I'm sorry for the long wait in update, I wasn't planning on leaving it this long, but since Ricky's exit, I found myself struggling to write her character when she wasn't on- screen anymore. But I also don't want to abandon this story or any of my others, involving her as I like writing her. Big thank you to FrankElza, who listened to my ideas for this story.

Braxton54: Thank you for the review, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

FrankElza: Thank you for the review. It wasn't the news Ricky wanted.

FrankElza: Thank you for the review, it's good that Ricky had Bianca's support as she knows what her friend is going through.

Frozen By Fear.

Chapter 6.

"What am I going to do Kyle?" Ricky asked. "I'm not ready for another baby"

"Rick, that's something only you can decide but whatever you choose to do: me, Heath and Bianca will support you. " Kyle told her, giving her shoulders a light squeeze.

Just then there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it," said Kyle, standing up and heading for the door. "Colby" he said, wondering what the police officer was doing here.

Colby removed his hat. "Can I come in, Kyle?" He asked.

Kyle nodded. "Ricky, it's Colby. "

An uneasy feeling come over Ricky; like she knew what he was about to tell her. Colby took a seat on the couch. "Miss Sharpe, I've got some news regarding your case."

"OK"

"The evidence we collected was tampered with. "

"What does that mean?" Kyle asked.

"It means that unfortunately we can't carry on with your case. Without evidence, the CPS won't charge. " Colby told them, a regretful look on his face.

"You have to find him, first." Ricky muttered, drained by the news, things weren't getting any easier for her.

"And I'll keep looking Ricky, I promise you. " Colby said, standing up and leaving the flat, leaving the two friends alone.

Ricky walked next door, needing to talk to someone who'd been through what she was going through.

"Hey, Ricky. Are you OK?" Bianca asked.

Ricky shook her head at her best mate. "Is Heath in?"

"He's gone for a surf. " Bianca replied, flicking the kettle on, sensing Ricky wanted to talk.

Ricky sat down on the couch and waited for Bianca to join her.

Putting two mugs of tea down on the coffee table, Bianca sat down. "What's up?"

"Where do I start?" Ricky said. "Oh, I'm pregnant. "

Bianca's mouth dropped open in shock. "How far?"

"I don't know." Ricky replied, shaking her head. "I can't do it, Bee. I can't be a single mum, again. "

"We'll support you. " Bianca said. "Whatever you decide. "

Ricky managed a small smile. "That's what Kyle said. "

"Never thought I'd agree with a Braxton" Bianca joked, squeezing Ricky's arm.

Ricky managed a small smile as she finished her drink. "I don't know what to do. "

"Here's what we do. " Bianca told her. "We book a scan with Nate,"

"Fine" Ricky nodded, wanting someone else to make the decision for her.

"I'll come with you, and we see how far you are. " Bianca continued.

"OK" Ricky placed her now empty mug on the coffee table and headed for her own flat, before pausing by the door. "Thanks, Bee. "

Calling Heath, Bianca and Kyle in to her flat, Ricky sat down. "I've got something to say. " She swallowed, nervously, wondering how her friends were going to react as she said, quietly at first,

"I'm having this baby. "

"Ricky, that-"

"Wait, Kyle. " Ricky shook her head, she had more to say. "I'm having this baby and giving it up for adoption"

Kyle, Heath and Bianca all stared at her, having not expected her to drop that bombshell.