DISCLAIMER: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the LeSourd family. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. I am continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Title: Silence Author: Frances Chapter one As Christy stared at the ring in her hand, time seemed to slow down. Her every breath was an eternity. She looked up at David. He looked down at her with an urging look. She could sense the fear behind his eyes. Then his face turned and darkened. She turned her head and saw Neil sitting atop his horse. He had fire in his eyes. She could tell he he had subdued himself, waiting for her reply. She looked at the ring. Waiting for a reply...they were just waiting. They expected her to spontaneously decide the rest of her life in a moment. Suddenly she was overwhelmed. She felt dizzy and overcome. She slowly sank to the ground her eyes filled. Faintly she heard David's voice. "Christy...Christy..." She could not answer nor could she hold back the tears. Quietly, but earnestly, she sobbed on the ground. Fairlight had witnessed the scene from the side of the school house. She walked to Christy and lifted her to her feet. Then she led the broken girl to the mission house without a glance back. Christy had never said a word. She left the ring lying on the ground. David picked it up and looked after Christy. The retreating sound of a galloping horse could be heard. Once Christy was in the mission house with Fairlight, reality returned. This reality only brought more tears. Fairlight held her and soothed her as Christy cried. "Fairlight," Christy sobbed, "I didn't know what to do, I couldn't give an answer to David." "You did, Christy, your heart has decided." Christy wiped her eyes and looked at her friend. "What?" "Listen to your heart, and listen to God. He will give you peace." By and by, Fairlight left Christy to help David with school. Left alone, Christy prayed. "God, you have kept my heart from saying yes to David. I trust you. I have faith. I don't understand Neil and my feelings toward him. He is a married man and I ask you, whatever your plan is, give me peace. Amen." She felt no better than before, but as the day progressed her heart seemed to change. She finished the school day with the children. David had gone. She did not see him until the next day. Christy knew that she had let go of David and of Neil. She was at peace. Chapter two Neil's mind was in torment. He rode for hours to find a retreat. He couldn't go home. She was there. "Why hadn't she really died?" he cried in his mind. "Why would God do this to me?" It struck him that that was a strange thought coming from a man who didn't believe that God had anything to do with him. Finally, in the full moonlight he found a rocky cliff lookout, he tied up his horse and sat, letting his feet dangle into the abyss. The soupy mist swirled around him, enveloping him. There he voiced his complaints to God. He found that now, he had no one. He didn't even have himself. His pride and self-reliance hadn't kept this hurt away. This pain would not be relieved. He wept. As he cried, he thought of the unwavering trust and peace of Alice Henderson. He thought of the innocence and determination of a young school teacher. He thought of the convictions of David Grantland. He remembered the sacrifices of Ida Grantland and the persecution of Dan Scott. All these people had something that he didn't. Peace. They had peace without barriers and peace without perfection. He needed that peace. Then Neil MacNeill, a country doctor, bowed his head and accepted Christ. As soon as his head lifted a "knowing" stole across him. Neil had peace, and Neil had love. Chapter three Neil knew that it was past midnight as he made his way to the mission house, but he had to see. As he crossed the mission yard he saw a lone figure moving like a phantom on the far banks of the pond. He quietly walked his horse over. Christy was there. "I couldn't sleep," she explained, "I had the oddest feeling that you would come." Neil did not dismount. He looked down at her with compassionate eyes. Christy had seen this look on Neil's face before. It was like a fire. Then it was extinguished as quickly as it had come. "Christy, I've had quite a day." Christy listened with mounting joy as Neil unfolded the story of his salvation. Tears of joy welled up in her eyes. "I haven't told you what my knowing was," Neil continued after a pause, "After I prayed I suddenly knew that Margaret is my wife. I have forgiven her. I must now be there for her in her time of need." Neil uttered these words with such tender conviction that Christy's heart almost burst for joy. "Neil, I am so comforted, your words have brought me peace." Christy watched as Neil cantered off toward home. Strangely she felt truly comforted by the events. She knew that God was in control. Chapter four The next morning came up with a blaze of glory. Christy woke with the sun. She stood in her doorway, feeling the cool morning breeze, she did not think of the last day's events. Then they rushed back on her. She had something important to attend to that day. She went downstairs to find David lightly playing on the piano. "David, we need to talk." "Christy, please, if you need more time, I can wait." "David, let's walk." Christy led the way past the school house. They walked in silence for many minutes then Christy began, "I'm sorry, David, for letting my feelings be uncertain for you. I now see that it was wrong of me to leave you hanging while I considered someone else." "Dr. MacNeill is marr..." David broke in. "Hear me out, please. Even if there was no other man here I would have to say no, David. I don't love you as a wife should and I will never learn how. This place is my home and it is not yours. You will have to leave someday and I am not willing to go. I'm sorry, David, but that is the honest truth." At this David's face darkened. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, looking extremely troubled. "Never?" he asked, innocently. Christy looked him straight in the eyes and replied, "Never." David looked at her an instant more then he sauntered off, making long strides with his lengthy legs. He found Prince tied up and he bridled him, jumped on bareback and cantered slowly away. It wasn't an angry retreat, but one that seemed to take much pain, like someone leaving something dear to him behind forever. Christy sighed and looked after him. Part of her was sorry, she recalled how he had risked his life to find her after she had been held hostage. She couldn't imagine him tramping desperately in the woods after being shot and practically bleeding to death. She remembered how he had stood up for her when Bessie made up that lie. If only...no...she couldn't... Chapter five Four months have now passed. It is a tranquil, but sad time at the mission. The night of Neil and Christy's talk Neil had gone home and spent the rest of the night talking with Margaret. Now that his eyes were not blinded by hate he saw how truly hurt Margaret was. She needed him, she needed Alice. That same night Margaret put her trust in Jesus. She knew a change like that in a man as stubborn as Neil MacNeill had to be God. As humorous as she found that, Margaret wanted peace too. She wanted to stop running and find what her heart desired. She knew that she had come to Cutter Gap to live out the rest of her days. Margaret insisted on moving into the mission house the very next day. She knew that she and Neil, friends now as they were, could never act as husband and wife. She wanted to be with her mother. That was all that mattered. Neil spent all his off time at the mission house with Margaret and Alice. In the evenings Alice taught them about God. Christy was frequently present and loved to see a light in Neil's eyes when he looked at Margaret that she had never seen before. In these four months Christy and Margaret had become fast friends. Margaret often helped Christy grade papers and she helped direct a school play. But alas, Margaret was growing weaker. One night after the mission house was asleep Neil and Christy talked outside. They had grown accustomed to these frequent confiding chats. "God has so blessed me," Neil began, "I love Margaret, though more like an old friend than a wife. She feels the same way. I do want her to be healthy again, so we could have a life together, and maybe even a family. With the darkness and hate gone I can truly enjoy her presence. I also appreciate your presence, Christy." There was also David. He had brooded for a few days. Christy began to be concerned, but her concerns were alleviated. One day David came to Christy. "Christy, can we talk?" "Why, yes David, I'd love to." David led her around the pond and he paused for a long while, examining the horizon. David had the look of someone who had surrendered to his greatest foe. He sighed slowly and turned to Christy. "It was unfair of me to propose marriage in such a way. My reasoning was that maybe with the pressure on you, you would say yes. I also saw that you were hurting and might reach out to me in that hurt. I knew that your heart belonged here, in Cutter Gap, and with someone else. I knew that if I played fair I would lose. Well, I lost, and it nearly broke you and me. I'm sorry. Forgive me, please." Christy's heart overflowed with compassion and she sought Davids eyes. He had turned them to the ground in shame. "David, I have forgiven you. You will never cease to be my friend. But David, find your peace. Do not hang your head in shame, you are forgiven. Instead, lift your eyes to God for the peace that surpasses understanding." "Your words are so wise, you ought to be the preacher instead of me." said David, in jest. "I had a good teacher." Christy replied, her eyes shining at her true friend who had stood by her with all his might. Chapter six Deep in his heart Neil wished to see Margaret recover her health. He wished for her to become his wife. It seemed though as if God had other plans. In two rapid weeks Margaret had gone from active and vibrant to bedridden. She was riddled with coughing and fever. Neil sat at her bedside day and night. Alice did also. As Margaret's prospects grew worse her pain increased. She feverishly cried for help. Her hands stretched out to her mother and Neil. Christy watched as Margaret sought Neil with difficulty, softly and desperately pleading for help. Neil was hurt by his inability to help Margaret more than he had ever been hurt before. He could do nothing for her. Christy watched as life seemed to drain from Neil as it passed from Margaret. Alice was calm, but her eyes betrayed her pain. This torment seemed to go on too long. Mercifully, rest finally came to Margaret. Quietly she slipped into death as Neil watched. A final squeeze of the hand, and she was gone. Alice broke. Neil seemed to deal with the loss of Margaret very well, but Christy knew him better. His eyes were dead, his life gone. The funeral was small. A gathering of friends to say farewell. Alice was not coping well. She had so wanted a chance to see her daughter live and to know her. She cherished the last four months, but her heart was broken. Life was altered for some time. But time heals wounds and Alice came to terms with Margaret's death. Neil was a different story, he seldom graced the mission with his presence and when he did he avoided the searching look of Christy. He never came to church. He became a ghost even to his patients. With time he learned how to mask this hurt but he was still a ghost. Chapter seven It was a blustery fall day that brought Neil to the school. He had a agreed to give a chemistry lesson to the older children. Over the many months after Margaret's death, Christy's alertness to Neil's withdrawal had dimmed. She had immersed herself into school as soon as the fall term had begun. She and Fairlight were teaching cooking classes to the girls and David was teaching the boys carpentry. Today though, Christy had Neil on her mind. After school had let out she was determined not to let Neil slip away as usual. She darted to his horse as he was mounting in the school yard. He nodded at her coolly and started to turn his horse, quickly, Christy grasped a reign. "Neil, can we talk?" she asked. She realized that they had not "talked" since before Margaret's death. She had missed those talks. Neil looked at her and for an instant his face changed minutely, a look of relief briefly flashed across his eyes only to be replace by the previous coldness just as fast. "Certainly," he replied. He swung down from his horse and walked with her stiffly to the empty school house. Once inside Christy turned to look at his eyes, but he averted her gaze. "Neil, I'm worried about you, you have been like this for so long. You are a shadow of the passionate man I knew." "I am fine. There is nothing wrong." Neil replied coldly while examining a drawing pinned on the wall. Silence ensued. Christy gazed at his hardened face and realized how much of a toll his wife's death had taken on him. Directly, she reached her hands to his face to turn is head, at first he fought her but relented, tired of fighting. Christy held his face and looked into the clear blue eyes. Therein lay a well of pain and weariness that had no bottom. Neither one of them spoke. A tear made its way down Christy's cheek and more followed. Neil's cold mask almost broke then, but fear gripped him. Fear of being hurt again, fear of being loved. Fear of failure. He thrust her hands from his face and stalked from the school. Mounting his horse he galloped away. Christy just looked on, still crying. She felt guilty, she had turned her heart from him and become blind to his pain for so long. She had forgotten the man who had soothed her hurt so many times. She had forgotten her best friend. Christy felt as though she had failed him. Chapter 8 Neil avoided Christy for days, which wasn't hard since she had become much preoccupied with the children. That winter the mission was to begin its first boarding term. There were many preparations to be made before the first snow. David had just returned from El Pano one morning when he and Christy were called to go visiting at the O'Teale cabin. They found this to be very unusual. On the walk over they chatted pleasantly about the preparations. Christy was glad that David and her relationship was mended. Christy and David approached the edge of the O'Teale property and grew concerned. "David, I smell moonshine." Christy observed the broken bottles. "Yes." David replied. They walked to the door and were abruptly pulled inside by Swannee. "Preacher, teacher, I've asked you to come today for help. This is hard for me, but Nathan returned and is worse than ever." Swannee had never been so straightforward before. Christy noted bruises on her face. "He came home four days ago. Ever since then he has been in one drunken rage after the next. He went off to settle a debt with Birds-eye. That is why I invited you to talk to me. I'm afraid he will hurt the children. He's already hit Mountie. He doesn't plan on leaving soon. I think he wants to stay and operate a moonshine still with the Taylors. I was wondering if, well, if the children could stay at the mission. At least until Nathan settles down." Of course we'll do all we can to help," Christy passionately replied. She was shocked by Swannee's appeal for help. It took a great deal to overcome the mountain pride. "Maybe some of the neighbors would be willing to take some too..." started David, but he was cut off. "Take some of what?" It was a very drunk Nathan O'Teale in the doorway. "My children aren't going anywhere." "But Nathan..." Swannee got up to plead with her husband but was squarely knocked down. "Donıt want no mission meddlin' in my family, already done enough damage in this cove. A man can't hardly make a livin' since this here preacher came preachin' against moonshine." Nathan's rage escalated as he spat out these words. He cocked his gun and fired before anyone had a chance to move. "David!" Christy screamed. She rushed to his side. He had been shot in the chest. Blood was everywhere. Nathan's laughter faded as he left the cabin. "David, please, David, can you here me?" One of the older children peeked into the cabin. Without thinking she told him to go for the doctor. "David, please hang on!" Tears spilled over her panicked face. David finally looked up at her. "It burns, Oh Christy, stop the pain!" he rasped. He groped at her arm, pleading with his eyes. "Christy..." For what seemed like eternity he pleaded for relief. Then, finally, he locked eyes with Christy. "I'm afraid, I'm afraid to die. What is it like? Where am I going?" Christy recalled the conversation David had with Aunt Polly Teague on her death bed. She recalled his unsureness of the after-life. "Heaven, David." Christy sobbed. With that, he took his last breath. Christy was numbed, no more tears came. She could not comprehend what had happened. After minutes, or hours, people came to the cabin. Neil took her arm and pulled her up. She leaned on him for a moment, disoriented as she was. Then Miss Alice came and took her. Dan Scott came too, but it was too late. Neil attended to Swannee, who had been knocked unconscious. Christy remembered nothing that day. She did not eat or sleep for two days. The funeral came and went. School went on. Christy, though, outwardly okay, did not go on. She lived in the pain of David's death, the pain of his pleading for relief that she could not give. She never cried. She just ached. To relieve her pain she delved into the boarding project. Oddly, David's martyrdom had brought donations flooding in. Churches pledged to send money monthly. This allowed for the mission to begin planning for a new building and another teacher perhaps. Christy had her heart set on Cecile, Dan's fiance, teaching alongside her. Chapter 9 On a cold February afternoon Christy sat in the schoolroom grading geometry tests. "Christy," Miss Alice started from the open doorway. "Why don't you come inside, it is much warmer there and your fire is nearly out in the stove." Christy looked up from her work, she had barely noticed the growing chill of the schoolroom. "I have good news," said Miss Alice, coming closer to the desk, "Dr. Ferrand wrote to inform me that we are finally receiving a new minister. His name is Robert Harris. He is an older fellow, in his forties. Dr. Ferrand says he's quite an out-doorsman. Maybe he and Neil will be friends." Christy looked far away for a moment then wistfully answered, "Oh, that will be real nice. Someone new would be nice." Christy absently smiled to Miss Alice as she gathered her papers to come inside. Alice was troubled by the put on smile. She was troubled by Christy's demeanor. She was always far away. Sometimes Alice would catch a glimpse of her sitting by herself. She would exude pain when she thought no one was paying attention to her. Christy was well enough with the children. But it had been months since David's death. Alice recalled a time a few weeks ago when she had tried to speak to Christy about this: "Christy, is thee alright? You have seemed so troubled since David's death." "Miss Alice, I'll be fine." was her cool reply, "What do you expect from a girl who witnessed her close friend's death." Miss Alice was unsatisfied with this. After this Christy redoubled her efforts at looking normal. Alice decided there was one person that could help. Maybe they could help each other. Chapter 10 Miss Alice slowed her horse to a halt as she neared Neil's cabin. Neil himself had been sitting on the porch with Dan Scott lecturing him on birth complications. He strode up to Miss Alice as she dismounted her horse. "Neil, could I speak with you, in private?" "Why, yes." Neil replied. Alice tied up her horse and together they strode down to the river. "Neil, it's about Christy. I am concerned about her. She has been in so much pain since David's death. She is withdrawing and I am afraid it will not be long before we cannot reach her. I have prayed, and I believe that you may be the only one who can outstretch your hand to her. You two have always had a special bond." Alice paused. "Maybe she can help you too. I have not been blind to the way you have withdrawn since Margaret's death. It has almost been a year Neil, it is time to mend hearts." Alice had been talking so hard that Neil hadn't had a chance to interject. The mention of Margaret's name burned his open wound. She was right. but how could he face up to this? "I will give it thought, Alice. It has been some time since I have spoken to Christy. I don't know how I would." With that Alice left and Neil went on with Dan's lesson. Three days later Neil came himself to the mission. He needed to give some of the boarding children vaccines. This was another part of the boarding project, an experiment with a health clinic. He knew he would see Christy but he did not intend on speaking with her in the manner Alice wished. At least not yet. He wanted to observe her and see how withdrawn she really was. Immediately upon seeing her he noticed a change. She avoided eye contact with not just him, but everyone. Though pleasant, she was not her usual headstrong self. She was absentminded and distracted. Finally, when all the children were finished Neil walked out of the room and took a few steps in the hallway. He stopped and turned around abruptly, in time to see Christy collapse into a chair with the most defeated air. He stepped to the doorway, "Have you been getting enough rest, Christy, you look exhausted." "I'm fine, just had a hard day." Christy answered. Their eyes locked for a brief moment and they both read each other's grief. Shocked, Dr. MacNeil quickly strode away. A moment later Christy followed and found Neil talking to Alice about the children on the front porch steps. "They are in perfect health, Alice. This boarding project is a good idea. If only you had some help. This is too much work for Christy alone." Just as Neil said this dog's barking could be heard. Then, two dogs rushed into the yard. They were large brown short-hair mutts. "What on earth?" exclaimed Miss Alice as the dogs ran to meet her and Neil. A few moments later a man rode into the mission yard leading a mule laden down. "Hello! This must be the Cutter Gap mission! I am Robert Harris. I expect that I am welcome?" "Why, yes, Mr. Harris! It is good to meet you. I suppose these dogs are yours?" "Of coarse, what would a man be without his dogs? Please meet Turk and Flora. They are first rate dogs. Good for pettin', huntin', and guarding." Christy observed the man sitting atop his horse. He seemed to be a very jolly fellow. He had smile lines on his ruddy face. his hair was a tousled jet black. He was not lean or fat. She wondered why he hadn't a wife. He must not be a city preacher. He was not dressed like the city. He hadn't the southern drawl. She later found out that he was from the west. He had been born and raised on the prairie. When he was thirty-seven he left his little prairie church to see the east. He disliked the city and traveled mostly in the Appalachians. He heard about Dr. Ferrandıs missions and asked if he would be needed. So, here he was, in Cutter Gap. "You must be Miss Huddlestson. I am pleased to met you." He tipped his head to her with a grin. She smiled back. Neil helped him unload his mule and immediately struck up a rapor with him. They both loved to fish. chapter 11 Two nights later Christy was out wandering in the cold around the pond. It was late but she had the feeling that he was coming. A moment later Neil appeared on his horse. For two days he had pondered the look in her eyes when they made eye contact. He had realized that the pain she was feeling was the pain he was feeling. That night he could not sleep, he knew she was waiting for him. He tied up his horse and walked around the pond to her. The moon was bright and he could see her clearly in its silver light. "Neil." Christy said. She walked to him and stopped. They looked at each other. Words were not needed. She never needed words with him, she realized. He touched her face as he always did. "I know, it hurts me too." Neil whispered. He knew what hurt her. David had called to her for help, help that she could not give, just as he couldn't ease Margaret's pain. Tears fell down his face. He watched as, finally, Christy wept for David. Neil let her lean into him and he put his arms around her, protectively. They stayed like that for a long time. Finally, Christy pulled away, "Thank you." she whispered, then she disappeared into the dark towards the mission house. Chapter 12 Neil reached his cabin that night. He didn't understand this strange bond that he and Christy had, nor did he know what to do with it. He felt new, he felt healed. He sat down and noticed the family Bible on the shelf. He thought of God for the first time in almost a year. He thought for a moment on his feelings of renewal, Christy hadn't done this, and he hadn't brought the healing to Christy's heart. This feeling was to sudden and all-consuming for his stubborn self. He reached over and pulled the Bible down to his lap. He found a paper indicating where he had left off reading. His eyes fell to this verse: As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you.... (Isaiah 66:13) Then another presence seemed to be in the room. Neil understood. The Holy Spirit had been the healer, the comforter. He hastily flipped the pages of the well-worn Bible to the book of John. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, and He may abide with you forever." Neil sighed. God seemed to be in the room with him. He had finally found for good his source of life. It was not in his medical knowledge, or in Christy, or in his pain. Life was in Jesus Christ, his Saviour. The full revelation of Christ gripped him and he fell to his knees. "Jesus, my Saviour, Holy Spirit, my Comforter, forgive me for turning my back on you when things got rough. I now understand the love you have for me and the way to life that is only in You. I love You with all of my heart and will depend on You for the rest of my days. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice. Holy Spirit, be my Helper for the rest of my days. Amen." At that moment Neil felt peace. In the stillness of his cabin he totally opened his heart to God. He felt the presence of the Holy Spirit on Him and he knew that no matter how tough the road got, he had a Helper. chapter 13 The next morning was a Saturday. Christy arose midmorning, dressed, and came down the stairs prepared to do schoolwork. She was met with the cheery eyed new pastor. "Good morning Mr. Harris! How are you today?" Christy asked cheerily. She felt unusually joyful. The old tiredness seemed to have melted away. She thanked God for it. The rejuvination was the blessing that she had most longed for, but didn't know while living in her world of pain. One almost enjoys depression and doesn't look for a way out, she observed, that is what is so dangerous about it. "I am just dandy, Miss Huddleston. Today I am going to spy out a piece of land to build my own cabin on. I really want to connect with them, to be their neighbor. I think it will help me to minister to them later. Besides, I grew up in a cabin, I feel most at home there!" He paused to munch on a biscuit left over from breakfast. "Before I build my own cabin, though, we have to get Dan Scott's cabin up. I was talking with Uncle Bogg yesterday and he says that the men have been planning to put up Dan Scott's place for him. With enough hands it can be done very quickly. Bogg says they will do the bulk of the work in a "working." He says the men have grown to respect Dan, or at least Mr. Spencer has, he is the propogater of the whole idea." "That is wonderful! Then Cecile can come and teach with me, another hand around here would be a Godsend. The number of children goes up every year. I am at seventy-eight. Who knows what it will be next year. The new building will be a blessing too." Christy and Robert parted ways. She wondered at his ability to draw people into himself. Being in the confidence of Uncle Bogg on your third day here was phenomenal. Christy walked up to the school house and sat at her desk to grade tests and read stories written by the younger class. A few hours later Miss Alice came into the school. Christy looked up and smiled radiantly at her. Alice immediately noticed the change in her. "Miss Alice, everything is working out so well. Dan's cabin will be built, Cecile will come to teach, the boarding school is perfect and the new building will make it even more perfect. I wish David could see it all." Alice noted that this was the first time that Christy had spoken of David since his death. She also noted the peace in which she spoke it. "Thee is right," Alice said as she looked tenderly at Christy. "I am going to look in on the new twins on the far side of the Gap, would you like to come?" "Of course! I can finish this later." replied Christy as she rose. Chapter 14 As Christy and Miss Alice rode home Christy thought about how delightful it must be to have children. The twins had been adorable. She wondered if she would still be teaching in the cove when they reached the age for school. As if reading her thoughts Miss Alice chimed in. "Christy, have you thought about how long you are going to stay with the mission?" "Actually, I was just thinking of that. I love this place and these people. Truly God must have meant for me to be here." "You must have other dreams, like college, or a family. There aren't an abundance of eligible men in these mountains. Don't you want children of your own?" Miss Alice inquired. "Yes, I want children very much. But I remember something Dr. Ferrand told me. He said he came to these mountains intending not to stay long, but he found it impossible to leave. That is how I feel. After two years here I can't imagine ever leaving. As for a family, God will take care of that." Miss Alice marveled at Christyıs faith. She was much impressed by the change in Christy since she came here. "These are not the words of the uncertain girl of 19 who wanted to go home. You have grown Christy." "Yes, God has worked in my life. Before I came here I had no idea who God was. To me Christianity was just a way of thinking. Now I see that that it is life and love. It is the only hope for these people. Last night God healed me of the depression and pain I was in. He gave me peace. I realize that I have the Holy Spirit as my comforter and my guide. He will lead me through all the trials I find here. With God we can reach these people and help them be fulfilled in Him. And we can give their children hope for the future." Christy fell silent, shocked at her own heartfelt words. "Christy, I think thee will do. As I told you before, and now I say it again. Thee will do." Chapter 15 On Sunday Christy was glad to see Neil in church. He was sitting with Jeb Spencer and having quite a lively conversation with him. The church was packed out for the first service with he new preacher. He got up before them dressed nicely, though not as a city preacher like David dressed. He led the church in a lively hymn. After the song he talked about the importance of worshipping the Lord. He read verses from Psalms about worship. He told them that he would like to learn their songs to be used in worship. He even asked for anyone who played musical instruments to talk with him after service. Christy looked around at the people. They were listening avidly, and of course! Music was the heart of these people. They had songs for everything. Singing and music was always heard in the cabins of the cove. Mr. Harris had really read into these people. After talking about worship they sang the congregation sang a few more songs and then Mr. Harris preached about loving your neighbors. There was good response to his call to worship after the service. John Spencer especially wanted to show Mr. Harris his compilation of songs from Miss Hattie. As Christy left the church she saw Neil talking to Alice. She seemed very pleased to see him at church. as she came closer, Neil said good day to Alice and walked over to Christy. "Good morning Neil. I'm so glad to see you today." "And I you, would you like to take a walk? I miss our talks." So, off went Christy and Neil down the hill to the field. "Christy, I had an incredible experience Friday night. After I went back to the cabin, I felt renewed. I came to the conclusion that it was God who had healed me. The very same God that I have shunned for almost a year has welcomed me back with open arms. I cannot tell you what that means to me," Neil looked at her with emotion in his eyes, "After I realized this I read in my Bible about the Holy Spirit, about how He is our Comforter and Helper. I felt the pain of the last year soothed. Peace fell on me. And at last, hope. Hope has not been a part of my life since I was a young medical student set on making a difference in the world. After marrying Margaret and coming back here things dissipated. She was not the support I needed, I loved her, but she was not content. I had no one but myself to rely on in those days when I was making my way as a doctor in this place. I didn't even feel I could rely on God. Now, I have Jesus as my Saviour. I have a hope for eternity, and I have a hope for now." With that he took Christyıs hand in his and they walked on. After a few minutes Christy began to speak, "I actually had a similar experience. I realized the same thing about the Holy Spirit and have found much comfort in the knowledge that I can lean on him in my trials in the future. There will be many, for I will never leave." "Never?" Neil asked. "What about a life, a family?" "Neil, I have found my life and family here. I am content. If God, in the future, decides I need to leave, he will tell me." "I rather think that eventually, this place will fade away. It seems inevitable. Perhaps we will not be here for as long as we suspect. After all, the world is progressing, Cutter Gap won't be left behind for long." Neil sighed long. "Oh, maybe you are right. But I don't think the spirit of these people will ever die. No, they have a strong spirit." Neil squeezed Christy's hand and pulled his away. They walked toward the mission house. Neil ate lunch with them and he and Christy had a lively time exchanging stories about the mountain people and school children by the fire. Eventually they were joined by Mr. Harris, Dan Scott and Miss Alice. They laughed the day away. For the first time in months, the mission was filled with laughter! chapter 16 As funds kept pouring into the mission plans were solidified for a new building, it would serve as a medical clinic and a school for adults of the cove. Mr. Harris wanted very much to teach carpentry to the men. Reading and math classes would be conducted. The math was to be taught in a practical way to help the men manage finances. The building of Dan Scott's cabin was nearly complete and Cecile was making preparations to come to cutter Gap. The mission was hiring her to teach alongside Christy. Cecile would work, providing income so that Dan could have his medical training. Christy was looking forward to having time to work with children individually and to teach adults. Along with reading classes, she and the ladies were going to have cooking workshops to revive the use of mountain plants and encourage healthier food. Fairlight was to help with this class. Neil was to use the new building for a clinic, to centralize his work in the cove. Vaccines could be given there to minimize epidemics. The clinic was also to serve as a hospital for operations and serious cases. Construction was underway on an addition to the mission house to provide room for boarders. Having boarders was a strain on the mission so they only took those that were absolutely necessary. Older boarders were assigned to care for the younger boarders. All in all it was a very busy time for the mission. One day early in early March Miss Alice found Christy in the school. "Christy, I have just gotten a letter from Cecile, she will be arriving next Tuesday. She will be staying at the mission house until she and Dan are married. She seems a bit apprehensive though." Christy got up and stood by Alice, reading the letter. "Well, I think she realizes the opposition she may face. The cove has accepted Dan Scott well enough, that alone is miraculous. They may be a bit nervous to have a black woman teaching their children." "Yes, as I have thought, I have asked Mr. Harris to give a message to the people on Sunday before she arrives to prepare them. I daresay they will like her though. Things are changing so fast here lately. In all the years I have been here, change has never come so fast." Miss Alice left, leaving a very sobered teacher. Christy sat at her desk with her chin on her hands and sighed. She didn't notice the broad-chested figure walking up the shool house steps. "Why so sullen, Miss Huddleston?" Neil asked, in a teasing manner. He sauntered to the front of the room and sat in the first pew. Christy came and sat beside him. "Miss Alice was just in here commenting on how things are changing so fast in the cove suddenly. I was thinking back on the time when it was just David and Ida along with me and Miss Alice. It seems so long ago." A tear found its way down Christy's cheek. "Sometimes I watch Mr. Harris in the pulpit and remember David's honest sermons there. I can't help but be sad." Christy brushed the tear away hastily and laughed. "Doctor, you are looking at me so intently!" Neil smiled and got up. "Would you like to go for a ride? I have some free time, we could get away from all this hustle and bustle for a while." Christy and Neil walked out of the school house together. Neil mounted up on Charlie and stretched his hand out to Christy. She smiled and mounted up behind him. Then they were off! Galloping full speed across the fields. Christy clung to Neil and leaned her head out to catch the wind in her hair. Neil laughed deeply and urged Charlie to an even faster pace. An hour later found them upon a mountain cliff, dangling their feet off as they talked. And that is how they spent the rest of the day. chapter 17 It was a warm March day, but you know how March can be...warm one day, freezing the next. Christy stepped outside the mission that Saturday afternoon to the pleasant sight of Neil riding up on Charlie. "Neil, what brings you here?" asked Christy, trying to hide her pleasure at his arrival. "Why, you, Christy. It is such a beautiful day I could not resist coming down here to ask you for a walk." So, off they went down the hill. They strolled into a field and paused, looking at the snow topped Smokies. Then, Neil began to hum and old mountain tune. Christy looked at him and laughed as he bowed to her and off they went joyously dancing in twirls around the field. Neil's humming turned to singing as they dizzily swept about he field. Soon they slowed, swaying with the cool wind. Neil hummed again. The humming soothed Christy and peacefully they swept along the field. "I love you, Christy." Neil surprised himself by his own words. Christy stopped moving and gazed into his clear blue eyes. "I know, we never need words." Then Neil took Christy into his arms and they stood. Christy buried her face into his jacket. Suddenly, she started laughing. Neil pulled her back and looked into her eyes and laughed too. A deep hearty laugh. Once again he sang a mountain tune and they swept across the field in dizzying circles until they could dance no more. chapter 18 They next day it suddenly turned colder. Christy and Ruby Mae were alone in the mission house. Miss Alice and Mr. Harris had departed after church for Lufty Branch. The temperature was dropping rapidly as Christy built a fire. She gazed out he window and was surprised to see snow falling. "March is such a weird month." She thought aloud. "Yes'm Miss Christy. I just be hopin' that Miss Alice is not going to freeze in this, why once, a man froze clean solid on a horse and rode right into El Pano. Shore was a sight to see, I'm sure." Amidst Ruby Mae's chatter Christy began to get a gnawing feeling. Something was wrong, desperately wrong. Without thinking she grabbed her coat. "Ruby Mae, something isn't right. You stay here." Christy dashed out of the mission house to saddle up Buttons, her horse. "Oh, I hope Neil is ok, or Miss Alice." Christy thought. She urged her horse down the path towards Neil's cabin. The snow was growing thicker and she pressed on faster. After a while she turned a bend in the path and gasped! There, huddled and barely clothed for this weather was Little Burl Allen. "Little Burl, what are you doing here! Your parent's must be sick with worry." "Miss Christy, don't be angry, I's was walking to home and I spied a hurt rabbit, I done taked it to Dr. MacNeill's, but he weren't home, so I left it on his porch in a blanket. I got so cold on my way home, I just had to stop." The snow fell more heavily. Christy looked up and grew uneasy. Suddenly the sky cut loose in a fury of wind and snow. Christy pulled off her coat and wrapped Burl up in it. Then She crouched to the ground with Burl under her to wait out the storm. The snow was blinding. Buttons neighed, it sounded so far away in all the wind. She hoped she would be alright. She suddenly became conscious of the growing numbness she was experiencing. "Crazy MArch weather." She thought. She wished Neil were there. Neil had been only a half a mile from the mission house when the blizzard struck. He dismounted Charlie and trudged along the path, pulling his horse behind him. After what seemed like hours he reached the mission house. In the blinding snow he managed to get Charlie in the barn. Then he stumbled into the mission house. He was greeted by a very worried Ruby Mae. "Oh, Miss Christy, I've been fearful worried!" Ruby Mae cried as she ran from the other room at the sound of a door opening and closing. She stopped cold when she saw Neil. When the realization of what Ruby Mae said struck him Neil gripped the door frame. "Christy is out there?" he asked, trying to restrain himself. "Oh yes, she said long time ago that she was going to see something. She looked awful worried, then she cantered off on buttons up toward your way." Ruby Mae blurted this all out in one breath. Tears started down her face. Neil looked outside. The fury of the blizzard was so intense that he could barely see the porch of the mission. It was all he could do not to head right out to find her. He knew that it would be useless, he would get lost and she may have sought shelter at a cabin somewhere. He paced the floor for an hour. Suddenly, the storm abated to a heavy snow fall. Neil dashed out to get Charlie and headed toward his cabin. Chapter 19 Neil forged through the snow on Charlie, a sick feeling gnawed a his stomach. Distantly he heard a horse's neigh. "Christy!" he called. He got no answer. The snow was still falling thickly. He turned a corner and his hear skipped a beat, Buttons was meandering through the snow, riderless. He glances around, panicked. Riding up the path a little he spotted something in the snow. "Christy!" he called, but he was answered by the plaintive cry of Little Burl. "Doc MacNeill, come quick!" Neil jumped off his horse, trudging through the deep snow. "Little Burl, how did you get..." He stopped short. Burl was sitting, wrapped up in a large, heavy coat, and next to him was Christy, unconscious. Without a word Neil scooped Burl onto his back and picked up Christy. He practically ran to Charlie and never could remember how he mounted so quickly with Burl on his back and Christy in his arms. As Charlie plodded through the snow Neil turned his attention to Christy. "Lass, Christy..." he called her but she did not stir. She was breathing, barely. He was sure she was hypothermic. He took off his coat and wrapped it around her. Burl clung to him, still wrapped in Christyıs coat. Neil wasted no time in getting home. Christy's situation was critical. Finally, they reached the mission house. He leapt off and went into the house. "Ruby Mae! Quick, I need your help." "Shorely, doc." Ruby Mae answered from another room. Then she saw Neil, cold and dripping, with Christy in his arms and Burl on his back. "What happened!" she sputtered. "Follow me," Neil huffed as he scrambled up to Christy's room. "Get these wet things off her now and put something warm on her. I'm going to take care of Burl and start a fire. Hurry!" Neil went downstairs. Upon examination of Burl he found him to be okay. He would have died if not for Christy though. He hastily built a fire. Thoughts streamed into his head. What if she died....what if he lost her.....he didn't want to face up to another death. He hurried upstairs to find Ruby Mae wrapping Christy in blankets. She had dressed Christy in her her warmest night gown and dressing gown and wool socks. Neil cradled the bundled Christy in his arms and took her downstairs. He sat in a chair not to close to the fire and pulled Christy close to his warm chest. "Ruby Mae, please make me and Burl some of that hot chocolate Mr. Harris brought. Ruby Mae hurried off, glad for something to do. Neil sat and waited. There was nothing to do but wait. The minutes ticked on. Burl drank his hot chocolate and Ruby Mae put him to bed. Then she went to bed. Neil sat on. About an hour later he felt Christy stir. His heart leapt. "Christy?" No answer. A few minutes later she opened her eyes. "Neil?" Her voice was barely a whisper. "Neil, I was so scared." "Hush now Christy, your're going to be alright. You just need to warm up a bit." "I am so cold Neil. Little Burl....is he okay?" "Yes lass, he is fine. You saved his life. One day you will have to tell me how you managed to get out there in the middle of a blizzard." Neil scooted a little closer to the fire. He quietly hummed a mountain ballad to sooth Christy. "Thank you Neil." Christy whispered. Chapter 20 It was a blustery March day that found Christy, Dan, Neil, Mr. Harris and Miss Alice waiting at the train stop in El Pano. It was nearly April. Cecile was supposed to have come weeks ago but had been delayed by the freak blizzard that crippled El Pano for a while. Christy had recovered quite well from her hypothermia. Neil had insisted on complete bed rest for several days. He, of course, spent every spare moment with her during her recovery. Miss Alice had seen their relationship coming and now it was no secret. She smiled inwardly as she watched them on the train platform holding hands and whispering to each other. Neil's rumbling laughter carried across the platform and Miss Alice almost wished she knew what the joke was. Dan waited patiently, but she could see by the nervous shifting of his feet that he wished for this wait to be over. He wanted to see his bride to be. It had been many months since they had seen eachother. So much had happened in that time. Everyone stood at attention when the train whistle was heard and the much anticipated Cecile disembarked. It was a heart warming reunion between Cecile and Dan. She skipped over to him and they embraced for several moments. Then Dan introduced her to Neil, and Mr. Harris, and finally Christy and Miss Alice bid her welcome. "Cecile, your arrival has been much anticipated. Welcome to Cutter Gap! Or, El Pano in this instance." Cecile then embraced Christy. "Oh, I am so glad to be teaching with you Christy. this will be an adventure, wonıt it!" The ride back to Cutter Gap was uneventful. Dan and Cecile drove the wagon with Cecile's trunks in it. Christy and Neil where "horsing" around on their separate horses. (Christy being on Buttons and Neil on Charlie...yes, Buttons survived the blizzard) And Alice and Mr. Harris chatted as they rode along on their horses. It was a perfect parade. The End.......for now!!!