Title: Physician, Heal Thy Self Author: Allysen Chapter 1 You guessed it David Dames, another Neil story. Here goes... Enjoy! (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) ORIGINALITY DISCLAIMER: (Annie doesn't mind me using this. Thanks, Annie!) With all the wonderful, exciting fanfic that's being posted every day. If my story uses situations or dialog or plot lines that seem very similar to others out there, please forgive me. (Summary: Sam Houston runs for Miss Christy, something is amiss!)(I'm not going to do summaries for the chapters already done as I plan to post a chapter each night.) Christy Huddleston, teacher at Cutter Gap was seated in the gazebo, looking at the beautiful sunset. It had been rainy that day and it looked like more rain was on the way. The sun was glancing off the dark clouds, turning them mauve, dark rose, burgandy, and further on, slate gray. She breathed in the fresh, crisp air and thought about the day. School had gone very well. No one had teased Ruby Mae about her freckles, Creed Allen had not brought any of his animal friends to school. Fairlight had packed an extra slice of rhubarb pie into her children's lunch and they had shared it with her at lunchtime. Mountie and Becky O'Teale had picked some wildflowers for her. Bessie Coburn had gotten an 100 on her math exam and Lundy Taylor had not been in school. Miss Alice was in Cataleechie visiting the children there, David Grantland had been called to the neighbouring farm to administer aid, and Doctor MacNeill had been called to Low Gap yesterday and Christy knew not to expect him, but hoped that he would stop by. She was feeling a trifle lonely with only Ruby Mae for company. Although Ruby Mae could talk up quite a storm and frequently did, Christy was not in the mood for Ruby Mae's chattering, she had slipped away soon after dinner time, leaving Ruby Mae to straighten up the kitchen and start on her homework. "Miz Christy! Miz Christy!" Sam Houston yelled as he sighted his teacher by the pond. He was riding Doctor MacNeill's horse, Charlie. He coaxed Charlie over to her. Christy had jumped up and met him halfway. Sam Houston pulled Charlie to a halt and scrambled down from the saddle with Christy catching him on the way down. She looked from him to the horse questioningly. There was mud on Charlie's legs, on his left flank, saddle, the saddle blanket and even on the boy himself. "What happened?" Christy grabbed Charlie's reins and smoothed the hair on his neck, Charlie's eyes were wide with fright while he pranced and shook his head. "Don't rightly know, ma'am. I waz up to Doc MacNeill's cabin, feeding the animals. We got us a deal, ya see, him and me. I look after his animals when he's gone and he lets me pick out the bestest arrowheads..." "Sam Houston!" Christy grabbed the boy's arm impatiently. "Tell me what happened, where is Doctor MacNeill?" "I'm tellin' ya, teacher!." This was said indignantly. "Charlie just showed up like this, He ain't hurt, or nuthin', I checked him before I come runnin'. The doc ain't nowhere to be seen. I think sumphin' happened to him. That's why I come runnin' for ya. I knew you'd know what to do. I mean, you and the preacher, that is." he corrected himself quickly. Christy looked at Charlie, he was settling down some. "Come on." She said to Sam Houston as she led Charlie to the mission house. She tied Charlie to the railing and picking up her skirts, ran up the stairs, glancing back to be sure that the boy was following her. "Ruby Mae!" Christy called as soon as she got inside the mission. "Come here, hurry!" Ruby Mae came running from the next room. "What is it, Miz Christy?" Christy grabbed Ruby Mae and Sam Houston by the shoulder and looked at them, one and then the other. "I think there's been an accident. Doctor MacNeill may be hurt. Sam Houston, please take Charlie to the barn, wash the saddle, brush him down for me and give him something to eat and then re-saddle him. I may need him." She pushed the boy towards the door and then turned to Ruby Mae. "I need the first aide box, Ruby Mae. Clean cloths and a blanket." She nudged Ruby Mae and ran into the kitchen. She packed the leftovers from dinner in a clean cloth and bundled it up tight. Then she ran for a spare lantern and was lighting it when Ruby Mae returned with the requested articles. "Here ya go, Miz Christy. Anything else I can holp ya with? Ya think Doc MacNeill is okay? Do ya think he's hurt? Do ya think Charlie just left without him? Do ya think Charlie will let you ride him? How are ya goin' to find him?" "It's getting dark, Ruby Mae." Christy interrupted but her tone was concerned. "Will you be okay here? I can't wait for Mr. Grantland to come back, I need to go look for the doctor. I'll have Sam Houston go for the preacher, maybe they can send someone back to keep you company. But I need you to stay here in case Doctor Mac Neill comes here. If he does, you might need to run for Doctor Scott." "Yes'm, Miz Christy. I'll be awright. Don't ya be frettin' 'bout me. You just find the doc." Ruby Mae assured her teacher. Christy wrapped the food up in the blanket, threw on her cape, grabbed the first aide box, and the lantern and ran out to the barn to see how Sam Houston was coming along. "I got most o' the mud off him, Miz Christy!" Sam Houston turned proudly to her. "You've done a very good job, Sam Houston." Christy told him. "I'm going to take Charlie, I'm hoping he will be able to take me back to Doctor MacNeill. Take Theo, go tell Mr. Grantland where I've gone. He went to visit Mattie O'Teale. Tell him to start a search party. See if you can get Fairlight to come and stay with Ruby Mae for the night, stop by Mr. Scott's cabin and let him know what's going on, tell him to be prepared for anything." "Ya reckon the doc will be okay, Miz Christy?" "I'm sure he is fine, I'm just taking precautions. Ask Ruby Mae for another lantern, Sam Houston, and be very careful. You did a good job in coming here, I'll let Doctor MacNeill know all you've done for him and Charlie when I see him." She tied the blanket and the first aide box on behind Charlie's saddle. She took Charlie's reins in one hand and the lantern in the other and led him out of the barn. She set the lighted lantern on a post and climbed on Charlie's back and then reached over and picked it up. "Be careful, teacher." Sam Houston called to her as she kicked Charlie in the direction that would take him back to the doctor's cabin. ***** Chapter 2 (Summary: Christy searches for Doctor MacNeill, Fairlight stays at the mission.) ***** Christy was thankful that she had remembered to bring the lantern, even though Charlie seemed to know where he was going. It did not take them long to get to the doctor's cabin, but Charlie thought he was going home and didn't like it when Christy would not let him go into his stable. Christy coaxed him several times to take the path that Neil would have taken to Low Gap, but Charlie would have none of that. He was tired and wanted his bed. Christy pulled back on the reins. She patted Charlie's neck and spoke to the horse, encouragingly. "Charlie, I know you want to stop. But I think something has happened to Neil. I've got to find him and I need you to help me. You know where he is, I need you to take me to him." The horse snorted and nodded his head as if he had understood. He tried to go to the stable once more and then resigned himself to the path that his rider was urging him to take. It was dark and Christy was glad that Charlie seemed to know the path. It was getting chilly and she gathered her cloak around her with trembling fingers. She was afraid of what she might find and she was afraid that she might not find him after all. The wind whipped up and lightening showed her the way. Christy had the lantern in her hand, swinging it this way and that, hoping to catch a glimpse or a trace that the doctor or the horse had been this way. She saw several places where the mud had been kicked up and hoped it was from Charlie's run earlier, no telling how far she needed to go. It seemed hours, but Christy knew the mind had a way of playing tricks on one so worried. At last! Christy spied something on the side of the trail up ahead, a black lump. She let Charlie walk up to it, he did not seem nervous, she leaned over in the saddle and lowered the lantern. It was Doctor MacNeill's black medical bag. Now Christy was worried. She hung the lantern on the saddle horn and carefully lowered herself down off the horse's back, still keeping a hold of his reins. She patted his neck reassuringly, knowing that she did it more for herself than him. She ducked under in front of the horse and picked up the bag. It was muddy but she held it close and breathed in the faint essence of the doctor. It smelled of tobacco smoke and the aftershave he usually wore. She swallowed hard, closed her eyes and prayed. "Please let me find him, God. Please let him be all right." She opened her eyes. "Doctor MacNeill?" she called, then a little louder. "Doctor MacNeill, are you here?" Christy stepped back to Charlie. She took the lantern off of the saddle horn and replaced it with the doctor's bag. Then she walked along the path, holding the lantern up and out in front of her. She was leading Charlie and looking for Neil. Again she saw signs of the horse's footprints in the drying mud. She walked a few feet, still calling for the doctor. Then she turned to Charlie. "I can't find him, boy. I need your help." She mounted Charlie rather awkwardly, still holding onto the lantern. She nudged him with her heels, letting him pick his own way. "Go to Doctor MacNeill, Charlie." she said helplessly. "Find Neil." Charlie proceeded down the path and Christy let the horse go. She called to Neil, hoping that he would hear her and let her know where he was. She was unfamiliar with this part of the forest, she had never come so far. She was afraid. Afraid of the dark, afraid she was lost, afraid she wouldn't find doctor. She offered a silent prayer. Praying for Neil, praying for herself, and praying for Charlie, as well. What if he had been attacked by either person or animal? Christy steadied herself and kept going. It started raining, the lantern went out. Charlie stumbled to a stop, hanging his head, dejectedly. "Please don't stop now, Charlie," Christy urged. She brushed the rain out of her eyes and heard a moan. Christy swallowed a desire to scream. "Doctor MacNeill?" she called timidly. ***** Fairlight, along with the Least 'un and Clara and Lulu, was already at the mission house when Sam Houston knocked on the door. "Ma'am," he greeted Mrs. Spencer. He nodded at Ruby Mae and allowed himself to be pulled into the mission house. "Doc Scott done took Theo to help hunt for Miz Christy and Doc MacNeill." he went on. "Peacher thought it'd be best if I stayed with ya all tonight. Thought you'd be needin' a man in the house." He puffed out his chest in imitation of what he thought a man should be. Fairlight hid a smile from Sam Houston. "I'm glad your here, son. We could use the company." Ruby Mae spoke up. "I shorely hope that Miz Christy finds Doc MacNeill, don't you? I hope he's all right, don't you?" "I'm sure he's fine, Ruby Mae." Fairlight answered assuredly. "Old Charlie might have gotten spooked and run off without Doctor MacNeill. How about we make some hot cocoa, as long as we is all goin' to stay up until they come home, huh?" The children all nodded their heads, smiles on their faces. "Sounds like a right smart idee." and Ruby Mae ran out to the kitchen. Fairlight asked. "Just how did you get back here, Sam Houston?" "Doc Scott dropped me off. The other fellas wanted Doctor Scott to wait here at the mission for Miz Christy and Doc MacNeill, but Mr. Scott wasn't havin' any o' that. He said that no one needed him anyway and he wasn't waitin' around all night. My pa said it was all right that I stay." "You are very welcome to stay with us. We can all be comforting to each other until they all get home." Ruby Mae ran into the room. "It's raining out, Miz Spencer, and the water's startin' to boil." She turned to Lulu and Clara, "Ya want to holp me make the cocoa?" The little girls eagerly followed her out to the kitchen, happy to be helping. Sam Houston ran to look out the window and Fairlight followed him, with the Least 'un hanging on to her apron. "Sure is rainin' buckets, Miz Spencer. Ya reckon they'll be okay?" Fairlight looked out at the rain. It was lightening as well. "They'll be fine, son." She repeated, but it was an automatic response. She pulled her shawl tighter and hugged herself. She wasn't sure if she was saying it for the children or for herself. "Come on, Sam Houston, Least 'Un. Let's go see if there are any cookies in the kitchen to have with our cocoa and then we can be thinkin' up of a game to play to keep our minds busy and our spirits up." "Yes 'm." Sam Houston said meekly. He let Mrs. Spencer draw him away from the window. ***** Chapter 3 (Summary: Christy finds Doctor MacNeill, Kelly O. - this chapter makes me think of you, It has one of your favorite lines in it. :-) ***** "Doctor MacNeill!" Christy called again. "Christy!" The call was faint but it was unmistakenly the doctor's voice. Christy slithered down Charlie's wet saddle and stumbled toward the voice, leaving Charlie standing where she left him. "Neil!" she called. "Neil, where are you? Are you all right?" "Over here." He was propped up against the trunk of a tree close to the path. "Don't touch me!" he warned her as she came near. "Neil." Christy gasped, "What's wrong." She stopped dead in her tracks afraid to move. "It's ma leg. I think it's broken, Christy." He was in pain and was clenching his teeth as he shivered in his wet, muddy jacket. "What can I do, Neil?" Christy asked right away. She went out of her way to walk around him, come up to him from behind and came to his shoulder and knelt beside him, despite the mud. "That's ma girl!" Neil spoke laughingly. "I knew I could count on you!" "I'm so glad I found you, Neil." "I'm so glad to see you Christy, that I could kiss your feet." Christy chose to ignore that. "I was so worried about you." "Aye." He answered. "I was, too." "What happened?" Christy asked. "We jumped the brook back there, Charlie slipped and we both went down. Is he okay?" "Yes, he's fine, Sam Houston found him and took real good care of him. Then he came for me, he was so worried, and I was worried, too. Can you get on Charlie?" Christy wanted to know. "Can I help you up?" Neil vowed to do something special for Sam Houston. He was the closest thing to being the son he'd never had. "No, lass. I can na' get up." "I'll go for help..." Christy began. "No, Christy, don't leave me." Neil interruped and he grabbed at her arm. "We've got to find shelter, then. Somewhere to dry off." "There's a cave around here somewhere." Neil offered. "Over behind us, I think." Christy started off in the direction he pointed, the lightening giving off sufficient light for her to see. "I found it!" she shouted. She ran back in the direction of the path and grabbed the lantern. "Matches!" she cried. "I don't have any matches." "I do." Neil said calmly. He reached into his breast pocket and brought out several and handed them in her direction. "For my pipe." he added weakly. Christy grabbed them and took the lantern to the mouth of the cave. She protected it from the wind and rain and relighted it. She closed the glass chimney, let the wind blow the match out and held the lantern before her as she entered the cave. It was a fairly large room, dry and cold. No animals hiding it in, nothing in there to bother them. She left the lantern there and ran back out into the rain. She led Charlie into the cave and unsaddled him and placed the saddle against the far wall. She untied the blanket and placed it by the saddle. She stood up and ran her hands down Charlie's back and patted him again, trying to reassure him that he would be all right. Charlie didn't seem to mind being in the cave, perhaps it reminded him of his stable. Christy ran out to Neil. "How am I going to get you in there?" she asked him. "I guess I could hobble in, if you could help me." the doctor stated. "Find me a stick. I'll see if I can pull myself up using this tree for a back support." Christy could hear Doctor MacNeill straining and groaning. Once he jarred his leg so bad, he almost fell. "Let me help you, Neil. I'm stronger than I look." Christy begged. She grabbed his arm. "Here lean on me." The doctor was a big man, and Christy almost regretted her offer. No, I must help him into the cave, she thought. "Come on, Neil, it's not so far, over here." she encouraged him. He leaned his weight and took a faltering hop. When it seemed that Christy could indeed hold him up as needed, he took another quick hop, keeping his hurt leg bent and up so that it wouldn't come into contact with anything. They both heaved a sigh of relief when they finally collasped on the blanket, unable to go any farther. The painstaken journey took what was left of the doctor's strength and he was drained. Sitting out in the rain had not helped. He shut his eyes, his face starkenly pale in the lantern light. Christy sat quietly beside the doctor for several minutes. She hadn't realized how hard it would be to get the doctor into the cave. She untangled herself and peered down at the doctor. His leg was bent out in an unusual angle. She gathered her supplies together and laid them near him. She raised his head enough to slip the saddle underneath, then she took a clean cloth and wiped Neil's face dry and his hands as well. She dried herself as best she could and then ran the cloth over Charlie, shedding the rain and making him as comfortable as she could. She went out into the dark, she could see briefly to gather some fallen branches. She'd try to make a fire. Their clothing was wet and they needed a fire to dry them. She collected an armful and brought it into the cave. She used one of Neil's matches and taking dried leaves from the cave and slivers of wood, started a fire, she had to pick through the pile for pieces dry enough. She kept feeding the small chips, sticks, and limbs she had gathered until the fire had gotten a hold and would not threathen to go out. Christy started rifling through the doctor's medical bag. She brought out a flask of whiskey. She shook Neil and brought a groan out of him. "Will this help?" She asked him, holding up the whiskey. Neil opened his eyes and they saw the whiskey. "Ma bag!" he said unbelievingly. "You got ma bag!" He grabbed the whiskey and uncapped it. "I'm sorry, Miss Huddleston. I know how much against you are the demon whiskey, but..." He tipped his head back and took a liberal gulp. "This will help for now." He said. "Later...later I'll need your help." He waved helplessly at his injured leg and saw Christy's eyes open wide and fearful. "You're a strong woman, Christy Huddleston. I know you will do what needs doing when the time comes." He raised the whiskey bottle in salute to her and took another swallow. Christy turned back to her food bundle. "I do not approve of liquor, Neil, but I suppose under the circumstances, I will overlook it this once." She made several quick sandwiches of the biscuits and side meat and thrust them at him. "Here Doctor, don't be drinking on an empty stomach." Neil put down the whiskey and grabbed a sandwich in each hand. Alternating bites from each sandwich, he pronounced. "You are an absolute angel! You didn't forget anything, did you?" "It depends on what else we need, doctor." Christy eyed him curiously. She knelt at his side, there was a hole in his pant's leg, she quickly ripped the hole bigger in order to see how bad his leg was. Neil leaned over and took a look. "Well, we're in luck, Miss Huddleston. At least it's not a compound fracture." "What's a compound fracture, doctor?" Christy asked. "It's when the bone is sticking out through the skin. Nasty sight and very tricky. Check ma bag, Christy." The doctor announced, "You've got to set ma leg. Is there any morphine in there?" Christy shuddered. "Neil, I can't set your leg, please let's wait for Daniel. He'll know what to do. There's a search party being organized at this very minute. They will find us soon." "We can na' wait, Christy." Neil cried. "If I wait much longer, I risk the chance of infection. I can na' take that chance. I have faith in you, don't you have it in yourself?" Christy bent over his bag, shame reddened her face, and she bit back an angry retort. She pulled out a brown bottle labled morphine and a syringe. "Setting your leg, I will try." She said firmly. "But giving you a shot of morphine, I cannot do, even for you, Neil MacNeill." Neil leaned over and grabbed the bottle of morphine out of her hands. "Sterilize the needle in the fire." he said wearily. Christy returned with the needle, shook out another clean cloth and wiped the soot from it, and handed it to the doctor. Neil sighed. He inserted the needle into the cork at the top of the bottle and proceeded to measure out the correct dosage. "Well, this gives new meaning to that old adage of 'Physican, Heal Thy Self', doesn't it, Christy?" Christy's bright blue eyes gazed back into the doctor's hazel ones unblinkingly. They stared at one another for several moments. He flushed and was the first to drop his eyes. He was pushing her too hard, he knew it, but couldn't stop himself. It always seemed that he and Christy were always fighting like cats and dogs. He drove the needle through his pants, into the soft fleshy part of his thigh and injected the medicine. He handed the syringe to Christy and let her tuck it back into his medical bag. Christy helped Neil out of his wet jacket, took off her cape as well, and spread them out by the fire to dry. Then she went and sat down next to Neil, unsure of what to do next. ***** **************** Hold my hand, so I can hold you in my heart Hold my hand, so I can guide you through the forest of the night Touch my heart, for it is beating just for you Hear my song, A message in the wind. -Gordon Lightfoot, exerpts from A message in the wind. **************** Chapter 4 (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) (Summary: Meanwhile, back at the mission... Fairlight plays a game with the children to keep their minds off their worries.) ***** The children had finished their cocoa and eaten all the cookies they could find. Fairlight had put her children into Miss Ida's old room, after telling them a bedtime story. Only when she promised that Miss Christy and the doctor would be there in the morning to greet them, would they allow her to tuck them in and blow out the light. Fairlight slowly walked down the stairs and back into the kitchen where Ruby Mae and Sam Houston were still seated. Fairlight put some more water on the stove to boil, she felt she needed some tea to soothe her nerves. "What game are we gonna play, Miz Spencer?" Sam Houston suddenly asked. "Oh, I'm real good at playin' games, Miz Spencer." Ruby Mae chimed in. "We ain't ready for bed yet. What game are we gonna play? Don't make it too hard, I don't wanna be thinkin'. I can't keep my mind on nothin'." Fairlight looked at the children helplessly. She had been hoping that they forgotten her promise to play games. But then she thought that it would at least help to pass the time. "Okay children..." she announced. "I'm thinking of something, you all have got to guess asking only questions, and I can only answer yes or no. Ready?" They both nodded eagerly. "Is it an animal?" Ruby Mae asked. "No." was the response. They both looked at Sam Houston. "Is it a person?" "No." again. "Is it a thing?" Ruby Mae asked hesitantly. Fairlight smiled. "Yes." "Is it here in Cutter Gap?" Sam Houston asked. "Yes." again. Ruby Mae was shaking her head. "This ain't no game, Miz Spencer." she cried. "It's too much like school." "Hush up, Ruby Mae!" Sam Houston was intrigued. "It's your turn." Ruby Mae looked confused. "It's a thing and it's in Cutter Gap." She waited for Fairlight's nod. "Is it a building?" Fairlight shook her head no. Sam Houston was ready with his next question. "Is it alive?" Ruby Mae squealed. "That be a good question." But Fairlight shook her head again. "No. It's a thing, Sam Houston." She reminded him. "I can't think no more, Miz Spencer, I give up. What is it?" "No, don't tell." Sam Houston held up his hand in front of her mouth before Fairlight could say anything. "Come on, Ruby Mae." He ticked off on his fingers. "It's a thing here in Cutter Gap and it's not alive." Ruby Mae looked around the kitchen and her eyes lighted on the empty plate which had held the cookies. "Is it somethin' to eat?" "Yes." "Is it Ruby Mae's possum?" Sam Houston asked. "No." Fairlight laughed. "It is not." "Do we have it here in the mission?" Ruby Mae asked. "Yes." Fairlight had finished making her tea and carried it to the table. Both Ruby Mae and Sam Houston ran to the cupboards and opened them and peered in. "There's a lot of different stuff in here, Ruby Mae." Sam Houston finally said. "We can't be wasting no guesses, We got to narrow it down some." He thought seriously and then asked. "Is it sweet?" "Yes." Fairlight was surprised he had narrowed it down so fast. "Is it molasses?" asked Ruby Mae "No, but you're close." "Could it be...store boughten sugar?" This was Sam Houston's guess. "No." Ruby Mae wandered back to the table and looking again at the cookie plate asked. "Cookies?" "No." "Canned peaches!" he said triumphantly. "No." Fairlight smiled when she saw the boy's face drop. It was Ruby Mae's turn. "Hmmm...I'm thinking...any kind of fruit?" "No." again. Sam Houston wandered back to the table as well and was watching Fairlight pour some honey into her tea. He smiled and pointed at the honey jar. "Honey!" he shouted. Fairlight laughed and clapped her hands. "Yes, it were honey! Your turn to think of something, Sam Houston." ***** *************** Behind the blue Rockies the sun is declining The stars they come stealing at the close of the day Across the wide prairie our loved ones lie sleeping beyond the dark ocean in a place far away. -Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian Railroad Trilogy *************** Chapter 5 (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) (Summary: Christy sets Doctor MacNeill's leg, Neil develops a fever.) ***** "How did you find me?" Neil asked trying to make conversation. He wanted the morphine to take hold before he had Christy set his leg, if she could. It hurt like the very dickens. "I didn't find you, Charlie did." Christy looked over at Charlie who had decided to lay down. He was exhausted and deserved a nap. "I just gave him his head and he led me to you." Neil smiled. "Ah, my bonny, prince Charlie. You know, Christy, that's the best horse I've ever had. I wouldn't trade him for a million arrowheads." Christy smiled at Neil's mention of Sam Houston's delightful obsession. "Christy." Neil said instantly. "Listen to me carefully. The morphine that I injected is a painkiller. It is easing ma pain, but it is also is making me drowsy." He read the expression on her face. "That's okay, that's what it's supposed to do. After you set ma leg, I will have deserved a nap, and you will have, as well." Neil grabbed Christy's hand. "In order to set the leg, you must grasp the foot firmly in both hands, you must pull it as far as you possibly can. At the same time you are maintaining tension, you must rotate the leg back to the correct angle." Christy noticed that Neil spoke in a detached way, as if the leg he was speaking about was not his, but someone else's. "When you release the tension the bones should snap back into place." Christy nodded and knelt by his feet. "I don't want to hurt you, Neil." "It can na' be helped, lass." Neil prepared himself by clenching the blanket in both hands and clenching his teeth as well. "Do it now, Christy." Christy gingerly picked up the foot and glanced at the doctor. She was afraid that if he made one sound, she would not be able to go on. She held his foot and applied tension. She heard the doctor's gasp of breath, but steeled herself to continue until she could pull no more, she glanced at the doctor and he nodded his head in encouragement. She could see little beads of perspiration on his forehead and her heart ached for him. She turned his leg into the correct position and eased back on the tension. She pretended that she could feel the bones coming together and gasped herself as she heard and felt the actual snap. She carefully lowered his leg and looked towards the doctor. "Well done, Miss Huddleston. Ma thanks, you did an truly amazing job. I couldn't have done it better myself." Neil laid down, drained and exhausted. "One more thing, in order to keep the leg immoblized, a splint will need to be applied." "Yes, doctor." Christy said faintly. She felt disappointed in Doctor MacNeill's reponse. She was tired. She didn't know how she should feel. She stood up and looked through the pile of firewood she had gathered and found two stout sticks about the same size, she got the cloth that she used to wipe off the needle and tore it into several strips. She used several for padding so that the sticks would not actually touch his leg and then bound the sticks, one on one side of his leg, one on the other, with 3 strips of cloth tied together. Then she used another cloth to wipe the sweat off of his brow and realized she was soaked with perspiration as well. "Thank you, lass." Neil sat up and taking Christy's face in both hands, gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, raised his head to see her reaction. When she didn't pull away he lowered his head and kissed her firmly on the mouth. "I appreciate your help tonight, Christy. I know I was hard on you and I'm sorry, but it had to be done." He laid back down, closed his eyes and announced. "I'm weary, Christy. Let me sleep." Christy put her fingers to her lips, still feeling the light pressure of Neil's lips on hers and smiled sweetly to herself. She let out a satisfied sigh. Yes, she would let him sleep. ***** Christy awoke to someone talking. It was Neil, he was having a dream. Christy was amused and 'listened' in. The doctor was rambling. "...dance is more important than the frying pan." "...going to Low Gap...will ye miss me?" "...because it wasn't me, Christy." "...not afraid of a little spice!. "Is this spot taken?" Christy leaned over Neil, his face was flushed and when she touched it, it was very warm. It was then that Christy realized that the doctor wasn't dreaming, he was delirious! He must have gotten an infection after all and he had broken out in a fever. Christy gathered up the cloths and ran out in the rain. She let the water soak them and raced back into the cave. She laid them on his forehead, behind his neck and hesitatingly laid some directly onto his leg, where it was swollen. Then she sat and watched him. She felt helpless. "I don't know what to do, Doctor MacNeill." she cried aloud. "You're doing fine, Christy." Neil mumbled without opening his eyes. "You'll make someone a good wife one day." "I'm scared, Neil, you've got a fever." "Let it run it's course, there is nothing else to do..." and Neil drifted back to sleep. ***** *************** Go my way and I'll be good to you, Go my way and your dreams will all come true In the sunset the wild waves are calling, My shadow is following you Go my way and I'll take you by the hand, Believe in me and I'll do the best I can I can't be anything but just what i am, I can't help it if I'm in love with you. -Gordon Lightfoot, Go My Way- *************** Chapter 6 (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) (Summary: Neil is not all there, The search party arrives.) Neil woke up a little later, feeling groggy. He saw Christy seated by him, looking worried. He roused himself enough to grab her hand concerned. "Are you all right, Miss Huddleston?" "I'm fine, doctor." Christy looked bleak. "How you are doing is the most important thing." "I'm fine, Christy." The doctor answered a little bewildered. "But the dance is more important...more important..., ah I've forgotten what's it's more important than, Christy. So do you want to dance instead?" Christy didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It must be the morphine and then she remembered the liquor. Was it because he mixed the two that he was now confused. She was afraid that the doctor would actually try to get up and dance. "No, Doctor MacNeill, you've been hurt and I want you to lie quietly." Neil looked down at himself. "I've been hurt? I don't feel hurt, are you sure?" "Yes doctor, I'm sure. You hurt your leg, don't you remember? You've got to remember." "Aye." Neil said slowly. "It's all coming back to me now. Hey, now that I've got you alone..." Christy raised one eyebrow at him. "You are not in the position to do anything, doctor." "Aye." he said again. "You're right." then he smiled. "Can I have this dance, Miss Huddleston?" Christy giggled and leaned over until her cheek was resting on the doctor's forehead. He still felt a little hot. "Shall I remind you of this, when you are feeling better?" "Aye, I'll hold you to that. If I can remember, that is." He placed his other hand on her neck and left it there, holding her close to him. Christy let herself stay in that position until she heard Neil's steady breathing of sleep. She removed his hand and stood up. Her legs were stiff from kneeling beside him. She wrung the cloths in cold water and placed them back on his head, and wandered over to the mouth of the cave. It had stopped raining but the trees and shrubbery were still dripping. It was starting to get light when Christy heard a sound. "Helloooooooooo" Christy ran out of the cave to the path and looked down it. "Helloooooooo." she called back. "Christyyyyyyyyyyy" It was David. "Doc MacNeilllllllllll" That was Mr Spencer. "Over here!" Christy called. "We're here!" She waited until she could seen her rescuers, David, Jeb Spencer, his son, John and Daniel Scott. "Thank God we found you, Christy!" David slid off of his horse and ran to her. "Mighty glad to see ya, ma'am" was Jeb Spencer's response. "Teacher." John shouted and ran to give Miss Christy a hug as well. "We've been lookin' all night fer ya." "I'm glad to see you safe, Miss Christy. Did you find the Doctor?" Daniel Scott asked. "Yes, but he's hurt." She grabbed Daniel Scott by the hand and was dragging him into the cave, she met Charlie coming out. "Grab him, David. Don't let him get away." Then she heard Jeb shoot his shotgun into the air 3 times. "He's calling in the other searchers, Christy." Dan told her when she looked at him questioningly. "Mr. McHone, Mr. Holcombe, Mr. Holt, Mr. Allen and Rob. And he's letting anyone that can hear know that the lost has been found." Christy led Dan over to where Neil was laying. "I'm afraid for him." she whispered. She showed him the doctor's leg and told about the liquor and the morphine. "Could he have taken too much?" Dan Scott shook his head slowly. "Well, he's a big man, Christy. How much did he take?" Christy shook her head mutely. She didn't know. She watched as Dan Scott did a quick exam. Jeb, John and David followed them into the cave. Dan Scott stood up. "Looks like you did a mighty fine job on that leg and putting cold cloths on it was one smart idea, Miss Christy. Have you ever thought about a career in medicine?" "I'm a schoolteacher, not a doctor, Mr. Scott." Christy said immediately. But she was proud of the compliment and her eyes shone. "Thank you, Daniel." She said quietly. "Let's go home." ***** They lashed the blanket onto two tree limbs that John Spencer and Rob Allen had chopped down. and placed Neil onto the carrier. He still slept, but he was breathing clear and easy. They sent John and Rob back to the mission to inform them that they would be coming and to fix a room for Doctor Mac. Then Jeb, Dan, John Holcombe and Tom McHone carried the stretcher between them. There was no other way to get the doctor back to the cabin. Oziah Holt and Bob Allen were leading the horses, They would change many times, all sharing in the burden to get the doctor home. David had saddled Charlie and helped Christy to clear the debris from the cave. But Christy had refused to get into the saddle. So David had one hand on Charlie's reins, leading him and one arm about Christy's shoulders following the others slowly back to the mission. "Why, Christy? Why did you run off by yourself like that, you could have gotten hurt, too. You should have sent Sam Houston to me first instead of going alone. I was worried about you." "I'm tired, David." Christy said wearily. "We'll talk about this later, okay?" David's face softened. "I'm sorry, Christy. I was worried about you...and the doctor." This was added as an afterthought. He looked into Christy's face. "Shall I carry you?" "No David, I'll be all right. Ah, doesn't the air smell fresh right after a rain?" "Yes, but what you need is a bath and a good night's sleep." "David Grantland!" Christy cried. "Are you telling me that I smell bad?" David defended himself. "I was just saying that you will feel better once you have a bath and go to bed." "Oh." said meekly. "Although you do smell like smoke and...." "Don't say it, David!" "I'm glad we found you, Christy." "I am, too!" ***** *************** Open the door love, let your light shine in The morning passed so quickly, it will not come again I'll take you at your promise, I will not ask you why I only wish to love you until the day I die. Open the door love, let your love shine in staying here is foolish, to leave would be a sin I know I'm close behind you, I'll catch you if I try For I will surely win you or I will surely die. -Gordon Lightfoot, Baby, It's Alright- *************** Chapter 7 (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) (Summary: Neil is settled into the mission, Christy breaks down, Sam Houston and Creed come for a visit, and the doctor get a bath. ) ***** "Bring him in here." Fairlight led the men back to an extra room on the first floor. The men settled Doctor MacNeill onto the fresh, crisp, white sheet and left the room. They all helped themselves to the coffee and sandwiches that Fairlight had on the stove and wearily seated themselves around the table. One cup and they would be able to head for home. A rest well earned for each and every one of them. Doctor Scott stayed behind with Neil, shooed Fairlight out of the room and checked him over more throughly. Then he headed back out into the room with the rest of them. "I'd like to collect some things at the Doctor's cabin. I'm not sure if he'll have what I need, but I know that I do not have them at my cabin. Is there anything I can bring back with me?" "How about his nightshirt, and some of his personal belongings, you'll know what to bring." "Here is his nightshirt, Fairlight." David announced coming in. "Christy and I stopped at MacNeill's cabin on the way back. Christy felt that he needed a few things if he was going to stay here." He handed Fairlight a sheet full of personal articles of the doctor's. Christy glanced at Ruby Mae and Sam Houston curled up on the davenport, fast asleep and her face softened. The poor dears, she thought. They waited all night to welcome her and Doctor MacNeill back and now they had missed it. She let them sleep. Fairlight glanced into the package. "Maybe a change of clothing would be nice, Mr. Scott." She told Dan as he was leaving. Dan waved to Fairlight showing that he had heard and headed out of the mission. "Keep him warm, Fairlight. Put some ice on his leg, and let him rest. I'll be right back." "I'm going to go out and check the horses, Christy." David said, "You get some sleep." Christy followed Fairlight into Neil's bedroom. Christy went to Neil's side and looked down at him. He was still asleep. She smoothed the hair off of his forehead. "I was so scared for him, Fairlight." she whispered. "And why is that, Miz Christy?" Fairlight wanted to know. "The cove can't do without him... I can't do without him." Christy started crying. Fairlight came over to Christy and hugged her. "It's okay, Christy. Shhhhh don't cry, child." "I have to cry now, Fairlight. I couldn't before. I had to be strong for Neil..., I mean Doctor MacNeill." Fairlight let Christy cry for several minutes and then wiped her tears away with her apron. "Okay now, that's enough of feelin' sorry fer yerself. Let me get some hot water aboilin' fer yer bath, and then we'll get the doctor into his flannels." Fairlight left the room. Christy looked down at the doctor, still sniffling. She was startled to feel Neil grab her hand and squeeze it. "Christy." he said softly. "I didn't mean to be so hard on you, lass." He opened his hazel eyes and looked at her. "The pain was so bad that I guess I took it out on you. I'm glad you came for me, I can na' do without you either. You are one strong woman. You'd make a pretty good doctor yourself. I can always do with an assistant, you know." Christy looked confused. "Er. that's just what Dan..., no Neil, you are the doctor here. I came here to Cutter Gap to be a teacher, that's what I do best. Besides, you do have a helper, you have Doctor Scott to help." Then Christy looked mischievously at the doctor. "Oh and what about that dance that you promised me." Neil looked taken aback. "Dancing? At a time like this, woman? I think it will be quite a while before I go dancing, Miss Huddleston." But then Neil was looking roguish himself. "As soon as I am on my feet, the first dance is yours, Christy. I promise." He brought her hand to his lips and sealed the promise with a kiss. "You know Christy, I wish the search party hadn't found us quite so soon." He eyes sparkled, leaving the rest to her imagination. Christy stared into Neil's eyes, her heart skipped a beat and she felt her cheeks get warm. Fairlight came back into Neil's room with a basin of warm water, soap, towels and his night cloths. "And what are you going to be doing with those?" Neil asked suspiciously. "I'm giving you a quick wash before we settle you in bed." Fairlight told him seriously. She placed the articles on the table next to his bed. Neil held up his hand and then pointed to the door. "I'm capable of giving myself a bath, thank you very much, ladies. Out with you." Christy giggled and pulled Fairlight out the door with her and shut it gently. ***** "And looky here, Doc." Sam Houston thrust another arrowhead at him. This one had a rounded tip and had several light orange streakes in it. "I done found that thar one down by the river, behind the rabbit coup." He said proudly. He had brought his collection of arrowheads to the mission to show to Doctor MacNeill. Miss Christy seemed to think that it was a fine idea and had encouraged him to bring them. "And look at what Scalawag can do." Creed Allen was there as well, vieing for the doctor's attention too. Scalawag was standing on his back legs, washing his face with his little black paws, but it looked as if he were playing hide and seek instead. Neil laughed at the raccoon's antics. He knew the children had been sent to him to keep him amused, quiet, and out of the women's way. He wanted to make sure they heard him laughing. Daniel Scott had ordered him bedrest for 6 weeks to give the bones time to knit together. Dan had even spoken to Granny Barclay and had gotten some herbs, one especially that she swore by called boneset. Well, the name said it all. He just hoped it worked. Neil was pleased with the way that the cove was coming around to accepting Dan Scott as a practicing physician. With Doctor MacNeill out of commission, it was either asking Daniel Scott for doctoring or go without. Neil was not up to seeing patients at the mission. He discouraged it. It was the first vacation he'd had in years, well, if it could be called a vacation. Of course not everyone trusted the dark man, but MacNeill felt that his accident couldn't have come at a better time, if it had to happen. Christy came into the room carrying a tray and all three gentlemen turned at her footsteps. "Time for your medicine, Doctor MacNeill." She announced. They all groaned at the same time. "It's about time!" Neil growled. Christy looked at the doctor and then shooed the boys out of the room. "What makes you so grouchy?" Neil drew his hand across his face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. Ma leg hurts." Christy placed some pills into his hand and held the glass of water for him. "You're such a baby, Neil MacNeill." Christy waited for him to take his medicine and drain the glass of water then taking the glass away, she placed the tray on his lap. "Here's a snack to keep up your strength. Some tea, apple sauce, and some coffee cake." "I'm sorry I'm such a bear." Neil said looking down at the tray, realizing what a pain he'd been. He was making more work for the ladies of the mission and they had enough to do. "Thank you for sending the children in, although I know what you're up to." Christy turned an innocent eye on the doctor. "I'm not sure what you mean, Doctor." "Do me a favor, Christy. Can you bring me the Sears Catalog next time you come in? I want to see if I can order something special for Sam Houston for his help in all of this." Christy smiled. "I'd be glad to, Doctor." She quietly left the room. ***** (Query: Did they have Sears back then?) *************** You make the time stand still You do it now and you always will You take me as I am You make me feel like a brand new man -Gordon Lightfoot, You Are What I Am- *************** Chapter 8 (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) (Summary: Neil cruises the catalog, ST fans, this one's for you, see if you can find the famous line! Christy has bad dreams. Miss Alice makes Neil aware.) ***** Neil was bent over the Sears Catalog painstakenly looking for that something special for Sam Houston. He jumped when he realized that Christy was there looking over his shoulder. "Have you found what you're looking for?" She asked. "No, I haven't." Neil answered. "I was thinking about some kind of a show box or display case for Sam Houston to put his arrowhead collection into, but I don't see anything in there that looks like what I want." Neil thumbed the book until he came upon a page of pocket knives. "I guess I could get him one of these." He pointed to a small silver one that had several other tools attached. Christy looked at the doctor. "Why don't you make him a display case, doctor?" Neil looked blankly at her. "I'm a doctor, Christy, not a carpenter!" Christy frowned. "I think he'd like something that you made for him especially, not something store bought." "They don't have much, Christy. All they have is home made things, don't you think this knife would be better?" Christy just shook her head. "It's your gift, Neil. You will have to decide which to choose." After she left, Neil turned the page to the ladies jewelry section. His eyes glanced down the page until he found what he was looking for. A hair pin which would look stunning in Christy's hair. He made a mental note of the page and went back to skimming. He soon tired of riffling through the pages of the catalog and then as he put it down, spied a book placed on his nightstand. He picked it up and started reading. ***** Christy was dreaming. It was the same dream she'd had every night since the accident. She and Neil were back in the cave and she was attempting to set his leg. "Pull, Christy." Neil was urging her. "Pull harder! You're such a baby. Now pull harder." Christy shouted back. "I am pulling, Doctor! I'm pulling my arms off. I can't pull anymore." "Pull it, Christy!" Christy pulled and then stared at the leg she held in her hands, she had pulled the Doctor's leg right out of its socket. Christy screamed, dropped the leg and threw both hands over her face, sobbing. Christy woke, she was sitting up in bed, her hair plastered to her head in a sweat, her hands covered her face. She lowered her hands, she was breathing heavily and tried to calm her heartbeat to listen. No one was coming to see if she was all right. She hoped that she had not screamed out loud and woken everyone. She got quietly out of bed and slipped into a light house coat and tried it at the waist, she slipped her feet into a pair of dainty little carpet slippers. She opened her door and listened again. Not a sound. She slipped out the door and padded down the stairs to the Doctor's room. His light was on. She knocked timidly and entered when bidded to. "Christy, what a nice surprise." Neil put aside the book he had been reading. "What are you doing up so late. Are you all right?" He saw her pale and pinched face. "I'm fine." she told him. "I was just checking to see how you were doing. Does your leg hurt? Do you need any medicine?" her voice trembled slightly. "No, I'm fine lass. What can I do for you?" "Um...nothing. Good night, Neil" "Good night, Christy." Christy walked out the door and closed it behind her. Neil stared at the door perplexed. Christy leaned against the wall. She was shaking. The dream seemed so real. She wiped her face and swallowing a sob, climbed the stairs back to her room to lie awake until morning. ***** Miss Alice was already at the table when Christy came down the next morning. "Welcome back, Miss Alice." Christy greeted her warmly. She hugged her friend. "How are the children in Cataleechie?" "The children are fine, Christy." Miss Alice looked closely at her. "Is thee not well, child? Thou art very pale and it looks as if thee has not slept a wink all night." Christy pulled back from her. "I'm fine, Miss Alice." Christy lied. "It was just so hot last night, that I did have trouble falling asleep." Miss Alice looked at her and accepted what she had said. "I let Fairlight go home to rest and I will be taking care of Neil today. I'm fixing him a tray. Help thyself to the things on the stove" "I'm not very hungry, Miss Alice." Christy gathered her school books and papers. "I think I'll just go over to the schoolhouse and get ready for today." Miss Alice watched Christy as she left and then picked up Neil's tray and carried it to his room. She knocked on the door and opened it and entered. Neil was sitting up with is legs dangling over the side of the bed. He was leaning toward the crutches up against the wall. "And just what do thee think thee is doing?" Miss Alice asked him. She slid the tray onto the bed table and stood before Neil with her hands on her hips. "Ah, I'm goin' crazy, Alice. Let me get up and about. I'm the physician here, and I'm ordering fresh air for this patient. I think I know what's best for me." "Well then, let me push thy bed closer to the window, Doctor." Miss Alice's eyes twinkled. "Besides, isn't Daniel your doctor? And didn't I hear that Doctor Scott has ordered bedrest for 6 weeks?" "6 weeks?" the doctor shouted. "I can na' do it, Alice." Miss Alice picked up the tray and carried it to him. "Here is thy breakfast, Neil." She motioned him to pull his feet back onto the bed and lowered the tray into his lap when he complied. "I know it is very hard for thee. Eat thy breakfast and maybe I can help thee out to the porch later." Neil sighed in discouragement. "Thank you, Alice." He said quietly. Miss Alice settled herself in the chair beside him. Neil glanced at her before picking up his fork. He honestly hoped that she would not sit watching him and making sure that he ate. He paused with the fork halfway to his mouth. "Alice?" he waited. "Eat, Neil." she said briefly. Neil sighed again and put the fork into his mouth. "Has thee noticed Christy, lately, Neil?" she asked him. "What wrong with her?" Neil asked concerned. "I'm not sure. But maybe it wouldn't be too much trouble to give her a check up. She's not eating, not sleeping, very pale..." She trailed off. Neil was thinking. "She checked on me in the middle of the night last night. I thought that was very odd. I will speak with her, Alice." "Thank thee, Neil and don't forget to take thy medicine." ***** *************** Not long ago as I remember, Once upon a dark and windy day When love looked like a dying ember, Before you came to call The beauty of it all I thought I'd lost and yet Cause in my life, Here in my mind in it now shines A guiding light, Never again will I lose my way -Gordon Lightfoot, Anything For Love- *************** Chapter 9 (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) (Summary: Miss Alice visits at school, Neil confronts Christy.) ***** "Okay, children." Teacher was writing words on the chalk board. "These are your new spelling words. Please write them down, we will be having a test later this week" She heard the groans of the children. "And I want you all to be prepared." She turned to the children and saw Miss Alice standing in the door. Christy walked towards her and beckoned her to come inside. Miss Alice met Christy and handed her a lunchpail. "Thee forgot thy lunch, teacher." she scolded gently and walked with Christy back to her desk. "I thought since skipping breakfast, thee might be needing thy lunch. Thee needs to take care of thyself first, Christy, or thee will be no good to anyone else." "Thank you, Miss Alice." Christy blushed. "But I'm fine, really I am." Miss Alice put a hand under Christy chin and raised it until she was looking at her. "Christy, child, I am not your mother, but even I can see something is troubling thee. Neil has orders from me to check on thee." "Miss Alice, no, that's not necessary." Christy protested. Miss Alice dropped her hand and looked at Christy. Christy knew that look. It meant 'Yes, you are and no more arguing.' Christy hung her head. "Yes, Miss Alice." was all she said. Miss Alice turned back towards the door and Christy went on teaching. "All right, does everyone have their words written down? Who would like to take the first word? I want you to say it and then tell me the meaning of it, if you do not know it, you may call on someone who does or you may look it up in the dictionary..." ***** Christy was walking back to the mission house. School was over for the day and she was tired. Christy was climbing the stairs when she realized that Neil was seated on one of benches on the porch with his feet up on a chair with a blanket draped over them. "Christy!" Neil greeted her. He patted the seat next to him. "Come sit here, lass. How was school today?" "Um...fine, doctor." Christy stumbled as she took the seat offered her. "Alice tells me you are not well, Miss Huddleston." Neil looked concerned. "I'm ashamed that I did not notice myself." "I'm fine, doctor." Christy objected. "And who is the doctor here?" he asked her. He looked at her throat, felt her glands, felt her forehead. "Alice tells me your not sleeping, not eating." It was more of a question. His eyes looked into Christy's blue ones. Christy's eyes dropped from his probbing stare and she flushed uncertainly. "Christy?" Neil took his hand and tried to bring her face back up to look at him, but Christy took it away from her face and held onto it. "Christy?" Neil asked again. But Christy just shook her head, it was then that Neil realized she was crying. "Christy." he said more gently. He leaned back into the chair and pulled her close to him. He put his arm around her and let her cry. "Well, I'm a stupid oaf!" He announced. "Letting you run yourself ragged waiting on me and seeing to ma needs before your own." Christy just shook her head. "No, that's not it." her voice was muffled. "Then what is it?" Neil asked quietly. "There's something wrong, I know there is." But Christy keep shaking her head. "No, no, I'm fine, really I am." "I thought we were good friends." Neil sounded hurt. "Friends can tell each other anything, Christy." When she didn't answer, Neil put his other arm around her and rocked her gently, letting her cry without pressing her with any more questions. It could have been 5 minutes later or it could have been hours. Christy was unsure of the time she sat there with Neil. She soaked up his nearness, his masculine smell combined with tobacco and aftershave, and the loving feeling it gave her. But she sat up reluctantly, straightened her blouse and wiped her face with her hand. "I'd offer you my hankie, but I don't have one." Neil told her teasingly. He bent his head and tried to get Christy to look him in the face. "Thank you, doctor." she said quietly and stood up and walked away from him into the mission. ***** *************** If you want to know all reasons for the things I feel inside You can run away and hide if you want to But if you need me, show me a way to get through 'Cause I've not seen anyone like you since I was a man. If you want to know for certain what is written in my soul Where my wildest dreams unfold like an endless stream If you need me, show me a way to walk tall 'Cause I'd not seen anything at all, until I met you. Sun lights up the seasons, Blue eyes light up the night. If you want to know the meaning of these feelings that's alright I could be with you tonight, I swear I'd like to stay If you need me, show me a love that's true 'Cause I've not seen a woman like you since I was a man If you want to know what magic lies beneath the halo'd moon In each corner of each room where my love has strayed If you need me, show me a way to walk tall 'Cause I've not seen anything at all, until I met you If you need me, show me a way to get through 'Cause I've not seen anyting like you since I was a man. -Gordon Lightfoot, If You Need Me- *************** Chapter 10 (Summary: Christy dreams, Christy confides in Miss Alice, Neil overhears. Lisa3- this chapter reminds me of you. When Miss Alice talks, I hear your voice. < Lisa3 played Miss Alice in the CF '99 skit.> I'm afraid that I might have mixed up my thees and thous, I finally had to settle for whatever sounded right.) ***** Christy was having that same dream again. She knew she was dreaming and willed herself to wake up. Doctor MacNeill's leg was in her hands, she was screaming, screaming. Holding it, dropping it, holding it again. Pulling it, now it was attached to Neil and now she had it in her hands. Pulling it hard. Neil's leg, her hands. Neil. Christy. Christy was screaming... screaming... screaming... Christy was jolted out of her sleep by Miss Alice grabbing her shoulders and shaking her. "Christy! Christy! Wake up, dear." "Miss Alice." Christy said with a combination of relief, bewilderment and regret for waking Miss Alice up. "What is it, child?" Miss Alice sat on the bed holding onto Christy's hands while she became more aware of her surroundings. "What a fright thou gave me, Miss Huddleston." "Lordy, Miz Christy!" It was Ruby Mae running into Christy's room. Her eyes wide with fright. "You scared the livin' daylights' outta me. Ya okay? Why, you're as white as this sheet, Miz Christy. Are ya all right, Miz Christy? Can I get ya anything? Ya want some water? Ya want something to eat. Ya want a cold cloth? Ya want some fresh air?" "It's all right, Ruby Mae." Miss Alice was finally able to answer her. "I will sit up with Miss Huddleston, thou may go back to bed." "Yes'm" Ruby Mae said meekly. "If'n ya need me, hollar, ya hear?" and she shuffled back to bed mumbling and feeling left out of all the excitement. "Why do I always miss everythin'? Why do I always git sent back to bed. I never git to stay. I wanna know what's goin' on, too, ya know." Her voice faded as she went down the hallway. "Miss Alice." Christy squeezed her hands. "Thank you." "What is it, child? What's been bothering thee?" Christy was shaking her head, the tears staring again. "Whatever is wrong Christy, will be less troubling if thee will talk about it, bring it out into the open." Miss Alice said gently. "Thou art keeping it all bottled up inside and it's breaking my heart to see thee like this." When Christy didn't answer she went on. "Thou are hurting, child, and I and Doctor MacNeill are hurting right along with thee." She nodded her head yes when Christy looked up at her unbelieving. "Isn't there a saying about thee always hurts the one thee loves best?" Christy's eyes widened with revelation. Was Miss Alice saying that she knew that Christy loved Neil? Christy shook her head in denial. "I... I... It's... It's not that." Christy stuttered. "Then what is it?" Miss Alice asked gently as she patted Christy's hand. "Thee has been having bad dreams." This was a statement. Christy nodded reluctantly. "How long?" Miss Alice inquired. "Since Neil's accident." Christy shuddered. "Tell me about them." Miss Alice coaxed her. "I think thee will find them less potent and frightening if thee will share them with someone. With me." "It's only one." Christy started slowly. "But it's the same one over and over again." Christy covered her face with her hands to shut the vision out. She lowered her hands and looked at Miss Alice, sitting on the bed. Miss Alice wasn't going anywhere. She was going to stay for as long as Christy needed her. Christy took a deep breath. "Doctor MacNeill and I are in the cave after his accident and he wants me to set his leg. I keep telling him no, that I don't want to do it, but he keeps insisting. I want to help him, Miss Alice, but I don't want to hurt him. I pick up his leg..." Christy stops and swallows hard. "...and start pulling. Doctor MacNeill keep shouting at me to pull harder, pull harder and I keep pulling and pulling until I pull his leg right off. I just keep staring at it in my hands. I see it. I feel it. Then this horrible feeling comes over me and I drop it, and I wake screaming... always screaming." Miss Alice hugged Christy and held her tight. She knew Christy's fear was very real. "That is a very frightening dream, Miss Huddleston." Miss Alice was hunting for something to say. She just wasn't sure what to say. "I think dreams have a way of bringing something out that's bothering thee. If thee doesn't let thy feelings out into the open, then nature finds a way to do so for thee." "I don't understand, Miss Alice." "Christy, thee said that thee did not want to hurt Neil, but that thee wanted to help him. But in order to help him, thee had to hurt him." Christy looked confused. "I still don't understand." "Could it be that thee cares for Neil MacNeill more than thou art willing to admit, Christy?" Miss Alice looked Christy in the eye and then put her finger to the tip of Christy's nose, she tapped it lightly. "I will get thee a glass of water, child, and then leave thee to think about what I've just said." Miss Alice walked out the door and came up short. Neil MacNeill was standing there on his crutches, his face a picture of misery, shame, and longing. Alice placed her hand on his arm and squeezed it before making her way downstairs. Neil entered Christy's room on his crutches. He looked at her with a mixture of regret and love. Christy pulled the sheet up to her chest. "Neil?" She asked uncertainly. She was afraid of what he might have heard and wondered exactly how much of it he had. "Aye, lass." he lowered himself into the chair by her bed. "What's that saying about eavesdroppers never hearing anything good about themselves?" He was teasing her trying to make her relax. The look in her eyes stopped him and he drew a hand across his face. "Christy..." He reached for her hand and held it. "I'm so sorry, love. I did na' mean to hurt you. That was not ma intention." He paused. "To tell you honestly, Christy, It was the only way I could think of to keep you with me that night. I did na' want you to leave. I'm ashamed, Christy. Can you forgive me?" Christy put her other hand over Neil's. "Yes, I forgive you, Neil." she said quietly. Neil looked up and saw Christy look at him. She didn't flush and turn away, but stared unyieldingly into his hazel ones. He reached out his arms to her. "Come here, lass!" he said proudly as he drew her close. ***** *************** Let me reach out love and touch you Let me hold you for awhile I've been all around the world Oh how I long to see you smile There's a shadow on the moon And the waters here below Do not shine the way they should And I love you just in case you didn't know. -Gordon Lightfoot, Shadows- *************** Chapter 11 (Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd Family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.) (Summary: Neil remembers his promise and shows his appreciation. I know that Miss Alice doesn't sing, but what about humming? Ok, I guess not.) Doctor MacNeill was up and about on his own two legs. He couldn't wait for the 6 weeks to end, he was very impatient. He knew that doctors make the worst patients and he wasn't an exception to that rule. He ran up the missionhouse steps proving that his leg was strong enough. He'd been off the crutches for about 2 weeks and he loved the freedom. It's strange how much you miss something if it's been denied from you for very long. Neil felt like singing, if he only knew how. He rapped at the missionhouse door and walked in. He threw the boxes he had been carrying onto the table and presented himself in front of Christy. He held up his hand and the other was cocked towards her waist. "A gentleman never forgets his promise." he announced. He nodded towards Alice, "Music, ma'am." Then turned back to Christy. "May I have this dance, Miss Huddleston?" Christy giggled and courtesied. "I'm honored, Mr. MacNeill." she placed her small hands into his. Neil glanced at Alice and saw her standing there watching them smiling and realized that he would have to hum himself if he was to have any music. "Oh no, Miss Huddleston." Neil contradicted. "I'm the one who is so honored." He started humming and gallantly steered Christy about the room as she floated on his arm. When they drew abreast of the table he let go of Christy and grabbed the boxes he had thrown on it. He gave one to Miss Alice and the other to Christy. "This is for all your help while I was convalesing and putting up with me. Ma thanks to you." When they both started to protest, he stated. "I want you to have them. Open them." Miss Alice opened hers first and exclaimed over the new hat pin she found nestled there. It had a round, knobby top with a picture of a horsehead on it. "Neil, you shouldn't have. I love it, thank you very much." Neil laughed boyishly and turned to Christy. "It scared the thee's and thou's right out of her." He turned back to his mother in law. "You are very welcome, Alice." he said as he inclined his head in her direction. Christy was staring into her box. "Oh Neil! It's so beautiful." She held up a hair barrette all shiny with silver filagree. It was so dainty and so precious. Doubly so, since it was Neil that had given it to her. "Thank you." She said softly. "That's to thank you for all your help, Christy." Neil said seriously. "And to show you how much you mean to me." Miss Alice broke in. "Well, then that means I must mean a great deal to thee, too. Does it not, Neil?" Neil turned to Alice and then smiled back at Christy. "Aye, it does, Alice, it does. I gave Fairlight a box of quilting needles and thread. Sam Houston got a little pocket knife and a nice, new, shiny display case for all those arrowheads of his." Neil smiled at the recollection of Sam Houston's amazement, shyness, and happiness. "Ya sent all the way to Asheville fer this fer me? Doc, ya made this fer me all by yerself? Oh, thank ya, Doc." Of course, Doctor MacNeill had to assure him that he had indeed earned the treasures he had gotten before he would accept them. Neil still felt the clasp of the little boy's grubby hands about his neck and the hug they had shared. The people of Cutter Gap were not demonstrative and Neil held the memory to him. "Will you walk with me, Christy?" Neil asked her. He opened the door for her and was soon walking beside her. "Well, I'm off to Low Gap for a few days, Will you miss me?" Christy glanced up at the doctor, his reddish brown hair dancing in the wind. "No doctor." she answered mischievously. She saw Neil's face fall and added,"Because I'm going with you, so you don't get lost and worry everyone this time." Neil laughed. "What's that saying, Christy? Um... Never look a gift horse in the mouth?" Christy pretended to punch him. "No, doctor, the saying you're looking for, is never argue with a woman who is right. And don't be calling me a horse." she added indignantly. "I would never do that, lass. I know better than that." He turned to Christy and drew her close. "I can na' do without you. You are the light of my life, the apple of my eye, and the love of my heart." *************** I feel your touch, I see your face I long to know your warm embrace The night is long, as is my song I'll hum it's tune through time and place. -Gordon Lightfoot, This Is My Song- *************** THE END