A/N: This chapter is going to be a little slow, but bear with me, please. It should start to get better soon.

Summary: Ben is acting pretty secretive about his date with Jen, and Jen has her first night at her parents'.

Chapter Four

"So, Ben, how is work?" Reverend Camden asked his son-in-law's brother.

"It's fine."

"Nothing too exciting going on in your life?"

"Not particularly, no."

"Well, I for one, had a fantastic day. I was able to get most of my sermon done for Sunday already. I just had such inspiration."

"That's great, Reverend Camden."

"What's it about, Dad?" Kevin asked, just as Annie said to Ben, "Ben, how many times have we told you to address us by our first names? You're still family, even if you're not with Mary."

"Thanks."

Lucy, who had Sarah Rachel on her lap, shot her husband a look. He shrugged.

"To answer your question, Lucy, you'll have to find out." There was a twinkle in his eye.

"You know something Kevin," Lucy said, as she handed her husband the empty glass. He put in the dishwasher. Both Sarah Rachel and Savannah were asleep; Ben had offered to watch her, since he hadn't seen them for awhile, and besides, they were his nieces. Besides, he did some great voice imitations when reading them bedtime stories, much better than their mother or father. Lucy and Kevin agreed to fill the dishwasher.

"No, I honestly don't."

"He's obviously hiding something."

"Can't you just give it a rest?"

Lucy looked at him. "Kevin, there's something going on. You're as curious as we are, don't try to deny it."

"It's true, I'm curious, but I think we should leave him be."

"Well, what do you think the situation is?"

Kevin shrugged. "It could be anything." His eyes lit up. "Could it be my mother?"

Lucy shook her head. "Wouldn't Patty-Mary have called you?"

Ben shrugged. "She probably would have, although I'm sure she's been pretty busy on her own these days."

"I'm surprised she doesn't have kids yet."

"To be honest, I'm not sure she wants to. She's not really the type to want to be a mother."

"And Ben?"

"He's much more ready to be a father, you see how he is around Savannah and Sarah."

Lucy sighed. "I guess. I just wish I knew what was bothering him."

Kevin gave his wife a hug. "I know."

"And what do you think my dad's up to with his sermon?" she asked, pulling back.

Kevin shrugged. "That I can't tell you."

Lucy sighed.

Ben, of course, wasn't ready to tell anyone. He didn't know what it was about her, but there was obviously some story behind her. However, he also really liked her and wanted to get to know her before he jumped to any conclusions or stopped seeing her.

Jen also tried to get Ben out of her mind. She'd been so used to rejecting guys, and so afraid to get close, that she pretty much stayed clear of them.

Dinner had been a quiet time for Jen and her parents. They both usually worked through dinner, but on the night of Jen's arrival home, both of them made an effort to be there with her. Jen would have been fine to eat at the promenade by herself, but she knew that her parents were trying to make an effort, so was she.

"How's work?" her father asked, as he cut a piece of steak.

Jen nodded. "It's good."

"Are you still working at the same school?" her mother asked.

Jen nodded. "I've got a great class this year, much better than last year. The kids are much more open to learning and new experiences."

Her mother smiled, but Jen could see right through it, she saw through the smile. Sarah had wanted to be a teacher. Jen wanted to follow in Sarah's memory.

Jen had trouble sleeping in her parents home. Although they were warm to her, she knew they still blamed her for what happened with Sarah.

Jen sat by the kitchen window, staring out into the starless night, with a glass of milk in front of her. She didn't hear her mother enter, and jumped when her mother said, "Jen, what are you doing up at this hour?"

Jen turned to look at her, her brown hair kept short the way it had been years earlier, her blue eyes look at her, expressionless. Her mother, who used to be so full of love, warmth and laughter, had become emotionless and unexpressive. It was her way of dealing with Sarah's death, but it wasn't easy to shut Jen out, either.

"I had trouble sleeping."

Her mother took out a glass, poured herself some milk, and joined Jen on the stool next to her. Neither spoke. This wasn't the time. Finally, her mother asked her, "How long do you plan to stay? You know you can stay for as long as you want."

"Thanks Mom, I'm just here for the holidays. I'll be gone in a couple of weeks."

Her mother nodded.

They drank the rest of their milk in silence.

First nights in a strange place are always the most difficult. After that, Jen was able to sleep easier, although breathing easier was a whole other story. She and her parents were still tip-toeing around each other, around the topic that haunted the three of them, and Jen wanted to let it go. There was nothing to discuss. Jen was to blame for it all, and she was surprised – and grateful – that her parents were giving her as much as they were.

From Tuesday, the day of Ben's phone call, to Friday, Jen pretty much watched television and took jogs around the neighborhood. She'd certainly grown up, and no one recognized her.

Finally, on Friday, Jen was able to break her routine. She put on a short, black skirt, just slightly above the knee, with a purple, short-sleeve top. She put on big, silver hoops, and, for the first time in a long time, put on some makeup, which she had kept in the back of her closet, never bothering to apply on her own or buy new. Some foundation, some blush, a little mascara and lip gloss.

"You look nice."

Jen whirled around. Her mother was standing by the doorway. "Are you going out?"

Jen nodded.

"A guy?"

Jen nodded again.

She smiled. "Have a good time."

Jen felt guilty. "I could stay home –"

Her mother shook her head. "Of course not. You go out and have a good time."

"Thanks."

In the meantime, Ben put on a crisp, clean shirt and black slacks with his nice black shoes that he often only wore to church.

"Ben?"

"Up here, Kev!"

Kevin's heavy footsteps came clomping on the stairs. He appeared a minute later. "Would you mind – whoa. Where are you going?"

"Out."

"With a girl?"

"Yes."

Kevin whistled. "She must be special if you're putting on a clean shirt and your church shoes."

Ben rolled his eyes. "What did you want, Kev?"

"I was going to ask you to baby-sit, but I'll ask Mom instead."

Ben nodded.

"Have fun tonight."

"Thanks."

I certainly hope so.

Please R&R. Thanks!