The next morning Rick was discharged from the hospital. Erin and Frank hadn't left his side since they arrived yesterday afternoon and today was the day he had to tell everyone what was going on. Obviously he was going to have to go back to the doctors and have various blood tests and chemotherapy but for now the one thing that was worrying him was how everyone would react.

"They'll be fine with it," Erin said, desperately trying to calm a nervous Rick. Frank nodded, "Yeah what would they react badly about?" He said, confused. "About them catching something from me," Rick cried in despair. "You can't catch a brain tumour stupid." Erin said, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

Upon arriving at Elm Tree Mike, Frank and Erin climbed out the car. (Note: Gina had gone back the previous night) "I don't want to go in, I can't face it." Rick said cowering in his seat. "Give me a minute with him Mike?" Erin asked as Mike and Frank walked away. Erin climbed back into the car and sat down next to Rick.

"C'mon Rick you've gotta come out sometime," Erin begged, smiling. "But what if they abandon me think I'm contagious or something and don't want to come near me?" Rick asked, annoyed. "If they do, which they won't then you'll still have me and Frank," Erin said, "Plus you owe it to them to let them know what's going on." "What do you mean I owe it to them?" Rick asked, puzzled. "I mean do you realize how scared you made everyone, Harry, Tee and Jody were all crying when we left." Erin explained.

"I'm sorry," Rick said, sighing. "For what?" Erin said, hugging him. "For being so selfish I didn't realize just how many people had been affected by what happened, I'm gonna go in there and tell them all what's going on," Rick said jumping out the car.

When Mike saw Rick walk towards the door he mouthed a quick thank you to Erin who just nodded in return. Everyone except Carmen was sat in the lounge obviously waiting for Rick to return. When he did everybody ran into a massive group hug welcoming their friend back.

Once the hugs had been done everyone was sat in the lounge, on sofas, the pool table and on some chairs. "So," Electra started, "What happened. Rick took a big breath. This was it. He was going to have to tell them. "Well the doctors ran lots of tests on me and eventually it was confirmed that I had a brain tumour." Rick began. Most people gasped, Harry and Jody a little bit confused as to what it was. "But then they ran a few more tests and they found out that the tumour was cancerous."

Everyone was shocked beyond speaking. "You have ccccannccerr?" Tee asked stuttering. Rick nodded. Tee burst into tears. Rick walked over and hugged her. "I'm gonna be just fine though as they caught it early, so don't worry too much," he said, adding his trademark grin. Erin melted. Even with cancer he was still gorgeous.

Later on after dinner Rick and Erin were sat on the grass outside staring up at the beautiful sunset spread out across the sky. "It looks gorgeous doesn't it?" Erin said, pointing up at the sky. "Yeah, a bit like you then," Rick replied, grinning. "Rick Barber you're too sweet," She said, kissing him on the cheek. "I have been known to charm many people," He replied, laughing.

"I admire you, ya know that?" Erin said, snuggling closer to him. "And why would that be?" Rick asked, putting his arm round his girlfriend. "You're so strong, even though this is happening to you just act like your fine." Erin replied. "I'm not fine though," Rick said sighing, "I just can't help feeling so bad inside about what I put you and Frank through, especially you, I mean you were then when I collapsed no one can just unsee something like that." A single tear ran down his face. "Hey don't cry," Erin said, wiping away his tear, "I still love you and this had probably made our relationship even stronger." She kissed him softly and sweetly. Erin and Rick laid hand in hand on the grass and watched the sunset together.

Thanks for reviews guys but this will be my last chapter until about Monday 4th Feb because I'm going on holiday tomorrow! I will update as soon as I can when I get back