Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Special Medicine" Chapter One ................................................................. Lundy Taylor's belligerance was becoming a severe problem. Not only were the Allen's out to get him, so were the McHone's. Isaak was relentless as he followed Lundy everywhere. Lundy was a Taylor. He was no coward. He would not run from the Allens or the McHones. He'd come back to school. You could cut the tension there with a knife. The children were antsy. "Let's go for a walk," suggested Christy. You can be the teachers. Show and tell me the names of plants and the trees that are growing and flowering all around us." The children were overjoyed to leave the confines of the school. So was Christy. During their walk a shoving match developed between Lundy, Rob and Isaak. They began to fight. Christy stepped into the fray to break up the fight just as Lundy began to throw his punch. It landed squarely on her jaw, sending her backwards, flying through the air, into a patch of nettles. Isaak had steped in to stop her and he received the end of Lundy's punch. Christy's head hit a rock that was partially buried under the surface of the land. She was lying there, seemingly senseless after the wind had been knocked out of her by the force of her fall. "You killed her, you bastard," yelled Rob Allen as he pummeled Lundy with such fury, the young man was almost unconscious. The children were horrified as they watched. John Spencer ran to the Mission to alert them of what had just happened. Neil was delivering a supply of drugs when John arrived breathless. The adults hurried to the area where the children were gathered. Alice and David attended Lundy, Rob and Isaak, while Neil gave Christy his full attention. She probably had a slight concussion. Parts of her face, neck and hands were swollen from her brush with the stinging nettles. He picked her up gently and carried her. As soon as they arrived back at the Mission, he would mix a paste of baking soda to help reduce the swelling welts. Lundy's nose was broken, his eye was almost swollen shut. Rob's knuckles were bloodied and bruised. Isaak's eye was also swollen from trying to protect Christy. They were led back to the Mission. Word quickly spread about the fight and parents arrived at the Mission soon after. Words of hate flew back and forth between the feuding families. "Enough," shouted Alice Henderson. David said in his loudest voice, " This has got to stop. An innocent young woman is nearly unconscious because of your blood feud. Your children are your future, the next generation. What would have happened if Isaak, Lundy or Rob died today? You have got to stop this feuding. It is wounding all of us. We cannot allow this senseless and constant feuding to continue." He took a breath. "Miss Huddleston stepped into the middle of a fight to stop it, and she was grievously hurt. She has more courage than any of you standing here before me. Shame on all of you for being so petty, for carrying on this tradition of a blood feud. The Lord asks you to forgive one another. All you do is kill or maim or inflict serious injury upon one another. Shame on all of you! Don't you care about your children? Don't you want to live long enough to hold and love your grandchildren? I thought you were all smarter than this. To allow your children to fight and die over slights that happened years before their birth is the stupidest, most outlandish idea I have ever heard. Enough!" Meanwhile Neil put a cool compress on Christy's head. "You will have a nice goose egg on the back of your head." He painted Christy with a paste made from sodium bicarbonate and water. "I must look ridiculous," she whispered. It hurt to talk. Lundy packed quite a punch. "It stings, Neil." "Nettles are very unpleasant if you come in contact with them. This will neutralize the acid from the plant, Christy. How is your jaw?" "Sore." Impulsively he kissed it. "Does that feel better?" "A little. Perhaps you should try a little harder?" Neil's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure?" "Yes." He kissed her again. "How was that?" "It was fine, but I think I need another dose." "Really?" "Oh yes. I do not have a very high tolerence for pain." "How is this?" he asked. He kissed her again. "Perfect, Doctor MacNeill." "You've had enough then?" "For now, yes. Thank you." "You are most welcome, Christy." "Neil?" "Yes?" "I don't mind when you administer that kind of special medicine." He smiled and kissed her gently. "Your jaw is swollen Christy. You were lucky that Lundy did not break it. Don't overtax it. I would recommend that you talk as little as possible for a few days. The paste should help the welts you have from the nettles. Just try to rest Lass. I'll tell Alice to keep Ruby Mae away from you. Everything will work out Christy. I'll check on you a little later." He kissed her forehead and smiled as he left. Christy rested, and scolded herself for being so foreward and bold. He kissed her, not once but six times. The first kiss was just a peck on the cheek. The last kiss was on the forehead. They did not count. But the four kisses in between, oh my! Each one was sweeter than the one before it. It was wonderful. She hoped the future would lead to more doses. Neil went downstairs. The atmosphere was tense. He had heard the last of David's chastizement. Everyone turned to Neil to hear his diagnosis. "Miss Huddleston's jaw is not broken." There was a palpable sigh of relief. "She has welts from the stinging nettles when she fell, and I've put salve on them. She will need a few days rest. Where are my other patients?" "Miss Alice is with them in the kitchen," said David. Neil nodded and went to find them. "School will be postponed on Monday. I expect to see most of you on Sunday morning," said David very seriously. Neil found Alice with the three young men. "Miss Christy will be fine. Her jaw is not broken. She will have a pump knot on the back of her head for a while. Her injuries are not life threatening. You three owe her an apology for fighting. And don't tell me it's what Taylors and Allens do best." Lundy looked defiant. "Cool your heels Lundy Taylor. This is going to hurt a bit." Lundy grunted as Neil cleaned and bandaged his nose. He cleaned his hands and wrapped his knuckles. He proceeded to do the same for Rob Allen's hands. He put a cold compress on Lundy and Isaak's swollen eyes. By the time he was finished, most family members had dispersed. Alice had gone upstairs to see Christy. "I imagine thee would be more comfortable in thy nightdress. Let me help thee with thy buttons." Christy smiled. Hearing Miss Alice say buttons automatically made her think of Mountie. When she was settled back into bed, Alice brought another cool compress for her head and one for her jaw. "Thee will be black and blue. The welts will disappear. The paste will help neutralize the reaction from the acid in the nettles. You poor dear!" Christy smiled and then she winced. "I shall bring thee a cup of chamomile tea to soothe thee. Would thee like that?" Christy nodded and closed her eyes. Alice left the room. David peeked in. Since Christy appeared to be sleeping, he let her rest and went downstairs. "That was a powerful oration, Preacher." "Thank you, Doctor." Neil puffed on his pipe. "Is Christy sleeping?" "Yes." "Good. She needs to rest." "Will you be leaving soon?" "Trying to get rid of me?" "No." "Alice has asked me to stay for dinner. I want to make sure Christy is not concussed. I'll need to replace the paste on her welts." "What causes nettle stings?" "When the plant is touched it releases a substance like boric acid. The bicarbonate paste neutralizes it. Acids and bases, remember your chemistry, Reverend?" "Yes, as a matter of fact I do, Doctor. They smiled at each other. "She will be all right. We have to allow the treatment to run its course." David nodded. Neil was pleased. If there were no other emergencies, he could spend the next few days checking on Christy, spending more time with her. That gave him a great sense of satisfaction. 'Christy, my love, I will try to protect you and keep you from harm,' he thought. He smiled to himself and puffed on his pipe as David watched him warily. He sat with her for a few hours, concerned that she might have a concussion. The next morning bruises were blossoming on her jaw. "Don't look in a mirror, Christy. I forbid it." "Do I look that terrible Neil?" "Christy, you look beautiful is shades of black, blue, purple. You always look beautiful to me. She covered her face in her hands. I cannot face my students." "You have a few days to recover. David canceled school until a week from Monday. He made the announcement at the Sunday service this morning." "I missed the service." "We'll read the Bible passages together. Would you like that?" "Yes, I would. Thank you. My Bible is on my desk, Neil." He took a paper from his pocket. He had written the readings down. He found the first passage and began to read. She watched him, love filling her eyes and her heart. This wonderful man, who had once denied God, was now reading to her from the Bible. Nothing was impossible with God. His glasses were perched on his nose as the words he spoke flowed over her and through her. She sighed. David came bounding up the steps to see Christy. Her bedroom door was open. Neil was seated at her desk. There was no impropriety. There was no place for him to sit and visit with her. He certainly could not sit at the foot of her bed. "Hello David," she said cheerfully. "Neil is reading the Bible selections from this morning's service. Isn't that sweet of him?" David looked at Neil. He couldn't quite fathom the good doctor's _expression, but it did not bode well for him. "Very sweet," David said. Neil just smiled with deep satisfaction. "Are you feeling better?" "Yes, thank you. The welts are going down. I am still black and blue. Neil is applying some special medicine to help me feel better." She had a twinkle in her eye. "It's just baking soda," said David. "Oh I have a trick or two up my sleeve," said Neil, with a twinkle in his eyes. David really didn't hear the last remark, he was too intent on what he wanted to say next. "You will have to decide on the boys punishment." "I have forgiven them, David." "They need to be disciplined." "That is up to their parents." "Christy, they hurt you." "I believe that they will apologize to me. That is enough. I have forgiven them." Unbeknownst to Christy, Neil had already admonished the boys and told them they each owed her an apology for fighting. He wisely kept silent, watching the interchange. Christy was cool an dconfident. The Preacher was almost indignant. "Christy." "The subject is closed, David." "They physically hurt you." "This is how feuds start, David. You are preaching against feuds. Why should I add fuel to the fire by taking this out on the Taylor's, Allen's and McHone's? It makes no sense. So I forgive them and I suggest you do the same." Neil watched her in admiration. David said goodbye to them and went to his cabin. She had touched a nerve, and he needed to pray about it. In the meantime, Neil continued the Bible readings, content to be in the company of his beloved Christy. He carefully administered a kiss or two whenever the impish young woman indicated that she needed a dose of his special medicine. That they would spend the rest of their lives together, he had no doubts. That their life together would be smooth and easy was a humorous notion. She had passion and fire in her and she had yet not learned her full potential. He wanted to be the one to help direct that power. Her faith and her hope had just about overwhelmed him. Oh they would be good together and good for one another. That was no theory, that would be a proven fact. Together they would build a dynasty of MacNeill's. The patch of stinging nettles growing near the river had triggered the memories. He sighed. Neil and his only son Alex, home on his final spring break of his senior year of college were getting ready to fish. "Why the sigh, Dad?" "I was just thinking about your mother." "Oh." End of Chapter One Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Special Medicine" Chapter Two ................................................................. They were fishing their favorite spot on the River, fifteen feet separated them from one another. "Do you love her, son?" "Yes Dad, I do." "It's not just lust, then?" "Dad!" "Son, I'm a man, a father and a doctor." "Of course you are. I want to keep her safe, I want to protect her, I want to kiss her senseless. I want her to look at me with adoring, loving eyes. Am I being stupid, or what?" Neil laughed. "Why are you laughing, Dad?" "That's how I feel about your mother." "Dad please, I cannot think about the two of you that way." "Alex, how do you think you were brought into this world? By a stork? Do you think that your mother and I stopped making love after you were conceived?" "Dad." "You are an intelligent young man. I love your mother. Don't you understand son? MacNeill men will do whatever it takes to keep their women happy." "Dad, I know how much you love Mom." "Son, you do not have any clue of how much I worship your mother. She helped save my soul, Alex. What you think you know of our love is only the tip of the iceberg. As you know, the bulk of an iceberg rests beneath the surface of the water. That is the nature of my love for your mother and her love for me, and our love for you." Alex smiled. "You always manage to get a science lecture in your answers, Dad. I know how much you love me." "Alex, when you were born there were terrible complications during your birth. I had to operate on your mother to save her life. You would be our only child. Your mother was devastated. She wanted half a dozen babies at the very least. We used to talk about a MacNeill dynasty. It wasn't meant to be, son. All we want is your happiness. If you love this young lady, you have our love and support. We will welcome her into this family. That is a given." "Dad, I think that I would like her to spend Thanksgiving with us." "I am sure that your mother will be pleased. Like your Grandmother Julia, Thanksgiving is one of her favorite holidays. She will pull out all of the stops this holiday. She carries on her mother's traditions." "Dad, I do not want Helena to be intimidated by her." "What's to intimidate? It will be our traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Helena eats turkey, doesn't she?" "Yes." "So we'll cut down on the number of pies. Your Granny Alice and Grandpa Jacob will be there. Your Uncle George will be there with his tribe. He promised to come when he was here at Christmas. That makes your mother happy." "And when Mom is happy, everyone is happy." "You're learning son, I am so proud of you." "Dad!" "Alex," he said as he mimicked his son's voice. Later that night Christy grilled Neil. "Is it a serious romance?" "Yes." "Details please." "Not much to tell." "Don't leave me hanging in suspense." "Never Sweet Lass, never." "What does she look like?" "Alex says she is pretty." "What color is her hair? Her eyes? Is she short, tall, thin, large?" "I don't know Christy. All Alex said was that Helena was pretty." Christy sighed. She should have known better than to send Neil to do a proper interrogation of their son. He heard her sigh. "What did I do wrong?" "You need to ask him questions that require descriptive answers." "So I am a complete failure at asking the right questions." "Only when it comes to finding out about our son's romantic intentions. Other than that you are perfect, Neil." "He said he loves her." "That's a plus in your favor." "He wants her to meet us on Thanksgiving." "I think that would be wonderful." "He doesn't want you to intimidate her," and as soon as those words left his lips his mind yelled MISTAKE! "What does he mean by that remark?" "His words, not mine, Lass." "What do you think he meant? You are his father." "Do not shoot the messenger." "What do you mean by that remark?" "You are getting yourself all riled up." "I am not getting riled." "No, Lass, you are already there. Calm down. It was a fairly innocent remark. I am sure he did not mean anything by it." "He would not have said it then." "Christy, you like things to be perfect, and sometimes they are not." "Neil, he is our only child. He is in love. His heart is open and loving. I do not want to be hurt." "My love, we have both suffered heartache, but we cannot wrap him in cotton wool forever to protect him." "I know." "We are both too protective and too soft hearted when it comes to our son." "Neil, he wanted to go away to college. We let him. For the last four years he has been away. He has not come home for his summer vacations. He has chosen to take classes or work, if he found a job. For all intent and purpose, he no longer lives here. I think that we have done an admirable job of cutting the apron strings." "You are correct, Christy. You can have a go at him tomorrow." "That was my plan." Neil kissed her warmly and she kissed him back. They were sitting in bed reading. "Neil, you have to go and do something in the morning away from the house." "Why?" "So Alex will be forced to help me. Then I can ask him a few questions." "You mean interrogate him, badger him, leaving no quarter asked." "What a terrible thing to say to me." "We have always been truthful to each other. We've been married over twenty years my darling, and I have answered many of your questions. When you are on a mission, watch out." She looked at him mutinously. She hated it when he was right. Neil took off his glasses and put his book down. He took her book away and placed it on the nightstand. "Aww, Christy, let me put a smile back on your beautiful face." He shut off the light. He did indeed accomplish what he set out to do." The following morning after breakfast, Neil decided to visit Tom and Opal. Alex did not hear his father leave. Christy said, "Alex I have a job for you. I'll help of course." "What job, Mom?" "Polishing the silver." "Why are you punishing me?" "I am not punishing you. It needs to be done and this will give us a chance to talk. After all, the last time I saw you was at Christmas." Alex shuddered inwardly. His mother wanted to talk. The Spanish Inquisition could not stand up to his mother's questions once she got started. Christy brought the cutlery and the tea service to the table. Silver polish and polishing cloths followed suit. "What would you like to know Mother?" She winced at his formal tone. "Everything. Tell me about Helena and her family." "Well apparently she comes from a fairly affluent family, but they lost most of their assets when the Stock Market crashed in '29. They had to dismiss their servants and pull in their belts and do without. She often laments her family's losses." "How sad,' said Christy, "to be so dependent on worldly goods." "She's not like you in that sense, Mom. But she has a good sense of humor and I enjoy her company. I have tried to describe what Cutter Gap is like, but I think that she thinks that I am trying to pull one over on her. I tried to tell her that we were one of two places in the Cove with indoor plumbing. She just laughed at me." "Grandpa insisted on getting a plumbing engineer to design a septic system after you were born, and I was so ill. He also had the man figure out a system for the Mission, because he knew there would be times when I would have to stay there when your father was away for extended periods of time." "When was that, Mama? My memory is too hazy." "Your father was asked to serve as a doctor in the army. His reputation as an ocular surgeon kept him stateside, and for that I will always be grateful. He served at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, operating on soldiers who had been wounded in Europe. He never talks ahout those experiences, Alex. I think they were too horrific. He was glad to come home to the relative peace of the Cove. Your father hates violence. He used to have some temper, but after the war, he changed drastically. It would take something really quite terrible for your father to lose his temper. So, my son, tell me about Helelna. Is she tiny like me?" "She's a few inches taller, Mom. Her hair color is golden brown. She has brown eyes. Her nose is cute. She reminds me of a pixie. Her bone structure is fine and delicate. She has a quick mind and an eye for detail. She can recall unbelievable details. Here memory is phenomenal. If you tell her someting she never forgets." "She sounds a bit daunting. What line of work did her family follow?" "Antiques. They deal with antiques. They have international connections." "It sounds like an interesting line of work." "When she talks about it , well Mom, it fascinates me. We have quite a few antiques here, Mom." "I am sure we do. Alex. All of them have great sentimental value attached to them." "They could be worth money." "Money isn't everything, Alex. When is enough, enough?" "What do you mean, Mom?" "Have you ever felt deprived? Have you ever felt poor? Did you ever go hungry or barefoot because you did not have a pair of shoes to wear? Were your clothes ever too small or threadbare?" "No Mom. Why do you ask these questions?" "Alex as far as the rest of the world is concerned, we are living in poverty." "We are not." "Alex, your father still gets paid in barter. Firewood, vegetables, game, woven or knitted blankets or sweaters, and meager cash. He received a military stipend while he served during the war. He receives money for his research on eye disease. Your college tuition was a trust fund from your great grandmother and your grandparents. Alex, when was the last time you saw me buy a new dress? I make my clothing. We have always been relatively poor, but you did not know any better. You always had food to eat, clean clothes to wear and a warm bed to sleep in at night. We were always avid readers, so you were introduced to good literature. Your father adored opera, so you were introduced to classical music and opera. We did our best to give you a well rounded education. No one looks at you and at first glance calls you a hillbilly. Do you understand what I am saying, Alex? You cannot be pigeonholed into a category. You are a unique and special person. I do not want you to be hurt. When Helena comes she will see where you grew up. Do not be ashamed of your roots. If you are, then your father and I have failed you as parents." "You haven't failed Mom. You have been the very best parents a child could ever want." Christy smiled as she kissed her son. Her mission was accomplished, and she got her silver polished as well." End of Chapter Two Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Special Medicine" Chapter Three ................................................................. "Procrastination on your part does not make it an emergency on my part. You should have done this yesterday." "You arrogant, cantankerous clod." "You sissified, forgetful female." "How dare you insult me!" "I just followed your lead, Lass." Christy stood with her hands on her hips spluttering at him. And he just let her spluttter and sizzle until she calmed down. "You are laughing at me!" "No, I am not laughing at you." "I can see it in your eyes." "There is no smile on my face, ergo, I am not laughing." "Somehow I believe you are pulling my leg." "Such an attractive leg, too." She slapped at his shoulder. "Neil! It is a good thing that Alex and Helena have left for the Mission." "I call things as I see them. And since I am privy to examine your legs whenever I wish, believe me, I avail myself of every opportunity to do so." "I feel a distinct chill coming on." "Threaten me all you like, you know it never works. I'm immune." "Well Mr. Perfect, I always remember MacNeill, you could have reminded me to make the cranberry sauce. But no, you didn't. It will never gel in time for dinner. It is too warm today. The ice box just isn't cold enough." "So we won't have cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving." "That is heresy. My mother will spin in her grave." "Christy, I think this is what Alex meant. You worry about the wrong things." "Oh Neil," she looked stricken, "I am my mother's daughter. I've become a shrew." "Not quite yet, my darling. I'll let you know when you do." She bristled. He laughed and kissed her. "I love you Lass." He held her and hugged her for quite a while. She sighed. Neil heard it loud and clear. It was too bad that she was cooking the holiday meal. He would have enjoyed spending time alone with her. "I love you too. Now get me down Grandmother Rudd's cookbook. I remember a recipe she used to make." He did as he was told. She rifled through the collection of recipes until she found the one she was looking for. "Neil, I'll need a bed of coals in the fireplace that will need to be on the slack side. I don't want to burn the cranberries. Do you have any brandy? Not moonshine. I need brandy for this." "Yes, Christy, I have some brandy." "I need about half a cup." "I'll get the bottle." He went into his laboratory. Christy washed and picked over the two pounds of fresh cranberries. She measured out three cups of brown sugar. Neil banked the coals in the fireplace. At this point the fire was too hot. He brought her the brandy. "Another fifteen minutes or so and the fire will be ready, Christy." "Good." She took her dutch oven and poured in the cranberries. She sprinkled the brown sugar over them, and put the cover on the dutch oven. When the fire was ready, she hung the dutch oven over the coals. The brandy bottle was half full. Neil had only two bottles left in his stash, to be saved for special occasions. He was sacrificing this wonderful brandy for cranberry sauce. 'What I do for love,' he thought. Forty five minutes later, Christy poured the brandy over the berries and replaced the cover. When she wasn't looking, Neil added a little bit more brandy. Then he returned the bottle to its safe hiding place. After fifteen minutes, she took the cranberries off the fire and removed the lid. The cranberries had all popped. They looked dark and delicious, and the aroma filled the kitchen. They could be served at room temperature. Christy lovingly fingered the recipe book. She had been discussing last wills and testaments with her mother and grandmother after Alex had been born. "Grandmother, and Mother, just leave me your recipes in your wills. I do not want your money or your jewelry. Grandmother, you have other grandchildren. Mother, George will marry some day. Your recipes will always serve as a reminder of happy times and special occasions. Wonderful memories. Comfort foods." They all laughed. Christy's request had allowed the both of them to see her true nature and goodness. However, when they died, she received their recipe books and trust funds for Alex and their own retirement. A few baubles were also handed down, special jewelry that had the most sentimental value to both women. Christy also received her grandmother's heirloom silver and china. The MacNeill cabin had been expanded over the years. Neil had wanted to move, but Christy refused. She loved the cabin. The tables were set with fine Irish linen tablecloths, and the china, crystal and silver she inherited. It had taken her nearly three hours to iron the tablecloths the night before. The turkey was cooking in the oven, its savory smell of sage and marjoram filling the cabin. The pies had been baked yesterday. On the way to the Mission, Alex and Helena entertained a lively conversation. "I really do like your parents, Alex. Your father is like a giant teddy bear." "He would bristle at that description, even though it is true. We just do not speak thoughts like that to him." He laughed. "I like your mother." "She wants everything to be perfect. She worries a lot." "Your home is charmingly rustic." "The main cabin is nearly two hundred years old." "I am not criticizing the cabin. It just seemed incongruous to set trestle tables with Irish linen, Waterford crystal, and Wedgewood china, not to mention the silver tea service, in the middle of these mountains, in the middle of nowhere. Alex, the tea service alone is worth a fortune. The bottom is stamped 'Revere'." "Our family has been in America for a very long time, Helena, before the American Revolution. My mother inherited these from my grandmother and great grandmother. They have been handed down through the generations. One of my Rudd ancestors married a Yankee from Boston. It's just the way things are in my family. My father has some things that came over from Scotland when his ancestors left the highlands in search of freedom and a better life." They reached the Mission to collect the rest of the family. His Uncle George and Aunt Martha and his cousins William, Jonathan and Georgie would ride in the wagon. Granny Alice and Grandpa Jacob were still spry enough to ride their horses. "How is thy mother, Alex?" "Frazzled, as usual." "She frets, just like your grandmother." George said, "Don't tell her that in person, Miss Alice." "I won't George. Don't worry." "Why not?" asked Helena. "My mother was a kind and loving woman, Helena, but she was a stickler for detail. Everything had to be socially correct. My sister Christy rebelled against that. She turned her back on Asheville society and came to teach in Cutter Gap. She married Neil. But as she gets older, she wants things to be just so. In a sense she is taking on the characteristics of our late mother, and it scares her. We laugh about it with her. She really does not want her life to resemble that of our mother's." "Don't worry, Uncle George. Father would never allow that to happen." Everyone laughed. The ride back to the cabin went quickly, with so many lively conversations. Christy and Neil greeted the party when it arrived. The women all joined in to help put the feast on the table. Helena looked around the great big room where the tables were placed. There were so many antiques. This house was collector's dream come true. As the family sat around the table, Jacob Ferrand began a prayer of thanks. "Heavenly Father," he intoned, "we give thanks for the opportunity of gathering together on this Thanksgiving Day. We give thanks for the food lovingly prepared for us. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all of the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen." "Amen," everyone chorused. Neil began to carve the turkey and the family set about to enjoy the rest of the feast. It turned out to be a very satisfying holiday. As all visits go, theirs went too quickly. Christy had very little opportunity to really talk to Helena. She spent most of the time with Alex. Then they had to leave. Alex and Helena returned to Virginia on Saturday. Alex worked very hard during the last semester. At first, Christy and Neil planned to go to his graduation. About a week before they were set to leave, Christy had an appendicitis attack. Neil operated, and she was recovering nicely. Travel however, was out of the question. She wanted Neil to go, but he refused to leave her. Their son was disappointed, but he understood his father's concern. After graduation, Alex had been able to find a job with a pharmaceutical firm. Helena continued to work at the college. Alex was pleased with his parents' reaction to Helena. He felt he needed to secure his financial future, especially during these difficult economic times, before he proposed to her. Helena had her own agenda. She hadn't quite counted on Alex's staunch Highland pride and stubborness. His parents had raised him to be a gentleman, and he refused to be anything but a complete gentleman around her. Since she was unable to seduce Alex, she would have to figure out a way to obtain those MacNeill antiques. Her family could use the money. Acquiring these fine pieces would help to re-establish her family's reputation in the antiquing world. END OF CHAPTER THREE Title: "Special Medicine" Chapter Four ................................................................. Bird's-Eye Taylor observed the two strangers first. 'Tweren't locals. He could tell by their clothing, the way they walked and by the amount of racket they made as they tramped through the underbrush. Couldn't read any nature signs or trails at all. Must be flatlanders. It was early spring. There was still a nip in the air. What would bring two strangers into the Cove this early in the year? They seemed to be headed towards Doc MacNeill's. It looked to him like they was following some kind of map. They did not appear to be sick. If Doc was expectin' visitors he'd a met them in El Pano. Bird's-Eye squinted in suspicion. Something was wrong with this picture. He followed the men at a distance amd came across Jeb Spencer on the ridge with his grandson Jack. He explained to Jeb what he'd observed. "Jack run to Uncle Tom's and tell Doc MacNeill that there are two strangers heading toward his cabin. Miz MacNeill is alone there. Bird's-Eye, I'll go with you towards the MacNeill's. If they are friends of the Doc, we'll have a chance to meet some new flatlanders." Bird's-Eye's smile had no mirth. There were too many strangers about lately. It did not bode well. All this here talk about National Forest and National Park was bound to make a body right tetchy. The two men began to track the strangers who were oblivious to their surroundings. Both mountain men carried their rifles, making sure they were loaded. Neil arrived on the scene. Jeb and Bird's-Eye were coming down the ridge to the front of the cabin. Bird's-Eye indicated that he would come through the back door. Neil and Jeb bounded through the front door. Christy was sitting in a chair. Her hands and arms were tied behind the back of the chair. Her feet were tied together. Her cheeks were red from being slapped. There were tears in her eyes. She was bleeding from a one inch slice at the side edge of her jaw. She had been cut with a knife. Neil roared with primal anger. "Shoot him," the stranger said to the other accomplice. As he raised his gun toward Neil, Bird's Eye and Jeb shot him at the same time. Neil punched the man who had hurt Christy and sent him flying towards the fireplace. Neil went to Christy. He could read the fear and loathing in her eyes. "Oh Christy," he whispered hoarsely, "what has he done to you?" "Untie me please, my arms are burning," she whispered. "Of course." The thief had shaken off Neil's punch. He grabbed a poker from the fire place and turned toward Neil. Christy whimpered. Neil stood and instinctively grabbed his great grandfather's claymore from the rafters. Jeb and Bird's-Eye were reloading their shotguns. Neil turned to face the man. The length of the blade and the man's momentum doomed him. He literally impaled himself on the blade. The dying man looked up at Neil and said, "You are all country bumpkins. Helena said it would be like taking candy from a baby. No one would know." Tom had alerted his Uncle Bogg, the county squire. Bogg arrived just before the thief died. Neil had freed Christy. She was crying hysterically. Opal had come with Tom and Bogg, and she tried to calm Christy down. Such a terrifyin' ruckus at the MacNeill's! The two men carried no identification. Christy said they gave their name as Smith. As far as Bogg was concerned, justice had been meted out in a proper fashion. He listened to the eyewitness accounts. The two bodies would be buried in the mountains. Justice had been served. Neil stitched the cut on Christy's jaw. He tried to make his surgical stitches as small as possible, so that there would be minimal scarring. They had both heard the dying thief's words..."Helena said." How would they tell Alex? Bogg and Tom removed the bodies. Opal cleaned up the blood as best she could. She washed the floor to remove any physical reminders of the two dead men. Neil wanted to have Christy rest, but she opposed him. He knew that she was too upset and keyed up, and that she would soon go into shock. He thanked Bird's-Eye and Jeb. "I owe you both." "Next time I need doctorin', don't charge me," said Bird's-Eye. "You've got yourself a deal," said Neil. He turned to Jeb. "We've been friends too long, Doc. You're like a brother to me. Kin takes care of kin." "Thank you very much, Jeb." "You're welcome, old friend." The two men left. Opal hugged Christy and then she hugged Neil. "Who'd a thought strangers would hurt Christy. Do you you know them? "We've never seen them before, Opal. They are strangers to both of us." She nodded. "Iffen you need anything, you jest get word to me. I'll come right by, that's a promise, Christy." "Thank you Opal." SHe watched her friend leave. Christy was pacing back and forth. "Neil?" "Yes, Christy." "You will call him and tell him the unvarnished truth. He can handle it. In the meantime, darling? I need you." "I'm right here Christy." "Take me upstairs, please. I need you to just hold me and give me comfort. I need your special medicine." "Oh Christy." "Please Neil. I cannot stand to remember how that man looked at me. He was up to no good. I truly believe that he would have raped me and even killed me. I could see it in his eyes, and I felt it when he touched my face. The man took pleasure in hurting prople. Please Neil, kiss me and let me feel how much you love me, my darling." "Christy, I have never felt so hopeless as when I saw you trussed up in that chair." "I know, because I could see it in your eyes when you came crashing through that door. You have always been my hero, darling." "Christy." "I imagine that I will have nightmares for a while. Bear with me darling, and just keep applying your special medicine on a regular basis. It has always worked before in the past, and I expect it will again now." A while later, Neil administered a small dose of a sleeping draught to Christy. He went downstairs after she had fallen asleep, and telephoned his son. "Dad, I'm glad that you called. I was going to telephone you tonight. Tomorrow is Helena's birthday and I am going to ask her....." "Alex, stop," Neil interrupted. "Are you sitting down?" "No, but Dad...." "Alex, sit down now. I command it." "Dad?" "Are you sitting down?" "Yes." "Two strangers came into the Cove today. They were seeking our home. They were thieves, Alex, searching for your mother's ugly tea service. How would flatlanders know that we had a tea service with the maker's mark, Revere? (Alex shuddered, remembering Helena's remarks at Thanksgiving.) They tied your mother up, Alex. One man insinuated that he would rape her before he killed her. He had slapped her a few times and he cut her jaw with a knife." He continued, " Bird's-Eye and Jeb tracked them to the cabin. Jack Spencer came running to the McHone's to warn me. We all arrived at the same time. Alex, I have never been more scared in my life than I was today to see that kind of fear in your mother's eyes. I have never felt such fury and rage and hate toward someone else, but he inflicted pain on your beloved mother. I had to give her a mild sedative tonight. Your mother faced death today son. She has been traumatized, whether she realizes it or not, yet." "Dad, I am in shock. I don't know what to say. I am speechless. How could she plot this against me and you both?" "This man admitted that his niece Helena had told him about the silver, and that taking it would be as easy as taking candy from a baby. I know that you think you love her, Alex, but you have to know the truth. Your mother could have died today. Son, I cannot fathom the human heart. You said you loved this young woman and from what you said when you answered the telephone tonight, you intend to propose marriage tomorrow. If you choose to wed her, that is your right. But I tell you this, Alex, and it breaks my heart to do so. Helena is not welcome in Cutter Gap. I will allow no one who has so grievously had a part in hurting your mother in our home ever again. We love you Alex, we always will. As Christians we should forgive her. In time perhaps we will. But for now, Alex, no. The pain your mother has suffered is too great. No one hurts or threatens a MacNeill woman and gets away with it. Clan pride forbids it, son. The pain your mother has suffered is just too great. These two thieves whoever they were, have disappeared into the mountains mists. They gave their name as Smith. No one knows of a clan named Smith anywhere near these parts." After Alex finished talking with his father, he sat stunned trying to take in all that happened in the Cove. He did not see Helena the next day. He had wrestled with confronting her, but then decided he did not want to see her just yet. He needed to calm down. He realized that he had inherited his father's temper. He would face Helena. The ring he was going to give her had belonged to his great grandmother. He had never really seen Helena's mercenary side before. When he recalled past experiences with her, he realized that he had tuned her comments out. He did not care in a plate was Minton or Wedgewood, but she did. He wasn't raised in a world where material goods mattered. She was. Money was a means of exchange for goods or services rendered. To Helena, money was power. One thing he knew for certain, Helena would never see her uncle again. Mountain justice had been administered swiftly. When he called at her house the two nights later, she gave him a petulant look. "You missed my birthday." "Did I? I suppose I had important things on my mind." "What could be more important than my birthday?" "Can we take a walk?" "Certainly." They walked, but Alex remained silent, trying to formulate his thoughts. "You are quiet tonight," she said. "I am trying to fathom how you could put my mother is such mortal danger and not feel the least bit remorseful." "I do not know what you are talking about, Alex." "Do not play me for a fool, Helena. I quote, "Helena said taking the antiques would be like taking candy from a baby." Helena paled. "My father said that thieves threatened my mother. They almost tortured her." "Alex, I am sure your father is exaggerating, sweetheart. That's his way, isn't it?" "If there is one thing I can be sure of, besides the rising and setting of the sun every day, is that my father always, I repeat always, tells the truth, Helena." Helena stared at him. "Oh yes, my dear, men came into the Cove to steal the MacNeill antiques." She tried to reply. "Don't bother denying it. You made one very bad miscalculation." "What was that?" she asked without thinking, thus implicating herself in the plot. Alex looked at her intently. "Strangers are not welcome in the Cove." "Your family welcomed me." "Only because I brought you. Strangers rarely make it out of the Cove." "What happened?" "I was told that the County Squire had determined that justice had been served." "What is that supposed to mean?" "The thieves received a full measure of mountain justice. They have been swallowed up by the mountains." "What happened to the two men?" "I never mentioned a number, Helena. Who were they?" "One was my uncle." "Is that who you sent to do your dirty work?" "Yes," she said defiantly. "More the fool he. Goodbye Helena." Alex turned and walked away. "I'll call the police." "You can do that, but county justice has been administered. They will have no quarrel with the facts." She kept shouting at him, but Alex turned a deaf ear to her threats. He needed to go home and see his parents. End of Chapter Four Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Special Medicine" Chapter Five ................................................................. Taking a few days of precious vacation, Alex traveled to Cutter Gap. He hadn't told them he was coming home. He wanted to surprise them. He opened the cabin door. Christy was holding a basket full of mending which she promptly dropped as she screamed in fright. Alex had been in the shadows. "Mom, it's me, Alex. I came home to see you and Dad." Neil came rushing out of his laboratory when he heard Christy scream. "I'm sorry Mom. I didn't mean to frighten you. I thought that I would just surprise you." Christy stepped over her mending to hug her son. "Forgive me, Alex, I'm a little jumpy." He saw the bruises on her face and his father's careful stitches. Tears welled up in his eyes. "Oh Mom, I never should have brought Helena here. I did not know that she was so mercenary. She thought we were wealthy." "We are wealthy son, in all the things that matter," said Neil. "Welcome home son," he said as he hugged Alex. "Thanks Dad." "How long can you stay?" asked Christy. "A few days, Mom." He bent to pick up the mending. "It is good to be home." "Come let's sit on soft seats. Would you like something to drink?" "I'm fine, Mom. How are you feeling?" "I am getting better, I think. You'll have to ask my doctor." "I'll be taking out the stitches sometime next week. She didn't have a nightmare last night. That is a good sign." Neil kissed her temple. "Special medicine always helps," said Alex. "It's the very best treatment," smiled Christy. "It has worked for me for all these years. Now, what of Helena? Is that chapter closed?" "Yes, Mom. As a matter of fact, I threw that book away. Remember when I told you that she did not believe me when I told her that I was born in a rural community?" Christy nodded. "I had mentioned that you were born in Asheville. Well, she equated Asheville with wealth. She asked me if you had ever been to Biltmore. I told her that my grandparents had attended some parties and functions there. She pictured us as a very well-to-do family. Therefore I had to be quite a catch. When we came for Thanksgiving she masked her disappointment well. I did not see it at all. When she saw the antiques, she began to scheme, especially when Dad referred to the tea service as 'that ugly old thing' on the table." "Did you say that Neil?" "I don't recall." He glared at Alex. "Oops. Sorry Dad." The glare became glacial. Christy looked at Neil. "It is ugly, darling, but apparently it is worth a fortune." They all laughed, but then became serious. "Neil, when push comes to shove, we can donate it to a museum." "You are absolutely right, Christy." Alex nodded in agreement. "No one needs to know that it is in a packing case filled with straw in the barn," continued Neil. That sent them all into a fit of laughter. "Stop making me laugh," said Christy. "It hurts to laugh." Alex said, "Just think of it, an antique that should be adored and revered, pardon the pun, is closed in a wooden crate in a barn in Tennessee." "It's not funny," said Christy. "It was a serious, dangerous incident." "Yes, it was Lass." "I was in shock Mom, when Dad told me what happened. It is my fault that you were put in danger. I just did not see Helena's true character." "They say love is blind," said Neil. "That is true," said Christy. "What are you inferring, Lass?" Christy looked at Neil. She bit her lip. "I was merely agreeing with your statement, Neil." He looked at her intently. She'd been through enough. He didn't need to press her for the truth behind her statement. Once again she'd made the mistake of trying to be coquettish with her answer. He'd bide his time, and get the truth out of her one day. He was very good at remembering and catching his wife offguard with unexpected questions, enjoying immensely her squirming, inventive replies. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Within a month, Helena's family launched an investigation into the disappearance of her Uncle Alfred. Mrs. Tatum had rented a room with two twin beds to two men for three nights. Their baggage was still unclaimed. She testified that they arrived in El Pano in the morning, rented the rooms and never returned. They had signed the register as a Mr. Alfred Delancy and a Mr. Joseph Jones. She held the rooms for the three days, but she had never been paid. The addresses they gave her were phony, as were the telephone numbers. She was very unhappy because of the loss of the income. The conclusion of the marshal's investigation was not of any surprise to the residents of Cutter Gap. After interviewing the county squire Bogg McHone, his verdict stood. No one by the name of Alfred Delancy ever entered Cutter Gap. The two strangers who attacked Mrs. MacNeill told her their names were John and Virgil Smith. They had been killed by Mr. Bird's-Eye Taylor, Mr. Jeb Spencer and Doctor Neil MacNeill for attacking Mrs. MacNeill and threatening her life. Breaking and entering with the intent to steal was also one of their crimes. All four eyewitnesses were respected citizens of Cutter Gap. No one could attest to the wherabouts of Mr. Delancy or Mr. Jones. As far as the investigators were concerned, those men chose to leave El Pano without a trace. Helena knew she had lost. Alex never acknowledged any of her letters. As far as he was concerned, it was over. In the months and years that followed, Alex decided to go back to school full time. He had been extremely troubled by the attack on his mother. He realized that he had led a fairly sheltered life. Attending college and working in the pharmaceutical firm had not necessarilymade him wise to the ways of the world. He was a man of his word, as his father was and his grandfather had been. A man's word was his bond. Alex would always honor a promise made in good faith. Helena had used him and wounded him deeply. Jeb or Tom would call him gunshy when it came to women. He just did not trust his heart any more. So while he went back to school, he practically ignored the women in his classes. He wasn't rude, he was too much of a gentleman for that. He made no effort to socialize. Using money from his trust fund he was now seeking his Master's degree in chemistry. It was 1937. He was twenty two years old. He wanted to do research, to help find cures and vaccines for illnesses. He worked tirelessly. Alex MacNeill was as focused as his father when it came to research. Christy sat on the front porch reading Alex's latest letter. Neil approached the steps. He had just come from El Pano. Christy looked up and saw that he was carrying a bouquet of flowers. "For me?" she asked, smiling at him. "No, it's dessert for the nanny goat." She laughed. "Of course they are for you, my best Lass." He kissed her and handed her the flowers. "What is new with Alex?" "His usual ramblings about his work. He is finishing up his thesis. Polishing it up with his advisor. He has been so focused these last few years. He is happy to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. I am worried about him." "Why, Christy?" "He has no social life to speak of, Neil. After the debacle with Helena, he has shut himself off from any kind of dating. He's a smart, witty, affable young man." "He takes after me." She ignored his comments, and continued, "I just wish he would meet someone nice who would give him the chance to trust his heart again." "All in due time, Christy." "I want grandbabies to cuddle, Neil." That made him laugh. "While you are waiting, how about giving me a cuddle?" She giggled as she hugged him. "Special medicine, Neil?" "What ever you want to call it, Christy, it works for me." "And for me as well, my darling. Let me put these lovely flowers in a vase." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ While they were working in a lab at school, one of his fellow students accidentally slammed her finger in a desk. Alex automatically grabbed her hand and kissed it. "What are you doing?" she asked. "I'm sorry, it was an automatic response," he said with embarrassment. "My father is a doctor. Kissing a boo-boo meant special medicine to make you feel better." "A boo-boo?" His cheeks were stained pink. He could not believe he had said boo-boo. "Yes, that is what my parents called my scrapes and bruises when I was a little boy." "You are Alex MacNeill, aren't you?" "Yes, that is who I am." "Have you finished defending your thesis?" "Yes, I have. What an ordeal." "So you are just waiting to hear from the committee. Aren't you nervous?" "The suspense is killing me. I want to do research in chemistry. I want to make my parents proud of me." "I'm sure your parents are very proud of you." "I believe they are, Miss MacIntyre." "You may call me Kathleen." "Thank you, Kathleen." "You are welcome." "You may call me Alex." She nodded and smiled. Alex then smiled, just like his father. Kathleen almost swooned. Alex caught her reaction. ' Just like my mother.' He smiled again. Kathleen gripped the desk chair for balance. Alex finally understood. His father said it was like a lightning bolt. He had felt it when he first looked at Christy and told her to stand aside that very first day she'd come to Cutter Gap. He had said there was no use fighting it. Cupid's arrow had met its mark. "Are you sure your finger is all right?" "Yes, I think so. "Let me see." She showed it to him. He kissed it again. "Just to be on the safe side, to make it all better." She was lost. "By the way, do you like antiques?" "No, not really. They're all right, I suppose. Why?" "Just curious. It's not important. We have a few around the house." "My parents do too. I do not understand why they keep all that old stuff." "Neither do I," said Alex smiling broadly. "Have you ever been to Tennessee?" "No." "Would you like to go to dinner after our lab is over?" "That would be very nice, Alex. Thank you." She smiled. Her eyes were a curious shade of hazel and green. Alex felt his pulse quicken, and then he smiled. End of Chapter Five Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Special Medicine" Chapter Six ................................................................. Alex was very careful in his courtship of Kathleen MacIntyre. She loved him more than she could think was possible. He was so cautious. She knew that someone had hurt him very much. She had been invited to meet Alex's parents at Easter, and she was worried. She wanted to make a good impression. Alex was oblivious to her concerns. In many respects, he was just like his father. He had told her about Cutter Gap. She knew it was a very rural community. She had been born in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Her father had been a coal miner who had been killed in a mining accident. Kathleen's dreams of going to college had been fulfilled by a scholarship she had won, and through the efforts of her stalwart teacher, Miss Egan. Kathleen had admired Alex MacNeill, he certainly was a handsome devil. She had been allowed to take an advanced chemistry class, which put her in contact with him. When he first grabbed her hand after she slammed her finger in the desk drawer, she'd felt a bolt of an electric shock. It wasn't static electricity. Now she was headed to a place called El Pano with Alex. When they reached the station, Kathleen expected to see a bonafide town. It wasn't very large at all. Alex collected their valises and they walked to the livery. "Good day, Sam Taylor." "Hello, young Alex." "I'd like to rent two horses, please." "Sounds like a fine idea. Out to visit the folks?" "Yes sir. I'd like you to introduce Miss McIntyre to you. Kathleen, this is Mr. Taylor." "How do you do, sir." "Folks call me Sam. I'm also the blacksmith." "I am pleased to meet you." He had nearly crushed her tiny hand with his massive handshake." "Are you here for Easter?" "Yes, Sam." "Well you best be on your way. The weather will hold. Be mighty fine for the next few days." Alex secured their baggage to the backs of the horses and they proceeded to ride the seven miles to Cutter Gap. Kathleen was utterly enchanted. The wildflowers were in bloom. The Cove was decked out in its finest splendor, as if to welcome her with a giant bouquet of flowers. The mountains took her breath away. At one point she stopped the horse because she was so overcome by the sheer beauty of her surroundings. "Welcome to my home, Kate darling." Alex leaned over and kissed her. "Oh Alex, how could you bear to leave this place?" "God had a plan for me to find you, Lass." She smiled, and joy filled her beautiful face. "You are so special to me, Kate." He thought about his mother and father. They had gotten it right, and so would he. They were finally in the homestretch. "We're nearly home, sweetheart." As they cleared the rise Kate saw the cabin where Alex had been born. It was charming. There was a cat laying on the front stoop in a patch of sunlight. A beagle came up to edge of the Creek on the other side barking and wagging his tail. "That is Patches. The cat's name is Caruso because of the way he can howl. My dad loves opera." She laughed as they crossed the Creek and rode up to the barn, with Patches following them barking with delight. Neil and Christy came out of the cabin to greet them. "Welcome to Cutter Gap, Kathleen." "Thank you Doctor MacNeill." "I'm so glad that we have the chance to finally meet you," said Christy. "Thank you, Mrs. MacNeill. I am very pleased to be here." "Are you two going to see to the horses?" Christy asked Neil. "Yes, Lass." "Then come, Kathleen, and refresh yourself. Have a bit of a rest. I am sure that you must be tired." "I feel fine." "I understand. In almost twenty minutes you will want to rest. Right now adrenelin is driving you." "Adrenelin?" "That's what I get for being a doctor's wife. You pick up some of the jargon along the way. Would you like a glass of iced tea or lemonade?" "Iced tea please. How do you keep the ice?" "Doctor MacNeill built us an ice house, next to the spring house. It is about twenty feet deep. In the winter, we harvest blocks of ice that form and we layer the ice between thick layers of clean straw in the chamber. We can usually keep ice until June. Once or twice we've been able to make ice cream on the Fourth of July. We haven't managed to have electricity, even though we do have a telephone. They say electricity is coming. I've done without it all this time, I don't know if I want to bother with it. I ramble on so, my dear. Would you like lemon and sugar in your tea?" "Yes please." "I make the tea with an infusion of peppermint. Do you mind?" "No Ma'am. I find it refreshing." "So do I. As a matter of fact when I first came here one of the women, my dear friend Fairlight, taught me to chew some mint leaves before I drank the cool branch water. It was so refreshing on a hot summer's day." She handed Kathleen the glass of tea." "Thank you," said the young lady. "Forgive me for rambling, Kathleen. Let me show you to your room." "Please call me Kate." "Thank you." "The room is lovely, Mrs. MacNeill. The quilt on the bed is beautiful. Did you make it?" "Yes, I did. The pattern is called Moon Over the Mountain. The four central blocks represent each season. The full moon has very romantic memories for Doctor MacNeill and me." "Your quilting is exquisite." "Thank you. A quilt is always a labor of love. Do you sew?" "A little. My grandmother quilted." "I understand. When I first came here I could sew a little. I could sew on buttons and maybe a straight hem. I knew how to knit and do embroidery and needlepoint. I learned how to quilt from my friend Fairlight. She died in a typhoid epidemic. It was my wake up call to the harshness of life in these mountains. And so I continue to ramble on and on. You are most welcome here, Kate. Feel free to settle in. Rest if you are tired. Dinner will be served at six thirty. We are not formal here. When you are ready, please join us. We look forward to your company." "Thank you." Kathleen unpacked her valise. She looked around the room. It was simply furnished. There was a pitcher and bowl on the nightstand. Fresh water filled the pitcher. There were towels folded nearby. On the wall was a colored pencil sketch of Alex when he was a little boy. His head was a riot of curls. There was a fine selection of books to read on a bookshelf. It would appear that Mrs. MacNeill liked Austen and Bronte. She started to yawn, and decided she would lay down for a few minutes. Soon she was fast asleep. Neil had gone out to help Alex with the horses. "Kathleen seems like a very nice young woman." "She is very special, Dad." "Are you serious about her?" "Yes. She swooned when I smiled at her, and when she smiled back, I had the same reaction." "I understand completely, son," he said laughing. "Your mother still has that effect on me." They finished taking care of the horses and went inside the cabin. Caruso hadn't moved off the porch. "Does he ever move, Dad?" "He's feeling rather smug right now. Carmen is going to have kittens." "How does Mom feel about that?" "You know how your mother is about babies of any kind. She has a soft and loving heart. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alex and Kate went for a ride on Saturday, and Alex took her on a hike to God's Fist. "Oh Alex, this is utterly spectacular." "It is truly a special place, Kate. Let's sit and enjoy the view." "Alex, I'm confused." "About what?" "Your grandparents." "How so?" "Your maternal grandparents were William and Julia Huddleston." "That is correct." "Your paternal grandparents are Alice and Jacob Ferrand. Did your grandmother remarry?" Alex laughed. "Actually, Kate, there is no blood relationship to Granny and Jacob Ferrand." "I don't understand, Alex." "Alice Henderson Ferrand was my father's first mother-in-law. Dad was married to Margaret Henderson, Granny Alice's daughter. She died. Miss Alice came to the Mission established by Jacob Ferrand during Dad's first marriage. Alice and Margaret were estranged. It was all very sad. After Margaret died, Alice stayed at the Mission. My Dad stayed to continue to be a doctor to his people. My mother heard Doctor Ferrand speak about the need for teachers for the mountain children. She came to teach at the Mission. Miss Alice was her mentor. Now Mom and Dad fell in love, and the rest is history." "When did your Granny marry your Grandpa?" He kept proposing and finally wore her down. She kept turning him away, but he was persistant, until she finally gave in. They are as happy as happy can be, and it is a joy to see them. Why one winter, he put on snow shoes and tramped "I love you Alice" in the meadow near the Mission. She could see it from their bedroom window. How's that for being romantic?" "It sounds wonderful, Alex." "Kate, I cannot think of a more wonderful setting than here on this mountain to ask for your hand in marriage. Eventually I would like to pursue my doctorate in chemistry. But I think that I need you to be with me now, Kate. I have spoken to your Mom and to your grandfather, and they have both given me their blessing. So Kate, my dearest, will you marry me?" She took his hand into hers, and looked deeply into his eyes. It was a good thing she was sitting down. "Alex, I would be honored to be your wife." He took her into his arms and kissed her. She felt lightheaded for a minute. He opened the ring box, and showed her his grandmother's ruby and sapphire ring. "Oh it is beautiful, Alex." He slipped it on to her finger. She held her hand up and admired the way it looked. Then she hugged him with all of her might. "Let's not slip off the side of the mountain, Lass." "Your father often calls your mother, Lass." "Yes, it is his favorite nickname for her. A true term of endearment. I grew up hearing it all of my life. I love you, Kate." "I love you, Alex." "Lets go home and tell my parents." End of Chapter Six Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "Special Medicine" Chapter Seven ................................................................. "Your mother and I are thrillled that you have proposed to Kate, and that she has been foolish enough to say yes." "Dad! What a thing to say. You don't really think that she is foolish, do you?" "No son, we do not think that she is foolish. She is very well grounded and understands the rural way of life." They lapsed into companionable silence. "Dad," Alex said tentatively, "you've never really talked to me about what happened here three years ago." "We talked, Alex. I told you the facts." "Yes Dad, only the facts. Does Mom still have the nightmares anymore?" Neil hesitated. "No, she's fine now." "You're not, though, are you Dad?" Neil looked deeply into his son's eyes. Alex could be relentless like a dog with a bone. How many times had he heard 'Why Daddy?' when Alex was a young, inquisitve boy. Perhaps he too had bones to lay to rest. "Let's go for a walk, Alex. Your mother can hear a pin drop from here." "Dad, we're in the barn." "She's uncanny, that one, and more than a wee bit fey. Could you ever pull one over on her, son?" "No sir." "Neither could I. I will never forget the look of fear and terror in your mother's eyes. Blind rage and fury engulfed me. I was not a rational man. I barely heard the shots that Jeb and Bird's-Eye fired. I never saw the man fall dead. My sole purpose was to get to the man who had hurt and terrified your mother. I had promised your grandparents that I would protect her. I failed miserably at that." "That's not true." "I punched the man as hard as I could. I wanted to knock him senseless. But your mother cried and I turned away to help her." "She'll always be your Achilles heel, Dad." "I suppose that is one way of looking at it, Alex. Your mother was in physical distress. I tried to cut her bonds. She whimpered because she saw the man get up and grab the poker from the fireplace. I automatically grabbed the claymore. These are my demons, son. I could have parried his blow with the poker. I did nothing and his own momentum impaled him. I did not stab him by jabbing the weapon at him, but then, I made no effort to move the blade. I was as instrumental in his death , as if I had stabbed him myself intentionally. What right do I have to take a life, Alex? I am supposed to be a doctor, a healer. In my rage and anger I allowed a life to be lost." Neil shook his head. "Have you told anyone about this?" "Yes. I've spoken with Jacob, Reverend Barth, some of my collegues in Baltimore, even the Catholic priest who is the chaplain at St. Timothy's." "And their answers?" "Were all basically the same." "Have you forgiven the two thieves?" "I think that I have." "Dad, you've taken psychology. You know that a decision you make in a stressful situation, given all the surrounding evidence and parameters, is the best decision you can make at that time. There will be consequences because of the choice that you make. And you have had to deal with those consequences." "Those are my demons, son." "Does mother know?" "Of course she does. But then she holds my hand or takes my hand to the tiny scar on her jaw, and places it on her skin. And I know that if I had to do it all over again my actions would be the same. I will live with my demons for the rest of my life, Alex." His son nodded and hugged him. "Forgive me for ever bringing her here to Cutter Gap. Those are my demons, Dad." "Enough wallowing, Alex. Tomorrow is Easter. That will give us a greater cause to celebrate. He died for our sins to save us." "Who is conducting the service?" "I am not sure. Jacob was supposed come back from Cataleechie some time today. Your mother might know. Shall we rejoin the ladies? Your mother has been on her best behavior." "I noticed. Not too many questions. Kate has gotten off mildly." They both laughed. Inside the cabin Christy asked, "Kate, do you know where you would like to get married?" "I thought we'd be married at home in Pennsylvania. All of my family lives there. My brothers work in the coal mines and the glass factory." "Glass factory?" "Yes. There is a glass factory in Mount PLeasant where my brother Paul works. They make decorative glass pieces." "Have you chosen a date?" "We talked about October." "It is a beautiful time of year." "Would you be able to travel?" "Our family is small but I can promise you that we will be well represented. Neil and I would not miss it for the world." Kate smiled and Christy hugged her. "The reception is provided by the ladies of the parish. Everyone cooks a dish. The wedding cake is provided by the local bakery. It is one of the few expenses for the wedding. The reception is held in the church hall." "It sounds quite lovely, Kate. You must let me know if there is anything that I can do for you. What is your favorite color?" "I love the color blue, in any shade." "That is my favorite color too. They both laughed. Neil and Alex came in fromtheir talk. "Did you miss us?" asked Neil. "Not really," said Christy with a twinkle in her eye. "We've been talking about the wedding." "Ach, she wounds me," said Neil. "Silly man," said Christy as she threw a needlepoint pillow at him. He caught it as Kate watched with amused fascination at their playfulness. "Good catch. Have you been practicing to impress Kate?" "You are skating on thin ice, Lass." Alex laughed. His parents would never change. During his childhood there were times when the family faced serious situations. There was always a loving and caring atmosphere that surrounded them, and now they would add Kate to their intimate circle. He sat next to her and held her hand. Christy looked at her only son and smiled with complete contentment. He was happy and truly in love. She looked at Kate, who was looking at Alex with adoration. Christy sighed. Neil took her hand and kissed it. They had done their job as parents. Now it was Alex and Kate's turn, the next generation of MacNeill's. Christy looked into her beloved husband's eyes and smiled. The End.