River Deep, Mountain High
Standard disclaimers apply to this piece of Christy fan fiction.
This story continues where the TV series left off.
Any similarities to other works of Christy fan fiction are purely coincidental and unintentional.
Chapter 40
Neil MacNeill had just finished another long day of taking care of patients, and he was bone tired. The sun was already settled in behind the mountains for the evening when the doctor stumbled into his cabin, saddle sore from the long ride from Low Gap. He took a few minutes to light a kerosene lamp and set a fire in the hearth. Once the flames began to warm the cabin, Neil fell blissfully into his favorite chair. He exhaled deeply with exhaustion, though he knew the racing of his mind would not allow him to sink into the peaceful slumber he needed. Pulling out his pipe, he filled it with a pinch of tobacco from the pouch he kept in his pocket and struck a match to light it. He sucked in the fragrant air, feeling it relax him almost instantly. Neil sank further in his chair, his legs outstretched, while the flickering fire warmed his feet.
Puffing on his pipe lazily, Neil leaned his head back and glanced at the mantle above the fire. A worn leather-bound book with faded gold edges lying on its side caught his eye. It was his family Bible. Unbidden, he rose from his comfortable seat and pulled the Bible down from the mantle. Opening it for the first time in longer than he could remember, Neil scanned the list of names on the inside cover. He turned away from the fire slightly so that the light would better illuminate the faded writing. At the bottom of the list of MacNeills, dating back to the eighteenth century when his family first came over from Scotland, was own name and date of birth.
Neil moved a few steps to his desk and then sat down, lighting another lamp. He picked up a pen and added to the list that had begun over a hundred and fifty years ago. He did not know what possessed him to do so, but something inside told Neil that it was the right thing to do and the right time to do it. And so, he added the name Margaret Seabohn Henderson MacNeill and the dates of her birth, their marriage, and her death. Neil paused and stared at the entry for several long seconds after the ink dried, letting the stark finality of Margaret's death strike him for the first time in many months.
He ran his hand back through his curly hair and took another long drag on his pipe until he could feel the pungent smoke burn and sting his lungs. Absently, Neil tilted the book upright and ran his fingers along the edges of the pages, fanning them out haphazardly. He stopped suddenly when he discovered a folded piece of paper buried between two pages. He set down his pipe and pulled out the paper, unfolding it carefully.
It was a note from Christy written to Margaret.
Dear Margaret,
I hope you are feeling better today. Miss Alice told me you've asked her to share the Bible with you. I thought you might like to read some of my favorite passages. I turn to these time and again when I need strength or comfort. I thought you would enjoy them, and I hope they might offer you some comfort as well.
Christy
He turned the page over and saw a dozen or more quotes and passages from Scripture, painstakingly copied and annotated. Neil traced the smooth, curving letters of her handwriting. At once, he remembered the end of that strange dream he had the week after Jessie O'Connor and her baby died in childbirth. He had been plagued by terrible nightmares, awakening each time in a cold sweat. But this dream had been different. In the vision, Christy handed him a piece of paper, and what was written on it seemed to make all of his troubles evaporate into nothingness. Neil had not thought of the dream since it happened, but suddenly, the memories were as vivid as when he originally dreamt it.
Picking up his pipe, Neil took the note and the Bible and rose from his desk. He then sank down into his cozy chair by the fire, got comfortable again, and read.
***
Dan Scott immediately noticed that Doctor MacNeill was distracted. Not only was he late to their lesson, but judging from his red and puffy eyes, Dan surmised that Neil had been awake all night long.
"Late night in Low Gap?" Dan asked cautiously.
"Yes," Neil sighed, his fingers tugging at the hairs at the back of his neck. "The Combs boy fell from a tree and hit his head pretty badly. Fortunately, he only suffered a mild concussion and needed a few stitches. But I had to stay there for quite some time and monitor him to ensure no real damage or internal bleeding."
Neil attempted to continue with the lesson but was quick to realize that that he would not be able to have a productive lesson with Dan Scott. Even though he was utterly exhausted and worn out, his mind was a flurry of activity. He could not stop thinking about the letter he found the night before, or the words that had been written in it.
"I am sorry, Dan, but I am afraid I must ask you to reschedule our lesson," Neil said reluctantly, closing his medical journal. "I am not in the right frame of mind to teach today."
Concerned, Dan eyed his mentor speculatively. Not only was it obvious that Neil had a long night with little to no sleep, but something else was definitely on his mind. "That's fine, Doctor. I have more than enough reading and studying to keep me busy." He paused for a moment. "Just know that I'm never too busy to listen to a friend."
"I appreciate the offer, Dan," Neil began, "but…" He stopped himself short and thought for a minute, his hands fidgeting nervously. Perhaps Dan Scott would be a good person to talk to, to confide in, he mused. After all, he was a medical man like himself, trained to think logically and scientifically.
"Actually, if you don't mind, I would like to discuss something with you," Neil started, a bit unsure of himself. He gathered his thoughts for a moment and leaned in closer to talk to his friend and student. "I want to know how you can believe in science and still believe in God."
"That is a mighty weighty question, Doc," Dan acknowledged.
"I'm sorry, I know it is a bit personal," Neil remarked.
"No, that's quite alright," he reassured. "I suppose it isn't a topic I normally discuss with folks. I grew up in the church, with my father being a preacher. But over the years, I've had my own questions about faith and God, especially as I got to learn more about science and the way the world works."
"And what did you conclude?" Neil wondered.
"Well, I came to the conclusion that science and religion are not necessarily opposites of each other," Dan stated. "I believe they can and do co-exist. Just like the brain and the heart, both are necessary to live and make decisions."
Neil rose from seat in Dan's cabin and began to pace a bit nervously. "I confess that I do not deny that God exists or that He created the universe. Though, I have always felt that God's interaction in our lives stopped at that initial creation. I have difficulty believing that there is a supreme being out there that cares about us, or listens to our prayers and decides to grant them or not grant them according to His will."
Dan nodded in understanding of his friend's quandary. "It ain't always easy believin' what you can't see or touch. There is a whole world out there that science has yet to find a rational explanation for, but that doesn't mean it don't exist."
Finally stopping his pacing, Neil sat back down at the table with Dan and continued their conversation. "I have often felt that relying on prayer and leaving things up to God seemed like inaction, even laziness. A willingness not to try to change things."
"Neil, believin' in God doesn't mean not taking action, or sitting back and doing nothing," he told him. "It's about doin' what you feel is right and listening to your heart. That instinct, that inner feeling telling you to do something…That nagging voice in the back of your mind that just won't hush up…That's God. He is workin' through us, not just outside of us."
Neil pondered what Dan was saying, his mind still awhirl with questions and doubts.
"I always liked the way Miss Alice talks about "The Light". She makes it sound like God is that part within each of us that wants to do good, that wants to help and love our neighbors, that wants to forgive and seek forgiveness from others," Dan remarked. "I think she's right."
Neil shook his head and furrowed his brow in question. "I still cannot seem to reconcile science and reason with belief in a God who actively intervenes in our lives."
"Sometimes, believin' is about letting go of reason," Dan began, "and accepting something that may not make sense at first, but just feels right."
"I appreciate your time and thoughts, Dan," Neil said gratefully. "I'll see you tomorrow then? When I am better able to focus on the material at hand."
"Anytime, Neil."
The two men rose from their chairs. Neil smiled at Dan thankfully and extended out his arm in appreciation. They shook hands, and then Neil turned and left the cabin, heading for home.
Neil continued to contemplate the discussion with Daniel Scott and the questions that had entered into his mind ever since he read Christy's note to Margaret. Though he was dead tired, he settled into his chair by the fire for the second time in as many days, opened up the MacNeill family Bible, and began to read, this time from the beginning.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light…" (KJV, Genesis 1)
***
Chapter 41
"Yooo-nited States Mail!"
Ben Pentland's infamous cry was heard from every corner of the Mission. His visits were always welcome, since some sort of letter or package was bound to accompany him, as well as the latest news and gossip from the furthest reaches of the Cove.
Christy was just walking back to the Mission house at the end of her school day, and David was on the porch working on his next sermon when they heard the postman's call.
"Yooo-nited States Mail for the Reverend David Grantland," Ben said, walking up the front steps to where the preacher was sitting, enjoying the early Spring afternoon. He looked at the envelope before handing it to David. "Come all the way from Cal-i-forny."
David eagerly accepted the letter, his eyes wide with anticipation. He began to open the letter when he realized that Ben Pentland was still standing next to him, waiting to hear what the letter contained. David's expression dropped slightly as he looked back at the postman.
"Mr. Pentland, I'm sure you must have other letters to deliver," David said, attempting to tactfully indicate that he wanted to read the letter in private and not have this news – if it was indeed what he hoped it was – spread all over the Cove.
Not getting the subtle hint, Ben still lingered and even leaned in further towards David and the mysterious letter he held, wanting to know what it contained. "Nope, this here be the last one, Preacher."
By now, David was beginning to get irritated, but he fought hard to reign in his frustration. He whispered to the curious postman, "Ben, I would prefer to keep the contents of this letter private for the time being." He eyed the older man in a way that revealed his seriousness. "I would appreciate it if you could leave me alone to read my letter."
Finally understanding that David did not wish to share his letter with him, or the rest of the Cove, Ben Pentand stepped away and nodded. "Oh, shore thing, Preacher. I just never seen a letter come from that fer away."
"It is from my sister, Ida," David replied, deciding to give Ben a tiny piece of information after seeing his moderately hurt expression. "You may remember she moved there with her husband, Clarence Sweetwater, over two years ago."
"Yep, that's right," Ben said with recognition. "I reckon I do recall now that ye mention it. Welp, I guess I best be headin' back now." He turned to greet Christy, who had just climbed the steps to the Mission porch. He tipped his hat at her as he backed away and began to leave. "Bye now, Miz Christy. Preacher."
"Have a good evening, Mr. Pentland," Christy said in return.
Christy looked at David, who stood still on the front porch clutching the letter in his hands. She wondered at him and his expression. He was holding his breath and his eyes followed Ben Pentland until he was out of earshot. Behind the wary expression, David looked like a child on Christmas morning about to open his presents, just waiting for the moment when his parents said it was alright. He was ready to tear into that letter. His finger was already primed for the task, his thumb placed beneath the flap of the envelope.
"David? What's going on here?" Christy asked, her head cocked sideways as she studied him.
"I'm just waiting until Ben is far enough away so I can open my letter," David said matter-of-factly.
Mr. Pentland walked away slowly and kept turning back around every now and then to see if David had made any motion to indicate whether the news in the letter was good or bad. The reverend simply smiled with a sweet façade and waved one final time at the inquisitive mail man so that he knew he was being watched. At last, Ben disappeared behind the rise, and David knew it was safe to open his letter.
His long, anxious fingers tore through the paper envelope in less than an instant, pulling out the folded piece of paper that was nestled within. His eyes scanned the words, and Christy watched him, fascinated at David's facial expressions and reaction. His eyes grew wide, and a huge grin split his face, causing him to light up for the first time in a really long while. Christy could not help but feel the excitement simply from observing him.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, David swept Christy up into his arms, lifting her off her feet, and spun her around. He whooped with exhilaration. He was overjoyed.
"David!" Christy squealed, caught completely off guard, but also utterly delighted. She had not seen David this happy since…well, honestly, she could not remember how long since. "What is it?"
Setting her back on her feet gingerly, David composed himself and held out the letter. "It's from Ida. She's writing to let me know that the new parish in Anaheim is looking for a minister and is offering me the position!"
"That's wonderful, David! Now you'll be able to preach and live close to family."
David was practically beaming with joy. His blue eyes shined and sparkled, and now he really did look like a boy on Christmas morning after he opened the gift he wanted more than anything. "I'll leave her at the end of August as I originally planned, and then start in October. That will give me some time to get settled after the journey."
Christy was truly elated for him, although she still felt a twinge of pain thinking that David would be leaving at the end of the summer. She had hoped that perhaps he would reconsider his decision and stay in Cutter Gap. However, she also realized that would be both selfish and unfair for David. He needed to go to a place where he could better serve the people and also have the potential for meeting his soul mate. David could not love and marry a mountain woman, and Cutter Gap was still quite isolated form the rest of the world that few outsiders ever passed through. While she would miss her dear friend, she knew this was what David needed.
"David, I am so happy for you," she told him, her eyes brimming with sincerity. She reached out her hand and touched his cheek, which was flushed and warm with pleasure. "I'll miss you tremendously."
"That means a lot to me, Christy," David responded, his eyes boring into hers. "I promise to write often. You'll hardly know I'm gone," he teased lightly, attempting to ease the melancholy of his now firm departure.
Christy let out a short laugh. "You'll probably be too busy at teas and socials with the local parishioners. I can just picture the mothers lining up to introduce you to their eligible young daughters. You'll forget all about me."
David shook his head, his gaze turning serious once more. "I could never forget you, Christy Huddleston." He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, gently, his eyes never leaving hers.
Feeling her heart beginning to break, Christy decided to lighten the mood a bit. After all, she should be rejoicing in David finding his next assignment and being reunited with his sister.
"Did Ida say anything else?" she asked. "Is she getting excited to be a new mother?"
"To tell you the truth," David began, "I stopped reading after I came to the part about the new parish and the job offer."
He pulled the letter out again, which was now crumpled from when he had swung Christy into his arms and off her feet. He pulled the paper taut to flatten it, and his eyes focused on Ida's perfect curly-cued script. David's expression suddenly grew even more euphoric.
"Christy, Ida says the doctor told her she is having twins!" he exclaimed, his voice bright with enthusiasm. "Twins! Can you believe it!"
"Oh my goodness!" Christy gasped, bringing her hands to her mouth. "I know Ida usually hates surprises. But she and Clarence must be over the moon about this!"
"Judging from Ida's tone, they are ecstatic," David confirmed as he continued to read further. "She didn't say it in so many words, but it was clear from her earliest letters that she was afraid she would not be able to have children. That she had passed her childbearing years." Finished the letter, David looked back up again at Christy. "It just goes to show that everything happens according to God's plan, and in His own time."
"It truly is a wonder," Christy sighed as she contemplated how things often seem to work out for the best. She pondered for a moment what God's plan was for her, and that certain doctor that she loved. Brought out of her own thoughts, she added, "I am so happy for Ida and Clarence. And you too, David. You're going to be an uncle!"
Christy and David embraced each other, basking in the joy of his wonderful news. David was happier than she had ever seen him. For once, he had something to really look forward to. Not only was he going to be an uncle of two in a month or two, but he was going to be moving out West to a new world and a new future. He did not know what unseen challenges awaited him in California, but David realized that he would thrive out there. He would be forging a new path, striking out on his own, just like he did when he first moved to Cutter Gap. Only this time, he would also have the comfort and support of his sister and her family from the beginning.
Family had always been important to David, although the idea of moving back to Boston and being back under his mother's wing, with her stifling and controlling ways, left a bitter taste in his mouth. That was why he secretly turned down the offer he received a few weeks ago to become a junior minister in the parish in which he had grown up. Receiving this letter from Ida only served to further confirm that he made the right choice. In California, things were still new, though not as primitive as Cutter Gap, and the pace of life was more relaxed than the stiffness and frenzy associated with his mother's Boston social circles. David knew his mother would have a fit, but she would just have to get over it, he told himself.
Christy and David had been completely wrapped up in the letter from Ida and its good tidings that they were unaware of the approaching horse and rider. It was only when a loud neigh cut through the early evening breeze did David raise his head and look up. Immediately, Christy felt David's grip loosening from around her, and they dropped their embrace. She turned around, unsure what she would see.
It was Neil.
Though he was over fifty feet away, she could tell by the shadow that fell across his face and the hurt radiating in his eyes that Neil had seen them together, and he was imagining the worst. Christy instantly turned away from David to run toward him, but it was too late. Neil yanked hard on Charlie's reins to spin the animal around and took off at a full gallop. She tried to call out after him, but the words were lodged in her throat. Suddenly, she felt as if her legs were in irons, her feet cast in cement, as she was also unable to move for several long seconds.
"Christy," David called to her, seeing the stunned look on her face.
Brought back into reality, all Christy could think was she needed to find Neil and tell him that what he saw was not what he thinks. She had to tell him that she loved him. She whirled back around to face David. "David, I have to go."
"I know," he said simply. He understood how Christy felt, and had accepted that she and Neil were meant to be.
Christy smiled at him gratefully. Once again, she felt a tug at her heart that he was leaving, especially so soon after they had reconciled. She would miss their friendship, but right now, she had to find Neil and talk to him. She had to tell Neil what was in her heart.
Racing to the barn to saddle Prince, Christy emerged only minutes later. With David's help, she swung herself into the saddle and galloped away on the mustang, riding faster and harder than she had ever done before. She only hoped she would find Neil before it was too late.
***
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's note: Sorry for the delay between chapters. I was sick, but I'm all better now. These chapters are a bit weak, in my opinion, but hopefully they did the job of moving the story along. More to come!