Title: Downfall
Type: 7th Heaven Fan Fiction
Rating: PG-13 (Sex, Alcohol, possible drug content)
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of 7th Heaven. I do own all my original characters and this story, though. Don't take.
Summary: Tragedy strikes Lucy and Kevin, who then must decide what to do with their lives.

Downfall

Chapter Eleven: Morning After

Lucy awoke. She found herself in the backseat of her car, freezing to death. Only a small blanket covered her. She looked at her surroundings. She was outside of the house. That's when she remembered everything from the day before. She'd come to her car to gather her thoughts, and had fallen asleep. Lucy suddenly heard a knock on her window. She jumped, then saw Kevin. He opened the car door.

"You're going to get sick out here. Come inside," Kevin stated. Lucy obeyed, without a word. When she walked into the house, a piercing silence sent chills down her spine. Amelia and Nichol were sitting silently at the kitchen table. Lucy and Kevin sat at the other two seats. Nichol stared at his soggy cornflakes. He had a cigarette in one hand and a spoon in the other. Amelia filed her nails. Kevin ventured out of his seat and to the cabinet. He got out a pop tart and began eating it cold.

"Anyone want one?" He asked. Everyone looked up.

"I'll have one," Lucy replied. Kevin nodded. He handed her a pop tart and sat down at his seat. The paper was in front of him, and he turned the page.

"The weather's calling for an ice storm," Kevin informed them.

"When?" Nichol asked, not looking up from his cornflakes. Kevin glanced at him, then Lucy.

"Tonight," Kevin replied. Nichol nodded, then took a long drag of his cigarette.

"It's late March," Lucy stated, "You wouldn't think it would be icing."

"Yeah, well, that's what they say," Kevin replied, "I didn't make it up. You can read it for yourself." Lucy shook her head.

"Forget it. I believe you."

Amelia still hadn't looked up from the table. She didn't plan on speaking or even acknowledging anyone at the table during this meal. A strange silence passed. Everyone had decided to ignore the night before, but Lucy's emotions were boiling over. She wasn't sure what she felt about anyone, and didn't feel like being in the same room as her husband, her ex-best friend, or the man that had become her lover.

Angry, Lucy stood from the table, threw down her pop tart, and stormed out of the house. She found herself shivering on the porch, wishing she had one of Nichol's cigarettes again. She didn't have to wish for long. Soon after she'd come out, she heard a door, then smelled tobacco. She turned and saw Nichol, holding a cigarette out to her. She willingly accepted it, then allowed him to light it for her. He lit one for himself, then stared at her.

"See what I mean about the stress?" He asked, trying his best to smile. She nodded.

"Yeah," Lucy replied, unsure of what to say. They stood in silence for a few moments, admiring the trees and the dark sky.

"What do you think about this ice storm we're supposed to be getting?" Nichol wanted to know. He leaned against the house, then blew smoke in all directions. Lucy turned to him.

"I'm not sure," She answered, "But it seems appropriate."

"Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking," Nichol agreed. He finished his cigarette, then put it out on the side of the house, leaving a black mark.

"Listen," Lucy began, "Last night was a mistake. I was upset and hurt and sleeping with you wasn't exactly the best way to make myself feel better. I kind of regret it." Nichol put his head down, then snapped it back up to face Lucy.

"Yeah, I've been getting that a lot lately," Nichol replied, referring to Amelia's comments the night before. Lucy's heart sank and she grasped Nichol's hand in hers.

"Nichol, it's not personal. It's just that we're both married and this can't happen," Lucy explained.

"Our spouses are committing adultery!" Nichol exclaimed.

"And that's exactly what we'd be doing. It was a mistake, Nichol," Lucy replied.

"What about being emotionally connected?" Nichol asked. His eyes filled with tears.

"We are, Nichol, but it's wrong. Morally wrong. We can't control what our spouses do, but we can control ourselves," Lucy explained, coming near to tears again, "Look, Nichol, I really like you. You're a very sweet, beautiful, caring man. But I can't do this."

"I love you," Nichol whispered, letting the tears fall. Lucy kissed his lips softly for a moment, then pulled away.

"I love you too," Lucy replied, then placed her hand on his cheek, "Maybe someday, Nichol, but not now. My mind is too screwed up." Nichol nodded, but said nothing. "I'm going to go out and clear my head a little before it ices. I'll be back soon." Lucy ran off of the porch and headed to her car. Nichol watched her closely, but someone was watching Nichol. Standing out of sight was Amelia, hate in her eyes, after hearing every word of their conversation.