Chapter Three
famILY?

A single rose left to remember
As a single tear falls from her eye
Another cold day in December
A year from the day she said goodbye

-Daughtry

Simon was relieved when his parents accepted him back into their home. They weren't exactly kind and welcoming, but they were at least civil. Ruthie was being downright nasty to him. He expected that, though. He knew he hurt her when he left. That was the relationship he wanted to mend more than any other. He still disagreed with his parents, but Ruthie was his best friend. The two of them had been inseparable as children, up until he left. They told each other everything and got each other through the tough days, which were common. He had been hurt when his older siblings left, but he knew it wasn't their fault. It was their parents who made them leave.

He never really understood what happened. Well, he knew what happened he just didn't know why his parents reacted the way they did. They had always taught Simon and his siblings that families stick together no matter what. They support each other even if they don't entirely agree with the others' decisions. He had to get out, even if it did mean leaving Ruthie. He was fine without older siblings and she would be, too. She'd be too busy taking care of Sam and David to notice that he was gone anyway.

His prediction was incorrect, which was proven by the silent treatment he was receiving from Ruthie. He tried to get her to talk to him several times in the week that he had been there with no success.

"Ruthie, just please talk to me!"

"You haven't wanted to speak to me for the past seven years! Why the hell do you want to speak with me now?"

"Because you're my little sister and I love you!

"No, you don't! If you loved me then you wouldn't have left!"

"You don't understand, Ruthie. I couldn't take it anymore! I hated them so much! I still kind of do!"

"If you hate it so much, then why are you here?"

"I missed you."

"Please, suddenly, after seven years, you start missing me? I don't believe that for a second."

"I'm sorry, Ruthie. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"No, Simon, you did. You could have stayed. You were the only one I had left and I needed you more than ever. Why don't you just go back to where you came from because I know you don't want to be here and I definitely don't want you here, either. We both get what we want."

"I do want to be here."

"Then why haven't you been?"

"I just couldn't be in that kind of environment, but then Lucy called me the other day and told me you needed help."

"And the truth comes out! I knew you couldn't have come here on your own. You don't give a damn about me and neither does Lucy."

"We're here now, Ruthie! Isn't that all that matters?"

"No. The people who were supposed to be there for me every single day left me alone when I needed them the most. Oh no, I'm sorry, I had Sam and David, who have no idea what happened!"

"Come on, Ruthie, we used to be best friends! We used to do everything together and tell each other everything!"

"Yes, the keywords being used to."

"Ruthie, please?"

"You know what? I have a lot to deal with right now and I don't need you here making it worse. So, please go back to where ever you came from."

"I can help you, Ruthie! Let me help you! I'm your brother, it's my job!"

"You stopped being my brother seven years ago."

You're dead to me.

Ruthie went to Peter. He was the one who helped her through the past few years. They were in love and she was sure that one day they would be married and have a family together, a family that would be way less dysfunctional than her own. They told each everything and that's why Ruthie knew Peter was her best option concerning her father and his evening activities.

"Are you sure that's what you saw? Maybe it was just someone who looked like him. Or maybe he was just helping her and it looked like a kiss."

"I thought we agreed that you were going to stop with the maybes. I know what I saw, Peter, and it explains everything."

"Does he know you know?"

"No. I haven't told anyone but you."

"Are you going to tell him? Are you going to tell your mom?"

"I don't know! What are you supposed to do when your dad is cheating on your mom? Do they have a manual for that or something because I am totally and completely lost."

"I wish I could help more, but honestly I have no idea what to do either."

"I'll talk to him and go from there."

Ruthie Camden liked to talk. She didn't talk too much, but she was definitely not shy. She could start a conversation with a complete stranger over something that happened in the news that morning. She was a pro-conversation-starter and was proud of it. Unfortunately, her powers were no match for this conversation. She would go to open her mouth but the words just wouldn't come out. How does one tell her father that she knows he is cheating on her mother? Ruthie knew it was the right thing to do when it was only her and her father home, a very rare occurrence considering her father was usually with…her…

"Daddy, I have to talk to you," she spoke firmly while entering his office.

"What is it?"

"I, um, I know your, uh, your secret."

"You're right. I don't really put the salt in the ocean. I'm sorry I've lied to you for so many years."

"No, Daddy. The secret about…about why you come home so late."

"Honey, I'm the one who told you about the second church, of course you know!"

"Daddy. I saw you. You were at a little restaurant in another town and you were…you were kissing…I don't who but I know it wasn't Mom."

"Hm. You must have mistaken someone else for me."

"I know what you look like."

"Yes, I know, but it could have been some man who looked incredibly like me."

"Stop lying!"

"Ruthie, do you really think I would cheat on your mother?"

"I honestly don't know anymore, Dad. I don't know anyone in this family anymore."

"Things have changed drastically over the years, but we're still a family. We still love each other."

"Really? Then why do you ignore the fact that my older siblings exist?"

"Ruthie, that was a complicated situation. You were only eight; I wouldn't expect you to understand."

"Well, I'm eighteen now, so why don't you try to explain it to me?"

"I'm not playing this game with you. I have too much work to do."

Eric went back to work, to Ruthie's disbelief. This man sitting in front of her could not possibly be her father. Her father was supposed to be loving and kind. Now, he was cold and selfish. His family used to come first, but now work was more important than Ruthie. She wasn't too surprised, though. Look at what he had done to her older brothers and sisters.

"So, you're ashamed with what you did to them?"

"Ruthie! I am not discussing this with you! It happened ten years ago so just get over it!"

"You expect me to get over the four people I depended on the most leaving me? I needed them, Dad, and you took them away from me!"

"Your mother and I had our reasons!"

"Tell me them, then, because I would love to know what good came from it."

"I don't have to explain anything to you! I am your father!"

"Well at least I know it was Darth Vader who took my father away!"

"I'm still here, Ruthie. I'll always be here."

"Yeah. Except when you're at church. Or 'church,' whatever you want to call it."

"I'm doing this for you. Once the second church is up and running, we will be able to afford more. We would be able to give you anything you want."

"I want my dad back. I want my parents to stop fighting. I want my brothers and sisters to be able to comfort me when I need it. I want my family back, Dad. That's the only thing I want."

"Your family is your mother, Sam, David, Lucy, and I. No one else."

"If you really want to put it that way then my family is Sam and David. No one else."

"Watch your mouth, Ruthie. You don't have to be a part of this family."

Lucy had missed her brother greatly. She hadn't seen him since he was about thirteen, just barely a teenager. Now, he was a man. He had scruff and a deep voice. She had spent a lot of time with Simon while he was home, mostly because she was the only one who was treating him kindly and lovingly. They caught up on each other's lives and visited all of Simon's favorite places. They even tracked down some of his old friends. Things were light until Simon asked the question she dreaded the most:

"So, what made you come back? And how on Earth did you get them to forgive you because it seems impossible."

"That's not important."

"Yes it is, I want them to forgive me. It would help if I had you as an example."

"I came back because I had no choice."

"What are you talking about?"

"I had some problems. I havesome problems and I need to take care of them."

"I'm sure Matt and Mary would have helped you! At least much more than Mom and Dad would."

Lucy couldn't look at her brother. She was ashamed of herself and she was sure her brother would be, too. Telling her parents was easy. They didn't care about her older brother and sister, but this was her little brother. He didn't agree with his parents.

"Lucy? Why didn't you go to Matt and Mary for help?"

"I couldn't."

"Why? You guys were all in it together. Weren't you even living together?"

"Yeah, until they kicked me out."

"Go on."

"I felt guilty for going against Mom and Dad. I know it was the right thing, but they were my parents, you know? When we were kicked out, we agreed to never speak about Mom and Dad. They were a part of the past and didn't want us to be a part of their family. They didn't want their own children. They disowned us so we disowned them."

"That sounds reasonable. I know they hurt you really badly."

"They did, Simon, so much, but we were our own family. We supported each other through everything and kept no secrets. Until I got engaged."

"To Kevin? What, did they not like him? He seems like a good guy to me."

"When I was little, I would always dream of my wedding. I could never really decide on what I wanted, even when I was planning my real wedding, but I was always sure that Dad would be the one marrying me. Or at least walking me down the aisle."

"I'm sure Matt would have walked you."

"I didn't want Matt, I wanted Dad. So, I wrote a letter telling them I was sorry. I didn't get a response, so I sent another. I figured eventually they would get tired of me sending letters and respond just to make me stop. One day, I finally got a reply but from Ruthie. She told me she had seen the letters and had been trying to get them so she could reply. She congratulated me on my engagement but just thought it would be too soon for Mom and Dad. They were still angry even though it had been over five years. When Matt and Mary found out Ruthie had written me they wanted to read the letter, too. They were so pissed that I tried to contact our parents, even if it was for my wedding."

"They kicked you out over that?"

"No, that's just how it started. They didn't trust me anymore. We were trying to start over and I was trying to fix the past. They felt betrayed and we fought so much. We started keeping things to ourselves more and more and eventually barely spoke."

"Were Matt and Mary still getting along?"

"Not really. They were better than I was with either of them, though. They blamed me for their fighting and they were right to do so because it really was my fault, so I moved in with Kevin."

Lucy hated this memory more than anything. The day her brother and sister kicked her out was the worst day of her life.

Matt and Mary were talking quietly at the kitchen table when Lucy entered the room. When they realized her presence, they immediately stopped talking. Lucy sighed, tired of the distance she had put between herself and her only family. She just wanted a traditional wedding, why couldn't Matt and Mary understand that?

"Talk to your parents lately? I'm sure they love you so much, that's why they kicked you out!" Lucy couldn't believe how bitter her sister sounded. Mary and Lucy had never talked to each other that way, even on their worst days.

"I'm sorry you feel like I betrayed you, but I have dreamed of my father at my wedding for my entire life, Mary. What was I supposed to do?"

"He'snotour father, Luce! He hasn't been for five years! Don't you get that?"

"Just because we're on the outs with them doesn't mean they're not our family! They raised us!"

Matt chimed in, adamantly saying, "You weren't even an adult yet when you left. Mary and I raised you because we had to."

"Oh, so the only reason they three of us decided to be our own family is because I wasn't an adult yet? If I had been eighteen, would you have left me on the streets?"

"That's not what I meant and you know it! But Mary and I have been soley responsible for you since that day because Mom and Dad got tired of taking care of you. They gave up on you, Lucy, and we never did. We're your family now. We're youronly family now."

"I'm tired of being alone, guys."

"You're not alone. You're never alone," Mary tried to comfort her little sister, who was close to tears.

"Ruthie is."

"Is that what this is about? Ruthie has Simon," Matt assured Lucy.

"Simon's eighteen, now. I doubt he's still living at home."

"Alright, Lucy, do what you want. If you want to go back to those people, then go. If you want to turn your back on the two people who have been there for the past five years when your so-called family wasn't, then go. Pack your bags and leave; you have our blessing! But, don't expect Mary and I to be here when they push you away. You're an adult, now. Make your own decision."

"Isn't that exactly what Mom and Dad did?"

"No. The choice is up to you, but if Mom and Dad do actually let you back, they're not going to let you contact us. The only way for you to have Mom and Dad back is to let us out of your lives."

"It's your choice, Luce. Who do you want in your life?" Mary added with a shrug. She didn't want her sister to return to that house, not without Matt and herself. Lucy would need help to get back in the good graces of their parents.

Without another word, Lucy began to make herself some breakfast. When she turned around, she noticed Matt and Mary had left for work. Today was Lucy's day off, so she had the apartment all to herself. While she ate, she thought about which she would choose: Matt and Mary or her parents. By the time she was clearing her dishes and putting them in the dishwasher, Lucy knew what she was going to do.

She left a note by the front door to say goodbye before picking up her bags and walking into the hallway.

"Maybe they forgave you," Simon said, breaking Lucy from her thoughts.

"I don't expect them to, Simon. I betrayed them and the only reason Mom and Dad accepted me back was because they knew I went against Matt and Mary. They knew they had won."

That's when Simon thought of the perfect Christmas present for his older sister. He would make it happen; it was the entire reason he came home. He was going to fix this family, or at least his siblings.

Ruthie was pissed at her sister. How dare she tell Simon to return home without even consulting her? Lucy did not even know what happened between Ruthie and their brother. She wasn't there so it was none of her business! That was exactly what Ruthie was going to tell Lucy when she got to her house down the street from her parents. She opened the door to her sister's house without knocking and yelled out, "LUCY!"

Lucy recognized the voice yelling her name but could not figure out why her little sister would be yelling at her. She rushed down the stairs and met up with her sister at the door.

"What? What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? You called Simon to get him back here! Why would you do that?"

"I was trying to help you, Ruthie. I know you missed him!"

"How would you know? How would you know anything about me?"

"You're my little sister! I know when you miss someone!"

"You're no sister of mine! You left Simon and I all alone in that house!"

"We were kicked out, what did you want me to do?"

"You could have stayed in contact! You could have sucked it up and stayed for us!"

"Ruthie, don't do this. I'm all you have left."

"No, no, see that's where you're wrong, Lucy. I don't have you. I haven't had you for the past ten years because who knows when you're going to decide to leave again. The only support I have is from Sam and David and they do very little considering they don't even know half their siblings exist."

"I came back for you!"

"You came back so that you could have your stupid little dream wedding. You don't care about anybody but yourself. That's why you ditched Matt and Mary and that's why you wanted Simon to come back. It benefitted you, and that's all you care about."

Ruthie turned around and left, leaving Lucy standing in the foyer in shock. Neither sister would let the tears that were welling up in their eyes fall. They were strong. They had to be in order to survive in their family.

Simon paced the floor of the guest room for twenty minutes before he got the courage to even pick up his cell phone. Dialing those numbers felt impossible. When he heard a voice on the other end, he was speechless.

"Hello? Is anybody there?"

Simon found his voice and responded, "Matt? Matt Camden?"

"This is he. May I ask who's calling?"

Simon took a deep breath before he replied, "It's Simon. Simon Camden."

The silence that came next made rethink his decision. He hadn't spoken to Matt for ten years! His thoughts were soon interrupted by a response, "How?"

"Well, I just dialed your number into the phone and-"

"No, Simon, that's not what I meant. How are you calling me? Why are you calling me? You know Mom and Dad won't approve. Do you really want to risk that?"

"You need to come home, Matt," Simon said, avoiding his older brother's question.

"What? Why? You know Mom and Dad will never let me."

"Stop thinking about Mom and Dad! We need you, Matt! Ruthie really needs you."

"She has you."

Matt's response shocked Simon. How was he supposed to tell his older brother that Ruthie didn't have him and she hadn't for about seven years?

"Um, yea, but she needs you, too," Simon stuttered.

"Please, she's the strongest out of the five of us."

"The five of who?" Simon asked, confused.

"The five Camden children…" Matt trailed off.

Simon had forgotten that his older siblings left before their youngest brothers were born. They didn't know each other existed.

"We have two younger brothers. Sam and David. They're eight year-old twins."

Matt wistfully sigh before he said, "I have brothers I don't even know about?"

"Come home and meet them, Matt. Come home and help your little sister. Both of them. Come on, Matt. We can't let Mom and Dad pull us apart."

"I'll think about it, Bro."

"That's all I ask. Christmas is coming up; maybe you can come for that."

"Yea, maybe."

Simon hung up the phone filled with hope. This is going to work! He thought to himself. Matt will come and fix everything! Just like he used to.