Love in the Great Smoky Mountains: A National Park Romance

I think I found something.

What do you have there, Aubrey?

I'm not sure.

I think it's quartz.

Maybe a spearhead?

Wow.

A spearhead is exactly what this is, Aubrey.

It could be quartz or crystal.

This might even be from the Mississippian era.

Great job.

Label it, and we'll get it ready for authentification.

Hey, everybody, we're on a roll, really good work.

We're digging in the right place.

So when are you headed out to the Smokies?

Actually, first thing tomorrow morning.

Have you been to the national park?

Oh, I love the Smokies.

It's such a great area.

Take time to enjoy yourself.

Thank you, I will.

Fun is definitely on the agenda.

So have you recovered from cap and gown day?

You know, I have to admit, it was wonderful

to march and get my diploma.

But honestly, Dr. Ettinger, I'm just so anxious to get

started on my career.

Of course.

And that's why I wanted us to touch base.

OK.

Haley, your dissertation on the ancient Mississippian era

was outstanding, so beautifully written and documented.

Thank you.

So now, I think it's time for you

to focus on getting published in a professional journal.

Yes.

I was thinking if I find something interesting,

it could lead to a published field report.

Good thought!

That project is being headed up by Dr. Carl Smith, right?

Yes.

Oh, he's a brilliant archaeologist.

I know.

I'm really looking forward to meeting him.

And also, it ties directly into my research

of ancient American culture.

Speaking of which, have you sent in your application

for the Arizona Pueblo grant?

I did it immediately.

Thank you, again, for your recommendation.

Of course.

It's very competitive, but now that you've received your PhD,

I think you should at least have a chance.

I hope so.

It would be such a huge opportunity.

I mean, a 12-month dig at an ancient pueblo?

I don't think I have to remind you how challenging

it can be to get started.

Archaeology has been dominated by men forever.

Yeah, well, just like everything else, right?

But I know that you will do just fine.

That means a lot.

Thank you.

Home sweet home.

Nice.

Ooh, yeah.

Uh.

Oh yes.

Excuse me.

Dr. Smith?

Good morning.

You must be, Haley James.

Yes.

Wow, it's such an honor to meet you.

Dr. Ettinger says you're going to be one hell

of an addition to the team.

Well, I am really looking forward to working on this dig.

Your colleagues are from the Cultural Research Foundation.

I'm sure you'll have time to get acquainted.

Great.

We've been working on this site for months.

This was a Cherokee village, so everything we find

is owned by the Cherokee Nation and will

be on exhibit in the Qualla township's

museum or art galleries.

Come with me, and I'll show you where you start digging.

Oh, yeah, can't wait.

Here's your dig.

Grab a shovel and go for it.

Anything you find, bring it over to me to the desk,

and I'll take a look-see at it.

Got it.

All right.

Sorry.

You got to be kidding me.

Rob?

Haley James.

Oh, I don't believe, I don't believe this!

Of all the digs in all of the world,

you had to show up in mine? - Oh, oh, oh.

I did not know. - It's OK!

Honest.

It's OK.

So what, now you're a shovel bum like me?

Something like that.

I am rarely at a loss for words,

but you could knock me over with a feather right now.

What is this?

Old Home Week?

No, it's Old Girlfriend Week.

What? Are you serious right now?

Sorry, I didn't mean it like that.

I just--

What?

Sir, we know each other from sophomore year.

And we broke up senior.

Why did we break up again?

Go ahead and tell him.

- I didn't-- - I mean, you mentioned it.

Stop.

Sift through some dirt, and you can sift through your troubles

later.

Not my troubles.

I'm going to work over here.

You work over there.

- Yeah, fine. - Fine.

Have at it.

Good.

Sure.

Perfect.

Dr. Smith, do you mind taking a look at this arrowhead I found?

Looks like it could be 19th century Cherokee.

I believe you're right.

Good job!

I guess it's just beginner's luck.

I doubt it.

Here you go.

Wow.

Careful, watch it. You got it.

Straight down.

Haley, listen.

I--

Are you going to apologize?

You told me not to call.

You didn't even try.

Haley, I'm--

Rob.

I'm here for the dig.

I need it for my career.

Let's just leave it at that.

All right.

Hey.

Hey, just-- Wait up.

Just give me a second.

It is good to see you.

You too.

Can we have dinner tonight?

Feel free to say no.

- No. - OK.

Can we at least meet up somewhere and talk?

We just did.

If you change your mind, I'll be at the small falls

beneath the foot bridge.

OK.

Hey!

Sorry about earlier.

I'm glad you came.

I wanted to see the falls.

Beautiful!

Are you crazy?

No!

Oh!

Help me out.

You haven't changed one bit.

Neither have you.

Where's your sense of adventure?

I don't like surprises.

Now you know how I feel.

Hoo!

That got the blood flowing.

Yeah.

Are you hungry?

You just don't give up, do you?

All right.

15 minutes.

Make it 30.

30 it is.

Are you still upset with me.

Yeah.

I probably will always be.

Life goes on.

I moved on.

Would it help you if I told you how

sorry I was for ever applying.

But not getting the grant, yeah, that was really hard.

But what was most painful was your deceit.

But I've come to realize I'm stronger for all of it.

And honestly, I'm really proud of the life

that I've built on my own.

You always were strong.

Just one of the many things I loved about you.