******************************************************* Title: True for Life Author: Michelle W. ******************************************************* Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's story of "Christy" belongs to the Marshall and LeSourd families. I am in no way seeking profit or credit for the story of "Christy" and its characters as portrayed in the novel or series. Any additional characters and/or storylines are the invention of the author. This is written for entertainment only. ******************************************************* Prologue Wearily the old woman closed her book and rubbed her eyes. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, she was surprised to see it was one o'clock in the morning. She placed the book on the table as the old London clock chimed out the hour downstairs. "Goodness, I did not mean to stay up so late," she thought to herself as she stifled a yawn. Truth was she had been making a habit of reading into the wee hours of the morning, sometimes even dozing off on the sofa in the parlour. It was easier than sleeping here alone in their bed, which seemed so huge without him in it. The woman pulled her husband's flannel robe more tightly around her, breathing in his lingering scent as she turned off the lamp. "I can't avoid sleeping here forever," the woman surmised. "I have to get used to him not being here - its been three weeks now. . ." Yet no matter where she slept, it was her dreams which often haunted her. For then it was as if he was still alive, the sense of his presence achingly real when she awoke. "Enough!" she exclaimed loudly. "You know he wouldn't want you carrying on this way! ‘Remember the good times, and keep living,' he'd say. ‘There are many who still need you.' " She nestled down under the covers, recalling the feel of him next to her, the sound of his steady, rhythmic breathing. A tear slowly trickled down her finely lined cheek. "Dear God," she whispered, "help me to not miss him so." She laid there for several moments, staring unseeingly into the darkness. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. . ..Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." A quiet yet strengthening calm settled into the woman's soul as she murmured a heartfelt thanks to her Heavenly Father for the comfort of His Word and His Holy Spirit. Smiling, she thought of how her husband would laugh - as he often had - at the fact she had been talking to herself earlier. With the sound of his laughter ringing in her ears, Christy drifted off to sleep. **Scripture reference - John 14:27 (KJV) Chapter One A cool spring breeze whispered through the valleys and over the fields of the Cove as the sun broke through the fog. At the mission house two figures were savouring the view from the porch. They were also enjoying each other's company, as evidenced by the laughter which was liberally sprinkled throughout their conversation. "Ah, Neil! It is good to hear thy laughter again!" Miss Alice chuckled as she wiped her eyes. Few could tell a story like Neil MacNeill. He was rivaled only by Uncle Bogg, who had been in high demand for his skills during the Doctor's lengthy absence from Cutter Gap. "Honestly, Alice, it feels good to have something to laugh about again," Neil replied as he ran his fingers through his curly, reddish blonde hair. He had just been recounting his visit the previous evening with Dan and Cecile Scott, and their young daughter Sarah. Creed Allen had stopped by and had somehow let slip that Mr. Dan did a mighty fine impression of the Doc. "I never thought a man with such dark skin could turn so red!" Neil grinned at the memory. "Unfortunately, I was unable to hear Dan's impersonation for myself as he then had an ‘urgent' call to make to El Pano." "Why, yes, I do remember Dan coming here, looking quite flustered indeed! He told me he had come to make sure we had enough supplies at the mission house. I did think it odd that he did not have any with him at the time." The conversation lulled as the two paused to catch their breath. Miss Alice quietly watched Neil, who was now gazing intently into his coffee cup, as if it held the answer to some question from long ago. She knew his decision to leave the Cove had been a difficult one to make. She remembered how they had talked about it long into the night. . . Neil paced the floor in front of the fireplace, squeezing the hairs on the nape of his neck. "She says she wants to make our marriage work, Alice; that she loves only me and that Cutter Gap is her home." Miss Alice watched him silently, her face expressionless as she waited for him to continue. Gazing into the fire, Neil sighed. "Then why did Margaret leave not once, but twice? Why didn't she contact you or I when she first arrived in El Pano? Why the sudden change of heart?" "I do not know the answer to thy questions, Neil. And I am afraid I never shall as Margaret is no longer a part of my life." Neil's head snapped up in shock. "I granted her wish." Miss Alice's voice trembled. "She wished she had never been born. . .believed I owed her, as if I was somehow responsible for the miserable state of her life. I could not take it anymore, and I foolishly allowed my anger, my pride to get the better of me. Now I fear I have lost her forever." She broke down weeping. Quickly Neil went over to her and crouched down by her chair, clasping her hands in his own. "Alice, it's not your fault," he said softly. "I know how hurtful Margaret can be. But I also believe she truly wants another chance." Now it was Alice's turn to look shocked. "Alice, she's still here." Neil moved to the chair beside her. "That is why I came here; to tell you I am considering leaving Cutter Gap with Margaret. I believe it is the only way for us to have that chance. And, with the developments over the last week, I'm finding it hard to stay. . ." Neil and Margaret had quietly left for Baltimore the following week. By request, Miss Alice and Dan were the only ones who initially knew of their departure. After much prayer - and encouragement from his friends in the Cove - Dan had already agreed to stay. Now his services would especially be needed; and he could stay in Neil's cabin until his own was rebuilt. Cecile joined him a month later, as neither could bear to be apart any longer. Their wedding was a small affair, attended only by Miss Alice, David, Christy, the Spencer family and Aunt Hattie. But as the Cove residents saw the Scotts' genuine love and concern for the people coupled with a strong determination to stay, the door of acceptance gradually began to open. Miss Alice's reflections were interrupted by the ringing of the school bell. She noticed a sad, almost wistful expression cross Neil's face as he turned to the direction of its sound. A thought suddenly occurred to her. "Neil, does Christy know thou hast returned to Cutter Gap?" Chapter Two Christy stood on the schoolhouse steps, curiously watching the children's arrival. Usually they dashed up the hill, their shouts preceding them. Today, however, they were walking in tightly huddled groups, talking quietly while casting furtive glances in her direction. Cocking her head to one side, she crossed her arms as a puzzled frown creased her forehead. "Is there something wrong with one of the families?" she wondered. Christy turned and went into the school house, determined to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile Creed Allen was relaying the events of the previous day. "Fer sure ‘n' certain, the Doc is back," he stated solemnly, "I saw ‘im with my own eyes!" "I heard him an' Miss Alice talkin' on the porch this mornin' as I was washin' up," chimed in Ruby Mae. "Don't seem like Miz Christy knows he's back yit -- reckon we should tell her?" The procession halted as everyone considered this question. They all remembered how she had seemed sadder than all of them put together after Dr. MacNeill and his wife left Cutter Gap. At first they had thought it was because she and the preacher had announced they weren't getting married, but then they started wondering if there wasn't more to it. After all the Doc had come to the school yard the day Preacher had asked Teacher to marry him. But they kept such musings to themselves, the trouble caused by Bessie Coburn's lie still fresh in their minds. "I know!" Creed exclaimed as his face lit up. "We'll only say somethin' if she asks us!" Relieved at having a solution, everyone happily nodded their heads in agreement and continued on their journey. = = = = = = = = = = = = It was lunchtime, and Christy was no closer to finding any answers to her pupils strange behaviour. She was beginning to get the uneasy feeling she was somehow involved, but she didn't know how. The last time she had gotten so many concerned looks was when she and David had decided not to get married - by mutual consent - and shortly thereafter, when Neil and Margaret had. . .Christy's eyes widened with fear. Could something have happened to Neil? She shook her head. "I'm sure he is just fine," she chided herself. "David did say when he called last night that he had seen Neil when he had stopped over in Baltimore. Don't assume the worst!" "Teacher, are ya feelin' poorly?" Christy looked up at the concerned face of Creed Allen. "Creed, I didn't hear you come in," she replied as she forced a smile upon her face. "I reckon that's because you was talkin' to yerself. What were ya doin' that fer? Ain't nobody here." Flustered at having been caught, the now blushing teacher stammered, "Oh, um, I was just, ah. . . . thinking out loud." Creed gave her a disbelieving look, but decided it was best to not force the issue. After all, he didn't want her to ask him why he hadn't been paying attention during the morning lessons. Then he'd have to tell her about the doctor being back in Cutter Gap. Christy eyed the young boy warily; Creed seldom accepted feeble explanations so readily. "Before you go, could you please tell me why you all seem so worried abut me today?" Creed winced, knowing by the tone of Christy's voice there was no getting out of this. "Aw shucks, Miz Christy," he began, determined to try anyway, "we ain't worried about ya! Not directly anyhow. We was just wonderin' if Miz Cecile would be comin' to help ya while Preacher's away." Christy was about to question him further when they heard several children shouting outside. Welcoming the distraction, Creed ran outside as a worried Christy followed close behind. She came to an abrupt halt when she saw the scene before her. There in the middle of the school yard, surrounded by excitedly chattering children, was Neil MacNeill. ******************************************************* "True for Life" Chapter Three In the last chapter: Christy discovers the source of her students strange behaviour when Neil makes a surprise visit to the school. ******************************************************* "Miss Huddleston, you look as though you've seen a ghost." Christy continued to stand motionless on the steps, her blue eyes wide with surprise. Briefly the thought flashed through her mind that she had seen one, but the sound of Neil's rich Scottish brogue quickly dispelled any such notions. A million questions raced through her mind: Why was he back? When did he arrive? Was this why the children had been acting so strangely? Would he be staying for good? Swaying slightly, Christy clutched the door frame for support and looked down. Neil quickly took charge of the situation. "Children, your teacher appears to be feeling a bit under the weather. Ruby Mae, could you please fetch my saddlebags from the mission?" he asked as he strode towards Christy. Reaching the steps, he paused to look back at the children, who had been silent since seeing their teacher outside. Grinning he said "The rest of you can go on home; I'm sure you will have a lot to tell about school today." = = = = = = = = = = = = As was common when Ruby Mae was excited, Miss Alice heard her well before she saw her. "Miz Alice, Miz Alice! I need Doc MacNeill's bags! Hit's Miz Christy!" Miss Alice stood in the kitchen doorway, calmly drying her hands on her apron. She smiled as the red-head breathlessly relayed the news of Neil's visit to the school. Gently the Quaker woman ushered Ruby Mae inside. "I believe Miss Christy will be feeling well shortly," Alice replied while she removed her apron. "Now that thou art free for the afternoon thee may take these loaves of bread to Miss Hattie. " She patted Ruby Mae on the back and then left before the bewildered girl had any chance to protest. = = = = = = = = = = = = Oblivious to the children's departure Christy slowly turned and entered the school. Absently she began straightening up the children's desks, noting with dismay they had left their books until she remembered she had not given them any homework. She sank onto the nearest bench as she heard Neil enter the building. Crouching down beside her, Neil rested his right arm on the back of the bench for support. "Christy, are you all right? I did not mean to startle you." His quiet voice was filled with concern. Christy stared at her hands, which were trembling slightly in her lap. Drawing in a shaky breath she turned her gaze to the front of the room. "I'm fine, really. It was just a bit of a shock to see you here after all this time." She blinked rapidly as tears filled her eyes. A small sob almost escaped when she felt Neil press his handkerchief into her hands. Turning to look at him as he stood, she managed a weak smile of thanks. "Aye, two years is a long time to be away," Neil replied apologetically. Shoving his hands into his coat pockets, he walked up to Christy's desk. "I hope you can understand why I had to leave." He turned to look at Christy. Her voice wavering slightly, she stated, "You had to leave for Margaret; for your marriage and her health." Tears slid down her cheeks as she held his gaze, her initial shock at his appearance dissipating. "I'm so sorry she died and that I was unable to accompany Miss Alice to the memorial service." Neil looked away as he ran his fingers through his tousled hair. "I understand," he said. "You were needed here. However, I did appreciate the letter you sent." He frowned upon seeing her puzzled expression. "What letter. . ." Christy's voice drifted off as she remembered that day six months ago: She had been grading tests at the dining room table the evening before Miss Alice was to leave for Baltimore. She felt horrible at not being able to accompany her and David, but understood that it was best to remain at the mission with Anna and Ruby Mae. Plus it was near the end of the school term and Christy would soon be leaving herself, having already made plans to spend Christmas with her family for the first time since her arrival in Cutter Gap two years ago. Unable to concentrate, Christy had written Neil a letter expressing her condolences and reasons for her absence. She was about to tuck the letter away - not sure if she should send it - when Ruby Mae had called for her help in the parlour. David had just come down from talking with Miss Alice about the upcoming memorial service. Did he see the letter? Neil interrupted her thoughts and answered her unspoken question: "David gave me your letter, saying only that I should read it when I had the opportunity." He smiled softly at Christy. "Don't be angry with David -- your letter helped me a great deal." Christy remained calm at this revelation as she carefully refolded Neil's handkerchief. "Somehow, I can't be angry with David," she mused. "I had forgotten about the letter by the time I returned to grading the examinations. When I remembered it the next day, I thought it must've fallen on the floor and been accidentally thrown out." She grinned as she added "I believed it to be an act of God." Chuckling as he sat down at her desk, Neil replied, "Aye lass, that it was; that it was." Chapter Four Ruby Mae and Miss Alice were cleaning up after supper when the jangling of the telephone was heard. Anticipating who the caller would be, Miss Alice indicated for Ruby Mae to continue washing the dishes and then hurried to answer it. Quickly smoothing her hair and apron, she picked up the ear piece. "Hello? Cutter Gap Mission House; Alice Henderson speaking." She smiled as the identity of the caller was confirmed. "Yes, Neil arrived here yesterday. . ..No, Christy did not know -- only Dan and myself knew of his arrival." Pausing, she listened to the caller's next question, the sounds of clanking dishes confirming Ruby Mae was still in the kitchen. "He went to the school this afternoon. I understand she was quite surprised." Miss Alice waited as the caller spoke again. "No, she is at the schoolhouse and he is getting settled into his cabin. . . I suspect it went quite well indeed. . .I will tell her thee is on thy way home." Still smiling, Miss Alice returned the ear piece to its cradle. = = = = = = = = = = = = "How is everyone at the mission, David? Does Christy know Neil has returned?" "They are all doing well; and yes, Christy knows -- as a matter of fact, she saw him today." David grinned at his wife of two months, whom he now enfolded in a loving embrace. "But we will have to wait until we return home to find out exactly how it went." Placing a light kiss on her forehead he added "And now it is time for us to get some rest as we will be leaving early in the morning." Arm-in-arm, David and Anna left the parlour after bidding good night to his mother, and made their way upstairs. = = = = = = = = = = = = Puffing slowly on his pipe, Neil gazed up at the clear night sky. So much had changed since he left Cutter Gap; or perhaps it was merely he who had done the changing. He did not regret his decision to go - with his uncertainty about Margaret's health and concern over her financial situation, he knew such issues would be better dealt with where they had the necessary resources. Then there was Christy. Neil could still not articulate what it was that drove him to go after her that fateful day. All he knew was he felt like a part of him was about to die again. Then to see her in the school yard, holding the box with David's ring. . .he could feel the very life being sucked out of him. He had choked out her name, taken aback by the struggle he saw mirrored in her eyes. How he had wanted to hold her, to comfort her and never let her go; at the same time realizing he had no right to do so. He could say nothing as she turned towards David and the children. "Children, I am sorry for interrupting your lesson with Reverend Grantland. Please go back inside." Her voice was strong and steady. Amazingly, the children went in without any arguments. He barely heard her tell David they would talk later before she entered the school, nor did he notice David coming towards him, the ring box clenched tightly in his hand. "Doctor, I told you to let her go." David's voice was low, but forceful. Neil stared at him momentarily before he answered. "She was never mine to begin with." And with that, he had ridden off. Neil shook his head. "I cannot keep living in the past," he thought. But still his memories haunted him. Casting a quick glance in the window, he decided to unpack the remainder of his things tomorrow. He set out along the river bank, praying for peace for his troubled mind, and hoping to find a familiar spot which had an especially clear view of the moon. Chapter 5 coming soon!Hi! I'm glad you have taken the time to check out my story "True for Life". As you can see, it has been awhile since I have updated it, and I'm afraid you will have to wait a bit longer yet. In fact, when you next check back here, you may be looking at a somewhat different story. You see, the story has been sent back to the drawing board. After trying three times to get this story 'off the ground', I'm starting to realize this story may not have what it takes to reach any kind of reasonable, satisfying conclusion. So I'm in the process now of trying to get the whole thing mapped out before proceeding any furthur. In the meantime, check out the the fanfics that are in progress here -- there are many talented writers who deserve your time and attention. =) Happy reading! Michelle W. crosscribe@yahoo.ca