A/N: Chapter 16! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Still own nothing.

All eyes quickly shot over to Rose. For a minute the room was completely silent. For a second the thickness of the quiet could allow for pin to drop. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be true. Ruthie found the bravery to finally break the thick tension.

"You're what?" she exclaimed. Rose rolled her eyes and sighed. Did she not just hear her? Why would she have to repeat herself?

"Are you deaf? I just said that I'm pregnant," she said impatiently.

"I heard you just fine thank you. That should tell you that my hearing is perfectly fine. I'm pretty sure everyone else's is too. I'm just trying to wrap my head around the idea of you with child," Ruthie laughed.

"Why is that so hard to believe? You're not the only one allowed to create a family. In fact you've done nothing to be rewarded with the one you have. Instead you take people that aren't even remotely yours and call them your own," she said. By this time Lucy had heard enough. With a smile airing on the side of creepy she calmly walked over to the snide woman and slapped her. A smile came upon her face when she saw Rose shriek in pain rubbing her already tender cheek once again.

"What the hell was that for?" Rose shouted. What was with this family and hitting people? It was no wonder they were so close. No one outside of their psychotic family could tolerate them.

"That was for the beyond uncalled for comment directed at my sister. You had absolutely no right to say those things! Any human being would know that most of what you said tonight goes over the line! Oh but wait, I forgot, you're not human. So that being said this "pregnancy" is just a scam! Why us? Why would you come here and sink so low as to put it on Simon's hands when we all know that you would take every precaution known to make sure that you never reproduce? You're doing your kids a favor. Oh wow I seriously never thought I'd utter those words in reference to someone like you! It's always about what Rose wants, what Rose needs! Don't you dare pin this on my brother. Just because you have it in your sick twisted mind to get back together with him? That's the oldest trick in the book!" Kevin came over placing a calming hand on her shaking shoulder. Lucy exhaled shakily before leaning against her husband.

"Calm down Luce. It's not good for the baby," he whispered. Simon gently helped Lucy step aside now taking her place in front of Rose.

"That's a lie! We were never that way and you know it! Let's for theory's sake say that you are pregnant, which by the way would be some kind of miracle, it's not mine. So I have to wonder, why did you come here in the first place? If it was to upset my family, congratulations you've done a wonderful job."

"But I am pregnant Simon. I've got that disgusting mourning sickness and everything. I'll give you the fact that it just started but I just found out that I've got this thing inside of me."

"Okay one the child inside of you should never be referred to as a 'thing.' Two, why would you come running to us? Why would we care about someone who isn't even remotely related to any of us?" Ruthie asked.

"Well that baby isn't related to any of you and you for some reason took him in without question," Rose said venomously.

"That baby has a name Rose and yes we took him in. We took them both in because Martin is and will always be a part of this family," Annie said.

"I was a part of your family at one point. Why are you suddenly turning me away?" she asked confused. Mary sighed, shaking her head.

"The key phrase here is 'at one point' Rose. You aren't anymore thanks to Simon finally opening his eyes and seeing that you did nothing but cause him and this family more trouble than can fit on a dinner plate."

"Well so was Martin. Doesn't you're family have some rule against pre-marital sex or something. That's what happened to him and Sandy and here you are accepting him after the biggest mistake of his life with open arms!"

"My son will never be considered a mistake!" Martin growled. "Aaron is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It doesn't matter how he came to be. What matters is that he's here. Over my dead body will you ever talk about my son in any way but respect! Oh wait, you're not physically capable of being respectful to anyone. It's just not in your DNA, so let's do this. How about you just stick to not talking about him or to him at all? Better yet just leave my family alone. We don't need your poison. We've already dealt with you enough!" he yelled.

"You must be insane to think that I'm even going to consider having this thing!" Rose laughed.

"There's nothing you can really do now. It's going to happen whether you're ready or not. You can't undo the past," Martin said.

"Uh hello. That's what clinics are for," Rose said rolling her eyes.

"You're not…oh no Rose, tell me you're not considering…" Simon said shaking his head, unable to even say the word.

"And what if I am? It's not like it's yours anyway. What I decide to do is up to me. I don't need a baby. Hell I don't even want a baby."

"Can we talk in private for a few minutes?" Simon asked her.

"Oh so now you want to talk to me? Amazing what happens when I mention a baby. A baby that I'll remind you is not yours. You know just in case you needed to be reminded."

"At this point I don't care whose it is. I don't even care if it's Umberto's, which by the way you should go, check and make sure."

"Who else's would it be?" she scoffed.

"I really don't know, nor do I care at the moment. I just need to talk to you," Simon said taking her arm and directing her to the couch. Sharing a look with his family they quickly scattered.

"Why Rose?"

"Why what?" she asked. Simon again shook his head. It surprised him how utterly clueless she was.

"Why would you even consider having a child when you know you don't even want one?"

"It was an accident. Not all protection is 100 percent guaranteed. You of all people should know that. Did you even use it?"

"Yes we did and you're right it's never guaranteed. This has nothing to do with me though. Right now we're discussing you so don't try changing the subject on me."

"What do you care? We were never sexually active anyway as you so quickly pointed out."

"I care Rose because we're discussing the life of an innocent child here."

"It's nowhere near a child yet Simon. It's just a bunch of clumped up cells at this point."

"It doesn't matter where you are in your pregnancy. The fact is that at some time it's going to be a lot more than a bunch of cells. It's actually going to grow into a little human being. You're going to give birth to something that's a part of you. Why would you even consider throwing something like that away? This child holds a piece of you. It'd be like killing a part of you. That guilt will be with you until the day you die."

"What do you know about guilt? You've always been perfect little Simon, never doing anything wrong. What have you ever done to even know what guilt means?"

"I've done a lot of things. Things that I can't take back no matter how much I want to. I can't go back in tine and change what's already been done. All I can do is move forward with a weight of guilt on my chest that will sit there until the day that I die."

"I'm not cut out to be a mother! This wasn't even supposed to happen! I'm just going to go to the clinic, get rid of it and pretend this never even happened."

"No you're not going to do that," Simon demanded.

"Who are you to tell me what to do?" Rose growled.

"I'm not going to let you off an innocent child like a piece of old clothes!"

"It's my choice to make!"

"You never consider anyone but yourself! That's the way it's always been. That's the way it's always going to be but I'll be damned if I let you get an abortion just to get rid of your problems!"

"I don't even want it! What the hell am I supposed to do with it if I can't kill it?" she shouted.

"Are you really that set on having absolutely nothing to do with it?" he asked shocked.

"Yes!"

"So heartless! You're not even thinking about what's best for the child! It's not just about you anymore Rose," he said. He looked over to see her mouth gaped open. "Oh I know how shocking that realization is for you! It's going to have to become your top priority now. I'm sorry Rose but last I checked the world doesn't just revolve around you and your needs."

"What it's not like I even know anyone who's willing to take it!" she exclaimed.

"Adoption Rose. There are so many families out there who can't even have kids. You're blessed with the ability and you just want to throw it away. At least carry the baby to term. If you haven't changed your mind after nine months then call up an adoption agency. Give an incapable family a gift they'll be able to treasure."

"What am I supposed to do in the mean time?" she asked.

"Gee I don't know. Take care of yourself maybe. Make sure the baby stays healthy."

"So you expect me to get all sick and disgusting, not to mention fat, just so this thing can get adopted?"

"Yes Rose that's exactly what I expect you to do. Go through the motions; make the sacrifice to make sure that this baby is born. After that what you do is your choice."

"Fine if you want this so bad then I'll do it," she grumbled.

"See? It wasn't that hard was it?"

"Oh you have no idea," she said.

"Nine months Rose, that's it."

"Nine long, pain staking months," she said.

"You'll make it," he said.

"Barely."

"I'm going to go talk to Matt, see what he can do about getting you prenatal care," he said starting to walk towards the kitchen. As he opened the door he heard a squeak and rolled his eyes. On the other side stood the entire family waiting. "No one in this house understands the meaning of the word 'private' do they?" Everyone gave him the same innocent look before they saw him heading for the stairs.

"I'm going to go talk to him. Luce, would you see if he'll have some of his bottle?" Her sister nodded shooing her away.

Once Simon made his exit Kevin and Lucy took their spot on the couch with Aaron who was feeding happily on his bottle. Lucy sat comfortably on one side with Kevin between them putting her feet up on the table. Rose looked over at the three with a glare which Lucy happily avoided keeping a small conversation with Aaron as he ate. It was going down more tediously then normal but at least he was eating. When he finished half Aaron squirmed pushing it away.

"You full bud?" Kevin asked massaging his tummy. He whimpered uncomfortably crawling over to him. Kevin smiled sadly allowing the little boy to sit in his lap. "Your gums are hurting a little aren't they?" he asked rubbing his back. Having enough of his uncle he squirmed crawling over to Rose. Lucy and Kevin both shared an uneasy look as they watched him. With a small whimper he reached out to Rose who again had no clue what she was doing.

"He wants you to take him," Lucy said rolling her eyes. "I really don't know why but…"

"So what am I supposed to do?" she asked seeing that he was still reaching for her.

"Hold him obviously," Lucy huffed. Awkwardly and again without a word she sat him in his lap where he then made himself comfortable.

"See, easy right?" Kevin said. "All you need to do is hold them and they'll do the rest. When they're like this there's not much you have to do," he said. Kevin frowned when saw Aaron's face twist in pain.

"Uh-o—" He didn't even have enough time to warn Rose before Aaron threw up the contents of his just finished meal on his new friend. As soon as he did the little boy let out a heart wrenching cry joined by another apocalypse warning courtesy of none other than Rose herself.

"Look what that brat did!" she cried. Kevin looked over at her trying to hide a smile.

"Hey he's not a brat. He's sick! He can't help it if he throws up. Kind of funny how it happened to you but still, it's not his fault."

"Yes it is! I'm covered in…in puke!"

"And I'll tell you right now that, that color does not work for you," he smirked.

"Good job sweetie," Lucy smiled rubbing his back trying to calm him down again.

"You know, who really needs a dog when you've got a puking kid. That's got to be the best keep away technique yet," Kevin laughed. By this time the entire family had joined them in the living room. Matt and Carlos both tried to hide a laugh as they took in the new Rose.

"You know we could offer you some clothes and let yours wash," Carlos offered. "We haven't unpacked yet. Let me go get you something."

"I'll help," Matt said following Carlos upstairs. With that the two left in search of a change of clothes.

Carlos smiled pulling out the yet to be unpacked bags. Charlie grumbled hearing movement in the room.

"Daddy, what are you doing?" he groaned.

"Uncle Matt and I are letting Rose borrow some clothes because hers need to be washed he explained.

"Is that the really mean lady Uncle Simon almost married?" he asked, a look of confusion crossing his tired face. Carlos laughed but nodded. As he walked out he went to close the door. "Daddy!" he called.

"Yes?"

"Don't forget the sombrero," he reminded Carlos. He smiled at his son collecting the sombrero that sat on the dresser before sharing a fist bump. The two smiled before Charlie laid his head back down sleepily.

"Go back to sleep miho," he whispered tucking the blankets in around him. Charlie nodded rubbing his eyes sleepily.

"Te amo Papi," he mumbled.

"I love you too," he whispered kissing his forehead quickly before he left.

Once getting upstairs Matt tip-toed into his parent's room to get one of Eric's old shirts. He returned meeting Carlos in the hall with a Hawaiian shirt draped over his arm, a Lei around his neck. The smile grew when he saw Carlos come out with a pair of sweat pants and a large sombrero.

"Kind of creepy how we think isn't it," Matt laughed.

"Yeah, even creepier that we're not even biologically related.

"Family does that to you. Let's go see what she thinks of her new outfit." Carlos nodded following Matt to the upstairs bathroom where he heard the shower running. With a knock he and Carlos left. "You're clothes are outside the door he yelled over the sound of running water, not caring whether or not he was heard.

"Hey Ruth, how's Simon?" Matt asked as she closed her brother's door.

"It took him a while but I think he's okay. He just needs to sleep on it," she told them.

"As if he hasn't had enough to deal with," Carlos sighed.

"Yeah I know," Ruthie said.

"Let's go downstairs. I think the apocalypse is coming," Matt said.

"What is this the third time?" she laughed. Carlos and Matt both nodded as Ruthie followed. They barely made it half way down the stairs before Rose let out a horrified scream. Matt and Carlos shared a look and high fived each other before running all the way down. They were barely down the stairs before Rose stormed in.

"I LOOK REDICULOUS!" she yelled.

"Oh no you look fantastic," Lucy told her.

"Mommy she don't look pwetty," Savannah whispered to Lucy with a shake of her small head. Lucy snorted which did very little to hide the laugh that came after.

"Hey do you know if that comes with a grass skirt?" Kevin asked.

"I think so, why?" Matt asked.

"'Cause I want to try it on," he said.

"Again I'm going to ask why."

"'Cause it's cool," he smiled. Matt laughed shaking his head but returned quickly with the requested skirt. He returned just in time to see Rose throw it down angrily.

"Oh Deus Meu! Perdonanamie! I don't want to be cursed for the rest of my life! Please forgive me for what I have done!" Carlos cried now repeating the sign of the cross multiple times.

"O-kay," Rose said slowly.

"How dare you! Now thanks to your carless act this family's going to be cursed forever!"

"What exactly did I do with the stupid hat?" she asked.

"It's not supposed to touch the ground!" he cried.

"Here dude give it to me," Kevin said taking the hat. Carlos quickly handed it over expecting Kevin to wear it. Instead he placed it on the table and began dancing circles around it.

"Kev there's no music," Mary reminded him. As if he hadn't heard the comment he continued his circles while dancing the hula in silence. Just then the kitchen door swings open to reveal a somewhat confused, but mostly shocked Eric.

"Kevin what are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing Dad? I'm dancing," he said.

"I wouldn't be caught drunk doing that," Carlos said.

"Son, are you okay?"

"Yeah why?"

"Then why are you dancing on our coffee table in a skirt around a sombrero?"

"'Cause it's fun!" he said. "Now someone, turn some real music on so I can learn the dance in time for the wedding!" he said. Knowing exactly who her brother was referring to Ruthie shook her head embarrassed, digging her flushed cheeks in Martin's chest.

"Do we know him?" she asked.

"Nope. I've never met this man in my life," Martin said shaking his head.

"Are you sure you're not going through some sort of mid life crisis man, because I've never seen a man in a skirt dancing on a coffee table."

"No I think he just forgot to take his medication this morning," Lucy said.

"I take medication?" he asked confused.

"Of course you do honey," Lucy reminded him.

"Oh that's what I forgot this morning!" he exclaimed.

"I'm going to talk to someone about upping your dose bro," Matt said. As he said that he saw Rose trying desperately to make her exit. "Hey we want our stuff back!" he called. Rose stomped back in closing the door behind her.

"Take it. I wouldn't be caught dead in this get up."

"Wait before you start stripping for us I think you should know your clothes aren't done yet," Matt reminded her.

"Hey look on the bright side! You'll be with us until their done!" Kevin yelled over the music as he danced (or what looked like it anyway) his hundredth time around the table.

"Oh joy," she said snidely. "I'm so excited that I smile just wouldn't be enough to show my happiness," she finished rolling her eyes.

"Hey look who's all clean!" Lucy called making her way down the stairs.

"I feel like I missed something," Ruthie said.

"Oh no nothing too big. He just didn't feel too good and let us all know that."

"That little brat threw up all over me!" Rose cried.

"That's my boy," Ruthie smiled hugging him close.

"Um excuse me but I'm the one who got thrown up on here!"

"Oh I'm sorry Rose. Hey at least now you're wearing clean clothes," she pointed out. Rose only growled crossing her arms angrily. She smiled when she looked down to see Aaron sleeping comfortably on her chest. Ruthie then let out a yawn putting her head on what had become her favorite pillow.

"Tired?" Martin asked.

"Just a little," Ruthie mumbled. He smiled kissing her gently before playing with her hair.

"You know if you guys wanted a room you could have just gone upstairs," Lucy said. Both glared at the blond who just stared right back.

"You know what, I think we will," Martin said lifting Ruthie off the couch tenderly.

"You know it's kind of a good thing your fit. Let's just hope you don't throw your back out with all the extra weight," Kevin called after him.

"Lucy would you be a doll and smack him for me please?" Martin asked.

"Gladly," she smiled knocking Kevin upside the head.

"Ow!" he whined.

"Thank you sis, love you!" he called.

"Love you too," she replied. Coming up on their bedroom Martin used his foot to close the door behind him while turning on the light.

"No light," Ruthie mumbled.

"Sorry but I can't walk around in the dark hon," he said. Reaching the bed he was glad to see that they had foregone making it this morning. Laying both down gently he pulled the blanket over them. Placing a gentle kiss on both foreheads Martin quickly turned off the light before crawling in himself. "I love you," he whispered.

"You too," she groaned snuggling into him.

***

What could have only been hours later both were startled awake by another sharp cry of discomfort. Rubbing her eyes sleepily Ruthie sat up.

"What's wrong honey?" she asked hugging Aaron to her. She sat up tiredly, the upset little boy wailing against her. As much as she tried to calm him the cries kept coming. She was grateful to see that Martin was already awake as well. "Is it your teeth sweetheart?" she asked rubbing his gum gently. As she went along the inside of his mouth the crying increased.

"I think someone needs the gel," Martin said getting up again. He returned moments later with the newly frozen toy and gel taking him from Ruthie. Being taken away he whimpered loudly.

"I can't see sweetie otherwise I would do it, okay? Be good for Daddy while he makes you better," she told him allowing him to take hold of her finger.

"There we go all better," Martin whispered giving him the ring to chew on. "Shh buddy you're okay," he said rubbing Aaron's back as he snuggled into Ruthie. "Yeah I know Mommy's your favorite right now," he said kissing his forehead softly.

"Do you think you'll be okay to sleep by yourself for a little bit? I have to get up really early tomorrow for school baby," she told him sleepily. By this time sleep had won. She smiled when she saw him breathing evenly.

"You wanna chance it?" Martin asked. Ruthie nodded silently giving Aaron a quick kiss goodnight before lying back down. It wasn't even a full twenty minutes before he again woke up screaming. Ruthie sighed, eyeing Martin who lay bleary eyed beside her. "I take it that wasn't the best idea?" he groaned. Ruthie shook her head as Martin stumbled over to the crib.

"I'm right here Aaron," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise," she told him humming quietly. When she saw him closing his eyes again she felt him take hold of her. Slowly she released him handing him back to Martin. He hadn't even reached the other side of the room before Aaron made it very well known he didn't like the idea.

"You know this is just going to go on all night, right?" he told her. She nodded sadly letting Martin slip Aaron back in. The cries had now turned to small whimpers as Aaron found comfort in Ruthie's arms again.

"Okay big guy. Here's the deal. I'll let you stay if you promise to try and get some sleep okay?" Not too surprisingly she got no reply. She sighed before snuggling back into her pillow laying Aaron in his new favorite spot.

***

The next morning Ruthie and Aaron both woke to the ring of her cell phone alarm. Groaning she rose juggling Aaron as she did. Getting downstairs she was greeted with the smell of freshly brewed coffee which for once didn't do much for her consciousness. Rubbing her eyes vigorously she shuffled into the kitchen.

"Good morning!" Kevin said with way too much cheerfulness for her liking.

"Too much happiness," she groaned.

"Oh come on. It's a new day, the birds are singing, flowers are blooming! It's time to get up and at 'em!"

"Where's Lucy. I need her to smack you for me. I can't find the strength."

"Sleeping," he said.

"Auntie Ruth, are you okay?" Charlie asked concerned.

"Yeah bud I'm just fine. Just a little tired that's all," she smiled weakly.

"Well you didn't have to go to bed at one in the morning," Kevin said.

"Yeah well not that I had much choice. I wasn't the one dancing on Mom's coffee table like an idiot in a sombrero. No wait I believe it was around a sombrero trying to dance the hula," she said rolling her eyes.

"Uncle Kevin. You danced in a skirt and sombrero!" Charlie giggled.

"Yup and it was a lot of fun," he said.

"Yeah try falling with maracas and banjos playing in your head while trying not to have a nightmare of your brother in a skirt," she grumbled.

"You could have gone up before the dancing started," he pointed out.

"And miss the look on Rose's face? Never."

"Still you wouldn't look like the living dead," he said.

"Gee thanks. Way to wake a sister up in the morning," she groaned rolling her eyes.

"What I'm just pointing that out," he said innocently. Martin walked in just as tired sitting next to Ruthie.

"Are you really considering going to school today? You look like you can barely stand up right," Martin said.

"Yes. If you don't remember Martin I go to school every day no matter what the circumstances. I have a big history test today anyway that I can't miss."

"You gonna be able to stay awake for it?" he asked.

"Yes."

"You know Ruth you should really consider staying home and sleeping,' Kevin said.

"I'm fine guys. A teething baby who couldn't fall asleep without being permanently attached to me wouldn't stop me from getting an education," she said. Aaron yelled not very pleased with how he was presented. "Not that I would have it any other way sweetie but I didn't sleep at all last night."

"Welcome to parenthood," Kevin said.

"Great start," she mumbled.

"You sure you don't want to just stay home. I could call you in sick or something," Martin said.

"No thanks. I'll go," she said.

"At least let me drive you," Martin said. She nodded tiredly as Kevin placed a couple of waffles and a large coffee in front of her.

"Bye honey. I'll see you soon," she promised kissing Aaron's forehead swiftly after quickly getting herself ready and heading out the door.

***

She had no recollection of time. All she wanted was this day to be over so she could get home and get some much needed sleep. Her brain set on autopilot all day just going with the motions. She was in her history class putting pencil to paper when the intercom buzzed above her.

"Ruthie Camden to the front office please, Ruthie Camden." The front office could only mean one thing. No one was going to pull her out. At least not that she knew of. That could only mean one thing. Aaron. Her heart dropped like a pile of stones as she quickly made eye contact with the teacher and running out of there as fast as her legs would allow. At the speed she was going she didn't even notice she had run into someone.

"Oof!"

"Careful speed demon, you're going to run yourself into the ground if you're not careful." Her head shot up meeting Martin's laughing eyes.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Nice to see you too Roo," he laughed.

"No seriously what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home with…Oh my god what's wrong with Aaron?" she asked, panic registering in her voice.

"Nothing he's been fine," he said.

"Well then why are you here?"

"I came to see if I could get a coaching job here at the school. Then I got a call from Mom saying he hasn't slept since you left."

"Great."

"I think he misses his mommy," he whispered. Ruthie smiled shivering at the breeze that passed her ear.

"Let's go to the office and sign me out. Then we'll go," she said.

"Already done," he smiled.

"Sneaky," she laughed.

"One of my many talents," he smirked. She playfully shoved him as they made it out to the car. Once home she was met with Kevin who had a knowing smirk on his face.

"Back so soon? School's done already? Wow back in my day the day was at least six hours long," he said.

"Yeah apparently there's a family emergency," she said rolling her eyes as she yawned.

"Was school that boring that you just decided to sleep in class?" he laughed.

"I was seriously considering it," she said.

"Well go do that now. Do you want me to make you something before you do?" Martin asked.

"A sandwich would be nice," she said.

"I'll be right on it. I think someone's waiting for you upstairs," he whispered. She nodded shuffling up the stairs.

"I'm going to go home and feed my girls. You can't trust Lucy in the kitchen while she's pregnant," he said.

"You go do that man. Thanks by the way," he said.

"No problem. Go look after your family," he said patting his shoulder before he left.

As Ruthie came up the stairs she was greeted with a cooing Aaron who lay staring up at the ceiling. When he saw Ruthie he smiled reaching out for her.

"Ma-ma," he laughed.

"Hi Aaron. Are you feeling better?" she asked. He smiled snuggling into her releasing a small yawn. "What do you say we get some sleep?" she suggested coming over to the bed. Before she even laid herself down she could hear that he had already fallen asleep, again taking hold of her index fingers. "I'm not going anywhere sweetie," she promised kissing his forehead before he allowed sleep to over take her.

***

Simon just walked into to make himself some lunch when the phone in the kitchen sounded. Remembering how much sleep his sister got and the fact that she had to come home today he quickly answered the phone before it made too much noise.

"Hello?"

"Hi is Ruthie there?"

"Who is this?"

A/N: There we go guys! Let me know how it went please.