Evening had fallen, and still Christy had not awoken. Neil had stayed with her the entire time, and he was reminded of another night when he had kept watch over her... The night he first kissed her after the schoolhouse was set on fire.
The tragic event had deeply affected David. Through much prayer and consideration through the evening, he finally came to understand that he needed to let go of Christy. Though he loved her, it was clear that she didn't feel the same for him. He felt the Holy Spirit leading him to peace as he released the bitterness in his heart. He just hoped and prayed that she would awaken so that he could tell her, and to ask forgiveness for his behaviour.
Alice brought dinner up to Neil, as he refused to leave Christy and come downstairs to for the meal. "Thee must eat, Neil,". She gently admonished him. It was clear that he was taking this harder than usual.
"Thank you Alice," he willingly took the tray from her.
"Why don't thee go downstairs when you're finished and get some sleep? I can take a shift with her," Alice suggested. She knew why Neil was so concerned... She had been observing the growing feelings between the two over the last few weeks, even if neither of them admitted anything to her.
"No, I'll stay with her," he firmly said. "If I could just get a quilt and a pillow I would appreciate it."
Alice could see that there was no swaying him. She went to the linen closet and got him a pillow and quilt, reminding him that she would be happy to take over the vigil if necessary.
Neil kept a close watch on Christy that night. Sometime in the early morning, he heard a soft moan coming from her bed. Immediately he bolted upright and rushed to her side. Her eyes fluttered open as he shone the lamp over her face, but she had a hard time focusing.
"Christy, It's Neil. You've been injured. Don't move, Love," he said tenderly.
"Neil? What happened?" She groggily whispered. "My side hurts." Her eyes began to focus and she stared at Neil, pain etched on her face.
"You gave us quite the scare; a log fell on you as you were walking past the cabin at Dan Scott's. A rope broke as it was being pulled up the skids." He was deftly examining her vital signs as he explained. "You have some cracked ribs, and possibly a concussion. I want you to stay in bed for at least a week." Christy grimaced as Neil touched her injured side. "I'm going to give you a shot for the pain," he explained. He went over to his medical bag and withdrew the bottle of morphine and a syringe. He held the needle to the lamp flame to sterilize it, then drew the dose. Christy winced as he pushed up her nightgown sleeve and gave her the injection in her upper arm.
"Now, I want you to promise me, no pushing yourself. David will take over teaching until you are recovered." Neil knew how stubborn Christy could be, and she would undoubtedly be trying to get up and around far before she should. Surprisingly, she gave no argument. Her eyes began to droop as the medication took effect. He watched her until her breathing became steady and even. He remained in the chair and lightly dozed until sunup.
Alice bustled in with a breakfast tray shortly after sunrise. "How is she?" She asked, with trepidation in her voice.
"She came to early this morning. I gave her medication for pain; I'm pretty sure there are no internal injuries - It looked worse than it is. She will have to remain in bed at least a week though, and we must watch her for fever," he explained.
Christy was roused from her sleep at the sound of their voices. "Ms. Alice?" she whispered weakly.
Alice reached for her hand and squeezed it. "Yes, Christy, I'm here. Thee had quite the accident. Neil has been taking good care if thee throughout the night. I do believe that thee shall recover fully - but only with the proper rest," she admonished. "I've brought you both some breakfast." She reached for the tray that she had set on Christy's desk. She handed it to Neil and took a plate of biscuits for Christy. "Thee cannot sit up, so I brought biscuits that thee can eat while lying down," she said as she handed one to Christy.
Just then, the sound of footsteps were heard coming up the stairs. David appeared in the doorway, concern etched upon his face. "How is she, Doc? I've been worried sick." He cautiously entered the room, eyes fixed on Christy.
Neil stiffened, remembering the altercation yesterday between David and Christy. "She doesn't need any more upset right now, Grantland,". His eyes were piercing as he looked at the intruder.
"Please, I need to speak to her. I promise, it won't be upsetting," David's voice held a pleading note.
Christy spoke up, "It's fine, Doctor, I would like to hear him out. I'm okay."
Neil looked doubtful. Miss Alice spoke up, "Come Neil, let's give them a moment."
She motioned towards the door, and Neil reluctantly rose from his chair and strode towards the door. He looked back once more and said, "I'll be back in 15 minutes," as final warning look was aimed at David.
As the two left, David turned to Christy. "I'm so sorry Christy. This is all my fault. I was the one hoisting up the log when the rope broke," he said as he approached the bed and knelt down next to her. "How are you feeling?"
"Very sore... Dr. MacNeil says I have some cracked ribs and a slight concussion," she said.
"Christy, I have to tell you something. This accident yesterday really scared me, but it also made me realize something, as I prayed to the Lord to deliver you." he gulped as he reached for her hand. "I've come to see that there is a reason that you haven't accept my proposal of marriage. I love you so Christy, but now I can face the facts; you aren't in love with me. I have to accept that, and let you get on with your life. And I must get on with mine." He brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed it.
Christy had tears in her eyes as she spoke,"david... I'm sorry it took this accident for you to see that, but thank you for telling me. You are such a good friend to me, and I never want to loose that. I love you, but like a brother. "
"I know that now, Christy. It cuts like a knife, but I will be alright, with God's help. He has shown me, it would be disastrous to enter into a marriage where we didn't feel the same about each other. I want you to be happy."
Christy smiled through her tears as she squeezed his hand. "Thank you David..."