Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Serendipity II" Chapter One Author's Note: "Serendipity II" follows the story of "Serendipity" when Christy and Neil are reunited during a fateful reunion in Cutter Gap. This fanfic picks up where the other left off, and ties up one very loose story thread. ......................................................................... [Interviewer] "Dr. Peter MacNeill, you are the youngest doctor to ne named head of the Ocular unit at this hospital. Are you intimidated by this?" [Peter] "It is an awesome responsibility, but I am not intimidated. I come from a line of doctors who specialized in ocular surgery." [I] "Are you referring to your father, Dr. Neil MacNeill?" [P] "Yes, and to my oldest brother, Dr. Andrew MacNeill. My father is retired now, and Andrew is in Pittsburgh." [I] "Why Pittsburgh?" [P] "They are on the cutting edge of technology. Andrew is a firm believer in technology, as am I." [I] "Could you elaborate on this?" [P] "We must always strive to improve the way we treat illness and disease. I never question the judgement of my father or brother. They have never steered me wrong. They have always believed that technological advances in medicine are extremely important and state of the art. Scientists are beginning to work with laser technology. This could be an important development for surgical procedure. We must continue to work towards eradicating the sources of disease, and research is vital in the search for cures and vaccines." [I] "Dr. MacNeill, I believe that you were adopted." [P] "Yes, but do not mention that fact to my mother." [I] "What do you mean?" [P] "It is a long story, and we will be here for decades if I begin to tell the tale. Suffice to say, once I was officially a MacNeill, I was a MacNeill. My parents made no distinction between me and my brothers and sisters." [I] "You have been known to say that your family resembles a patchwork quilt." [P] "That is a good analogy. My mother, among her many talents, is a gifted quiltmaker. My father had two sons with his first wife. She died of tuberculosis when Douglas was born. My mother had triplets, a daughter and two sons. Her husband died in the influenza epidemic of 1918. My mother had been a teacher at a Mission in Tennessee. Her husband was the preacher. My father was the doctor, he was born there, in Cutter Gap. He took his wife to Baltimore so that she could be treated for her disease. My mother and her husband moved to Boston after they were married. She returned to Asheville, her birthplace, after her husband died. My parents were reunited by pure chance, twenty years after their spouses died. They fell in love and married. My mother went to volunteer in the orphanage where I lived. My father came to examine the orphans to make sure we were all in good health. Fate intervened. They adopted me. Then my sisters were born. While the males in the family might outnumber the females, you would never know it. My father dotes on them all, and we took our cue from him" [I] Your father has a distinguished reputation as a surgeon and a research scientist." [P] "That says it all. He is one of the best." [I] "What was the glue that held your family together?" [P] "It may sound corny to people, but the answer is love and respect for each other. My parents have an overwhelming love for all of us. Their love for each other is boundless. They are generous to a fault. My mother kept us all in line. If your looked at her glorious face and saw a raised eyebrow or a hurt look, you would try to move heaven and earth to get her to smile again." [I] "Tell us more about your siblings." [P] "William is a historian and an author. He has written a number of books about the Civil War. He is married and has three children. My brother David is a minister. He has a parish in Asheville, North Carolina. He is also married and has four children. Andrew is a doctor and a surgeon in Pittsburgh. He is married and has two children. Juliet became a teacher like our mother. She married her college sweetheart. He was killed in France during the war. She has a son." [I] "And your other sisters?" [P] "The twins. Mother nearly did father in when she told him she was going to have a child. They had just signed the papers for my adoption. It was a tumultuous time. Father had become critically ill with double pneumonia. I was too young to understand that my new daddy was deathly ill and that my new momma was ill with morning sickness. Alice and Julia were named after their grandmothers. Alice is a ballet dancer and Julia is a classical musician. They both live in New York City." [I] "You are a bachelor, are you not?" [P] "Yes I am." [I] "Any plans to marry, Dr. MacNeill?" [P] "I hope so. I will know her when I see her." [I] "What do you mean?" [P] "Advice I received from my father." [I] "Would you care to share that advice with the audience?" [P] "No, it is private, between father and son." [I] "Are you curious about your biological parents?" [P] "Of course I am." [I] "Will you ever try and find them?" [P] "No." [I] "Why not?" [P] "Well, first of all, the records are sealed. If they are living, I hope that they are at peace. I am alive, I am happy. I love the work that I do and I have the most wonderful family in the whole, wide world. My biological parents chose to give me up. I thank them for doing that, because I became part of an extraordinary family." [I] "Thank you for taking time for this interview, Dr. Peter Doyle MacNeill. Do you have anything else you would care to share with us?" [P] "Goodnight Mom and Dad. I know that you are watching. I promise I will call you." ..................................................... When the interview was finally broadcast weeks later, Christy dabbed her eyes. Neil had trouble blinking back the moisture. He kissed her. Neil turned off the television. "He did all right, Lass." "Indeed he did." "Good job Christy." "Good job, Neil." They kissed each other and snuggled together. "Oh darling, do you remember how adorable he was? I fell in love with him that very first day at the orphanage." End of Chapter One Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Serendipity II" Chapter Two Author's Note: "Serendipity II" follows the story of "Serendipity" when Christy and Neil are reunited during a fateful reunion in Cutter Gap. This story picks up where the other left off, and ties up one very loose story thread. ......................................................................... Christy arrived at the orphanage with Neil. He had already made arrangements, over the next few months, to examine all of the children. Mr. Hopkins and the Orphanage's Board of Directors were thrilled beyond measure that Doctor MacNeill was offering his services for free. There was a small clinic, so Neil set up shop there. The orphanage had stocked it with medical supplies. The cost was far less than the doctor's services would have been, had the doctor been anyone else other than Neil. When he had first come to Knoxville, the head nurse on his hospital floor was another battle axe, who made Oona Thompson look like a meek church mouse. She ruled that nurse's station with an iron fist. Her name was Josephine MacPherson, and she was a power house to be reckoned with. She had been forced to retire a year ago, hating every second of her free time. She had not been too sure of this notable doctor from Baltimore. Three weeks into the job, Neil had spent ten hours in surgery trying to save the sight in a little girl's eyes. He'd succeeded, much to everyone's surprise. His surgical team was cemented together on that occasion. Josehine never left her post. As long as Neil was on the job, so was she. She felt he was a gift from God. He in turn called her Josie Darlin', and was the only doctor who could get away with that. To everyone else, she was Nurse MacPherson. He called her the day Christy had her interview at the orphanage. "Josie Darlin', are you free Wednesday afternoons?" "What did you have in mind, Doctor Dearie?" He laughed. "My wife Christy is volunteering at the orphanage to tutor on Wednesday afternoons. I'm going to examine the children. I need a trained nurse. It's strictly volunteer work. Do you think Angus will let you out of the house?" "He'll tap dance from our home to Ryan's pub, Doctor Dearie, with glee." "Well then, can I count on you?" "As sure as the sun rises, Doctor. Which orphanage? Angus will drive me there." "St. John's on Cecil Street." "Why don't you choose the gates of hell, Doctor?" "That is where the greatest need is now, Josie dearest." "Not Darlin'?" "I thought it would carry more weight." "I love you, but your wife Christy and Oona would suspect something if you call me Dearest," she said laughing. Neil laughed. "So, you finally married your lost love." "You know, Josie, you and Angus are the only persons I ever told about Christy." "Scotch will sometimes loosen the tongue, my good doctor." He nodded to himself. His hangover was tremendous the following morning, and he vowed never to imbibe like that ever again. "You'll get to meet her on Wednesday. Christy will begin her tutoring then." "I look forward to meeting her. Goodb-bye Doctor Dearie." "Good-bye Josie Darlin' and thank you, from the bottom of my heart." "You're welcome Dearie." Wednesday finally arrived. Neil headed towards the clinic. Christy went to the classroom. The names of children were called out to follow Mrs. MacNeill to Room 204. Christy had no idea where Room 204 was. She looked at Miss Raymond. "Where is Room 204?" "It is at the end of the hall on the left side of the corridor." "Thank you," said Christy. "You are welcome. You only have eight students to deal with, three boys and five girls." The children followed Christy down the hall. There were ten little tables and chairs, and one large table and chair for Christy. There was one window in the room. It was dark and dismal, and very depressing. Christy had spent the weekend preparing lesson sheets to help her teach the letters of the alphabet. She had a button box to help with counting concepts. She made nametags for the children: Emily, Lucy, Etta, Wilma, Euna, Jeeter, Tommy and Peter. The boys were not very thrilled about having to wear the name tags. "It is just until I learn your names," said Christy. By the end of the first hour, Christy felt as though she had been teaching for twenty four hours straight. It would take every ounce of creativity she possessed to bring the joy of learning to these children. The youngest child, Peter, was very quiet and rarely spoke. His eyes followed her everywhere. They were lively and quick, in spite of his reticence. His hair was redder than Ruby Mae's, a mass of nonstop curls. His eyes were bright blue, like a cloudless sky in the Smokies. Christy was totally enchanted by him. At the end of the afternoon, Neil and Mrs. MacPherson were putting away equipment and sterilizing the surfaces. Christy came into the clinic. "Josie, this is my wife Christy." Christy smiled. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. MacPherson." She held out her hand. Josie looked at Neil. His happiness radiated out from his smile and his heart. She took Christy's hand. "The pleasure is mine, my dear. You have made a difficult man very happy." "Difficult? Me, difficult? You wrote the book on being difficult," he teased. "I was just doing my job, Doctor, trying to keep all of you young bucks in line." She winked at Christy. "I could tell you stories about himself." "You must come to tea, preferably when he is at work," Christy laughed. "Hmph," said Neil scowling. "Nice try, Neil darling, but your eyes are laughing. You'll have to try harder," said Christy. 'I'm losing my touch,' he thought. 'This does not bode well. How am I to maintain control, if she can see right through me?' That night when Peter said his prayers silently to himself, he asked God "Did you finally send me a Mommy? I have been praying for a mommy and daddy for ever so long." He closed his eyes and fell asleep thinking that she smelled so pretty. The following weeks were a challenge to Christy. She tried to decorate the room with pictures and drawings to help stimulate her students. Etta was the oldest, and she seemed to be a bit of a bully. Christy understood that as a volunteer she could not punish the child. She kept on her though, and would reprimand her if she felt that the child had stepped beyond her bounds. Peter remained the one who was the most quiet student. Like Mountie. Her beloved Mountie O'Teale. End of Chapter Two Title: "Serendipity II" Chapter Three One afternoon as Christy was packing up papers into her satchel, Peter came by and stood by her desk. "Would you like to help me put these away, Peter?" she asked him. He looked up at her and nodded yes, and proceeded to hand her the papers. "Thank you for being such a good helper, Peter." She smiled at him. "Are you a mommy?" he asked her softly. "Yes, I am. I have three children, two sons and a daughter." She could see that he was thinking about what she had said. "Do you have a daddy?" he asked. "No, Peter, my daddy is in heaven." He seemed sad to hear what she had said. He waved good-bye and joined the other children for afternoon recess. Christy joined Neil at the clinic. She said good-bye to Mrs. MacPherson, and the MacNeill's proceeded to go home. When Peter prayed that night, he was a little confused. If God had sent her to be his mommy, then why was her daddy in heaven?" Two weeks later it was Peter's turn for his physical. He was scared. Some of the older boys said the doctor gave out lots of needles. Neil's first impression of Peter was priceless. The little boy stood with his back against the door. His hands were splayed against it. His eyes were wide with terror. "Well hello lad. I did not hear you come in. Are you always so quiet?" Peter nodded. He had never seen anyone as big as Neil before. "Mrs. MacPherson, who do we have here?" "This is Peter Doyle, Doctor." "Hello Peter. You can call me Doc. Now I know that you are a brave boy, so come a little bit closer, so that I can take a look at you and make sure that you are fit as a fiddle." "Why?" "It's what I do." "What is a fiddle?" "It's an instrument you play to make music." Peter ventured a little closer. 'So this is Peter,' Neil thought. 'No wonder she talks about him all the time.' He quickly picked the young boy up and placed him on the examining table. Peter was startled. "Why did you do that?" "It's my job." "What's this?" "It is called a stethoscope." "Why do you use it?" "It helps me hear your heart and other sounds that your body makes. It helps me hear you breathe." "Why?" "So I know whether or not you are sick or well." The examination took longer because Peter pestered Neil with so many questions. Neil could understand Christy's fascination with this young child. He was not annoyed at the little tyke. Peter had amused him with his questions. He could tell the young boy had a quick mind. Neil stepped out of the examining room while Peter put his shirt and knickers back on. Christy was there, waiting for him. She kissed him hello, as the door opened. Peter saw them and a confused look crossed his face. "Hello, Peter. I missed you in class. Did Doctor MacNeill take good care of you?" He nodded. "What's the matter, Peter?" "You said your daddy was in heaven." "He is, Peter." "But why did you kiss him?" "He is my husband, Peter. I am Doctor MacNeill's wife." "But you're a mommy." "Yes, I am, but I am a wife as well." He looked at Neil. "Are you a daddy?" Neil said, "Yes I am also a daddy. I have two sons. They are big boys now." His young mind tried to process what he had heard. He ran to Christy, hugged her around her legs, and scampered off. When he prayed that night, he realized that she was a mommy and the doctor was a daddy. Just what he had prayed for, and God must have heard his prayers. That evening over dinner Christy and Neil discussed the orphanage and in a round about way, Christy brought up the subject of Peter. She absolutely adored him. She had broken the cardinal rule and had gotten emotionally attached. Neil knew it. After seeing Peter in person, he could understand why. "Neil, I was wondering .....Do you think, I mean, would it be possible or even conceivable if we considered the thought of ..............." "Adopting Peter?" he finished. "Neil?" "Think about it, Christy." "I have, Neil." "I'm fifty four years old." "You don't act your age." "What is that supposed to mean?" "You know exactly what I mean," she said blushing. "Christy, a man can continue to make love to his wife when he gets older." "As well I know it," she said. "He'll have four brothers to teach him how to fish." "I can teach him how to fish," Neil growled. "Oh that's right, you never did get the hang of baseball, did you darling?" "You are on thin ice." "I beg your pardon?" "I am not so old and decrepit that I cannot raise another son, Christy, but we would have the responsibility of raising a child for at least the next fifteen years or so." "Neil, you have obligations. And you love your work. If you stopped working you would be bored in less than a week. What I am trying to say is that we are both driven by our desire to contribute something worthwhile with our lives. If we can save a child in need, well then, lets do it. Neither one of us can stand by and do nothing." He could refuse her nothing. "I'll speak with Mr. Hopkins and get the paperwork started. I'll make an appointment with our lawyer. We'll tell the brood during their spring break." Coming home from college on a week's break was like having five mini tornadoes hitting all at once. The triplets had to get used to a new house. The boys had to adjust to four new people occupying their home. Alice came home to join them. It was complete and utter chaos. During a quiet time after dinner one evening, Neil told hem about their desire to adopt Peter. Mixed reactions met the declaration. Andrew and Douglas were the ones who opposed it the most. The triplets knew of their mother's loving heart. They tried to tell their step brothers that it would all work out. Andrew harbored the most anger and refused to let go of it. He thought it was ridiculous for them to consider adoption. Christy was upset, but Neil told her to just leave it be. Cooler heads would prevail with time. End of Chapter Three Title: "Serendipity II" Chapter Four Lillias Reed worked for the television network televising Dr. MacNeill's interview. She had been doing outside research to help flesh out his background for her boss, who was conducting the interview. There was no scandal, no mistakes that would come back to haunt him, "dirt" to dig up on this man. There were times when she hated her job. Why did people feel they had a right to "know"? She was considering a career change, even though she was making pretty good money in her job. She came from a good family, she went to church every Sunday because she had a strong faith and a very strong belief in God. When the interview was over, Peter glanced her way. She was intently reading a copy of a news bulletin, biting her lip in concentration, much like the habit of his mother. Her hair was dark black and her complexion was pale. Someone called her name. She looked up. Her eyes were almost violet blue. She glanced at Peter. The atmosphere became charged. 'Pa, you were absolutely right,' he thought. People called her Lily or Lil, but he knew that her name was Lillias. He wandered into the production booth after the interview was over. "Hello Lillias, do you think the interview went well"? he asked. "Yes I do, Dr. MacNeill." "Please call me Peter." "Thank you, Peter." "Would you care to have dinner with me? I know it is late, but I am starving. I was too nervous to eat before the interview." "You were as cool as a cucumber." "Tell that to the butterflies in my stomach." She laughed, and he was enchanted. "Thank you. I missed dinner tonight as well. We had to make a deadline for tomorrow morning." "Your job seems very stressful." "It certainly is," she replied. "I am sure that your job is stressful as well." "Only if something goes wrong. My father hammered into me that surgery should never be rushed, unless of course, the patient is in dire straits. It should be done right the first time. I abhorr surgeons who rush and then have to go back because they botched the operation. " "Does that happen often?" "Are we on the record or off the record?" "Off." "Once is too many." "Are you a perfectionist?" "Yes. So shoot me." She laughed. She genuinely liked this man." Over dinner, Lillias asked Peter about his adoption. "Forgive me for being so curious. How did it come about? Do you mind my asking?' "Not at all." "You mentioned that your father was ill and that your mother was pregnant. DId you understand what was going on? "Not really. Andrew and Douglas were not happy about my adoption. The triplets were more open to it. You see, I had been beaten up by another orphan who was jealous that I was going to have a family." "What happened?" Neil spoke with Mr. Hopkins about the adoption process. As with any bureaucracy, there was a lot of paperwork involved. Interviews would have to be conducted, their home would have to be inspected. The list seemed endless. Neil did not want anyone to tell Peter. He continued his weekly visits to the clinic when Christy volunteered. The children were all doing well, but Peter was the one who had improved the most. Once quiet and shy, he now asked question after question. Christy was helping Jeeter when Etta hit Peter. Peter naturally hit her back. Christy stopped their interchange, admonishing them both. "You should not hit each other. Boys should never fight with girls." When she turned her back, Etta stuck her tongue out at Peter. Christy tried very hard not to show favoritism. There was just something special about Peter. Christy and Neil were slowly wading through the adoption process. Some how, some way, no one could ever quite get to the bottom of the mystery, but through the grapevine they knew that a child was being considered for adoption. On a Friday afternoon in May, Neil was called into the emergency room. A child had bee grievously beaten. There could be ocular injuries. When Neil entered the cubicle he was horrified. It was Peter. One of the doctors asked if the parents were present. "He's from St. John's on Cecil," said Neil tersely. His name is Peter Doyle. He is four years old. When I saw him a month ago he was in fine physical condition. If I ever find out who did this to him, they will live to regret it." His voice was cold and full of thunder. Peter had a broken arm. His eyes were bruised and swollen. Neil suspected fractured ribs. It was obvious that he had been kicked several times. His two top front teeth were missing. Peter was readied for surgery. Neil was not on the surgical team, but he prepped for surgery anyway, which some of the other doctors found disconcerting. Then Neil announced, "My wife and I are in the process of adopting him." Energy surged through the operating room. They would do everything they could to save this child. They removed his appendix and spleen. They detemined two fractured ribs. His lungs were not punctured. There was no serious injury to his eye sockets or cheek bones. His face was badly bruised. His left arm was set in a cast. It was well after seven o'clock in the evening when Neil finally returned home. Peter was in the pediatric intensive care unit. "Neil, did you have an emergency?" "Yes Christy." "Will they be all right?" "It's too soon to tell, Lass." "What's wrong, Neil?" "Christy, there is no easy way to tell you this. It was Peter. He was seriously beaten at the orphanage." "I need to see him." "Not tonight. He is heavily sedated." "What are his injuries. Don't you dare sugar coat them. Don't hold anything back." She began to cry as Neil listed the child's injuries. "He's so little. How could anyone do this to him? Do they know who did it?" "Not that I know of, Christy." Mrs. Thompson had held dinner for Neil. They sat down together to share the meal. Christy was too agitated and upset to enjoy the food. She barely touched anything. To Neil dinner had no taste. He was too upset and dreaded Chrisyt's first glimpse of Peter's battered body. "Christy, I do not think it is a good idea for you to visit Peter right away." "Stop right there, Neil MacNeill. Peter is the son we plan to adopt. He needs his mother now. Do not stand in my way." "Neither one of us is going to sleep tonight, are we?" "I do not think so, Neil. In the morning, I want you to speak to Mr. Hopkins. Peter is not going back to the orphanage. He is coming home with us. I think this should be investigated. Let him put that in his pipe and smoke it!" Nothing beat Christy when she got riled. He nodded. "Let's go to the hospital, then. You can fuss over Peter." "I love you, Neil." "I love you, Lass," Neil drove to the hospital. Christy nearly fainted when she saw the battered child. Who could have done something so monstrous to a child? She just did not understand how someone could be so cruel. "We're here, Peter," she crooned. "You are safe now. We will not let anyone harm you. We will protect you. We love you." She kissed his forehead and held his hand. Tears poured down her cheeks. Neil sat next to her and held her. He tried to curb his anger. He would talk to Hopkins in the morning. His anger festered all night long as Peter whimpered in pain. He hated to see Christy cry. She felt so helpless, just as he did. Peter was so tiny and so broken. She wanted to scream in frustration. All Christy could do was to love him and let Peter know that he was loved by a mommy and a daddy who wanted him to be their little boy. Peter knew she was there before he heard her speaking to him. He could smell the roses. Then he felt her kiss his forehead. His eyes were swollen and he was hungry, and he hurt. She was holding his hand, telling him that he was a good little boy, and that she loved him. He settled back down and slept. She was there and he heard his voice as well. They would keep him safe. Two days later Etta was admitted with a fractured foot. Christy realized that Peter had not defended himself because she had told them boys do not hit girls. Etta had taken advantage of him. She was upset when she heard the rumor that Peter was being adopted. Christy cried to Neil, "It is all my fault." He tried to assure her it was not. "I am recommending that Etta be examined by a psychiatrist. She has too much anger and rage pent up inside. It is not healthy." He had spoken to Mr. Hopkins as well. The adoption would be approved before Peter left the hospital. Neil was worried about Christy. He did not want her to become rundown. She stopped volunteering because she wanted to spend the time with Peter. The child spent three weeks in the hospital. He would be coming home with them. Peter slowly healed in body and was bouyed in spirit knowing he had a mommy and daddy who loved him. "And then your father got sick." "Yes, he nearly died." End of Chapter Four Title: "Serendipity II" Chapter Five It had started out as a simple head cold, which then spread down into Neil's chest. He rarely got sick. Christy tried to get him to stay in bed. He refused. He was pushing himself, working harder than usual. He was covering for another doctor who was away on vacation. Christy and Mrs. Thompson were both concerned. Finally he reached his physical limit and collapsed during rounds at the hospital. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. Christy was beside herself with worry the morning he left. She and Neil had spent most of the summer taking care of Peter. His broken arm had healed, his bruises had all faded and his front teeth were beginning to grow in finally. They were just getting a little order back into their lives, Peter was settling into his new home. The adoption was final. He was constantly checking to make sure Neil and Christy were around. His insecurity tugged at Christy's heart. Andrew had left and returned to Philadelphia weeks earlier. He could barely tolerate Peter. Christy could not understand his dislike of the little boyr. She kept praying that his heart would soften. She didn't like the fact that Neil had not been feeling well for over two weeks. When the telephone rang Mrs. Thompson answered it. "Christy," she said, "the call is for you." Dread washed over her. "Neil," she whispered. She took the telephone. "Hello? Yes, this is Mrs. MacNeill. Where is he now? Intensive care? I"ll be over as soon as I can get there. Thank you." She turned to Mrs. T. "Oona, he collapsed. He has pneumonia." "I knew it. He can be so stubborn." "I have to go. Stay with Peter, please. I'll call you as soon as I know something about his condition." Peter was watching Christy as she frantically gathered her purse and her keys. He called out "Mommy," but she did not hear him. He started to cry softly as he sat at the top of the stairs. Oona looked up. "Come here my lamb." Peter came downstairs. "Where's Mommy? Why is she upset?" "Your Daddy is in the hospital." "Why?" "He got sick and did not take care of himself." "Why?" "Because he is a stubborn man. He does not listen." "Will Mommy yell at him?" "Not at first, but when he gets better, she will let him know. You can be sure of that. Would you like some milk and cookies?" "Yes please. Chocolate chip?" "Just for you, my lamb." He grinned with a big smile. She patted his head, but her heart was heavy with worry. About an hour later Christy called. "It isn't good, Oona. His lungs are filled with fluid, and congestion. Visiting hours are three times a day for ten minutes only. Eight o'clock, noon and six o'clock in the evening. Could you call Alice and Andrew for me please? When is the rest of the brood coming home?" The boys are playing baseball and Juliet is shopping with Olivia Carroll. I expect they will be home soon. Will you be coming home?" "No. Not yet. I need to stay here. I'll call you if anything changes." She sat in the waiting room, praying for Neil's recovery. Finally a doctor came to see her. "Mrs. MacNeill, I'm Doctor Franklin. I won't sugar coat it. He's in a bad way. I can't believe he ignored the symptoms. We're doing everything we can for him." "He claims he never gets sick. He would not listen to me when I told him to slow down and rest." "Well, he has to rest now. I'll let you see him for a few minutes." "Thank you. I appreciate it, Doctor Franklin." Christy followed him into the ward. She looked at Neil. She had only felt this helpless once before, when David died of influenza. "Neil," she took his hand amd squeezed it. "I'm here Neil, right by your side, my darling. You have to rest, Neil. You have to get better. We need you. Peter needs his Daddy." She kissed his hand and went back to the waiting room. The boys came home dusty, hot and sweaty reveling in their triumph of a game well played. They were met at the door by Mrs. Thompson. "What's wrong Tommy?" asked Douglas. "Your father is in the hospital. He has pneumonia." "Where is Mother?" asked David. "She's there. He is in intensive care. Make yourselves decent and get over there. She should not be alone." "Andrew? Granny Alice?" aske Douglas. "On their way home." "Is he that bad?" "It does not look good." Juliet came in about fifteen minutes later. Peter was sitting in the chair crying. She went over to him. "What's the matter, Peter?" "Daddy's in the hospital." "What's wrong?" she asked. Peter shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Daddy's sick. Mrs. Thompson kept Peter home as Juliet and the boys rushed off to the hospital. There was a special waiting room for the Intensive Care Unit. When they arrived they found Christy staring blankly into space, worry etched on her face. "How is my father?" asked Douglas. "The doctors say he is gravely ill. He has a very bad case of pneumonia. i feel so helpless. All we can do is hope and pray. We have to wear a surgical mask when we talk with him. It is two more hours until we can see him. I don't know if he can hear what I say to him. As far as I know, he has never been this sick before." Douglas sat down next to her and put his arm around her. So like his father! She started to cry. "We cannot lose hope. We have to believe that he will pull through," said David. So they all kept a vigil, praying silently for his recovery. When the next visiting time approached, they were permitted to see him one visitor at a time. Christy was beside herself with worry. Doctor Franklin came out to the waiting area. "There has been no change in his condition. I want you all to go home and rest. You will be of no use to him, if you all get run down." Christy wanted to stay, but was gently refused. They arrived home at seven o'clock. Mrs. Thompson hugged Douglas first, then Christy. She was sick with worry. "How is he?" "There's been no change," said Christy. "I feel so helpless." Peter hugged Christy's legs. "Where's my Daddy?" "He is in the hospital Peter. Like you were. Daddy is very sick." "Why?" "Because he did not take care of himself." "Why?" "I do not have all the answers, Peter." "Is he going to sleep at the hospital?" "Yes, Peter. He is not coming home tonight." "Come, you all have to eat some dinner, even if you are not hungry," said Mrs. Thompson. They came in to the dining room and sat down to share a meal. Christy just picked at her food. She found that she had no appetite. "Alice and Andrew will be arriving tomorrow. Her train arrives at eleven thirty." "I will pick her up," said David. "I don't want you to miss the twelve o'clock visiting time." Douglas smiled at his stepbrother. "Thank you." Christy telephoned Reverend Abernathy to let him know that Neil was seriously ill. She turned and saw that Peter was watching her. There was such confusion etched on his face. It made her heart break. They were just beginning to establish a routine, and now there was this great emotional turmoil. "Come Peter, it's time for you to get ready for bed." "Why?" "It's the rule, remember?" "All right, but Daddy tucks me in." "I know sweetheart, but Daddy cannot do it tonight." Douglas heard the hitch in her voice. "We'll take over for Daddy," said William. "What else are big brothers for?" "Come on Peter, you have to wash your face and brush your teeth," said David. "And wash your hands and clean behind your ears," said Juliet "Goodnight Mommy." Christy bent down and kissed him. "I'll be up in a few minutes." William put Peter on his shoulders, and they trooped up the stairs for bedtime. David followed them. Christy went into the kitchen. Douglas looked at Juliet. "How do you all do it?" "Do what?" "Just accept him as your brother." "Douglas, our parents have kind and loving hearts. Your father has always known that Mother has a soft heart and an endless capacity for love. I am not afraid that she will love me less. If anything she will love us even more. This little boy wanted someone to love him, and we do. Open up your heart, Douglas, and then you'll see." Douglas went upstairs following the noise, realizing that Peter did not understand how serious and life threatening his father's illness was. William and David were trying to help their mother out by looking after him. When Peter saw Douglas, he became subdued. Douglas held out his hand. Peter looked up at him and stared, then he put his hand in Douglas'. "I miss my Daddy," he whispered. "I do too," answered his brother. Alice arrived on the morning train. David met her and explained Neil's condition. "Thee has a stubborn highlander for a step father," she said. They stopped at the house to drop off her suitcase. "Well Mrs. Thompson, this is a fine kettle of fish we have in front of us." Mrs. Thompson agreed. "There has been little change. He has been resting. Christy is very worried." "Of course she is. She has seen firsthand the effects of pneumonia when she lived inCutter Gap." Alice spied Peter sitting in a chair, clutching a teddy bear. Alice raised her eyebrow at him. 'Thee must be Peter." He looked at her solemnly. "I am your Granny Alice." He looked at Mrs. Thompson. She nodded with a smile. Alice bent down. "It is very nice to meet thee, Peter. I am going to visit thy father. Does thee want me to tell him anything from thee?" He looked at Mrs. Thompson. "She talks funny." "Indeed I do. Shall I tell your Daddy that you love him?" "Yes please." "Then indeed I shall do exactly that. Come David, we should go." David ruffled Peter's hair and smiled. When Alice arrived at the hospital, Christy was overjoyed to see her. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I am so worried." "Doctor Franklin has told us there is litte change, Granny," said Douglas. "Andrew is coming in tonight. I wish we had better news." Alice was concerned with Christy's health. "Thee looks exhausted. Has thee been eating at all?" "A little. I have no appetite." "That will change soon enough." "What do you mean?" "Christy do you mean to tell me?" She stopped herself. "Come walk with me. I could use a cup of tea." "The boys will get you a cup." "No, I need to have thee walk with me." Christy stood up. Alice took her arm and they walked to the elevator. "Christy, my dear child, does thee not realize that thee is pregnant?" Shock registered on her face. She stared at Alice as the realization hit her. "I have been so preoccupied with Peter and his recovery, and now my worry about Neil, well I never put two and two together." "Thee must tell Neil. Give him something to hang on to as he fights this sickness and fights for his life." End of Chapter Five Title: "Serendipity II" Chapter Six "I have to talk with Doctor Franklin," said Christy. "I need a little more time with Neil." Alice nodded and hugged her. At this point in time the odds were against Neil. She refrained from telling Christy. She left Alice to find the head nurse. "I need to speak with Doctor Franklin." "Doctor Franklin is unavailable at the present time." "I understand that," replied Christy. "I know that he is a very busy man. When he is free, can you please tell him that Doctor MacNeill's wife would like to speak with him?" The nurse nodded. She had been on the wrong side of Neil's annoyance once and she held a grudge. Christy somehow sensed this. She looked the nurse straight in the eye. "My husband is only too human, although sometimes he forgets that fact. It is because he is human and stubborn that he is now critically ill because he did not take care of himself. We have just adopted a little boy and I have just realized that I am with child, at my age! Please, I need your help." Compassion won over anger. "I'll see what I can do." "Thank you," said Christy. She returned to the visiting room. The nurse summoned Doctor Franklin. When Christy went into Neil's room, Alice garnered his attention, "There is nothing more that thee can do for him, is there Doctor? Thee can be frank with me. I have seen much in my lifetime, including helping Neil MacNeill use old fashioned folk medicine to save lives." "It is out of our hands. There is no other medication to give him." "Are thee willing to try an old fashioned treatment?" "What do you mean?" "Hot poultices made of cooked onions." "You are not serious!" "I have never been more serious in my life. Thee is looking at me as if I have two heads. I assure you, this treatment was used successfully by Doctor MacNeill. His wife and I have also administered it. The treatment is quite unpleasant, but it serves its purpose and helps break up the congestion." Doctor Franklin was unsure of what to do. The hospital could not afford to lose such a notable doctor. He had done all of the medicinal treatment he could offer to Neil. Yet he could not sit back and watch Neil die. He nodded to Alice. "I'll send word to the kitchen staff." Alice gave William and David money. "Go buy at least 150 pounds of onions. Doctor Franklin, I will need large squares of cloth for the poultices. In the meantime, Christy sat close to Neil. "Darling, can you hear me? Please squeeze my hand if you can hear my voice." She thought that she felt pressure, ever so slight, but it bolstered her spirits. "Neil darling, I think that we are going to have a baby. You have to get well. Peter sends his love, he needs his new Daddy. Did you hear me before my darling? A baby. I must be at least three months along." A nurse came into the room. "Time is up, Mrs. MacNeill." Christy nodded and kissed Neil on the forehead. "A baby, darling, at our age." When she returned to the visiting area, a debate seemed to be going on with Doctor Franklin and a hospital official. She raised her eyebrow at Alice, who smiled. "They are debating the pros and cons of onion poultices. I sent the boys for onions. The doctors can do nothing more for Neil." Christy stood up. "If you cannot do anything more to help my husband, the least you can do is let us try this treatment. I refuse to give up my husband without a fight." Doctor Franklin asked, "What would you have us do?" "As soon as the boys arrive, the kitchen staff can start cooking onions." "We will not be responsible," said the official. "That is fine with me. We've wasted enough valuable time. Miss Alice we need to start cutting cloth for the poultices." "I need to speak with the kitchen staff first. I'll be back shortly." Sitting back at home cooling her heels was not for Oona Thompson. Andrew was going to take a taxicab from the train station to the hospital. With Peter in tow, Oona arrived about the same time David and William returned with the onions. Alice began barking orders like a drill sergeant. Christy was a bit upset that Oona had brought Peter. She knew the woman hated to be away from the family. She kissed Peter hello and told him to sit with his brothers and sister. During the time between visiting hours, Neil's fever had spiked. He was semi-delirious. The women worked on the cloth for the poultices and then sent them down to the kitchen. The wait seemed to interminable, but soon the first hot poultice arrived. Christy and Alice were dressed in surgical gowns and masks. Doctor Franklin watched them in awe as they applied the poultice to Neil's chest. "This brings back memories of Ruby Mae, Miss Alice." "I remember it well, Christy." The next poulltice was ready. "Doctor Franklin, we must turn Neill on his side so that we can apply the poultice to his back." "How often do you have to do this?" he asked. "Until the congestion begins to break up and he coughs up the phlegm. It could take hours." Christy paled at the thought. She remebered how it had been for Ruby Mae so many years ago. Her stomach felt queasy. Andrew arrived at the visitors room. He hugged Douglas and Mrs. Thompson, shook hands with David and William and nodded to Juliet, who was holding Peter. Douglas explained what they were doing to Neil. "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard," said Andrew. "I suppose this was your mother's hare brained idea." As he said this, he looked at Peter. "It was your Granny Alice's plan," said Tommy. "Sit down young man and pray. Your father is critical." Back in the sick room, Neil had begun sweating. He was covered in blankets to keep him warm, for the chills would follow the sweats. Time passed quickly, as Alice and Dr. Franklin applied the poultices. Christy leaned against the head of the bed and said, "We'll be the oldest parents in Knoxville. It's your damn Highlander virility and my addiction to it. I am forty two years old, Neil. You started this baby with me and you had better see its fruition. Who knows, maybe it will be another set of triplets. So get well Doctor, it will all work out, MacNeill." She kissed him. "Your wife loves you too much to lose you, and she is as stubborn as you are. Fight my darling Neil. Fight this." Doctor Franklin was praying and willing Neil to live as he assisted Alice with another poultice. Basins and wet cloths were ready if Neil suddenly sat up and began to expectorate. Reverend Abernathy arrived. He said some prayers to give comfort to the family. The head nurse had told him that Neil was dying. After prayers, Peter whispered to him. He and the boy slipped out of the waiting room and went to the chapel. "I want to talk to God," Peter had said. When they reached the chapel, the two sat down in a pew. "This is where you talk to God, Peter." Reverend Abernathy got up to leave. "Don't go." said Peter, "I'm afraid." "I am just going to sit in the back Peter, and let you talk to God by yourself. While you are talking to God, I will be sitting back there praying for your Daddy too." Peter turned to watch him. The Reverend sat in the back of the room. Peter looked up front at the cross. He knew that there were prayers written on the pretty glass windows, but he did not know how to read yet. He began to think of what he wanted to say. In the intensive care unit, Neil finally began to react to the treatment. He sat up, Alice grabbed a basin. "Get another one ready. His discharge wil be massive." And it was. Poor Christy. She grabbed a basin and allowed her queasiness to take over. Knowing what Neil was coughing up made her sicker. Neil lay back in exhaustion. His peripheral vision had seen Christy vomiting. 'Why?' he wondered. The word baby invaded his consciousness. Baby! He glanced feebly at his wife who was kneeling on the floor as she threw up into the basin. He looked up at Alice. She nodded and smiled. They had turned a corner, in Neil's favor. He closed his eyes. He felt Alice and a nurse briskly and efficiently cleaning him up. Doctor Franklin helped Christy stand up. As she exited from the room she took off the surgical gown and threw it and the mask into the hamper. She leaned heavily on his arm. They came into the waiting room. Christy looked pale and wan. "Your father will live, the treatment worked. He is not out of the woods yet, but I could not believe my eyes," said the doctor. "I have never seen anything like this before in my life. It was amazing, truly amazing. Let me get back to Dr. MacNeill." He left and Juliet ran to her mother. "Mother, you are not getting sick are you?" Christy laughed weakly. "No, I am not sick. I am going to have a baby." The silence was deafening. Her statement hit Andrew like a ton of bricks. He resented the adoption and now there would be a newborn. He was old enough to be its father. 'Pa, you still have it in you to raise another family. You amaze me,' he thought to himself. Christy looked around. 'Where is Peter?" "I'll find him," said Andrew much to everyone's amazement. He realized that Reverend Abernathy was gone. He asked the head nurse where the chapel was, and she gave him directions. He quietly opened the door. Peter was talking to God. "Please God don't take my Daddy away from me. I just got him. I promise that I wil be a good little boy. I will listen to Mommy and Daddy. He promised to teach me how to fish. Daddy won't break his promise. He told me that he would never break a promise. Please do not make my Mommy cry anymore. I need my Daddy and he needs me. He said so." Andrew picked him up and held him as Peter sobbed. Tears ran down Andrew's cheeks and he prayed silently along with his brother for their father's recovery. He handed Peter a handkerchief. "Mom missed you and wondered where you were. I told her that I would find you." 'Mom' was a word that he had only said briefly in his life before this. It sounded right, and it fit Christy perfectly. He finally understood his father and stepmother's loving hearts. They were at last a family, an entire family, and now there was another baby on the way. Andrew smiled as Peter hugged him. His father and Christy had said it would all work out, and they were right, as usual. "How long did it take your father to recover?" "He was in the hospital for two weeks, and then at home for a month of TLC. It gave me the opportunity to really come to know my father and mother and see how much they truly loved one another. She was very strict with my Dad. It was fun to watch her give him his medicine and basdger him. While he hated being laid up, he loved every second of her coddling. He in turn was totally enthralled at the thought of a newborn baby, who turned out to be two identical twins. I had a remarkable childhood." "You have a very loving family, Peter." "Yes, I do, Lillias. I worry about my parents." "In what way?" "They are slowing down. They suddenly looked old to me the last time I visited them. Dad is slowing down, although he is too proud to admit it." He laughed. "God broke the mold when he created my parents. They are unique." She smiled. "So what do you think of these British bands that are invading our shores?" "That was a change of subject!" "I know. But if I start thinking about my parents, I'll start to cry. I lost them in a car accident last year." "I am sorry for your loss." He could see tears welling up in her beautiful eyes. "I like rock and roll. I don't particularly care for song lyrics that keep repeating yeah, yeah, yeah, or I want to hold your hand. Although I admit I would like to hold your hand." "Why Peter MacNeill, you are absolutely charming." "Why Lillias, thank you. My mother would be proud of me." "I'm sure she is, Peter." "So when do you want to meet my parents?" She laughed and then she realized that he was serious. "Oh, Peter." "Dad said I would know. He was right, but then I have to admit he usually was right. Mom too. She said one day I would meet a woman who would find me charming and irresistable." "Well you are, but you are rushing things a bit." "You will find that MacNeill men are rather decisive, opinionated, stubborn and strong. Unless......" "Unless?" "Unless our women have a different opinion. My mother has a knack for making my father think that her idea is actually his idea. We do not know how she manages to accomplish that, but we suspect that it is because they still adore each other after all these years." "They sound absolutely delightful." "They are. You'll have to meet them." She smiled. Six months later she did, for their engagement announcement. The End