Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, CBS series and PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill’s: Part Five, Chapter One/ "Sean and Ian MacNeill" ..................................................................... Ben Pentland called out, "United States Mail," near the MacNeill cabin. Christy came out on to the porch. "Good afternoon, Mr. Pentland. How are you today?" "Just fine, Miz Christy. Got some letters fer ya from down Asheville way and some fer the Doc from Baltimore and Philadelphia. Doc sure knows a lot of folks from far away." "Indeed he does, Mr. Pentland. It’s because of his research. I’m so proud of his work," replied Christy. "Yes’m," said Ben. "I got to move on. I got four more letters to deliver." Christy said good-bye to the postman and went inside the cabin. Ned, her eldest son was six, He was tying trout flies to use when he went fishing with his father. Catherine was playing with her dolls. Christy had baked shortbread cookies earlier in the morning, the recipe had been handed down through his mother’s family. She knew that Catherine would want to have a tea party, it was becoming quite a ritual. If Christy baked cookies, Catherine would bring out her doll’s tea set. Christy smiled to herself. Charlie was taking a nap. Christy leaned over the crib and gently kissed him. She was pregnant again, and enjoying every minute of this one. She sat down to open and read her letters. The first was from Mother and Father. The second was from her Grandmother Rudd. Mist jumped up on her lap and began to nuzzle under her chin. She scratched the cat’s head and under its chin. Mist purred loudly. Her grandmother wrote: Dearest Christy, I am going to be seventy-five years old in June. Your motherand your aunts are planning a party in my honor. How utterly absurd! I am being gracious, though, and I am allowing this totake place. I am going to make it as difficult as I possible, for asyou know dearest, a lady never reveals her true age in public.As far as I am concerned they’ve announced it to the entire population of Asheville. Society’s doyennes are having a good time with this.My daughters will regret their decision, believe me, my sweet. I expect you, your handsome husband, and my delightful great-grandchildren to attend. It is a command, my love. Your husband andchildren are very special to me. You dearest Christy, followed your heart, as I did with your grandfather Shelby. I love you all the more for this, my sweet rebel. My love to you and your family. Always, Grandmother Christy laughed out loud. Her grandmother would make life miserable for her mother and her aunts just because she had the power to do so. She wished she could be a fly on the wall to hear the arguments that would ensue as plans for the party moved forward. Christy knew that she had inherited her grandmother’s feistiness. Neil had loved Grandmother Rudd immediately when he first met her. Unbeknownst to him, she adored him on sight, because here was a manly specimen if ever she saw one! Once she saw how Neil looked at Christy, with such love and devotion, open for everyone to see, there was no doubt in her heart or mind that Christy had chosen her husband wisely. Upon introduction Neil had taken Grandmother Rudd’s hand and kissed it gently. Then he smiled at her, and had put his arm around Christy. Mrs. Rudd warmly welcomed him into the family. She had thought that here was a man who could stand up to her and her daughter Julia. This would be an interesting relationship to! closely watch. When Neil came home after making his rounds, Christy and the children greeted him with many hugs and kisses. He had been gone four long days. Christy showed Neil the letter from her grandmother. Neil knew that Christy needed doses of Asheville a little more than he did. He agreed to make room for a visit for the sake of his beloved wife. He was proud of his family and adored his children. Ned and Catherine could hold their own with their Asheville cousins. Charlie was too young to realize the differences in the way their lifestyle was compared to Asheville ways. Christy ‘s face was radiant with her smile. "Grandmother will be pleased, Neil. We’ll stay with Momma and Daddy and wreak utter havoc with their lives while we are there," she laughed. Neil needed to shower and shave. When he came back into the cabin, Ned showed him the trout fly pattern he was tying. Neil praised his efforts. Ned beamed at his father’s approval. Christy looked at father and son, almost mirror images of each other. Sweet Catherine, she thought, with her father’s unruly hair, and blue eyes and my nose! She is a darling. Charlie awoke and began to fuss. Neil picked him up and was greeted with a smile. Her youngest was beginning to climb. Christy was afraid he would fall out of his crib. He seemed to run everywhere, and he loved to have his Momma run after him. Charlie had a sunny disposition most of the time. His hair was brown, and his eyes were green, just like Grandfather Rudd’s. "I look forward to sparring with Grammy Rudd," said Neil. "She can be stubborn like someone else I know." "Stubborn!" Christy spluttered, "Neil MacNeill you wrote the book on being stubborn!" "Ah, my sweet Lass, it’s one of my endearing qualities you love so well. Then there’s my even temperedness....." Just then Catherine invited them to her tea party. Neil and Christy laughed together. Everyone enjoyed the shortbread cookies and "tea." As the weeks flew by Christy learned from her mother that her grandmother’s party would be an afternoon garden party. Stiff and formal, just like her aunts. ‘Momma is in her glory,’ Christy thought. ‘Poor Neil!" A summer suit would be needed, plus proper clothing for Ned, Catherine and Charlie. She would be seven months pregnant by then. She couldn’t fret about the details. Neil would sense her anxiety and be angry because she was upset. After all these years, her mother still could not understand her daughter’s dislike of Asheville’s social "rules." Christy approached Neil with her mother’s latest letter. He sensed her apprehension, and realized they would need to go to Knoxville in order to buy the proper attire for their visit to Asheville. He would not allow any of the Asheville relatives to think his family should not be seen in polite society. He had his fierce pride and stubbornness. "We’ll need to go to Knoxville, won’t we, love." She nodded, relieved. "I can drop off my latest research results to Dr. Granger." Neil’s field studies were vital to his research team working on a cure for Trachoma. Soon it was time to travel to Asheville. Neil felt Christy could handle the journey. The day of the party Grandmother Rudd looked like the regal matriarch she loved to portray. She’d given her daughters Julia, Lavinia and Lucinda an extremely difficult time over the entire affair. She loved her daughters, but they carried on so about social etiquette and the proper way to conduct their lives, that somehow they forgot how to love and enjoy life. Christy was the great joy of her life. Her granddaughter’s goodness and sweetness were a beacon to those who could appreciate those attributes. As she sat in her chair in Julia’s rose garden, Olivia Hamilton Rudd awaited the arrival of the MacNeill’s. She knew and understood that Christy was now fussing over the children, reminding them to be on their best behavior. She hoped that Christy’s children would have a touch of rebellion like their parents. Christy was indeed fluttering around, adjusting ties and ribbons. Finally Neil had enough. He took Christy’s hand, held Charlie in his arm and said to Ned and Catherine, "It’s time to see your great-grandmother." As they walked toward Grandmother Rudd, she watched a family filled with love and happiness. Christy was enveloped by the love of her husband and children. They stood proud and tall. She greeted them warmly. Christy kissed and hugged her. Neil kissed her hand and hugged her. "I love you, Grammy," said Ned. Catherine hugged her and kissed her cheek, wishing her a happy birthday. Charlie gurgled gleefully as she gave him a hug. No one else in the family called her "Grammy." She secretly loved the name, but would not allow anyone else in the family to use it. She insisted they call her ‘Grandmother Rudd.’ The MacNeill’s were the exception. To everyone else she was the refined matriarch of Asheville society. To the MacNeill’s she was Grammy. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "How are my favorites doing today? Did you have a good trip on the train? I am so happy you could all come. Neil, draw a chair for Christy, she shouldn’t be standing in her condition. Let me hold Charlie on my lap. How are you, my green-eyed precious, your eyes are like your Grandfather’s. Ned, My goodness, you are almost as tall as I am! Now, five feet may seem tiny to you, but when I stand up straight, the rest of the family quakes in their shoes!" Ned laughed at the thought. The rest of the family watched in amazement as Grandmother Rudd assumed an entirely different personality, Gone was the imperious grand dame. In her place was a woman with love and warmth radiating towards her granddaughter Christy, Neil and the children. There was a lightness and a liveliness about her, still a force to be reckoned with. Aunts and cousins looked at their country relatives differently. Grandmother Rudd dropped the pretense, she could be truly comfortable with the MacNeill’s. Their affection for her wasn’t forced, out of some sense of duty. It was natural, from the heart. Julia, William and George joined Christy and Neil. They did not want to miss out on anything that was said. Julia was happy to see that her grandchildren and son-in-law were properly attired. She didn’t want to hear any whispers from her sisters or sisters-in-law about how the MacNeill’s were dressed. She sat down next to her mother and daughter. Catherine climbed up on her lap and gave Julia a hug. She was attracted to the sapphire brooch Julia wore on her blouse. "Gamma, it’s like Momma’s eyes." Neil laughed. He personally felt that Christy’s eyes were more beautiful than the brooch could ever be. Julia answered, "It is the same color as your eyes, my sweet Cat. One day it will be yours." Christy almost answered her mother with a negative reply, but, she kept her own counsel. She was happy to see a softer side to her mother. Grandchildren had that effect on parents. Her grandmother smiled to herself watching the interaction. Indeed, Julia had finally made peace with herself about Christy. Neil never begrudged visits to Asheville, and welcomed Julia and William to their home whenever they chose to visit. His adoration of Christy and his children was apparent for anyone to see. Neil never hid his feelings about his family behind a stoic facade, Julia knew this and was proud to call him ‘son.’ At a recent social event, she and William were introduced to a prominent physician who was visiting friends in Asheville. During the course of dinner conversation the doctor mentioned his specialty was opthamology. William had seized the moment and mentioned Neil’s research. The doctor knew of Neil, as he had read some of the articles Neil had published about his trachoma research. Julia felt Neil’s prominence was like a feather in her cap. After all, he was married to her daughter! Caught up in her thoughts, she did not hear her mother’s question. "Julia?" Mrs. Rudd asked, "when are you planning to serve the food? The family is circling us like a flock of hungry vultures." Neil chuckled at the analogy. Julia snapped out of her reverie, and began to act as hostess. She handed Catherine to William and began to barking orders. Neil took Grandmother Rudd’s hand and Christy’s and led them to the table. As everyone gathered around them, a blessing was said. Food was passed and soon all of the guests were enjoying themselves. Ned and Catherine had never seen so much food before. Finally a birthday cake was brought out. Grandmother Rudd’s wish was for her family’s continued health and happiness. She wished Christy a safe and easy pregnancy. She was concerned, because Christy seemed to be larger, she was all baby. Everyone had a grand time. Two days later, Neil and Christy returned home. David met them at the station with Jeb’s wagon. The children were chattering during the entire trip. Christy was seated with them in the back of the wagon. It wasn’t the most comfortable place to be, especially when she felt as big as a house. They’d only been gone a few days, but she felt like bread dough that had gone through a double rising. Her clothing felt too tight. She couldn’t wait to get home. Neil was also concerned since Christy was much larger at this point than she had been with the first three pregnancies. Neil suspected twins, although he could still only hear one heartbeat. He did his best not to alarm Christy. She was in no physical danger. Twins would be a tremendous amount of work. Christy would feel the strain the most. Ned and Catherine were so young to be burdened by extra responsibilities. Catherine would start school in September. Christy would have the twins and Charlie to deal with during the day. His concern for her health and welfare was paramount. During her next physical exam, Neil heard the second heartbeat. She had not gained a lot of weight, but she was all baby. Christy was worried, because she was larger than she had been in her previous pregnancies. Neil told her what he had heard. "Lass," he smiled. "You’re carrying two wee bairns." "Neil?" she asked. "Two?" She was stunned. "Aye." "But how?" "The usual way," he countered, laughing. "Either two eggs were fertilized, or one split during fertilization. If that’s the case, they’ll be identical." She could not begin to comprehend the extra work that lay ahead of them. Two of everything. "We’ll need two cradles," she said. "I’ll talk to Jeb." "Extra diapers. We’ll need to buy more flannel." "I’ll go to El Pano at the end of the week," he answered. "Feeding them, how will I manage?" "The usual way," he answered seriously. "But Ned, and Cat and Charlie!" "We’ll manage, my love. It will all work out. Have faith." He kissed her and held her close. Three weeks before her due date, Christy began to feel very uncomfortable. Neil was home when her water broke. Labor was very fast. She delivered identical twin sons in the space of a few hours. Sean and Ian MacNeill came into the world like two peas in a pod. Christy was exhausted and amazed at the results. Identical twins! "What am I going to do?" she wondered aloud. End of Chapter One ************************************** Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, CBS series and PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill’s: Part Five, Chapter Two/ "Sean and Ian MacNeill" Summary: The MacNeill family has attended the 75th birthday party for Grandmmmother Rudd in Asheville. A few months later, Christy has given birth to identical twin sons. ..................................................................... Alice sat in the chair next to the bed.Christy couldn’t quite fathom that in eight years of marriage, she had borne five children. Both ladies were cooing at the newborns. After Neil and Christy were first married, a telephone had been installed in the cabin to facilitate communication with the Mission. Neil called Alice when Christy began her labor. Alice arrived in time to assist with the births. Neil also made a call to Asheville to inform Julia and William about their new grandsons. The babies had fallen asleep. Neil came into the bedroom to check on Christy. She was weary. He sat down on the bed, and hugged and kissed her gently. "Thank you for our twin blessings," he said. She smiled at him, and closed her eyes. She was soon asleep. Ned, Catherine and Charlie had been so good during this time. Ned kept his siblings occupied while the babies were being born. Alice prepared supper for them, and they were all ready for bed. Neil led them into the bedroom and let them see their new brothers. The children kissed their Momma good night. Neil took them all into Ned and Charlie’s room and read a story to the three. Charlie fell asleep first, then Catherine. Neil carried his daughter and put her into her bed. For now, peace and quiet reigned in the MacNeill household. Neil savored the moment. It would be a very, very, very long time before this happened again. Christy had been up four times during the night with the twins. Neil was busy taking care of some surgical patients recovering at the Mission. Alice had to go to Cataleechie. She could not hold off the visit any longer. Christy wanted to cry; so did the twins, often. David was in Lufty Branch and Miranda had her hands full with her son Samuel. Opal had come by to check on Christy, which was a welcome relief. Lulu Spencer came by to help babysit Charlie and Catherine. Ned went fishing and caught enough trout for dinner. When Neil came home, both he and Ned prepared dinner. Christy was grateful for the relief. She fed the twins, and slowly, carefully, joined her family for dinner. Charlie and Catherine were overjoyed to see their Momma. Ned hugged her tightly and kissed her. She felt he was too young for the added responsibility he now carried. She knew that the twins would take their toll on her, and indeed they did. Ian and Sean were remarkable. They would put their parents to the test. All Neil and Christy could imagine were two future Creed Allens. These twins could drive their parents crazy. They never cried at the same time. One would stop, and the silence was deafening. Then, the other would start. There were days when Christy would be at her wit’s end. Neil would come home and take one look to see the exhaustion on her face. The twins were a handful. Then, angelic smiles would appear on their faces and all thoughts about selling them to the gypsies would disappear. Routine chores became harder because the babies had their own sense of timing. "It’s going to get better soon," thought Christy to herself many times every day. Ned was back in school with little Catherine. She knew all her letters and numbers. She could count up to 100. Ned has spent time with her, as well as Christy. Every time Christy read her a story, she made her Momma point out the words. In her heart, Christy believed she was on the verge of learning to read. ‘I hope she loves books the I did as a child,’ Christy thought. Charlie loved being home with his Momma. Neil had been home more than usual and would take him out on walks. His medical emergencies had been unusually light. There had been cases of broken bones to be set, sprains to be wrapped and a few surgeries to attend to, but on the whole, medically speaking, things were quiet in the Cove. Since the clinic had been built at the Mission, patients could come to him on a regular basis. He still made house calls and rounds to outlying families, but made a conscious effort to be home more with Christy and the children. In the Spring they would add on the cabin once again. Alice, Opal and Miranda had helped Christy canning the harvest from their garden. Christy and Neil worked hard, Neil had paid Creed and Burl Allen and Sam Houston to dig and plant under Christy’s watchful eyes. They were young men now, fourteen and sixteen, itching to make their mark on the world. Soon neighbors would gather for the Fall slaughter of their hogs. They would smoke hams, chops, and ribs. Sausage and souse would be made, Bacon needed to be salted and smoked. This was an all day, back breaking event. Neil’s family was getting larger, and he did not want his children to ever go hungry. Chickens and geese were penned to keep foxes and racoons away. Fish were abundant. Ned was learning to hunt. Neil taught him how to shoot a shotgun. Target practice was a regular part of their routine, as well as fishing. Alice had taught Catherine to knit. She had made her Poppa a woolen muffler to keep him warm during the winter. Charlie loved to draw, taking after his Momma. He would find an interesting leaf or stone on his walks with Neil, although he sat on Neil’s shoulders most of the time, then he would try to draw them. Neil imagined that Charlie would become very skilled with drawing pencils as he grew older. He had a keen sense of observation as well. This year both Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent in Cutter Gap. Christy’s parents spent Thanksgiving with George and his wife, Susan. Christmas was white, although it was light, but an ice storm followed in its wake, making traveling difficult to or from the Cove for the holiday. Alice had managed to convince Neil and Christy to come to the Mission for Christmas. Dr. Ferrand would perform the Christmas service in David’s stead. David, Miranda and the children were in Boston visiting their families. The children adored their Granny Alice. She thanked God every day for these blessed children. They all shared a beautiful Christmas morning together. The twins fell asleep during Church, it was better than fussing and crying, much to Christy’s relief. There were few gifts, but the children were pleased. Stockings held oranges and some walnuts. They shared a boisterous dinner together. Jacob was warmed by the interaction between the children and Alice. Their love for her, and hers for them all was very apparent to him. If only he could get her to share her heart with him. That was his Christmas wish. Bird’s Eye Taylor had given Alice a venison roast as payment for medical treatment. She had cooked it to perfection, Christy had made a plum pudding for dessert. They all sat around the fire in the early evening, with Neil, Christy, Alice and Jacob taking turns reading "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. The tree was decorated with popcorn and ornaments made by all of the children. Charlie and the twins were asleep. Neil and Christy put all of their children to bed. Jacob retired for the evening to David’s old bunkhouse. Alice said goodnight to the children and tucked the older ones into bed. The twins were now sleeping through the night. Alice retired to her room. Neil and Christy sat by the fire on the settee. "Merry Christmas, Lass." "Merry Christmas, darling." She hugged him. "Make love to me, Neil." He picked her up and carried her up the stairs into their room. It was a fitting end to a perfect day. Two days later the family returned home to the cabin. Neil had made sure that all of their animals would be well tended by Sam Houston. The children were glad to be home. The house smelled of pine, from the boughs on the mantle and the small Christmas tree Christy had insisted on putting up. She did not use the ornaments her Grandmother had given them for their first Christmas. She knew better because of the two cats! Mist and Smoky were yowling at them, twining themselves between the legs of Catherine and Charlie. Neil and Ned built up the fires to take the chill out of the house. Christy kept the twins bundled up until she could feel warmth returning to the rooms. There were chores to be done. Ned helped Neil bring in firewood. Christy fired up the stove. There was dinner to cook, eggs to be collected and a cow to be milked and first and foremost, babies to feed. Like clockwork, Ian and Sean let her know that they were hungry. The routine was back in place. End of Chapter Two. ****************** Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, CBS series and PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill’s: Part Five, Chapter Three/ "Sean and Ian MacNeill" Summary: Identical twins, Sean and Ian were born in August. The family is coping. The holidays were spent in Cutter Gap. It is now late Spring. ................................................................................................. Over the years Opal McHone and Christy MacNeill had become very good friends. Christy truly missed Opal’ sister, the late Fairlight Spencer. Fairlight became Christy’s first friend when the young school teacher first came to the Cove twelve years ago. Opal reached out the hand of friendship, and Christy eagerly grasped it. The mountain woman had taught Christy many practical things over the years, which had made Christy’s life as a mother easier. She visited Christy whenever she could spare the time, especially after the twins were born. This particular morning had not had a good start. Both twins had suffered with a bout of diarrhea. Neil was able to hive them medication to stop it, but she had a ton of dirty diapers boiling in the laundry tubs. She was not in a cheerful mood, and neither was Neil. Ben Pentland had brought a package from her parents. It was a photograph, a family portrait that had been taken on their last trip to Asheville. Christy asked Neil where they could hang the picture, and he answered her flippantly. She started to take umbrage at his remark. He walked out the door and said her was going to Jeb’s. Before she could take a step forward, one of the twins started to cry. She went into the bedroom to see what was wrong. Both twins had wet diapers, so she changed them. Then she went outside to vent her displeasure on the tubs of diapers. Boiled and disinfected, she had to put up an extra row of clothesline to hang them all up to dry. She went inside to feed the twins and make Charlie lunch. Opal stopped by. "Lordy, Christy, I though maybe Doc had declared a quarantine of yer cabin, with all them white pieces of flannel flappin’ in the breeze!" Christy’s dark mood was broken. She laughed. "Oh, Opal, a visit with you is just what I needed. Sometimes I just don’t understand my husband." "Yer not alone in that, honey. Sometimes they jest don’t make no sense t’all. Ya jest got to live with it." "It’s hard, Opal." "Yes, it is. But I cain’t imagine that life i’d be like if I didn’t have Tom. Men got their pride, and it rears its ugly head when you least expect." "I suppose you are right, Opal." "You got to trust me on this, I’ve been married a heap longer than you." They both laughed, and shared a cup of herbal tea. Meanwhile, Neil was furious with himself. He had stopped by the Spencer cabin to talk to Jeb, who was his best friend, and now he was injured. He just needed a bit of time to shoot the breeze, so to speak. Christy was in a wee bit of a temper, and Neil found that sometimes absence made the heart grow fonder. A few miles of space couldn’t hurt either. Jeb and John were trimming branches of trees near the cabin. There were a few limbs that might damage the roof if they broke off during a storm. Neil had offered to help them, and Jeb agreed. An extra pair of hands was always welcome. John had lashed heavy rope around the limbs to help guide them safely down to the ground once they had been cut from the trunk. While they were guiding the last limb, the rope slipped. Neil was struck on his left shoulder, which became dislocated. Neil cussed a blue streak. Jeb was truly concerned about Neil’s injury but he had to laugh, hearing Neil curse. "Haven’t heard you utter one cuss word! since you married Christy. I thought maybe you’d forgotten them." Despite his pain, Neil grinned. "I learned a few in Scotland, Christy doesn’t know what they mean. I need your help, Jeb. You’ve got to pull my shoulder back in place." Jeb looked at John. "Get the jug, son." John went into the cabin. "Jeb, I know it’s going to hurt like hell. I don’t need moonshine." Jeb grinned wickedly. "The shine’s for me." Both men laughed. John handed his Daddy the jug. Jeb gave it to Neil. He took a healthy swig, and gave the jug back to Jeb, who did the same. Following Neil’s instructions, Jeb pulled hard and the shoulder popped back into place. Neil took another drink. "It’s a good batch. Who made it?" "Bird’s-Eye." "Tell him I could use a jug. I’m almost out. I keep it on hand for emergencies, locked away. Christy abhors the stuff." Jeb nodded. Neil asked John to go to his saddle bag and pull out a large square of muslin. Following Neil’s directions, John made a sling, and Jeb helped Neil into it. "What good is a one armed doctor?" Neil said aloud. "How long will you be laid up?" asked Jeb. "A few days, but the soreness will linger for a while. Damn. I’d best get home. Hopefully her temper has simmered down, maybe I’ll get a little sympathy." Standing on the cabin steps, with John and Jeb’s help, Neil was able to mount Duke and ride home. When he arrived at the cabin, Neil dismounted Duke with great difficulty. Ned was outside and ran to his father immediately. He helped Neil unsaddle the horse. Neil worked up a sweat with the pain every time he jarred his arm. Ned took care of Duke, and Neil carefully and slowly walked to the cabin. He opened the door and Christy whirled around. She ran to him and was about to question him, but stopped, seeing the pain etched on his face. "I dislocated my shoulder helping Jeb and John cutting tree limbs. I need to lay down, Christy, and I need to take just a wee bit of medication." "Why only a little?" "I’ve had a swig or two of moonshine." Christy didn’t say a word. She led Neil to their bedroom and helped him undress. "You’ll have some beautiful bruises, Neil." "How can I be a doctor with one arm?" "Neil, you are ambidextrous. Your write with your left hand and operate with your right hand. I f you need to take notes, I’ll write them for you." She filled a bowl with the water from the pitcher on the nightstand and washed his face. "What medication can I get for you?" He told her and she went to his medicine cabinet and selected the powder. Following his instructions, she mixed it in water and gave it to him. "Sleep now. I’ll try to keep the children quiet." Neil gathered his thoughts and observations. She hadn’t fussed and fawned over him, which meant he was still in the dog house. Perhaps he shouldn’t have left; he wouldn’t be injured, but then, Jeb or John might have been seriously hurt instead. He fell asleep as these thoughts jumbled through his mind. Christy checked on Neil throughout the afternoon. She called Miss Alice at the Mission to find out what symptoms or signs she should be aware of in case Neil was in distress. Christy had been angry at Neil earlier. She had asked him a question, and his answer seemed flippant to her. She wasn’t a child or a schoolgirl, she was his wife, the mother of his children. She felt her temper rise, and he knew it as well. He walked out and said he was going to Jeb’s. Before she could go after him, Ian started to cry. She turned to her baby son, and Neil was gone. He could still make her blood boil. Now he was injured and she had to care for him. She prepared dinner for her children and brought Neil a tray. Neil expected her to stay with him. "I have to feed the children first. I cut the meat and the vegetables for you, Neil. You should be able to manage them." Christy was feeding the twins more from the bottle, rather than exclusively nursing them herself. They were teething in earnest now, which was becoming more and more painful for her. Neil could hear his children’s voices as they chattered through dinner. Christy finished feeding the twins and set them in their playpen. Catherine helped her Momma with the dishes. Ned brought in Neil’s tray. Neil felt isolated and called to Christy. "Are you in pain?" "No, I want to see my children." "They are finishing their homework, Neil. They’ll be in shortly to see you." She thought that doctors never made good patients. She would not jump at his command. Who did he think he was? She had five children to look after, and right now, it felt like six! Then she felt guilty. She walked back into the bedroom. Her heart went out to her husband. He looked so sad and pathetic. She sat next to him on his right side so she wouldn’t jostle his left side. Quietly she said, "You made me very angry today, Neil, by walking out on me. You’ve never done that before. It hurt." "You asked me where to hang the photograph of our family. I said my opinion didn’t matter." "That’s not true," she answered, and she poked him in the middle of his chest. "Your opinion does matter. Sometimes I just don’t agree with you." "You know that it is, Lass. No matter where I tell you to hang a picture or a photograph, you end up moving it to where you want it displayed." "I disagree," she said as she poked him again. "Lass, I am sorry I hurt you," he said patiently. "But I am already bruised on my left side, I don’t need more bruises in the center of my chest." Her eyes flared with regret. She had unconsciously poked him. Then a glint of something else appeared in her eyes. "Does this make it better?" she asked as she kissed the spot where her finger had poked him. "It helps." "How about here?" She gently kissed his shoulder. "Much better." "And here?" she asked as she kissed his lips. "I could get addicted to this kind of medicine." Christy giggled impishly. "I don’t want to administer an overdose to you. I’d better get the children ready for bed. Can they come in to say good night to you?" "Of course, Christy." "All right, they’ll be in shortly, then." Christy left Neil to help the children get ready for bed. They came in to say good night to their Poppa. Cat was startled to see Neil in bed with a sling on his arm. Charlie really didn’t understand what had happened. Ned gently leaned forward and kissed Neil. He ruffled Ned’s curls and bid him good night. Wide eyed, Catherine climbed up to kiss Neil. Then she quickly leaned over and kissed his shoulder. "I kissed it to make it better, Poppa." Neil gently hugged her to him. "You’re so like your Momma, my wee lassie." Christy smiled at him as she held Charlie in her arms. "Say good night to Poppa, Charlie." "Night Poppa." ‘Good night, wee one," said Neil, as he gently kissed his son. "I’ll be back, darling," said Christy. She heard the children’s prayers and read them a story and settled them in their beds. She returned to the bedroom, took care of the twins and got them ready for bed. "I feel so useless, Christy." "Don’t be ridiculous, Neil. This is only temporary. You’ll be fine in a few days. I bet you’ll be up tomorrow because you cannot stand to be idle, in bed, against your wishes. While I would love to stay with you and help you to rest and recuperate, our little ones have their own agenda." "Oh Lass, you do me good. Come here, please." "I don’t want to hurt you." "You won’t, I promise. I need you close." "Are you sure?" "I’ve never been so sure about anything else, my love. Stay with me." They kissed each other and Christy snuggled against him. "You are a healing balm, my sweet Lass." "I’m sorry I got angry with you." "You had every right to be angry, Christy. I was a stubborn fool. Forgive me, my sweet." "Only if you forgive me." "Done. Now sleep, my love, you need to rest." A week later Neil was recovered. The twins were still teething. Christy was practically in tears. It was a difficult and stressful time for the three of them. Neil came home early and saw what was happening. He went into the lab and brought out a small vial and an eye dropper. He put a few drops of the liquid on Ian’s affected gums and rubbed it on the surface. He did the same with Sean. He had also done this with all the other children when they were teething. Christy was grateful for the quiet. The twins were both gumming knotted pieces of huck toweling, quietly as could be. "I don’t know what that liquid is darling, but it works every time. Thank you, Neil." She kissed Neil, and put the twins back into their cribs. Neil smiled. Never in a million years would he ever tell Christy that the liquid was Bird’s-Eye’s moonshine! End of Chapter Three ********************** Disclaimer: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. I am writing this for my own personal enjoyment. This story is based on themes from the book, the CBS series and the Pax movies. Title: The MacNeill's Part Five/ Chapter Four "Sean and Ian" Summary: This chapters continues to explore events in the lives of Neil and Christy's children, identical twins Sean and Ian. .......................................................... Bird's Eye Taylor had been tracking a six point buck in the early morning hours. So intent was he on his prey, he failed to take notice of the panther sitting on a limb far above him. The mountain man sensed danger at the last minute and started to move as the big cat leaped. His claws ripped his shoulder and back. Bird's Eye was agile, and he whipped his hunting knife out and began to defend himself. After a brief, vicious battle, the cat was dead. Bird's Eye was hurting, and knew this wasn't a wound he could take care of on his own. He was about a half mile from MacNeill's, and he hoped the doctor would be home. Neil had just returned from Raven Gap. He was tired, but very happy to be home with his family. The twins were talking like magpies, asking questions all the time. "Why, Poppa?" "Why, Momma?" were staples of their vocabulary. The boys had his unruly, curly hair, but it was light brown. Their eyes were blue, but not as deep as Christy's. They provided Neil and Christy with a lot of mischief, and to be honest, neither would have it any other way. They were playing on the porch, "fishing" over the railing with a stick and a string. They started to jump up and down when they saw Neil returning home. Neil smiled broadly at the two. He led Duke into the barn and began to brush him down. The twins "helped" him. Finally Ned and Charlie found them, and Duke was in his glory. "Where's Momma?" he asked them. "She's inside making a dress for Catherine," Ned replied. Neil drew some water and began to shave. He didn't want to kiss his wife with a three day stubble on his face. The twins went outside to resume their game. A few minutes later they came running, calling to Neil, "Poppa, Poppa, Mr. Taylor’s bleeding! Neil ran out, and saw Bird's Eye staggering towards him. "Run and tell Momma to get the sick bed ready, and to boil water for me. Charlie and the twins scurried to the cabin. Ned came running to help his father support Bird's Eye. They carefully entered the cabin and Neil laid Bird's Eye down on the bed. He cut away the remnants of his shirt, and cleansed the wounds. Bird's Eye had refused to let Neil give him any kind of sedation. "You're going to need stitches, and you are going to have to stay here for a day or two." Bird's Eye protested, but Neil would have none of it. "I am worried about infection. I don't want the wounds to turn septic. We'll have to keep a strict watch over them." "How am I going to pay ya, Doc?" "By staying here, Bird's Eye, you are going to have to endure the company of my children, especially the twins. The older three are in school during the week, and won't be around much during the day. No matter how hard Christy will try to keep them away from bothering you, they'll find a way to see you. And they will ask you a ton of questions. If you can be patient with them, that will be payment enough, believe me." Neil continued to surgically repair the wounds and Christy assisted him.Bird’s Eye realized the severity of his wounds, so he didn't argue with Neil. The children stayed out of the way. It took Neil almost three hours to work on Bird's Eye. Christy prepared dinner for the family, and made Bird's Eye some nourishing soup. Catherine solemnly watched the taciturn mountain man. He finished eating, and She took the bowl away. "Would you like some more soup, Mr. Taylor?" "No ....thank you." "How about dessert? Momma made blackberry cobbler. It's Poppa's favorite. She makes the best, and that's a fact." Bird's Eye couldn't resist this curly haired little gal. He didn't have very much exposure to little gals, but this one, well she was special. He nodded to her. She skipped off, calling for her Momma. Neil tried to quiet her down, by reminding her that Mr. Taylor was hurt. "He'd like some dessert, Poppa." Christy took another serving from the pan, and as a special treat since Neil had come home, she added a dollop of sweetened, whipped cream. Catherine took the bowl to Bird's Eye, and came back to join her family at the table. Bird'e Eye could hear the chattering children, and for a moment was saddened that he no longer had Lundy. So many times he wished he had done things differently, but life was hard and you took whatever came at you. Christy came by with a tall glass of cold water. "Would you care for anything else, Mr. Taylor?" "No thank you." "Then I'll let you rest." Bird's Eye tried to find a comfortable position. Neil brought him a sedative mixed in water to help him sleep. He also gave him something for the pain. Bird'e Eye didn't object. As he was drifting off to sleep, Catherine came over and kissed his cheek. "Good night, Mr. Taylor," she whispered. For the first time in many years, he felt a sense of peace. Neil called Alice to tell her he would not be coming to the clinic the following morning, unless it was a dire emergency. He told her about Bird's Eye's wounds, he was afraid they would become infected. Alice understood, and told him she would probably drop by in the afternoon. After getting her children off to school, trying to keep them from being too noisy, Christy prepared breakfast for the twins and the patient. She brought a tray to Bird's Eye while the twins devoured their pancakes. "Would you prefer honey or molasses?" "Molasses would be fine. Yer spoilin' me somethin' fierce." Christy smiled at him. That's part of my job, Mr. Taylor. " "I'd be obleeged if you'd use my front name." "I'll try Mr.......Bird's Eye." She smiled again. "Let me bring you some coffee." She was happy that the smell of the hot brew no longer made her queasy. Ian's shirt was dripping with molasses. A piece of saturated pancake had fallen on his shirt. He tried to wipe it off with his hand which was now a sticky mess. Christy looked at Ian, she couldn’t resist smiling. "Come here, Ian. Let me wash your hands. No, don’t touch your hair." She got a warm, soapy wash cloth and tried to clean the sticky mess Ian had made. She changed his shirt and set it to soak. Sean was not in as bad a shape as far as stickiness went. Christy apologized to Bird’s Eye for not bringing him his cup of coffee right away. She explained about the molasses mess. "My house would be covered in sticky patches," she said laughing. Bird's Eye took the cup and thanked her. He'd never seen a family like Doc's before and it left him befuddled, not that he would ever admit it. She sent the boys out to play, in order to let Bird's Eye get some rest. "Stay near the cabin," she warned them. "I may need your help later." She sat quietly in the rocking chair near the hearth; if Bird's Eye needed something she would here him. She picked up her basket of darning. In ten and a half years, she'd never seen the bottom of the basket. Smiling ruefully to herself, she began to stitch. The boys were skipping flat stones across the creek. "You're scaring the fish away," said Neil. The twins hadn't seen their father across the water. They started jumping with glee. Neil crossed the creek and dismounted. The boys led Duke to the barn. After caring for the horse, Neil and the boys washed up at the pump. Neil came into the cabin. Christy smiled as she looked up at him. He walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek. "How is Bird's Eye?" "He's been sleeping quite a lot. There's been no sign of fever." "That is very good news. Lass, I want to change his dressings." He walked over to where Bird's Eye was resting. "How are you?" he asked. "I've been better," said the stoic mountain man. "I can believe that," replied Neil. "I want to check your wounds." Christy assisted Neil. All three adults were unaware that the twins had come in quietly. They watched in awe as their Poppa worked quickly and efficiently on Bird's Eye. The sight of the ugly claw marks transfixed them. Mr. Taylor had killed the big cat, and therefore rose to almost hero status in their eyes. Christy turned with the basin of soiled bandages in her hands. She raised her eyebrow at the duo, and they sat down quietly on the couch. Neil administered a sleeping draught to help Bird's Eye get some needed rest. "Come boys, let's go to Uncle Jeb's." He was trying to let his patient have some quiet time. He also wanted Christy to rest. She was pregnant again, in her first trimester. The older three would be home from school soon. He kissed Christy on the cheek and then led their two imps up toward the Spencer cabin. Jeb had discovered the carcass of the panther and skinned it for Bird's Eye. Word had spread throughout the Cove about his serious injury. When Neil arrived with the boys, Jeb showed him the skin. The twins were amazed at the claws. "Bird's Eye was damned lucky," Jeb said. Neil nodded in agreement. "It's a good thing," Jeb continued, "that he was close to your cabin. The bad thing is that the cat was so close to your cabin in the first place." Neil shuddered to think about that, knowing how much his children loved to wander about the property. He hoped that the same thought wouldn't cross Christy's mind. When they returned home the twins couldn't wait to tell Mr. Taylor about the panther's claws. "They're so big and sharp," said Sean in an animated voice. "Never saw claws so sharp." "I know," said Bird's Eye, with irony. "I hope I never see sech claws ag'in." "Come boys, let Mr. Taylor be," said Neil. "Do you think you can sit up for a while, Bird's Eye? I'd like you to walk a bit about the cabin. I don't want you to stiffen up." Neil eased a shirt over him. He borrowed it from Jeb, who was similar in stature. Bird's Eye stood up and walked around the perimeter of the room. Then he had to sit down; his legs felt weak. "What's wrong with me?" "Nothing," said Neil. "It's a natural reaction. Try sitting up for a while." Christy was cooking dinner, and Catherine was helping her. Delightful smells filled the cabin. She came by the two men and asked, "Bird's Eye, would you care for some venison stew or vegetable soup?" "Stew would be fine, Miz Christy." Neil asked, "Would you like to join us at the table? Do you feel up to it?" Bird's Eye hesitated. Christy smiled and walked away. If he was in pain, he didn't want to admit it in front of her. He looked at Neil. "I'm feeling poorly, Doc. I think I'd be better off stayin' here for now. Neil nodded. He put his hand gently on Bird'e Eye's good shoulder. "You've suffered a serious injury. We're going to have to come up with some excercises to help you regain the use of your muscles. Rest while you can." After dinner, the children did their chores and had their homework checked. They all got washed and were ready for bed. "Poppa," said Charlie, " would you read us a story?" Neil smiled, so the five gathered round, near the hearth for warmth. Catherine, Charlie and the twins sat on the couch. Ned lay on the floor with his head propped up by his elbows and hands. Neil selected a volume from the bookcase. Christy sat down in her chair, and picked up her quilt patches. She was working on a quilt for the new baby. Bird's Eye observed the family sitting together quietly. Neil sat down in the rocking chair and cleared his voice. "Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. Chapter One. The Old Sea Dog At The 'Admiral Benbow'." The End of Part Four Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, CBS series and PAX movies. TITLE: The MacNeill’s Part Five / Chapter Five "Sean and Ian" Summary: This continues the story of the mischievous twins. .................................... Sean and Ian could be very patient and quiet when they were hunting. Not hunting with guns for food, but hunting frogs, salamanders, small animals, and tadpoles. Today, Sean had his eye on a baby rabbit. He had been able to corner it; he scooped it up and put it in the rabbit hutch. When Charlie saw it, he scolded Sean. The tiny rabbit was distressed. Where did you find it?" "By the rhubarb patch," Sean answered. Charlie opened the hutch, took the baby rabbit out and returned it to the patch so that it could find it’s mamma. Sean got very angry with his brother. "I’ll get you back," he yelled and stomped away. Charlie shrugged his shoulders and put the incident out of his mind. Christy was now in her last trimester. She was tired and had not been feeling well. Earlier in the morning she told Neil that she was "irregular." He brought her the bottle of castor oil. She took a teaspoon, and hoped it would help. Sean had watched her put the bottle on the shelf above the sink. Now all of the children had taken doses of castor oil at one time or another. It was good for what ailed you. Sean had stomped inside the cabin after leaving Charlie, and was promptly yelled at by Catherine because Momma was laying down. This made him even angrier. He saw the bottle on the sink and then he formed a plan. He took apple cider from the spring house and mixed some castor oil into it. He carried the glasses out on to the porch and offered some to Charlie and Ian. His plan went awry because he mixed up the glasses by accident. His brothers drank the ‘good’ cider, and he drank the wrong one. An hour later he barely made it to the outhouse. Many trips were made that afternoon. Neil came home and found Christy resting. "Did it help?" "Yes, thank you." "Where’s the bottle?" "On the shelf above the sink." Neil went to get it and found it on the counter. An eighth of the bottle was empty. He returned to Christy. "How much did you take?" "A teaspoonful. Why?" "Christy, this was a fresh bottle. There are at least three tablespoons missing." She sat up looking bewildered. At the exact same moment, they each said , "the twins." Neil went out on to the porch. Ned was tying trout flies. "Where are your brothers?" Neil asked. "Charlie’s feeding the animals, Poppa, and Ian is helping him." "Where is Sean?" "He’s been in the privy, Poppa. He’s been doin’ the green apple quick step most of the afternoon." "Is there something going on that Momma and I don’t know about?" "Sean and Charlie had words earlier because Charlie freed a baby rabbit that Sean had caught." Neil went and stood outside the outhouse. "Sean are you all right?" "Poppa, I don’t feel so good right now." "Can you open the door?" "Yes Poppa," and he did. Neil looked at his son, who looked green around the gills, and was holding his stomach because of cramps. "Are you still going?" Neil asked him. "Poppa, there can’t be anything left inside of me. I hurt from wipin’ so much." Christy came by. "It serves you right, young man. Neil, he laced apple cider with the castor oil. You must have mixed up the glasses, Sean. I’d say justice has been served." Neil was angry with his son, and was trying very hard to control his temper. Christy sensed this, and wanted to give him a moment before he yelled at his son. "Come Sean, let’s get you cleaned up." Neil gave them ten minutes before he came in to see Sean. "Who was supposed to get the cider?" "Charlie." "And what would have happened if Momma had drunk the glass instead?" Sean paled. "If your bottom wasn’t already sore, I’d blister it with my hand." Neil’s voice was thunderous. "Don’t you ever touch a bottle of medicine, ever. Do you hear me, young man? Unless I tell you directly, you are never to touch any of my medical supplies. You can stay in your room, in bed for the rest of the day." Sean’s hands held his stomach. "You may leave it only if you have to use the privy." He walked out of the room and slammed the door. The rest of the children were all subdued. They had never heard such anger in their father’s voice before. Neil went to find Christy. She was in their room, dabbing her eyes. "I had to yell at him, Lass." She nodded. "Don’t cry about it." She shook her head. "What’s wrong?" "Oh, Neil, I know it’s not funny," she said stifling a giggle. "But he got a dose of his own medicine. I’m laughing at the irony of it all." Neil smiled with her. He could feel himself calming down. "Sean will need to take in liquids. I don’t want him to get dehydrated." "I’ll take care of it," she said. "Let’s make dinner." The quiet atmosphere lasted for about an hour, and then the boisterous nature of the family resumed. Charlie went in to speak with Sean. "I’m sorry, Charlie," said Sean. He had been crying. Charlie have his brother a brief hug, and sat down on the bed. He grabbed a book off the shelf, and began to read Sean a story about Sinbad the Sailor. When Christy entered the room with a glass of water, she found Sean leaning on Charlie’s chest absorbed in the story. She kissed both her boys and walked out of the room, smiling. The End of Chapter Five Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, CBS series and PAX movies. TITLE: The MacNeill’s Part Five Chapter Six "Sean and Ian" Summary: This continues the story of the mischievous twins. ......................................... Sean and Ian stopped sharply in their tracks. They had come to a wild strawberry patch without telling their Momma or Poppa where they were going. That was their first mistake. Poppa had warned them constantly about being aware of their surroundings. Unfortunately they were like whirling dervishes, always on the move. They forgot about snakes. Neil had warned them that snakes liked to hide in the berry patches because birds were attracted to the fruit. When the birds came close, the snake would strike, their venom would paralyze the birds and the poor things would become their next meal. Wise words and a warning from their father, which went unheeded. Now on their way home, crossing Bear Ridge, their hands and faces were stained with strawberry juice. The berries were so ripe and oh so sweet! Then they heard the tell-tale buzzing of the rattlesnake. It was about four feet away from them and they froze abruptly. The snake was on an outcropping, but they couldn’t tell how big the snake was. It was curled up, taking in the warm summer sun. They had made so much noise, the snake knew they were close. They took a step backward, very slowly, until they could lean against a ledge of rock. The snake enjoyed the warmth of the sun. The boys stayed, transfixed by fear. In the meantime, Christy and Neil were frantic. No one had seen the boys since lunch. Neil, Ned, and Charlie set out searching for the mischievous twins. Christy fretted the entire afternoon. Word had spread, and neighbors were now searching for the duo, along with Alice and David. ‘What had she ever done to deserve these angelic demons?’ she thought to herself. When they slept, they were perfect. But when awake, the entire family, except for Amelia, were on their guard. On the ridge, Sean told Ian he was scared. "Me too," said Ian. "What should we do?" asked Sean. "Nothin’" "The snake might bite us." "Don’t move." "I’ve got to pee." "Then go, Sean. Just don’t aim it at the snake." "How long do we have to wait here?" "Until the rattler moves." "When is that? asked Sean. "When he’s good ‘n ready." "Momma and Poppa are gonna be mad." "Yup, real mad." "We’re in a heap of trouble, Ian." "Yup, big trouble." It was nearly five o’clock in the afternoon. Bird’s-Eye Taylor came over the Ridge. He heard the boys, and saw the snake. With on shot he quickly dispatched the threat. The twins jumped at the report of the gun. "You two are in a mighty heap ‘a trouble." "Yes, sir," said Ian. "Your Momma and Poppa are beside themselves with worry." "We’re sorry," said Sean. "Thank you, Mr. Taylor," said Ian. "Don’t thank me, boy," said Bird’s-Eye. "You were both being real stupid. "Yes sir," said Ian. Bird’s-Eye successfully fought off the hint of a smile. These two young ‘uns had thawed his heart. Hell and tarnation, all the MacNeill children had that effect on him, ever since he was clawed by that damn panther. He led the boys back to the cabin, firing three shots so the searchers would know that the buys were safe. Christy hugged her twins first, and then yelled at them. She hugged Bird’s-Eye impulsively and thanked him for finding her sons. "Please stay. I know that Neil would like to thank you for your help. We’re obliged to you." "Miz Christy, you got your hands full with a heap of trouble in those two. I think the good Lord is testing your patience." "You’re absolutely right, Bird’s-Eye. I’m at the end of my rope. "They’re good boys, but they’ve a bit of the devil in them." "More than a bit, I’m afraid," replied Christy. "I insist that you stay for supper. Please." Christy knew that many of the men folk had lost hours of work searching for her two little scamps. She’d used her large canning pot to make a huge pot of chicken vegetable soup. She’d baked four corn breads, The least she could do was feed the search party. She also knew that Neil would be upset at her exertions. Amelia was a toddler now, and still keeping her busy. Neil just forgot to factor in the forces of Ian and Sean, and how they still drained her energy. Bird’s-Eye nodded and sat on the porch. Jeb Spencer came by first. "Howdy Bird’s-Eye." "Jeb," he said, "how’s the honey business?" "We’re doing right well. I can’t complain. Tom’s been a big help to me. I got me a buyer down Knoxville way who takes most of the honey. We’re gettin’ by." Ned, Charlie, Miss Alice, David and Neil all came in from different directions. As he approached the porch, Neil greeted Jeb and Bird’s-Eye. Miss Alice went inside. Ned, Charlie and David stayed on the porch. "So where are my identical scamps?" asked Neil. "They’re getting a bath from their Momma." replied Jeb. "Oh that’s punishment enough," laughed Neil. "They hate baths, especially when they’re given by Christy. Who found them?" "I did," said Bird’s-Eye. "I’m obliged to you. Where were they?" asked Neil. "On Bear Ridge," he replied. "A rattler kept them at bay. It was less ‘n three feet long. It was too far away to strike them, but they didn’t know that. They was too scared. After I shot the snake, I railed into them." "Good for you," said Neil. "Soon it will be my turn." "Well, Neil, the boys sure take after their Pa," said Jeb. "Don’t tell Christy that, Jeb," said Neil. "I’d never live it down." "You was a scamp, Neil." "So were you, my friend." All of them laughed. "Poppa," said Ned, "were you as bad as the twins?" "Worse," said Jeb. "And when you are older, Bird’s-Eye and I will tell you stories about your Pa." Bird’s-Eye nodded in agreement. Neil groaned and Ned laughed. "I can’t wait." he said. "Were the boys sunburned?" asked Neil. "I imagine they’ll be sore," said Bird’s-Eye. "Well I’d better check on them and make sure they’re not dehydrated. They don’t have a lick of sense. Just our luck to have two scamps instead of one. You’ll both stay for supper?" Neil asked. Bird’s-Eye nodded and Jeb replied with a smile, "Surely will, Neil." End of Chapter Six Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, CBS series and PAX movies. TITLE: The MacNeill’s Part Five/Chapter Seven "Sean and Ian" Summary: This continues the story of the mischievous twins. ............................................................. At the final class social to mark the end of the school year most of the children participated to show their parents what they had learned during the year. Moira had required the children in the fourth through twelfth grades to so some kind of research report by interviewing someone in the Cove. They could work with partners if they wished. She would choose the best report from each grade level to be read at the social. When he heard about the nature of the assignment, Neil expected to be asked by one of his boys or Catherine about being a doctor. They chose to interview other people. As usual, Ian and Sean chose to be different. They approached Bird’s-Eye Taylor. "Mr. Taylor, sir, " said Ian, " would you explain tell us how to make moonshine?" "You boys want to set up yor own still?" "Yer Momma would skin yer hides." "Oh no," said Sean, "We have to interview someone for a school report, and we thought we’d ask you." "Are you running a still now?" asked Ian. "Wrong time ‘a year, boy." "Oh." Bird’s-Eye could sense his disappointment. His mouth barely cracked a smile, but the boys didn’t notice. This lonely mountain man truly cared about the MacNeill children, especially these two. There was something about them. "Wal I guess I could give ya both some of my time. My dinner’s cookin’ slowly over the fire. Come on the porch and sit a spell. Ya cain’t use my name, though." Sean took out his paper and pencil. Bird’s-Eye lit his corn cob pipe and began to take them step by step through the process of making mountain dew. Finally he said,"It’s time you were a goin’. Yer Momma’s gonna fret if you two don’t get home soon." As they hurried home, Sean realized that they would have to talk to Poppa. Mr. Taylor had learned how to make moonshine from his Pa and Grandpa. He knew by the look or smell or taste how the moonshine was doing. That wouldn’t be good enough for their report. Mrs. Parker was strict. If they wanted their report to be the best, they would have to get some information from Poppa. When they returned home just in time for dinner, Christy asked, "Where have you two been?" "We’ve been working on our research report, Momma," said Sean. "Who did you speak to?" "It’s a surprise, Momma." She smiled at their secrecy. After dinner, they spoke to Neil. "Poppa, we need your help," said Ian. Neil spent time with them correcting their spelling and explaining to them the distillation process so that they could improve their report. Normally Christy proofread their homework. This time they asked their Poppa to do it for them. He chose not to correct their grammar, for that was how Bird’s-Eye spoke to them. Instinctively the twins knew that Christy would not approve of their topic. Neil wisely kept silent. When the boys handed in their report, Moira was amazed. She realized that the boys must have interviewed Mr. Taylor. That was a feat in itself! She was going to mark them down for their mis-spellings and poor grammar, but then she realized that was how the moonshiner had spoken to them. It was a very good report. It was also more than she cared to know about making moonshine. She also knew that Christy didn’t know a thing about it. She had heard about the attack on the school after David had discovered the cache of moonshine under the building. It would be interesting to see the reaction of the parents at the school social. Ian and Sean had done a fine job with their report. They would represent the fifth grade. On the day of the class social, all of the school children were nervous and noisy. Most parents came to see their children perform. Their were recitations and dramatic readings, the younger children performed little skits and did a puppet show. Christy and Neil were very proud of all of their children. She was quite pleased to know that Ian and Sean had been chosen to read their report. Watching her husband closely, Christy knew that he had helped the boys, but he had been as secretive as his sons. Moira thanked Sally Teague for her report representing the fourth grade. "We will now hear a report by Ian and Sean MacNeill who represent the fifth grade class." Ian and Sean walked to the head of the class. Ian began, "Our report is called "How to Make Moonshine" and the person that we interviewed asked to remain anonymous," said Ian. Christy softly gasped and the rest of the parents laughed. Everyone knew that they must have spoken to Bird’s-Eye. The taciturn man quietly entered the back of the room as the twins began to speak. Ian: "A still needs to be set up near fresh water, good and tasty branch water. Don’t want anyone to see your still. It’s got to be hidden from strangers, but you got to set up lookouts to keep away revenuers and nosy neighbors." Sean: "Choose your corn. Only good corn will do. Don’t want no rotten corn. Next step is to make corn malt. Place unground corn into a pan with holes in it. Pour warm water on it. Put on a hot wet cloth over it. Do this over and over again. This will change the starch of the corn into sugar." Ian: "The corn will sprout after a few days. Dry the corn by fire or in the sun. When it’s real dry grind it into ‘chop’ or grits. Keep it dry and keep it coarse. Turn it into sweet mash by adding hot water to it in an oak barrel. Don’t fill the barrel all the way because the mash will expand." Sean: "Keep it covered and clean in a warm place for several days. The temperature has to be just right. After three to five days uncover the barrel. Break up the sweet mash with warm water. Add some rye malt which is made the same way you made the corn malt. This helps the fermentation process. The sweet mash becomes sour mash. When it’s ripe it’s ready to start cooking in the still." Ian: "The still is a big pot with a long spout. The spout is connected to a copper coil. It’s called a worm. Put the still over a fire that’s even and gentle. As soon as the mash starts to cook put the lid on the pot and seal it tight. It can’t cook too fast. If you cook it too fast it will explode." Sean: "According to our Poppa, distillation is when water and alcohol become vapor, when they get hot, but at different temperatures. Alcohol vaporizes at 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Water does it at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The mash has to be 176 degrees. You need heat, vaporization and condensation. That is when vapor becomes liquid again." Ian: "At 176 degrees the alcohol vaporizes and goes into the lid on the still. It goes out through the worm. You have to put the worm into a container of really cold water where the water can run over it in a steady stream. When the vapor hits the cold coil it turns back into liquid. You pour it off into a jug or pail." Sean: "This first run is no good. You do the second run at a lower temperature. It should be clear and pure. You shake the bottle and beads of foam should appear like bubbles. If they’re the size of Number 5 shot, the proof is right. You got to learn how to do this from your Pa and Grandpa or a very good friend who knows how to make it." Ian: "We’d like to thank a very good friend who told us how to make the moonshine and our Poppa for helping us understand the temperatures and the chemistry." The audience clapped when the boys finished. Bird’-Eye nodded to them and then he left the building. Christy and Neil clapped as loud as they could. She was shaking her head at them. Leave it to her twins to get Bird’s-Eye to tell them about Moonshine! THE END OF CHAPTER SEVEN Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, CBS series and PAX movies. TITLE: The MacNeill’s Part Five/Chapter Eight "Sean and Ian" It was Friday night, the children were in their nightclothes anxiously awaiting their father's story. He had promised them a tale after Sean had announced at dinner that he wanted to grow up to be rich and powerful. "Be careful what you wish for, Sean," said Neil. "I've a story to tell you before bedtime." Amy was sitting next to Christy, cuddling her. Catherine sat on the other side of her mother. Neil had built up a fire in the fireplace. Charlie was leaning against the stonework, away from the heat, so he could add a log to the fire when needed. He had inherited Ned's job. Sean and Ian were laying on the floor, sprawled on the rug, their heads in their hands, propped up by their elbows, waiting impatiently for Neil to begin. Neil surveyed his audience. He winked at Christy. With great ceremony he lit his pipe with a taper Charlie had handed him and blew out the smoke. He cleared his throat and began: "This is a story from Japan. Once upon a time there was a stonecutter. He chipped blocks of stone with his hammer and chisel every day from the mountain. These blocks were used for very special buildings. It was a hard life. The work was grueling. It required stamina and endurance. He was happy with his work, and the spirit who lived in the mountains was happy to have such an honorable worker. One day, a very rich man came by with a procession of well dressed followers. The stonecutter saw the rich man and envied his possessions." "What happened next?" asked Ian. "Shhhh." hushed Sean. "That night he prayed that he could one day have the wealth of the rich man. The spirit of the mountains heard his prayers and granted his wish. He turned the stonecutter into a very rich man. The stonecutter was overjoyed. He had a beautiful house. He wore clothes made of silk. Rings adorned his fingers. His lands were planted with beautiful flowers and trees. His fields and gardens were overflowing with a bounty of vegetables and fruits." "Was he happy, Poppa?" asked Amy. "Shhhh," hushed Sean. "The sun shone strong and bright. There was no rain. The sun was very powerful. His lands suffered from drought. Growing envious of the sun's power, the stonecutter wanted to be as dominant as the sun. So he prayed to the spirit of the mountains again. His wish was granted. As the sun, he burned long and bright. Flowers, plants and trees dried up from the heat. The earth was parched. The people needed water. They could not survive." "That's not good," said Ian. "Shhhh." hushed Sean. "Then a cloud appeared and covered the sun. The cloud was stronger than the sun because it hid the sun from the earth. The blazing heat of the sun was tempered by the cloud. So the stonecutter turned sun, prayed once more to become a cloud. His wish was granted. As a cloud, he could make storms and tornadoes and hurricanes. He was powerful. He could make endless rain and cause terrible flooding. He wreaked havoc upon the land. When it was over he saw that the mountain stood firm. The mountain was stronger than the cloud." "Why would he do such terrible things?" asked Catherine. "Shhhh," said Sean. "So he prayed once more to the spirit of the mountains and his wish was granted. He became a mountain. The spirit went away, for he could do nothing more. The stonecutter turned mountain was very happy. Then he heard a sound that truly scared and frightened him. It was the sound of a hammer hitting a chisel. A stonecutter, a lowly stonecutter, brought terror to his heart." Amy had fallen asleep. Her head was nestled in Christy's lap. Neil smiled. she would insist on him re-telling the story tomorrow night when he kissed her goodnight, before he heard her prayers. Charlie and Cat smiled their approval of the tale. Their Poppa had done it again. Sean looked confused. "Poppa, explain it to me." Neil ruffled Sean's hair. "The mountain was afraid of the stonecutter. He had once been a lowly stonecutter himself, and never realized how powerful he really was. Sean you must find something that you want to do in your life, and be happy with that occupation. It's important to be able to provide for your loved ones; to have food, shelter, clothing. I am sure you've noticed the difference between living here and in Cutter Gap. Did you ever feel deprived living in the Cove?" "I didn't feel deprived Poppa. But life is different here. It's more restricted." "Yes, Sean. It's a price we have to pay. But remember, we still have the cabin, and when we want a change of scene or pace, we can always go back for a visit. It's our anchor." He looked at Christy and saw her eyes welling up. 'My sweet waterfall,' he thought. He walked over to her, kissed her soundly and picked up Amy to carry her to bed. Charlie expertly banked the fire for the night. Catherine kissed Christy goodnight. Charlie and the twins hugged her. "Don't forget to wash your faces and brush your teeth," she admonished. "Yes, Momma," they all relied together. The twins despised indoor plumbing! End of Chapter Eight Title: "The MacNeill’s" Part Five/Chapter Nine "Sean and Ian MacNeill" Ian MacNeill had been raised strictly enough to know that girls were treated with respect, knowing how much his father adored and doted his mother, and two daughters. He also knew that women and girls were difficult to understand. He loved his sisters, he guessed, but then Catherine and Luke got all swoony over one another, just like Momma and Poppa. He just didn’t understand what had happened to Luke. Ned was another story. His head was in the clouds over someone named Emily. Ian’s anchor was Sean. Both had made a promise to each other to avoid girls. Girls were trouble with a capital T. Sometimes Amy Jean could be a pain, she was a girl, but she was also their baby sister. Poppa made them promise to keep an eye on her and protect her. That wasn’t always easy to do, she was just like Momma. Poppa was always protecting Momma in some way or the other. Neither twin wanted a full time job of keeping track of Amy, so they’d been teaching her ways of keeping ahead of the boys in her class. She could be a fuss budget at times, but she had learned how to skip stones across the pond, she could climb a tree like a monkey and she played a mean game of mumblety-peg. Momma would have a hissey fit if she knew that Amy handled a knife. She also excelled at jacks; now that was a game for girls, but Ian had to admit it was fun to play. They hadn’t actually taught her how to spit, but they were both proud of her when they heard she beat Tyrell. Sarah Ann Scott was a tiny slip of a girl with a spattering of golden freckles across the bridge of her pert little nose. She was in the same class as the twins and thought that they were really smart. It was hard to tell them apart, and sometimes they played tricks to fool their teacher and classmates. Sean had a really tiny scar near his forehead. Ian didn’t. They’d tried to fool her once, but she burst their bubble. Ian had been intrigued ever since. Ian and Sean hated bullies and they were tall enough and tough enough that they were generally left alone. One thing they hated more than bullies was when bullies picked on girls. After school one afternoon Ian decided to head for his father’s office. Ahead of him was Sarah Ann. He could hear that she was being taunted by a group of boys sitting on a wall. One stuck his leg out and caused her to stumble. Then she was pushed, and she fell. Ian rushed up and grabbed Festus Trumball by the collar."Can’t you find anyone else to push around? Are you that feeble that you have to pick on girls?" Ian shouted. Festus took a swing at Ian. Ian ducked and clocked him. Festus swung again and hit Ian. He’d have a shiner for sure. Ian punched Festus and hit him in the nose. Sean could smell a fight a mile away and was ready to join the fracas. Festus was abandoned by his cronies. His nose had started to bleed "Let’s get you to my Pa," said Sean. The twins had stopped calling Neil ‘Poppa’ in public because someone had snickered at them for saying it. Ian saw that Sarah Ann’s knees were bleeding. "Come Sarah Ann," he said gently, my Pa will fix you up." He won’t hurt you any more," said Ian, glaring at Festus. The young bully didn’t say a word. "We were reared in the mountains," he continued. "We could turn your hair white with stories about feuds and ways to fight." She saw him wink at Sean, but Festus missed the gesture. When they entered the office Christy was out of her chair like a shot. "What happened?" "I’d rather not say," said Ian, looking at Festus. "Ian!" "We just need to have Sarah Ann’s scrapes looked at, and Festus has a nose bleed." "My Daddy can’t pay the Doc." "Don’t worry sweetheart, " said Christy. "Scraped knees are free. Dr. MacNeill will just clean the scrapes. It’s not a major medical procedure. Ian why is your eye swollen?" Momma didn’t miss a trick. He knew he’d have to tell her the truth. You just couldn’t keep anything from her. "I didn’t duck in time." "Who hit you?" "Festus." "Did you break his nose?" "I hope so." "Ian!" "He made Sarah Ann fall, Momma. Don’t waste your sympathy on him." "Festus," she asked, "how could you pick on girls?" "She’s a Scott." "What do you mean?" "Her daddy’s a revenuer." Christy bristled. "Say no more, Festus." She handed him another clean bandage to hold against his nose. "Ian keep Sarah Ann company. I have to talk to your father." "You’re in big trouble, MacNeill." "That’s what you think, Festus. You don’t know my Pa. Like I told you, we’re from the mountains. We know pain, and we know pain." Festus was confused. Sean came in. "Nose not set yet?" "No," said Ian. "Poor Festus," said Sean, shaking his head. "What do you mean?" asked the young bully. "You’ll find out soon enough." said Sean. Sarah Ann watched the interplay quietly. She knew the twins were up to some sort of devilment. Just then her sister Jean came in. She was thirteen months younger. "Mama sent me to find you, Sarah. Folks said you were here at the Doc’s." "I’m okay Jean. Doc’s just going to clean up my scrapes." "What happened?" "I fell." "Festus tripped her," said Sean. "You bully! Why’d you hurt my sister?" She went after Festus. Sean grabbed her arm, and she ended up punching him instead. "Why’d you try and stop me? I’m sorry I hit you." "Fighting isn’t always the answer," said Sean. "Now I’ll have a shiner too." Festus laughed. Jean kicked him the shin."Nobody likes bullies, you idiot." "Ouch." Christy heard the new commotion and came back in. "Sean what happened?" "I never saw it coming, Momma. I tried to stop her from hitting Festus and ended up getting hit instead." "Well Festus, Dr, MacNeill will see you now." She led him into the examining room. Neil’s appearance was a far cry from how he looked while practicing in the Cove. He wore a white surgical gown, a surgical cap and a mask. "I want my Daddy," wailed Festus. "I’ll send someone for your Mama," said Christy. "Come in Festus," said Neil sternly. Christy closed the door, smiling to herself. Neil would take care of his broken nose, and give him a verbal punishment while doing the procedure. Christy had Sarah Ann sit down. She got a basin and soap and water to clean the scrapes on her knees. "Doctor MacNeill will disinfect the scrapes, Sarah Ann, I just want to clean off the dirt." The young girl winced. Without even thinking of what he was doing, Ian took her hand and held it. Sean watched him dumbfounded at what he witnessed. Did Ian realize what he had done? They could all hear Festus moaning in the examination room. Christy continued to gently wash Sarah’s scrapes. She winced again and held her breath because it hurt. Jean stepped closer to Sean, and he automatically put his arm around her shoulder, as he would have done to Amy. Amy was his sister, Jean was not. His face had a startled look, and Ian caught it. Both brothers made eye contact with one another, realizing what they had done. Their eyes looked panicked, and they both took a big swallow. Girls were definitely trouble with a capital T. Christy asked Sean to fetch Festus’ mother. She hoped this would all be a tempest in a teacup. The boys were wrong for fighting, but Festus was also wrong for bullying Sarah Scott. She didn’t want the twins to get a reputation for fighting. She never had this problem with Charlie or Ned, and she didn’t want trouble now. Neil brought Festus out. There was a bandage across the bridge of his nose. He sat down in a chair and waited. Soon Mrs. Trumball arrived in a flurry, Festus was her youngest. The fuss she made mortified her son, especially in front of the girls. He glared at them. The twins saw this and stood behind the girls, glaring back at him with a silent threat. Neil saw the interaction and said nothing. Christy missed the exchange because she was trying to calm Mrs. Trumball. Neil looked at the twins and winked. Did they have any idea what was in store for them? Word would spread through their class that they had protected the Scott girls. His boys who had made a pact to avoid girls (except their sisters) at all costs, would now become magnets to at least half of the female population in the school. He silently laughed to himself. The Trumball’s left the office in a dither. Neil expected to have a visit from Mr. Trumball in the evening, but he could deal with him. He’d known Clyde all of his life. Christy asked the twins to walk the girls home. The boys turned a shade of pink but complied with their mother’s request. Inside, they were mortified. If Sarah noted their discomfort, she wisely kept silent. Ian MacNeill was her hero. Jean might be oblivious to Sean, but she couldn’t really tell. The office door was scarcely closed when the twins heard their father’s booming laugh. Christy joined him. It would be interesting to see what transpired at school the next day. She knew the twins wouldn’t tell her, thank heavens she had an in with Moira! The End of Chapter Nine *See Author's Note in "The MacNeills Conclusion"