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.
A/N: I know I am dragging this out, but I've explained before how I get too involved in these details! At least I'm providing regular updates, right? I expect there will be one or two more chapters to finish off the story.
Another interesting note: Last night I watched the episode "Echoes" for the first time in ages. I had not realized when I wrote the previous chapter (Chapter 47) that Dan Scott had already applied to Meharry Medical College in that episode and was turned down for a scholarship. It's funny, because I actually did research to find historically black colleges and medical schools that accepted African-Americans during the time the "Christy" story takes place. I ended up deciding on the very same college as the writers of the series, probably because it was in the South. But I noticed an inaccuracy in the TV show – Meharry Medical College was renamed to that and chartered in 1915, which is presumably a few years after the series was supposed to take place. Just a little tidbit I found intriguing. "Echoes" was also had some fantastic and comical interactions between David and Neil. I was nearly laughing out loud.
But back to the story….
Chapter 48
The day of the wedding had finally come. Christy awoke early, just as the sun began to skim over the mountain tops with its soft amber light. The Mission house was still quiet, her parents and the guests still asleep in their beds. Christy quietly slipped out of bed to enjoy what would likely be the last few private moments she would have for herself the entire day.
For the hundredth and possibly the last time, Christy flung open the double doors and stepped onto the balcony to greet the new day. As she watched the sun slowly ascend from behind the distant mountain ranges, she sighed to herself with a trace of sadness thinking that this would no longer be her view. After today, this would no longer be her room, the Mission no longer her home. She was leaving the sights, sounds, even the smells to which she had grown accustomed. The notion of leaving the place she lived, worked, and slept every night for just a few months shy of three years had not previously entered her mind. She never thought how she would feel as a result of the impending change. In addition to the anticipation of becoming a married woman, Christy had been kept so busy with the final preparations, especially after her parents' guests arrived, that she hardly had time to think of anything but the wedding itself.
Christy turned around and surveyed the room. Her mother had packed all but a few bare essentials the day before. Her trunks and bags were stacked in the corner, waiting for Jeb to come with the wagon in just a few hours to transport them to Neil's cabin – her new home. The surfaces of her desk and dresser had been cleared off. The only visible item of hers that remained was the quilt made from her mother's old dresses that was tossed carelessly over the foot of the bed frame. It seemed so empty and sterile, so desolate. Christy wondered if the next occupant of the room, whoever that might be, would even know that she had lived there. Her eyes grew glassy with tears as the impact of moving on struck her like an unexpected blow.
Of course, Christy was happy to be getting married…happy to be starting her life with Neil, she reminded herself. She just had not anticipated the intensity of the feelings that came over her when she realized that she was leaving her home. Brushing aside the tears, she tried to focus on everything she had to look forward to. She was moving into Neil's cabin to live with the man she loved – the man who would become her husband in just a few hours – and she knew that he would do everything to make her feel comfortable and at home there.
Then she thought of how she loved the river. She loved listening to the peaceful rushing of the waters. Even when the water was low, flowing at scarcely a trickle during the drier months, it could be heard from the front porch or inside the cabin through an open window. Christy might not have the same mountain vista that she had from her room at the Mission, but she realized that now she would be living among the mountains rather than apart from them. She would be a part of the mountains, not just a distant onlooker. With her marriage to Neil, Christy would be truly integrated into the Cove.
The idea brought her tremendous reassurance and solace. Besides, she thought, it was not as if she was leaving Cutter Gap. She was still the school teacher, so her affiliation with the Mission remained, at least until she and Neil had children. Any time she longed for her view of the mountains, Christy was certain she only had to ask Miss Alice or the new reverend when he arrived.
There were plenty of other beautiful lookouts in the Cove, she knew. Fairlight had shared with Christy a few of her special ones, and she was sure that, with Neil's help, they might just discover a new one…together. Christy smiled at the pleasant notion, her maudlin thoughts cast aside as she started her day with a renewed exuberance.
It was her wedding day.
***
After breakfast, Christy and Ruby Mae left the Mission house in search of some wildflowers. Her mother had sent the girls off on the errand, claiming that more decorations were needed outside Neil's cabin where the wedding would take place, to make the area feel "less rustic", as her mother put it. Initially a bit hesitant, Christy complied with her mother's wishes, unwilling to let even the silliest and most insignificant argument taint her cheerful mood.
She was also glad to spend some quality time with Ruby Mae. Life had been terribly hectic these past weeks between the end of the school term and wedding arrangements, and she had to confess that she had begun to miss the chatterbox of a redhead. While they scoured the countryside gathering flowers and other attractive foliage, Christy actually found it refreshing that, for the first time in two days, she did not have to do all the talking.
Since her parents' guests arrived starting Thursday, she had been wrapped up in playing hostess while trying to tackle the mile-long list of remaining things to do before the ceremony. She had not seen the guests – a few close family friends and her mother's first cousin and her husband – since she left Asheville almost three years ago. Cutter Gap and its inhabitants were a curiosity to them. Needless to say, Christy was peppered with questions about her soon-to-be husband, what it was like to live and teach in such a rural community, and all manner of things. She lost track of how many times she recounted Neil's proposal to her.
During their pleasant time together, Christy was simply content to take a step back and not be the focus of the conversation or center of attention. While the primary subject was marriage and weddings, Ruby Mae chattered away excitedly about her own forthcoming nuptials to Rob Allen. No date had been set yet, but with Rob's burgeoning writing career showing increasing promise and income potential with several more of his stories published since the New Year, she knew it was only a matter of time.
Their baskets now full of vibrantly colored flowers and fresh-scented greenery, Christy and Ruby Mae walked up the stairs of the Mission house and opened the front door. Christy nearly dropped the basket to the floor when she heard the cries of "Surprise" as she stepped inside to the sight of many of the women of the Cove – her closest friends – along with Miss Alice, her mother, and her female guests gathered in the parlor. They were giving her a bridal shower, she immediately realized. She could not have been more astonished. She recalled how some of the women had thrown Miss Ida a surprise shower before her hasty wedding, but Christy never expected them to do the same for her, especially since her mother had brought along so much from Asheville for the ceremony and reception. She could not think of one single thing she needed.
Christy stood flabbergasted for several minutes while the generosity of her friends and neighbors rendered her speechless. Her mother finally approached her, temporarily brushed aside her bangs, and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Congratulations, Christy, darling. Why don't you come inside and greet your guests, dear?" She said with a gentle nudge.
With the not-so subtle reminder from her mother, Christy attempted to recover from her shock and went in to see everything the women had given her.
She was overwhelmed by the spread of gifts that covered the table and top of the piano. Her eye scanned the splendid array of items, not sure where they should rest or focus; there was too much to take in. Fairlight helped Christy into a comfortable chair in the center of the room, and the women took turns presenting their gifts to her.
Opal gave Christy several jars of her homemade apple butter and persimmon preserves. She had also baked several pies for the wedding meal that night. Ruby Mae had made her a beautiful muff made from furs and hides. Mostly possum, Christy thought wryly. The Allens had already provided all the grain from the mill for the bread and baked goods for the reception, but then Mary handed her a scroll of fine parchment tied with a piece of twine. Christy unrolled it and saw that Mary had lovingly written out a passage of scripture from First Corinthians: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
She was extremely touched by Mary's gift, and so proud. Not too long ago, the mountain woman could neither read nor write. Christy traced the carefully handwritten script on the paper with her finger. Even with the penmanship flaws and small spelling mistakes, she loved it, understanding how much effort and love Mary had put into it. She was also presented with another gift from Mary, who explained that it was actually from her son, Rob. It was a framed clipping of his first published story. It had a dedication that Christy had not seen before that threatened to bring tears to her eyes.
Thank you to my Teacher, Miss Christy, in Cutter Gap for always believing in me and giving me the chance to live my dream as a writer.
The bounty of her friends' and neighbors' generosity seemed endless. Swannie O'Teale brought bunches of dried herbs for teas and home remedies along with a drawing that Becky made of the schoolhouse with all the children standing in front. Fairlight brought some jars of Jeb's sourwood honey. She then surprised Christy further when she handed her a beautiful quilt that had been concealed under the table.
Fairlight, Opal, and Mary Allen unfolded the quilt and held it out for her to see. Christy could not believe the detail. The intricacy of the design and patchwork of so many diverse patterns all joining together to create something new and cohesive was mind-boggling. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The quilt contained a scene showing the Mission and church-schoolhouse. It showed Christy and Neil by the river with the mountains behind them. Old Buncombe, the train that brought Christy to Cutter Gap was in the far left corner. And the children. They were holding hands by the school. Embroidered along the edges of the quilt were Bible passages from Song of Solomon.
"The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. My beloved spoke, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely. My beloved is mine, and I am his." (NKJV, Song of Solomon 2:8-14,16)
Looking up at her friend, Christy could scarcely find the words to say what was in her heart. She was too overcome with emotion. "Fairlight, it's so beautiful. How did you ever manage to make this in time?"
Fairlight waved her hand dismissively. "Shoot, Miz Christy, we knew you an' the Doc would be gettin' hitched," she told her. "Not long after ye started courtin', the quiltin' circle started workin' on hit. We knew it wuz jes' a matter o' time afore ye wuz betrothed."
"Ladies, I don't know what to say. You've already done so much to make my wedding happen with such little notice, and now this…Everything is just so beautiful," Christy marveled, scanning the room to see the shining faces of the women she come to think of as dear friends – even family. She glanced over at Miss Alice standing quietly toward the back of the room, her finger pressed against her tight-lipped grin in her trademark fashion. "Thank you all for the hard work and love that went into making each of these gifts. Neil and I are truly grateful for your generosity. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends."
"I would also like to thank you all," Julia Huddleston began, addressing the ladies, "for the kindness and friendship you have shown my daughter. It was not easy coming to terms with the fact that my only child had found a new home away from her father and me," she admitted, shifting her gaze for a moment from the women in the room to her daughter. "But knowing that Christy is surrounded by a caring community of friends has helped ease my reservations and made letting go a little easier."
Leaning in to embrace her mother, Christy whispered to her, "Thank you, Mother. I love you and Daddy so much."
Julia drew back slightly, but still held firm to Christy's arms. She squeezed them affectionately, and smiled with her eyes, all the words she could not say conveyed in her expression.
Recovering from the flood of sentimentality, Julia said, "Between the gifts from your friends here in Cutter Gap, great grandmother Rudd's silver and china, and what the rest of the family and our friends from Asheville have sent, you have a fine wedding trousseau, Christy." She smiled and nodded proudly.
Christy had nearly forgotten about the parcels and packages that had already begun to arrive after her mother telephoned all her friends and family about the wedding. It seemed that in the past few days, Ben Pentland's visits had become a daily event. She had no doubt that the influx of gifts was bound to continue for several more weeks even though Christy told her mother to inform everyone that, while appreciated, gifts were unnecessary. It was an embarrassment of riches, although the thoughtfulness and generosity of others, even those she barely knew, warmed her heart and never cased to amaze her.
"There's one more present left to be opened," Fairlight remarked, pulling out a package from behind the couch. She threw Christy a playful smirk.
The square bundle was wrapped in brown paper and tied neatly with a piece of string into a bow. Christy took the mystery package from Fairlight, a quizzical look on her face, and she unfastened the string and peeled back the wrapping paper. It was a leather-bound sketchbook, a box of charcoals, and a set of drawing pencils – colored ones. Seeing there was no note, she opened the book to the inside cover and saw there was something written on the first page. It was from Neil.
Dearest Christy,
I know how much you enjoy drawing, and I wanted to give you a little present before the wedding as a small token of my love and adoration for you. I love you more than any words or gift can convey. I cannot wait until you are mine in a few hours. I know our life together will provide many beautiful scenes and memories for you to capture with paper and pencil.
Love always,
Neil
"They're lovely," Christy said, feeling overcome with emotion for what felt like the millionth time that day. "I've never had colored pencils before."
"Well, I swan," Opal sighed, in awe over Neil's thoughtful gift and romantic gesture. "That man has more luv fer ye than a body oughter be allowed. Hit ain't ev'ry day a luv like yers an' Doc's come along. Ye shore is a lucky gal, Miz Christy."
"Yes, I certainly am, Opal," Christy wholeheartedly agreed. "I certainly am."
***
Christy was enjoying a lovely light luncheon with the ladies. Having the diversion seemed to relax her, taking her mind off the fact that in just several short hours, she would be getting married. Raising a glass of cold lemonade to her lips, Christy stopped mid-sip when he heard the sound of a horse whinnying loudly outside. Suddenly, everyone turned their focus to the yard in front of the Mission.
Stepping out from the breezeway, Christy stood on the front porch. Her feet froze, her hand unconsciously coming up to her chest. "What on earth?"
It was David. He was approaching the Mission house leading Prince, the big black mustang, by the reins. He walked in long, proud strides towards her and the rest of the women who came filtering out from the parlor.
"I have a gift for the bride, too," David announced, smiling at her unabashedly.
"David, what do you think you are doing?" Christy asked, still baffled. "Prince belongs to the Mission."
Putting the last few feet of distance behind him, he extended his arm and held out the reins to her. "He belongs to you now. I bought him from the Mission," David explained. "Besides, I will be leaving in a little while, and I can't take him to California with me. I was hoping you'd look after him for me."
Transferring her gaze from David to the reins being presented to her and then back up to him, Christy stood with her mouth slightly agape, trying to get a grip on herself. "But what about when the new preacher comes next month? Surely he will need a horse."
"Then he can buy another one with the money I gave in exchange for Prince," he said matter-of-factly. "I bought him at a fair price, Christy, so Reverend Davies should have no trouble purchasing a horse of equal quality and breeding."
"I can't, David," she shook her head. "It's far too generous."
"I won't let you talk me out of this, Christy Huddleston," David challenged her with an almost daring smile, his stare unwavering and penetrating. "Not even your logic will sway me. You will find I can be just as determined and stubborn as you, once I have my mind set." She averted her eyes for an instant, knowing he was right. He continued, "You know that Prince doesn't take well with new people. He's grown accustomed to you, Christy. And you have become quite the horsewoman in the past year." His head bent down a bit to capture her eyes more firmly. "Please, consider it a wedding gift from me to you."
Seeing the pleading in his crystal blue eyes, Christy smiled gratefully and accepted the reins. She could tell how much it meant to David to be able to do this for her, and she had no right to refuse him this opportunity to express the depth of his feeling and friendship. "David, thank you so much." She pulled him close and hugged him tightly. Still in his embrace, she whispered in his ear, her words heavy with emotion. "I can't believe you'll be leaving in less than two months. What will I do without you?"
"You'll get by just fine with Neil," he told her with absolute certainty. "I know you two will be happy."
Holding him back from her, Christy took a moment to marvel again as she regarded her dear friend. The smooth, clean planes of his face and well-defined angles of his jaw and high cheekbones. The rich color of his hair as the sun illuminated it from behind. The bright piercing blueness of his eyes, so honest and kind. She wondered how things might have been different between them. The idea that flashed across her mind was quickly dispelled as Christy reminded herself that this was the way things were supposed to be. Everything was working according to God's plan, and in His perfect timing.
David had matured a great deal in the past few months, and many of his previous questions and doubts about his calling to the ministry seemed to be resolved. But she realized that his coming to terms with her refusal of his marriage proposal and blossoming relationship with Doctor MacNeill was a big part of that personal growth and maturation. It had made him turn inward to examine himself and determine where his place in the world really was. Christy hoped more than anything that he would find happiness in California, because more than anyone else she knew, David truly deserved it.
"Thank you, David," she said appreciatively. "I'm glad you decided to come to the wedding. I know it hasn't been easy. But always remember how much you mean to me."
"I wouldn't miss your wedding for anything, Christy." His words and tone were sincere.
They both smiled and took another minute to study one another for the last time before Christy's life would change forever. Their thoughts seemed to transport them back to the first moment they laid eyes on each other on that dark and stormy night, traveling forward in time as rapidly flickering images spanning the catalog of memories through the years. They had been through so much together. In a way, Christy felt that they had grown up together while living in Cutter Gap. They had discovered so much about life and love…and about themselves. She and David experienced both shared and separate struggles and triumphs, the waning and ultimate strengthening of their individual faiths. Though Christy could still see the last tinge of hurt and regret lingering on his countenance, she knew that would continue to fade with time, and she and David Grantland would remain friends for life, despite the physical distance that might be between them. True friends were always together in spirit, Christy knew.
Bidding David a good afternoon, Christy tethered Prince to the porch railing and turned to go back inside the Mission to gather her things for the wedding. She was ready for her new life to begin.
***
TO BE CONTINUED