Disclaimer: In reality I don't own Seventh Heaven, but in fantasy...

Thanks for the reviews! I know that there's a new messaging way of dealing with reviews, but I decided to just put all reviews at the end, like I had planned. Why? Because I don't like changing in the middle of a story.

Here's Chapter Nine! There's only three more left, not including the epilogue, if I decide to include that.

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She ran as hard as she could, having forgotten about the phone, where Simon was now trying to get through, wanting to know if David really was dying.

"David!" Ruthie said, looking at her unconscious little brother, stripped to his boxers, bruised, and lying motionless on the pitcher's mound, "How?" She asked, taking off her coat to warm him up.

"We don't know," Anna said crying, "Suze and I were in the bathroom and then we saw him dying,"

"No, his heart still has a steady beat," Robbie said, "We should take him to the hospital to get checked out though. Ruthie, you get them home and I'll take David to the hospital,"

Robbie pulled out his phone, dialing furiously and Ruthie waited until the ambulances came and took David away. She then herded Susie and Savannah into the car, worried more then ever about her baby brother that she adored so much.

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"Is David going to be okay?" Sam asked, worried. This was the first time Ruthie had seen Sam actually want to be with his twin brother.

"He'll be fine," Ruthie said, having talked to Robbie earlier, "He's coming home right now,"

"I told you he shouldn't go to that stupid boarding school," Sam grumbled, directing this comment to his parents, "David has no people skills!"

"Sam-" Eric started

"No," Sam sighed, "If I hadn't convinced David to go, then this wouldn't have happened!"

"Sam, please!" Annie said, sighing, "Ruthie, did you or Robbie see anyone?"

"No," Ruthie sighed,

Martin turned to his daughter, "Susie, did you see anyone?"

"No, Daddy," She said a little scared, "Anna and I were in the bathroom the entire time. Since there was only one toilet and we both had to go, we were in there for a long time,"

"We should make this a happy Christmas for David's sake," Savannah added

"Hello!" Simon's booming voice carried to the kitchen, "Is David okay?"

"We were worried," A feminine voice added, "I heard someone yelling that David was dying,"

"In here!" Eric yelled, sighing, "David's coming back any second!"

Simon showed up grinning, holding the hand of Carrie, who smiled. Carrie was beautiful and black. This shocked the Camdens not at all, after Matt bringing home a Jew, Mary a Spaniard, and Lucy a Catholic (even if he had embraced Lucy's religion). Eric and Annie had secretly hoped that Ruthie would marry a Protestant, namely Martin, and carry on their faith. It took a lot more for Simon to shock them these days, after the tragedy that was Rose.

"Carrie, this is my family," He said softly, "My sister Ruthie, you talked to earlier," He pointed to Ruthie who smiled, "Nice to finally meet you, Carrie,"

She nodded, shaking Ruthie's hand, still very shy.

"My father, Eric Camden,"

"Reverend," She said softly

"Call me Eric," He smiled and shook her hand, "Carrie, correct?"

"Yes, Eric," She said, "And you must be Simon's mother,"

"Annie, call me Annie," She smiled and hugged Carrie who looked a little surprised, "We're so happy you're here!"

"I'm Savannah," The little girl announced, "Are you Carrie, Simon's girlfriend?" She asked, curious

"Yes," Carrie smiled,

"She looks like a good one," Ruthie whispered to Simon and he said to her,

"I know," and smiled. He tried to kiss her, but she warded him off, saying that it was rude to do in front of his family. Ruthie could just see her parents falling more and more in love with Carrie.

"We're here!" David yelled, walking into the kitchen with a shaky smile, "Hey guys,"

Robbie followed him, his gaze settling on Carrie, "Simon, if that's not your girlfriend, I just may take her for my own," He teased holding his hand out to Carrie, "I'm Robbie, Mary's boyfriend, and longtime friend of the family,"

"And I'm David," The boy offered, "I have some stitches, wanna see?" He grinned.

Ruthie frowned. David didn't seem to have a good grasp on socializing. David, who could talk for hours about something like radiology, could barely say two words to an outsider without seeming like he was six.

"No thank you," Carrie smiled, a little nervous,

Simon coughed, "David, buddy, what happened?"

"The doctor told me that I have a contusion," David said, "An injury of the soft tissues which results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cel-"

"Whoa, med boy," Robbie said, chuckling, "He's just a little banged up that's all," He assured Annie.

"Stitches?" Ruthie asked

"They're from when I got my appendix taken out," David explained for her, "A small out pouching from the beginning of the large intest-"

"David!" Sam yelled, rolling his eyes, "How'd this happen?"

"Appendicitis usually involves infection of the appendix by bacteria that invade it and infect the wall of the appendix," David said in an incredulous tone, "You know that,"

Sam smacked his head, groaning at how dumb and smart his twin brother was.

"No, honey," Annie smiled nervously, "How did you get your bruises?"

David turned silent, eyes darting to the stairs, showing Ruthie how much he wanted to escape.

"I don't want to talk about it," He said softly, "Um, Carrie, it was a pleasure," He nodded and went upstairs, tears, starting to form.

"Eric, no," Annie said before Eric could open his mouth, planning to follow David, "You tried and it didn't work the first time,"

"Can I?" Ruthie asked, not sure why she was offering.

"Go ahead, sweetie," Annie smiled, "Eric, I need you to butt into Matt and Sarah's life, find out how bad she is," She said to her husband. He nodded and went out the door.

"What's wrong with Sarah?" Robbie asked, taking a seat next to Sam and Martin

"Nothing," Annie said hastily, "Sam, did you want to tell me something?"

"Oh yeah!" Sam checked his watch, "Shoot, I'm late. I have to be at the pool hall, I'll just tell you later!" He ran out. Savannah huffed and followed him.

"I suppose, you and Carrie are taking a room together?" Annie asked, looking at them, a little frazzled, "Usually it's one per room, but we're a little crowded this year,"

"We can just go to a hotel," Simon offered

"No, the two of you can take Simon's room as long as nothing happens," Annie admitted, "Or I can just call Lucy and Kevin?"

"Don't bother," Kevin said, closing the door, Jacob with him, "No one's home at the current moment,"

Jacob giggled, "I smell pie!" He announced

"That's my nephew, Jacob," Simon explained, "He's a bit of a handful,"

"Uncle Simon!" Jacob grinned, "Are you Aunty Carrie?" He asked innocently, "I have a bunch of uncles! Uncle Matt, Uncle Simon, Uncle Sam, Uncle David, Uncle Robbie, and Uncle Martin,"

"Actually, I'm not your uncle," Martin said, chuckling. He noticed that Robbie made no effort to correct Jacob.

"But you could be," Jacob said cheerfully, "After all, Aunty Ruthie's not married, so you could marry her and then you'd be my uncle!"

Simon and Carrie started to chuckle, along with Eric and Annie.

"And we are going now, to have a little talk," Kevin interrupted, "Sorry Martin," He nodded and dragged Jacob out.

"Well Ruthie always did have a soft spot for boys with black hair and tanned skin," Annie said, chuckling, "When she was much younger, I remember that after Lucy broke up with Robbie, she told Eric that she had dibs on him next,"

Martin sighed, looking at the older, still handsome young man next to him. Robbie only groaned, and a voice added,

"That's your fault, you know, for walking around in a towel," Mary teased, coming in with Charlie, "Hey everyone! Charlie and I just wanted to meet Carrie," She turned to the only person she didn't recognize, "I assume that's you?"

"Yes," Carrie laughed, "Wow, Simon has a large family,"

"Three brothers, three sisters, one brother in law, one sister in law, four nephews, two nieces, and one boyfriend," She grinned at Robbie, "Not to mention the family friends," Mary explained, laughing, "You'll get used to it,"

"Big families are fun," Charlie added, "In Puerto Rico, Papa and I are always hanging out with my cousins, but I'm with Mama's familia for the week, because I don't get to see them as much,"

"Charlie's used to speaking Spanish most of the time, so don't worry about it if he's mixing them in together," Mary smiled, "Looks like Simon picked a winner this time,"

"And he's had some bad ones," Susie added

"Anna! Susie!" Annie frowned "What are you two still doing in here? Take Charlie and watch Sesame Street,"

"Hello, we're eight, not four," Savannah pointed out, closing the door behind her.

"Don't take that tone with me, little lady," Annie said, "You are way too much like Ruthie was at your age,"

"Watch something educational," Robbie offered helpfully, and all three kids shrugged before running off.

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"David," Ruthie said, knocking on his door, or what used to be his door.

"Yeah?" David stood up, sniffling

She smiled, "David, I hated you and Sam the most of all my brothers. Do you want to know why?"

He nodded, curious.

"Even though you were just babies, you guys came at a time where I was the baby and had been the baby of the family for a long time," She laughed, "I would be this little terror, diverting attention away from the babies so Mom would pay attention only to Ruthie,"

"What happened?" David asked

"Oh, I was still a terror and I still didn't like you two very much, but I would talk to you and David more then anybody else. All this bad stuff was going on and you two were the only ones I could talk to about it that I trusted not to say anything, because you couldn't talk,"

"You can still trust me, you know," David said softly

She smiled, "I know, and David, you can trust me to not talk about this, unless you want to,"

He sighed, "I need something to help me know that you trust me in the same way,"

She sighed, "Okay, do you remember Brady? Peter's son?"

"A little," David said, knowing this was a hard subject for Ruthie

"There's a possible chance," Ruthie laughed, wiping away her tears, "David, Brady could be alive," She smiled so widely and hugged David, allowing herself to believe that Brady was truly alive and well, remembering that small blond haired boy who had opened the door.

He smiled, "Good, but why haven't you told anyone?"

"Nothing's for sure and I didn't want anyone to be let down," She explained, "What about you? Are you ready to trust me?"

"Sam hates me," David said simply, "He keeps blowing me off and-"

"Oh Dave," Ruthie said, rubbing his back up and down like Martin did when she had her break down.

"David," He said stubbornly, "I'm not cool enough to be called David,"

"David," Ruthie amended, thinking he was a little too depressed.

He whispered, "Last Easter, I was with Sam and I made a bad impression on some of his friends,"

"Like the one you made on Carrie?" Ruthie asked, concerned for little David.

"Worse. I got mad at one of them and they teased me. Sam took me away and told me to grow up some more," David sighed, "It's like my progress reports say, I have no people skills,"

"David," Ruthie sighed, "I don't think Sam hates you,"

"Then why does he treat me like I'm stupid?"

"Sam loves you. Do you know that he was blaming everyone, including himself for this?"

"It was his fault. No one really paid any attention to me, what with you coming back and Robbie going to propose and all this other stuff. Usually I get through it with Sam, but this year I-" He frowned, "In a household full of people, I was lonely and when I was at the park, I just snapped,"

"By snapped," Ruthie didn't like where this was going, "You mean?"

"They were in the bathroom. I took off all my clothes and started to beat myself up, then fainted on the pitcher's mound," He looked horrible, "I hadn't counted on fainting. Just being bruised enough to eradicate worry,"

"Wait, you purposely did this to yourself for attention?" Ruthie hugged David harder,

"I want Sam's attention. I wanted Sam to be at least worried enough to finally hang out with me. He's the only reason I come back home," David said softly, "Next Christmas, I'm staying at school. You were right to stay away, Ruthie,"

"David, next time, just talk to Sam," Ruthie said, "And I'm going to be home every Christmas and you better be here so I can go shopping with you," She smiled, tousling his hair, "It was the most fun I had, so far,"

"Do I have to tell Dad and Mom?" David asked, looking at his sister

"You have to tell Sam and you have to make sure he knows that you're lonely," Ruthie said, "I don't think Sam meant to abandon you all these times,"

"I don't think so either, but Mom and Dad?" David asked

"It's up to you, but I want you to go talk to a advisor at school or something, to make sure that you won't feel like you need to do this again, for attention,"

"Thanks Ruthie and I hope Brady's alive too," David said softly, hugging his sister fiercely

Ruthie had finally figured it out. David wasn't a boy genius or some unsocial geek. He was simply a teenager who was trying his hardest to survive, wanting admiration from his peers as all teenagers do. Only David wanted Sam's admiration and no one else's.

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"Is David going to be okay?" Carrie asked

"He's fine," Robbie assured, "Just a little bruised,"

"Mama?" Charlie came back, "Savannah says that David's brain exploded and the doctors had to put it back together. Will that happen to me?" He looked frightened

Annie sighed, "I'm going to have a talk with Kevin and Lucy about Savannah,"

"It won't happen to you, Charlie," David interrupted, coming down the stairs with Ruthie "Highly unlikely, and all I got was a contusion, and the only way your brain can explode is through thermal shock-" The shudders through the crown told him to not explain thermal shock.

"Does Granny kiss your boo-boo?" He asked innocently, "Mommy does,"

"No," David laughed, "I don't think she ever did,"

"I stopped when you started to learn how to read," Annie sighed, "That was the day I lost my little David and got a genius that does the bills for Eric and I," She smiled fondly at him, "Not that I don't love you any less, sweetie,"

"When did he start doing the bills?" Simon was surprised

"He was nine and the bills were in plain sight. I was planning to do them later and when I saw that he had already added all the numbers up and got the correct total-I checked twice-and written down everything money related, so all Eric and I had to do was sign,"

"The math teacher didn't give us homework that day," David explained, "I got bored,"

"You can do my bills for me anytime," Simon laughed, "I can just imagine you as a stock broker or something." He frowned, "Are you okay?"

"About that," David sighed and looked at Ruthie who smiled to encourage him, "I was the victim from the hands of myself," He looked down, saying the rest in a clear tone.

"David," Annie sighed deeply, "Simon's car accident, Mary destroying the gym, Ruthie leaving, Lucy's engagement to Jeremy, Matt getting married on the first date, I could deal with. This just takes the cake,"

David looked down, mumbling that he was sorry. Ruthie rubbed his back,

"Do you mind if I take a walk?" David asked softly, putting a coat on, "I need to find a certain twin of mine,"

She sighed, "Simon, Carrie, go with him," She beckoned for all three of them to leave.

"Martin, Robbie, would you two mind checking out that hole in the yard?" Annie asked, after they left, intent on being alone with Ruthie, "It's been worrying me. I want to fill it up, but something always seems to be distracting me and I don't want anyone to fall in it,"

"Say no more," Robbie grinned and pecked Mary on the cheek. Martin nodded, sharing a look with Ruthie.

"Mary, Charlie, why don't you two take Savannah and Susie and find some things that I need for dinner tonight?" Annie asked brandishing a list

"Fine," Mary took the list, "Ruthie, I'm sorry we haven't gotten the chance to talk yet,"

"Its fine," Ruthie assured her, smiling. Everyone said she would become just like Mary and Mary wanted to make sure her baby sister was taking her own path.

"Ruthie," Annie sighed, "How do you deal with David? Every time Eric and I talk to him, he seems to become a robot even more. After you took him shopping, he was so happy and couldn't stop talking, but about normal things like what toys he wanted and how pretty one of the little girls looked," She laughed, "Then after dinner, he seemed closed off, except for his brain,"

"David's a smart guy, Mom," Ruthie shrugged, "You found ways to deal with Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon, me, and Sam. You'll figure it out,"

"I know, sweetheart," Annie hugged her, "Do you have any idea how much I missed you?"

"I'm sorry, Mom," Ruthie whispered

"Do you have any idea that I know what your sleeping habits are?" Annie frowned, "Young lady,"

"Mom," Ruthie sighed, "I'm sorry, but Martin and I don't do anything other then sleep,"

"Do you remember when you were a sophomore in high school?" Annie asked, setting her down in a seat

"Not really," Ruthie admitted

"One day, I sat you down," She smiled, "You were having trouble dating and finally, you admitted to liking Martin,"

What neither Camden knew was that sneaky Anna and Susie were hiding behind the couch, listening to every word. They had opted out of going to the store with Mary.

"Later that year, you told Eric that you thought of Martin as a friend and didn't care to lose him. Just before he told you about Susie, you admitted to loving him," She said gently, "Have your feelings for him changed?"

Ruthie sighed, "Mom, Martin and I just met up again three days ago," She said

"Sweet Ruthie," Annie smiled, "Why do you and Martin sleep in the same bed?"

"Comfort," She said, "When I'm next to him, I don't think about Brady and Peter," She sighed, "Mom, I've always been a supporter for attacking problems head on, but just stay out of this,"

Savannah whispered, "If Aunty Ruthie marries your daddy, then we can be cousins!"

Susie said nothing.

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"So, Martin," Robbie grinned, "You and Ruthie, huh?"

"Me and Ruthie what?" Martin was genuinely baffled

"I heard through the grapevine that you two sleep in the same bed," Robbie waggled his eyebrows and Martin frowned, grabbing a shovel to fill the hole with.

"Ruthie and I are just friends,"

"So was Mary and I," Robbie pointed out, "After the second time we broke up, that is," He added with a sheepish smile, "And the third time for that matter,"

Martin laughed, "What's this hurry to marry Ruthie off?"

"Yes," A new voice said, annoyed, "Ruthie is only twenty-two!" Ruthie was behind Robbie, frowning

"Lucy, Mary, and Matt were all married by then," Robbie pointed out, unfazed by her sudden appearance.

Ruthie sighed, "Lucy and Kevin barely talk to each other, Mary got divorced, and Matt's trying to repair his relationship with his wife! I think it's better to wait, myself," She gave a pointed look to Robbie

"I'd be more worried about Simon, myself," Martin commented

"Don't start," Ruthie warned, "You might rile Robbie up,"

"Someone just tell me what Simon did that was so bad!" Robbie was unhappy at having a complete blank in all the years he missed.

"Ask Simon yourself," Martin said, grinning. Ruthie laughed.

He shared a secret look with Ruthie that made them both look away, increasingly uncomfortable.