Author's Note: So we are finally at the end of our waltz through this demented Alternate Universe I have crafted! You know I felt really awkward at the end of that Book. As flattered as I was that Stephen King would help me with my coat... Seriously, did I just make a reference that no1 got AGAIN? Lol

Part 7.

The first few months were the toughest. He lived in homeless shelters and sometimes in alley ways. Yet he never complained. If this was what it meant to be self exiled from Amy and John, then bring it on he would whisper to himself at night. The fought the feelings with all his heart and mind. He would never allow them to conquer him, to distort his perception.

Every year on John's birthday he would dress up in his finest clothing, which he kept stashed away in a suitcase to only be used on two occasions. Amy and John's birthday. He would then scrape what little money he could and volunteer at a place that specialized in helping children with terrible homes. He would then donate the money to whatever charity he could. There was no need for him to enjoy those two days. They became his reminder of what he had done. John would have been 12 when he finally managed to get a steady job. That paid minimum wage, but it was good enough.

On John's 15th birthday Ricky joined a relief organization that was heading to New Orleans. Hurricane Amy had been a devastating storm, the worst since Katrina all those years ago. Again whatever money he could make was spent on the relief fund. He didn't care though, that was life for Ricky Underwood. He was shingling a roof when he heard a musical voice that brought so many memories flooding back.

"To think I did this," The voice said half jokingly. The truth of the matter was that the force nature could muster scared her. How could something that could bring a beautiful life into the world such as John take it away? Ricky looked down at the streets and there Amy was holding hands with Ben. A third man, who appeared to be entering manhood, looked upset at his parents showing affection for each other.

"I guess this is why you don't piss off women while on the rag," John teased.

"John!" Ben shouted. Despite Ricky's absence, John still managed to carry on his legacy. Ricky wanted to smile. For a moment Ricky wanted to run down there and scold his son himself. He had no right to do that, so he remained where he was. Or that was his intention, but the nail gun he was using slipped from his hands and fell to the ground. Ricky noticed Amy look to where the noise had come from. She looked from the nailer to the man on the roof.

"Hey you two go on without me, meet back at the hotel?" Amy asked. The two men nodded and walked away. When Ricky climbed down the scaffolding Amy had the nailer in her hands. "Do I know you?"

"Probably not," Ricky mumbled.

"Ricky Underwood is... is that you?" Amy's eyes jumped with joy. The Ricky Army hadn't died just yet.

"I once knew a Ricky Underwood," Ricky said calmly taking the nailer from his love. Deep down he wanted to confess everything, to explain himself. But his resolve had been proven unbreakable. So he remained calm.

"Oh?" Amy said.

"He was a good man one time. A reckless teen who slept with any girl who paid him any attention." Ricky said. "He died though. It was sometime before his son's 9th birdth day. He regretted not being able to go. Or so I would assume." Ricky added sheepishly, wondering if he had blown his secret.

"So he's dead?" Amy asked, the joy was gone. Her face turned to despair. She had spent many years caring a torch for a man who was dead. She carried a hatred for a man who died so many years ago. She gave a half smile.

"Up until his death, he loved his family. But he felt he needed to distance himself. From them. For their own safety." Ricky looked back up towards the scaffolding. "Sorry, but I have to work." Ricky climbed his way back on top. While standing on the roof, he watched Amy walk away.

It would be the last time he would ever see her again. Thats how it was supposed to be Ricky thought.

THE END.

Author's Note: In the end, Amy still loved both men. But Ricky gave what Amy deserved. A life he thought Amy desrved. That wasn't with him, not the way he was. Ricky told Amy died so that she could somehow find true peace. The way her eyes lit with joy after finding him made him realise that she should abandon this hope and truly move on. This I believe, and him walking out, was his great redemption. He sacraficed everything he ever loved and cared about, lived a life of someone living from pay check to lousy paycheck, so that Amy and John could have a good life. Also I am sorry if John's comments were a bit offensive. he is a adolecent boy who shares the genes with Ricky Underwood. I am sure alot of you hoped for a happier ending. It just was never meant to be. Ricky, whether you want to believe it or not, is the happiest of the characters. He got to see Amy and John one last time and knows that they are happy. Thats all he ever wanted afterall.