Mac kept his promise. He stayed with Ruthie, the entire time, while she explained to Dr. Rainling what REALLY happened the night of the accident. The doctor wasn't surprised. He just needed to hear the words, out of Ruthie's own mouth, that she had not harmed herself intentionally. She also had to explain that her silence, after the accident, was her weak attempt to avoid having to face her family...and more so...Martin and Sandy.

Dr. Rainling suggested some coping strategies to Ruthie. He also threw out the idea that she continue talking to a therapist for the next couple of months. Without saying it directly, she knew he meant until Sandy actually gave birth to Martin's baby. She was on the fence about his suggestion.

Next came the harder part. Dr. Rainling called the Camdens and asked Eric and Annie to come to the hospital. To say that they were surprised to see Mac beside Ruthie was an understatement. To say that they were shocked that Ruthie had confessed it was all an accident and was being released from the hospital was an even bigger understatement.

It was impossible not to notice Ruthie's subtle cling onto Mac. Eric and Annie knew this matter needed attention...but not now. All they cared about, now, was getting their daughter home. And if it meant that Mac was attached to her for the moment - then so be it. Eric had always believed that God works through people in mysterious ways. If he was using Mac as his instrument - then who was he to argue with God.

Eric and Annie agreed to let Mac drive Ruthie home - as long as he promised to bring her directly home.

Ruthie fidgeted nervously in the car. Mac put his one free hand onto her arm to calm her.

Anxiously she said, "You know that as soon as you leave, they're going to bombard me with questions. That's how they are - everything is about TALKING."

Honestly, he answered, "You know - talking isn't such a bad thing. You'll probably feel better when you let them know how you really feel about them keeping Martin's situation a secret."

She sighed and responded with confusion, "Yeah...maybe."

Mac didn't want to push her too much but he knew that as soon as Martin knew she was home - he'd want to talk to her. He wanted to prepare her for that.

He tried to casually suggest, "You know, after you have that conversation with your parents...you'll probably want to have a similar one with Martin."

He had no idea how she was going to react. He braced himself.

She surprised him with her candor.

"No. I don't." she replied curtly.

Mac tried again.

"You can't avoid him forever." he said softly.

Ruthie didn't respond.

He began stating the obvious - "He lives across the street from you...you go to the same school...he's really close to your family...and to you."

"Not anymore." Ruthie snapped. "He has a new family now. He has Sandy and the baby."

Mac was concerned that she wasn't looking at the whole picture.

Gently, he said, "Ruthie - your family isn't going to just disown Martin."

"You're right." she agreed. "They'd never do something like that for ME. But it doesn't mean that I can't disown him."

Mac analyzed, "You're just mad at him. If you just give it some time then - "

Annoyed, Ruthie interrupted, "Then WHAT? Then I'll grow to love him, Sandy and the BABY? Is THAT what you were going to say?"

Now, Mac was silent. Ruthie felt bad. He had been so wonderful to her. She had no right to yell at him like that.

"I'm sorry." she apologized sincerely.

He smiled, "It's okay. I understand."

"But you know what?" she said sweetly. "You shouldn't HAVE to understand. I was way out of line."

"You just have a lot on your mind." he replied as he pulled into the Camden driveway.

Ruthie had a look of confusion on her face.

"What happens now?" she asked sadly.

Mac tried to reassure her, "You go in there and TALK to them. Let them know how you feel."

"No!" Ruthie insisted. "I mean...are you leaving? Are you going back up North?"

"Yeah," he answered softly. "I have a couple of more finals before break starts."

She knew she had no right to say this but she couldn't hold back.

"Please don't leave - not yet." she almost whispered.

Her quiet plea went straight to his heart.

He comforted her with, "Ruthie, you can call me. I gave you my cell number. You can call me ANYTIME, you know?"

Desperately, she reiterated, "But you said you'd stay with me - you said that you'd help me. I can't do this by myself."

Tears were forming in her eyes again. He knew that she needed him. He couldn't turn his back on her in this fragile state.

He sighed and smiled, "I'll be at Martin's tonight. You can call me on my cell if you need ANYTHING. I'm going to have to go home for a couple of days to take those finals - and then I promise I'll be back. I'll spend the holidays with my Dad in Glen Oak."

Ruthie gratefully leaned forward and put a soft kiss on Mac's left cheek.

"Thank you." she whispered.

Mac got out and then opened Ruthie's car door for her. He protectively put one arm around her waist and led her up the path and to the back door.

Meanwhile, Martin stared out his bedroom window in total disbelief. He had just witnessed Ruthie kiss Mac - Mac with his arms around Ruthie - and both of them disappearing into the Camden house.

He didn't know why...but his blood began to boil.