7th Heaven-Kevin and Lucy-The Marriage that Wasn't
What if Kevin and Lucy didn't get married in season 7? What if Eric did see it as a sign he wasn't supposed to be back at that church like Ruthie predicted? What if even Matt couldn't talk her into it? Would Kevin fight for Lucy? Would he continue living in the garage apartment?
Lucy's cold feet were terrible. She backed out of marrying Kevin. She left him standing at the altar. Kevin, Ben, Simon, Matt, Mary and Ruthie-they were all stunned. We were all stunned. We knew she'd been scared but she acted like she'd continue on. Matt talked to her and he later said that she acted as though she understood and that Kevin was the "ONE". This shook all the kids' faith to an extent. Simon was thinking it meant that God was turning His back on our family. Thankfully Eric went back to church. The first Sunday afterward, Lucy was nowhere to be seen. She ran off to see Matt & Sarah. They tried sending her back to no avail. She lived with them for the next six months. They'd tried getting the Colonel and Ruth to talk to her, but that did no good. They were frustrated, because as much as they loved Lucy, she was constantly in their apartment. She had sent a moving company to our house in Glenoak to pack up her things. What she didn't count on was Kevin coming after her about 7 months later.
He showed up on Matt and Sarah's doorstep one Saturday morning that Matt and Sarah were off. He knocked on the door, and Matt answered. "So, you finally came after my sister, huh? I didn't think you'd ever do that. Do you want me to let her know that you're here?". "No, where is she at?". "She's back in that bedroom where she's been for over six months, doing nothing but watching television and eating us out of house and home with ice cream. "I don't know what to say, Matt, except that I'm sorry.". "I'm sorry isn't going to cut it, Kevin. This really put her down in a deep dark hole.". "Look, I said I was sorry. I came to see if she'd like to get back together.". "Are you out of your ever-loving mind? I don't believe this!". "I know you're upset, and I can understand why. Is she seeing anyone?". "Well, well, well. Look who the dog left as a present on the front porch. My brother.", Kevin's brother Ben said as he walked up behind Matt. "Ben? What are you doing here?". "I'm helping out in a family crisis. That's what families do.". "You're not related." "Actually I am. Mary and I got married a few weeks ago.". "Huh? Do the Camden's know?", Kevin asked as Matt slapped him on the face. "I'm standing right here. I thought that you'd be smart enough to know that after you lived with us for over a year.".
Eric and Annie were the next ones to show up to Matt and Sarah's apartment unannounced. Sarah opened the door. "Eric, Annie! What a surprise! We now have a full apartment, but come on in.". They heard yelling from the back of the apartment. "What is that?", Eric asked. "Kevin showed up about thirty minutes ago and is back there arguing with Lucy. He says he wants to try and fight for her, and Ben is here. Kevin thinks Ben and Lucy are seeing each other, but they're not. He got married to Mary about two weeks ago.", Matt replied. "He and Mary got married?!" Eric asked, grabbing his chest. "What's wrong?", Sarah asked him. "I think I'm having a heart attack.". "Ben! Get out here, Dad's having a heart attack.", Matt yelled. Ben came flying out to the living room with Kevin and Lucy right on his heels. "Sarah, call 9-1-1, Matt find one of our medical bags, and get the stethoscope.", said Ben. "You got it", Matt said. He came back a second later with what Ben had asked for. While they were taking care of Eric, another knock came at the door. "Who in the world could it be now?" Matt asked a bit exasperated. "It's me.", Mary said letting herself in. "What's going on with dad?" she asked, immediately concerned. About that time the ambulance showed up to take Eric to the hospital. "I'll explain on the way to the hospital, Mary.", Sarah said.
Once at the hospital while waiting for Eric's condition to be discovered and diagnosed, Annie is standing in the waiting room, arms folded across her chest in front of Lucy, Kevin, Ben, Mary, Matt, and Sarah. "Alright. Who wants to go first?". "I'll go.", Mary replied meekly. "I got married the week before Kevin and Lucy, to a wonderful man named Carlos. "WHAT?!" came everyone's reply. "We helped him out a few years ago when I was working in the shelter in Glenoak. I brought him home, and we sent him back to Puerto Rico. Well, I ran into him in New York last Fall, and we started talking, and the more we kept talking, the more we started feeling attracted to each other, and I guess we just fell in love.". "Wow. Then I guess we'll never have another chance.", Ben said. "No, we won't Ben, and we wouldn't anyway after I heard you trying to put the moves on my sister.". "Woah. Woah. Woah, that's NOT what I was doing. Like I told Kevin when he finally decided to show up, I was helping out a family member.". "Well, I don't care who said or did what. What I am focused on at this moment, is the health of my husband, and your father.", Annie said. "So until that is clear, and understood, none of you will speak, except to apologize. If I feel like it's a heartfelt apology, then I'll allow you to speak in my presence. Until then, shut up!". And with that, Annie left the room to go and check one again on Eric.
After several hours of unknowns, Matt went and found Annie. "First of all Mom, I'm sorry for whatever part I might've played. I tried and tried to get Lucy to at least call Kevin, but she never did. And Kevin never called us trying to get in touch with Lucy, and I didn't figure I'd see him again until he showed up on my door step last night.". "So, did they discuss anything?", Annie asked. "That I don't have an answer to, because they were whispering in the bedroom, and the next thing I know is that my father is having a heart attack in the living room of my apartment.". "I'm sorry Matt. I know this has been hard for you and Sarah both. Neither one of you needed this, you already have too much on your plate. I can't believe how strong the two of you have been to be here for Lucy, and the rest of the family.". "Well, I feel somewhat like a failure, in the midst of all this.", Matt replied. "Oh, Matt. Please don't. I know it wasn't your fault, Sarah's fault, Mary's fault, my fault, Kevin's fault, or Ben's fault for that matter. It's Lucy's fault, plain and simple.". "I know. It is her fault, and I'm going to go see if she'll accept the blame for this entire debacle, once and for all. I'll be right back.", Matt said, going to hug Annie. "I love you, Matt.", Annie said. "I love you too, Ma.". Matt replied.
"Lucy…you and I need to talk.", Matt said, his voice stern, when he got back to the waiting room. "And I suggest one of you go and apologize to Mom right now. Although, she knows that it's all Lucy's fault.". "Why is it MY fault?", Lucy asked. "I knew Kevin would pick me for Roxanne.". "Would you QUIT with the hysterics? He doesn't want Roxanne, because Chandler's already got her, or did you forget that in the midst of your self-loathing?", Ben asked. "Ben, how would you know?", Lucy asked. "Well, I do talk to my brother, you know, the man you're supposed to be married to?". "Well, why didn't he come get me sooner? Why was I subjected to living in the spare bedroom of Matt and Sarah's ratty ass apartment all this time?". "I don't know, Lucy, I really don't. That's between you and Kevin. However, we need to apologize to Mom, and focus on Dad.". "He's not your dad, Ben.", Lucy said. "Well, he's been a better dad to me than the one I'm supposed to have had, according to my Mother.". Lucy and Matt walked off. "What'd Mom tell you?", Lucy queried. "She's mad at you. You started all of this when you got your cold feet. That's why they came to see us, and more specifically, you. And the reason of his heart attack was when I told them that Mary got married the week before you and Kevin. So really, you, Mary, Kevin, and Ben need to go and apologize to Mom.". "Okay,", Lucy said. "Do you know where she's at?". "I'll take you to her.". Matt and Lucy went up to the fourth floor waiting room. While on the journey to the waiting room, Lucy started to cry. "I'll never forgive myself if something happens to Dad.". "Don't worry. Dad'll be just fine.", Matt replied, putting his arm around her. "How do you know?" Lucy asked. "I just know.", came Matt's reply. "Mom", Lucy said when they got upstairs. "Mom, I'm really very sorry. I'm sorry for acting like a petulant child, and leaving Kevin at the altar. I'm sorry for giving you and Dad grief, and most of all, I'm sorry to Matt and Sarah for everything I've done while living in their apartment for the last six months.".
"You expect me to believe you and just forgive and forget, just like that?", Annie asked. "Well, I didn't quite figure it'd go that way, but I didn't know.", Lucy replied. "Well, Lucy, it's not going to go that way. You run up here and hide out with your brother and sister-in-law for the last six months without a word to Kevin, your dad, me, or any of your siblings. What're we supposed to think? I know you kids think I'm stupid, but I'm a lot smarter than you give me credit for". "We don't think you're stupid at all, Mommy.", Sam said speaking up. Annie turned around wondering why she was hearing Sam's voice, only to find Sam, and Simon. "What are the two of you doing here?", Annie asked sternly. "Well, apparently, something is wrong with David, and if this is the last time I see him alive, I'd like to NOT have it on my conscience that I didn't see him.". "That damn Mrs. Bink!", Annie cried out. "Why can't she just keep her big fat trap shut?! She and that Elaine Beeker, who always show up just in time to get some juicy gossip. I swear!". The next thing anyone heard was Matt yelling, "Annie Camden! Mom!". Annie turned to look at Matt. "Matt what's wrong?". Matt was crying by now. "I just got a phone call from Ginger. It's Grandpa Charles. Mom, it's not good. You and I are on the next flight to Phoenix. Mary already got us tickets.". "Oh God! Come on Matt. What about Sam? He can't stay here.". "Sarah has agreed to let Simon and Sam stay in our apartment. She'll be there at night so they won't be by themselves. David will be with Grandma Ruth & the Colonel.". "Oh good. Come on, Matt, let's go. We'll run by your dad's room and say bye to Carlos and Mary and promise them we'll be back by this weekend.".
Heading to the airport in the jeep, Matt explained the situation. "Apparently from what I heard from Ginger, they were going to fly out here to see Mary, Carlos, and the baby. I guess he fell asleep, and when he woke up, he got up out of his chair, and immediately passed out. Ginger said that he quit taking the blood sugar medicine he was prescribed and had essentially cut out anything that was good for him from his diet.". He took a breath and Annie cut in. "He never did like being told how to do something. He's always been so stubborn. Even when your Grandma Jenny was alive. I'm sorry Matt. Please continue.". "I told her that he rarely ate anything when he was with us, that was good for him. She knew, because she'd been trying to get him to change his diet and he was getting more and more stubborn. She likened it to being around the Colonel and Ruth, two of the most stubborn people she knew.". "Well, where do y'all think you get it? You come by it honestly. It's in the genes from both sides of your family.", Annie replied laughing a bit.
They got to LaGuardia and got parked, and hurried inside to the ticket agent. "Yes, I have three tickets for the 2 o'clock flight to Phoenix. My wife called them in for me, so it's under either Matt Camden, or Matthew Camden.". The lady behind the desk started to peck at her keyboard. "Matthew Camden, Matthew Camden…ah! Here we are. Matthew Camden, 3 one way tickets to Phoenix?". "Yes. Are the two other passengers over than 15 years old?", she asked. "Yes.", came Matt's reply. "Alright. I'm going to need to see a photo identification from each of the three of you.". Matt, Simon, and Annie dug around and pulled out their drivers' licenses. Annie noticed that Matt still had his Glenoak address on his. "You didn't change your address?", Annie asked. "Well…", Matt said his voice trailing off. "What?", Annie asked. "I'd better ask Sarah first.". They walked to their seats. "I'll be right back.", Matt said. He walked off calling Sarah. "Hello, Camden residence.", he heard Ben's voice call out. "Ben, it's Matt. Is Sarah around?". "Yes, she's right here,", he said handing the phone to Sarah. "How's my husband?", she asked. "Tired and we're not even on the plane yet.". "I'm so sorry. Any news on your grandfather in Phoenix?", she asked. "Not yet. I'll call you when we land, because I don't know when I'll have the next opportunity to give you a call. Any news on David or Dad?". "Not at the moment, but I'll let you know the minute I do. I think David's blood sugar was low, was one thing I overheard, but if and when I hear something different, I'll be sure and try to get ahold of you, your Mom, or Simon as soon as possible.". "I have a question. We were asked to show our I.D.'s here at the airport, and Mom noticed mine had a GlenOak address on it.". "Yes? And?", Sarah asked. "Well, shouldn't I just go ahead and tell Mom? It'll brighten her spirits.". "Yes. Go ahead and tell her. She could use some good news right now". "Sounds good, babe. We'll talk soon.", Matt said.
He headed back over to Annie and Simon. Standing there in front of them, Matt says, "What I'm about to tell you two MUST, stay under wraps for a few weeks. At least until I iron out some details.". "What is it, Matt? Don't keep me in suspense.", Annie pleaded with her oldest son. "Okay, Sarah and I are moving back to Glenoak in a few weeks. We snuck into town last week and bought a house three miles from there. It's the house Kevin bought for he and Lucy that he didn't tell her about. Well, since they didn't take it, he signed it over to me last week.". "What!?", Annie cried. "Oh, Matt! I'm so glad to hear that. I'm so very glad to hear that.". "So if you bought that house, then that means you two are going to be moving out here permanently?". "Yes. We have already found jobs and that was the other reason. The only person who knew why we were actually there was Kevin. He let us stay with him. It was easier since nutcase Lucy had my nieces with her in New York in my apartment. And I have to be honest, Sarah and I neither one were too thrilled to be leaving them in her hands, but we had no choice. Richard and Rosina took care of her.". "Wait," Annie said. "Why are you being nice to Kevin all of a sudden? I thought you were extremely upset with him earlier." "Oh that?!", Matt asked. "That was a joke. I was pretending to be on Lucy's side. I'm really on Kevin's side and anyone who looks hard enough will agree with me. Lucy has the attitude of a five year old. I mean, come on. David and Sam fought at that age, but they sure don't act like that now.". "I guess not. Lucy's never been "normal" in that regard, has she?" Annie asked. "No. A psychologist friend of mine met her, and she asked me if Lucy had ever had any mental health issues. I mentioned her friend Sarah dying in that car wreck. I was told then, that that could be one reason. She's still not totally processed that to this day. Did you know that Kevin didn't know about Sarah being killed until I mentioned it to him a few weeks ago?", Matt asked.
"No! I had no idea. You mean they were married all these years and she never said a thing?", Annie asked. "I guess not. I know she needs help, and a lot of it, but I'm not sure where to start. I know it can be considered bad to practice on patients who are family, but I don't know how to help her. I think if Dad would ask him, Kevin would agree to counseling.". "Well, that will have to wait til after he is awake and feeling better.". "I understand.", Matt replied. "Okay", Simon began. "Let's put nutty Lucy and her psycho problems out of our heads for a little while, and focus on Grandpa Charles.". "That sounds like a good idea.". All of a sudden, over the intercom, "Flight 3990 to Phoenix, you're ready to board. Flight 3990 to Phoenix, you're ready to board. Please get in line, and have your tickets out and ready to show the ticket agent. Thank you.". While they were waiting for the plane, Simon mentioned, "I'm worried about all three of them- David, Dad and Grandpa. Do you think they'll all be ok, Mom?". "Simon, take a deep breath. Yes, they'll be okay. Don't worry.", Annie replied, giving him a hug. "Everything will be ok.". Landing two hours later in Phoenix, they got ready to disembark the plane. "Alright, let's go see your grandpa boys," Annie told Simon and Matt. They found a rental car, and drove towards the most likely hospital that Charles Jackson could be in. Walking up to the desk, Annie got emotional and Matt had to speak on her behalf. "Matthew, Annie, and Simon Camden to see Charles Jackson. He's our grandpa, and his wife Ginger called me". Pecking at the keyboard. A few seconds later, "Oh yes! Charles Jackson, is in room 1515. Just go around to elevator 8 and take it up to the 15th floor. When you get up there, take a right, a left, and then another right. Keep going down the hall, and it'll be on your left.". "Alright, thank you sir.", Simon responded. "No problem.". replied the receptionist.
Once they got to the room, they knocked on it softly. "Come in!", Ginger said. Walking in, Ginger was surprised to see 1/3 of the Camden Clan. "Oh my goodness! I'm so glad y'all could make it out here. Once your dad wakes up, he'll be SO happy to see you all. Annie," Ginger said walking up to her. "It's so good to see you". "It's so good to see you too.", she replied. "How's Eric doing? I hope he's doing okay", Ginger replied. "Well, we'll see. Lucy almost killed him because of her stupid and selfish actions.", Annie said. "Oh dear. What happened?", Ginger asked. "Well, she accused Kevin of sleeping with his partner from work. She was believable at first, but we found out yesterday that that was simply the furthest thing from the truth. And I don't want to say it aloud, but I'm going to, and right now the three of you MUST keep it from everyone else, but she had been shacking up with Chandler.". "CHANDLER!?", Matt and Simon asked incredulously. "Yes. Chandler". "Wow. I wasn't expecting that.", Simon said. "Yeah. Apparently they did the dirty tango on the church office's floor a few weeks ago.". "Was that why Chandler's not been around lately?", Simon asked. "Yes. Well, that's a part of it. We'll know more later what actually happened. Lou and the rest of the deacons want to meet with your father, and of course that is out of the question for right now. And unfortunately, that's why the cameras got installed last week. And the code to the alarm got changed yesterday. Chandler doesn't know the new code, and will apparently NOT have the code until he can prove himself to be an upstanding citizen again.". Matt and Simon let out low-sounding whistles. "I'm so sorry, Annie. You have so much on your plate right now, and your father and I added to your troubles. Please accept my deepest apologies.", Ginger said. "I accept, and want you to know, that it's no ones' fault but their own. Plain and simple. To do something so disgraceful in the house of God is really beyond the pale. Dad will always be my dad, and you're always going to be my bonus Mom. I love you, Ginger.". "I love you too, honey", Ginger replied.
A few seconds later, an alarm on Charles' bed started going off. The nurse on the floor came running in. "He's in A-Fib! We need to get him into surgery stat!", she yelled into her radio. "I need assistance with Charles Jackson in 1515. I need assistance with Charles Jackson in 1515. He needs to go into surgery NOW!". She smiled briefly at Matt, Simon, Annie, and Ginger, trying to convey to them, that everything will be ok. "Which one of you would be best to get ahold of. Simon and Matt looked at Ginger and Annie, and then at each other. Figuring that Matt would be the least emotional, and the best to understand the medical terminology, Simon decided that Matt should be the family spokesperson. "I think Matt will do just fine. Are you okay with that?", he asked. "Yes, Simon. I'm okay with that. Mom, Ginger? Are you all okay with that?". Instead of an intelligible response that could be understood, all they received in return was crying, and head nodding. "Okay then, Matt will be the head communicator. Can I get your phone number before y'all go to the waiting room?", Becky, the nurse asked. "Yes, it's (515)658-9669.". "(515) 658-9939?", Becky asked. "9669", Matt repeated. "Oh! I'm so sorry. (515) 658-9669.". "That's correct", Matt replied. "Thank you. I'll be in touch.", Becky said as she walked out of the room. "Oh, I forgot. He's going to the 5th floor, so if you'd rather, you can go and wait on that floor. "Thanks," Matt replied. When they got settled in Matt said, "I'm going to go and call Sarah. I'll check on Dad and David and give them a report on Grandpa.". "Thanks, Matt.", Annie said. "Simon, do you want to come with me, or would you rather stay with Mom?", he asked. "I don't care, I can do either one. Mom, will you be okay, by yourself if I went off with Matt, or would you rather I stay here?". "Go with your brother. I need some time to myself. I'll call one of you as soon as I hear something. I love you two. I mean it. And I hope you both forgive me for my attitude. My stress level has been higher than normal here lately and all of this drama has almost sent me over the edge.". "It's okay Ma," Matt replied. "Like we said, it's all Mary and Lucy's fault.". "That's true, it is. I guess if you want, you can check on them too, when you call to check on your father.". "I'll see what God tells me to do when I'm on the phone.". He stepped out to call. Dialing Sarah's number, it rang six times before going to voicemail. He got a bit nervous. Then he called Mary's number. She picked up on the second ring. "Hello", she asked as she answered. "Mary, it's me. How're Dad and David?". "Well, Dad should be out of surgery here in about twenty minutes or so, and David is not looking good. Sam is pretty hysterical right now. It looks like David has at least one mass, and maybe two, but the doctor wants to talk to Mom before committing to much of anything. How is she, by the way? How's Grandpa Charles?". "Well, kinda like David, he's in-communicado at the moment. He's went into A-Fib, and probably will be for about another hour. I'll go let Mom know about David and have her call. I know she'll wish she was there, but I'm sure she'll trust you guys to take care of him. He is our brother.". "Yeah, I know. And I'm sorry for whatever part I played in this mess. I shouldn't have been interested in Ben. I love Carlos and Charlie too much to want to put them in any sort of danger. I guess I took Carlos for granted, and to be completely honest, I wasn't interested in Ben anyway. He's super annoying, always thinking he's going to get the girl and when he's rejected, he pouts.". "I'm sorry for getting on to you all. In reality, it's Lucy who needs the gut check. How's she going to manage to be a minster, if she can't keep from bickering all the time?", Matt asked. "I don't know, Matt. I really don't.". "For sure. Okay, I'm going to talk to Mom and Ginger, and I'll call you back in a little while. I love you, Mary.". "I love you too, Matt. Bye". "Bye".