This story takes place during and after Eric's surgery, and is told from the point of view of all of the kids. I don't own any of the characters!
*Ruthie's P.O.V.*
"Ok, Sam and David. You guys hide and then I'll come find you", I told my 3-year-old twin brothers. Before I could even start counting the phone rang. It was at least the tenth time that afternoon, and I had a pretty good idea of who it was. "Hi, Mom" I answered, rolling my eyes.
"Ruthie," she pleaded from the other end of the phone. "Please come to the hospital. It would mean so much to your father to have you there. He needs as much support from his family as he can get."
"I know, Mom" I told her for the tenth time. "You told me. But I'm not going. He lied to me. I don't trust him anymore, and I don't want to see him."
"I know, but please…" My mom began, but I interrupted.
"I said no!"
"Ruthie Camden! I realize that you're angry, but that is no way to talk to your mother!" she said sternly.
"Then stop calling and trying to change my mind!" I snapped, then hung up the phone. My dad had looked me in the eye and lied to me when I had asked him if he was ok. He knew I was concerned, and he lied, about something as serious as open heart surgery! How could I forgive him? The rest of the family had left early this morning to go to the hospital, but I had volunteered to watch the twins. And I had no intentions of going anywhere near my father.
"Ok, guys!" I called cheerfully to the twins, who were playing with some toy cars on the living room floor. "Now, you hide, and I'll come and find you."
*Simon's P.O.V.*
How could I have said that to my own father? I thought, as I paced back and forth in the small waiting room at Glen Oak Hospital. I practically told him that I wished he would die! What if he does die? I'll never be able to forgive myself! I should have apologized when I found out about the surgery, but I was too angry. Now it may be too late! What if I never get the chance…
"Simon!"
Lucy's voice interrupted my thoughts and I turned to look at her, Kevin, and Robbie, who were watching me from the old, torn up couch on the side of the room.
"Can you please stop pacing? It's making me nervous." I noticed that she had tears in her eyes. She had been crying all morning.
"Sorry," I mumbled, sinking into an even older chair next to the couch. We had been here for about three hours already and had hardly spoken to each other at all. I looked around the room, wishing it looked a little more cheerful. The walls were painted white and a few mismatched chairs and tables were scattered around the room. There was a small selection of toys in a basket in the corner, and several issues of Better Homes and Gardens on one of the tables. They were all out of date, and I should know. I had read each one twice. I glanced over at the couch. Robbie was staring off into space and Lucy was resting her head on Kevin's shoulder. I couldn't stand the silence any more, so I decided to try and make conversation. Turning toward Robbie I asked, "Do you think the surgery will turn out okay?"
Before he could answer, Lucy let out a sob and ran from the room. Kevin glared at me and followed, calling her name.
"Never mind," I told Robbie, who still hadn't answered my question. "I'm going to take a walk.
*Robbie's P.O.V.*
I watched Simon leave, knowing I should ask where he was going and when he would be back, but I just sat silently. I knew I couldn't tell anyone what was bothering me. It sounded so selfish, but I couldn't help what I was feeling. When Rev. Camden had announced that he was having surgery, I, like everyone else, had immediately thought, "What if he dies?". But the next thing that came to my mind was, If he dies, they'll kick me out of the house! I knew that if Rev. Camden did die, money was going to be very tight for the family. They couldn't afford to keep and extra kid, and I would be back on the streets. I hadn't told anyone my fears, because I was too ashamed. I had barley talked to Simon or Lucy all morning. Their father could die, and I was only thinking about myself. And as much as I hated to admit it, I was jealous of Kevin. Even if Rev. Camden did die, he would be allowed to stay, since he and Lucy were going to be married. I sighed and picked up an issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Simon had been reading it earlier. Maybe it would be interesting.
*Lucy's P.O.V.*
I heard Kevin running to catch up with me, but I pretended not to. I needed some time alone, so I rushed into the women's restroom and locked myself into a stall. I closed the lid to the toilet and sat down, crying into my hands. My father is in surgery now, and he could die at any minute! What will I do without him? I thought, in a panic. My father was my inspiration. I admired him so much that I was following in his footsteps and trying to become a minister as well. He was so good at helping people with their problems, so patient and understanding. If I couldn't rely on him for guidance, I didn't know what I would do. I wasn't even sure if I could become a minister. It would be too painful to think about him every time I gave a sermon, or counseled a couple, or helped a young child. Please, God, I prayed silently Please help my father.