Maybe Chapter 3: I'd actually prefer to stay on my own, a 7th heaven fanfic

A/N: Here I am, forgive the spaces in between chapters. Being 14 and a 2nd year student in high school is not exactly the easiest parts of one's life. Oh, I wanted to show the bond between brother and sister (although, I really CAN"T tell because I have no brother, just a dog my parents like to tell me is my brother (they're in denial). So all brotherly feelings here are based on what I observed of my mom's interaction with her brothers. They are sooooo cloooose. I thought it was very sweet so I wanted to involve it here in my fanfic.

A/N2: If this seems weird forgive me; I'm in a ROTTEN mood. The news that one of my batchmates got pregnant and gave birth last summer came out today. Because of that (and security reasons, or so they say), my parents banned me from attending our class overnight in school! Even if I'm like so responsible and haven't done a single thing to misuse their trust! Arrrggghh! So aside from being soooooo shocked, I'm also pissed at the unfarrness of it all. Forgive me for ranting but I had to get that all out.

Disclaimer: I don't own 7th Heaven.

The Camdens and the Kinkirks (Lucy and Kevin) were all seated in the Camden's living room, planning the camping trip they'd all be going on a day and a half later.

"We still need to decide who sleeps where. We should decide while were still here in Glen Oak so as to save time and prevent any mischief." Annie reminded everyone. But she was looking directly at Ruthie while she said this. Ruthie just smiled and tried to look innocent.

"You're right." Eric agreed. "We have 2 tents-"

Kevin, whose break happened to coincide with the trip, interrupted Eric. "I have a medium- sized tent, back from my old high school boy scout days, up in the garage apartment. Luce and I could sleep there."

Eric continued. "Three tents then. We have two gigantic tents and a medium-sized tent, as well. How do we divide everyone out?"

"Eric, I think Sam, David and one more person can stay with you and me in one of the large tents." Annie suggested.

"Then what about the person who stays alone?" Eric questioned. "Can he or she stay on his or her own?"

"Dad, Kevin and I don't mind if one more person joins us in the tent." Lucy offered, smiling.

"Never mind Luce, I'd actually prefer to stay on my own." Simon said, trying to cover up his sadness. Even if he was really looking forward to the trip with the family, he was still a bit depressed and he didn't want Lucy to get even more suspicious. He just couldn't help thinking about Deena. Why wouldn't her parents give him a chance? He'd even settle for study dates if he had to and they KNEW that. He was convinced that Deena was the one.

Annie looked slightly concerned. "Simon, are you sure? Won't it be lonely for you?"

"Mom, I'm sure I won't be lonely, I'll be alone only during the night." Simon assured his mother. "And besides, it will be something like an adventure for me."

Eric and Annie silently discussed it among themselves and they finally decided to give in. They knew Simon was at the stage where he needed his privacy, something very rare in the Camden household, as proved by Ruthie. They also understood that even if Lucy had offered to let one more person stay in the tent with Kevin and her, the two of them would want their privacy.

"My gosh! This place is absolutely beautiful!" Lucy cried, stepping out of the car.

"Yeah, it is. It looks so different from when we last went here!" Simon exclaimed cheerfully, he was in a better mood and was determined to enjoy the time with his family.

"Well, we last went here about two years ago." Eric informed them. "So of course it's changed."

"Why did you stop going here for two years?" Kevin asked curiously. "It seems like a lovely place."

"It's really such a pity that we stopped, so many memories we missed out on. Especially with Matt and Mary." Annie agreed. "But I guess we were too busy and had different priorities at that time."

"It's okay though," Lucy broke in. "We still have time, we're still pretty young and maybe next time Matt and Mary could join us."

"You're right." Simon spoke up. "Why waste time worrying?"

Annie, Eric and Lucy all looked a bit shocked, he certainly seemed happier. "Well, then lets get settled! Time's a wasted" Eric hurried them on.

Later that night, Simon sat alone in his tent, thinking. He was really trying to be happier. But he couldn't get rid of that tiny bit of sadness and he kept on mulling over Deena. Her voice kept on echoing in his head.

"Now's not our time Simon. My parents and I agreed that I have to focus on other things, mainly my health and my studies.

"Now's not our time."

"My health and my studies"

He kept on hearing her voice, it was driving him nuts. So he decided to go out and check if the campfire had been put out and maybe to reflect a bit. He hoped the cool air and the low sounds of nature at night would calm his frazzled nerves.

He walked out into the area where they had earlier set up the campfire. He saw the slightly flickering remains of the campfire and when he approached it, he realized he wasn't alone. Lucy and Kevin were seated down near the fire, with their arms wrapped around each other. He felt a small tug at his heart when he saw them together. He walked away and sat down beside a small pond, only a short distance away from the tents. He dipped his fingers into the cool water. Everyone had a special someone. Eric and Annie were constantly exchanging little looks and smiles, which let everyone know that they were still deeply in love with each other. Kevin and Lucy were more demonstrative with their affection, perennially holding hands and kissing. Even his little sister Ruthie, had someone, just earlier today he had heard her talking to Peter on her cell phone. Ruthie and Peter just reminded him of Deena and him before they broke up. Puppy love, it was called. He knew, though, that what he was feeling now was far from puppy love, it was one serious attraction.

After some time of his reflection by the pond, he felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up into the concerned eyes of his sister, Lucy. In the distance, he could see Kevin carefully putting out the very last of the flames that had remained from the campfire.

Lucy bent down and hugged Simon. "Simon, we all know something's been bothering you lately. But as much as we want to help you, we can't force you to tell us what's wrong." She gently told him, not letting on that she knew what was troubling him. "I just want you to know that we're here and if ever you need to talk, both Kevin and I are here, in case it's some guy thing you wouldn't feel comfortable talking to dad about, seeing as how Matt is constantly busy, he's the only other option. But I guess the most I have to say is that whatever your problem is, no matter how large it seems, it will all work out in the end."

"Thanks, Luce." He told her, hugging her back.

Kevin came up just then. "I hate to interrupt but I think its getting awfully late."

Lucy straightened up. "It is." She turned to Simon "We'll be going now, Simon, Its quite late, you should go in soon."

"I will, Good night." He promised

"Ok. Goodnight" she replied, walking off with Kevin.

Simon stared down at the pond again, thinking of what Lucy had said. Maybe she was right. Maybe everything would be okay in the end... maybe....

"You turned me down

I fell to the ground

But, now, I'm standing

Yet, without you, there's still something missing"

A/N: Whew. By my standards, that was long. Remember to review. Reading good ones are a nice break from hearing my teachers' criticism. But I don't really mind criticism as long as it's CONSTRUCTIVE.