New Beginnings by Becki Part one Christy sighed with satisfaction and placed the neatly graded papers in a stack on the edge of her desk. She gathered her teaching supplies and carefully stood up. Stretching her cramped limbs, she was relieved to find that the dizziness that had plagued her earlier in the day was gone. Christy convinced herself that it was nothing to worry about. Certainly not serious enough to tell her doctor husband about. Anyway, soon she would be home, at Neil's cabin, her cabin. Christy smiled at the thought of her husband and quickly headed for her horse. Nearly twenty minutes later she slowed Buttons to a walk in front of their cabin and tethered her to a nearby post. The fact that she had been married for three months now didn't stop her from bounding up the steps and throwing open the door with an almost childish grin. Before Christy could even put her shoulder bag of teaching supplies down, two strong and, yes, muscular arms wrapped around her and held her close. "Well, I'm glad to see you too." Christy laughed. Before she could say more Neil took her by the shoulders and almost roughly thrust his wife away from him. "Are you okay?" He searched her face for any sign of illness. "Of course I am Neil. Why wouldn't-" Christy stopped abruptly as she noticed Neil's brown medical bags and instruments spread out over the table. "Who's sick Neil? Is it Miss Alice? What's wrong?" Christy's blue eyes grew wide. Part two Neil led Christy to a straight backed chair at the table. "Alice is fine. Sam Houston said that you were sick." Neil looked at her accusingly. Christy's heart sank at the serious look on her husband's face. "Sam Houston came by after school to show me some of his arrow heads. He said 'Teacher almost folded up on the floor this mornin' Doc, reckon she's sick?'" Neil mimicked the ten year old's voice perfectly. Neil bent over Christy and put his hands on the back of the chair, physically trapping her while he clearly waited for an explanation. "Oh Neil," Christy laughed nervously, "you know how children are. They always exaggerate. I was merely tired." Neil debated what to do. He studied Christy closely and she didn't appear to be sick. Before he could make her promise to take it easy, Christy spoke up. "I promise I'll go to bed early tonight, Neil, that is, if you can keep your hands off me." Neil started, taken aback by Christy's bold words. His shock slowly transformed into a broad grin. "Why Christy MacNeill! Are you sure it's not the other way around?" Christy sputtered, trying to think of a comeback. She enjoyed engaging in verbal battles with her husband. Neil, however, wasn't in the mood to talk anymore, as he bent his head to Christy's and captured her lips in a deep kiss. The two lovers were still clinging to one another when a loud knocking interrupted them. Neil reluctantly disentangled himself and pulled away. He gave Christy a frustrated, apologetic look before opening the door. "Tom, what's wrong?" Part three "My sister out by Raven Gap took sick last night. She's been ailin bad doc. Can ye come?" "Of course Tom. I'll be on my way." "I'm obligeed doc." Neil nodded and shut the door. He sighed, turning to his wife. "I'm sorry Christy." "I'll be fine Neil. Gerta Tucker needs you. I understand." Neil looked tenderly at Christy for a moment then suddenly said, "Get some clothes together." "Why?" Christy looked confused. "Because you're going to stay at the mission with Alice until I get back. She can keep an eye on you in case there is more to this than simple exhaustion." Christy was about to protest, but took one look at her husband's worried expression and gave in. The two quickly gathered their things and were soon mounted on the doctors horse. They rode comfortably together to the mission where they were greeted by Miss Alice. "Christy, Neil," Alice called out to the couple. "Hello Alice. Gerta Tucker out by Raven Gap is sick. I may be gone for several days. Could Christy stay with you until I'm back?" "Of course." Alice didn't look surprised. "Ruby Mae told me that thee was feeling ill, Christy." Christy's face was a mixture of annoyance and dismay. "I didn't realize that my students were so concerned about my health." She grinned wryly. "I didn't have a chance to examine her, so maybe you could make sure she gets lot's of rest." Miss Alice nodded. "Thee can stay in thy old room Christy and retire early tonight." With that, she wisely left the couple alone. Their actions however, did not go totally unnoticed. Part four Ruby Mae Morrison had been staying at the mission ever since her parents abandoned her two years ago. The 16 year old redhead was always trying to romance Rob Allen and now she watched in interest as the doc an Miz Christy did some romancin of their own. Suddenly she pressed her nose against the windows glass and gasped. Doc MacNeill was kissing Miz Christy in broad daylight. "Lordy!", she breathed, and accidentally fogged up the glass. By the time she had quickly wiped the glass clear they had stopped kissing. "Drat!" Still, she watched as Dr. MacNeill mounted his horse, waved, and rode off towards the mountains. By the time Christy reached the mission door, Ruby Mae had raced down the steps and was waiting for her. "Ohhh, Miz Christy, that was just bout the most romantic thing I ever done saw." Christy blushed and inwardly smiled, but tried to keep a stern tone as she headed up the stairs to her bedroom. "Ruby Mae, were you spying on us?" "Yes mam. But I just couldn't hulp myself. Do you think Rob Allen will ever kiss me like that?" The young woman flopped onto her teachers bed and sighed dreamily. Christy paused in her unpacking and sat down next to Ruby Mae. "Someday, Ruby Mae, you will marry a man who loves you as much as Jeb Spencer loves Fairlight and as much as Dr. MacNeill loves me." "And we'll have lots of kids and live happily ever after." Ruby Mae finished and sighed again. Abruptly she sat up. "Are you and Doc MacNeill gonna have kids?" "Well, I certainly hope so. But we have only been married for 4 months." Christy rubbed her abdomen thoughtfully. In these parts of the mountains families were large and grew quickly. Neil said that they were both still adjusting to marriage and it was too soon to expect anything. Still, though, she wondered what it would be like to have a child, a baby of her very own. Part five That evening Christy retired early at Miss Alice's urgings. She was exhausted but her wandering mind kept her awake for some time. As always when Neil was away she missed him terribly and finally fell asleep picturing him in the midst of making someone feel better. Christy awoke the next morning with a raging headache and a sense of tiredness that even a deep sleep could not shake. Forcing herself out of bed she repeated through clenched teeth, "I am not sick. I will not be sick.", even as a wave of nausea rose in her. She quickly dressed, praying that the sickness would go away. "Are you awake Miz Christy?" Ruby Mae's voice accompanied the beating on her door. "Yes, come in." Christy called, her voice wavering slightly. Ruby Mae, wearing a worn blue dress that accented her flaming red hair, skipped in. "I was wonderin if I could borrow some of that little green bottle?" She pointed to a small container on Christy's night stand. Christy smiled. "Perfume. Help your self. But not too much," she cautioned. Ruby Mae merrily proceeded to spray half the bottle's contents on herself before stopping suddenly. "Are you okay Miz Christy?" She peered at her teacher closely. "You look a little green." "I'm fine Ruby Mae," Christy lied. "Let's go down to breakfast." Seated at the table it was obvious that something was wrong with Christy. She looked pale and there were dark circles under her eyes. When Ruby Mae innocently passed her the scrambled eggs she mumbled a hurried "excuse me" and dashed out the door. Once outside Christy leaned weakly against the wooden porch post and sucked in the fresh mountain air. "Is thee alright?" Christy was not surprised that Miss Alice had followed her. "I'm fine." Miss Alice smiled gently. "Christy, thee teaches thy students not to lie. Now their teacher has committed the same offense. I know thee is feeling ill. I can teach today while you rest here at the mission." Christy turned to face Miss Alice. "No. Really Miss Alice, it's not necessary. I am beginning to feel better. "Christy was relieved to find that this time it was the truth. Miss Alice new that Christy was determined to teach. "If thee needs anything send one of the students to get me." Christy nodded and grabbed her teaching bag from inside. "I'll see you this afternoon. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Part six Sitting at the dining room table that evening, Christy reflected wearily over the events of the day. She had spent the entire morning on the verge of being sick. By the afternoon she was feeling better, but still not well enough to deal with the possum that somehow got loose inside the schoolhouse and caused a huge commotion until it was bravely caught by Creed Allen. "Then again," thought Christy, "How does one deal with crazy possums at any time?" She smiled slightly. Miss Alice came and joined them at the table. "How is thee feeling Christy?" Christy opened her mouth to answer just as Ruby Mae proudly walked out of the kitchen carrying her newest possum dish. "Look Miz Christy. I traded some monkey's gold for this here possum that Creed Allen caught this afternoon. Guess this one won't be makin anymore trouble at the school now will he?" The girl laughed with glee at her cleverness. Christy managed to mumble, "No, he won't Ruby Mae," as she inhaled the sickening sweet animal lying in some sort of brown juice on the platter. Before she could even inquire as to the name of the newest creation, Christy brought her hand to her mouth and dashed out the door as she was overcome with a forceful wave of nausea. This time there was no holding anything back and she was violently sick. Thankfully Miss Alice was by her side and the older woman gently held her hair back and supported her until she was able to weakly stand by herself. "I'm sorry Miss Alice," Christy whispered faintly. "There's nothing to be sorry for child. Ruby Mae is more worried about how thee is feeling than about why thee turned green at the sight of her broiled apple butter possum." "Oh, is that what that was?" Christy attempted humor. Miss Alice laughed softly. "Now let's get thee cleaned up and I want to thoroughly examine you." Christy took a step away from Alice and shook her head. "No protests Mrs. MacNeill. I'm sure thy husband would agree that it's definitely time to find out why thee is becoming sick at the sight of a tasty possum." Fifteen minutes later Christy was lying in a fresh nightgown in her bed, watching Miss Alice remove instruments from her medical bag. "Really Miss Alice, this isn't necessary. If Neil were here he'd probably say it was just the flu." "If Neil was here he'd be doing the same thing I am. Now just be still Christy." Miss Alice turned all nurse and listened to Christy's heart and lungs then examined her throat. Next she gently felt Christy's stomach. As she palpated the young woman's lower abdomen she found that her prediction was right. She remained silent however until she was finished with her examination and had pulled the covers back up around Christy. "Well," the patient demanded, "What's your diagnosis?" Part seven Miss Alice's brown eyes twinkled merrily. "Christy, thee is with child." The room grew still. Chirping birds could be heard outside. "I'm pregnant?" Alice nodded happily. "But, that's impossible." Miss Alice smiled in amusement. "I mean, Neil and I were just talking about children last week and he said it was probably too soon." "Well, the good doctor obviously made a mistake. I will let thee have the privilege of telling him that." The two women laughed, both knowing it was a rare day when Neil MacNeill could be proven wrong. The women made plans late into the night. Christy was about three months along which meant that the baby would be due sometime in early August. Christy would tell Neil as soon as he got home and then the happy couple would share the news among the cove. As for school, Alice would teach Bible and English in the mornings until Christy got over her morning sickness. As the time passed Christy was overcome with exhaustion and Alice left to go prepare her school lessons. That night Christy fell asleep with a smile on her face as she thought of Neil's reaction to her happy news. The next morning Neil rode in. He was tired but happy. Gerta O'Teale, who had had pneumonia, would be fine and his other patients had all improved. Neil couldn't wait to see his wife but decided to stop at the mission first and ask Alice how Christy had been feeling. "Alice," Neil called out as he opened the door of the mission. He was greeted with a loud silence. "Maybe she was called away unexpectedly," he thought to himself. He had turned to head out the door and over to the schoolhouse when he was attacked by someone from behind. Neil nearly reacted instinctively by lashing out with his fists but the curly brown hair that was falling over his shoulder seemed familiar. Perhaps instead of trying to choke him, his attacker was trying to hug him. His last clue was that the person hanging onto his neck certainly did not smell like a mountain man. "That was some welcome Christy. If you'll let go of my neck I'll turn around and kiss you." Instantly the pressure on his neck was released and, turning around, he drew a deep breath. the couple shared a long, slow kiss. Quite suddenly Neil broke away and studied his wife's face. "Why aren't you teaching? Are you sick?" "Oh Neil, I have something wonderful to tell you. Let's go for a walk by the lake." Neil was puzzled, but let himself be led to the water. Eventually Christy turned to Neil and looked up into his handsome face. With mock seriousness she announced, "You made a mistake doctor." "You brought me all the way out here to tell me I made a mistake?!" Neil's face was a mixture of amusement and irritation. "Well, it was a pretty serious one." Christy took a deep breath before taking the plunge. "Remember when you said it was too soon to have children?" She rushed on before he could respond. "In about six months I'll prove you wrong." Christy held her breath, waiting. Neil's looks turned from confused to understanding and then he broke into a wide grin. "Christy MacNeill are you saying that we're going to have a baby in August?" Christy nodded, barely able to contain her excitement. Neil's excited shouts filled the air as he seized his wife in a huge hug. "We're definitely going to have to celebrate." Christy smiled. "When Ruby Mae finds out she'll probably even bake us a special possum dinner." The couple's laughter filled the air and they walked off into the woods, making plans for the very exciting future. Part eight (nearly 5 months later) Christy crawled into bed. She was exhausted and the late July heat only intensified her aches. Even with a soft breeze drifting through the bedroom window it was still stifling. Christy lay facing the window and watched the yellow curtains sway slightly as she thought about the new teacher that had arrived in the cove a month earlier. Miss Lydia Evans would be teaching school for the first term until at least Christmas. Folks were beginning to trust her, although for the children no one would ever truly do except their beloved Miz Christy. Christy smiled as she considered the special friendship between the substitute teacher and David. Christy secretly hoped that it would develop into a lifetime of happiness for the couple. Her thoughts scattered when Neil lovingly began rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles. Christy sighed deeply with pleasure. "You're awfully quiet tonight," he remarked with a question in his voice. Christy shifted to lay on her back. "I'm fine doctor," Christy mocked lightly, but laid patiently under his doctors scrutinizing gaze. After a moment of silence she quietly asked, "How much longer Neil? Till the baby comes?" Neil rose up on one elbow and leaned over Christy. It had been several weeks since he'd thoroughly examined her and now he gently felt her swollen and distended abdomen. "About 5 more weeks. You're doing great Christy, it's not easy being pregnant in this heat." Christy let out an unladylike snort and smiled impishly. "How would you know?" Deep laughter rumbled out of Neil's chest. Christy recognized the look in his eyes that meant she was going to be kissed. Neil leaned closer towards her, tracing the outline of her jaw. Suddenly he shifted and was caught in a moonbeam of light. Christy's breath caught in her throat. Neil's rugged features were lit up. His red hair was mussed, with the one curl she loved hanging over his face. He looked unbelievably strong and invincible. Her husband had never looked more enigmatic or desirable. Christy's heart beat with anticipation as Neil slowly lowered his head to gently claim her lips in a sweet kiss. Christy responded quickly and their kisses grew more urgent. Christy swiftly sent up a prayer that Neil need not leave her tonight. And for that one magical night no one needed a doctor, only Christy, because the doctor was also the love of her heart. Part nine "Christy are you ready to go?" Neil called from the cabin's doorway. "Coming!" Christy yelled back as she swept the room with a quick glance. Dr. MacNeill and Miss Alice thought it best for Christy to stay at the mission for the last weeks of her pregnancy. That way, if Christy happened to go into labor while Neil was out on a call, Miss Alice would be able to use her nursing skills to deliver the baby. "Do you have everything?" Neil asked as he firmly shut the door behind them. "I hope so." "Well, if you find you've forgotten anything, I can always bring it over later. Neil assisted Christy in mounting her horse. "I'll ride Bill and lead Button's behind me okay?" Christy nodded and attempted to settle herself more comfortably in Button's saddle. The horses slowly plodded along and Christy grew impatient. "I'll be glad when this baby comes and I can gallop again. Do you think she'll enjoy riding?" Neil laughed. It was a favorite game of Christy's to speculate on their child's likes and dislikes. "I think that he or she will love to ride horses, but hopefully won't have as many problems learning to ride as you did." Christy laughed and made a face at her husband. The two occupied themselves with lively banter until they reached the mission. Alice was out on the porch shelling peas and she came to great them. "How is thee Christy?" "Very ready for the baby to come. I feel as if I've been pregnant forever!" The nurse and doctor laughed. "Why don't you ladies get inside, out of this heat? I'll be along after I water the horses at the lake." Christy nodded and turned to go inside, missing the secret smiles between Miss Alice and her husband. When Christy opened the door she was shocked to find nearly all of the cove's ladies standing in the parlor. "What's this?" She exclaimed in surprise. "They are here because of thee." Miss Alice whispered as she guided Christy to a chair. "You've done so much for our chil'urn Miz Christy, that we all done brought you somethin for your young'un." Opal McHone spoke from her heart and the other women nodded in agreement. Christy felt tears come to her eyes as she surveyed the offerings that the women held before her. There were baby booties from Opal, a quilt from Fairlight, and jars of honey and apple butter. Swannie had brought dried flowers made into sachets and Mary Allen had brought canned persimmons. These mountain women, innocent and kind, poor and proud, had given what they couldn't possibly spare. "I'm obliged to you. Thank you all." Christy said softly. The spell was broken when the door flew open and Neil rushed in. "Alice," he gasped, breathless from running from the pond. Christy heavily pushed herself out of her chair and went to stand by her husband, laying a hand on his arm. "Neil, what is it?" Part ten "Laural McHone in Cataleechie. Horse threw her. From the way Bogg described it, she may have internal injuries. If that's the case I'll have to operate and stay several days." He hesitated, looking at Christy. Alice interjected, "Of course thee will go Neil. Laural needs thy skill. we can manage here." Christy nodded in agreement. Neil looked back and forth between them and saw their inner strength. His last measure of hesitation dissipated and he quickly went outside to his horse. Christy followed and he held her close before mounting. "I'll be fine. The baby's not due for nearly a month yet. Concentrate on saving little Laural. She needs you." "I know." Neil hugged her tighter. "I'll be back in a couple of days then." He kissed Christy slowly, but time was of the essence and he broke away before either of them was ready to let go. Neil mounted the horse and, with a final wave to Christy, rode off down the mountain. As Neil disappeared into the purple-blue mist of the mountains, Christy shivered. She had never felt such foreboding when Neil had left before. As much as she missed him when he was away, she had learned not to worry, just to pray. She tried to shake off the feeling. Alice noticed the worried look in Christy's eyes and was concerned. "Come Christy, let's go back inside. The women are waiting for us. Neil will be back before you know it." Christy nodded and let herself borrow some of Alice's strength as they went inside. ************************* "Continue to love one another with true brotherly love." Fairlight's voice was calm and steady as she read from the bible. She and Christy were sitting in rocking chairs on the mission's porch. Christy stared off into the clear blue horizon. Creaks came occasionally from the old rocker as Christy pushed her foot methodically against the wooden floor boards. A slight breeze rustled the bible's worn pages. "Don't forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels..." Fairlight's voice remained gentle, but for Christy her steady words faded. There was an odd feeling of premonition that had kept Christy awake late into the night after all the women had gone home from the party. No amount of praying had lessened it. Something was going to happen and she wanted Neil. She needed Neil. Christy stirred restlessly and her hands came to rest on her stomach. The baby had been moving nonstop all morning. Suddenly, there was a cramping sensation in her abdomen. Christy clutched the arms of the rocking chair in surprise and pain. she remained tense even after the pain had left. When nothing else happened, Christy relaxed. She glanced at Fairlight, who was still reading. Her blond hair shone golden in the sun. "For God has said, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'" Fairlight paused and turned to Christy. "Ain't that good to know Miz Christy? That even in our troubles God is with us." Christy smiled and was about to respond when another cramp seized her, taking her breath away in a large gasp. She doubled over in pain. "Miz Christy, are you okay? Miz Christy?" Fairlight touched her friends arm gently. "Fairlight, get Miss Alice. There's something wrong with the baby!" Christy's voice was tight with fear and pain. Fairlight searched Christy's large blue eyes and quickly left. "Miss Alice! Miss Alice! You gotta come quick!" her shouts faded as she ran further into the house. Part eleven Christy remained frozen, her thoughts scrambled pieces to a misshapen puzzle. "I'm in labor. My husband is nearly 20 miles away." She heard Miss Alice's footsteps just as another pain seized her. The nurse expertly felt her abdomen and then stroked her hair as she gasped for breath. "Easy, easy now. How far apart are the contractions Christy?" "I-I dont know. But Miss Alice, it's too soon for the baby-" "Hush Christy. God's timing is perfect." Miss Alice helped Christy up from the chair. "Fairlight, will thee stay? I may need assistance." "Of course. I'll have to go tell Jeb." Alice nodded, steering Christy through the door. "That's fine. I'll get Christy into something more comfortable." ********** As Fairlight ascended the stairs she could hear Christy pleading with Miss Alice. "Miss Alice, please, it can't be the baby, it's too soon. Everything is wrong. Neil isn't here. he promised he'd deliver our baby." "That's enough Christy." Alice's voice was stern but there was compassion and worry in her eyes. "I have delivered babies before Mrs. MacNeill. I can assure you that I know what to do." A smile played across her lips. "I'm sorry Miss Alice." Christy looked chastened. Before she could say more, a contraction hit and left her gasping. Fairlight held her hand until it passed. "Christy, I want to examine you and the baby now." Miss Alice washed her hands in a basin of water beside Christy's bed and Fairlight helped Christy lie down. "Just try to relax." Fairlight kept up a steady stream of chatter about Christy's students and their tales of mischief, but Christy remained tense throught the thorough examination. When Alice was done she said a quick prayer of wisdom before adressing Christy. "You are in true labor Christy. I'm positive we didn't miscalculate your due date which means that the baby will be three weeks premature." She took hold of Christy's trembling hand and made sure that she was looking her directly in the eyes as she said firmly, "The baby's heartbeat is strong Christy. All it might need is a little extra special care for a while. Just think of it as an early delivery." Miss Alice was pleased at Christy's small smile and was about to encourage her furthur when Ruby Mae rushed in. "Oh Miss Christy! Is the baby comin? Is it your time? But it's too early aint it? My grandmama always did say that when you hear a dog howl-" "Ruby Mae!" Fairlight interrupted the girls tale of superstition. "Why don't you tell Miss Christy about what happened in school today?" Ruby Mae agreed quickly, satisfied that she was keeping the spotlight for the moment. She had barely begun when Christy had another contraction and was seized by pain. Alice was quickly by her side, wanting to keep a close eye on the mother and child. She surruptiously took Christy's pulse and was concerned to find that it was quite rapid. "Rest now." Alice instructed with a stern look at Ruby Mae for her to behave. She motioned Fairltight out into the hallway with a nod of her head. "It is too soon." Fairlight said knowingly. "Yes." Miss Alice stared out the window at the end of the hall. Her eyes were darkened with worry. "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." fairlight's voice broke the heavy silence. "God says that in the bible." "That He does Mrs. Spencer. Forgive me. I had forgotten my faith for a moment-" Her words were cut short be Christy's soft moan and Ruby Mae's excited cries. The two women headed back into the room with prayers heavy on their hearts. Part twelve "Ohh, Miz Christy, did that hurt something fearful? I ain't never been with someone durin a birthin before; seein how my ma and pa didn't have any more babies after me." "It doesn't hurt that much right now Ruby Mae. I'm sure it'll get worse later on today. Right now I need someone to distract me. Why don't you tell me about what you and Zady and Bessie have been up to?" Ruby Mae quickly launched into a story about their latest adventure, which just happened to be a search for the "perfect possum" to cook for Miss Christy after the baby came. It was supposed to have been a surprise, but the young girl couldn't contain herself. As Ruby Mae went into detailed length about what went into preparing a possum fit for mission dinner, Christy began to regret that she had asked. Thankfully, Miss Alice saw this and quickly shooed the girl out, insisting that she needed to examine Miss Christy. "How is thee feeling Christy, aside from the fact that thee is probably nasueaus from Ruby mae's possum cooking lecture." "I'm scared. I wish Neil were here. The contractions hurt, but they're not unbearable. I just want to get this over with." Fairlight laughed. "I recollect when I first had John, I didn't think it would ever end. I was in labor for hours. But Christy, when I held John in my arms, it was all worth it." "I know." Christy sighed. "I can't wait to hold this little one. I just wish Neil would be here to see it." "Maybe he will be Christy. Thee could be in labor for quite some time. Which is why we might as well get as comfortable as the Lord will permit in this heat. I'm going to set Ruby Mae up making some lemonade. I'll be back before long." By the time the sun was beginning to dissapear behind the mountains, Miss Alice's prediction of a long labor was coming true. The contractions were barely getting any closer, but they were intensifying in pain very rapidly. Christy was tiring even more quickly due to the intense heat. "Try to relax Christy. I want to listen to the baby's heartbeat and see how much you've dilated." Christy obediantly lay still, not having enough energy to protest as Miss Alice examined her. When she was done Christy asked, with a slight hint of panic in her voice, "How much longer Miss Alice?" "At least several more hours Christy. You should try to doze between contractions." Alice squeezed Christy's shoulder reassuringly and motioned to Fairlight to step out in the hall with her. Miss Alice pressed a weary hand to her temples. The two women sighed indentical sighs and managed identically small smiles. Both women knew that it was not uncommon for first births to take many hours, but in Christy's case it was nearly a month too early. "I think Neil needs to be here." Alice broke the brooding silence. "Christy isn't progressing normally. She's wearing out much too quickly. Fairlight, go send Jeb to get the doctor. He should be at the James McHone's in Cataleeche." Fairlight went quickly down the stairs, but paused at Miss Alice's voice. "Fairlight, thee will tell Jeb that it is an emergency." Her grey eyes were deadly serious. Fairlight nodded and was gone, leaving Miss Alice to wonder what would happen to the young couple she cared for so much if their baby died. Part thirteen Miss Alice, Fairlight, and Ruby Mae stayed by Christy's side throughout the long hot night. John Spencer was minding the other children and Jeb had yet to return with Dr.MacNeill. It was nearly four in the morning. Christy had lapsed into short periods of unconciousness several times during the night and was extremely weak. And although the contractions were finally getting closer together, Alice was unsure if Christy would have the strength to survive the actual delivery. Alice had been praying silently but when Christy began to cry out again, she was quickly by her side. "On the next contraction I want you to start pushing, okay Christy?" "Miss Alice," she called out weakly. Alice bent closer to hear her. "Miss Alice, tell Neil I will love him forever. He is the most important thing in my life; except for God, no one has made me happier." When the older woman realized what Christy was doing she shook her head almost violently. "No, Christy! Thee is going to be fine. Have faith Christy!" Christy smiled faintly. "Oh, I do--" Christy's voice was robbed from her as a fierce contraction made her cry out with pain. "Push Christy. Come on child. Push!" Miss Alice instructed her though the contraction and Fairlight supported her. When it was over Christy once again resumed her previous thoughts. "Miss Alice, you are the most faithful woman I have ever known. And you're right, I have put you on a pedastool. I love you so much." "Fairlight," Christy reached out to the other woman. "You're friendship has ment so much to me. You accepted me when no one else did. You are so special. I love you." "Christy, you stop this foolish nonsense right now, you hear me? You're going to be fine, and I got me a feelin that that baby's gonna be a gal." Fairlight's worried, tear filled eyes betrayed her strong words. Christy merely smiled and then gasped as she felt another contraction coming on. She pushed as hard as she could, groaning with the effort. "That was fine Christy. Thee is doing well. It shouldn't be too much longer now." Alice offered some desperate encouragement. With nearly the last of her stregth, Christy addressed the last occupant of the room. Ruby Mae had been standing by the wall, crying silently, sure her beloved teacher was going to die. When Miss Christy called her name, she moved closer. "Ruby Mae, you and the other children are the reason that I stayed when I felt that I couldn't go on anymore. You have given me nothing but hope. I want to give you and the other children my love forever." "Oh Miz Christy. You can't be leavin me now. You're my best friend. I told you all my secrets." Ruby Mae beagn wailing loudly. Miss Alice did her best to hush her, but she couldn't be consoled. In the midst of her loud sobs, none of the women heard the footsteps on the stairs. Neil opened the door just as Miss Alice was instructing Christy to push through the next contraction. "Thank God," Alice murmured, and stood back to let Neil go to his wife. Neil rushed to his wife's side as she lay, nearly unconscious with effort. Her brown hair curled riotuosly in the heat and, although the women had been sponging her face, she was drenched in sweat. She was so still and pale, that for a minute, Neil nearly thought she was gone. He took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Christy," he whispered. Her eyes flew open. "Neil!" She excliamed weakly. "I'm here now Christy." He kissed her lips gently. "It looks like I got here just in time too." He turned to Alice. She nodded. "She's about nine cm dilated. Her contractions are less than three minutes apart." The nurse's report was interrupted by Christy's cries as another contraction overwhelmed her. Neil moved quickly and positioned himself at the end of the bed. "Push Christy! C'mon lass. You can do it." He coached and encouraged and then stopped cold when he saw the reason for Christy's degree of extreme pain. "It's a breech." Neil swore softly. Miss Alice met the doctor's eyes over Chirsty's body. They both shared a look of desperation.