Chapter 1: Forest With Secrets

Ruthie had not wanted to wait for Martin to finish off his baseball practice to get a ride home from him today, so she decided to walk home. She was walking down the street when she saw the short cut path, she wasn't supposed to take it alone, but what the heck. It was too warm out, to take the longer way. She headed into the path covered by trees, which made it shadey. She wiped a drop of sweat that had formed on her forehead. Today would have had to be one of the warmest days of the year, which didn't help her.

She kept on walking when she felt like something was watching her, she looked behind her, and saw nothing so she shrugged it off. She turned around and kept on walking. A few moments later, she had the same feeling, she looked behind her once again and saw someone walking behind her. She didn't think anything of it, it was a guy, he only looked 18, so she kept on walking. After a few minutes, she snuck another look behind her, and was surprised to find the guy still behind her, but closer.

She was starting to feel a little uncomfortable, so she sped up in her walk. As she turned the corner she was grabbed by the wrist and pulled back. She screamed at the dark haired guy to let go of her and kicked him, but it didn't help. He pushed her to the ground hard, and Ruthie's head hit the ground. She kicked and punched until she was to weak. The man hit her in the face, and she felt her forehead burn and everything went black.

Ruthie's eyes opened, and it took a few moments to figure out where she was, it was dark outside. She felt a breeze, and she found her ripped off clothes beside her, and she started to cry. She slipped on her clothes and looked around, all she saw were trees. She walked a few feet to find where the path was. When she found it, she ran as fast as she could, tears streaming down her face.

She had decided to go to the hospital, and tell them what had happened. She had to take a morning after pill, and had to answer a few questions, then she was asked if they could call anyone, but she lied and said that her family was out of town. She didn't want anyone to know, especially not her parents, but they insisted on calling someone so she told them Lucy's number, she knew she could trust her. She got a band-aid for her forehead that had a cut, and she found some bruises on her body.

A few minutes later, she saw Lucy rush into the room and give her a big hug, repeating the same question over and over again, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Ruthie replied. The doctors talked to Lucy for a few moments and then they were able to leave.

"I thought mom told you to stay out of those forests, unless you have someone with you." Lucy stated as they left the building.

"Well it was so hot, and I didn't want to stay in the sun. I didn't think anything would happen." Ruthie replied, as tears formed in her eyes. Lucy got the hint of not to talk about it.

"Okay, okay. I'm just glad you're okay." Lucy said as she gave her sister another big hug, "so, how about some ice cream before getting home? I'll give mom a call."

"Please don't tell her." Ruthie said, as she got into the car.

"Ruthie, she has to know."

"I know, and I will tell her, just not right now. I don't want her to know." Ruthie looked at her with her helpless eyes.

Lucy gave in, "okay fine. But you have to promise you will tell her." she said as she picked up her phone, dialing a number. Ruthie nodded, and Lucy talked to Annie saying Ruthie was fine and they were going to get ice cream, and they'd be back soon.

"Here's a sweatshirt." Lucy said giving her one of Kevin's from the back seat to put on.

"Thanks." Ruthie said, slipping it on.

---

Ruthie and Lucy walked into the Camden house a few hours later when Annie rushed up to Ruthie and hugged her like she had been gone for years, even though she was only gone for a few hours. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Ruthie forced a smile, "I'm fine mom, but I'm really tired, so can I go to bed?"

"Yes, of course." she smiled at her daughter as she walked up the stairs and gave Lucy a look after Ruthie was out of sight.

"What?" Lucy asked, hoping she wouldn't ask anything.

"Nothing." she gave Lucy a hug.

"What was that for?"

"Just for being my daughter. I'm proud of you, you know that?"

"Thanks." Lucy smiled and hugged her mother back, "But I gotta go, Kevin's waiting for me."

"Okay, good night. Tell Savannah and Kevin I said good night!"

"You bet." Lucy let out a sigh of relief as she walked out the back door and back to her house, when she walked into the house, Kevin was waiting in the kitchen.

"Hey." Lucy said as she sat down.

"Hey. Want a sandwich, glass of water? You look tired." Kevin said.

"No I'm fine. I'm just going to go to sleep." she said and gave Kevin a kiss and a hug.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Just for being you. I love you. You're a great husband and father." she smiled and kissed him again, before leaving the kitchen and heading up to bed.