Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's (Part Three) Catherine Alice MacNeill Chapter One Christy stood on the porch in the moonlight. There was nothing more romantic than the light of a full moon. She remembered how Kyle Coburn had reacted to seeing David holding her in his arms on the porch of the school in the light of a full moon. Then Bessie had lied when she saw Neil talking to her by the river. Back then, their unspoken love for each other was forbidden. Margaret was still alive. Neil was trapped. Christy was confused by her feelings. Love triumphed, with a sad price. Margaret succumbed to tuberculosis. Christy realized that her love for David was like that of a brother, not a lover. Neil declared his love, like a knight in shining armor, forcing her to face the truth. He was her soulmate. Neil was weary. He'd been attending patients in Raven Gap for three days and nights. He was determined to come home. When he crossed the river he could see his beloved standing on the porch. Moonlight shone all around her. He was entranced by the sight of his wife. Christy looked enchanting. She was again with child. Their second one; how he hoped it would be a daughter. Ned was the spitting image of himself, so he wanted another version of Christy. She heard splashing in the water. When she saw Neil, a smile filled her face. He was home! The joy on both their faces was obvious. He rode up the hill to the cabin's steps. "My beautiful Lass, how are you?" he asked. "I've missed you, Neil." "And I you. How is Ned?" "Sleeping peacefully, but he missed his Poppa." "I missed him too." "Are you hungry?" "I could eat. I didn't have supper because I wanted to come home as fast as I could." "I have some soup." "That would be fine, Lass. Let me take care of Duke and I'll be right in before you know it." "I missed you so much, my love" she said again. "And I you" he repeated. "Oh Neil, the baby is really moving." "Restless, like her Momma?" he questioned. "Her Momma?" "I'm hoping for a girl, just like her Momma." "A girl would be nice." "Just like her Momma." "Oh Neil, you do know how to tie me in knots." "Sweetheart, just give me time to take care of Duke and take a quick bath and shave. Then I'll be glad to tie you in knots." "Don't be silly. You have to eat something first. You'll need your strength!" "Really?" "Really. It's been three days. Three days and three long nights." "I love you, Lass." "And I love you" she said. "Let me go in and fix you something to eat." When Neil came in almost an hour later, Christy had hot soup and homemade bread and blackberry jam for Neil to eat. She sipped hot tea and nibbled on a piece of buttered bread. "I'm eating for two you know." "How are you feeling Christy?" he asked her. "I'm fine as frog's hair and healthy as a horse" she replied saucily. "It's good to have you home, my darling Neil." "I missed cuddling you and holding you. I couldn't smell your sweet scent or hear your gentle sighs in the night." "Neil" Christy said, "I want lots of babies. I love being pregnant. There is such joy in bearing your children." "My dearest love," he answered gently, I do not want you to be overwhelmed." "Neil, I can handle over sixty-seven school children, so I think I can manage more than two babies." "I don't doubt your ability in the least" he said. "I rejoice every day that you love me. I am overjoyed with my son and my future child. I do not want you to be overburdened." "I'm not" she replied. "I'm content, Neil." .................................................... In early June Neil left for El Pano with Jeb Spencer in the wee hours of the morning to pick up a shipment of medical supplies. He left Christy sleeping. She was within two weeks of her due date with their second child. Ned was sleeping peacefully in his bed. Christy awoke an hour later. She found Neil's note on the table . She put the kettle on to make herself a cup of tea. Ned was still sleeping. She felt a contraction. She was still in her nightgown and robe. She called Miss Alice at the Mission. "I'll be there as fast as Goldie can carry me, my dear," Alice assured Christy. Christy drank her tea. Ned awoke, chattering away at his Momma. She helped to dress him and fed him breakfast. Together they went out to feed the animals. Christy milked the cow. When Alice arrived she asked "How are thee feeling?" "Regular contractions, very little pain right now" Christy replied. Where is Neil?" "In El Pano with Jeb. He's picking up a shipment of medical supplies." "Do you want me to call the operator in El Pano to find him?" "Miss Alice, it's bad enough that gossip flies through the Cove like wildfire; does everyone in El Pano need to know that I am labor?" Christy asked. They both laughed at the thought. "My sweet Christy. Thy husband hopes for a daughter." "It would be nice, but, I really only want a healthy baby. If I have another son, I would be happy." Alice looked after her grandson. She made his lunch and gave Christy some broth. Ned was playing with his building blocks. Alice told him that he would soon have a new brother or sister. He was content to sit and play near the hearth. Christy's labor intensified. Her water broke. Alice got everything ready. Catherine Alice was born mid-afternoon. Healthy and perfect as far as Alice could tell. She cut the umbilical cord and handed the baby to Christy. She finished taking care of Christy, and then took the baby and cleaned her up. Catherine Alice MacNeill had strawberry blonde ringlets and her Momma's blue eyes and nose. Christy slept for a little while. Neil and Jeb arrived around 5:00 in the afternoon. "Happy Father's Day, Neil" said Alice. Neil ran into the bedroom. "Oh my love, I'm sorry I wasn't here for you." "Christy was holding the baby. "You got your wish" she said. "It's a girl." Neil took the baby from her. "She's perfect. Oh Christy, we do make beautiful children together." She smiled in agreement. He carried his daughter out to meet Jeb. "She's a beauty, Neil, just like her Momma" Jeb said. "She's gonna break some hearts for sure." Alice laughed at Neil's expression. It was priceless. The thought of his newborn daughter courting with a fella was not something he ever wanted to think about! Jeb joined in the laughter. "I'll spread the news" he said as he left the cabin. 'Thank you for your help today, Jeb" said Neil. "Any time, my friend, any time" replied Jeb. ******************************* Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's (Part Three) Catherine Alice MacNeill Chapter Two Jacob Ferrand had a difficult time finding a teacher to replace Christy MacNeill. There had been four replacements in the three years after Christy stopped teaching. The newest teacher was a widow with a four year old son, almost the same age as Ned. Her name was Moira Parker. Her husband Matthew had been killed early on in the War. Except for the color of his hair, her son Luke looked exactly like his father. Matthew's family had never forgiven him for marrying "beneath his station." The young couple had met in Asheville at a church social while Matthew was visiting the family of his college roommate. The Parker's were furious when Matt married Moira after he finished college. Matthew was killed in action, and was buried in France. Moira sent word to his family via her lawyer, William Huddleston. Matthew had made the decision not to inform his family when Luke was born. Moira vowed to keep his silence. There had been no response from Matthew's family, no notes of sympathy or condolence. She felt sorry for them, they had their wealth to give them comfort. She heard about the teaching position in Cutter Gap through her church. She told William she was considering the job. "It is indeed a small world, Mrs. Parker," said William. "How so, Mr. Huddleston?" "My daughter Christy taught at the Mission until she married the Cove's doctor. My grandson is almost the same age as your son. It will be difficult to rear your son in such a remote place, but you will indeed be surrounded by some very special people. Where will you live?" "At the Mission, with a Miss Alice Henderson and the Preacher, the Reverend Grantland." "We know them well. Alice Henderson is a formidable woman, with a faith that can move mountains. She is an extraordinary person." "I don't want to be a burden to my family. Any settlement from Matthew's estate will be put in trust for Luke. I won't spend a penny of his family's money." "I understand, Mrs. Parker. The trust fund you set up for Luke will enable him to go to college. I'll take care of it for you." In Cutter Gap, she found her niche. It was a safe haven for them. She loved teaching, and the children were wonderful. She relied on Christy MacNeill for advice, because the children utterly adored their former teacher. She helped Moira see the gold through the dross. Moira insisted on doing her share of the chores around the Mission. One morning after doing the breakfast dishes, she spied a tendril of dust hanging from the ceiling, drifting towards a cupboard. She moved a chair close by and stood on it with a mop in her hands to remove the dust. She overextended her reach and lost her balance. At that moment Jeb Spencer came to the kitchen door with honey for the Mission. He caught Moira before she fell to the floor. Each gazed into the eyes of the other and recognized their mutual pain of shattering loss. He set her down and asked if she was all right. "I'm fine, Mr. Spencer" she replied. "Thank you for rescuing me." "My pleasure, Ma'am. I must be going. I got more deliveries to make. My young'uns like your teachin'." "You're very kind, Mr. Spencer." "Just statin' a fact, Miz Parker." She smiled at Jeb. He smiled back, tipped his hat to her and quickly exited out the kitchen door. She gathered her plan book and notes, and called to her son. It was time for school. .............................................. Catherine Alice was like a sponge. She absorbed everything. She was talking like a magpie. She loved to sing and "read" to her baby brother. She would hold a book in her lap and make up stories from the pictures. She had quite an imagination. Ned was in school now, and she loved to "help" him with his homework. He found her to be a nuisance at times. She new all her letters and numbers, Momma had taught her those. She was beginning to recognize words. When Ned practiced his spelling words, unbeknownst to everyone, she practiced them as well. She wasn't a mimic, she just had a very good memory. She was also quite the tomboy, much to her Gamma Julia's dismay. Lace and ruffled dresses just took up space in her dresser, only worn in Asheville, under protest, when they visited. Christy had shown Ned how to climb a tree. Catherine watched intently. Neil came home from a call and found his daughter sitting on the lowest branch of a tree near the cabin. "How did you get up there, my wee lassie?" he asked. He tried not to let her see how unsettled he was at the sight of her in the tree. "I shimmied up the trunk, Poppa," she answered. "I watched Ned." He plucked her off the branch and carried her inside. Christy was feeding Charlie. "Lass, she was in the tree." Christy paled. "My dainty tomboy. We can't keep her wrapped in cotton-wool, Neil." "I know that well enough, Lass." "She's fearless." "That worries me as well." "She wants to be like Ned. She follows him everywhere." "It's beginning to bother him, since he's spending more time with his friends. Speaking of friends, he seems to have become pals with Luke Parker. Ned asked me to show Luke how to fish. I'll stop by the school tomorrow and talk to his mother." "That sounds like a fine idea, Neil." She finished feeding Charlie and Neil took him from her. Catherine came bounding into the room. "Well young lady, I understand you thought you were a bird today," Christy said impishly. "I'm not a bird." "Poppa found you in a tree. Perhaps you wanted to be a squirrel instead?" "No Momma, I'm a girl." "Did you ask us if you could climb?" "Ned does." "That is not what I asked you," said her mother. "No, Momma." "Will you ask first, the next time you decide you want to climb?" "Yes, Momma." Christy ruffled her daughter's curly head, as Catherine ran out of the room. "I can't imagine where she gets it from." Neil wisely kept silent, laughing to himself. When Catherine turned four years old, Christy decided to give her daughter a miniature china tea service. It had been give to Christy when she herself was Catherine's age. She remembered fondly how her own mother had taught her the proper way to serve tea. Of course they used lemonade or water instead of hot tea. Christy wrapped it carefully in brightly colored paper. Neil was in El Pano. He had removed some stitches from the cooper's hand. Cyrus had hurt himself while planing a stave for a new barrel. The plane slipped, and Cyrus cut his hand. While he was in the cooperage, Neil noticed a mama cat and kittens wending their way through the maze of barrels and casks. "How old are the kittens?" Neil asked Cyrus. 'Nigh on six weeks," the burly man replied. "They're always underfoot. She's a good mouser, though. "Are the kittens for sale?" "You want one, Doc?" "It's my daughter's birthday today," Neil replied with a smile. "They be weaned, Doc. Take the two, you can have them for free. Appreciate you gettin' them out from under my feet. Now what do I owe ya for takin' out these here stitches?" "Two kittens," Neil smiled in reply. Cyrus laughed. Neil tucked two gray kittens into his coat for the moment. He went into the general store to find a safe container or basket to transport the kittens securely. "Mrs. Miller, how are you today?" he asked. "Just fine, Doc, just fine. What can I do fer ya t'day?" "Well, first I need a basket to carry two kittens for my little girl's birthday today." Mrs. Miller looked around until she found a rectangular basket with a hinged lid. The weave of the basket was open enough for the kittens to breathe. "This might do, Doc MacNeill." "It looks perfect. I can secure it to the saddle." "Let me line the bottom with some flannel" she said. "I also need some licorice, butterscotch, and peppermint drops. Christy needs eight yards of flannel for diapers." "How is your missus feeling?" the woman asked kindly. Doc's wife was such a special little lady. It was hard to believe she was expecting their fourth child. Why Doc just doted on his family! "She's well, Mrs. Miller. Thank you for asking about her," Neil replied. He paid for his purchases. Mrs. Miller lined the bottom of the basket and Neil put the frisky kittens inside, despite their protesting howls. The basket was secured, and Mrs. Miller made a bright pink bow for the basket handle. "Give our best to Miz Christy," she said. "I will" said Neil. "Thank you for your help." "Yer welcome, Doc." Neil tied the basket to his saddle horn and put his other purchases in his saddle bags. He headed home from El Pano, trying to imagine the look on Cat's face when she opened the basket. He knew that Christy had a pet kitten when she was young, and that she had loved the cat as it grew up throughout her childhood. Christy planned a little birthday party for Catherine. They only celebrated among the family since birthdays were generally not celebrated in the Cove. Luke had a sore throat, so Moira opted to stay at the Mission with her son. Aunt Hattie had spent the day with Christy. Alice, David and Miranda were coming for dinner. Catherine was spending the afternoon with her Granny Alice. William and Julia had mailed a package for Catherine. Christy piled her gifts on the sideboard. She had made fried chicken for dinner since it was Catherine's favorite. The table was set festively. Charlie was napping in the playpen. She had just finished icing the chocolate cake when Neil came into the cabin with the basket. Christy smiled warmly, and then she heard the howls of two small kittens. "What have you done, Neil?" she asked warily. "I've brought Catherine's present. My fee from Cyrus. Two kittens." "Do you mean they've been in the basket all the way from El Pano?" she asked. "Yes" he replied. "I had to keep them contained." "They sure know how to yowl!" said Hattie. "Open the basket, Neil, and let's try to calm them down. I'll pour them a saucer of milk. They're probably hungry. How old are they?" "Cyrus said six weeks" Neil said as he opened the lid of the basket. "Oh, Neil, they're adorable. Catherine is going to fall in love with them. How tiny they are! Let's put them in our room for now." He smiled at his wife, who was petting and crooning to the tiny animals. She brought them a saucer of milk which they lapped up immediately. Neil watched his wife. Her face was animated and smiling as she gently petted the kittens. As she sat on the floor, they climbed all over her legs and tumbled into her lap. She looked at Neil and was lost in his eyes. He tickled one of the kittens and it promptly nipped his finger. "It's probably mad because you put it in a basket," Christy giggled. "They're both females," Neil said. Ned came home from school calling, "I'm home, Momma." He gave Hattie a big hug and a kiss. She ruffled his hair. "Why you're almost as tall as I am" she laughed. "We're in the bedroom, son" called Neil. Ned came to their door and laughed when he saw the kittens. He smiled broadly when Neil told him they were Catherine's present. "You know she'll try to dress them like her dolls." They all laughed together. "Granny Alice said they'd be along soon. I finished the doll bed. Would you like to see it?" "Of course" said his parents. "Unca" David had helped Ned make the toy bed. "Why this is quite grand, son. You did a wonderful job. Your sister is going to love this" Neil said proudly. Christy hugged her son and kissed him. Ned hugged her back, and then he began to gently pet the kittens. Christy had made a small mattress and pillows for the bed, and some bed linens as well. Alice crocheted a doll blanket for it in pink yarn. Soon Alice arrived with David, Miranda, their baby Samuel and the birthday girl. Catherine was having a wonderful day. She was hugged and kissed by everyone in her family. Neil had tears in his eyes as he beheld his beautiful daughter. Everyone enjoyed dinner. Her birthday cake had candles which she blew out all by herself. She opened all of her presents. The kittens had fallen asleep on their makeshift bed of soft flannel. "There is another present" said Neil. "Oh Poppa! What is it?" asked Catherine. "Close your eyes my sweet Catherine." She did and he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. Everyone followed. Christy was holding Charlie in her arms. She didn't want him to run and scare the kittens. "Keep you eyes closed, sweetheart." "I am, Poppa." "On my count of three you may open them. One...two....three!" "Are they for me, Poppa?" "Yes, my sweet" he answered softly. He kissed her cheek, and she hugged him with her tiny arms around his neck with all of her might. He set her down and she ran to them. She was utterly delighted. Everyone walked back to the parlor area. Catherine came back in and kissed and thanked everyone for their gifts. She sat on her Granny Alice's lap and sighed happily. "Momma," she asked, "can my kittens sleep with me?" "Let's give them a few days to become familiar with their new home," replied Christy. "They are going to have to get used to their new surroundings and to all of us, sweetheart." "Thee must give them time, so they are not afraid of thee. Just love them, my sweet girl and they will love you back," said Alice wisely. Catherine named them Mist and Smoky, and they did indeed love her for many, many years. End of Chapter Two ************************ Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's (Part Three) Catherine Alice MacNeill Chapter Three .............................................................................................. It was raining steadily in the Cove. Ned was a little under the weather. "Momma," he called to Christy, "I don't feel so good." "What's wrong?" she asked him, scanning his face with a practiced Mother's eye. "I'm just plumb tuckered out." His forehead felt a little warm. Neil was out on a call to the McHone's. She decided to keep him home from school. Since a telephone had been installed in their cabin, she called the Mission. Miss Alice answered. "Cutter Gap Mission." "Good morning, Miss Alice." "Good morning to thee, my child. Is something the matter? Does thee need me?" "Ned has a slight fever, so I am keeping him home from school today. Neil is at the McHone's. I don't think that it is serious enough for you to come out in this rain." "If you need me, Christy, just call. Give him some aspirin powder mixed in with water, and give him plenty of fluids. Keep him warm. Of course, thee knows this already, having been through it before. "Yes" said Christy, "but I don't mind being reminded. She laughed. "Is Moira around?" "Yes, as a matter of fact she is right here. I will get her for thee. Good-bye dear daughter." "Good-bye, Miss Alice. Enjoy your day, even though it is raining." Moira came to the telephone. "Is everything all right, Christy?" "Ned'd not feeling well, so I am going to keep him home today. What lessons will he miss?" "Oh, we were going to do some simple addition problems for mathematics, and practice spelling words; if you give me a minute I can give you the list. In science we were going to begin to talk about how seeds sprout. On Monday we'll be doing an experiment. The Reverend was going to read about Moses and the plagues of Egypt." "Let me write down the spelling words" said Christy. Moira then read off the words to her. "Thank you, Moira. Ned should be in school on Monday. Have a good day." "Thank you, Christy. I hope Ned feels better soon. Good-bye. Luke will miss him in school today." Christy hung up the telephone and checked on Ned. He was sleeping. She then went into Catherine's room. The kittens were sleeping next to her. Her hair was a mass of reddish-gold ringlets sprawled all over her pillow. Charlie was asleep in his crib. She went into the kitchen to make breakfast. As she looked out the window, she hoped that Neil would be all right. This kind of rain just penetrated through everything. He would be soaked to the bone when he got home. She built up the fire in the fireplace and decided she would bake sugar cookies to help warm up the cabin. The kittens began to move about and woke Catherine. She put on her robe and slippers and went to find her Momma. Christy bundled her up, and with umbrella in hand, took her out to the privy. When they came back she washed Catherine's face and hands, and Catherine brushed her teeth. Christy made eggs and toast for breakfast. While Catherine ate, she took a tray to Ned. She then fed Charlie, changed his diaper, dressed him and put him in his playpen. Catherine got dressed. Christy checked on Ned and gave him some more aspirin. Catherine was drawing a picture, but then decided to watch her Momma as Christy began to bake cookies. Before Christy knew it, the morning was over. She checked on Ned, he felt normal. There was no sign of a fever. He felt like getting dressed, so Christy let him. He came into the parlor. Christy heated soup for lunch. Afterwards, Catherine played with her dolls and Ned sat at the desk and began to tie simple fly patterns for fishing with his father. Charlie was taking a nap. "Momma," said Catherine, "lets have a tea party today." "I baked sugar cookies, would you like to serve them with tea?" "Yes," her daughter nodded. The door opened and Neil came in. "Neil you are soaked. Change into dry clothes so you won't catch your death of cold." Christy said. "Yes, Doc, I'll do whatever you say," Neil answered with a smile. "Ned are you not feeling well?" "I didn't feel good in the morning, Poppa, but I'm okay now." "Good" said his mother. "then we can do your homework. I know exactly what Mrs. Parker was going to cover in school today." "Momma!" protested her son. Neil laughed. "She's the boss!" "Poppa, look at the flies I've been tying." "Ned, they are very, very good." Ned beamed at his father's praise. "I couldn't have done better myself." Neil went to change into dry clothes. When he came out, he gave Christy a hug, nuzzling her temple. "I smell cookies!" "We've been invited to a tea party." "Poppa, Momma, please come" said Catherine. Christy picked Charlie up. Joining Catherine and her dolls, they all sat down on the rug before the hearth. The kittens joined them. Ned petted them as Catherine poured everyone imaginary tea. Neil could barely hold the tiny cup handle between his thumb and forefinger. Christy and Catherine both giggled at Neil's pantomime of sipping tea with his pinky extended away from his hand. The cookies were delicious. "How was Isaac?" Christy asked. "He had a splinter that got infected," Neil replied. "It's not too serious. He'll be fine. Opal will make sure his hand stays bandaged. I'll check on him the day after next." Ned snuck another cookie. His Momma arched her eyebrow at him. "Don't eat too many, you'll spoil your supper," said Christy. When she started to clean crumbs from Charlie's face, Neil stole a cookie and winked at Ned. The tea party was a bright moment on a very dull, gray, rainy day. It was a quiet evening. The children were all sleeping, finally! Neil was sitting in his comfortable chair staring into the fire, smoking his pipe. Christy came into the room quietly. He sensed her first, her scent drifted into the room. "Oh,Lass," he said, "I'm enjoying the quiet. He held out his arms and she sat down on his lap. They spent the evening quietly talking to each other. She would reach up and move an errant curl from his forehead. Then Neil stood up and placed his pipe on the mantle of the fireplace. He banked the fire, and then turned to face Christy. He kissed her gently, picked her up and carried her to their bed. ..................................................................................... In the Spring after Neil and Christy were first married, Opal had shown her where to gather wild greens. Opal's grandmother had been a herbalist. Opal knew all about the roots, and herbs, and young green shoots of plants. She called them "sallet greens." Christy was now gathering the greens with Catherine, passing the herb lore on to her daughter. One early spring day Christy and Catherine took a basket and a little sharp knife for cutting the greens just above the ground. Mother and daughter enjoyed these special times together. They walked beside streams looking for watercress. They found young dandelion greens, lamb's quarters and dock. Sometimes Christy made up watercress sandwiches with butter spread on the bread. She also wilted the greens with cooked bacon and a little vinegar, water and sugar. Fresh greens were always a welcome change in diet after a long winter. One day during their walk, they passed by Granny Barclay's cabin. Granny watched as Christy and Cat approached. Memories flooded her thoughts. When Christy first came to teach, she had little use for an outsider. The ways of the Cove took a lifetime to understand. Citified women had no business here. Things began to change because of her influence. She solved the mystery of the rogue O'Teale's. Ruby Mae Morrison got an understanding of her heritage. The O'Teale's were looked at with a little more tolerance now, although Nathan was still a cantankerous, mean, curmudgeon. Soon the Cove would be celebrating a jollification. Preacher and his wife would be christening their daughter. Doc and his wife were going to be the god-parents,she heard tell. What a turn of events. Landsakes! Preacher and Teacher had almost wed. That is until Doc came back 'afore the wedding to claim her. Granny mused to herself. Doc could be as stubborn as a mule. When he made his mind up nothin', absolutely nothin' could stand in his way, except for his tiny wife. Granny knew he cared for teacher before any one else did, she'd reckon. She could read the signs. They could squawk at each other and stomp away, but, the heat was there. She knew it, Hattie knew it and so did Granny Clay. She knew it was only a matter of time............. She greeted Christy and Catherine warmly. "What brings you out on such a fine morning?" "We're picking some greens, Granny Barclay. How are you today?" "About as fine as any one my age can be." Christy smiled. "I see you have poke in your basket. This is a good size to harvest. In another week or so the leaves will be too tough. How do you fix it?" "Opal taught me to boil it a while and then put it into a hot skillet." "Come inside, and have a cup of tea. Would you like some gingerbread, my dear child?" Catherine nodded solemnly. Granny Barclay put the kettle over the fire. She still cooked on the open hearth. She prepared the tea. It was herbal, her secret recipe, sweetened with some of Jeb's honey. She was lonely, and enjoyed company, not that she would readily admit that. She watched Catherine as the young girl looked about the cabin. There was something special about this little girl. Her young eyes took in everything. She didn't miss a thing. Her daddy was a keen observer too, never missed a trick, thought Granny Barclay. "Your quilts are beautiful, Granny," said Catherine. Momma has some, but not as many as you have. "Your Momma isn't as old as I am." "I want to learn how to make them." "Then I'll help to teach you when you get a little older," replied the old woman, much to Christy's surprise. "It's a labor of love, young Catherine. Your fingers will bleed from the stitchin', but, you will have something to pass on to your loved ones. Your Momma can help you by giving you some squares to practice stitchin'. Granny Barclay nodded to Christy. "Let me give you my recipe for poke. Take your young shoots, about four to six inches long and boil 'em for ten minutes. Roll 'em in corn meal and fry them until tender. Remember that the roots, berries, stalk and leaves of the fully growed plant be poisonous." Christy thanked her for the recipe. "We need to be on our way, Granny Barclay. Neil has been with the boys all morning. I'm sure that little Charlie has been keeping him busy." "You come and visit ag'in, and young Catherine, I expect to see your piecin' the next time I see you." Catherine smiled at the old woman. "Yes, Granny Barclay," she said. Later that night, all was quiet in the cabin. The children were all sleeping, finally. Neil was sitting in his comfortable chair, staring into the fire, smoking his pipe. Christy came into the room.He sensed her, her sweet scent drifting by him. "Oh, Lass, I'm enjoying the quiet." He held out his arms to her and she sat down on his lap. He kissed her gently. She brushed his hair from his forehead. "Their energy levels amaze me. I find it hard to keep up with them at times. Now that Charlie is walking, more like running, I'm constantly on the go," she said. "I wouldn't trade this life though, for any other, Neil. I am truly content." She knew that even after almost seven years of marriage, Neil still worried about what she had given up to come and live in the Cove. "I am impatient for the full bloom of Spring, though." Neil laughed and agreed. "As I get older, my bones creak more, especially in the damp." "Just because you are turning forty this year doesn't mean you are getting old," she mused. "Our children keep us young." "Then I'm a veritable fountain of youth!" said Neil with a smile, thinking about their children. Christy shoved him with her palm, laughing, secretly hoping she would have another child. Sighing, she gently leaned her head against Neil's broad chest. End of Chapter 3 *************************** Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill’s" Part Three/Chapter Four "Catherine Alice MacNeill" .............................. School was out and the children were very happy. Christy looked forward to having everyone home. As the family sat around the table, Neil asked the boys if they wanted to go fishing tomorrow. Christy arched her eyebrow at him. "Cat," he asked his oldest daughter, "would you like to join us?" She smiled. "No thank you, Poppa. You know I can tangle a fishing line faster than anyone else in the Cove." Everyone laughed. "Where will you be fishing?" Christy asked. "Can we take a picnic?" "Neil smiled at his wife. " Of course we can, Lass. We’ll spend the day together. The fresh air will do all of us good. The twins were excited. They were still a little bit clumsy with fishing, but Poppa, Ned and Charlie were patient teachers. After breakfast the next morning, Christy packed the picnic basket. Neil planned to take them to a stretch of water that had some deep pools as well as a bank area where the twins could fish. Neil, Ned and Charlie would wade in the creek and fish the deeper water. There was an area near the rocks where Christy and Catherine planned to read while the others fished. The day was warm and sunny. Early on in their marriage Christy told Neil that she wanted the family to spend time together doing special things. She really loved family picnics and outings. Neil did his best to clear his schedule so that there would be time to spend with his family. The children were chattering as they walked toward one of Neil’s special fishing spots. As they reached the area, Neil helped Christy unfold the quilt. Picnic basket, baby Amelia, and books were set down on the blanket. While Catherine sat with Amelia, Neil showed Christy where they would be fishing. Christy could keep an eye on the twins, and the quilt was far enough away from them so she didn’t have to worry about flying fish hooks. Sean and Ian were still weak in their casting techniques. She kissed Neil and wished her sons luck. Christy returned to where Catherine was playing with her sister. Cat planned on reading "Little Women" while she planned to re-read "Pride and Prejudice." Christy could hear Neil telling the boys they would be fishing with a caddisfly pattern today. She could tell by the pitch of their voices that the twins were very excited. She smiled to herself. She was so utterly happy. Amelia toddled over and sat in her Momma’s lap. Her brown haired, blue eyed baby was the spitting image of herself. Christy sighed with contentment. Amy snuggled next to Christy as she began to read about the Bennett family, and fell asleep. Christy herself had not slept well the night before and found herself dozing before she could finish the first chapter. The warm sunlight, the sounds of the river, lulled her to sleep. Catherine looked upon her sleeping Momma and baby sister. They looked so peaceful laying there on the quilt. She continued to read quietly as the morning passed. The fishermen were hungry. Neil had spent time with the twins going over casting techniques. After a while they grew bored because they had not caught anything. The went hunting for tadpoles instead. Neil and the boys kept their eyes on the two. Charlie and Ned told Neil they were hungry. Soon the five of them were back on their way towards Christy and the girls. Christy awoke when she heard the loud voices of her boys. She carefully moved Amelia, but she woke up and started to fret. She stopped when she saw her brothers. "Momma, I caught two fish. One was a keeper," said Charlie. "Are we going to have trout for supper?" asked Christy. "Aye, we could," answered Neil. "Ned took three and I took one." "Poppa, yours is a beauty," Ned said. "It put up quite a fight. I thought you were going to lose it off the hook." Neil chuckled. He picked up the baby and hugged her. Christy told Ian and Sean to wash their hands. They’d gotten a "little" grimy looking for tadpoles. Catherine had carefully and quietly set out the picnic while Christy napped. She had helped make the sandwiches. There was refreshing lemonade to drink and molasses cookies for dessert. After lunch the family headed back to the cabin. Neil carried Amelia. Christy walked along beside him. Catherine held the picnic basket and the boys carried the fishing poles. The sky had begun to cloud over just as they were finishing lunch. Now the wind picked up. "Is it going to storm, Neil? Christy asked. "It’s hard to say, Lass. Summer storms can be tricky. Lads and lasses, let’s quicken our pace." The family hurried along the trail. They were about five minutes away from the cabin when the skies opened up and drenched them all with warm summer rain. The children shrieked with glee. They all looked like drowned rats. Neil had protected the baby with the quilt. Everyone was laughing. The twins thought it was quite hilarious. When they reached home Christy gave everyone towels to dry themselves off. Amelia was dry, so Neil placed her safely in the playpen. The children went into their rooms to towel off and change into dry clothes. Neil led Christy into their bedroom and closed the door. An hour later Christy came out of the bedroom and quietly closed the door behind her. She smiled dreamily to herself. Neil had fallen asleep. Christy smiled again. After all these years, Neil could still..............she was jarred from her reverie by Amelia. The baby had started to cry. "Oh someone has a wet diaper," Christy crooned. She quickly changed her and then made her daughter giggle by kissing her belly button. She picked Amelia up and lovingly hugged her youngest child. Catherine was reading. Ned and Charlie were playing chess. Ian and Sean were next to them playing checkers. Christy began to think about dinner. She put Amelia back into the playpen. Ned had cleaned the trout. She quietly hummed to herself as she bustled around the kitchen. Neil reached out his arm to stroke Christy. She was gone. He smiled to himself. "Ah, Christy," he thought, "you can still tie me up in knots." He got dressed and came into the kitchen quietly. She sensed him and quickly turned around and hugged him. He hugged her back and kissed her deeply. "Neil," she said smiling, "thank you for today." "Lass" he started. "No, let me finish, please. Our legacy to our children is that they are loved. Special days like today mean so very much. These memories we are creating and sharing will be passed on to our grandchildren one day. Our children will spend time with their children. Family life is so important. "I’ll not argue with that, Christy. Christy had given Catherine a copy of "Little Women". Catherine shared her mother’s love of reading. She couldn’t wait to begin the next chapter. She loved the times when Momma would snuggle with her and read to her. Then Catherine would take a turn and read to Christy. When Cat had asked her Momma what her favorite book had been, when she was growing up, Christy had told her "Little Women." The size of the book was a bit daunting, but Christy assured her if she read one chapter at a time, it would be finished soon enough. They did not always accompany Neil and the boys fishing as they had done today. Christy would spend the time with Cat, Amelia was still too little. Cat had earned her nickname because as a baby she would make noises that sounded like a mewing kitten. The name really stuck after she had gotten Mist and Smoky for her birthday. Christy encouraged Catherine to keep a journal. She shared her journal and sketches from her first two years while she taught at the school. Cat hadn’t realized that her Momma still kept a journal. She knew that she still sketched, because Poppa was always bringing her paper and drawing pencils. Charlie liked to draw too. Momma helped him to improve his sketches. Cat felt that her family was different from other families in the Cove. She felt her parents could do anything. They had the most education. There was always food on the table, even in lean times. Her Poppa was paid in barter by the residents of the Cove. If he doctored in El Pano he was paid in cash. He was also paid for his research. Their clothes were always clean. They bathed regularly. Momma and Poppa were very strict about cleanliness and washing hands. When they visited their grandparents, Cat could sense the difference in attitude towards her family. She heard whispers of "country bumpkins" or "hillbillies". Gamma and Grandpa never felt that way about them. Grammy Rudd fussed over them, more than anyone else. Perhaps the rest of the family was jealous of the attention the MacNeill’s received from her. When one of the cousins said he was surprised they had shoes, Ned punched him in the nose. He would not apologize to someone who insulted his family. Asheville feathers were ruffled, but Ned stood firm. No one insulted his family. Christy disliked physical violence and was upset, but Neil gave Ned his nod of support. He’d have done the same. Christy understood Ned’s reaction. He was proud like his father. She’d never liked the child’s mother. Both mother and son were obnoxious. When Delia exclaimed they would never attend another family function if the MacNeill’s were present, Grammy Rudd was overjoyed. She told Gamma to invite the MacNeill’s as often as possible. Grammy had always felt that her granddaughter and great grandson were odious and unpleasant. Catherine was like her father in many respects. She had his hair, which was curly and unruly. She had his keen sense of observation, a trait she shared with Ned and Charlie. She was proud of her heritage. Like her mother, she had a gift for words. She loved to write compositions in school. All of the MacNeill children were instructed in the use of proper grammar. Christy did not neglect lessons in deportment and etiquette. The boys found it boring, but Cat understood its importance. She knew that she would be judged by where she came from and how wealthy her family was. As far as she was concerned no one could hold a candle to her family. She saw the adoration of her Poppa towards her Momma. No one in Asheville had that as far as she was concerned. No man had her Poppa’s strength and resolve. They were all fancified dandies. No lady was as beautiful as her Momma. Time and time again she watched men go speechless when the met or looked at her Momma. Women got all prune faced when they saw their menfolk looking at her Momma’s eyes. Then Poppa would come along and Momma would smile her special smile just for him. There was nothing like it in this big old world. "It is true love," Granny Alice would say, "a gift from God for two of the most special people in the world" --her Momma and Poppa. End of Chapter Four Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill’s" Part Three/Chapter Five "Catherine Alice MacNeill" ........................................................................ Luke Parker watched Doc and Mrs. MacNeill depart, walking slowly through the trees, holding hands in the dappled moonlight. He loved them so ! Had his father lived, Luke knew that his parents would have had the same love and devotion like Doc and his Missus. He’d come out for a walk to clear the cobwebs from his brain. His mother’s fervent wish was that he attend college. He’d been accepted to four. Like Ned, he excelled in all of his subjects. Doc, Miz Christy, Reverend Grantland and his Mama had been strict taskmasters. He too could read and write Latin fluently. He wanted his mother to be proud of him. His mother would be teaching in El Pano, in the rural school. She had found a perfect little house to rent. He contacted Mr. Huddleston, and wanted to work out a way to buy the house for his mother with money from his trust fund. It would have to wait until he was twenty-one. It would be his gift to his mother for giving him such an extraordinary life. He loved science and math, but he also loved literature. Was that because Cat also loved great literature? He knew there was something missing from his life. He had no connection to his father’s family. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. Ned wanted to be a doctor, but Luke had no inclination for that occupation. Watching Doc and Mrs. MacNeill kiss and touch each other’s face and hair made Luke realize that there was more to love than just desire. They’d been married for nearly twenty years. Catherine had been part of his life for so long! He was only four years old when his mother came to Cutter Gap to teach school. He was blissfully unaware of the tragedy and turmoil that had affected his mother. He vaguely remembered his father. There was a photograph album of pictures of his father and mother when they got married and one of his father in an army uniform. Memories assailed him. He lived at the Mission with his mother, Miss Alice and the Grantland’s. When he was seven years old, she came to school with her brother Ned. Ned MacNeill was one of his best friends. Her hair was soft and curly. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. She could hardly contain her enthusiasm. Luke shook himself. This was Catherine; Ned’s little sister. Why, she was almost like his little sister, so then, why did he feel a little flutter of butterflies in his stomach when he looked at her today? Catherine looked at Luke and smiled at him. Just then, Luke’s mother called the class to attention. The children adored Mrs. Parker. She had been their teacher for three years now. The children in the upper grades remembered having Miss Christy as their teacher. The younger ones only knew Mrs. Parker. Both teachers were equally loved by the children. Back in the present, shaking his head in the dark, all Luke wanted to do was protect Cat, cherish her, keep her safe and let her know he would never hurt her. She was only sixteen. He’d be away in Virginia. Suppose someone got fresh with her or wanted to court her? He didn’t know what he should do. He couldn’t ask Doc or for that matter, Preacher. He’d ask Mr. Spencer. He only had a few more weeks left. He was so unsure and yet he felt that Catherine had been letting him know, in her own special way, that she cared. Girls were just too unpredictable. He recalled Ned telling him that Doc said they were put on earth to confound and confuse men. The following day, Luke made his way to the Spencer cabin. Keeping his distance from the hives, he bid a howdy to Mr. Spencer. "Hello, Luke," said Jeb, "what can I do for you today?" "I need your advice, sir." "What about, son?" "Girls." Jeb laughed. "Why not talk to Doc MacNeill?" "It’s Catherine." "Whooee," said Jeb. "When she was born I told Neil she was a beauty! You should have seen the look on his face." Looking at Luke, he said, "Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that. Do you care about her, Luke?" "Yes." "You’re going away soon." "Yes, sir." "You want her to know how you feel?" "Yes, sir." "Then you’ve got to tell her, son. She’s got to know how you feel. If she says yes, then you’re a lucky son of ...,I mean you’re a lucky young man. If she says no, well you’ll be gone in a couple of weeks, no one will know, Cat’s not one to boast or brag. Luke, how’s your Mama faring?" "Sir?" "With the Mission closing and all?" "She’s going to teach in El Pano." "She’s a wonderful teacher. She’ll do just fine." "Yes, sir." "Take Catherine to her favorite place, and tell her how you feel, Luke. Trust me on this. It’s the only way. She’s got to be told before you go away." "Thank you, Mr. Spencer." A few days later, Luke came to see Ned. "He’ll be back in a minute," said Christy. Come in and sit a spell. Would you like a piece of peach pie?" "Yes, Mom." His face went scarlet. "I mean I meant to say Ma’am," he stammered. Christy looked at him with loving eyes. Smiling she said, "Luke Parker, I know that you love your Mama very much. All these years you’ve been coming here, sharing meals, snitching cookies with Ned, being best friends with him. You’re like another son to us. Having you call me Mom, even by accident, tells me how much you care. I love you too, Luke." She kissed him on the cheek. "Now finish your pie." With that, Ned came flying into the cabin. "Sorry I’m late." "That’s okay." "Momma, we’re going fishing. It’s going to be a while before we get to do it again together." Christy nodded and smiled. Her chicks were leaving the nest! Catherine wandered to Laurel Ridge after Church one Sunday in early August. Ned and Luke would be leaving soon for college. She was close to both young men. As the eldest son and daughter, she and her brother had shouldered family responsibilities for their younger siblings. She was trying to come to terms with so many things right now. The Mission was closing! Poppa was searching for a new place to live. Momma was trying so hard to cope with all of the changes. Catherine felt as though the rug was being pulled out from under her. Luke watched her leave and decided to follow her. When she reached the path that would lead her to the Ridge, Luke called out to her. "Please wait, Cat." He hurried to join her, and together, they reached the mountain lookout. Catherine started to cry. "I wish we didn’t have to leave this place. Oh Luke," she said. She turned into him. Her action was as natural to her as breathing. He tentatively put his arms around her. He held her, handing her a clean handkerchief to wipe her tears, until she stopped crying. "Luke," she whispered. "Catherine, " he said smiling. "I’ll miss you" they said together. Luke smiled, with an even broader smile. "I’ll be home for the holidays, so will Ned." "I know." "I’ll write to you, I promise." "You’ll be too busy studying." "I’ll never be too busy for you, Cat." "We’ll see. Luke, what subjects appeal to you the most?" "I’m not sure." "Don’t be silly, Luke. Think. What challenged you the most, rewarded you the most?" Luke thought long and hard. "Science." "Be more specific." "Chemisty." "Study chemistry, then." "And what would I do with chemistry?" "You could teach it or you could use it to discover medicines that could help cure diseases. You know how Poppa goes on and on about the importance of research and studying the properties of the herbal cures our ancestors used to cure sickness. There are many ways to utilize a science degree." Luke looked into Catherine’s beautiful blue eyes. Her hair was a mass of unruly curls. "Cat, " he said quietly, " you hold a special place in my heart." "Wrap it up in cotton wool, Luke Matthew Parker, for you take it with you when you leave here. Don’t break it. I’ll never forgive you if you do." Luke laughed and then said somberly, "I exchange my heart with yours. Take good care of it, my sweet Catherine. If you break it, I’ll never forgive you." He gently kissed her lips. "Sealed with a kiss." A vow to be honored. "Luke, I care so much for you. Please take care of yourself." "I feel the same way Catherine. I feel the same way." 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. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill’s" Part Three/Chapter Six "Catherine Alice MacNeill" ........................................................................ "Momma did a lot of fellas want to court you?" "Why are you asking me? Did someone approach you?" "Well......How did you know you loved Poppa?" "I didn’t." "You didn’t love Poppa?" "No sweetheart, I meant I didn’t know I loved your Poppa. No wait, that’s not really true. My heart knew I loved Poppa, but my brain was telling me something different." "I don’t understand." "Neither did I. It’s a long story." "Are you going to tell me?" asked Catherine. "Catherine, our courtship had more ups and downs than these beloved mountains. Your father wasn’t free to marry me. His wife had left him, letting him believe she had drowned in the river. She was Granny Alice’s daughter, Margaret. I came to Cutter Gap to teach, not to find a husband. Reverend Grantland lived at the Mission with his sister Ida and Miss Alice. Your father lived in the cabin. We got off to a rocky start, but your Poppa became my friend. I tried to balance my feelings. After Margaret died of tuberculosis, I thought your father might try to court me, but he didn’t." "What happened then, Momma?" "Then the typhoid epidemic killed Mrs. Spencer and Mr. Taylor’s son. Your Uncle David had proposed earlier to me, and I never gave him a proper answer. He got sick, and I helped nurse him back to health. When he recovered, I thought that God had meant us to be together. I agreed to marry him. A day or so later, your father left for Baltimore. I thought that we were only friends, Catherine. I felt a deep wound in my heart. I tried to ignore it. Our wedding plans progressed. You know how your grandmother can be. She sent half of Asheville here for the wedding, but deep in my heart, Catherine, I knew something was wrong." "What happened next?"Just a few weeks before my wedding your Poppa came by for a visit. We went riding. Poppa declared his love for me. I was angry at him. He forced me to see what my heart had been telling me all along. Now I would have to make the most heart wrenching decision of my life. A terrible storm arose. The horses bolted. Poppa knew of a hunting cabin nearby for shelter. We were trapped. I ran away from your father and was soaked by the rain. I developed a high fever. Your father took care of me." "Poppa always takes care of you, Momma." "Indeed he does, sweetheart." "Then what happened?" "My fever cleared, and we walked back to the Mission. There was a lot of damage to the Cove. The flooding had been terrible. Your father insisted I rest for a few days. I had to tell your Uncle David that I couldn’t marry him. I loved your father with all of my heart and soul. I loved your Uncle David more like a dear friend or brother. Then I had to tell your father about my feelings. When he kissed me for the second time, Catherine, I knew that this was what God had planned for me. I have not regretted my decision to follow my heart." She hugged Catherine, as they continued on their walk. Times shared like this were precious to Christy, and to Catherine as well. They were exploring the property around their new home. "Now Catherine, why are we having this conversation?" "I miss Luke." "Of course you do." "You know?" "Know what?" "Do you know that I care about him?" "Yes." "How?" "Cat, you have tagged along after Ned and Luke your entire life. First and foremost, you are friends. Best friends. He has always looked out for you. I have watched him, and I realized that he was falling in love with you. I am glad that you have finally realized your feelings for him." "He is so far away." "Do you miss your brother?" "Of course I do, Momma, but it’s not the same." "Well keep writing to each other. You’ll see one another at the holidays. In the mean time you must keep up with your studies. After all, college is fast approaching for you as well, my dear." "Yes Momma," said Catherine laughing. "Did I sound to preachy just now?" "Don’t worry about it, Momma. I know what you meant. You never did answer my question. Did you have a lot of fellows want to court you?" They sat down on a ridge overlooking the mountains. "I miss the old view," Christy said, as tears welled up in her eyes. "Momma, please don’t cry. We’re all upset about leaving." "I know, sweetheart. This new piece of heaven on earth is here for us now." She wiped her eyes. "Enough of this. To answer your question, there were a few. Some were just friends I had grown up with in Asheville. When there was a dance, they would fill out most of our dance cards, so that my girlfriends and I wouldn’t be standing around like wall flowers. We left one or two dances free just in case there was someone who was interesting or different. Sometimes there were visiting relatives or guests who would attend. I admit that I had been kissed a few times before I came here, but they were innocent pecks on the cheek." "Did Uncle David kiss you?" "Yes, but we had to be very, very discreet. After all, he was the preacher and I was the school teacher." "When did Poppa first kiss you?" "Do you mean a kiss that I was aware of or unaware of?" "That’s confusing, Momma!" "The first time your father kissed me I was asleep. He kissed my forehead. He told me about it after we were married. I’d been injured when some men tried to burn the school down. The next time your father kissed me was after he declared his love for me. The storm forced us to find shelter. I was yelling at Poppa. We argued, and I believe he grabbed me out of frustration at my stubbornness and he kissed me." "How did it feel?" "Like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life." "What happened next?" "I slapped his cheek so hard I hurt my hand, but I never told him that. I ran out into the storm. I was being very foolish. He had made my heart sing with joy and I was afraid." "Oh Momma, things turned out for the best." "The very best, Catherine. I have no regrets, dear heart." .................................................. Luke felt like a fish out of water. He had his class schedules, books, and lab notebooks. He liked his room mates well enough. He was homesick, of course. It was all a big jumble to him. He hid his fears well. He had classes in common with five other students. They began to study together and do things around campus. They seemed to have similar interests. Luke could shoot, hunt, fish like any other mountain man. Doc and Mr. Spencer had seen to that. He was a young man who could read ‘The Aeneid" in Latin and understand it perfectly, and then tell his friends how long ago a footprint had been left in the mud. He was a gentleman, well mannered and kind. He could hold his own with this diversified group of friends. At a campus social, Luke stayed on the fringe, more as an observer. His heart belonged to Catherine. To the young ladies attending the dance, he was a good looking and well dressed. There was an air of mystery about him. He was also eligible. His aloofness was an attraction. He was never rude, but he always managed to avoid being put into a compromising situation. In short, he didn’t favor any one young lady, but he certainly wasn’t a dandy. He was going home for the holidays, desperate for the opportunity to spend time with Catherine. His worst fear was that they would go to Asheville for Thanksgiving. He was relieved when his mother wrote that they were invited to the MacNeill’s for the holiday. He would soon see his sweet Cat! End of Chapter Six Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill's" Part Three/Chapter Seven "Catherine Alice MacNeill" ........................................................................ Catherine was in college to study literature since she wanted to teach like her mother. She loved to write and do research. Her grades were excellent. Internships were offered during summer breaks to those students who were of exceptional merit. One of Catherine's strong points in her writing was grammar. Proper grammar. She applied for a job at NP & Son Publishers in Knoxville for the summer. Her great uncle Robert and great aunt Grace assured her that they had room in their home for her to stay, and that she was always welcome. Unbeknownst to her, she got the job because she had corrected a grammatical error in the letter sent to her acknowledging her application to the publishing firm. She had been working there a month when a manuscript crossed her desk. It was a grammatical nightmare. Her critique was duly noted by her supervisor. She had made many grammatical changes to the text, but was overwhelmed by the poor quality of the writing. She noted her criticisms on the manuscript. Catherine received a summons to the office of the president. Her co-workers shook their heads with worry. No one from their department had ever been called upstairs. When she reached the reception area, she was permitted to enter the office of the president. She looked up at the portrait of a man behind the desk and promptly fainted. When she woke, she was totally unsure of where she was. "Miss MacNeill, are you feeling all right?" a fatherly figure inquired. "Yes sir. I am sorry sir. I never faint." There was an elderly gentleman hovering nearby. "What caused you to faint, Miss MacNeill? Was being summoned to the office of the president so intimidating?" he asked with a chuckle in his voice. She sat up. The younger man, who was probably a little younger than her father assisted her up, and immediately had her sit down in a chair. She looked at the elderly gentleman. "No sir, it was not fear, it was the sight of the portrait behind the desk." The elderly man looked confused. "The portrait?" "Yes sir. If you changed the hair color from blonde to chestnut, I'd be staring at Luke. The eyes are intensely blue, there is a dimple in his chin and his nose is exactly the same." "Who is Luke?" asked the elderly gentleman. "Luke Matthew Parker, my fiance. Luke doesn't remember his father. His mother, Moira, taught school in Cutter Gap after my mother left when my older brother was born. Luke's father was killed in France in World War I. He was only four years old when they moved to the Cove." Both men paled. Catherine's quick mind put the puzzle pieces in order. "Who is the man in the picture?" she asked, even though she instinctively knew the answer. "My son, Matthew Parker. He was killed in France during the War." "He was Luke's father," exclaimed Catherine, and she promptly fainted again. When she awoke, sprawled in the chair, with Miss Drummond the secretary patting her cheeks and waving smelling salts under her nose, she shook her head and said, "This has never happened before." "Thank you Miss Drummond." said Jacob Parker. "Are you all right now, Miss MacNeill?" "Yes sir. I apologize again sir. I never faint. My father is a country doctor. I have seen blood and gore when seriously injured patients were brought to our house for treatment. I simply do not faint," she said forcefully. "Luke Matthew Parker, what does he do for a living?" asked Nathan Parker. "He is a chemist. He works in research, trying to develop cures for catastrophic illnesses. He is currently enrolled in a doctorate program." "And his mother?" "She now teaches elementary school in El Pano, for thirty five dollars a month." "I find that hard to believe of a gold digger," he scoffed. "Sir, I beg to disagree. I need to correct your misconception of Mrs. Parker. She is wonderful, a gifted teacher. Moira Parker's lawyer is my grandfather, although he is now retired. Any money received from her late husband's estate was put in a trust fund for Luke in order for him to go to college. Her salary for teaching at the Mission was twenty five dollars a month. That is what they lived on all of Luke's childhood." She saw their wariness, and continued. "Luke showed me the letter written by you to his father when he married Moira. You wrote that he was dead to you both. When Luke was born, Moira wanted him to inform you of Luke's birth. Your son refused her request. Such stubbornness has caused your family never to know that you had a nephew and a grandson to love and cherish. Pride is such a strong, powerful emotion. I have seen the results of such hurtful, hate filled feuds, growing up in the mountains, watching my father trying to save lives because of senseless feuds over mostly imagined slights. You have never seen or heard Luke's laughter or joy de vivre. It is a pity. He has never known that he had a grandfather, grandmother or uncle to lean on when he needed support or advice. He has only had his mother, and my family all these years. This entire situation is wrong. I just do not understand why we hurt the people we love the most." Then characteristically just like her mother, Catherine changed the subject. "Why did you want to see me, Mr Parker?" "To offer you a full time job, Miss MacNeill. Your review of this manuscript was right on the money. It is terrible. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to tell the brutal truth." Catherine was shocked. "I do not know what to say. I want to finish college first. The value of education is important to me." The elder Mr. Parker nodded. "I would like to meet my grandson, Miss MacNeill. If I write a letter to him, will you deliver it to him?" "Yes sir." He looked intently into her blue eyes. "Your eyes are extraordinary." "They are not nearly as blue as my mother's eyes." "You must have an incredible family." "Indeed I do, sir. I have a truly wonderful, gifted father and mother, four brothers and a younger sister. We have had an unusual life. My parents love for each other and for the six of us is as solid as the mountains of the Great Smokies. We are bound to each other by our faith in God and our love for one another. We stand together, always. Luke and Mrs. Parker are part of our extended family. I think I have loved Luke all of my life. That is just the way it is, sir. You just know. I fear that I cannot explain it with any kind of logic. I promise you, Mr. Parker, on my word as a MacNeill, that I will send your letter to Luke. I will think about the job offer, and discuss it with my parents. I will inform you of my decision as soon as I can." Later that afternoon, Catherine was handed a letter from Miss Drummond. She enclosed the letter with one of her own to Luke, explaining the extraordinary circumstances, and how the letter came to be. Luke read the letter from his grandfather with mixed emotions. Dear Luke, Can you forgive an old fool who has missed out on the chance to see a baby grow up into a fine, upstanding young man because of the root of all evil --money? I had plans for your father Luke. Matthew was going to follow in my footsteps. I never even considered that your father might have dreams of his own. Bah! It was tradition for a son to follow the example of his father. Your father chose a different path, and I condemned him for it. I wrote a letter to your father. Your grandmother begged me not to send it. I believed that I had right on my side. My son would follow my will. Here I am now, an old man with a ton of regrets, discovering that I have a grandson I never knew. Your grandmother is not well. She has had a broken heart ever since your father died. I forbade her to mention his name and I have paid for my arrogance. I beg, I humbly beg for you to consider meeting your father's family. Sincerely your grandfather, Nathan Parker Luke went to El Pano to see his mother. He showed her the letter. He asked her opinion and Moira wisely let him work it out for himself. She knew that the bond between them was strong, it would never be broken. Luke loved her with all of his heart. Catherine would soon be part of their family. She loved her like a daughter. With Catherine's help, she knew that Luke would make the right choice. Fences needed to be mended and in time there was a reconciliation of families. End of Chapter Seven *See Author's Note in "The MacNeills Conclusion"