Time on my hands, little to do, so let's write a fic!
Keep on Moving, Keep on Climbing…
Episode 1: Intro to Summer
XxXxX
The wedding-that-wasn't was over, the reception noisy and successful. The dance floor was crowded with dancing couples, including Umberto and Rose who hadn't parted for the past hour. Lucy and Kevin were now dancing together.
Ruthie was sitting at one table off to the side with Paul next to her. Sam, David and Savannah were also sitting at the table, the two young boys chiming into Ruthie and Paul's conversation every now and again. Annie and Eric were sitting at a table not far away eating some of the desserts that should not go to waste even if there was no wedding.
But the real point of interest at this wedding reception was an unexpected guest and the groom-that-wasn't. Sandy had arrived almost an hour ago and still hadn't said what she had planned on saying since she had arrived. Aaron was in her arms as she sat at a table near the house and far from prying ears. Simon was sitting across from her, telling her all about everything that had happened recently as Sandy had been somewhat out of Rose and Simon's lives since Aaron and Martin had been around her.
"Simon... we need to talk…"
But after Simon had asked what she wanted to talk about, she asked what had happened with the wedding and Simon went off from there.
Stupid… stupid… Sandy had thought to herself. What were you planning on telling him anyways if he was married? "Good luck with your marriage, by the way, I haven't stopped loving you?"
Sandy stared at Simon. As in love with Rose as he had claimed to be for the past year, he seemed so relieved to not be married to her.
"I think we were right in calling it off," said Simon, breaking through Sandy's thoughts. "I mean, we love each other, but we're not meant to be married. There have got to be women out there who bring out the best in me. And there are men out there who bring out the best in Rose. Maybe Umberto even…" Simon trailed off, staring at the two. Rose seemed to happy dancing with Umberto. Umberto was certainly a character, but he always seemed to get along with Rose so well. Perhaps they had their arguments, but Simon knew from the instant Rose had told him that she wasn't sure if she had feelings for him that she still had feelings for him.
I was a fool to think her feelings for me were stronger… but then again, my feelings for her weren't strong enough…
"But you never did tell me what you came here to tell me Sandy," said Simon, remembering that Sandy's ominous greeting. Sandy turned away from Simon and looked down at Aaron, smiling as she held her baby a little tighter to her body.
"Sandy?"
She looked up at him and smiled. "Well… I wasn't sure whether or not I should have come," she told him. "Martin… he told me I should come. He told me I could've left Aaron with him, but I wanted to bring him with me. I thought you might like to see both of us."
Simon was confused. "Sandy, what did you come to tell me?"
Sandy sighed. "Um… well…" She sighed again. "Was it easy to tell Rose you loved her for the first time?" she asked him.
Simon was a little surprised about the change of subject. "It was pretty easy, yeah. I knew I was in love with her and so it was easy for me to tell her that I loved her." He looked at Sandy more closely. "Sandy, you know you can tell me anything. You can trust me with whatever you want."
Sandy smiled. "You were always a good listener, weren't you? You helped me through my pregnancy and before and after… you've always been a good friend, Simon." The smile faded and Sandy bit her lip. "Did you ever know your sister was so perceptive?"
"Which one?" asked Simon.
"Ruthie," Sandy chuckled.
"I supposed as much considering you've never met Mary and Lucy isn't the first to know most things," said Simon, smiling. Sandy loved it when he smiled. It was so beautiful. "And yeah… Ruthie's always been one to know things before everyone else."
"Sometimes even before the person she suspected things about knew it," added Sandy.
Simon was beyond curious by this point. "Sandy, please tell me what you came to my wedding - or lack thereof – for."
"Simon, Ruthie told me at Thanksgiving that I was in love with you," explained Sandy. Simon opened his mouth to say something. "Let me finish," she cut him off. "I'm sure its common knowledge by now that I used to be jealous of Rose and that I thought it should've been me with you instead of Rose and that I wished that Aaron was yours and not Martin's. I told Ruthie that it was no longer so. I lied."
Sandy took a deep breath. "I hoped that perhaps if I could spend time with Martin I could fall in love with him and he could fall in love with me, but I knew pretty quickly that that wasn't going to happen. Simon… I don't think I ever stopped loving you."
Simon looked absolutely stunned. "I'm sorry to have dropped this all on you right now," Sandy apologized. "Maybe Aaron and I should just go." Simon didn't say anything. He didn't even stop her.
Stupid… stupid… Sandy thought to herself as she walked back to her car and put Aaron in his carseat. What a stupid thing to do!
She turned around again and looked at the wedding reception. Rose and Umberto were still dancing together, closely now as the song playing was slow. Ruthie had joined the dance floor with Paul. Annie and Eric were there too. Sandy sighed. If only Simon would ask her to dance… but he wasn't coming after her.
Sandy got into her car and drove away.
XxXxX
Ruthie stared at Paul as he held her close (not too close, Eric and Annie were nearby) as they danced. The perfect Scottish boy and he's right here as I go away in a week... what great timing…
The reception kept moving, but Simon was no longer in the backyard. He was pacing in the house next to the phone. Pacing back and forth and back and forth… Happy was staring at him curiously as he moved around the kitchen.
Finally sick of pacing, Simon decided to distract himself. He went into the fridge, even though there was plenty of food in the backyard, and pulled out some meat and mayonnaise and lettuce. He grabbed the bread out of the breadbox and a knife and fixed himself a good old sandwich. He sat down at the counter, his leg twitching while he ate the sandwich.
Should I call? He thought to himself. He finished off the sandwich and then heard the back door open and hurried to hide on the staircase. Ruthie entered the room and saw the empty plate. Rolling her eyes, she walked over to the staircase and saw her older brother sitting on the stairs, his left leg twitching nervously.
"What did Sandy have to say?" she asked him.
Simon didn't answer right away, so Ruthie repeated the question. "What did she say?"
"That you have a little too much perception," said Simon, not looking at Ruthie. She walked up the stairs and sat down next to him.
"And that means?" she asked.
"She told me that she loves me," he blurted out. Ruthie smiled. "I knew it!"
Simon scoffed. "And like a dunce I just sat there. I was too stunned to answer. So she left. I let her leave. God, I'm such an idiot!" He buried his head in his hands, groaning at his stupidity.
"Do you love her?" asked Ruthie casually.
Simon sighed and lifted his head up, setting his chin gently on his closed fists. "I'm not sure," he replied. "It seems all so sudden. Yesterday Rose and I were supposed to get married… and then today she's out there dancing with Umberto and Sandy is telling me she loves me."
"Did she have any other news?" asked Ruthie, trying to appear casually but failing miserably.
Simon could see where her train of thought was going. "She didn't mention much of Martin, only that he encouraged her to come. Maybe I was wrong about them. Maybe they don't love each other. Maybe they just both love Aaron…"
"Well duh they don't love each other!" exclaimed Ruthie, smiling a little bit. "If Martin encouraged Sandy to come and tell you that she loves you then that means he doesn't mind, which means he doesn't love her like that. And if she loves you then she doesn't love him."
Simon smiled and looked over at Ruthie. "I hate to disappoint you, but if Martin doesn't love Sandy that doesn't automatically mean he loves you," he reminded her.
"It's not like it matters," said Ruthie, shrugging. "For the next two weeks I've got Paul here and then I'm off to Scotland anyways."
Simon chuckled. "I have a feeling you are going to try and challenge Lucy for her title of make-out queen."
"Nah," commented Ruthie. "I don't just make-out with anybody."
"What's this talk of making out I hear?" called a familiar voice. Lucy walked into view, spotting Simon and Ruthie sitting on the staircase.
"Oh… nothing," said Ruthie, smiling.
Lucy rolled her eyes. "Right. I believe you," she said sarcastically. "Anyways, dad was wondering where Simon went off to so I said I'd come and look for you. What happened with Sandy?"
Simon shrugged. "Nothing," he lied. Lucy gave Ruthie a look but Ruthie just shrugged as well.
"Fine… you two can keep your secrets," said Lucy, smiling and shaking her head. "Come on you two, Simon should be out there considering he's basically the host and Ruthie, I'm sure you have a gentleman caller waiting for you."
Ruthie stood up and headed out the door into the backyard but Simon stayed put.
"Come on Simon," said Lucy, gesturing for him to move.
Simon shook his head. "Sorry Luce… I'll be out in a little while. I just need a few minutes to think."
Lucy's smile faded into a slightly more serious look. She walked up the stairs and sat down next to Simon where Ruthie had been sitting just a few moments before. "You know you made the right choice Simon," she told him.
Simon looked up at Lucy. "Huh?" He seemed to have just come out of a daze.
"I said you made the right choice," repeated Lucy. She patted Simon on the knee. "You and Rose… you really care about each other but she didn't bring out the best in you. She wasn't meant for you and you weren't meant for her."
"You're not just saying that because you never really liked her all that much, are you?" asked Simon.
Lucy laughed. "No… I mean it sincerely. I did end up liking Rose plenty and I'm sure she won't stop being a part of the family, in a way, but I don't think the name 'Mrs. Simon Camden' ever really fit her."
Simon smiled. Happy came to join the party on the stairs. Simon absentmindedly started petting Happy. "Do you think Umberto brings out the best in Rose?" he asked.
"I don't really know Umberto well enough to say either way," said Lucy, shrugging. "But I have a feeling that both of them will be happy, whether they end up together or not. They're good people. Just like you, Simon."
It was silent for a moment as Simon continued to pet Happy and stare into space. Lucy patted Simon's knee again and stood up. "Well… if you need to, keep on thinking. But you can't stay in here all night."
"Thanks Luce," said Simon, giving her a smile as she left the stairwell and walked out of the house. As soon as she left, Simon's left leg began twitching again.
Simon sighed and looked down at Happy. "But what about Sandy, girl?" he asked the dog. "What do you think of her." Happy barked and Simon chuckled. "I kind of like her too… maybe more than kind of. I don't really know." He sighed again and looked at the phone. "I shouldn't have just let her walk away… I should have said something."
Simon stood up and Happy wagged her tail and then hurried up the stairs to the second floor. Sighing once again, Simon stared at the phone on the kitchen counter.
To call… or not to call…
To call.
Simon walked down the stairs and over to the phone. He dialed Sandy's cell phone number, tapping his foot lightly as it rang once… twice… and then a sweet voice said "hello?"
"Sandy?"
"Simon?"
Her voice was surprised. No wonder though, considering Simon's earlier reaction - or lack thereof – to her news.
"Sandy… I don't know if I love you or not, I think I need a little time to think," he told her. "But I promise you that I'm going to think about what you said and… I'll let you know as soon as I know myself."
"Thank you, Simon," said Sandy. Her voice held no resentment or hurt, but a bit of relief, like she wasn't sure if Simon had heard her at all, or maybe hated her for spilling her emotions on him like that.
"'Bye Sandy," Simon said, smiling.
"'Bye Simon."
Simon hung up and sighed, a bit relieved. Now all he had to do was think. Too bad he couldn't think in peace… his parents wouldn't let him hear the end of it if he ducked out of his own wedding reception.
XxXxX
The reception was nearly over. Simon had spent most of his time off the dance floor even though his mother had grabbed him for one of the dances and Rose asked him to dance with her twice while Umberto patted Simon on the shoulder, smiled, and took a seat, watching them dance, the bride and groom that did not get married.
Sam and David had nearly fallen asleep in their chairs and Lucy and Kevin had already gone home with an already-asleep Savannah an hour or so ago. Annie and Eric were still dancing around and Paul and Ruthie were still talking. Ruthie telling Paul some things about America, Paul telling Ruthie some things about Scotland.
"Oh you're going to study Robert Burns?" asked Paul in his thick Scottish accent.
"Yep," replied Ruthie, smiling. Talking to Paul seemed so easy. He was a good listener, and good with conversation himself. Not at all boring.
"He's one of my favorite poets," commented Paul. "I hear he's well-known in America as well?"
Ruthie nodded. "Most people around here have at least heard of him even if they don't know him very well."
"What's your favorite poem by him?" asked Paul.
Ruthie bit her lip and blushed. "Well… I haven't really read that much by him, which is why I'm going to Scotland to study him and other poetry and stuff."
Paul laughed. "It's understandable. So I take it you weren't exactly going to Scotland for the poetry?"
Ruthie blushed again. "Not exactly… but I do get some school credits for going, which is nice. And I like the idea of traveling… and getting the chance to travel to Scotland is great."
"Aye… I'm sure you'll like it," said Paul, smiling. Ruthie smiled back.
Annie and Eric walked over. "Ruthie, I think it's time to call it a night," said Annie. Paul looked up at her and smiled.
"I am glad I was here. Of course, I'm not sure the caterers will be too glad with me that I spent the entire time with a lovely young lady instead of helping them out," said Paul, smiling and nodding to both Annie and Eric. "Good night Ruthie, I hope to hear from you soon."
Ruthie gave Paul a little wave as he walked away to help the caterers clean up. Annie and Eric gave Ruthie a look and she looked up at him, shrugging. "What?"
Eric chuckled, one of those nervous chuckles fathers have when they see their daughters with potential boyfriends. "Nothing." He gave Ruthie a kiss on the top of her head. "I'm glad you had a good time."
"I am too," said Ruthie. She hadn't given much thought to Martin, aside from when she had talked to Simon. Instead she had thought about Paul. And his awesome accent. Annie gave her youngest daughter a hug and Ruthie went inside the house.
Annie sighed as she watched Ruthie walk away. "If Simon had really gotten married tonight, I could say that she's next," she said quietly. "But I have a feeling it won't be too long before Simon finds somebody he really wants to marry."
"I hope so," said Eric. "And I hope it's a lot less dramatic than this past year has been with Rose. Because… oh boy… if I have to go through the emotional stress his relationship with Rose was again… I don't know what I'll do…" Annie laughed and pulled Eric into a kiss. Rose and Umberto walked up and Rose cleared her throat. Loudly.
Annie and Eric broke about, chuckling, and Rose gave Annie and Eric hugs. "Thank you two for everything. I'm sorry it didn't work out between Simon and me, but I'm sure we'll stay in touch. Simon really is a great guy… just not the guy for me, I guess." Annie smiled at Rose. She had come such a long way. Even if Simon didn't bring out the best in her, their relationship had really helped both Rose and Simon grow up just a little bit more. "I'm sure we'll see each other again soon," said Rose. "Goodnight, and thanks again!" Umberto shook hands with both Annie and Eric before throwing an arm over Rose's shoulder, making Rose giggle, and the two walked away.
Annie sighed. "I'm sure it won't be long before we celebrate another wedding, even if its not one that is directly related to us. I really think Umberto and Rose are good together. I know… I feel like such a blasphemer considering twenty four hours ago she was our son's fiancée, but they look so happy together…"
Eric put an arm around his wife's shoulders. "No… I see it too. You're right." He pulled Annie close and gave her a kiss on the top of her head. He turned around and spotted Sam and David yawning in their chairs. "Come on… we've got an early flight in the morning, let's put those two to bed."
Both the elder Camdens pulled a twin into their arms. "Just think about it," whispered Annie as she held the sleeping Sam in her hands. "Soon enough we'll have three more sets of these."
Eric chuckled. "Oh, I can't believe we're going to have six more grandchildren. It seems only yesterday Charlie was born, our first grandchild. Now our youngest sons are seven! And our oldest child-"
"Is graduating from medical school tomorrow and having twin sons over the summer," said Annie, her eyes tearing up. "Oh… I know."
They reached the twins' room by their point. Annie and Eric changed the boys into their pajamas and then tucked them into bed before returning to their own bedroom and falling asleep.
XxXxX
"To the graduates!"
What a family gathering it was. Hank and Julie and Erica, Ben and Patty Mary and their mother and Frank, Matt and Sarah and Rabbi Glass and Rosina, Mary and Carlos and Charlie, Lucy and Kevin and Savannah, The Colonel and Ruth and George, Ruthie and Simon and Sam and David, Annie and Eric, and even Rose decided to come after all, being practically a part of the family even though she wasn't related by any blood or marriage bonds. She and Simon sat next to each other and acted casually, both feeling a little nervous but not enough that it was awkward. It was Rose's last day with the Camden family for the time being. The next day she was flying back to school to get her things and then staying with Umberto and his family for some time. She missed them.
Everyone had been enthusiastic to see Mary again and Annie screamed with joy seeing her quite pregnant eldest daughter. Upon hearing the news that Mary was graduating at long last Annie was practically in tears.
Dinner was a fun affair. Everyone talked about their lives so casually and the food was so delicious. It was such a happy time, having the entire family together for the first time in ages. Annie cried so many times it was hard to keep track, though Ruthie later claimed that her count had been around fifty-seven times. Sam and David tended to differ, thinking it was more like two million times. Their guess was probably closer.
But it got late soon enough and everyone parted ways. Almost everyone headed to a hotel near Matt and Sarah's apartment complex except for Sarah and Matt, obviously, and Mary, Carlos and a sleeping Charlie who went back to their own apartment, but promised they would join the family for brunch the next morning.
Brunch was pleasant, just as dinner had been. Everyone was a lot sleepier and a lot less weepy, and Rose left brunch a little early to catch her flight. She said good-bye to everyone and promised to keep in touch with Annie and Simon. They hoped to remain good friends, even if they didn't remain a couple.
Matt and Sarah gave another surprise at brunch, informing their families that they had achieved residency at an esteemed hospital in New York. Though Annie and Eric were a little sad that Matt and Sarah wouldn't be near them, in Glenoak, they were glad that they had achieved so much. Eric and Annie promised to visit after the twins were born, and to be there when the twins were born as well.
Mary and Carlos had better news, however, telling Annie and Eric that they would be moving to California for at least the next few years. They wanted to be near Mary's family for some time. Annie internally hoped that that meant that their rekindled relationship would work out even better if they were near family, especially family with happy marriages like Lucy and Kevin's and Annie and Eric's.
They were going to renew their vows in Eric's church over the summer before the twins were born, expected sometime in August. Annie almost broke out crying again and Eric was speechless when Mary asked her to be the one to do it.
Lucy, Kevin, and Savannah left after brunch with Ben, Patty Mary, their mother and Frank to visit with Kevin's family for a week or so. Then after checking out of the hotel, Annie, Eric, Ruthie, Sam, and David bid farewell to the rest of their relatives to fly back to Glenoak. Sarah and Matt promised to visit for a week or so before their residency began. Hank, Julie and Erica left soon after, driving the Colonel and Ruth home. Rosina and Rabbi Glass were staying with Matt and Sarah for another day or so before they flew home.
And so began another life-altering summer for the Camden family.
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