Chapter 6

"Excuse me?" Martin asked as Caleb laughed nervously before looking over at Ruth and saying "What gives?" You tell me you need two weeks and then I hear from your boss that you are moving back home"

"I wrote you a letter" Ruthie began as Caleb snorted and Martin looked at her, confusion and anger in his green eys.

"Caleb, how did you even know where to find me?"

"Your dad told me where you were"

"Well I need you to go back there and we will discuss this later"

"Later? Why not now?" Caleb asked as Martin interjected and said "the lady said she will speak to you later, night" and closed the door in Caleb's face.

When he turned to look at Ruth, she stepped forward and was about to say something when he stopped her "Your boyfriend?"

"Not exactly. We were dating but it wasn't exclusively and he wanted to be serious but I couldn't commit withput knowing if we had something..."

"You lied to me Ruth"

"No I didn't"

"Yes you did. I specifically said I didn't want to complete with any other guy"

"And you're not. Do you actually believe I could love Caleb as much as I love you?"

Martin sighed heavily before running his hand through his hair and replied "I don't know anymore"

"So?"

"So go home and send Caleb home"

"and then?"

"Then we should spend some time apart. I need to think and you need to be sure of what you want. I am not some perfect fantasy. I am human and I make mistakes and I have a son."

"I realize that Martin" Ruth replied as Martoin laughed bitterly before replying "just do this for me. Let's spend some time apart and really think about our priorities"

"If you think it's best" Ruthie finally said as Martin nodded gravely and replied "I do"

"So good bye" Ruthie said softly as she picked her jacket up and slipped it on.

"For now" Martin replied quitely before walked over and gently kissed her forehead.

By the time Ruthie had returned home, Caleb was pacing up and down.

"What were you thinking showing up like that?" she asked as he looked up at her and replied "What was I thinking? How could you decide to stay here? Martin Brewer is not the love of your life! You have fooled yourself into thinking that. He is just an unrequited crush. I am the love of your life. I am the one who has been there for you"

"Caleb, you need to calm down. You know Martin has always been the one"

"So that's it? Martin has finally woken up and he gets you?"

"No he doesn't get me, but we are going to try it out, at least I hope so after tonight"

"I'm sorry I came to see"

"I know. I'm just sorry I never told Martin about you"

"Why didn't you?" Caleb asked as Ruthie shrugged lightly and "I never thought it was important"

"Well that's nice to know" Caleb replied bitterly.

"So where does this leave us?"

"It doesn't leave us anywhere. We are over"

"Are you sure about that? Martin just asked for time. Do you really think he is going to risk getting hurt again? By you?"

"Caleb.."

"No Ruthie, think about it. He was pretty upset at you"

"I know and I don't want to talk about it anymore. Good night"

The days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months and still Martin never called Ruthie. She saw Aaron at least four times a week and they were able to hang out with one another but other than politly saying 'Hello' and 'Goodbye' Martin never budged.

During their annual Thanksgiving meal, Martin called Annie to see if it would be okay for him to bring a guest. Annie said yes not expecting it to be anyone other than Sandy and her husband. However when martin and Aaron arrived their guest was definitely a female and most definitley was not Sandy. The woman walked in holding a store bought apple pie.

"Happy thanksgiving!" Aaron happily called out as he launched himself at Anniew, who enveloped him into a hug. Aaron then asked "Is Ruthie here yet?"

"Not yet, she went out to the grocery store. She should be back soon"

"Annie" Martin began "This is Amy Mitchell"

"Hello Mrs. Camden. martin speaks of you and your family often"

"Nice to meet you Amy" Annie replied smiling before looking at Marrtin questionly.

As Martin was about to open his mouth a voice was heard through the back door "I'm back and I am never going shopping on a holiday again"

"Ruthie" Aaron exclaimed as he ran to give her a hug. "Hey, how are you? Did you get to stay up late last night?"

"Yes I did"

At that moment Ruthie walked into the kitchen where Martin, Amy and Annie were. Ruthie looked slightly hurt before she quickly masked her expression and smiled at Amy saying "Hi, I'm Ruthie" as she shook Amy's hand.

"Hello Ruthie. My name is Amy Mitchell"

"Nice to meet you" Ruthie replied smiling stiffly before turning to Martin and saying a brief hello.

"Is there anything else you need Mom?"

"Just some help with setting the table"

"Okay I'll start" Ruthie quietly said as she went out into the dining room.