spoke seriously, but the
trace of a smile lit across her lips.  Neil continued
to examine her no less subdued than before. 
        "Oh lass!  How do ye feel?"  In the same fashion a
puppy would wag his tail, Neil raised his eyebrows
quickly. 
        "Tired," Christy continued, "and sore, but I don't
hurt all over anymore."
        "Well ye have been over tetanus for a wee bit. Now we
just have to build up your strength again." 
Pulling gently on her arms, he spoke, "c'mon out of
bed love, doctor's orders!"  
        "No," she protested, but Neil just scooped her up and
set her feet on the floor.
        "Walk with me!" Christy focused her eyes to
study the giddy doctor.
        "Neil!  You're wearing the same clothes you were
wearing the night you diagnosed me.   Please tell me
that's just a coincidence." Shaky on her feet, Christy
leaned against him for support.  "And you have a beard
now!"
        "Oh.  I guess I could use a change," sheepishly
examining himself he continued, "Lass, I haven't
changed or shaved since that night three weeks ago." 
Neil spoke as if it was the first time this had
occurred to him.   Christy reached to touch his
hair, but it was more matted then her own.    
        "Yuck! Neil, you need a bath."  A boisterous laugh
escaped Neil's lips and it filled the room.  He pulled
Christy gently toward his chest and hugged her to
himself.  Whether he smelled or not, Christy didn't
protest, but instead enveloped her arms around him
tightly.  "Sometimes at night I would wake up.  Neil,
I
was so scared, but then I would see you looking out
the window, or sleeping in the chair, and somehow it
made everything all right.  If I had woken up and you
hadn't been there, I don't know what I would have
done."  Whispering the words into his shirt, Christy
listened to his steady heartbeat.
        Tipping her chin up with his forefinger, Neil looked
into her eyes.  "Shh...love, it's all over.  Ye are
fine."  Wrapping his hand around the back of her head,
he kissed her forehead.  
        "You still need a bath." Christy smiled, breaking the
silence.
        "Well lass, I won't take one until ye can prove to me
you're up to walking around this room with me!"  With
Neil's arm securely supporting her shoulders, she took
a wobbly step.  Then on second thought tucked her arm
around his waist for more support.  
    *************************************
    
    "How long has she been sleeping?" Dan Scott
asked as he took a seat at the table.
        "On and off for a couple weeks now.  Doctor MacNeill
says that she is recovering though.  Christy is out of
the woods.  It'll just take time now." Alice passed a
steaming plate of potatoes to him.
        "And Neil?" Dan asked.
        "He's the one I pray for now.  Neil won't leave the
room but to replenish the serums," Chad answered in
hushed tones.
        "I know.  Everyone in the cove is worried about him,
too.  They all come to me for medicine and doctoring."
 Dan shook his head.  "Has anyone found Jeremy?"
        "No.  There is no trace of him." Chad was solemn with
his answer.
        "What is the cove doing about another preacher?" Dan
continued.
        "We don't need another one!" Alice joined in.  "We
have Chadwick here."  The three parties stopped and
turned when they heard Neil bound down the stairs. 
Neil's face was plastered with a smile as he walked
into the room.
        "She's okay!" He announced.  "She even walked around
the room a wee bit with ma help."  His eyes widened
with excitement.  With a laugh he added, "Then she
told me I needed a bath!" 
        "Sounds like Christy is back to herself!"  Alice
gave Neil an appraising look and decided she agreed
with Christy.  
        "Ye can all go up and see her.  Remember, she doesn't
have all her strength back," Neil announced before
leaving for home.  
****

Chapter 16

      Dismounting Charlie, Neil carefully examined
himself.  Best clothes for the special occasion. 
Straightening his jacket, he walked deliberately up
the Mission stairs.  Alice heard him and met him at
the door.
     "She's ready.  I helped her dress, but she's
still in her room. I did not move her according to
your instructions.” Alice smiled.
     "Alice, I know…I'm sorry that ye aren't the one..
it's just that I…" She lifted her hand to stop his
bungling.
     "No need, Neil.  I understand. This is something
thee wants to do."  
     "Thank you, Alice," Neil whispered. Then he took
the stairs two at a time.  The doctor knocked on
Christy's door softly. "Christy, it's me, Neil."
     "Come in." Her voice was faint but cheerful.  He
pushed open the door and slipped in.  Standing
silently in her room, he placed his hand on the back
of his neck and squeezed the tips of his unruly hair.
Christy sat at the end of her bed, her hair neatly in
place and a yellow dress clinging to her small frame. 
"Shall we go then?"  She spoke quietly.
     "Yes, of course."  Neil snapped to attention. 
Seeing her feet were unshod he knelt at her bedside
and picked up her shoes.  "Allow me."  Picking up her
tiny feet, he said, "You're cold?" He rubbed them
quickly and then placed her feet inside her shoes.
     "I'll be fine."  She took hold of his offered
hand.  "To church then?" 
     "Aye, to church.  Now, Christy, we are going to
have to walk very slow and take very small steps.  If
ye start feeling t'all dizzy ye must tell me.  Don't
be shy!  Wrap your arm around ma waist.  There now,
step."
     "Neil, really, I'm fine," she said but wrapped
her arm around him.
     "Doctor's orders now!"  He gave her shoulder a
quick squeeze then led her to the stairs. "Hmm, I
don't know if I want ye taking the stairs yet."
Picking her up, he walked down the stairs and out of
the Mission.  When they reached the grass, he placed
her down.  They gradually made their way to the chapel
and Neil carried her up the stairs again and placed
her in a seat toward the back.  "This way I can stand
behind ya, and keep an eye on ya."  Neil smiled again
knowing that even as a doctor and patient it would be
too much to break the mountain tradition of men folk
on one side and womenfolk on the other. 
     "Teacher!"  The school children gathered around
her. "Ye're right as rain again!" 
     "Yes children, I'm better."  She took each one in
her arms and hugged them close.  Everyone scattered to
their seats as Chadwick took the pulpit.
     "The Lord is our Banner, our strength to overcome
any adversity.  
We read about this in Exodus when Moses held up his
staff and then Joshua's troops were able to triumph. 
When the staff was up they would
win. If it was down they would lose.  See when it was
down.." Chadwick's voice filled the room.  The people
of Cutter Gap nodded along as he talked.  Chad stepped
down from the pulpit and walked around the people as
he talked, patting a child's head or nodding to a
man as he went.  His humor was on the same par with
their's.  Chad sucked in a deep breath, “so Cutter Gap
is the Lord your Banner?  Is He what gets you through
the day?  Please pray with me.” Christy bowed her head
as Chad prayed.  
     The whole room chorused with a hearty, "Amen!" On
their way out each person passed by Christy and wished
her well or would grasp her hand.  
     Placing his hand on her shoulder Neil spoke, "Ye
ready?"  Nodding, Christy allowed him to lift her up
again and carry her down the stairs.  
     "How long?" She asked.
     "How long 'til what?"
     "How long does this have to continue?" Christy
slipped her hand around his arm.
     "Well, we are just going to have to take things
very slow." 
     "Neil," she faced him, "what if I think we are
going too slowly?"
     "Why do I have this strange feeling we aren't
talkin' about what I think we are talkin' about?" A
smile filled Neil's face.
     "Because we're not." With that Christy slipped
her arms around his neck and pulled his head down and
kissed him.  Christy beamed as Neil pulled her to him
and kissed her again.
    "Teacher and Doc MacNeill!  I seen ya kissin'!" 
Creed Allen skipped up to them.  Neil laughed and took
Christy's hand.
     "That you did, boy.  That you did!"  With that he
tousled Creed's hair and led Christy back toward the
Mission.  

THE END!!