When I lived with the Camden's 5.

Ruth's POV

That kissed with Martin had me shaken for most of the day. It was enjoyable and wonderful but scary and exciting and just unreal.

I mean Martin had been my stability for the past two years, a guy that was my best friend and though I knew he was attractive I just never saw him like that and then he kissed me and it was all over.

I know had to find a way to stop relaying on my best friend until I could sort my feelings out.

Martin POV

I anxiously waited for Ruth after the last bell. Hopefully we would be able to talk about what had happened. The last thing I needed was for her to pull away because I was idiotic enough to kiss her.

As I walked up to her locker, i went over in my head what I would say.

"Hey you" a voice said interrupting my train of thought. I turned to find Zoe standing in front of me.

"Hello" I said as she looked me up and down and pouted seductively "You never called me"

"Usually when guys don't it means they are not interested."

"So you are not interested?"

"Not really" I stated as she looked incredulously at me and said "Are you sure?"

"Yes I am"

"How about some coffee tonight and we can get to know each other and you can tell me about your friend"

"My friend?"

"Yes, the cute blond one"

"Oh Mac?"

"Yes Mac" she replied practically purring as she spotted Ruth down the hall. "Don't look now but it seems as your girl is jealous. See you tonight" and with that she kissed my cheek and walked away.

Ruth walked up and said "What's going on tonight?"

"Coffee with Zoe? Wanna come with?"

"No you go ahead. I have homework and I need to start looking at applications and I have to speak to my parents about graduating early. Are you coming to dinner?"

"If I'm still invited" I said quietly as Ruth smiled at me before standing on her tiptoes and lightly kissing me on the lips "You'll always be welcomed" and with that she took my hand and we walked out to my car.

Dinner at the Camden's that night was a joyous occasion, mostly because Ruth was home and everyone was excited to see her.

When she finally told them her news Annie started crying and hugged her as Eric said "We are so proud of you honey"

"Thanks" she said smiling.

Once dessert was served, I looked at my watch and stood up. "Thanks for dinner, I am going to have coffee. I'll be back early" I said to my dad who looked at me in confusion and then at Ruth who smiled and said "Have a good time. I'll walk you out"

"Okay" I said as I pulled her chair out and she followed me in the kitchen. Before I left she said "I'm going to try to stay here tonight"

"Okay. If you are sure?" I asked slightly hurt.

"Yes I am. Have fun with your date"

"It's not a date" I stated as Ruth bitterly laughed and said "Whatever, I'm not stupid Martin. I saw the way she was all over you"

"She wasn't all over me and it's not a date and even if it was, why do you care? You haven't said one word about our kiss and it's like my feelings didn't count, so what do you want from me?"

"I don't know" she yelled as she looked up at me in frustration, wiping away her tears. I took a deep breath before pulling her into a hug.

"Maybe we need a couple of days apart" she finally said very quietly as I looked down in horror.

"You're kidding right?" I asked as she shook her head. "Even though I am graduating with you, it's time to start relaying on myself"

"Okay, if this is what you want" I said at last before hugging her one more time.

"Martin?"

"Yes?' I said as I turned around.

"Maybe you should start dating as well. I'm not ready to be with you"

I walked out without answering.

Ruthie's POV

Once Martin left, the tears that I was holding back came rushing in at full force. I couldn't believe he didn't fight me on this. He was usually so stubborn.

My mom walked in at that moment and said "everything okay? We heard yelling?"

"It will be" I said as I wiped away my tears and took a deep breath before continuing "I was thinking of maybe taking a defense class"

"That sounds like a good idea" my mom said smiling as I took a deep breath and said "I'm going to try to go to bed"

"Here?"

"Yes"

"Are you ready for that?"

"Well I will probably never be ready but I guess I should start"

"Well that's great honey" She hugged me and went into the dining room to tell my dad.

Once I went upstairs to my bedroom, I began to feel lonely. Maybe I should have went with Martin. If I was truly honest with myself, I was a little bit jealous of Zoe and the way she acted.

As I changed into my night gown, I thought how at this time Martin would be getting ready for bed and we would play a card game or just watch music videos before falling asleep. Jumping into bed, I realized how big it seemed without Martin's large frame taking up most of the room.

I sighed once more as I got up and took out my school books. If I wasn't going to sleep then I might as well study.

The sleepless nights lasted for three days. The third night I was barely able to stay awake for dinner. I shoved most of the food in my mouth and raced upstairs. My eyes closing before my head hit the pillow.

At around 1:00 am. I woke up screaming. I couldn't believe that I had dreamed Brian again. I got up and made my way to my parents room. I looked in to see them peacefully sleeping. As I turned to leave, my dad said "Ruthie? Are you okay?"

"I had a bad dream" I started as the tears fell.

"Would you like to sleep with us?" he suggested as my mom stirred and woke up.

"Yes" I said without hesitation and went towards the middle of the bed. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.

20 minutes later, I started shivering and hyperventilating. I didn't know why this was happening, and I couldn't stop it.

"I'm going to get Martin" my dad finally said as my mom tried hugging me, but I moved away from her. I didn't want anyone touching me.

"We're not speaking" I finally said as my parents looked at one another and my dad sighed before answering "Nevertheless he may be the only one to stop this" and walked out.

I heard my mom humming softly as I wrapped my arms around myself and said softly "What's wrong with me?"

"Nothings wrong with you sweetie"

"I thought I would be safe with you and dad"

"I know. I thought so too"

The next thing I knew Martin was next to me as he wrapped me in his arm and carried me to my room. Instantly I stopped shivering and I felt safer, content.

I saw my mom throw my dad and Mr. Brewer a look before they followed Martin.

"I'm sorry" I said softly as I clung on to his shirt.

"We'll deal with that later. It's way too late now. Try and sleep" and with that he kissed my forehead as he covered me up.

"Where are you going?" I asked as my voice got higher at the thought that he was deserting me.

"I'm not going anywhere" he replied as he laid down beside me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Now go to sleep" he commanded as I closed my eyes and sighed. I suddenly felt very tired.

Downstairs

"Now what are we going to do?" Eric asked as he started pacing the room. Annie had made coffee and Bill was helping himself to coffee cake.

"I guess we let them continue sleeping with one another"

"She was inconsolable. She wouldn't let me touch her and then Martin walks in and just takes over and she allowed it. What are we missing?"

"Maybe it's time to seek professional help" Bill finally stated as Annie and Eric looked at one another.

"Perhaps you are right"

"Well at least there is one good thing out of this" Annie softly said as the two men looked at her.

"Thank God she is graduating this year with Martin. Then we won't have to deal with this again"

Martin's POV

I woke up the next morning feeling surprisingly happy which was a nice change from the last three days.

When I turned my head, I saw Ruth's curly hair buried deep into the crook of my arm. When had that happened I wondered?

As Ruth began to stir she opened one eye and then beamed at me "Good morning!"

"Good Morning" I began cautiously as she looked at me in confusion.

"Why aren't you happier?" she finally demanded as I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

"I'm still confused about why I'm here"

"I couldn't sleep" she said pouting slightly as I smiled at her.

"Well you made the decision to spend some time apart" I replied a bit sulkily as Ruth rolled her eyes and said "Wasn't it nice to sleep in your own bed without me?"

"No" I said as I got out of bed before adding "It was horrible and I was lonely and I couldn't sleep"

"I'm sorry" she said softly as she walked up to me and gave me a hug. I hugged her back as I said softly "We should probably go downstairs for breakfast"

"Then we can talk?"

"After the batting cages" I replied as we walked down.

Once we got into the kitchen, Annie, Eric and my dad looked up at us. "Morning" Annie said brightly as we both echoed "Good morning" and Ruth kissed every one on the cheek.

Once we were eating breakfast, my dad cleared his throat and we looked at him.

"We would like you to see a therapist"