Disclaimer: The Secret Life of the American Teenager and all its characters are the sole creation of Brenda Hampton. I OWN NOTHING.

A/N: Finally, a new chapter! It only took 9 or so years lol Sorry for the waiting, but thanks to those who are still reading! I've been binge watching the show and realized my story timeline may be a little off compared to the original. So, I apologize for any inconsistencies, just remember that this is an Alternate Universe Story

This chapter is not beta'd – apologies for any mistakes.

Chapter 5: Closer to the Edge

I don't remember the moment I tried to forget

I lost myself, is it better not said

Now I'm closer to the edge

It was a thousand to one and a million to two

Time to go down in flames and I'm taking you

Closer to the edge

No I'm not saying I'm sorry

One day maybe we'll meet again

No I'm not saying I'm sorry

One day maybe we'll meet again

No no no no

Can you imagine a time when the truth ran free?

The birth of a song, the death of a dream

Closer to the edge

~Closer to the Edge, 30 Seconds to Mars

"Congratulations!" the nurse beams as she hands the brunette a bottle of pre-natal vitamins and a card with the date of her next appointment on it.

Adrian's brow furrows and her eyes narrow as she stares at the other woman. "You've got to be kidding," she seethes, before she briskly turns and walks out the door. As she gets into her car, Adrian throws the bottle into the passenger seat and glares at it as if it's poison. Shaking her head, she throws her head back against the headrest and closes her eyes. "I can't believe this is happening," she mumbles to herself. Suddenly, she feels her phone vibrating in her back pocket. Absentmindedly, she pulls it out, clicks the answer button and puts it to her ear without checking the caller id. "What," she says angrily.

Uh…hello to you to Adrian.

"Grace?" she questions as she puts the key in the ignition and starts the car.

Yes, it's me. You sound upset…is something wrong, Adrian?

"More than you can imagine...can I come over?"

Ricky and Ben pull up outside of Amy's house at the same time. As they get out of their vehicle, Ben stares at Ricky in shock. "You said nothing about coming over here at the butcher shop," Ben says, as they walk up the pathway to the kitchen door.

Ricky shakes his head. "I told you I was going to be watching John tonight." Ricky knocks on the door, before opening it and walking in. "It's me," he yells out.

Ben frowns. "Don't even wait to be invited in," he mumbles.

"Hey, look who's here, John. Daddy," Amy greets as she walks into the room, carrying John.

"Hey buddy," Ricky smiles. "Someone's turning 1 soon," Ricky says, taking his son into his arms.

Amy smiles, "Oh my gosh, you're right!" she exclaims as she grabs onto one of John's hands. "I can't believe it's already been a year. We should have a party – invite all our friends," she suggests, looking up into Ricky's eyes.

Ricky can't help but to smile at the excitement exuding from Amy. "A party? Really? Where would we have a party at?"

Ben frowns at the family moment happening in front of him. Not wanting to be ignored anymore, he clears his throat. "Um, how about my house?" Ben forces a smile on his face. "You remember how huge the yard is, you can plan anything."

Amy looks at Ben in surprise. "Oh, Ben! I forgot you were here." Ben's frown returns briefly, but he manages to quickly shake it off. "That would be great if we could do it at your house!" Amy looks back to Ricky. "I guess we need to get together and plan a party."

"Yeah," Ricky agrees, ignoring the glare he feels Ben giving him. "Well, I guess it's time for us to go." Amy gives John a kiss on his head. "Have a good date," Ricky says, before walking out the door.

The blonde stares at the brunette. The brunette stares at the printed bedspread she's sitting on. It's been more than 10 minutes since their initial greetings, and nothing else has been said since. Finally fed up with the growing silence, the blonde sighs.

"So…"

"So…"

"Adrian!"

"Grace."

Grace rolls her eyes as she stares at the brunette sitting on the opposite side of her bed. "Say something," she encourages, "anything."

"I'm pregnant," Adrian finally blurts out.

Grace's eyes go wide. "What?!" Grace leans forward and urgently whispers, "Wait, you mean…" Grace's eyes dart around her room. "Ricky's going to have another baby?"

Adrian's mouth opens and closes, before she looks down at her feet. After a few long seconds, she looks back up at Grace. "I…" Adrian closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "I don't think it's Ricky's," she quietly admits. Grace's hands fly up to her mouth as she loudly gasps.

Ben and Amy are sitting on a bench at the park, having just finished a plate of Ben's wings. Amy takes a deep breath, as she tosses her used napkin on top of the plate piled with bare bones. "So, things have been really awkward between us lately, and I think I know why."

Ben slightly chokes on the sip of water he just took as he looks at Amy with wide eyes. "You do?" he gasps, after clearing his windpipe.

Amy nods. "Ben, I have something to tell you," she starts. "A couple of months ago, when Ricky was still in prison. Actually, it was the day that Ricky found out he was going to be released. We were both so happy and excited that we…" Amy looks down at her hands and Ben's mouth starts to curve down. "…we kissed," Amy finishes quietly.

"WHAT?!" Ben shouts, jumping off the bench.

"I'm so sorry, Ben." Amy's eyes start to tear up. "It only happened the one time," Amy urges apologetically, "It was only a kiss."

Ben opens his mouth to yell back at her but quickly shuts his mouth and looks down at his feet as Amy's last words start to sink in. You did more than kiss Adrian, Ben reminds himself. Ben takes a deep breath and sits back down next to Amy. "I'm sorry," he says shyly. "I shouldn't have reacted that way." Ben takes Amy's hand. "And, I understand. Afterall, Ricky is John's father. Emotions must have been high, finding out he was going to be a free man again." Ben looks down guiltily. "Plus, you forgave me after the whole Maria and summer in Italy situation, so of course, I forgive you for this too." Amy smiles, and Ben wraps her in a hug. Amy must never find out about Adrian, he silently vows.

It's Friday morning, and the school hallway is bustling with teens going to their lockers and preparing for the day. Ricky smiles as he walks up to Amy at her locker. "Morning," he greets, leaning back against the locker next to Amy's.

"Morning," Amy smiles, "How's John?"

Ricky chuckles. "John's doing great, like always. Thanks again for letting him stay over last night and letting me drop him off at the nursery this morning."

Amy smiles again, "Of course," she says as she continues putting her things into her locker. "So, when can we get together to plan the party?" she asks.

Ricky leans his head back against the lockers to think. "How about tonight after work? You and John can come over to my apartment. I'll cook dinner."

"Really?" Amy beams, nodding her hair. Ricky nods.

Down the hall, Ben is watching the two of them with a frown. He doesn't notice when Adrian walks up next to him.

"Ben?" Ben grunts but doesn't take his eyes off Amy and Ricky. "Ben, I really need to talk to you," Adrian tries again.

Ben finally looks at Adrian as he closes his locker. "Not now, Adrian," he says then starts to walk away. "Not ever," she hears him mumble. Adrian glares after him for a second, before turning on her heel and walking back the way she had come.

"Hey," Ben says awkwardly as he walks up next to Amy. "What are we talking about?"

"Oh, hey Ben," Amy smiles, "We're setting up a time we can plan John's birthday party."

"That's what I came over to talk to you about. I spoke with my dad and he agreed to let you use the house. He also knows this great party planner, so you two wouldn't have to worry about anything."

"Oh," Ricky looks at Ben skeptically. "Why would you…"

"Because Amy is my girlfriend. And my dad loves you both, he said it be a gift to be able to do this for John."

"That's so sweet of him," Amy gushes. "Right, Ricky?"

"Uh, yeah," Ricky reluctantly agrees.

Day before John's birthday…

"Ugh, do I have to go this party?" Ashley groans, as they walk down the school hallway.

Griffin laughs, "Well, he is your nephew."

"Yeah, but all of Amy's friends are going to be there and…"

"…and you don't like being around people," Griffin finishes.

"Exactly."

"Your family's going to be there too."

"I don't like them either," Ashley grimaces as they pass Amy, Lauren and Madison in the hall.

"I'm so excited for the party!" Madison beams as they stop at Amy's locker.

"I know," Lauren agrees. "So, you really don't know what all is planned?"

Amy shakes her head. "Nope. Ben's dad's party planner took care of everything. But my mom did make John's smash cake."

"Oh, that's nice," Lauren and Madison smile, briefly waving at Henry and Alice walking by.

"Hey," Ben greets as his two friends walk up to him.

"Hi," Alice and Henry say simultaneously.

"So," Henry starts.

"Is your dad really planning John's birthday party?" Alice asks.

"Yeah, well my dad's party planner is," Ben answers.

Henry and Alice look at each other before returning their gaze back to Ben.

"But why?" Henry continues their inquiry.

"Because John is Amy's son and I love Amy," Ben says like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"Is something wrong, Ben?" Alice asks, head slightly cocked to the side.

Ben's eyes widen slightly as he shakes his head, "Of course not."

Alice and Henry look at each other again as Grace walks by smiling and waving at them. She walks over to Adrian at her locker. "Hi Adrian," Grace says brightly.

"Hi, Grace," Adrian replies without any emotion.

"So, have you told anyone about…" Adrian's hand shoots up to cover Grace's mouth.

"Shhh, Grace, don't talk about that here," Adrian hisses.

"Oh, sorry," Grace immediately apologizes as soon as the brunette's hand leaves her mouth. "So," she starts, changing the topic, "are you going to the party tomorrow?"

Adrian groans. "I don't know. I don't want to."

"But it's for Ricky's son," Grace argues.

"I know, I know," Adrian sights. "But things have been weird between us lately."

"I wonder why," Grace deadpans, earning a glare from Adrian.

To: Amy

From: Ricky

Thursday, 11:53 pm

I'm here

Ricky stands outside of the kitchen door waiting for Amy. She appears at the door a few seconds later wearing a robe. As she opens the door, she lifts her left pointer finger up to her lips, reminding him to be quiet. After ushering him in and silently closing and locking the door, Amy takes Ricky's hand and leads him upstairs. They stop at the nursery to pick up John who is dressed in his birthday suit. They don't speak until they finally get to Amy's room and close the door.

"It's almost time," Amy says as she takes off her robe to reveal a red party dress. Ricky hands John to Amy as she sits at the small table and picks up the lighter placed next to the cupcake. He kneels next to the table and lights the 1 shaped candle.

"Thank you, Amy," Ricky finally says. "Thanks for inviting me over for this," he smiles at John.

Amy returns the smile. "Well, it was 1 year ago today that John started to come into this world. I thought it be nice if we could celebrate, just the 3 of us."

Ricky smiles and grabs the cupcake. "Happy Birthday John!"

"Happy Birthday! Let's blow out the candle."

"1…"

"2…"

"3…" Together, Amy and Ricky blow out the candle with John cuddled between them.

"Let's take a picture," Amy says, reaching for her camera. Ricky leans closer as Amy stretches out her arm and takes a selfie of them.

"That looks great," Ricky says when Amy shows him the picture.

"Wanna open a present, John?" Amy asks, grabbing a wrapped gift.

Amy turns and snuggles closer to Ricky when her bedroom door starts to open.

"Amy, why is John already in his birthday…Oh!" Anne stops in her tracks as she stares at her daughter's bed. "AMY?!" Amy and Ricky stir, before bolting up in the bed. "What is going on?!" Wide eyed, Amy and Ricky look at each other before looking back at Anne.

"Mom, I can explain." "Nothing happened, Mrs. Juergens." They say at the same time.

Anne crosses her arms. "I'm listening."

"Ricky came over late last night so we could have a mini pre-birthday party for John. Just the 3 of us."

Anne's arms fell to her side. "What? You didn't think the rest of us who have been here with you the past year wouldn't want to be here for his first birthday party?"

"Well, there's still the party party," Amy reasons.

"That's actually why I came to talk to you," Anne frowns.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Amy also frowns.

"It's Mimsy," Anne explains. "Her nurse just called. They think she might have had a small stroke. I have to go up there, Amy. I don't know if I'll make it back this afternoon, but I'll try."

"Try? But mom it's John's first birthday."

"I know, Amy. I know. But it's my mom, I have to go and make sure she's alright."

Amy sighs as she gets out of bed and hugs her mom. "I really hope Mimsy's okay."

"Thanks Amy," Anne says as she pulls out of the hug. She then pointedly looks at Ricky still sitting on the bed. "Don't think for a second the two of you are off the hook. And, Ricky, you may want to get out of here before you get caught by George."

The party is in full swing in the Boykewich's backyard. Even though John is only turning 1 and he won't even remember this party, the Boykewich party planner went all out. There were pony rides, bouncy houses, ball pits, a DJ and much more. Other than John, there were no other toddlers to enjoy all the activities. But all the teenagers in attendance are having a blast.

"Are you serious?" Jack questions Grace as they stand by the beverage bar getting a refill.

Grace nods her head. "You can't tell anyone," she insists.

"Is it Ricky's?" Jack continues to question. Grace shrugs her shoulders. "Wow, just wow."

"I know," Grace agrees before walking away.

Barely a second later, Grace's now vacant spot is filled by Madison. "Why were you talking to Grace?"

"Jeez Madison," Jack slightly jumps at her sudden appearance. "I told you, we are just friends. She was just telling me about Adrian."

Madison perks up at this. "What about Adrian?" Jacks mouth clamps shot. "Oh, come on Jack. Now I'm extra curious." Jack sighs as he looks around to check their surroundings. He then leans in and whispers into Madison's ear. Madison's eyes go wide.

"You can't tell anyone," Jack insists. But Madison ignores him as she runs off in search of Lauren, who she finds climbing out of the ball pit.

"Oh my God, Lauren! You will not believe what I just found out!"

"What?!" Lauren asks excitedly.

"Adrian's pregnant!" Madison loudly whispers.

"WHAT?!" Alice and Henry's heads pop out of the ball pit, startling Lauren and Madison.

"Did you just say Adrian is pregnant?"

Madison's mouth opens and closes like a fish briefly before she grabs Lauren's arm and starts to walk away. "Uh, we gotta go."

Ben walks up to the ball pit, staring in confusion at the retreating Lauren and Madison. "What's up with them?" he asks.

"Adrian's pregnant," Alice says bluntly.

Ben's jaw drops open as he bolts away from the pair. Alice and Henry give each other calculating looks before they fall back into the pit of balls.

Ben jogs up to Adrian who is hanging around the buffet table. Grabbing onto her shoulder, Ben spins her around.

"ARE YOU PREGNANT?" Ben shouts.

A/N: Well there it is! Thanks so much for reading! Please review and let me know what you think! I chose to update this story first because it was the first to receive a response when I posted about possibly writing again, so thank you to those who are still interested in reading my stories and posting reviews!

~Nichelle