Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of 7th Heaven so don't sue me. I only own my plot and all the characters you don't recognize. Also the italics in the story are people's thoughts. This chapter gets a little out of hand that's why I rated this story T. TAR

Chapter 6

Martin rung the doorbell and looked over at Ruthie once more before Brandon Cordon answered the door. "Come on in Martin. Who's this?" Brandon looked Ruthie over and grinned. Ruthie brushed of his glances and walked into the house.

"That's Ruthie Camden. You know Rev. Camden's daughter so don't even think about it." Martin walked past Brandon and joined Ruthie in the living room.

"I'm gonna grab some water. You want me to grab you one too?" Ruthie nodded and sat down on a sofa between two couples that were in a heavy make-out session. Martin came up behind the couch and handed her a bottle of unopened water.

"Thanks. This isn't some sort of make out party is it?" Martin looked at her then over at the kids on each side of her.

"Nah. You'll get these kids at almost any high school party but there will be music in a little bit."

Martin didn't disappoint. Five minutes later music was blasting through the entire house. "See I told you!" Martin saw some of his friends from the baseball team, including Mac, and headed over to see them. Ruthie looked around the room hoping to find someone that she knew. She was still hoping that Melody would show up.

"Hey Ruthie….right?" Brandon asked sitting next to Ruthie. Ruthie nodded, not even trying to speak over the loud music. "How do you like your first High School party so far?"

"It's good…wait how'd you know it was my first?" Ruthie looked him over carefully. There was something about him that made her uneasy.

"Oh I could just tell by the way that your by yourself. Wanna dance?" A new song started up and Brandon helped Ruthie up. After dancing for about ten minutes Brandon went to get them something to drink.

"Having fun?" Ruthie turned around to see Martin.

"Yeah. I've been hanging out with Brandon, he seems really nice." Martin's expression changed from carefree to worry. "What's wrong Martin?"

"Just be careful Ruthie…" Before Martin could say anymore Brandon came back with two glasses of coke. He handed one to Ruthie. Ruthie just looked at it and made it look like she took a sip…in reality she could smell the alcohol and didn't want to drink it.

"What's up Martin? Enjoying yourself?" Brandon took a sip of his 'coke' and put a possessive arm around Ruthie. She wanted to gag.

"Yeah I am. Ruthie wanna dance?" Ruthie's eyes lit up. Not only will I be able to dance with Martin…I'll be able to get away from this creep. Ruthie untangled herself from Brandon's grip and walked to the dance floor, which was actually the middle of the living room, and started dancing with Martin.

"Thanks."

"No problem. I just wanted to warn you to be careful where he's concerned " Ruthie looked at him, a bit confused.

"Why, what's the matter with him?" I wish could just make something up so that she could stay by my side the rest of the night, but if I lie and she finds out she'll never want to speak to me again...then how am I gonna be able to tell her how much I like her? Martin was brought back to earth when he felt Ruthie's arms go around his neck as a slow song came on. Since when do they play slow songs at a party? Oh well…I'm definitely not complaining. "Martin, your ignoring the question."

"What huh? Sorry." Ruthie wondered what Martin was so caught up in thinking but didn't want to pry. She liked being able to be close to Martin and not having to worry what her family would think. It was her own private time just to be with him. "He's just not the right kind of guy for you. I could tell by your expressions that you weren't interested in him when he had his arm around you."

"Yeah I think he's kind of a creep, but this is his party so I have to be nice."

The song ended and they reluctantly broke apart. "Just be careful okay?"

Ruthie smiled her coy smile and responded, "I'm ALWAYS' careful." She laughed and went to talk to some friends that had just arrived.

Around ten thirty Martin went looking for Ruthie. He knew she had to be home soon so he just wanted to warn her about the time. He searched the entire first floor for her and still had no luck. Where the heck is she? He headed up the stairs to where he knew a lot of people would be hanging out. He walked over to where he heard a bunch of laughter. He opened the door and found Brandon, Ruthie, and two other people that he didn't recognize all sitting around the room. Aromas of marijuana and alcohol permeated the room.

Martin entered the room and stood in front of Ruthie. "Come on Ruthie, we have to head back. It's almost eleven."

"Okay," She said laughing and untangling herself from Brandon's side. Brandon grabbed her arm fiercely.

"Where do you think your going?" He asked harshly. Ruthie looked at him.

"Home. I have to be back by eleven. That was the agreement to let me come here. Now let me go!" Martin was right there by her side.

"Let her go Brandon. I told you not to touch her." Martin went to loosen Brandon's grip but he let her hand go, cowering like the little baby he really was. "Come on Ruthie."

As they walked home neither of them looked at the other. Martin could not stand the silence any longer, he spoke first. " He didn't hurt you did he?"

"What oh no, I'm fine. He tried to get me to drink and smoke but I refused." They now were back at the Camden house but not close enough so that Eric and Annie, and probably even Lucy, couldn't spy on them. "I could have handled the situation myself you know. Now he's probably gonna try and beat you up or something…" He gave her an incredulous look. "Hey I said try didn't I?" They both burst out laughing.

"I really did otherwise have a good time Martin, thanks for looking after me though." She kissed his cheek and went into her house leaving a blushing Martin outside. He smiled to himself and walked into the garage apartment and shut the door.

A/n: I know another short chapter but I just needed to get this out. I hope you all like it and will continue to R&R. Thanks for everyone who's stuck with me and kept my spirts up….this chapter is for you! TAR