When Martin woke up the next morning (he had finally gotten to sleep at around 2:30), he immediately knew what he needed to do. He got out of bed, put pants and a shirt on, and grabbed an apple out of the fridge, and headed across the street to the Camden house. He didn't bother to ring the doorbell and walked right into the spacious kitchen where Annie Camden was busy making Monday morning breakfast (waffles and bacon). Martin quickly said hello, then asked, "Is Ruthie awake?

"I'm not sure, but you can go on up and check, and if she's not, wake her up for me, will you?" asked Annie.

"Thanks, and sure," Martin smiled.

He walked up the stairs, headed down the hallway, and up the stairs to the attic. He lightly tapped on the door and opened it a crack. As he peered through, he saw a small body tangled in the sheets and stirring slightly. Opening the door the rest of the way, he quietly whispered, "Ruth, you awake?"

"Mmmmm," Ruthie exhaustedly replied.

"Good morning. Your mom told me to wake you up, so get up! Get up! Get up!" Ruthie groaned and covered her face with her comforter.

"Martin, go away and let me sleep," whined Ruthie.

"No. Your mom said to wake you up, so that's what I'm going to do," Martin exclaimed indignantly.

"Fine, whatever, I'm up. Now go away."

Hurt, Martin sat down on her bed. "Ruth, what's wrong? Come on, talk to me."

"Nothing, ok? Nothing." Ruthie looked really depressed, and Martin began to worry.

"Ok, Ruthie. I know you better than that. Now tell me what's wrong," pressed Martin.

"I'm just not feeling well, ok? I need some sleep."

"Ok. You mind if I lay down too? I didn't get to bed until late last night. I could use a nap."

"You wanna lay down with me?" Ruthie asked skeptically.

"Um, well never mind then. See you later." And with that statement, he walked out the door.

I wonder what that was, Ruthie thought. He's acting really weird. Was it something I did? The laying down thing wouldn't have bugged him, would it? Oh no. Oh my God. He cannot know that I like him.

But what if he does?

He can't. I haven't told anyone, and I'm not that obvious, am I.

Yes, you are.

Oh my gosh! He knows. I'm finished. Our friendship is finished. I am so stupid!

Hang on. You don't know for sure that he knows. Calm down.

You're right. I need to calm down. Ruthie composed herself, got dressed, looked in the mirror, smiled, and walked downstairs, only to find Martin. Sitting at her kitchen table. This is unbelievable, she thought. What she said was, "Hi Martin, Hi mom!"

"Hey Ruthie, you ready to go to school," Martin asked.

"Yeah, just let me grab my purse and backpack."

"Ok, I'll wait for you in the car."