Authors Note: *Stares at list of written work* I think I really need to pick a genre… oh well. It's late, I'm an insomniac, and I've got, what I hope is, a good idea. ^_^

The Path Is Winding

Chapter One:

Seeking Answers

Eric Camden made his way slowly through the church, taking a small break from the stacks of paperwork that weighted down his desk. It was hard to get through the day without a small break considering the many stresses which imposed themselves upon his life. Sometimes it was nice just to walk around and admire the tranquility of the church. He made his was up the isle in a non hurried manner nodding politely to the latest mystery God had decided to throw his way.

For almost a month now, ever since school let out, he'd noticed a girl coming to the church. She would sit politely in the front row reading one book or another, sometimes having more than one. As far as he could tell she'd get there at seven and stay until five. This was decidedly very odd behavior, considering that she looked no older than Simon. Wouldn't a girl that age of other things to do over the summer? Friends? A Job? A boyfriend? She looked average enough outwardly. Her long brown hair, usually tied up in a ponytail must have come down past her waist when completely down. She had a nice eyes, when she bothered to look up. Blue/green hazel almond shaped ones, that reminded him a lot of Mary's eyes. She wore average middle class kid clothing and had a decent, complimenting pair of glasses, which he noticed, she would most often misplace because they weren't needed while she was reading.

That was how they'd first met. She'd been so quite in the morning, that he hadn't seen her, but as he left on that first day of summer he could hear some scuffling in the front pews, and went to investigate. He'd been able to locate her glasses and thought nothing of the meeting until he noticed her there again and again. He really wanted to know why she was there all the time, but this summer had been so busy he hadn't been able or brave enough to inquire. He had seen her come and go so he knew she was not living there, but something still bugged him. It was very frustrating because as I mentioned before, nothing really seemed amiss… Except that he never saw her on Sundays…

Today, however, he finally had something that could start a conversation more in-depth than simply the weather, and perhaps he could get his answers at last. "Hello there," he said politely sitting down next to her on the pew.

The girl nodded and took a moment or two to finish the sentence she'd been reading before closing the book, putting on her glasses and turning to face him. "Hello reverend," she said with a polite smile, "What's up?"

"I found this on my desk today," he said holding up a misshapen coiffeur that had been molded to be imperfect with many crevices and dips as though someone had tried to squeezed the life out of it, and printed on one side was: This is what my mid-life-crisis had done to me!

The girl smiled politely. "I hope your not offended, but I couldn't help but notice you seem so stressed all the time by forces outside your control. I thought it would be a nice thank you gift for you letting me stay here so long and not complaining, or throwing me out."

Eric smiled politely, "Thank you, it dose kind of fit, doesn't it?" he paused a moment, "But that's not the real reason I came to talk to you today."

The girl turned her head to one side slightly to show that he had her full attention, "Oh?"

"Yes. I … couldn't help noticing that you… seem to be here… all the time… I was just wondering if you had anything you'd like to talk about?" An odd expression crossed the girls young face. He couldn't quite place it. There were a few more moments of silence before the girl answered, "I'm afraid not. I know it looks a little suspicious, but my situation's as complicated as yours can sometimes be." Ok, at least she was honest. He wasn't surprised she'd picked up on the complications of his life, there was hardly a person in the congregation who didn't pick up on it. Still, he couldn't help sighing, a little disappointed.

"Very well then. Enjoy your book." The girl nodded and wasted no time in returning to reading. As he walked away and continued his work Eric couldn't shake the feeling that there was something that perhaps he could help her with… but if she was in no danger and she wouldn't talk then it wasn't his place to intrude. Still he couldn't help but pray for some way to reach out to her…

Luckily, at just that moment, Simon Camden made his way through the church doors to drop off some paperwork his father had forgotten when he heard a loud thud and a small cry from the front of the church. He looked up surprised to see a girl, about his age sprawled into the isle with a book over her head. He could make out a muffled, "ow…" as she shifted to right herself.

Trotting down the isle, he reached her just as she'd pulled herself into a sitting position. "Are you okay?" he asked, offering a hand to help her up.

The girl happily accepted. "I think I'll live," She said with a small smirk.

"Are you here for my dad?" he asked thinking she was another one of his dad's cases that didn't know the church very well.

She smiled and shook her head, "No, I was just here to read."

"To read?" Simon repeated with utter confusion. If she wanted to read why not go the library or the park? Why the church?

As if reading the look of his face she spoke up, "I know that must seem very odd, but It's hard to get the same type of quiet anywhere else. It makes It easier to think."

Simon shrugged. He'd heard stranger things in his day. "So are you new in town?" He asked, forgetting his father's paperwork.

She shook her head. "I've been here since I was six," she replied. "I just live in one f the older houses at the edge of town. It's the old back and white one near the park. Probably would've been a historical landmark if we hadn't added another room and a deck.

Simon nodded, he though he knew which house she meant.

"My family's down in Florida right now for an important event, and that leaves me home alone." she shrugged a little. "I guess It just seems more peaceful here than at home."

Simon nodded again. It was a bit strange, but he could understand. "Must be nice to have the house all to yourself. That's never happened at my house."

"I can imagine with all your siblings," she replied with another smile. "My dad was one of ten, and my mom was one of five, so I have a big family too, just more extended."

"Wow, it must be a zoo at holidays," Simon said allowed.

The girl just laughed. "You better believe it! Just trying to get near the food table is taking your life in your hands."

They were both laughing when Eric came into the room. "Oh Simon, what are you doing here?"

"Hm? Oh Yeah! Mom wanted me to give you this!" he said holding out a folder as his father approached.

"It's glad to see you got straight to it," his father said with a bit of sarcasm.

"I'm sorry, but she fell down," he said indicating to the girl, "and after I helped her up we got to talking."

"It's no big deal," his father said, "I had more than enough things to keep me busy. Besides, it's time to go home anyway. Dinner will be ready soon."

Simon nodded, then turned back to the girl. "By the way…." he paused, waiting for her name.

"Rose," she replied, "Rose Shields."

"Rose," Simon nodded, "Since you're on your own this week, would you like to come to our house for dinner? You already know we've got a big family, so there's always room for more."

Rose smiled and hesitantly said, "As long as I wouldn't be imposing."

"Not at all," said Eric, glad to have a way to talk to her. "I'll give both of you a ride if you want. Both teenagers nodded and proceeded to pile into the backseat. As they pulled away from the church Simon asked, "So what're you reading?"

Rose pulled out her second, smaller book, trying not to be obvious that she was ignoring the first, "Well, this is fantasy adventure book my friend recommended to me. I'm kind of a book worm."

Simon nodded, "And the other one?"

"Oh… just research," she said waving her hand in a dismissive manner.

"We're here!" Eric chimed as they pulled into the driveway.

"Thanks for the ride dad!" Simone called, getting out.

"Thank you Mr. Camden," rose said following Simon. They walked to the door in an unsuspecting peace. Just as they reached the door however, it flew open reviling Mrs. Camden in a terrible frenzy, clutching the phone. "Eric!" she cried running out to him.

"What is it-" he hardly had the chance to finish his sentence before she'd thrown herself into his arms, crying.

"The Kernel (Forgive me if that's the wrong spelling) just called! Something's wrong with Mary!"

"What?!" he said in shock. "What is it!"

"They're not sure yet! She… she just collapsed, and the doctor doesn't seem to egger to talk!"

Eric bit his lip, making a hard decision. "We have to go see her, find out what's going on."

"I know but," his wife continued, "can we just leave Simon alone with Ruthy and the twins?"

"I could help baby-sit," said Rose stepping forward. "I've had a lot of experience with my little brother and a few other jobs I've had over the years."

"Who is this?" asked Mrs. Camden a little suspicious.

"A friend from the church," Simon piped in. I'm sure you can trust her," he said not to eager about the idea of handling the twins and Ruthy alone…

Considering the extreme circumstances, it was a wonder how fast things worked out. After a few brief, but important discussions everything was settled. The two parent Camden would leave for the night, not staying longer than possible, and Rose and Simon would mind the younger ones. In the matter of an hour Eric and his wife were packed, and Rose had made a round trip to her house, coming back with an over night bag.

"Be good kids, we'll be back!" Eric called on his way out the door.

"Thank you so much for your help Rose," added Mrs. Camden.

"Anytime!" Rose called after them, closing the door.

"Well…. This is an odd turn of events." Simon said sitting down on the couch, running his hands through his hair.

"Are you okay?" Rose asked approaching him.

"I'm worried about my sister, and just the thought of the twins and Ruthy even with your help gives me a headache."

Roses expression softened and she patted him gently on the shoulder, "I'm sure your sister will be fine. Just stay right here."

In too much emotional turmoil and migraine like pain to argue Simon sat on the couch patiently until she returned a few minutes later. He looked up, feeling a shift in the couch as she sat down next to him.

"Here," she said offering him a mug of tea. "This should help with your headache."

"uh… thank you." Simon accepted the tea gratefully. He wasn't tea's biggest fan, but he had to admit that this tea was good.

Rose smiled. "I'll take care of dinner,"

"No, we'll just order out. Really that's okay." Rose nodded and reached for the phone.

"Do you mind Japanese?" Simon shook his head. As long as it was food, he really wouldn't mind anything right now.

"Alright," Rose said in a soft tone, conscientious of his headache. "I'll go check on the kids, and ask them what they want." He nodded, sinking further into the couch cushions. Thank god someone was here to help.

~~~

It had to about three AM in the morning and Simon still was not asleep. Worry about his sister partially, and partially he was thinking over that evenings events. Rose had been a big help in keeping the kids controlled during their dinner. They'd been so hyperactive that the two of them didn't get a chance to eat until after they were in bed. Rose and he hand talked for a long while after that. She'd laughed at his pathetic excuse at use of chopsticks, while she maneuvered them like a pro.

He'd found out a lot about her. She had one brother, three dogs to care for, was a junior in high school, like himself, and was skilled in many interesting areas. She knew many things about herbs healing powers, weaponry, eastern cultures, and western cultures. She reminded him almost of a renaissance person. It had been really fascinating. He supposed if anything was bugging him it was a feeling his got from her, like she was hiding something. He rolled over and shook his head. His dad had been rubbing off on him too much.

Frustrated that sleep would not come, he decided a glass of warm milk might help. He shrugged off his sheets and made his way downstairs. He was trying to maneuver around the dark kitchen for a light switch when he tripped over Happy and careened towards the floor. He braced himself for the impact and was surprised to find two strong hands holding him up instead. "Careful," Roses voice made it's way to his ears in the dark, "You shouldn't be wandering around in the dark.

Simon grinned as he righted himself. "I should be saying the same to you. Couldn't sleep either?"

As his eyesight adjusted he was able to see Rose shake her head, "No I couldn't, and I didn't want to wake anyone with the kitchen light."

"Isn't there a tea you could use to help you sleep," he said with a bit of humor in his voice. It was funny how much she knew.

"Yes, but it doesn't work for me. I've had horrible insomnia for a long time now. I'm just used to it." She shrugged.

Simons voice suddenly became laced with concern, "Shouldn't you see a doctor about that or something?"

Rose shrugged again and opened her mouth to answer when a parade of sirens and flashing lights caught their attention. "What's going on?" she asked, approaching the window.

"I'm not sure," Simon replied coming up behind her. They stared in silence for a few moments before Simon spoke up again. "Maybe I should turn on the news…" Rose turned around to see the TV as she head him switch it on. Their timing was impeccable…

"And we have just received news of a violent burglary in Glen Oak. It appears the old Farm house near the edge of town was broken into and ransacked. Police responded to the calls of suspicious neighbors who knew the family to be away for the summer. Nothing, as of yet, has been reported stolen, but police have found no trace of the 16 year old girl who was supposedly, watching the house for her family. Witnesses say…"

The voice of the news caster faded away as Roses eyes grew big with fear. With a small cry she collapsed to her knees clutching at a black shoestring like chain that disappeared beneath her shirt. A necklace possibly?

"Rose?!" Simon said turning to her, concerned.

"H-He's back!" was all she could manage. "Oh great maker we're all in danger!"

Authors Note: Well there's my first chapter. ^_^ First attempts at a 7th heaven fic. What do you think?