Matt has been released from the hospital for three days. Kevin and Eric were released from the hospital the same day. Lucy and Hannah have been out of the hospital for a day.
Chapter 7: Life and Death
Annie rolled over in bed and hit the alarm clock. She didn't want to wake up. Today was the day of Sam's funeral. She didn't think she could face everyone trying to express their sympathy. She shook Eric and he groggily got up and silently went to take a shower. Annie got up, made the bed, and laid out her and Eric's clothes. Just then she heard a knock on the door. "Come in," she answered. David peeked his head around the door and walked over to where Annie stood. He gave her a big bear hug. "Mom, I wish this day had never come," he whispered through his tears. Sam had been his best friend since they were born and now he was dead. "I know honey," Annie said, "But at least we'll heave some relief when they catch the guy who killed him." "I don't care about that. Finding that guy isn't gonna bring Sam back," David said as he looked up at Annie. "I know, sweetheart," Annie replied, "Now go get dressed." David slowly trudged back to his room; the room he had once shared with Sam. Everything seemed to bring back memories of him.
Kinkirk House
"Jenna, come down here now," Kevin yelled up the stairs. "Do I look okay, Daddy," she asked as she ran down the stairs. "You look beautiful," Kevin replied as he kissed her on top of the head, "Now go into the kitchen and eat your breakfast. We have to get going soon." Kevin followed Jenna into the chaotic kitchen. The baby was crying, Grace and Sean were fighting over a bottle, Lucy was putting pancakes and grits on the table, and Hailey was twirling around the kitchen. Kevin leaned over and took Hannah from Lucy's arms. "Thanks," she said kissing him across the table. "Okay everyone, sit down," Lucy commanded. Jenna, Hailey, and Sean took seats at the table and Lucy quickly scooped up Grace and plopped her in her highchair. At once the kids started eating and Lucy slipped out to take a shower.
After the breakfast dishes were clean and everyone was pronounced clean and neat, Kevin and Lucy began the task of loading everyone into the car.
Hotel where Rivera's are staying
Mary was changing Savannah's diaper on the bed when Ashleigh walked over with her dress on backwards. "Where's your dad," Mary asked obviously irritated. "He went somewhere," Ashleigh replied innocently as she twirled her dress. "Charlie!" Mary called. "Yeah, Mom," he said. "Help your sister put on her dress," Mary grumpily commanded.
Mary picked up Savannah slid a dress over her head, and put her on the ground. Savannah happily played with a toy while Mary tried to get herself ready. She heard the door slam and she angrily marched out of the bathroom. "Carlos, where have you been? I've been running around here like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get the kids ready," she demanded. "I brought breakfast," he said holding up a donut box. "Oh, thank you. I totally forgot about breakfast," she said, "I'm sorry. It's been a hard time for the whole family." "I know," he said kissing her.
The family sat at the tiny hotel table and ate. Then everyone piled into the car.
Camden House (Matt and Sarah)
"Mommy, daddy wake up," shouted Noah as he jumped up and down on their bed. "Noah, please get off the bed," pleaded Sarah. She rolled over and kicked Matt. "Wake up, sleepyhead," she said. Matt rolled out of bed and with a clunk hit the floor. "I'm okay," he assured everyone. He got up and headed off to the bathroom. Sarah walked across the hall to Jaime's room closely followed by Noah. "What do we have to do today, Mommy?" he asked. "Remember I told you we're going to Uncle Sam's funeral today," Sarah replied. "Oh yeah I remember," he said.
As soon as Sarah finished dressing the two boys and got ready herself she took them downstairs and made them oatmeal. After everyone was done eating they all loaded into the car and they were off to the church.
Camden House (Annie and Eric)
Ruthie looked at herself in the mirror. She thought she had better put on waterproof mascara so her tears wouldn't make her makeup smear. Ruthie still couldn't face the fact that her younger brother who she had babysat and thought was a pain was lying in a coffin. She slowly rose and went downstairs to join her family.
Church
"We are here today to celebrate a life not a death. The life of my son Samuel Joshua Camden." Eric's voice filled the whole church. He was giving the sermon at his own son's funeral. "Our family has celebrated a life and a death all in one day. My son died and my granddaughter, Hannah, was born." Lucy looked down at Hannah sleeping peacefully in her arms. "She's a gift from God," she thought to herself.