4.) An Unexpected Ear

"Anything," Grace asked.

School had only one period to go before it let out and during that time during classes Adrian, Grace, Ben, and even Jack had been trying to get a hold of Ricky.

"No nothing," Adrian asked. "I'm really worried about him."

"Worried about who," Amy asked from being.

Adrian just rolled her eyes. Grace however was more casual.

"Ricky, didn't you see him this morning?"

"No," replied Amy, "I had a doctor's appointment."

"Oh," Grace replied, "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine," said Amy. "So what exactly happened with Ricky?"

"He just freaked out," said Adrian, "Nothing you should be concerned about though."

"If it involves the father of my child I have every right to be concerned."

Adrian just rolled her eyes again. She hated Amy and worse she hated the fact that Amy was the girl of all people who was carrying Ricky's baby. That should have been her baby, maybe not now but certainly in the future.

"Ricky's dad showed up and Ricky went for him, punched him twice and everything."

"Is Ricky okay," Amy asked feeling a genuine concern for him.

"We don't know, we've all tried to call him but he won't answer."

Amy pulled out her cell phone.

"What are you doing," Adrian asked in a mean tone. Amy ignored her and began to walk off. "He's not gonna answer you just because you're having his baby."

Adrian turned back to Grace. "What?"

"That wasn't nice," said Grace.

"Oh please like I care."

"I think you have to care otherwise why be in a relationship with Ricky. Amy's not going away."

Adrian smiled. "We'll see."

Ricky had his seat reclined and his eyes closed. He heard a knock on his window. Freaked out he made sure the doors were locked but it turned out to be George Juergens. George pretended not to notice the bloody blades on the passenger seat.

Ricky sighed heavily and got out of the car.

"What are you doing here Mr. Juergens?"

"Amy called, said she was worried about you." George motioned towards Ricky's arm which he had completely forgotten to bandage, "I can see why."

Ricky ignored his arm, "Amy should mind her own business."

"Hey take it easy. People are just concerned about that's all. You know believe it or not, it is a good thing for people to care. It means you matter to them."

"I wish I didn't, it would be so much easier."

"I bet, especially since you wouldn't have people asking about your recent activities," George said referring to the cutting. Before Ricky could say something George put up a hand in defense, "Hey I don't judge. I've got girls, I know how messed up they can be sometimes. I mean look at Amy."

Ricky couldn't help but smile at that last remark since George was right about that. Amy Juergens. Ricky had known who she was before Amy even got to band camp. She was the good girl, living in a good home, who never did stupid things or rather was never irresponsible.

"You need help cleaning those up," George asked.

Ricky looked down at the blood seeping through his long sleeve shirt. "No it's okay, I've got it."

"Good," George said shivering. "Blood makes me squeamish."

"You're kidding."

"Nope, wish I was."

"But you have two daughters."

"Yeah but I stayed near my wife's head both times and didn't look at my girls until after they were cleaned up."

It didn't take long for Ricky to bandage himself up. He even threw away his tools. If need be he could always get new ones.

"Might I make a suggestion," George asked as he and Ricky started walking along the beach.

"Quit what you're doing."

"I can't."

"How long you been doing that stuff anyways?"

"Since I was thirteen."

"Wow, I can see why it's hard to stop but at least try."

"I have, it's not that easy. Every time I think I'm getting away from the blade it just seeps back in when things take a turn for the worse."

"Life isn't easy but you've got to think about your baby now Ricky. Someday he or she will see your scars and will ask you about them. What are you going to say?"

"I don't know I hadn't thought that far ahead."

"Well start thinking about it. That baby is gonna be hear sooner than you know it. Look I know your parents screwed you over and I'm deeply sorry about that. No one should have to go through what you went through. Son, it's time you try to put things into perspective. What kind of father do you want to be to your son or daughter? Think real hard on that." George shrugged, "Who knows, maybe it might give you the strength you need to stop punishing yourself. Think about it Ricky."

George started to walk back to his car leaving Ricky to stop and ponder on the things he had just been told.