The Revelation ~ In the Cove
The following day I arrived bright and early at the Allen's. I once again agonized over the sight I saw before me. These people had so little before the storm and now they had even less! I know I had given Neil a long sermon on God being a good God, but how could I ever convince him or anyone else of that after they'd witnessed the desolation all through out the cove? I could do very little, but I was willing to do whatever they gave me to do.
I rode up to the Allen's; I saw Bob and Mary, Little Burl, Creed, and all the others. They could have used Rob's help right now, but he was away at college.
I dismounted Buttons and tethered her to a small tree. I took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. I threw my shoulder's back and forged ahead. I turned toward Mary. I didn't want to smile; I just looked at her forlorn face. I had brought supplies from the mission, mostly food, potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, beans, corn, etc. I thought we could use them in a stew for the men, if Mary and Bob wanted.
"Morning Miz Christy." Mary said sadly.
"Good morning Mary." I answered. "I've come to help out in any way that I can. I'll do anything you want me to." I handed Mary the sack of food. "Miss Alice sent these vegetables. We thought maybe we could use them for the meal today if you don't mind?"
"I'm sure we could use them. Thank-you." Mary said sadly. I knew how difficult it must have been for her to accept my help; they didn't take to accepting charity. But what else would they have to feed the men that would come here to help today?
"What can I do?" I asked.
"We'll divide up the work once everyone gets here, but I'll most likely need yah to help with the meal fixin. I'll need all the help I can get with that. I'm sure most everyone coming today will be men. I'm kind a glad to see a woman show up!" Mary said shyly.
"Then I'm very glad I came today!" I declared.
Men came from all over the cove and all the neighboring areas. Even the Holcombe's who I thought were building their cabin today as well. I asked Mary about this. She said they had made a pact with the Holcombe's that if the Holcombe's came to help today, the Allen's would help them with their cabin tomorrow.
I was busy peeling vegetables, chopping vegetables, and cutting up meat into a huge iron pot. This would be the largest stew I had ever made. But as more and more men came pouring in to help, I realized we would need all this and more. Mary made pan after pan of cornbread over the open fire.
I stood to stretch and rest my back from constantly bending over the table. That's when I saw him . . .Neil was here! He was working along side the other men helping to build the cabin. I stared at him, as I had never done before. Today I was seeing him in a different light. He looked different than the last time I had seen him in his suit and tie. Today he was working up a sweat with his hair most unruly in the heat and humidity. I wanted to talk with him, but this was neither the time nor the place. I hadn't seen him in over a week and a half. So much had happened since then, I had seen so much devastation that it was hard to focus on anything else. Yet seeing Neil there, I just couldn't help but think of everything he had said to me twelve days ago. I ached to tell him of my feelings but I couldn't, at least not yet. Maybe after all of the cabins were built. Suddenly he turned and looked at me, our eyes locked for a brief moment a look of sadness swept across his face and he shook his head and turned away hastily. He had no smile, not even an acknowledgement of me. But with all he'd probably seen these past twelve days I could imagine that seeing me was the least of his worries.
I went back to my meal preparations. This was what I had come here to do. I hadn't come to speak to Neil. Of course I didn't know he'd be here.
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At Noon the men streamed over for their food, some were lying on the ground in the shade trying to catch a catnap before starting up again. I took the water bucket around to everyone offering each man a drink. To those that didn't come for food I offered to get them a plate if they wanted. Some accepted my hospitality others refused it. I had kept an eye on Neil and I was saving 'the-best-for-last' as they say. When I turned to him, he looked sound asleep in the shadow of a tree. I wasn't sure weather to wake him or not. He had worked just as hard, if not harder than the other men today and if I knew Neil MacNeill, he probably had been helping out everyone in the cove day and night these past twelve days and he hadn't gotten much sleep. I'm sure he had probably gotten even less to eat! I walked up to him trying to make as much noise as I could so he would hear me if he were awake. He didn't stir . . . There went my plans for speaking to him at noon!!
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By the end of the day the Allen's had a shanty-type cabin built. It would protect them from the weather and they could add to it, or build on as needed, as time went by. But at least for now they had a place to live. It was agreed that tomorrow, work would be done at the Holcombe's.
I saw Neil readying to leave. I hoped he would wait so we could talk. I headed over to where he had saddled Duke and was mounting him. He noticed me coming and quickly turned Duke and took off as fast as he could.
I stood there staring after him. 'What on earth is going on?' I asked myself.
I went back and helped Mary clean up. As the sun was setting I apologized for not finishing the work, but I had to leave so I could get back to the mission before dark.
I couldn't get Neil off of my mind. Why had he acted the way he had today? Well, maybe I did. He still thought David and I were getting married this week. There seemed to be no way that he would allow me to speak with him either. I knew he was hurt. From experience I had seen it with my own eyes that when he was hurt he sought solitude. He had locked himself away many times. I had found him a few times sitting on a bench by the river staring pensively out at the water. I had no idea what to do in this situation. Usually he withdrew completely, even from me. This time he was totally avoiding me.
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Once again I asked Ruby Mae to get my bath ready. I was praying that God would give me the answers to my questions about Neil! The Lord had shown me where he wanted me to go, but now I needed him to help me show Neil!
I ate light for Supper; I was too tired to eat. As soon as my sandwich was eaten I went directly to my room. I fell asleep almost immediately. Tomorrow I had to be up bright and early, as the Holcombe's would need help tomorrow.
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Neil went home and plunged into the river. Taking off his clothes only after he got into the water. He soaked his tired body and weary muscles. The water was cool and refreshing after the heat and humidity of the day.
As he lie back to relax his mind began to wonder again! Just like he had told her . . .he saw her face again as he closed his eyes! He soaked his head under the flowing water trying to drown out the vision of loveliness that he knew would never be his! He rose up shaking his head. He turned around quickly as he thought he heard her calling him from behind. But she wasn't there. Even the coldness of the stream was not enough today!! He ran into the house grabbing his towel as he went by. He ran to his bedroom and threw himself into the bed. "God, why can't I just forget her!? Please remove these thoughts of her from my mind--forever! She belongs to Grantland, I thought when she looked at me that day coming back from Ingle's Cove that she had changed her mind, but I have heard nothing of any changes in her plans. So, once again, I was wrong. Please remove these thoughts of her from my mind!! I can't take it anymore!" He rolled over in his bed. As he sighed a deep mournful sigh, said "Oh Christy!!" Exhaustion then took its toll and he fell into a fitful sleep!
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As I ascended the stairs the next morning I saw no Alice, no Ruby Mae, no David, but there was a strange, well-dressed, man sitting at the Dining Table.
I approached the table and extended my hand. "Hello! My name is Christy Huddleston, I don't believe we've met."
The man rose from his place at the table and took my hand. "Wade, Harold Wade, Miss Huddleston."
"Oh yes! You're the Doctor that's helping out Dr. Davis and Dr. MacNeill!"
"Yes I am." Dr. Wade replied. "I've heard so many wonderful things about you from Dr. MacNeill! You're all he talks about! He is very much in love with you Miss Huddleston!"
"I know . . .now, Dr. Wade." I started. "I'm afraid when he first told me I was quite surprised, although I suppose I shouldn't have been. I turned him down, but now I want to tell him that I changed my mind but he won't even speak to me!"
"If I see him, I'll let him know that you would like to speak to him privately. I may even let him know that I know he wants to hear what you have to say!"
"I would appreciate that Dr. Wade." I said.
"I'm being selfish, Miss Huddleston. You see, the way Neil is right now, he's not much good to us in our research. I wager if we can get him married to you, maybe he won't be so obsessed with you and he can actually concentrate on his research again!" Dr. Wade smiled with a chuckle.
"I'll do my best." I said. "I'm afraid I have to go. I'm supposed to help the Holcombe's today. They have to rebuild as well. It was nice meeting you and a pleasure speaking with you Dr. Wade. I do appreciate your help, even if it is a bit selfish!" I giggled softly.
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I saddled Buttons and headed for the Holcombe's. I was afraid I would be late. I hadn't expected to speak to Dr. Wade this morning.
The men had made quite a lot of progress already this morning. I approached Elizabeth Holcombe. "I'm sorry I'm late! Everyone else at the mission was gone and we had a guest. I had to make him feel welcome before I left. "I'm very sorry!"
"It's alright Miz Christy! I understand. There's still plenty left for us to do! Why don't you start by takin the water bucket out to the men for me?" She asked.
"I'd be happy to Elizabeth." I said as I picked up the bucket and walked toward the men. The first man I approached was Jeb Spencer. "Good morning Jeb!"
"Mornin' Miz Christy!" Jeb said as he took a drink and proceeded to pour another over his head.
I made my rounds to everyone. I wondered if Neil would even accept a drink from me after the way he acted toward me yesterday. My heart pounded in my ears. I know I was breathing heavier. I was afraid of what he might say. I also noticed the way he looked with his shirt open, suspenders hanging down and sleeves rolled up. He was dripping wet from all of the heat and humidity again today. I looked at his bare chest, but I shook my head and glanced away. I looked back as I offered him the pail of water. I tried to keep my eyes locked on his face, but I kept being drawn to his chest! I know he noticed because of the look on his face. He took a drink a dipper of water and poured another over his head.
This time it was I that spun around quickly and scurried back to where I was working.
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*Neil watched after Christy as she hurried away without speaking to him. 'Why can't she see that she's attracted to me?' 'Why can't she admit that she loves me too?' He tried unsuccessfully once again to shake the thoughts of her from his mind. He had to find something that would fill the void left by her leaving!! Maybe when he went back to Baltimore he'd take some of the Doctor's up on their offer to go with them on a blind date, but no one would compare to the beauty before him right now! All he could think of was drawing Christy into his arms and kissing her!*
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By the end of the day the Holcombe's also had a roof over their heads. Crude though it maybe, it was much more then they had this morning.
I watched Neil as he hastily retreated again today. I would once again see him tomorrow at the McHone's. After that I had no idea what his plans were.
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I once again went home and took a bath. I tried to soak my head under the water to erase the vision of Neil at the Holcombe's!! Why had I been so attracted to him? It just wasn't right! I had to get rid of this idea, this feeling . . . This *desire*, once and for all!! I had to find a way to speak to Neil tomorrow if it was the last thing I did!! Maybe I could ask him to go for a walk at noon or something! I had no idea what, but I had to seize *any* opportunity that presented itself tomorrow!
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*Neil went home and proceeded to do the same as yesterday! But this time he was haunted by the vision of her looking at him the way she did with desire in her eyes! He could see the longing and the yearning on her face! Couldn't she feel it inside herself? He knew the love in her eyes, but she wouldn't admit it!! Why? 'The water is just too warm for my purposes today!' Neil thought out loud to himself.
He threw himself into bed again tonight he thought of all the lonely days and especially the lonely nights ahead because the day after tomorrow Christy would be getting married-to Grantland!!'*
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In the early morning hours a knock came at the door. Someone was yelling 'Doc MacNeill!!" "Doc MacNeill!!" Neil pulled on his trousers and headed for the door. It was Mr. Beck, Will's father. "It's Will Doc, he looks real bad, and I think its gangrene set in his leg he busted."
"I'll be right out! Saddle my horse for me!" Neil raced to his room and got dress. He grabbed his saddlebags as he stormed out the door.
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I slept fitfully. I kept dreaming of Neil the way I saw him yesterday! Why this kept haunting me I didn't understand, but I would one day.
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When I arrived at the McHone's, Opal was talking to Mrs. Beck. I stood back until their private conversation was over.
"Miz Christy! Mrs. Beck was a tellen me they had tah fetch Doc MacNeill last night. Will's leg didn't heal up the way it shoulda. Gangrene set in. The Doc had tah remove his leg. Seems Doc is stayin' there tah make sure everything's all right. We best keep ah prayin' for Will!"
"Yes, we should!" I said. "Poor Will!"
There went my plans for today! How would I even get to speak to Neil! By the time I was done here I knew that it would be too late to head for the Beck's, and Neil might not even be there when I got there.
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