For as long as she can remember, Ruth has always been called 'Dr. Brennan's Daughter', around the Jeffersonian and her mother's acquaintances. With the exception of those closest to her and her mother, people greeted her with a "Good afternoon Dr. Brennan's Daughter," when she stopped by after school. Ruth wondered if they even knew what her name was.
Today, as she walked into the Jeffersonian, she ran into Mike,(Angela and Hodgins son)who was interning for his dad.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked when he saw the sad look on her face.
"Did people ever call you 'Mrs. Montenegro and Dr. Hodgins' son'?"
His lips twitched. "'Dr. Brennan's Daughter' getting to you? Oh, yeah, I was known for my parents. Don't worry, you're only seventeen. I'm twenty-three and work here, and I still get called that."
Not feeling much better, Ruth slung her backpack over shoulder walked into park. She sat on a bench and started on her homework, another way people can compare her to her mother. She was a straight A student who had more awards and certificates than she could count.
Halfway through her book report, Boothe, who really should have retired a few years ago, but couldn't stand being away from work, came out and sat next to her. "I hear you're upset about being 'Dr. Brennan's Daughter.'"
She put her pencil down. "I just wish I could be known as 'Ruth'."
Boothe ran a hand through his almost completely gray hair. "Your mother has done a lot of great things. You'll do great things one day, too. But until then, wear the title 'Dr. Brennan's Daughter' proudly. Be happy to be your mother's daughter."
Ruth smiled. "Yeah, okay. But I'm also my father's daughter." She nudged him. "You've done a lot great things too, Dad."