Title: Round Robin 2 Chapter #1 Date: Sat, 01 May 1999 18:56:23 GMT Round Robin 2 Chapter #1- By Rhonda ******************************************** 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. ********************************************* *The heart is a wild and wondrous thing, Strong enough to survive death, fragile enough to break over an unkind word. That year in Cutter Gap, I faced the most important decision of my life. My choice would forever change the course of my life, and all those I loved.* (**) Christy stood still in front of the schoolhouse, holding the ring box David had given her, looking between the two men in her life. She was vaguely aware of her students standing on the porch steps watching and waiting. On one hand, there was David Grantland, the Preacher who loved her. She knew David well, as they had become good friends over the past year. He would be a good husband to her. But Fairlight’s questions burned in her soul..... “Who makes you laugh?” “Who makes you so mad your blood boils?” “Who do you tell your deepest secrets to?” Christy turned to face the man that she could tell her deepest secrets to. The one who could make her laugh, and could also make her so mad, her blood boiled. Doctor Neil McNeil sat astride his horse, staring at her. Just a few minutes ago, she spotted him where he belonged, with his wife. There could be no future with the man she loved. *The man I love.* Christy’s spirit dropped. She told Margaret that Neil was worth fighting for. But, Christy could not fight for him. As long as Margaret was alive, she would always be Neil’s wife. Even if Margaret left Cutter Gap again, she would always be Neil’s wife. As if sensing the direction of Christy’s thoughts, Neil looked to David, back to Christy, and then rode off. There was nothing he could say. He was still a married man, and had no right to fight for Christy. *The dance is more important than the frying pan.* He started to head toward home, but changed his mind and went to the river. His favorite spot always brought peace and comfort. Christy watched Neil ride away, and knew that her life would never be the same. She turned back to David. She couldn’t agree to marry him. He deserved a wife who would love him completely. Right now, her heart wasn’t able to do that. She loved David, but not enough to marry him. “I’m sorry, David. I really am.” As she handed back the ring, there was nothing left for David to say. He nodded, and turned back to the children, trying to mask the pain he felt inside. He had loved Christy for so long. In the back of his mind, he had hoped that Margaret’s return would propel Christy into his arms forever. She could learn to love him, in time. But, it was not meant to be. As his heart ached, he herded the students inside to finish the arithmetic lesson. Christy watched David leave, and she continued to stand there for several minutes. She needed some time alone to sort out her thoughts. The first place that came to her mind was Fairlight’s secret place, the one she had shared with her just a few short hours ago. ************************************** (**) From "The Road Home" ************************************* RR2 #2 by Beth Date: Wed, 12 May 1999 Christy started to run. Instinct carried her feet over the jagged countryside. The beauty of her surroundings were blurred by the tears that stung her eyes and clung to her cheeks. Christy ran until her lungs ached with every step. Finally, she emerged from the thicket of brush and trees and stood at the precipice where unending beauty lay out before her. Christy tried to take a deep breath. The cool, crisp air stung her insides, but compared to the ache in her heart the pain was minimal. "Why, why did I come here? Come to these mountains? " Christy's thoughts screamed inside her head. Christy fell into a heap on this wondrous outcrop of rock. She began to sob. "I'm a fool. He's a married man. He isn't a believer. I don't know if he ever was. How can I l..l..love a married man?" Christy sobbed aloud, the sentences coming amongst the hot tears and heavy breaths. "I know David is a good man, I know he's a good Christian. I know he loves me. But do I love him? Oh my beloved God, I'm so confused! You have brought me here for a reason, have I messed up so badly that I can no longer see the reason You brought me here?" Christy sat up and wiped her face with the sleeve of her dress. Suddenly, she had the overwhelming desire to speak with two people...Miss Alice and her father. But how would she express her feelings about Neil to either of them? As Christy stood to leave, she heard a rustling coming from the thicket. Christy held her breath as Fairlight emerged. Once again the tears began to flow and Christy fell into the arms of her friend. ***************************************** RR2 #3 by Cherie Fairlight reached up and brushed the myriad of tears sliding down Christy's face with her shirt sleeve. The two sat for a long time in one another's embrace - Christy still silently praying as she buried her face against the bosom of Fairlight's dress and Fairlight staring softly out across the mountians, letting the magnificent, majestic view bring her comfort as it always had while she lifted up a silent prayer for her beloved friend. "Ya know..." Fairlight began after Christy's tears had subsided. "Sometimes one o' the hardest things fer me ta do is know ma own mind. It's not always easy and sometimes I never know iffin I did ever make the decision I'd do best by, but I keep on tryin'. There's always gonna be more questions out there for me ta answer. And more decisions for me ta make. I jest hafta keep trustin' in the Lord that He'll shew me the way I'm ta go." Christy looked up at Fairlight with her tear-stained face now aglow from the bright sunlight shining down upon them. "Thank you, Fairlight." she spoke softly. Fairlight just smiled and looked out once again to the mountain view with Christy's eyes following right behind. Neil McNeill galloped from the spot as far and as fast as his horse could take him. Thoughts came tumulting down in his mind as fast as he could give heed to them. What right did he have to love her? What kind of turmoil had he caused in her heart by so boldly forcing her to decide between David and himself? Neil came to the riverbank and dismounted, tying his horse to a nearby tree. Neil knelt by the river's edge looking down into the cool, clear water but not really seeing it. Then for the first time in a long while, Neil cried. He cried for the woman he loved that he could not rightfully have and also for the woman he had but could not truly love any longer. He cried because he had done the only decent thing he could do - run away, and abandon Christy to the arms of another man. 'He'll be kind to her,' Neil told himself. 'He will be able to be home for her every night and care for her as a man ought.' All these thoughts and more like it Neil kept telling himself, but to no avail. What could he do? The woman he loved was probably happily nestled in the arms of the preacher at this very moment and there was not a single thing Neil could do about it. ***************************************** RR2 #4 by gap David kept his promise. With Christy's decision, he had given up the idea of marrying her. Any attempt Christy made to talk to him was firmly rebuffed. "You refused my proposal, Christy. There's nothing more to say." Christy had told herself that David needed time to think before they could salvage their friendship. But it was hard for her to be patient when a word might help... Christy sighed, and sat back in her chair, grateful that the school day was over. The past few days had been difficult; Ruby Mae's mind was alive with plots to bring Christy and David together. The other children peppered her with questions. "Why d'ya turn Preacher down, Teacher? He's been courtin' ya since forever..." Not only her students, but their parents showed an eager interest in this turn of events. Church on Sunday resembled her classes. Christy forced weak smiles in spite of stares and loud, wondering whispers. Then the relentless prodding for information afterwards... "Miz Christy?" Christy looked up, startled. "Dan?" Dan Scott had a standing invitation at the mission house, but since the fire, he chose to stay close to home. Dan wasted few words, but came straight to his point. "I've been thinkin' a lot over the past couple of days. And I've come to a decision." He hesitated. "I'm goin' up to Bird's Eye Taylor's place to talk." Christy's eyes widened with alarm, as she absorbed his intention. Dan rushed on, answering her unspoken protest. "I know. He'll welcome me with a gun-shot. But I have to try, Miz Christy. The fault was mine, and I can't let this rest. Not until I do my part. I doubt if he'll ever accept me, but I have to ask his forgiveness." Christy studied Dan narrowly. He had made up his mind, and he wouldn't change it. Dan was stubborn in his own way. "Would you like me to come with you?" she asked quietly. Since they nursed first Lundy, then himself, Bird's Eye had grown somewhat tolerant of the mission folk. Maybe she could... Dan smiled grimly. "No, Miz Christy, I don't want to get you involved in this. Anyway, Bird's Eye probably has a spite towards you all since you brought me here in the first place. I'll go by myself." Christy shook her head. "Dan, I can understand why, but he'll kill you...Has...Have you..." Christy swallowed hard, but she met Dan's gaze, unwavering. "What does Dr. MacNeill think about this?" The name hadn't crossed her lips for days, and now it blistered. Dan's eyes shied away from hers. "I haven't seen him around his cabin at all for the past couple of days. I've been busy trying to rebuild and... I guess he's been away seeing patients." Or he could be locked in his laboratory, thought Christy. Ben Pentland had seen Margaret leave on a train bound for Atlanta. How much had her departure upset him? Dan's voice cut through her tangled thoughts. "I just wanted to let you know in case something happens." Christy began to speak, but she forced herself to think. What should she do? ****************************************************** Round Robin 2 #5 by Angela ***** Christy remembered the day when she had gone to speak with Bird's-Eye not long after she had come to the Cove. She hadn't told anyone she was going, knowing the protests she would have met with if she had. Although it had been dangerous, she had felt constrained to go to Bird's-Eye on behalf of Lundy. Now Dan was feeling that same inner compulsion to seek out the mountain man. Christy nodded her head, knowing nothing she could say would stop Dan from going. "I know this is something you feel you must do, but please Dan, be careful. If you're not back by nightfall, I'll come looking for you myself." "Miss Christy, with all due respect, you'll do no such thing. I don't want any more trouble to come out of this situation that there's already been." Christy watched as he walked out of the schoolhouse. He stopped when he reached the porch, turned back around and quietly said, "Thank you, Christy." ***** As he tromped up the steep mountainside, Dan thought again of the words he planned to say to Bird's-Eye and hoped that he would have the chance to say them. Despite his fear of being met with a gun thrust into his face or being shot at, Dan had left his own rifle behind. His entire life, he had witnessed the hate that men could have in their hearts for other men. He had never understood it, and perhaps he never would, but that didn't mean he would give in to it. The closer he came to the Taylor cabin, the harder his heart thudded in his chest. Dan felt that he should start calling out well before he neared the cabin, not knowing how close by Bird's-Eye might be. "Bird's-Eye!" his voice bellowed into the woods. Eerie silence was his only response, so Dan kept trudging slowly uphill. Even the normal woodland sounds of birds chirping and the wind blowing through the trees seemed to have come to a halt. Dan called out again. "Bird's-Eye!" And then the quiet was broken by a sound, a human voice, off in the distance. Dan turned in the direction of the noise and remained still, waiting and listening. Again he heard nothing. Could his mind be playing tricks on him? With the fear he felt, he knew that was quite possible. He continued his slow ascent, his breathing becoming more and more labored with the incredibly steep rise. And then again, he heard the noise, something of a low groan. Once more he called out. "Bird's-Eye! I've come to talk to you!" A rifle blast shattered the silence, and Dan instinctively hid behind the closest tree. "Stay away!" came the gruff-voiced reply. "The only talking-to you'll be gettin' from me is with this here rifle!" "Pa!" "Hesh up, boy! You consarned fool..." "Please..." Lundy's voice pleaded with his father. "Mr. Taylor," Dan shouted out, "I'm coming to you in peace." Dan put his hands up in the air and crept from behind the tree. Surprisingly there were no more protests from Bird's-Eye, although the groaning sound he had heard earlier continued. "I know it might not mean much to you, Bird's-Eye, but I've come to ask your forgiveness," he had begun when the moaning was replaced by a sharp cry. "I done told ya to git!" the man answered back. But still Dan walked on, and behind the next tree saw both father and son on the ground. Lundy was completely sprawled out and Bird's-Eye knelt at his side. "Please...please help me..." Lundy called out, reaching his arm out toward Dan. It was then that Dan saw the reason for Lundy's cries. A bear trap had clamped down onto his lower left leg, the metal teeth of it embedded firmly in his flesh and likely the bone, as well. Bird's-Eye had a large tree limb trying to pry open the cruel jaws of the trap, but so far his efforts had been to no avail. Looking up, Bird's-Eye met with Dan's stare. "I thought I told you to leave," were his only words. Round Robin #2 Part 6 Traci Part 6 As the adrenaline pumped into his heart, Dan felt his heart pounding so loud he could hardly hear himself think. The tension in the air between the three men crackled like lightning on a humid night. “Good grief, man, can’t you see your boy is in trouble?” Dan blurted out, unable to bear the silence any longer. “He could lose his leg. What good would that do?” The mountain man’s bold eyes sharpened on Dan with a fierce intensity that told Dan how much he was not wanted. But at the same time Dan sensed a hesitancy, an uncertainty mixed in that look, that Bird’s Eye was realizing he might be pushing away the one hope of saving his son. His rifle had slid to the ground, out of reach. Was there any chance the man would back down? For his only son? “Pa, please!” Lundy begged hoarsely, his eyes bulging out of his head with the pain and fear. “Let ‘im holp ya!” Dan had seen that look before. The look of a frightened animal so panicked it might chew its own leg off to be free. In a matter of seconds, Lundy had transformed from a belligerent young man into a scared child. If something wasn’t done soon, he would be unconscious from the pain. And in danger of losing his foot. Dear God, help me, Dan silently prayed. Help me talk some sense into this man! “Dan! Dan, where are you!” Incredibly, a feminine voice broke the tense silence that had descended over them. Three pairs of eyes swung away to catch sight of Christy clambering up the hill, a determined look on her young face as she approached them. “Gol darn, what in th’ Sam Hill is she doin’ here?” Bird’s Eye muttered, throwing his hat to the ground in sheer frustration. “Don’t wimmin never stay put?” But Dan saw the young school teacher’s tenacity as an unexpected gift and waved his hat wildly in the air amid the branches. “Miss Christy! We’re over here! Come quick! I need you to run for Doctor McNeill.” In an instant, Bird’s Eye’s stubborn gaze swept over Dan. “We don’t need no doctor! I can still nurse my own boy, now, can’t I?” Dan could feel his palms sweating, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He swallowed hard, trying to hold back the frustration and anger that threatened to boil over at any moment. He needed to keep a cool head at this moment. Now more than ever before, he needed to speak firmly but gently to the one man he had hated more than ever. A young man’s life lay hanging in the balance. “Mr. Taylor, this is no time to be arguin’, and that’s a fact. Forget I’m colored for one minute. Think o’ me as a man with two hands to help you. Two hands that might save your boy. Then you can speak to me…do with me…as you see fit.” Before Bird’s Eye could say another word, Dan fell to the ground beside them and swept up a stick in order to help pry open the death grip of the bear trap. With swift skill, Dan managed to wedge the wood into the trap as Bird’s Eye slowly pushed the other way. The trap was stiff with age and rust but it gave a little from the pressure. Out of breath, Christy came upon the scene then, hardly able to believe what she was seeing. “Dan! Lundy, are you all right? How on earth did this happen?” As Bird’s Eye grudgingly accepted Dan’s help, Lundy tossed back his head, hardly able to bear the shooting pain in his foot. “Stepped in it good….Miss Christy,” Lunday gasped out. “I’m so…daggum stupid!” “You’re not stupid, Lundy,” Christy countered, her heart constricting painfully in her chest as she regarded her most troublesome pupil. “It could have happened to anyone. Dan, what can I do to help?” Dan looked up momentarily, his dark eyes meeting Christy’s over Bird’s Eyes bent head. “Miss Christy, Lundy’s gonna need medical help. More’n I can give him. You gotta go find Dr. MacNeill. Now. Can you do that for me?” Christy hated to leave Lundy behind, knowing how badly the frightened boy needed comfort. Bird’s Eye was hardly known for his bedside manner. And he might very well tear Dan to pieces once they got Lundy free. But Dan was right. Lundy’s wounds would need extensive care that only the doctor could provide. “Buttons is just down the ridge, tethered up. I’ll be back as fast as I can get Dr. MacNeill,” Christy assured him. Turning on her boot heel, she began making her way down the hillside, her thoughts a tumbled mess as she tried to keep from falling. Christy clambered on top of the horse, digging her heels into Buttons' flanks and setting off down the winding trail. How she wished she had paid more attention to her childhood equestrian lessons, she thought with a jolt as they careened down the dusty path. She doubted her riding master would have approved of her technique. It was all she could do to hold onto Buttons and not fall off. She only hoped Neil was home and not far away tending to one of his more distant cases on Pebble Mountain. Neil was not exactly the first person she wanted to see right now. She had been trying to stay out of his way as much as possible lately, her heart still a mixture of emotions. And what if Margaret was there? She couldn’t handle a confrontation with the doctor’s defiant wife just now. She just did not have it in her to do battle. Buttons was surefooted and in less time than Christy could imagine, she was riding into the yard of Dr. McNeill’s cabin. Christy’s heart filled with joy as she caught sight of Charlie in his stall, indicating Neil was home. But she drew up so tight on the Button’s reins to stop her that she felt herself tumbling out of the saddle and onto the soft pine needles below. A strangled cry stuck in her throat. For a few seconds, everything went dark as she hit the ground, her bearings completely scattered. But the pine needles softened her fall and she slowly opened her eyes, relieved that the only thing that smarted was her seat. In the distance, she heard a door fly open with a loud bang as it hit the cabin wall. “Christy!” Feeling somewhat ashamed and winded, Christy looked up into the concerned eyes of Neil McNeil. He had obviously heard her noisy approach and come flying down the steps of his cabin. He knealt at her side, concern written in ever line of his face. “What in the blazes do ye think ye were doin’, ridin’ hell for leather like that?” he demanded loudly, his eyes shooting sparks. “Are ye all right?” “Only my pride is hurt,” Christy assured him swiftly, brushing some stray pine needles and bark from her hair. She must look a sight. Mother would be so thrilled, she thought with an ironic twist of her lips. This was not how Mrs. Huddleston wanted to picture her daughter. But Neil was not so convinced that Christy had escaped injury. “Here now, rest easy. You didna break your ankle, did ye? Hit your head? Let me get a good look at ye now.” Suddenly remembering why she had come, Christy’s eyes went wide as her hands flew up to her small face. “Lundy! That’s why I’m here! He got his foot caught in an old bear trap! It’s quite deep. Dan and Bird’s Eye are trying to pry the trap open.” Neil’s own eyes went wide with disbelief. “Dan...and Bird’s Eye Taylor? Christy, are ye sure ye didna hit your head when ye tumbled off Buttons? That’s impossible!” Shaking her head vigorously, Christy assured him it was true. “I wouldn’t lie about something so incredible. I saw it with my own eyes. But Dan needs you right away. Lundy’s in terrible shape, ready to pass out from the pain.” Neil nodded, sighing deeply. He then offered her his hand and carefully helped her to rise from the ground. “He could lose his foot, that’s for certain. I suppose you’re going to refuse to stay here, aren’t you? Stay here and rest after having taken a header off a galloping horse.” “I think you know me better than that,” Christy said stoutly, shaking out her riding skirt. The last thing she wanted to do was stay around Neil’s cabin and have to confront Margaret. “You’re going to need an assistant. And Miss Alice is nowhere near this neck of the woods. Looks like you’re stuck with me, Doctor.” Quirking a half smile, Neil’s expression softened as he looked down at her. He leaned over to gently brush a loose hair from Christy’s dusty face. She felt a small frission of awareness shimmy down her back as he did so. No matter what she did, this man would always have a hold on her. No matter how hard she fought to deny it. “Stuck is not quite th’ word I would use, Miss Huddleston. Come help me saddle Charlie and we’ll be on our way.” RR#2 Chapter 7 by Susie B. 7th July 1999 ------------ For two people who usually had so much to talk to each other about, Neil and Christy were uncharacteristically quiet as they saddled Neil’s horse. Christy didn’t know what to do. There was so much she wanted to share with Neil, so much she needed to say. She smiled grimly to herself. I’m trapped too , she thought, just like Lundy in that bear trap. But no tree branches or sticks will prise open this particular trap. I’m caught there, with my feelings to torture me. A strangled sound escaped her lips. Half laugh, half cry, the noise was enough for Neil to look up at her sharply. “Christy? What’s the matter? You really are hurt, aren’t you? Come on, I’m going to have a better look at you.” The doctor in Neil took over as he made his way to her side. Christy pulled away. “It’s nothing, Neil,” she insisted. “I was just thinking about....” she hesitated, “about how cruel life can be sometimes.” Their eyes met, each seeing the pain of the other. Christy was the first to look away. “We’d best be getting back to Lundy,” she said. “He’s the one who really needs your help.” She walked over to Buttons and Neil followed, assisting her into the saddle. “She has gone, Christy.” Christy’s heart skipped a beat.”Who?” “Margaret. Ben Pentland was right. She did get onto a train for Atlanta.” “Did you tell her to go?” She hadn’t meant to ask, but somehow Christy couldn’t help herself. “Yes.” She knew it was wrong, but Christy’s heart leapt. Neil couldn’t still care for Margaret if he had sent her away! Confusion flooded through her once more. Don’t be a fool , she told herself. It doesn’t change anything. He’s a married man, with a wife who is ill. Neil turned his back and walked towards Charlie. Christy called after him. “But what about her health, Neil? Doesn’t she need you?” Neil stopped in his tracks. “She could get treatment in Atlanta if she wished. “ Wearily, he turned to face Christy once more. “Margaret has entered and left my life too many times, Christy. I have no wish to see her again.” He swung himself into the saddle. “ Now come on, let’s find Lundy.” The two of them set off towards the ridge, the silence between them deafening. Tears stung Christy’s eyes as she rode and she looked despairingly towards the heavens. Help me,Lord, she prayed. Help both of us. *********** The light was fading as Christy and Neil approached the spot where Dan, Bird’s Eye and Lundy had been. “Dan? Bird’s Eye? Lundy? Where are you?” Neil called into the clearing, surprised that there was no answer. Christy followed behind him, looking around her. Suddenly,something caught her eye and she screamed. Out of the trees, Dan walked towards them,hands raised. Behind him stood Bird’s Eye,with a rifle aimed at the young doctor’s back. “Bird’s Eye,” said Neil calmly. “What is the meaning of this? Where’s Lundy?” The mountain man looked at Neil and Christy for a moment, before digging Dan in the back with his gun. “You’d best be gittin’ out of here, Doc,” he answered. “This ain’t none of yer concern.” RR2 chapter 8 Mon, 6 Sep 1999 by: Frances Dan was silent as Bird's-Eye inched him slowly down the steep mountain. Christy heard faint groaning coming from the clearing above. "Mr. Taylor, what about Lundy, he needs our help!" "Quit meddlin' woman. Ye have no say in this!" Christy looked at Dan. She saw fear in his eyes, like an animal caught in a trap. "Now he knows how I felt, when he hunted me down. Ceptin' I aim to finish the job." Panicked, Christy looked to Neil, who was closer to them. He seemed just as distressed as she. Bird's-Eye cocked his gun, a smile played on his face. Christy heard rustling from above and just as Bird's-Eye's shot went off a large stone knocked the gun to one side. In a moment of confusion Neil was able to grab the gun from Bird's-eye. Dan scrambled up the steep slope and disappeared into the clearing. Christy stayed behind for a moment. Neil stood with the gun pointed at Bird's-Eye, his eyes afire. He looked at Christy and with a movement indicated for her to go to Lundy. He joined them a moment later, still holding the gun. Lundy had passed out right after throwing the rock that saved Dan's life. Finally, Dan spoke as they struggled to stop the bleeding. "After Christy left, Bird's-Eye and I worked for some time getting the trap off Lundy's leg. When it finally loosened and Lundy was freed, Bird's-Eye turned on me. You two happened to arrive right after that moment." Neil gruffly gave orders to his two assistants. Christy's heart bled for Dan, yet a part of her felt that he had got what he deserved. After all, he had tried to kill Bird's-Eye. As they wrapped up Lundy's leg she battled with her emotions. She could only be thankful that neither one of them had been killed. Hours later they had managed to get Lundy to the mission house. Neil's instruments were boiled and ready to operate. Neil and Dan set to work together to stich the torn muscles and skin. Christy stayed by to assist them. Thankfully, most of the bleeding had stopped, but Neil was still not sure of the fate of Lundy's leg. The injuries had been deep and brutal. Time dragged on as they meticulously cleaned and stitched every wound. Fatigue weighed heavily on Christy, she wondered how Neil and Dan managed to concentrate so long on such a task. Neil looked up at Christy for a moment. He could see the weariness that gripped her. "Donąt worry, Christy," He said in low tones, "it won't be long now. Lundy's leg has a fighting chance." Another hour crept by until they finally finished the last stitch. Christy sighed in relief. Together they made Lundy comfortable in the spare bedroom, then Christy set to cleaning up the bloody rags while Neil re-boiled his instruments. Dan excused himself to watch over Lundy. When the last task was done Christy stood alone, arms crossed across her chest. Tears stung at her eyes. Hastily she tried to rub them away, telling herself that it was silly to be so upset over Lundy's injuries. Neil came back into the house after packing his saddle bags and he leaned on the door frame, watching Christy. She noticed his presence in the dim evening light. "Are you all right, Christy?" He asked gently as he stepped over to her. "It's just that, so much has happened lately. I can't get a hold of myself." A tear made its way down her cheek. "What if Bird's-Eye is still angry at Dan? He might try to kill him again!" "That's not all that's bothering you, is it?" Neil said softly. Christy shook her head, afraid to look into his eyes, lest she betray herself. "David is angry at me, and everyone has been questioning me constantly about my refusal. Miss Alice hasn't been here and I feel so alone." Neil sighed heavily and took her into his arms, holding her close. Christy gratefully accepted the comfort. "You're not as alone as you think, Christy." Round Robin #2 Part 9 by Regina "You're not as alone as you think, Christy." Christy pulled away from the doctor's embrace and looked up at him with blue eyes filled with questions. What could his statement possibly mean? Surely, he understood that he was still married and that it would always be so. Perhaps he meant that there were people in the Cove that would always be on her side. People like Miss Alice who seemed to have enough wisdom for any situation. Even her temporary absence had not changed that. Friends like Fairlight who with her caring heart and kind ways always seemed to bring the light to any dark situation. "I suppose you are right, Neil. I do have friends that I can turn to. I just feel so helpless. I cannot really explain why I turned David down. It just know it would not be right to marry him now. I feel as though I have not yet fulfilled my mission to the people here." Christy wiped the tears from her eyes. She shook her head and gained back some of her composure. It seemed, to Neil, as though she had a well of strength to draw from when she came close to despair. He had seen this resolve in her many times, and it was one of the things that he admired most about her. She was not a flower who would wilt under the heat of the sun. The corners of Neil's mouth turned up--no, she was rather like a weed--hearty and able to bear up under the most difficult circumstances. "Thank you, Doctor, for your help. I always treasure your friendship. Now I must get back inside. Lundy is sure to need some help." Christy smiled at the doctor and turned to go. She could her the note of concern in Neil's voice, even though she did not turn around to see his face. "Christy, take care of yourself as well. Remember that your friends are everywhere." She went inside the mission. ************************************* Lundy was still unable to move very much, but he kept the mission very busy that evening. It seemed that the concept of three meals a day was lost on him--he often demanded five or six meals. Ruby Mae and Ida were weary of the kitchen work and had begun sniping at each other over even the most trivial matters. The last argument had been about whose turn it was to trudge up the stairs with the offering of vegetable soup. Christy had remained in Lundy's room. She tried to entice him to talk about his father and his feelings about his injuries, but Lundy would only look at her with glazed eyes, barely masking a look of annoyance. It seemed that Alice Henderson was not the only one who did not appreciate the rest of convalesence "Lundy, please talk to me. I need to know what I can do to help you. Being angry is not going to help." "Why you always gotta talk about feelin's? Git out of my room! I just want to be left alone. Cain't you see that?" Lundy's voice began to get louder and louder. "Git out! Git out!" He continued to scream the same phrase over and over, until Christy could no longer be heard. She got up and left the room. "Lundy, I will come to see you later." She knew he did not hear her, but she needed to say it for her own peace of mind. She was not ready to give up yet. As she descended the stairs, she saw David. She had tried to avoid him as much as possible, but it seemed as though she would have to talk with him now. "Christy, we need to talk." ***** Round Robin 2, #10 Lisa Moore "Christy, we need to talk." Christy knows she cannot refuse David's request. They have not had one decent conversation since she turned down his proposal in front of the school. She glances at Ida who silently agrees to watch over Lundy. Even though she does not have a sisterly friendship with Ida, Christy does know that she can depend on the woman when necessary. "Ok David. Let's talk outside." David leads her along a halfly moonlit path to the gazebo. Christy's emotions range from relief to dread at the thought of finally talking with David about the proposal. "There is no benefit in us acting like enemies," she thinks to herself. "I want things to be as they were. I want to be David's friend. I want Bird's Eye and Dan to stop threatening each other. I want Dr. MacNeill..." "Christy?" Suddenly David's concerned voice breaks into Christy's thoughts. Her mind has been racing so fast, she almost jumps at the realization that David is now sitting beside her on the gazebo bench. "Christy, I'm sorry for any pressure I may have put on you. You know that I am truly sorry." "Yes David. I know. I only..." "Please, let me finish," David interrupts. "Sometimes, I do things without considering the consequences. My hasty proposal was one of those things. I should have waited. It was not fair of me to corner you like that." David sighs and looks past Christy's shoulder into the shadowy woods behind her. "Even when I was a boy, I would act before thinking. Creed Allen reminds me of myself when I was his age." Christy smiles at the thought of a little David Grantland tying a girl's braids together. Her smile brings him back to the present and he looks at her. "I sometimes wonder if maybe one of these hasty judgments led me to the ministry." David sighs and turns around, facing the pond. "David, you may think that you are not fit for the ministry... but I do not agree with you. The David Grantland I know considers every aspect of what's important. The David Grantland I know would not rush to join the ministry without seriously thinking about it first." David slowly nods his head in agreement as Christy continues. "David, you are my friend and always shall be. I never want to lose what we have. Please believe that. Your proposal did trouble me, yes. But it also prompted me to think about my future. So many things are confusing to me. I'm trying to determine exactly where I belong, not only in Cutter Gap, but also in the world. I just don't think I should be considering marriage right now." "To anyone?" David questions Christy as he looks straight into her eyes. "What do you mean David?" "I saw you embracing Dr. MacNeill in the doorway of the mission house this evening. Christy, I know that you will deny any personal feelings that you may have for the man... and he for you. But I see how the two of you work together and how much you support each other. Christy, I see how much strength you gain from his presence. I cannot deny this... and neither can you." Christy opens her mouth to argue but her words are cut off by a rustling sound coming from behind the gazebo. David and Christy turn around just in time to see a dark and shadowy figure shift his gun from one shoulder to the other. ******************** RR#2, Ch.11 Michelle W. "So Doc, how's my boy's leg look?" Bird's-Eye questioned as Neil stepped outside. "I won't lie to you Bird's-Eye -- he could lose his leg. However he still has a fighting chance if we can keep it free of infection. The next few days will be crucial." The mountain man nodded slightly before heading into the mission house as Neil sank onto a nearby chair. Wearily he rubbed his eyes, his mind racing with the events of the past week. He wondered what David had wanted to talk with Christy about, then silently berated himself for wanting to know. "I'm still a married man!" he thought. "A married man who sent his wife away." Neil pondered his decision for awhile as he stared ahead unseeingly. Suddenly he knew that he could no longer live his life this way anymore. Quickly he stood and made his way to the telephone. "Hello, El Pano Train Station? Yes, I would like to purchase a ticket to Atlanta." "Atlanta?" Neil turned around, surprised to hear Miss Alice's voice. He completed his call before answering her. "Yes, Alice, you heard me correctly. It will not be for a few days though, as I need to keep an eye on Lundy and tie up a few loose ends here." Miss Alice's face remained expressionless as she hung up her hat and coat. On her way back from Cataleechie news had reached her of Lundy's injuries. It had surprised her to hear his father had been with him - she wondered if they had reconciled. But now was not the time to deal with that, as she sought to find out why Neil was planning a trip to Atlanta. "Art thou going to see Margaret?" Neil nodded his head as he poured the both of them a cup of coffee. Miss Alice was about to question him further when Christy burst through the door, with David close on her heels. "You'll never believe who we saw outside! It was Billy Long, and he knows where Lundy has been all this time!" ********************* Round Robin 2 Chapter 12 by Rhonda 10-30-99 "Billy Long!" Miss Alice and Neil spoke at the same time. "Yes, he came here to find out how Lundy is doing, and told us what Lundy had been up to." David responded, as Billy stood a step forward. "It's good to see you again." Miss Alice greeted him, somewhat distracted. "Perhaps thee would be willing to speak to Birds-Eye Taylor. He's with Lundy now." Billy nodded and looked to Christy and David to lead the way. As they left the room, Neil motioned for Miss Alice to sit down. Neil ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I don't know what I was thinking to just let her go again. Alice, we are still married. It always comes back to that. We are still married. How can I have my life knowing that my wife is still alive, not to mention that she is ill. I don't want to care about her, but I have no choice. I have to do something." Miss Alice sat in stunned silence. After a moment, she spoke softly, "Would you like me to accompany thee to Atlanta?" "I appreciate your offer, but I need to talk to Margaret alone. I have to do this alone." Neil stood to go. "Know that my prayers are with thee. Tell Margaret that I do love her. I always will. I..." Alice stopped and remembered the previous arguments she'd had with her daughter before her latest departure. Neil nodded and left the mission house for Dan Scott's place. There was much to be done before he could leave. -------------------------------------------------------------- Christy heard Neil leaving, and left Lundy's room to speak with Miss Alice. She approached her and quietly asked, "Miss Alice?" Miss Alice looked up abruptly. "Christy. I am glad to see that thee art well. I understand there has been a great deal of excitement around here while I was gone." Christy nodded and took a seat next to Miss Alice. "Miss Alice, I think I would like to go home for a short vacation. I would like to see my family, and sort out a few things." "Art thou running away from something?" The question struck hard. Christy thought for a moment before responding. "No, I am not running from anything. But I do feel that a little space would do me some good. School is out for awhile, and I haven't been home in some time. My mother's letters have been more and more insistent about a visit. I think now is a good time for a short break." Miss Alice looked at her thoughtfully and noticed the tension in her face. "Yes, perhaps a respite would do thee well." ******************************************************** RR2, Chapter 13: written by Beth 11/15/99 Neil mounted his horse and looked longingly at the mission. The building represented something that was a mystery to him. Faith in the midst of poverty. Love in the midst of a storm. He tried to scoff at the ideas of the mission, yet time and time again he was drawn here. Was it the people who occupied the building or was it something stronger? Neil shook himself from the impeding thoughts and urged his steed on towards Dan Scott's. He made a mental list as his horse strode across the rugged terrain of the cove. "Dan can handle Lundy. I need to talk with Billy Long. Miss Alice has been to Cataleechie, so all is well there. Christy. No, I musn't think of her. Christy. Should I tell her I am leaving." A loud and long sigh escaped Neil's lips bursting into the air. "Doctor MacNeil?" Neil startled. "Dan Scott! I was, uh, lost in my own thoughts for a moment." "I see. What can I do for ya?" "Dan, I'll be going to Atlanta for a few days to take care of some personal business. I would like for you to watch over the cove's medical needs while I'm away..." Dan and Neil's conversation lasted for nearly two hours as Neil briefed his protege on the medical concerns of the cove. "Thank you, Dan. I know I'm leaving the cove in good hands." "Best of luck to you Dr. MacNeil. I hope this trip helps to put things into perspective." With that Neil gallops off to his cabin to ready for his trip. ******* Fairlight mounted the steps to the mission and could already feel that things were very different from a few days before. None of them expected to see Lundy anytime soon and having him at the mission was stressful, but there was another sense in the air. Fairlight immediately sensed that something was extrememly amiss with Christy. She hurried to the door, knocking and announcing herself. Christy was coming down stairs with a train satchel when she spotted Fairlight. Both women stopped and looked at each other for several minutes. "Miss Christy, yer a leavin' ain't ya?" "Yes, Fairlight. I'm going to Ashville to visit my family." "And to sort yer mind, I s'pose." "Yes." Fairlight moved towards Chirsty, "You'll come back. I know it. This place is in yer heart. And yer in ours." Christy dropped her satchel and hugged Fairlight tightly, tears flowing from both women's eyes. "Fairlight? I'm so confused. I thought I knew who I should be with. And then the proposal. And now David has apologized. I haven't seen Neil to talk to him other than about emergencies and the like. I need to figure this all out!" " I know you do. And it will work out fer the best. Thers a plan that only He knows. God knows and in good time you will too." With another quick hug, Fairlight asks, "Now, how can I help you?" ********** The next day.... The sun started its majestic climb over the glorious mountains. Miss Alice is watching from a rocker on the porch of the mission. Lost in her memories of Margaret as a child, she doesn't hear Billy Long approach. The creaking of the steps alerts Miss Alice of someone's presence. "Oh!! Billy Long, I did not see thee." "My apologies ma'am. I tried to call your name, but you must have been somewhere else." "Yes, yes I was. Memories can be a wondrous thing. What brings you to the mission at this early hour?" "I have information on Lundy Taylor. The lawmen will be looking for him. He has been involved in some train robberies. His last attempt - he was almost captured. He must have been heading back to the cove where he thought the authorities would not find him and the people wouldn't know." For many moments, Miss Alice couldn't speak. The thought of Lundy Taylor leading a life of violent crime was extremely hard to accept despite all of the bulliness he had demonstrated in the cove. "I thank thee, Mr. Long for the information. I find myself remember the young child with the tossled curls who so desperately was looking for a gentle touch or a loving word. As I said memories... " Miss Alice did not finish her sentence, but rose from her chair to find Bird's-Eye. ************** "Helloooooo. YooNited States Mail!" Ben Pentland's familiar greeting echoed across the mission yard. Christy immediately opened the door and stepped out into the bright, crisp day. "Good Morning, Mr. Pentland." "Miz Christy. I'm here to see ya to the station." "Thank you, Mr. Pentland. Could you help me with my bag?" With that said, Ben Pentland took up Christy large bag in one hand while tipping his hat with the other. Christy stepped off the porch and turned to look at the place that had been her home for over a year. The mission brought her peace and angst at the same time. She remembered saying good-bye to Miss Alice this morning and to David last night. There wasn't enough time to visit everyone, but word had spread quickly that Miss Christy was leaving the cove "for a spell". After several minutes, she turned and headed down the road to El Pano. ************* The walk to El Pano had been quiet and swift. Mr. Pentland left Christy at the ticket window. As she finished paying for her ticket, she turned to head towards a bench to rest after the long walk. As she turned, she collided with what seemed to be a huge bolder. As she backed up, to her amazement it was... "Neil!?" RR #14 by Jan D. 11-27-99 People at the train station blurred into obscurity as the young schoolteacher spied out the Cutter Gap physician. "Neil!" Christy's mouth gaped open in disbelief. "Why are you here? "How can you leave now? After all that is happening?" Neil started at hearing the sound of his name. "I'm just as suprised to see you, Christy! I could ask you the same question!" His gaze was so intent that she felt a hot blush in her cheeks. "Well, I'm going to Asheville to see my family......and sort out my thoughts I suppose. Miss Alice knows and she understands my leaving now. Dan is staying at the mission to help her take care of Lundy." Her words came tumbling out. "She'll need his help since we both know what a *wonderful* patient he can be!" He gave a tired chuckle. "Ah Lundy! Apart from his accident, Billy informed me that he is a wanted young man." He leaned closer for emphasis as he shared this news. "Lundy?! Wanted? Why?" Christy gasped as her eyes widened with shock. "Not to worry, lass." Neil's voice was gentle and reassuring, demonstrating that gentle, caring way that she loved. "I only tell you now because this is our home and you are my friend. Lundy's health is the most important thing now. His leg should get better soon, but he must be watched for signs of infection. Dan understands that he must be watched at all times even if he gets a bit huffy about it. Which he undoubtedly will! Alice will also guard him from any premature escape plans he may have. You remember about his illness before and he ran off." Christy nodded, and her voice trembled with a new fear. "What has he been accused of?" "A few train robberies, if my memory serves me correctly." "Oh no, Neil! Does Bird's Eye know? What does he think of this?" "I don't know about that, lass." Neil picked up his bag and looked over his shoulder down the vacant track where his train would be arriving any minute. "Neil, will you be back soon?" Christy put a hand on his arm, peering into his face. "As long as it takes for me to settle a personal matter, Christy. Never fear about that." He attempted a small smile to break the tension and tentatively placed his hand on hers. "Is it about Margaret?" she ventured. "Is she sick again?" "Christy.....I need to talk to her.....to settle....to get on with......" Neil grabbed for words to put a name to what he was feeling. Once again, he felt himself at a loss. How does one put what he was feeling into words? A shrill whistle pierced the chill of the late afternoon air, as a voice intoned over the speakers: "Train 42 bound for Atlanta on track 3!" Christy felt like her world was closing in on her with so many things happening at once. First refusing David's proposal, then Dan valiantly trying to fend off feuding with the Taylors'. Lundy suffering from a tragic accident that could cost him a leg and possibly a future if and when the lawmen caught up to him. And now Neil was bound for Atlanta! The man she loved the most was leaving her on a quest of his own, hopefully to find some answers for his troubled soul. As he waited for his train to pull to a stop, he wore a worisome expression that Christy longed to wipe away with a soft touch from her hand. She took a deep breath and stood in front of him. "Neil...I...you and Margaret will be in my prayers." She spoke softly, lowering her gaze to her pretty blue bow that accentuated her lovely white shirtwaist. She'd worn her flowing blue skirt that she bought the last time she was home. "Thank you, Christy," Neil replied, the fatigue in his voice birthed from recent events. "You know, I told you when you came to me about Lundy that you were not as alone as you thought you were. Well I aim to tell you that maybe *I* am not either!" Her heart beat faster and her face brightened at this, as she now drew on new strength. "Oh Neil! You are definitely not alone in this! God will help you face whatever you have to face, just as He will help me sort things out in my mind. I don't promise that, He does!" The wind was picking up, so she shielded her face as she contined to study his. "Are you going to try to bring her back?" she asked softly. Why would that matter? her mind was spinning again. After all, David DID apologize! Why oh why can't I fall in love with him? God please help me! Neil stepped nearer to her and squeezed her hand a little. "I have to go, Christy." He felt it difficult to tear his eyes away from her, seeing that they were in a neutral territory at the station rather than in the cove. A lump was forming in his throat. Up until recently, David had never mentioned the word love. He'd only wanted to "make" love as evident in his frequent desire for kisses, touching and attention. The young preacher wanted to do for her what she felt capable of doing herself. Although a caring person, Christy also craved privacy whenever she could get it, which was a bit more than he would have liked. But David was a wonderful man and he always meant well. He'd mentioned love only when Dans's cabin burned to the ground and she'd felt cornered by his pressure for a lifetime commitment. "I know you are a praying woman, Christy. Please say one for us. We will all need strength for the days ahead.." Neil let go of her hand. "Yes of course I will". As she watched his train leave, her thoughts turned once more towards David. His revelations were almost accusative. "I see how much strength you gain from his presence. I can't deny this....and neither can you." She wondered how she would have answered this had not the sound of a cocked rifle intercepted her thoughts. In about ten minutes, her own train pulled up. She lifted up her flowing skirt and boarded it, trying not to breathe in the stuffy black smoke as she was near the front of the train. Once aboard, she let her head fall back on the seat cover and closed her eyes. "The cove's little problem-solver" as Fairlight and Neil playfully called her, was tired, worn out! Yes, the respite from Cutter Gap life would do her good! She found herself being pleasantly lulled to sleep with the rhythmic whishing of the train on its tracks, as she remembered her mother's words in that last letter. Just *who* was coming that was so important? Her mother was such an embellisher at times! Pretty soon, she was not thinking of anything at all. Enveloped in the velvety darkness, everything would just have to wait. ***** "Looks good!" David commented as he noted a delicious chicken casserole of sorts on the dining room table. It was a quiet dinner, as Ida and Fairlight had also aided in taking care of Lundy, who was once again proving to be a cantankerous patient! Alice sat down with the others, sighing heavily. It had been a chilly and rainy journey from Cataleechie and now she felt sore and fatigued from her day's travels. The woman was still absorbing the disturbing information from Billy Long about Lundy's status with the law. Lundy, the teenage schoolboy presently upstairs with a badly damaged leg! The rain now was steadily increasing in volume, causing the windows the fog up with moisture. The steady dripping provided a nice, comforting lull for everyone's thoughts, both spoken and private. David was the first to speak. "So am I to understand that we are housing a potential *criminal*?" As Alice opened her mouth to respond, a loud knock practically shattered the front door frame. All at the table; Alice, David, Dan, Ida and Ruby Mae started for the door to reveal Bob Allen with an unidentifiable man in a uniform. "Evenin' all. Found this man traipsin' around the cove near my mill. Know anything about LundyTaylor?" Bob was emphatic as he motioned the uniformed man. "Ya know it weren't *my* idea none to cause trouble with theTaylors! To me, if a Taylor done wrong, he done wrong!" RR 2 #15 12-27-99 by gap Ignoring Bob's defensive words, the lawman stepped forward with deliberate calm. "My name's Smith. I understand Lundy Taylor's here." His casual manner served to heighten the tension within the room. Miss Alice was the first to find her voice. She rose from the dinner table, the napkin in her lap slipping unheeded to the floor. "My name is Alice Henderson, and I am in charge of this mission. Yes, Lundy Taylor is here. He has had his leg caught in a bear trap, and we have been nursing him..." Smith cut through Miss Alice's careful speech. "Is he upstairs?" Miss Alice wavered for a moment. Then, she led the way to the sickroom. Dan Scott was changing his patient's bandages. At the sight of the gleaming badge, Lundy's body went rigid with fear. Despite Dan's protests, the boy attempted to raise himself out of the bed. He ended up resting awkwardly against the headboard. Lundy's small eyes narrowed into mere slits, and they followed Smith's every move with terror. Miss Alice lifted the quilt. "As you can see, Mr. Smith, the leg is quite damaged. Lundy is in no condition to go anywhere." Smith grunted in agreement. "Where's the doctor? MacNeill." Dan spoke quietly. "The doc's away for a couple of days. I'm tendin' Lundy." Smith looked at him with amusement. "The only doctor for fifty miles, and he's gone and left you in charge, boy?" Dan's face flushed with anger, but before he could respond, Smith continued. "Since the doctor isn't here, ma'am, I'll have to take your word that Taylor can't be moved. We'll have to arrange for a guard until we can bring him to El Pano..." "I ain't done nothin'!" Lundy's eyes scrambled around the room, frantic for escape. Smith perched himself on the side of the bed. "You have nothing to be scared of, son." Smith's smile was artless. "Just tell me about your other...friends. For you've broken with them, haven't you? I'm sure something can be arranged..." "Mr. Smith?" David loomed in the doorway. "There's a telephone call for you from El Pano. It's urgent." Once the lawman was out of the room, David glanced at the thoughtful Miss Alice, who was picking at a loose thread from the quilt. "What will he do?" "I believe Mr. Smith wants to strike a bargain." Miss Alice looked up at Lundy, who subsided under the quilt. "In return for a lesser punishment, Lundy would have to reveal the identity of his - former associates." Lundy refused to meet her level gaze. His shivers shook the bed. Miss Alice wondered if the boy's fear of his companions would overcome even his desire to stay out of jail. Smith returned, his jaw tight. He stared at Lundy, who cowered further down in his bed. "It looks like your friends are up to their old tricks again. A train left from El Pano this morning, but didn't turn up at the next station." "Another train robbery? The train, the train to Asheville?" Miss Alice spoke jerkily, the blood draining from her rosy cheeks. David inhaled sharply, while Dan's hand hovered motionless over his "doctoring" bag. "No. The one headed for Atlanta." Round robin 2, chapter 16 1-18-2000 by Angela *** Alice sighed audibly, grateful that the robbery hadn't occured on the train to Asheville. Her relief was only momentary, though, as she recalled Neil's upcoming trip to Atlanta. "Doctor MacNeill..." Dan uttered as if he were reading Alice's mind. David looked away from Smith and turned to Dan. "Did Neil say when he'd be leaving? Maybe it wasn't his train." Dan shook his head solemnly. "No, he never came right out and said which train he'd be on. But since he came by yesterday to tell me which patients needed my attention while he was away, I assumed he'd be leavin' this morning." "I don't understand," Alice began. "A robbery would have delayed them considerably, but why wouldn't they have made it to the next stop at all?" "Can't answer your questions, Ma'am," Smith answered. "I wish I knew myself. But in the meantime, maybe Mr. Lundy Taylor can shed some light on his friends' ways." "I done tol'ja!" Lundy shouted, nervously looking from one person to the next. "I ain't had nothin' to do with them train robberies!" "Is that so?" Smith's voice was calm. "If I'd a been stealin' like you say, why would I come back here where folks'd come lookin' for me? I ain't that stupid!" Lundy's face was ghostly white, as were the knuckles of his hands which tightly gripped the quilt covering him. Smith sidled closer to the bed, staring Lundy straight in the eyes. "I don't know why you came back home, son, but I'm interested in finding out the reason." Alice stepped forward, standing between Lundy and his accuser. "Mr. Smith, I believe that our patient has been questioned enough for one evening. He needs his rest. You may resume speaking with him in the morning." Smith considered her words and walked toward the door, stopping and pointing his finger at Lundy just before he left the room. " 'Til the guard arrives, I'll stand watch myself. If I were you, I wouldn't plan any clever escapes. You wouldn't make it very far with that leg of yours, anyway." Alice looked down at the young man who was fidgeting beneath the covers. She wanted to believe that Lundy had not been involved in the robberies, but knowing his past, couldn't help believing that he had been. "I'm going to try to place a call to El Pano Station," David told Alice and Dan. "Maybe they can tell us if Neil was on that train for Atlanta." *** Christy sat at the dining room table, picking at her dessert of angel food cake, strawberries, and fresh whipped cream. It was good to be home with her family. At least here she was afforded some respite from the recent difficult events in the Cove. She hoped being in her childhood home and away from Cutter Gap and the constant reminders of her troubles would provide her with the objectivity she needed to sort out her mind - and her heart. Her father opened up the evening newspaper and took a sip of coffee. "Really, William, must you read the paper at the dinner table?" Julia Huddleston asked her husband. "This is Christy's first evening at home with us in such a long time." "She knows I can carry on a conversation and still read through the paper." Christy smiled. "It's all right, Mother. Ever since I can remember, Daddy's read the evening paper with his dessert and coffee. It wouldn't feel right if he didn't." Julia picked up her own cup of coffee and sipped. "So, tell me, Christy, what would you like to do while you're home? I've made plans for us to go shopping tomorrow if you'd like." "That would be nice," Christy agreed, although her thoughts were not on dress-fittings, but rather on the chance meeting with Neil that morning at the train station. By now he must be in Atlanta, probably with Margaret, she thought. She imagined the two of them together and wondered what they were saying to each other, then recalled her promise to Neil to remember them in her prayers. Christy began to say one in her mind. Dear heavenly Father, she began, but was interrupted by her father's announcement. "It looks like those train robbers are back at it! Christy, I guess you took a little chance coming home today. Seems they've struck again...and on a train leaving from El Pano, at that!" "From El Pano?" Christy's voice was weak. "Yes, the article says the train left this morning at 10:15, but never arrived at the next stop." "Where..." Christy struggled to find her voice, "...where was the train's destination?" "Let's see...oh, yes. Atlanta, it says." Christy felt her heart plunge. *** RR2 Chapter 17 by Susie 25th January,2000 ----------- “Christy!” “Little Miss, are you all right?” Christy lay on the floor, gazing up at the faces of her anxious parents as they bent over her. “What happened?” she asked groggily, trying to rise. “Easy there,” said her father, helping her slowly to her feet. “You stood up suddenly after I read out that newspaper article, and the next thing we knew, you had fainted dead away.” “The train!” said Christy, suddenly remembering what she had heard. “Daddy, what else does the paper say?” “Nothing,” replied her father. “Just that the Atlanta train departing from El Pano didn’t arrive at its first scheduled stop. The article suggests that it has fallen foul of the train robbers.” “But that doesn’t make any sense,” said Christy, slowly regaining her composure. “An entire train can’t disappear off the track and into thin air. It must have arrived somewhere.” “Why is it so important to you, Christy?” began her mother. “It seems like something unfortunate has happened, but it wasn’t your train, thank goodness. Why are you so upset?” Christy was quiet for a moment before answering. “Dr McNeill was on that train,” she said, finally. “I am worried for his safety. That’s all.” Christy’s parents exchanged a knowing glance. There was obviously far more to the situation than that, but now was not the time to ask. Christy sat down at the table once more, her fingers twisting her table napkin into knots. “If only I could find out what happened to that train,” she muttered. “If only I knew that Neil was safe.” **************** “I see. Thank you for your help. Yes, yes I understand. Goodbye.” David replaced the receiver and joined Alice and Dan, who were waiting anxiously for him on the front porch. “Well David,” said Alice, “do not keep us in suspense. What was thee able to find out? David’s expression was grim. “For a start, Dr McNeill was on that rain. The station was able to confirm that straight away. They were able to tell me more about what happened.” “What did happen?” aske Dan. “Was the train robbed?Why didn’t it arrive at the next station?” It seems that the train was intercepted by robbers soon after it left El Pano, “ began David. “They forced the driver to veer off course onto an old tarck that is no longer used by the train company. That must be why it took so long to discover.” So they have found the train?” said Alice. Yes,” said David. “One of the passengers was able to ride for help. Apparently the robbery didn’t go quite as planned.” “What do you mean?” asked Dan. “Well, the robbers overran the train on horseback,” continued David. “There were three of them. Two boarded the train and forced the driver to change tracks and then stop, while the third rode ahead and waited with the horses. The robbers began going through the carriages, forcing people to hand over their belongings.” “Did they have guns, David?” interrupted Miss Alice. “Yes Alice, they did. One of the passengers refused to hand over his belongings and got into a tussle with one of the robbers. The gun went off accidentally and the robber was shot.” Alice gasped. “What happened then?” “The other robber went to help his friend and they left the train, but not without shooting the passenger in the shoulder first. They made their escape on horseback, but since one of them was wounded and couldn’t ride by himself, they left one horse behind. As soon as it was safe, someone rode for help.” “And the passenger who was shot?” said Alice quietly. “Were they able to tell thee who it was, David?” David met her level gaze. “I think you already know the answer, Alice. They were unable to tell me for sure, because everything is still pretty confused, but from the description they gave, it can’t be anyone else. It was Neil.” ******** Bright light stung his eyes as he tried to open them. Where was he? He looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings and tried to move. A white-hot pain seered through his right arm and shoulder. He gasped. “At last, you’re awake!” A nurse bustled over to the side of the bed, arranging pillows and examining the bandages. “You’re quite a hero, you know.” “What are you talking about? What’s happened to me?” Neil tried again to sit up, but fell back onto the pillows with a groan. “Now you mustn’t move,” said the nurse. “You’ve been shot in the shoulder. You were on the train that was robbed, but you managed to stop them before they’d gotten too far. You even managed to wound one of them. I’m sure they won’t get far before they’re caught.” Neil shook his head, confused. Why couldn’t he remember any of this? “I’m just going to tell the doctor that you’re awake,” continued the nurse. “I’m Nurse Ryan, by the way. Anne Ryan. What’s your name? The robbers must have taken all your papers and identification. We couldn’t find anything when they brought you in.” Neil looked at her, panic gradually threatening to overcome him. I don’t know!” he said, his voice rising as he gripped her hand. “I don’t know my name! I can’t remember who I am!” Part Eighteen 3/1-2000 By Becky Through the light misting rain, Christy made her way along the downtown streets of Asheville. Christy walked with a definite purpose and destination....the train station. Against her parents wishes, Christy was headed for Chattanooga. After hearing the distressing news about the train robbery yesterday, Christy immediately called the mission. David and Miss Alice relayed all the information they had. Although not confirmed, they were sure Neil MacNeill was the person shot in the midst of the train robbery. Reliving the conversation seemed surreal. She would not allow herself to believe what Miss Alice was telling her. "Christy, it is not confirmed, of course, but we feel sure that Neil was the person wounded." She could envision Neil standing up in defiance against the enemy. His fiery Scottish temper rising up, challenging the robbers to take his personal effects. Although she didn't want to believe he was hurt, she sensed it was true nevertheless. Swallowing slowly she asked, "Where is the train now?" "Christy, we are not sure at this moment. David is planning to leave shortly for El Pano. I'm sure we'll know more when he returns." Christy's sigh was audible. "Oh Miss Alice, I must go to him." Did she really say that out loud? To Miss Alice? Miss Alice was slower to speak than Christy had been. "Christy, of course Neil needs his friends. I plan to go to him as well. We shall travel together....or rather plan to meet each other." Everything was a blur after that. The phone lines between the Mission and the Huddleston home were busy until late that evening. David learned the train was diverted into Chattanooga, near the Tennessee and Georgia borders. David was told by local law enforcement the wounded man was transported to the local general hospital in serious condition. Christy was in such deep thought about the events of the prior evening, she almost passed by the train station. If not for William Huddleston's booming voice, calling her name, she might have. "Christy! Over here!" Christy quickly walked over to her father. "Dad! Thanks for meeting me. Do you have the ticket?" asked Christy. William was visibly hesitant. "Um, yes, Christy I have the ticket, but I feel you should stay here. With the others coming from the mission, Dr. MacNeill will be well looked after. Your mother and I feel strongly that.....". Christy quickly interrupted. "Dad, we've spent quite some time discussing this last night. I am going. I am truly sorry our visit has been cut short, perhaps I'll return after Neil, um, Dr. MacNeill recovers - but right now he needs me." Thinking to himself, William wondered who really needed the other the most, Neil or Christy. The thought concerned him a great deal, however, he didn't dwell on it at the time. He knew Christy was full of compassion and concern for her friends. "Very well. It's obvious you can't be talked out of this. So...let's get you on that train." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was early afternoon when the train pulled into Terminal Station's track 29. Christy was so preoccupied with her thoughts and silent prayers she barely noticed the Victorian magnificence of Chattanooga's "Gateway". The shrill locomotive whistles startled Christy back to reality. The hustle and bustle of the southern railway hub actually brought a smile to Christy's face. Christy remembered her father reading to her about the regal station when it opened a few years ago, around 1909. Looking about she took in the elegance of the Grand Dome, some 85 feet high. It was with uplifted face that Alice and David found her. "Ah, it is quite grand, is it not?" Alice announced. A bit startled, Christy grinned from ear to ear as she welcomed her friends. "Oh, Miss Alice. It's so good to see you." Turning to David, she welcomed him as well. "Hi, David. I'm glad to see you both had a safe trip." Alice answered first, "Indeed. We're equally pleased thee had an uneventful journey." The three of them milled about the Grand Dome a few minutes longer and quickly found themselves in the station's restaurant. The friends found it easier to talk about the weather and the station than about Neil MacNeill. It was Christy who finally broached the subject. "Miss Alice, what else have we learned about N, Ne..., Dr. MacNeill's condition?" After taking a sip of water Alice filled Christy in on the latest news. "David learned "the wounded man" was still in serious condition. However, still no identification linking him to Dr. MacNeill. But since no one has heard from him, we continue to assume the worse." "I inquired at the main ticket window as to the whereabouts of hospital and hired a driver to take us there. We're actually a few miles away, so if you ladies are about through with lunch, we'd better be on our way." David added. David paid the driver and assisted the ladies from the carriage. The General Hospital of Chattanooga loomed ominously before them. Finding the information desk, they quickly learned the wounded man was still in serious condition and could not receive visitors. After Miss Alice explained they may be able to identify the gentleman, the nurse offered to find the doctor. Nearly fifteen minutes later, Dr. Richard Simons, looking very intense and distracted, approached the threesome. Introductions were made by all present. Dr. Simons once again explained that due to his wounds, the gunshot victim could not receive visitors under any circumstances. Although all three looked about to speak, Miss Alice was the first to converse with the doctor. "Dr. Simons, we feel reasonably confident the gentleman in question is our Dr. Neil MacNeill from Cutter Gap, Tennessee. Please allow us - or perhaps one of us to at least identify him for thee." As if in deep thought, Dr. Simons brow wrinkled and looked directly at Christy . Alright, you can see him, Miss uh...what did you say your name was?" "Christy. Christy Huddleston, sir." Miss Alice and David looked at each other as if in a state of confusion over why the doctor would single out Christy. Nevertheless, they were please someone would be allowed to visit Neil. While climbing the stairs to the third floor, Dr. Simons gave specific instructions to Christy to identify the man, if possible, but due to his confused and weary state, she could not carry on a conversation with him. They proceeded through the door of a very dingy gray, private room. Christy knew immediately the wounded man was Neil. His wavy, auburn hair was unmistakable. Not exactly sure what she'd find beyond the door, she was certainly surprised to see Neil sitting straight up in the bed carrying on a somewhat heated discussion with a nurse. "Sir, you must take your medication and you most certainly cannot get up and take a walk." The nurse was speaking directly to Neil. Christy and Dr. Simons took in the ensuing diatribe between Neil and the nurse. Looking first to one and then the other. Apparently Neil was exasperated that the nurse would even suggest he take the proffered medication. So heated was the discussion neither party recognized they had visitors. "Although I am in quite a bit of pain, madam, it is nothing I cannot endure. I shall not take your pills." Neil announced. Immediately interrupting the conversation Dr. Simons spoke up, capturing the attention of all present. "I'll be the judge of that, sir." Swinging about in the bed, Neil looked first at the doctor and then to Christy. His gaze, locking with Christy's, was almost mesmerizing. Christy was so elated to see that Neil was apparently on the road to recovery, she smiled widely and began speaking. "Oh, Neil! I am so glad to see you're feeling better. We were so worried when we heard the news...." Christy's discourse trailed off at the look on Neil's face. It was that of complete bewilderment. Neil's countenance showed no recognition of her at all. Looking at Christy, yet speaking to the doctor, Neil spoke forcefully. "Neil? Is that my name? Dr. Simons, who is this woman? Why is she here and how does she know my name?" Title: Round Robin # 19 Author: Cristina 3-20-2000 Dr. Simons considered his words very carefully before he began to answer Neil's questions, "This is Miss. Christy Huddleston from Cutter Gap Tennessee, she along with two of your other friends came to determine if you were their Dr. Neil MacNeil. It appears that you are." Christy, still locked in Neil's gaze felt lightheaded and uneasy on her feet as if this were all somehow a dream. She found herself repeating the doctor's words, her mind still not wanting to believe that this was really happening. "Yes, you are definitely Dr. Neil MacNeil, you don't know who you are?" Christy asked quietly in disbelief. "I don't remember a blasted thing Neil replied. I don't know who you are? Who I am or anything else. All I remember is waking up in this confounded bed, that nurse telling me that I'm some sort of hero and then her trying to give me medicine that I don't need." Terror and confusion could be read all over Christy's face as the impact of Neil's words slowly sunk in. Christy had prepared herself for almost anything from the moment she had thought that it was Neil who had been shot aboard that train. She had thought to herself please God, just let him live and I can face anything. She'd even pictured several scenarios of the hospital scene in her mind, would the robust man she knew appear weak and frail?, Would he even be conscious? She'd even imagined him as he appeared before her now strong and fighting to have his own way amidst hospital rules and regulations. However nothing in the wildest stretch of her imagination conceived of the possibility that Neil MacNeil wouldn't remember who she was or even who he was for that matter. Neil could see the troubled look in her eyes. Though he couldn't understand why, something deep inside of Neil sought to comfort Christy and for an instant she saw a glimmer of the compassionate man she knew in his facial expressions as he spoke. "I apologize Miss. For being so.., Well for carrying on like that. It's just that when ya spoke and seemed to know who I was I got excited and kinda.. It's just strange for someone to know who I am, when I don't even know myself. Christy's heart ached as she witnessed the mental struggle going on inside of him and now it was her turn to comfort him." It's alright I can only imagine how difficult and strange all of this must be for you." Christy then abruptly turned to the doctor as if searching for answers. The doctor could sense the obvious questions forming in her mind as well as in the mind of his patient and slowly began to speak. "I can see how confused and troubled you both are and I'd like to try to help you to understand some of what's going on. You see when we have been through a great trauma, it's not unusual for our minds to suffer some temporary memory loss or amnesia." "Temporary", Christy held onto the word, as if it were a mental life preserver and hopefully inquired: "Doctor, you said temporary memory loss, does that mean that he will regain his memory?" The doctor carefully considered his response before answering, "Well, in most cases the person's memory can return. However there is no telling exactly when that can be or how much of it may return." "Just tell me what I have ta do to get it back doc", responded Neil. "There isn't much to do, except for you to have enormous patience with yourself as your memory gradually comes back in bits and pieces." Dr. Simons looked directly at Neil as he emphasized the word patience, understanding that for Neil having the needed patience was going to be the hardest part. Dr. Simons then looked in Christy's direction as he continued "Friends and family are going to be very important here as well. You are going to have to be extremely supportive and help him to understand the significance of the memory flashes that he will be having. It's all right to introduce him to people and things that he has known, often that will spark more memories to return. However very traumatic events he must gradually remember on his own. Confronting him with a traumatic event from his past, before his mind is emotionally ready may cause his mind to shut down and impede anymore memories from returning.." Both Christy and Neil just looked blankly at the doctor as each tried to absorb all that he was saying. Neil then spoke up, "OK, doc when can I get outta here, and go home. You said I gotta be with people and things I should know to help me get my memory back and I want to get started as soon as possible." "I also said you would have to have enormous patience," retorted the doctor. "Firstly, I would like to examine you further to make sure that you're well enough to travel. The doctor then motioned to Christy, "Miss Huddleston will you please excuse us while I examine my patient. I'm sure that your friends will want to be filled in on what's transpired here. " Christy still in a daze, did what the doctor asked, as she reached for the door handle she gripped it for support, not wanting to lose her composure in front of Dr. Simons or Neil. Dr. Simons was too engrossed in Neil's chart to notice Christy's distress. However Neil could see her torment and he wondered in his mind about her. He thought to himself, "Who is this woman?, She seams to care a great deal about my wellbeing. What do we mean to each other. " Christy quickly glanced once more back at Neil before she finally exited the room. David and Miss Alice were sitting in the waiting area, when Christy emerged from the room.. David and Miss Alice looked up and immediately noticed how ashen and pale Christy looked. They rushed to Christy's side and slowly helped her to sit down. David then spoke up, "Christy what happen in there?" But Christy couldn't speak at first, the previous conversation with Dr. Simons and Neil was still whirling around in her mind. She then slowly regained her composure and began to speak. "It is Nei…um Dr. MacNeil and physically he seems to be on his way to a full recovery, except…", Christy paused unsure of how to explain. She then continued, "he's suffered some sort of temporary memory loss and doesn't remember anything." Christy then relayed the entire conversation that had transpired, as David and Miss Alice looked on dumbfounded. Miss. Alice could see Christy fighting back the tears that were starting to form in her eyes. "There now child, thee has been through quite an ordeal, I think some nourishment would be of great help to thee. Thee hardly ate a bite at the restaurant. Thee must keep up thine strength." Miss. Alice then turned to David. "David would thee be so kind as to go upstairs and get Christy a cup of water and something to eat from the visitor's commissary and bring it down here. David, hesitant to leave out of concern for Christy and more than a little curiosity over what else she might say to Miss. Alice, for he too noticed her on the verge of tears, responded "But Miss. Alice I think I should stay by Christy's side and…. " But Miss. Alice was firm in her request, "Now David, thee will be of much more use helping to get some nourishment for Miss. Huddleston." David, patting Christy gently on the shoulder, grudgingly agreed and headed towards the commissary. Once David was out of sight Miss Alice then redirected her attention to Christy, who slumped in her chair and had her head bowed slightly. Miss Alice began to slowly speak, "Child, would thee like to talk about what is going on with thee. I am worried about thee's reaction to Dr. MacNeil's condition." Christy was tempted to respond "Whatever do you mean Miss. Alice?", but she knew better. Christy knew that her reaction was much more that mere concern for a friend. Although Fairlight's questions, had started her mind thinking about her feelings towards Neil, it wasn't until she thought Neil had been mortally wounded that the true impact of these feelings was truly felt. When she first saw him, siting up in that hospital room looking so well, she felt something so much more than relief. It was an emotion that she couldn't yet allow herself to put into words. All Christy knew was that it was soon taken over by terror at the discovery of his Amnesia. Her dilemma was no longer about sorting through her conflicted feelings towards David and Neil anymore. It now concerned the realization that whatever she had with Neil could be lost forever. But she thought to herself was it ever really hers to have, what about Margaret? Could his Amnesia be a second chance, but for whom? Her thoughts then turned to David, what was keeping her from loving him the way she thought she should. In the midst of all these conflicted thoughts and emotions, Christy looked up at Miss. Alice's caring face. How could she tell her what she was feeling. However before Christy could utter a single word a nurse came over with very unexpected news. "Excuse me I hate to interrupt you ladies, but there is a woman on the telephone asking about the wounded man from the train, she claims to be his wife. Since you seem to know him, I thought that you might want to talk to her." Completely taken aback by the news, Miss. Alice spoke only a name, "Margaret." Leaping from her seat, Miss. Alice rushed with the nurse over to the telephone. Miss. Alice spoke in a voice filled with longing into the telephone and said, "Margaret is it thee?". The woman on the other end explained that she wasn't Margaret but a friend of hers and that Margaret had asked her to inquire about the condition of the man from the train. According to the woman Margaret is extremely ill and it was from her bed in an Atlanta hospital that she read the newspaper about the man wounded aboard the train from Al Pano to Atlanta and thought that it might be Neil. Miss. Alice then explained to the woman that she was Margaret's mother and said that she would come to Atlanta straight away and talk to Margaret herself.. Miss. Alice then hung up the telephone and went back into the visitors waiting area, where a concerned David patiently, sat as he watched Christy barely pick at her food. At the sound of Miss. Alice's footsteps, both looked up to see an uncharacteristically anxious Miss. Alice. Miss. Alice then relayed her conversation with the woman on the telephone and said that she was heading to Atlanta on the next available train. Amid protests from David and Christy that one or both of them should accompany her, Miss. Alice insisted that they stay and be there for Neil. David and Christy both arose and said goodbye to Miss. Alice. Christy, feeling terrible over having allowed herself to be so stricken, when here Miss. Alice faced the most difficult moment in her life with such sublime courage, embraced Miss. Alice. Pulling back, Miss. Alice then gave Christy a motherly pat on the arm and almost as if reading Christy's mind said "Thee must never apologize for the depth of thine feelings. Tis thee's greatest gift Thee take care. " With those final words Miss. Alice waived goodbye and headed toward the train station. Sometime, later in the crowded ward of an Atlanta hospital a young woman lay there wheezing each breath and coughing uncontrollably as a doctor examined her. Her once luxurious hair now matted down and soaked with perspiration. Eventually the coughing subsided and she lay her head back, almost on the verge of falling asleep when a familiar voice stirred her. "Margaret.", Miss. Alice called, her voice trembling. "Mother, come closer.", Margaret's frail hand barely having the strength to direct Miss. Alice to a nearby chair. Miss Alice immediately went over to sit by her daughter, looking up at the doctor, she inquired "Doctor how serious is her condition?" The doctor replied, "I'm afraid it's quite serious, your daughter has contracted a severe case of pneumonia, that combined with the weakened state her lungs are already in from the consumption has put quite a strain on her body. There is no telling how much longer she has." Looking with compassion, the doctor then said, "I'm very sorry. Let me give you a few moments alone with your daughter." After the doctor left Miss. Alice found herself sobbing uncontrollably, as she looked down at Margaret's weakened state. "It's alright mother, what is it you used to tell me, about the glory that is awaiting us after we leave this world and God calls us home. I know you thought I probably wasn't listening, but I was. I've had a lot of time to think laying here in this bed. Mostly I've thought about you and me. Oh mother I'm so glad that you're here, so that I can have the chance to tell you how sorry I am for all the terrible things I said to you and for all the pain I know I've caused you. I've always felt so ashamed of who I am, of how I came into existence. I felt that I was unworthy of love, while at the same time wanting it so desperately. I spent so much of my life pushing you away, by doing all sots of terrible things then wanting you to prove that you could love me in spite of it." Miss Alice replied, her voice still trembling with emotion, "Margaret I do love thee. I always have and I always will. Thee cannot know my sorrow at the words I had spoken to thee that day at the mission." Margaret replied, "Mother please don't chastise yourself for what you said that day. You told me what I needed to hear. I've spent far too much time in self- pity and blaming others for my mistakes. I know that you love me and in my own way I love you too. Now Mother you must promise me that you will not make me a martyr in your memory. Please remember me for who I truly was and that in spite of it, I loved you and that I wanted you to move on, after I've gone." "My child please don't talk like that, I cannot bare to think of thee…" , interrupted Miss Alice. Holding back her own tears, Margaret continued "I know mother, but there are things I must say to you. Things I must ask of you. The first thing concerns Neil." Miss Alice hesitated for a moment, thinking to herself whether or not she should tell Margaret the true nature of Neil's condition. The nurse had told Margaret's friend that the man had been identified as Dr. Neil MacNeil and that he was out of danger, but had said nothing about his amnesia. Miss. Alice decided to hear Margaret out about Neil and not add to her burdens. Miss Alice, then asked "What about Neil?" Margaret, thought pensively before she spoke, "Mother of all the terrible things I've done in my life, the cruelest things I've done have been to Neil. I never loved him, the way a wife should. All I've ever really done is use him. I used him to escape who I was and to rebel against you and your Quaker traditions. And in the end, when I realized what a mistake I'd made and that a life in the cove with him was not what I wanted, I didn't have the courage or strength to take responsibility for my own actions. Running away the way I did, faking my own death and then only coming back when I found myself sick and afraid of dying alone, were the most horrible things I could have done. I ruined the life of a very good man. I had received this letter from Neil a short time ago, in it he wrote of all the things he had wanted to say to me and that we would discuss it further when he came to Atlanta. Not long after I received the letter, I wound up back in the hospital, then I saw the newspaper article about the train robbery. I just knew the wounded man on the train was Neil and I blamed myself for I was the reason he was coming to Atlanta in the first place. I asked an old acquaintance from my dancing hall days, who had come to visit me, to follow up on it for me. She was the woman you spoke to on the telephone. Since I can't speak to Neil in person, the way I had wanted, I wrote him this letter, in it I too wrote all the things I had wanted to say to him. Please give it to him when he is well enough and mother please help him to move on. He deserves better than what I gave him." Margaret then tentatively pulled the letter from Neil and her letter to him from underneath her covers and painstakingly handed them over to Miss Alice. Miss Alice placed her daughter's hand in both of hers and just held it to her cheek, gently sobbing as she said, "Oh my poor child why did it have to come to this?" "Ours is not to question, remember mother?," Margaret replied poignantly. There was a strange calmness about Margaret now, as tears gently rolled down her face.. "My biggest regret is not being the daughter I should have been to you. My one comfort is to know that you will have Christy with you at the mission. She is like the daughter I should have been to you and if the situation had been different I would have liked the opportunity to think of her as a sister. If there ever comes a time when she feels she needs my blessing tell her she has it. It's strange looking back on ones life, it's not the big things that you remember but the small moments. I remember you kneeling by my bed helping me say my nightly prayers as a child. Will you help me say one now mother?" And so they did and then Miss. Alice and Margaret said one final I love you to each other, before Margaret passed on. Meanwhile back in Chattanooga, Neil MacNeil, having been told by the doctor that he was well enough to travel prepared to depart for Cutter Gap with Christy and David. The magnificence of the train station was marred by the solemness of the moment. Christy, David and Neil were all lost in their own restless thoughts, as they awaited the train. Christy was particularly worried about Miss Alice who had managed to contact them at the Chattanooga General Hospital about what had happened with Margaret. Despite Christy's numerous protests Miss. Alice insisted that she wanted to handle the arrangements with Margaret alone in Atlanta and that she would see them in Cutter Gap in a few days. Miss Alice had explained to Christy that given Neil's delicate condition it would not be wise to confront Neil with the knowledge of Margaret just yet. Furthermore, the people in the cove would have enough to contend with just trying to help Neil regain his memory. It pained Christy not to be able to be there for Miss. Alice, but she tried to tell herself that she would see Miss. Alice soon and be able to comfort her then. Miss. Alice wasn't the only one who needed comforting, despite his outward appearance of strength, inside Neil felt enormous trepidation about what lay ahead. For all intense purposes he was traveling aboard a train, with two total strangers to some far off distant place that he couldn't remember. The screeching of the approaching train as it prepared to stop before them, interrupted the trio's reverie and they boarded the train. David grabbed Christy's hand as they boarded the train, ostensibly to help her onto the train. However ever since David had reintroduced himself to Neil in the hospital, it seemed as though he took every opportunity to pull Christy closer to him and away from Neil. David could feel the connection Christy felt towards Neil and it threatened him, for now Neil was without a past and there would be nothing preventing him from thinking of Christy romantically. David also chastised himself for viewing Neil as such a rival especially with Neil in such a helpless state. He felt duty bound as a reverend to help Neil through this trying time and even thought he might be able to bring Neil closer to God. However he still couldn't help feeling jealous and worried that he could lose Christy forever. He had already detected an emotional distance growing between them, partially brought about because. Christy was so overwhelmed with all that had happened and the conflicted emotions within her. The tightness of the train compartment only magnified her desire for some space and time alone to reflect. So there the three sat facing uncertain futures. Neil found himself looking absentmindedly out the window, as he looked out at the massive landscape, he felt very alone, without realizing he had said the words aloud, Neil remarked, "I'm all alone here." Neil's words stirred Christy's mind back to a moment in time when she had been sobbing in Neil's embrace, she found herself speaking the same words to him as he spoke to her on that day. "You're not as alone as you think." Her words did more than comfort him, they brought back a memory, a strong vivid memory of that moment in time between him and Christy. Though the details surrounding that moment were still a bit unclear, he could see the look in her eyes and he could remember the warmth in his heart at being with her. Though this was going to be a slow process the flicker of that memory convinced Neil that he would eventually regain all of his memory and without realizing it a broad smile swept across his face and he simply said, "Thank You.", but meant so much more. Unexpectedly David spoke up and said…. Round Robin Chapter # 20 Author: Vicky G. 3-25-2000 David began to speak out but decided to keep quiet. It seemed that Neil, Christy,and even himself needed time to think and sort out all that had been going on over the past few days. In the close quarters of the train, silence was the only way to achieve their goal. Christy drifted off to sleep and began to dream. She dreamed of an open field with beautiful wild flowers. She had on a yellow dress and was sitting in a bed of flowers sketching a glorious scene. All at once Margaret appeared to her. She looked beautiful. Her dark hair was pinned up in a loose bun and she had ringlets of curls hanging down all over her head. Margaret was arrayed in a dress of white covered with beautiful lace. She looked so peaceful and healthy. Margaret asked Christy to sketch her picture. Christy complied with her wishes. The two women chattered away about their lives and laughed. It was like they were sisters. They had such a strong bond with each other. The dream was so peaceful. Not at all like any of the confrontations that Christy had with Margaret in reality. She and Margaret never seemed to really have peaceful moments together. Then all of a sudden, Christy was jolted out of her dream by something. Christy jarred awake and realized what woke her up was a crying baby a few seats over. She looked at Neil and David who had both fallen asleep too. Christy looked at Neil. Tears began to form in her eyes. How would she ever let this man know how she felt? What if he never got his memory back? What would she do? She ached inside. She knew she was being selfish but she had never felt this way before. Neil was on her mind all the time. When she was not with him, she did not feel complete. Neil made her feel safe, secure, and very attractive. She knew he was very attracted to her. She also knew there was something between them. However, there had always been one small detail - HE WAS MARRIED! This realization brought Christy’s thoughts back to God. She could never have been with Neil knowing he was still committed to another person. Also, she knew she could never be with a man that did not have the same commitment and relationship with Jesus Christ that she had with Him! Christy’s spirit compelled her to pray. She looked at the clock on the train and it read 12:15 PM. Christy did pray. She prayed for those around her and Miss Alice. Through her prayers, she realized once again that she was being so selfish. Miss Alice has lost her daughter. Neil had lost his memory. Here she was spending time doting over her feelings and relationship with Neil when she should be praying for her friends that so desperately needed some comfort and peace. It was at that moment that Christy realized that the most important thing she could do was not to focus on her self but to direct all of her energies to helping Miss Alice deal with her pain and loss and to help Neil get back his memory. Christy felt a sense of peace come over her. She knew it was the Holy Spirit. She knew she had not felt the presence of the Spirit in a short while. It was because she had not been reading her Bible and praying as she should have been. She had been putting her needs before others. She had let her feelings for Neil control her thoughts and her life. It was at that precise moment in time that Christy resolved in her heart that she would no longer hang on to Neil but would allow God to lead her path. This made Christy feel better than she had felt in months. Her eyes wondered over to David. She knew that he loved her. He was a good man. However, he was not the one for her. Yes, he was a Christian and had such wonderful qualities, however, he was not the man for her. She knew that the next few weeks were going to be difficult for him because when the chance presented itself, she was going to share with him, her true feelings. Christy was going to handle this with prayer and went to the Lord in prayer again. David woke up and looked at Christy and smiled. Christy genuinely smiled back. He grabbed her hand and Christy let him continue to hold her hand. He was a true friend. He was trying to comfort her. He knew how much she really cared for Neil and was trying to help her deal with her emotional state. He truly was a good friend! David gently spoke, “Christy, I just wanted to let you know that I will do everything that I am able to do to help Dr. McNeil get his memory back. I know how much that means to you and to him.â€? Christy squeezed his hand in response to his words. They rode in silence the rest of the way home. Both of them staring out of the window, while Neil McNeil slept. Christy and David’s relationship had changed today. It had matured in a way neither of them had expected. They knew that God was doing miracles. The trained jerked to a stop and Neil awoke. Christy said with a warm smile, “We are home.â€? ********************************************************************** Miss Alice was on the train heading home to Cutter Gap. She felt so alone in this world right now. She had lost her daughter. Her daughter had died. That is all her mind kept repeating. She had tried to pray several times but could not get peace. She read from her Bible several times to no avail. What was wrong with her? All of a sudden, Miss Alice felt compelled to bow her head and talk with the Lord. Before she did, she looked up at the train clock and it read, 12:15 PM. Miss Alice prayed honestly and earnestly. The Holy Spirit brought her comfort as is did not before. Alice knew that someone had being praying for her! She had been discouraged before and swiftly felt a sense of empowerment. She knew only that type of empowerment comes only from God himself through his Comforter. Margaret’s body was in a train car. Alice was ready to get home. She had so much to do. She had to prepare a proper funeral and burial for her daughter. She knew the people in the Cove would see to her needs. Home is what the Cove was to her. It brought her such joy and strength. Miss Alice began to recite one of her favorite scriptures to herself that she had hid in her heart. One of her favorite passages was Psalm 27:5: “For in time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.â€? With the last bit of that recitation, Miss Alice allowed herself to fall asleep with a sense of peace, a sense of joy, and even a sense of closure. She knew that Jesus Christ was her Savior and that God had a plan for all that happened. As she left reality to rest, she smiled to herself knowing that Christy Huddleston was probably the one that had prayed for her. Round Robin Chapter 21 by Regina 04-18-2000 Alice Henderson sat on the porch of the mission, rocking her chair softly. She had her Bible in her lap, desperately trying to find the words to create a coherent prayer to the God that she had always relied on to help her. It seemed so unfair that Margaret was gone. At least while she was alive, Alice could hope and pray for Margaret's life to become one with more meaning and true purpose. Now, however, with Margaret's body lying in an unused mission room, waiting for the funeral tomorrow, Alice felt as though the air had been knocked out of her body. Any comfort that she may have found through prayer was slow in coming. Her grief was so great that she could not even speak, but she felt sure that God understood the despair in her heart and could make some sense of it. She resolved to close her eyes and let the tears come, the rivers of regret washing down her cheeks. ********** David sat on his bed in his bunkhouse, trying desperately to find suitable words to use in his eulogy for Margaret's funeral. Though he didn't know Margaret very well, David had offered to perform the service out of respect for the Quaker woman. Alice seemed to find some comfort in his offer, and had accepted readily. One look at her eyes told David that she would not be able to speak of her feelings for her lost daughter in front of so many people, so it was up to him to convey how special Margaret had been to her mother. Eulogies are so difficult, David thought. It had been hard enough to find words to say when Polly Teague died. She had lived a good life-one filled with obedience to God, love of family, and kindness to others. He has spent hours and hours preparing his speech for her funeral and still felt awkward saying the words he had written. Who was he to say exactly how things would be in the afterlife? Yes, he knew what the Bible said, but his words would be clung to like a life preserver on rocky seas. A preacher wields so much power, he thought. Power to comfort the heart, power to bring issues to light…Sometimes, he felt so inadequate. How could he bring comfort to Alice Henderson when it had been she who had so often brought comfort to him? How could he provide wisdom when he looked to her for direction and guidance? He flipped the pages of his Bible restlessly. "God, I need your help. Give me the right words to say," he muttered heavenward. When it was nearly midnight, the Reverend Grantland closed his Bible, with peace in his heart and a plan for the morning. ********** The Cove was aglow with morning sunshine when David Grantland stepped to the head of the coffin to deliver the eulogy for Margaret MacNeill. Because so many people were attending, and because Alice wanted to have her daughter's final service in the midst of the mountains that she loved, the eulogy was to be delivered outside in the meadow. Her casket was covered with wildflowers of all hues, and every family in the Cove had turned out to the funeral, not so much out of respect for Margaret, but because of their respect for life, God, and Alice Henderson. Alice stood near the front of the coffin, next to Neil MacNeill. Though his memory was still not complete, he had insisted on bringing Alice to the ceremony. He felt that it was his duty to see Alice through her sadness, since they both had shared a bond with the woman now lying in her final rest. He felt a sense of loss at not remembering the woman who had been his wife. What had she been like? How did it come to be that they were not together? He felt sure that there must have been extraordinary circumstances that had parted them. He did not want to believe that he was the kind of man who would desert his family. Christy stood on the other side of Alice Henderson. She knew that Alice's grief was overwhelming. More than anything, she wanted to be the one that Alice turned to when she allowed herself to experience the full force of her sadness at Margaret's passing. David stepped up to the head of the casket and addressed the congregation. "Dear friends, thank you for coming today. We come to give thanks for the life of Margaret MacNeill and to celebrate her spirit. Let us pray." With those words, David bowed his head. "Lord, give us comfort in these difficult times. We don't always understand Your ways, but we rest in the knowledge that You love us. Help us to say the things that will honor You on this day. May Margaret's spirit finally be at peace. Amen." David raised his head and looked at Margaret's family. Both Alice and Neil were trying their best to be stoic, but he could see that Alice was on the verge of tears, and Neil was not altogether successful in hiding his slight bewilderment and confusion. He could not help but let his eyes wander over to Christy. Her eyes were downcast, and he could tell that she had already begun to cry. David knew that she had not known Margaret well, but he also knew that her compassion for Alice Henderson was boundless. Surely, her tears were for Alice and for the loss she had suffered. He could not imagine that Christy felt more for Margaret than sadness at her wasted life. As he preached the eulogy, emphasizing God's love for all and His ability to forgive, David wondered whether or not Alice would ever forgive herself for her part in Margaret's life. She never spoke to him of her regret or pain, but he knew those feelings were always with her. Regret was a difficult emotion, he thought. He regreted so many things in his own life--his harshness toward the Cove people, his pressuring Christy, and his hasty entrance into this vocation that now consumed his life. It wasn't that he did not want to be a minister. He was just not sure that he had been called to be one. After the funeral, David retreated to the church to gather his thoughts, and Christy went inside the mission to do some thinking of her own. Alice had held onto the arm of Neil and insisted that she should walk him back to his cabin. She did not feel comfortable with him going home all by himself in his still weakened condition. ********** As they walked, Alice could tell that Neil was holding something back. He had not said a word since before the funeral, and she knew that something was on his mind. "Neil, what is it? Is it Margaret? Do you remember something? Can I help thee?" Neil struggled to find the right words to say. "While I listened to the reverend speak about Margaret, I remembered her voice, her laughter, and her spirit. My memory is coming back, Alice. I am starting to remember parts of my life that I had forgotten". Alice's eyes filled with tears. "Neil, I am glad that thee can share my memories of my daughter. All your memories will not be pleasant, to be sure, but I needed someone to remember Margaret today." Alice clutched Neil's arm as they made their way to his cabin. ********** Over the next few months, Neil struggled to regain his memory. Some days, he remembered more than ever before. Other days, it seemed as though he forgot something that he had learned months before. Finally, though, after all the struggle, he remembered all that he had forgotten--including his feelings for Christy. No longer was there a vague feeling of comfort in her presence. The feeling was much stronger than comfort, or friendship. He knew that he loved her. The only thing to worry about now was what he was going to do about it. Round Robin#2 Chapter 22 Author: Lisa3 May 10, 2000 The slow coming of autumn was a busy time for Cutter Gap. School was in recess for two weeks while the crops were being harvested before the long winter months. Every child was needed for this task, weather they were Rob Allan or Least’un Spencer’s age. Everyone worked. Even though this winter didn’t fare as worse as last years, the community was pulling together. The men tended their crops from sun up till sunset. After harvest would be the time to concentrate on hunting game to sustain the families over the next few months. The women also worked the crops, as well as canning, preserving and drying food for the winter. Not to mention they still had the upkeep of their cabins, laundry, cooking…it was a never-ending cycle. Of course, the mission pitched in whenever and wherever they could. Reverend Grantland offered his services without being asked, riding Prince all over the Cove, doing whatever he saw needing tending, from splitting wood, repairing a roof and or doing daily chores the men had no time to do during harvest. Miss Alice split her time between Sand Mountain, Catalechee and the Cove, offering a helping hand & tending to those in need. She often rode with Dr. MacNeill, who, as usual, covered every inch of the mountains making house calls. He, too, would lend a hand, if time permitted, at a patient’s cabin after treatment, performing an odd job here and there. Christy, too, spread herself thin trying to help out. With school out for two weeks, she was like a ball of energy, visiting as many cabins in a day as she could. She helped with the canning, preserving and drying. She turned the rigorous chores the children were assigned to do into games, thus generating willing workers and the gratefulness of many parents. It was during a visit to the O’Teal cabin that Christy ran into Dr. MacNeill. With Mr. O’Teal mostly out of the picture, someone from the mission often stopped by to help harvest the small garden. Christy was on her knees pulling green beans off the vine that would later be strung for drying. The excited squeals from the children alerted Christy to Neil’s presence. Mountie hurriedly put down the wooden bowl half full of beans and ran to Charlie’s side as the doctor dismounted. The youngster looked up at the doctor and he couldn’t suppress a grin. Mountie’s expressive blue eyes had tugged at his heart since the day he had delivered her. All the O’Teal children held a special place in his heart. He guessed it was because they were basically fatherless and he saw on a daily basis how hard their lives were. He tried to alleviate that, in small ways, when he could. Like now… Neil brushed Mountie’s hair out of her dirt-smeared face before heading towards Swannie with a large pouch that clinked as he walked. “Good afternoon ladies! I can see much work has been accomplished here today.” “Afternoon, Doc. What ken we do yer for?” Swannie kept on working, her roughly carved, wooden rake digging up carrots, but she smiled at the doctor. “I was hoping you could make good use of these, Swannie.” Neil placed the burlap pouch gently on the ground and scooched down. He opened it to reveal a dozen empty canning jars. They looked suspiciously brand new to Christy. “A patient in El Pano gave me these in payment. My pantry is just about full for the winter. It can maybe hold three more jars.” Neil’s voice was pensive and he paused as if just coming up with the idea at that moment, his hand rubbing his jaw in thought. “If you could see your way to fill these up with persimmon jam, I’d be happy to take three off your hands.” Neil saw the woman hesitate, so he foraged on. “You know how much I enjoy your persimmon jam on cornbread.” Swannie’s dark eyes were bursting with pride as she nodded her head. “Why sure, I ken do that fer ya, Doc. ‘Twoud be ‘m pleasure.” She placed the pouch on the bench near her herbs, rather reverently, as if the gift of the jars was a great honor. “I’ll be get’n to the persimmon canning right after we finish with this here harvest. I’ll be sure to get yer three jars to ye right quick.” Doctor MacNeill smiled sincerely at the mountain woman as he stood up. “That would be fine, Swannie. Thank you.” Then Neil turned and looked at Christy. His heart sped up, as it always did when he saw her. Since regaining his memory, his love for the teacher had returned as well, rushing into his heart and mind with such force that it caused his head to spin. Not that he was complaining. In the past few weeks that he’d regained his memory, he’d had precious little time to talk to Christy alone. Once his medical knowledge had resurfaced, he felt the need to visit every patient on Dan’s list, though Dan had done a fine job from what Neil had been told by countless patients. It was a breakthrough for the outsider and a silver lining in Neil’s illness. Neil had to admit, God did work in mysterious ways. “Christy…” Neil hesitated as the young woman looked up at him expectantly. What could he say? They needed to talk, that was for certain. He rubbed the back of his neck, stalling, until Swannie gave him the perfect opportunity. “Miz Christy, you’ve done enough fer one day. I’m beholden to ye, but it’s getting on t’ supper time and I best be see’n to the youngin’s bellies.” Christy stood up with the bowl of beans still in her hands. “Oh, if you’re sure, Swannie.” The woman nodded with a smile. Christy handed her the bowl. “Well, I’ll be back tomorrow, first thing and maybe you can show me how to string those beans.” “I’d like that, Miz Christy. Come one, youngin’s! Warsh yer hands t’ eat.” Neil chuckled as the children scooted off towards the washbasin on the warped porch. Well, will wonders never cease. The O’Teal children were washing up before their meal. Neil’s gaze transferred to Christy as she walked towards him. It was all due to this one pint sized woman who packed a wallop and had a heart of gold. His own heart skipped a beat as she stopped in front of him. “That was a nice thing to do, Neil. The canning jars, I mean.” “T’was nothing you wouldn’t have done, Miss Huddleston.” Neil replied in a low tone. Christy smiled but didn’t say anything, her attention focused on Charlie. “Could I walk you home, Christy?” Christy’s head snapped up, her eyes shining. “Why thank you, doctor, I’d love an escort back to the mission.” “Would you like to ride Charlie?” Neil asked, holding the horse’s reins. Christy shook her head and took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. “I think I’d rather walk, if you don’t mind. It’s such a beautiful day and I’ve been hunched over those string bean plants far too long.” She placed one hand on her back and arched her back to get out a kink. Neil’s eyes instantly grew concerned. “Do ye need to come to my cabin, lass? I could examine you there if your back is hurting.” Christy placed a hand on the doctor’s arm, stopping him from turning in the direction of his cabin. “Neil, I’m fine, just a bit stiff, that’s all. It’s nothing serious.” She removed her hand and continued walking. “But thank you for your concern, doctor.” Neil pulled Charlie after him as they walked at a leisurely pace. “I do worry about you, Miss Huddleston. Christy…” This time, it was Neil who placed a hand on Christy’s arm, detaining her. Christy’s breath caught in her throat as she encountered the intense look in the doctor’s eyes. “Christy, I want you to know it’s more than concern or worry that I feel towards you. We’ve always had our share of disagreements and God willing, we always will. Remember, I always like a bit of spice.” Neil smiled gently at the memory, glad that he could remember! “I also know we work well together, that our conversations of the past have baffled, riled, confused and warmed me. But no matter what, I’ve always felt that you are a good friend, lass. One I can count on, one I can turn to in time of trouble, one…” “One you can tell you deepest thoughts to.” Christy stated in a whisper, her gaze never wavering from Neil’s. Oh, but her heart thudded at her boldness! Neil knew, in that instant, that she felt the same as he. Her softly spoken words filled his heart with hope and joy…and another feeling, another presence, that he’d never felt before entered his soul. “That’s for certain, lass.” He said, his voice deep and low. “Do you feel as I do, Christy?” Christy felt her whole being shake with nerves and she sent a prayer flying straight from her heart to God’s ears. Oh, Lord, give me strength! Neil’s eyes held her captive and she wondered if she could even speak, that’s how nervous she felt. Then, a peace washed over her and the rightness of the situation filled her heart, as did her love for this man. Her cheeks flushed, but she spoke with the confidence of a woman in love. “Yes, Neil, I feel the same way.” For one glorious moment, time was suspended as the two looked into each other’s eyes. Then, ever so slowly, Neil slid his hand into Christy’s and held on for life. Walking slowly, close together, they continued their journey to the mission, not talking, for they didn’t need to. Being able to share their feelings with each other was so new to them, that each felt that this was enough for now. Christy sent up another prayer to God, thanking Him for touching Neil’s heart and soul. Without knowing the why or how, she knew that Neil was gradually letting God into his life. It wouldn’t be all at once and knowing Neil, it wouldn’t be easy. But it was a start. Round Robin #2 -- Chaper 23 Author: Lisa M. Thu, 1 Jun 2000 *** (Summary of Chapter 22: Autumn is approaching and the Cove is preparing for the upcoming winter. Neil has regained full memory. Margaret has passed on. Neil and Christy have confessed their love for each other.) Chapter 23: The autumn days passed brightly and Thanksgiving was soon approaching. A competition was to be held again for the biggest turkey but instead of a saddle, the grand prize this year would be a new hunting rifle donated by Miss Alice and the mission. Furthermore, a pie contest would be held for the ladies of the Cove. The winner of the pie contest would receive a beautiful quilt made by Fairlight Spencer and her daughters. Whereas last year's Thanksgiving was a struggle due to bad crops and scarce game, the upcoming holiday was guaranteed to be a bountiful celebration with lots of food for the whole Cove. No two people in the Cove were more happy than Neil and Christy. After declaring their love for each other, the two decided to take things day-by-day and treasure every moment spent together. No longer suffering from relapses of amnesia, Neil kept his thoughts to the present and to the young lady who had won his heart. And Christy became even more attached to her school children and the residents of the Cove. Neil and Christy often discussed God and religion and even included David in some of their discussions. David, who after seeing Neil and Christy walking hand-in-hand to the mission after confessing their love that beautiful autumn day, had finally accepted that Christy would not be his to love as a wife. Although he still hurt inside, David treated both Christy and Neil with genuine respect as friend and reverend. Neil and Christy knew that they would need to explain their feelings to Miss Alice as soon as possible. They wanted to spare the kind Quaker woman any pain or sadness that might be caused by Neil's relationship with Christy. Much to the couple's relief, Miss Alice blessed their happiness and wished them many years of joy together. Even though Alice's heart was still filled with the pain of Margaret's passing, she knew that her son-in-law must go on with his life. She also knew that the one to share Neil's life was Christy! ***** It was two days before Thanksgiving and the Cove residents were busy with making preparations for the holiday meal. School was let out early so that the children could help their parents with the hunting and cooking. Every school boy from Little Burl to Rob Allen had his eye on the grand prize rifle for the turkey hunt and Ruby Mae had her heart set on winning the quilt for the pie contest. Much to the dismay of the mission's inhabitants, Ruby Mae would give no hint as to the ingredients of the pie she was planning to enter into the contest. Neil came riding up to the mission house that afternoon to find Christy, Miss Alice, and Ruby Mae laughing in the kitchen. "What's so funny, ladies?" Neil asked as he strode into the doorway where he was immediately hugged by a young teacher whose blushing face could not be hidden by the flour streaked across her cheeks and nose. Miss Alice spoke up first. "Well Doctor, the three of us were discussing our past cooking mishaps. I told Miss Huddleston and Ruby Mae about the first time I learned how to crack eggs. I don't think there's ever been a plate of crunchier scrambled eggs since! But thee must keep in mind that I was only five years old! Then, Ruby Mae asked Miss Huddleston whether she had ever had a cooking mishap such as burnt, blackened chicken. Unfortunately, Miss Huddleston's face has turned red and she has not yet given an answer to Ruby Mae's question!" Miss Alice tried to hide her sly grin while watching Christy's face turn from pink to crimson. "Neil, why don't you take me out for a short walk?" Christy grabbed the doctor's arm and quickly led him down the mission steps. As the two strolled towards the gazebo, faint giggles could still be heard coming from the mission kitchen. "It's good to hear Alice laughing again. I was afraid that she might have lost her sense of humor." "I agree with you Neil. Even if the laughing is at my expense." Christy smiled shyly. "Christy love, we need to talk about something." Neil gently wiped the flour of Christy's face and looked into her eyes. "What's wrong Neil?" Christy's face immediately took on a look of concern. "Nothing's wrong Christy. Everything is wonderful. I've never been so truly happy in all my life. And, it's all because of you." After sharing a long embrace, Neil stood back in order to look into Christy's eyes. He wanted to see the expression in those blue eyes as he asked her the following question. Fri, 16 Jun 2000 RR#2, Chapter 24 By: Michelle W. Disclaimers: All the usual. Neil's lips parted as if to speak, but his attention was diverted by a stray lock of Christy's hair which had been caught in the breeze. A small smile played about his lips as he gently caught the errant strands and tucked them behind her ear, his hand lingering at the side of her face. Suddenly Neil was struck by how much he loved the woman before him; and even more, how much he loved and was thankful to the God he once rejected for giving him a second chance -- another chance for life, for peace, for. . . "Neil?" Neil blinked, his eyes crinkling as he grinned. "I'm sorry lass; I was a hundred miles away just then." He placed a quick kiss on her forehead before leading her over to one of the benches in the gazebo. "Blast it, man!" he inwardly scolded. "Do this right and stop acting like a schoolboy -- you've already done the hard part by calling. . ." Again Neil's thoughts were interrupted by Christy, this time as she tried to suppress a chuckle. Christy's laughter ceased, however, when Neil turned to look at her. In his hazel eyes Christy saw a peace which made her heart sing and a depth of love which took her breath away. She drew in a short, shuddery breath as Neil gently cupped her face in his hands. Instinctively Christy raised her own hands to cover his as he gingerly wiped the remaining flour off her cheeks. Her mind raced as she recalled Ruby Mae's breathless news from the previous week: "I overheard the Doc on the telephone; he was talkin' to yer paw! Said somethin' ‘bout courtin' before he done shooed me away." Could it be? Christy's heart beat with anticipation as Neil's face drew closer to hers, his thumbs still absently stroking her cheeks. "Christy." Neil's breath fanned over her face, carrying with it a hint of coffee. "Yes?" she was barely able to reply. "May I?" Christy nodded her head as the remaining distance between them closed. Softly Neil's lips brushed over hers once, then twice, as his arms moved to embrace her. His heart hammered in his chest as he felt Christy's arms encircle his neck, her fingers moving through the curls of hair at the nape of his neck as she responded to his kiss. Drawing back slightly, Neil huskily whispered "I love you" before kissing her once more. Christy's heart swelled with emotion as he then pulled her against his chest, resting his chin on top of her head. Sighing softly, Christy listened to Neil's heartbeat, simply enjoying being wrapped in his embrace while recalling the feel of his lips on hers. The duo sat there silently for some time as the sun broke through the remaining clouds. Neil shifted his position so he could again look at his beloved. "Lass," he began, trying to keep his voice level, "I made a call to Asheville last week." Christy's ears perked up, but she willed herself to remain calm. "Were you checking in on my father?" She winced as her voice cracked slightly. Neil grinned, knowing Ruby Mae had overheard part of his conversation with William Huddleston and would have a hard time keeping things quiet. "I believe, Miss Huddleston, you know that was not the nature of my call." Christy silently wished her face was still covered in flour so Neil would not see the blush she felt creeping across her cheeks. Neil continued speaking as if he did not notice. "No, I called your father on a much more personal matter." The doctor captured Christy's left hand in his own as he caressed her cheek with his right.. "I told him I had fallen deeply in love with his daughter." Neil now clasped both their hands together, reveling in the realization he saw dawning on Christy's face. "I told him I could not offer her great wealth and a life of ease." Christy opened her mouth to speak, but chose to remain silent when Neil shook his head before continuing. He could feel his emotions threatening to overtake him and did not want to stop before he said all he needed to. "But I could offer her God-centered home where she would be loved, cherished, and protected for all of my days." He focused on their hands, feeling the tears pressing behind his eyes. "I know I made many mistakes with Margaret, Christy; and I do not want to repeat them with you. I want for you to be my wife; I do not want to spend the rest of my life here without you here with me." Neil then fe