When I lived with the Camden's 3.

Ruthie POV

I followed Martin's dad downstairs where there was eggs and bacon waiting for us.

"I suppose we should wait for Martin?" I asked hoping he would say no.

"That would be the nice thing to do" he replied smiling slightly before spooning eggs and bacon on my plate. I just loved him.

"Thanks" I said happily dugging in as Martin ran down wearing jeans and a blue shirt.

"Hey, you started without me again" he whined as he took the seat next to me.

I winked at Mr. Brewer before answering "Because you usually take forever to get dress"

"That's because someone usually uses all the hot water before me"

"You should really talk with your dad about that" I said smiling slightly as Martin took his plate and started shoving the eggs in his mouth.

"Gross much?" Iasked offended as he looked at me and said "What?"

"You eat like an animal"

"Aww Honey, stop it, You're making me blush"

"You're impossible"

"And if you don't get dress we'll be late"

"I'm going" I said as I stood up and bought my plate to the sink before running back up to threw on jeans and a pink shirt.

Once I was ready, I said bye to Mr. Brewer before running over across the street to pick my bag up.

"Morning" I said to my Mom who was at the sink.

"Morning sweetie. Did you have breakfast?"

"Yes. I just need my bag" I said as I grabbed it and then kissed her cheek. She looked at me in surprise and I smiled before saying "I know you weren't happy that I stayed over last night. I guess we'll talk about it later?"

"Yes we will" she replied as she hugged me goodbye.

"We have exactly 20 minutes Ruthie" Martin said as I stepped into the passenger seat and he took off.

"We'll be fine" I reassured him before turning the radio on.

Once we had parked the car and was heading towards school, Martin threw his arm around me and said "I have a game today. Are you coming?"

"I might head home" I replied smiling as I waited for the complaint that would come out of his mouth.

"Ruth! You are our good luck charm. You have to come"

"I'll think about it Brewer" I said as I blew him a kiss when I got to my first class.

Once classes were over, I made my way down the hall to my locker. Once I opened it up and took the books I would need to study later. I looked at the clock and realized that I needed to head down to the field if I was going to watch Martin play.

Once I arrived there, I made my way to the front. I saw Martin's friend Mac on the field warming up and I waved at him as he waved back.

A few seconds later, Harry, their student manager made his way towards me.

"Camden!"

"Harry" I repeated politley. There was something about him that give me the chills.

"Brewer made arrangements to watch the game from the dugout"

"Really?" I asked pleased and touched. This way I wouldn't have to be by myself.

"Yes, follow me" he replied shortly as he took my bag and led the way. Once we got to the dugout, I saw Martin practicing his batting.

Martin nodded at me before resuming his practice. I knew the deal. Talk to him and suffer his wrath. It was all very easy to follow. I sat down and opened my algebra book. It was going to be a long game.

Martin's POV

Once the game started I forgot all about Ruth sitting in the dugout.The only reason I did that was because that Harry creep seemed to be asking way too many questions about her. Something didn't seem right.

Once the game was over I headed towards the locker room to take a shower. Once I got out I looked around for Ruth, who was on my cell phone. I smiled slightly. Lately she had taken to using my stuff, and wearing my shirts, all without asking me. As though she didn't need permission. I suppose I was the one at fault because I had spoiled her horribly when she had returned home from the hospital.

Looking back, that had probably not been very smart but she was so broken and sad, I had just wanted to make her happy.

"Great game" she congratulated as I came closer to her before she stood on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.

"Thanks" I replied as I picked her up and swung her around. "Martin! I am not your rag doll. Put me down" I smiled as I placed her gently on the gound and placed her hand in mine as we walked towards the car.

"I'm in a generous mood. How about ice cream before we head home?"

"How about dinner?" she asked as she glanced at me, her big brown eyes pleading.

"Can't, we need to have another talk" I replied refusing to look at her. That's right, do not look her in the eyes and you are home free.

I felt a tug on my hand and I made the mistake at looking at her face. Her glossy, heart shaped lips were in her famous pout and her brown eyes were silently begging. I felt my resolve slip as I sighed and said "Fine, but you have to tell both our parents how you conned me into it"

"Will do" she replied happily as she took my phone out and called home.

Camden Residence

"Camden Residence" Annie picked up as Eric and Bill walked in.

"Mom?"

"Ruthie? Are you and Martin on your way home?"

"Not exactly. Martin won his game and I conned him into taking me for dinner. I know we said we were going to talk but is it okay?"

"It's a school night" Annie replied smiling slightly at the happy tilt in her daughter's tone as Ruth laughed out loud and replied "Mom, I'm with the biggest nerd at Glen Oak, I will be home by curfew" Annie laughed as she heard Martin's voice in the background "I'm not a nerd. I play sports"

"Bye" Annie repeated as she hung the phone up. The two men looked at her expectantly and she said "They are going out to dinner to celebrate Martin's victory"

"So, I guess we will discuss this with out them" Bill said as he took a seat at the table.

"Will" Eric began slowly "We can start the discussion but we can't make any decisions without them"

"I totally agree with you Eric" Bill replied and then began "I know you are both uncomfortable with the fact that they are sharing a bed, but we need to look at the circumstances. Ruthie is still very fragile and Martin offers her that security. I think we shouldn't worry until they start dating and then we will have to revisit this topic."

"Do you think that will be soon?" Annie asked Bill who grinned and shrugged before replying "Who knows? They seemed to have shifted into that role without even recognizing it and I don't believe it's our place to make them see that. Even Betsy noticed it and you know she does't notice much of anything going on around her"

"So what happens when Martin leaves next year to college?"

"Hopefully by then she will be okay to let go"

"Do you think this is what it is? Letting go?"

"I think Martin is her security blanket and since neither of them are in a relationship, it matches both their needs." Bill began as he continued "Martin has someone to go to and talk to and be affectionate with and spoil rotton and Ruthie gets everything she would want in a boyfriend without the scary thought that he might want something physical."

"So we keep allowing this until he leaves? We can't" Eric stated at last and Bill said "maybe we should tell them they can choose the nights but Ruth needs to stay here at least three nights"

"How does that solve anything? Ruth will con Martin into sleeping over here"

"You are right, but there are two beds in Ruth's room. I'm sure she will be fine as long as he is in the room"

"I suppose that may work" Eric finally agreed as the three grownups looked at one another and tiredly smiled. All they had to do now was convince their children.

Restaurant

Martin POV

Once we got to the restuarant, Ruth looked around and whispered "Are you sure you can afford this?"

"I do have have a job" I reminded her as the hostess sat us down in a dimly lit corner.

"So that means order whatever I want?" she asked smiling brightly before I said "Within reason"

"Okay" she complied happily as she glanced at the menu.

A few minutes later she looked up from the menu and said "Mrs. Lakos wants to speak to me tomorrow"

"What about?" I asked her concerned. Mrs. Lakos was the senior guidance counselor. She usually only met with juniors and seniors.

"I'm not sure"

Once we had finished the main course, I looked over at Ruth. She was quietly taking everything in and then she focused her attention back to me and said "What shall I have for dessert?"

"Dessert? Aren't you full?"

"Yes" she confided as she leaned over and whispered "but they have chocolate cake and it's my favorite. We can share"

"Maybe" I replied hesitantly as the waitress walked back over and said "Are you ready for dessert?"

"yes we are" Ruth answered quickly before I could stop her "We will have a slice of the chocolate cake"

"Excellent choice" she said as she walked back to the kitchen.

"Great" I mumbled as Ruthie smiled at me.

Once we were finished, the waitress handed me my change and a card that had her number and said "My name is Zoe. Call me sometime" I looked at her in shock and then at Ruth, who seemed amused.

"You should call her" Ruthie stated quietly in the car on the way home.

"Why?"

"Because you have't been out since Cecilia"

"I have you"

"I know, but it's different. Don't you want to be with someone who's going to kiss you and hold your hand and all that?"

"I have that with you"

"Oh, right you do" Ruth replied softly and then turned to look at me.

"Maybe we should try dating?"

"You mean with other people?" I asked her confused as she sighed and said "No with each other. Maybe we should try dating each other"

"That would change a lot of things" I stated as she tilted her head and asked "Like what?"

"Well no more sleep overs for one, more family variety activities, more lectures, need I go on?"

"No, maybe it's not a good idea.Maybe I should try going out with someone you know and then you can date Zoe and we can still hang out and sleep together.."

"How long do you think this sleeping arrangement isgoing to last?" I finally asked her. I had been thinking about it and I had started applying to college.

"I don't know. Forever?"

"Well that would mess up my chances if I wanted to get married"

"Martin, I thought this was decided already. We all know you will marry me when we get older"

"I would have to love you to do that"

"I know and you do love me" she said automatically and then asked uncertainly "You do love me right?"

"You know I do" I said lowly and honestly.

"Then why are you going to date Zoe?"

"You just told me to!" I replied exasperatedly as she turned to me and said "Will I change my mind. You don't need to date anyone for the time being"

"Okay fine"

"That's it?" she asked surprised.

"What?"

"You won't call her?"

"You asked me not to."

"Cool." she replied as I parked the car and got out to open the door for her.

Once she got out she looked at me and said very softly "Should we try going out?"

"Let's not ruin anything right now. I'm content with the way things are goingfor now" I said, disliking the fact that I was lying to her.

The honest truth was that we would never be able to date until she was willing to give herself entirely to me. I knew she wasn't ready for that, despite the fact that she had overcome so much.

"We should probably go in before they think something else" She finally suggested as she stepped away from me and I grabbed both our bags.

"Hi, we're back" She called out as our parents met us in the kitchen.

"Did you have a nice dinner?" Annie politely asked us as we sat down.

"yes we did" I replied smiling briefly at Ruth before turning my attention to the adults.

"Did you have a nice talk?" Ruthie asked as she leaned her glossy head on my arm. I automatically ran my fingers through her silky locks knowing that the gesture would comfort her.

"We want you to start sleeping in your own bed without Martin" Eric said quickly as Ruth jumped out of her chair and said "Why?"

"Because it is not right" Eric said a little more calmly as Ruth turned to her mom with tears in her eyes "You don't agree do you mom?"

"Well honey, it is a bit unorthodox..." she began as Ruth started pacing and said "I need to be near him Mom. I can't sleep without him there. Don't take him away from me" with that she began crying bitterly as she sank to the floor.

I looked at my dad helplessly who indicated with a nod to go to Ruth. I pulled her up and wrapped my arms around her as she continued crying "We'll figure something out Ruthie, I promise you"

"Ruthie" Eric began again "We love you. We just want you to stand on your own without Martin's help"

"I know" Ruth said softly as she stepped away from me and wiped her eyes before grabbing my hand once more "It's just that when Martin's around, I feel safe. It's hard to explain. I won't stop sleeping with him dad. I'm serious. I'll move out before I do that"

"Okay" my dad said as he stepped in "Why don't we try a few nights with Martin staying here, in the other bed in Ruth's room?"

I looked at Ruth, who had calmed down a bit and she nodded as I said "Okay, if that's fine with Ruth, it's okay with me"

"It's okay with me. We are starting next week right?" she said as she picked her bag up and walked out the door.

"Ruthie!" Eric called out as I looked at him in surprise.

"I was under the impression it was beginning tonight" I said as Annie turned to me and said "So was I. I guess another night at your house won't hurt her"

"I'm sorry" I said quietly feeling guilty that this was somehow my fault.

My dad cleared his throat and said "I'm going to make sure she is okay" and with that walked out.

"Martin, it's nothing against you, it's just that you are eighteen and a young man and she's a sixteen year old girl, sharing your bed. Think of how that sounds"

"It sounds horrible and if it was anyone other than Ruthie, it wouldn't happen. You know I love her, I would never do anything she was uncomfortable with or pressure her to do do something just because I want it. I think we all know who wears the pants in our relationship"

"Exactly. It's not fair for you to give up having girlfriends, or going on dates, or anything like that" Eric stated as I shrugged before stating "I gave that up. It was my decision. I love Ruth more than I love myself and I'm willing to wait for her, however long that takes."

"and what about college? You are going to college?"

"Yes I am and I'm looking at schools here and other places. Those are all things that are in the back of my mind. Right now, I'm just taking things one day at a time"

"Well goodnight" Eric replied gloomily as I kissed Annie's cheek and said "I'll try to talk her into staying over here tomorrow night"

"That would be appreciated"

Camden's POV

"I hope we didn't come on too strongly" Annie said sighing as Eric hugged her. He shivered slightly as he recalled the look in Ruthie's eyes when she said she would move out.

"Where is the connection?"

"What connection?"

"Ruthie and Martin. She went ballistic tonight"

"I know. It was as bad as when she was in the hospital"

"and then she calmed right down, as soon as he touched her" Eric marveled slightly.

"I dislike to say this Eric but we may not be able to stop them from sharing a bed. This connection is really strong. Martin cares so much for her, he treats her well and she is happy. I don't want to take that away from her"

"Neither do I"

Meanwhile across Town

"So you saw her?"

"Yes. she is really pretty. I could understand why you want her so badly"

"I wasn't finished. That pansy Martin came in and ruined it. Then I had to spend two years in juvenile detention. Now I am free man and I will take what's mine"

"Martin is hot, I will certainly love making out with him"

"Do you think he will call?"

"Probably not, but I have some tricks up my sleeve"

"Well you need to work fast. It will be our three year anniversary in the next couple of weeks"

"Oh Brian you are such a romantic. Come here and kiss me" Zoe said cackling slightly.