Title: Shall We Meet at the River Author: Jan D. Shall We Meet at the River Disclaimer: I am not seeking profit for this story. The Christy characters are the property of the LeSourd family, etc. "I *can't* believe I said that!" muttered David as he slowly dismounted Prince and tethered him to a tree. The crisp autumn air chilled his bones as he observed the thick white mist hanging over the river. He ran his hand through his now disheveled dark wavy hair, on account of his quick ride to the river and started searching for his fishing partner. It was only 5:00 a.m. and not a critter was stirring; not even a mouse! "I *cannot* believe I did that!" His annoyance pierced through the stillness of the forest. He kicked a small shrub and squinted his dark eyes as he kept looking for Neil MacNeill. "After all, that arm wrestling contest was a contest, nothing more! No....it was a test of manhood and now MacNeill wants to best me at fly-fishing! I was a fool to agree to it! Why did I agree to do that? For us to bring our catch to the mission for supper?" he groaned to himself. Suddenly a buckskin jacket, a sportsmans cap and a pair of knee-high boots came into view. "Good morning, Reverend!" a deep and cheery voice called out. "Ready for fishing? Pole's over there!" "It's....only 5:00 a.m......," David yawned as he retrieved his pole and almost cut his finger trying to bait it. "That's fishin' for ya lad. The early bird gets the worm." Neil playfully informed him, his hazel eyes twinkling." He grew more sober minded and reached for David's arm. "By the way, how is that hand of yours? I can remember you complained of a sprained wrist last night. Shall I examine it first?" David Grantland jerked his arm away. "I am stronger than you think, doctor! Shall the games begin?" "Fishing is an experience David, not to be rushed or hurried. Much like courting, you might say." Neil explained thoughtfully. "Courting huh," David murmured sleepily as he watched his line disappear into the water. "I'm too tired to comment." The forest world around them remained silent while Neil threw out his line also. More silence. Slowly by the minute, slivers of sunlight appeared through the tree limbs as the sun began to rise. The heavy mist started to evaporate and the birds began to sing. "I'm not catching anything!" David mumbled as he looked down into the swirling current. "Patience, man." Neil encouraged. "Fishing is a different sport than baseball or even highland games. ...." He paused, reeling in his line before casting it out again with a larger bait. "Yes...fishing can be a quiet time as well as come in handy to be able to provide a meal. It involves the right equipment, skill, patience and timing." David saw something wriggling in the shallow water. "I've got one!" he cried gleefully, pulling on the line until a modest sized fish came into view. "Well, doctor, I can assure you tonight at dinner, I will have the *right equipment" ! Just came in from Boston. A suit that is 100% silk, a satin red tie......" David spoke proudly. "The dapper look of a gentleman, eh. Well, Reverend, I have my grandfather's kilt." Neil replied evenly. A sharp pull on Neil's line abruptly halted any further conversation. David peered over his shoulder. "Hmm not bad." "Oh, I'm throwing this one back! I'll get a larger one that will want to be caught." Neil looked over his shoulder as for emphasis. Not ten minutes later, he got a big bass! "Wow! That is one big fish!" You know, I may not be the world's greatest fisherman, but tonight I am going to *look good*!" David exclaimed as the cove physician slowly gathered his line and carefully extracted the fishing hook from its mouth. After both of them were catching fish, the morning seemed to fly by. ----------------------- "It's spring, Miz Christy! Cain't ya just feel it in the air!" Ruby Mae called as she washed her face in the washroom. She started to look around. "Drat! Now where did I put my bottle?!" "Ruby Mae? Are you alright?" Christy's footsteps could be heard scurrying down the stairs towards the washroom's curtains. "Oh.....uh....everything's fine, teacher. Just lookin' for my orange bottle to help these freckles!" "Did you take something of mine?" Christy's voice grew stern. "No Miz, Christy, I swear!" the girl behind the curtain asserted. "I thought you understood about your freckles, Ruby Mae. That lemons or oranges were not necessary for a girl to have a glowing appearance OR remove your freckles!" Christy's voice from the outside seemed to have a frown stamped on it. "Well, you cain't be too sure just WHO ya might run into! Rob Allen for one!" Ruby Mae grew anxious. "Now where *is* that thing?" "If you are alright, I have some grading to do before dinner tonight." With that, Christy ascended up the stairs in the direction the living room. "Man, am I in trouble! Oh Lordy Lordy!" Ruby Mae grew breathless as she quickly dressed. "I gotta find hit!" ---------------------------- Summer evenings in Cutter Gap had a special beauty as the sun began to lower in the sky, giving way to lavender, orange and pink hues. Inside the mission house, everyone was sitting down to dinner. David came down the steps, wearing a dark brown silk suit, matching vest and a red silk tie. His hair was neatly combed and parted down the side. His starched white shirt was a comely contrast to his dark hair and attire. "David!" Christy's mouth fell open. "You look really nice!" "Why thank you, Miss Huddleston! Came from my mother in Boston". David's smile beamed from ear to ear. "And of course, I can't remember when I have seen anyone more beautiful.......I..ah..can I escort you to dinner?" He held out his arm to her. A sharp knock at the door startled Christy. "Oh...ah...I'll get that. It's probably Dr. MacNeill...." "Probably", David knew the time had come, and Neil would be bringing all his fish, which were quite large! And David's ......well, let's just say they would be edible.... "Neil! You look so....handsome!" Christy marvelled, as she observed he was wearing a buckskin jacket, a blue open-necked shirt, and held out a large bouquet of wildflowers. Not to mention a grin as big as one end of Cutter Gap to the other.... "Christy, I believed I conquered a new frontier! I can count fisherman to my talents!" David glowed, as the fish dinner was served. "Thee has done well, David, but remember thee must stay humble to keep receiving God's blessings." Alice admonished the young preacher as she took a bite. "Delicious!! Both of you have done an excellent job!" "Maybe David would like to fish every now and then." Christy winked at Neil, who quickly returned it. Neil purposely leaned over so only Christy would hear. "I can properly cook a fine steak too, ma'am!" David put his fork down abruptly. "There is no end to what people think I should do here! Preach on Sundays, work, court, work, preach, put up telephone wires, court.....and now you think I ought to be fishing?" His exasperated expression dissolved into laughter. "I guess I *am* getting more and more well-rounded!" At this, everyone at the table joined in the merriment. "Just be careful not to eat too many fish or one day you might be!" Neil waved a knife in his direction. "Actually, doctor, I'm more worried that Ruby Mae's possum pie and Alice's peach preserves may well be my downfall!" David lightly bantered back. A jovial Christy glanced from one to another. Yes, this is what she wanted; for two men in her life to be civil and friendly with each other. All of a sudden the front door flew open and a red-faced Ruby Mae entered. "You're late, Ruby Mae!" Alice observed. "Oh, I'm late! I'm powerful sorry I am! But I jes had to find hit!" the girl blubbered. "Find what, Ruby Mae?" Christy and Alice waited for Ruby Mae's answer. Ruby looked from one person to the other at the dinner table. Slowly, she brought out an old moonshine bottle that was recovered in the schoolhouse where the pigs were kept. "What are you doing with that bottle, Ruby Mae?" Alice wanted to know, and although her voice was firm, it was not unkind. "I had to find somethin' to put the orange juice in for my face!" the girl's countenance fell. "Ruby Mae, there were not any more, *were* there?" Christy grew worried. "Not as far as I know....." The older missionary glanced at David. Neil slowly put down his napkin. "Why are you all looking at me?" David asked, as he felt everyone's eyes burn through his. "Okay, I did give her the bottle. We did not quite get them *all* that one time. There are no more bottles, I swear!" "You what?" Alice calmly asked. "I think you and I need to talk, David..." "I meant well!" David's voice trailed off as he followed her into the kitchen. "Ruby Mae don't listen in their private conversation! Just eat your dinner!" said Christy as she headed for the porch. "Yes, Miz Christy." The red-haired girl smiled to herself, pouring mashed potatoes and beans onto her plate. "Do you want to sit on the porch, Neil?" Christy asked as she held the door open and peered at Neil. "Don't mind if I do, Christy." Neil got up from the table and followed her outside. "I'm so glad you came tonight. Your friendship means a lot to me." I thought you would wear your kilt, Neil. But your shirt is very becoming." gushed Christy. "Isn't it great to be alive?" Christy smiled up at him. "I just feel so energetic!" "Let's walk over to your wee pond this fine evening." As they watched the sunset from the gazebo, he turned and gazed into her eyes. "Yes, lass, it is good to be alive!" The end