A few weeks have past since New Years and Ruthie felt she and Martin were stronger then ever. Valentine's Day is in 2 days and Ruthie is so excited. Martin has been training like crazy since Christmas Break ended 3 weeks ago she has barely seen him. But she came up with a plan. Since Martin can't come see her she would go see him. Elena offered to cover for her since Elena's parents are in Florida. Elena and her boyfriend were going to the beach for Valentine's Day weekend so Ruthie talked her parents into letting her go. But really she is going to go see Martin. He was a little against the idea at first but a whole weekend alone with Ruthie he couldn't pass up. Ruthie couldn't wait to get away. Lucy had her baby that Monday so she and Kevin's plans to move back to Glen Oak were sped up. So for the past 3 days Ruthie has had to help with Savannah and her new baby niece Kylie, cater to Lucy's every demand, help unpack so Lucy doesn't get over whelmed, keep up with her schoolwork, and go to work. She felt like she has been drowning. She has been running on 4 hours of sleep a night and trying to make everyone happy. Martin reminded her over the phone last night that she's not Superwomen. Ruthie knew he was right but try telling that to her mother. So as Ruthie packed her suitcase her heart skipped a beat. In 48 hours she would be alone with Martin she couldn't wait.

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Martin hurried around his apartment tidying up. He knew Ruthie wouldn't care if it was a little messy but he had to do something to slow his pulse. He was so nervous for being alone with Ruthie for a whole weekend. He hasn't really seen her in almost 4 weeks. Plus something about her always keeps him on his toes. He smiled and reminded himself life with Ruthie Camden will never be boring. The knock on the door startled him. Before he answered it he looked around his small apartment one more time and checked his hair in the mirror by the door. When he finally did open the door his heart stopped. God she was beautiful. Even just in jeans and a leather jacket.

"Hey come in."

"Thanks." She smiled and walked into the apartment. She had been there before to babysit. She set her duffle bag down by the coach, took her jacket off and launched herself at her boyfriend. She attacked his mouth with eager lips. He kissed back and snuck his tounge into her mouth. She began grasping at his shirt trying to pull it off. He pulled away only long enough to pull it over himself. He lifted Ruthie up and carried her into his bedroom. He layed her on the bed and lifted her shirt over her head. She sat up and unfastened her bra while Martin sucked on her pulse point. He unfastened his jeans and slid them and his boxers off. He reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a condom. He reached down and tugged at Ruthie's jeans. Once he slid them and her panties off He slid on the condom and positioned himself at her entrance. He kissed her deeply before entering her and thrusting into her. The first time they had done this Ruthie had so much pain that she really didn't enjoy it to much. But this time she felt like a spark went through her. She felt like she couldn't get close enough to him. After a few more thrust Martin felt her walls beginning to clench. He knew that would trigger his release so he sped up slightly. Then her walls clenched onto him. Martin collapsed onto her but rolled off quickly so that he wouldn't crush her. He held her tight to his side as she rested her head in the crook of his neck. He broke the silence after a few seconds.

"Well that was a good hello."

Ruthie laughed and leaned up to sweetly press her lips to his.

"I missed you."

"Well you have been a busy guy."

"So have you. How's Lucy?"

Ruthie groaned, "Don't get me started."

"That bad?"

"Lets just say that when I have a kid she better cater to my every need."

Martin was shocked for a second. Ruthie had never brought up having kids before. Of course Martin wanted more kids but not anytime soon. He was hoping that Ruthie wanted to wait to have a baby too. But he had to be sure.

"When do you think you want to have a kid?"

Ruthie laughed at his nervous expression. "Not for a while. I was thinking like 5 or 6 years. Plus I think I would want to be married first."

"Aw thank God."

Ruthie laughed and kissed him again. "Don't worry I'm on the pill."

That took Martin by surprise. "You are? Why?"

"I started it after you told me about Sandy. It just hit me that it could happen and I didn't want it to happen when I'm not ready for it."

"Oh, that makes sense."

"But you still have to wear a condom."

He laughed and reached down and discarded the one he had on. "We're covered."

They both fell asleep content.

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The next two days were complete bliss for both of them. When they did decide to venture from the bedroom they had so much fun. Martin gave her a tour of the campus, took her to practice with him, showed her around the town, took her to the lake nearby, and introduced her to his teammates. Ruthie fell in love with Segora University. It was far enough away from Glenoak to give her space from her family. But it was still close enough to visit. Ruthie hadn't told Martin yet but she had already applied to Segora. It wasn't just for Martin, though he was a big part of it, she applied because they had an excellent program to become a school counselor. Ruthie had decided on becoming a counselor since it included two of her favorite things kids and helping people. she also figured it would put her listening skills to good use. Ruthie knew she would be hearing any day now. While she was watching Martin practice Sunday morning she let her mind wander to the future. She loved Martin and could really see a future with him. Maybe they could get an apartment together next year? Or get married her senior year? Her thoughts were interrupted by Martin coming up next to the bleachers she was sitting on.

"Your not bored are you?"

"No I like watching you play."

He grinned at her, "Your not just saying that are you?"

"No. I love watching you do what you love."

She stood up and wrapped her arms around his torso and kissed his lips. They were interrupted by Martin's coach.

"BREWER stop kissing your girlfriend and get over to second base."

Martin pulled away smiling and ran onto the field. As Ruthie watched him she was convinced that this was something she could get use to.

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When Ruthie pulled up to her house on Sunday night she was actually sad. She and Martin had a great weekend. Ruthie felt at home with him, safe, comfortable even. But at home she felt stressed 24/7. Her parents still didn't know about she and Martin and keeping it from them was starting to wear on Ruthie. She shook her feelings off and went inside. She found her mom in the kitchen.

"Hi Sweetie," she leaned over and kissed Ruthie's cheek. "How was the beach?"

"Great. Elena's parents were very sweet about letting us stay."

"I'm glad."

Ruthie wanted to just go to bed but the baby monitor next to her mother told her that Kylie was up.

"Oh Ruthie could you grab Kylie? I sent Lucy and Kevin over to their house for a much needed nap. Lucy was so stressed without you here to help."

Ruthie rolled her eyes but did as she was told. She set her duffle on the stairs that lead to her room then walked into the nursery. She reached into the bassinet and plucked her niece out.

"Hi Kylie, She cradled the baby and smiled at her. "Are you hungry?"

She walked downstairs and warmed her up a bottle. She sat down in the living room and feed the baby. She hummed her a soft lullaby as she ate. When Kylie was done Ruthie burped her and carried her back up to the nursery. She changed her diaper then picked her back up. Ruthie bent down and grabbed her duffle on the way up to her room. Once inside she put Kylie down on the bed and grabbed her laptop off her desk. She had just turned it on when her dad walked into the room.

"Hey Pumpkin."

"Hi Dad."

Eric walked over to his daughter's bed and handed her 3 envelopes. They were from the 3 colleges she had applied to Crawford, Columbia, and Segora.

"These came for you yesterday."

"Thanks Dad."

She hoped he would leave but instead he stayed still.

"Aren't you going to open them?"

"Not yet. I want to figure out my back up plan in case I didn't get in."

Her dad looked at her for a minute. "Ok Pumpkin. But you will tell me what you decide soon right?"

"Of course."

Eric kissed her forehead and left the room. Ruthie hesitated before opening them. She opened the letter from Columbia first.

Miss. Camden we are sorry to inform you that you have not been selected to enroll at Columbia University. We hope that you will consider reapplying next year.

Ruthie didn't take it to much to heart. She had applied to Columbia before she began dating Martin. She now only cared about getting into Segora. But she opened the letter from Crawford next.

Miss. Camden we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Crawford University. We will need your response by April 1st.

Ruthie was somewhat excited but the letter she really cared about was still unopened. Her hands shook as she opened it.

Miss. Camden we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Segora University on a full scholarship. Your impressive community service hours as well as your high SAT scores give us adequate parameters to grant you a scholarship. We will be expecting your response by the first of April.

Ruthie was so excited. Not only had she been accepted but she was accepted on a full scholarship. She couldn't wait to tell Martin.

"Kylie, Auntie got into Segora!" She blew raspberries onto the babies belly making her giggle.

She pulled out her phone and texted Martin.

r- Hey got a minute?

m- What's up?

r- I got my college letters today

m- And?

r- Guess who got a full scholarship 2 Segora? This Girl!

m- Wow! Congrats! Why didn't you tell that you applied?

r- I didn't want 2 get my hopes up

m- oh well can I be happy for you now?

r- Well ya. I haven't told my mom and dad yet.

m- why not? it's a big deal

r- I'm watching Ky cause Luce needed a break.

m- She barely ever watches her. Kylie is her baby not yours.

r- I know but what can I do she's my sister

m- I know but she takes advantage of you babe.

r- Ur right. Well in a few months she won't b able 2 :)

m- That a girl. I love you

r- I luv u 2

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The next few days Ruthie was so busy. She woke up at 6am, got herself ready, got Savannah and Kylie ready, ate breakfast, feed the girls breakfast, and then drive herself and the boys to school. Then she had her high school classes and her college courses, went home helped her mom with the girls, picked up the boys, helped them with her homework, went to work, came home, ate dinner, helped Lucy, did her homework, and then crashed around 2am. She could feel it starting to take affect on her. She was tired, she hasn't been eating so she was getting thinner, she was distracted, and she hadn't spoken to Martin for almost 4 days. He had texted her but she never had the chance to text back. He called her several times but she never called back. By Friday Ruthie felt as though there was a heavy fog hanging over her. She was sitting in second period with Quinn reading Moby Dick when she was feeling dizzy.

"Ruthie? Ruthie are you ok?"

Ruthie shook the feeling off, "I'm fine."

"You look really pale. Maybe you should go see the nurse."

"Ok."

She stood up to go to the nurse thinking that if she layed down for an hour or so she would feel better. But she went to take a step and her legs felt like tree trunks. Suddenly the room spun and Ruthie started falling. The last thing she heard was Quinn yelling her name.

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Ruthie woke up briefly in what she recognized as an ambulance. She fell back asleep after the paramedic next to her told her she was going to be ok. When she woke up again she was on a very lumpy mattress. There was an annoying beeping somewhere close by, a bright light over her head, an iv in her left arm, and something inside her nose. She was confused and alone. But then a doctor walked in. She looked pretty nice.

"Hello Ruthie, I'm Dr. Morris. How are you feeling?"

"What...what happened?"

Dr. Morris walked over to Ruthie's bed. "You collapsed at school and hit your head."

Ruthie tried to think but her head hurt to much to push it. Luckily Dr. Morris continued.

"You have a mild concussion and it seems you're very dehydrated."

When Ruthie didn't speak Dr. Morris sat down on the edge of her bed.

"Ruthie you have been asleep for 6 hours. You're exhausted. Is there something bothering you?"

"Besides the fact that I'm pretty much raising my nieces to keep my sister's stress level down, trying to keep my grades up, working a part time job, helping out with my little brothers, and trying to have a relationship I'm fine."

Dr. Morris just looked at her for a second, "Ruthie it is not your job to raise your sister's children."

"I know but it is expected."

Dr. Morris just nodded and told her to get some rest. Ruthie quickly fell back asleep.

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Martin had been very pale since he had arrived at the hospital. Quinn had called him frantic and told him that Ruthie had collapsed at school. He had been waiting with the Camden's for almost 6 hours with no news. All they knew was that she was alive and stable. He stood quickly when the doctor walked out. She approached Mr. and Mrs. Camden.

"Mr. and Mrs. Camden?"

Eric stood and answered, "Yes is Ruthie ok?"

"Sir your daughter is severally dehydrated. She also has a mild concussion."

Annie was the one who spoke up, "Why was she so dehydrated?"

"It's not just dehydration Mrs. Camden. Your daughter is exhausted. She is so stressed out that her body is slowly catching up to the stress she is putting on it to function."

Annie looked confused, " Why is she so stressed?"

"Because your daughter is too busy worried about taking care of everyone else that she forgets about herself. She is running on 3-4 hours of sleep a night."

The whole family was shocked at her words. Martin looked at Lucy and was pleased that she looked guilty. The doctor however wasn't finished.

"I would like to remind you all that it is not Ruthie's job to raise your children and that she is still a child herself. You may see her in the morning after she has rested."

At that the doctor left leaving everyone stunned. They all talked and made an agreement to take stress off of Ruthie. But in order to do that Martin felt that something had to be out in the open. He walked up to Ruthie's dad and looked him right in the eye.

"Ruthie and I have been dating. We've been sneaking around for almost 4 months now."

Everyone looked between Martin and Eric. But when Eric spoke he surprised Martin.

"I know. So does Annie. We saw your truck pull up and I saw Ruthie kiss you before you drove away."

"And you're ok with it?"

"If Ruthie is happy with you then yes I'm ok with it."

Martin was relived but then became nervous again. Ruthie was going to kill him.

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