Here's chapter 19! I hope you like it! Please R&R! I do not own anything from The Secret Life Of The American Teenager! Thank you! I really appreciate everyone's reviews! :)
Italics=Grace
Bold=Ricky
Plain=Other characters
"Grace! Hunny! Can I come in?" Kathleen asked as she knocked on her door.
"Come in Mom." Grace rolled her eyes as she sat up on her bed.
"I know you must be going through a lot of pain right now with everything that just happened to you...And if you want, you can stay here for awhile until you feel safe to go back to school." Kathleen said seriously as she sat on Grace's bed.
"It's like losing Dad all over again...Except you could have lost me and so could Tom, George, and all my friends...I don't want to die Mom..." Grace said as tears formed in her eyes.
"Oh Gracie! I know you could have died and I didn't sleep until I knew you were safe...Thank God that you didn't. You are completely fine and healthy. I think you've always had a guardian angel watching over you." Kathleen said sadly as she pulled Grace into a hug.
"Me too...But I feel like I deserved this..." Grace said through her tears.
"Of course you didn't deserve this! Please don't feel guilty for something that you didn't do again Grace...Please...We worked so hard for you to get over the fact that you thought you killed your father..." Kathleen said sincerely as she let go of Grace.
"I know...but I tempted Ricky to have sex a few times...And I had a strange dream with Dad in it...He told me to wait to have sex and...I called him a hypocrite for cheating on you and he apologized...Mickey also thought that I was still Jack's girlfriend...What if he was...using me to kill Jack?" Grace explained as she wiped her eyes.
"Hmm...I think you should take a break from being alone with Ricky for awhile if that tempts you to want to sleep with him...I've also had dreams with your father in them...I called him a hypocrite too and he apologized to me...I think this is a sign from God that your father never meant to hurt us...And that he was tempted to have sex with someone other than me...I'm guilty of this too Grace...I cheated on George years ago which was wrong...I hope you learn from your father's and I's mistakes...Please don't cheat on your husband...whoever he is...It will make your life so much easier if you don't...You know what it's like to cheat on someone already...It's fun at first but then it hurts later on...I really hope you don't cheat on Ricky either...He changed a lot for Amy and I think he's been changing for you too..." Kathleen explained seriously.
"I have forgiven Dad...It was really hard but...I did and I learned from his mistakes...as well as yours...You're right about cheating hurting you, Mom...I never meant to hurt Grant but I did it anyway...Daniel didn't even stay with me because I kissed Jack...Ugh...Why do relationships have to be so complicated? No wonder I broke up with Jack...I was never good enough for him even though he said that he loved me...But then he goes back to Madison? And I thought I was fickle...At least Ricky's willing to marry me someday. There's no way I would ever cheat on him...Even though he cheated on me with Adrian a few years ago..." Grace said sadly.
"There's the daughter that I was looking for. Relationships don't have to be complicated if you don't make them that way. And I told you to not go back to Jack. And look, you're not with him anymore. You have Ricky and I truly hope that you stay with him. You're only fickle if you act that way honey...I'm proud of you for not being fickle since you graduated high school. I know it can be hard but I really am proud of you. Don't worry about what Ricky did in the past either. As long as you trust him and he trusts you, then I think you two can make it. One more thing about Jack...you were too good for him...I think he just confused you after you first slept with him. Honestly, I liked him as a friend for Tom but not so much as a boyfriend for you." Kathleen said honestly.
"Thanks for all your advice Mom...It really helps. Ricky and I do trust each other. Why did you think Jack was a bad guy for me?" Grace said surprised.
"You're welcome Grace. I thought Jack was a good guy until...he cheated on you with Adrian. After that, I had a feeling that he wouldn't stay faithful to you. Years later after you were engaged to him, he still didn't stay faithful to you. From what I've heard from George, Amy and Ricky were faithful to each other the entire time that they were in a relationship." Kathleen said sincerely.
"I guess you're right...I just kept loving him...We had a lot of potential but...he wasn't faithful to me countless times...And I just don't want to deal with that ever again. I really do love Ricky Mom. I just don't know if I should move in with him...partly because Amy lived with him for a long time but...they didn't last." Grace said seriously.
"I think you should wait. Most couples who live together before they're married have a harder time staying together. Plus you're only nineteen and he's only twenty one. You two have a lot of time to decide when to live together. I know you'll be twenty in the spring but that's still too young. I also don't want this to affect your performance in school. To get into medical school you need to have a GPA above a three point two." Kathleen said nicely.
"That's very true but...if I did live with Ricky you would also save some money on my college tuition. Mr. Boykevich pays Ricky's rent for his apartment. I promise this won't affect my grades Mom. I got all As and Bs in high school so I know I can do the same thing now." Grace said confidently.
"Heh...That is nice but we can afford for you to live on campus Grace. We also just talked about you feeling tempted to sleep with Ricky. How is moving in with him going to help that?" Kathleen asked concerned.
"Oh...right...Well, Ricky did say that he wanted to go to church with me again. This could be a good opportunity for me to convert him to a Christian if I do live with him. Jesus does want us to help others to follow Him, Mom." Grace smiled slowly.
"True but not by sleeping with them. Ha ha...Whatever you decide, I hope it works out...I just think you should think about it. George is going to talk to Ricky next week unless you don't want him to." Kathleen said sweetly.
"Ugh...Does he have to? I will think about it..." Grace said annoyed as she rolled her eyes.
"No he doesn't. Both of you are adults and can make your own decisions. Just remember what I just told you. There are some cookies downstairs if you want some." Kathleen said as she stood up.
"All right...Thanks Mom..." Grace smiled as she stood up.
Meanwhile at Ricky's apartment...
Ricky was asleep when his phone rang.
"Ugh...Man...Hello?" Ricky said as he answered his phone.
"Hey Ricky...It's Jack. I'm glad you found Grace. Everyone was really worried about her." Jack said happily.
"Yeah I know...I was in the middle of a nap. Did you need something?" Ricky said annoyed.
"Oh...Sorry dude. I thought you would be eating dinner or something...It's like six forty five. Anyway, would you want a band scholarship?" Jack said sincerely.
"It's almost seven already?...I was exhausted after work. Are you like in charge of scholarships or something now?" Ricky asked surprised.
"No I'm not but I just thought it would be nice for your parents if you got another scholarship. Your academic one allows you to get your textbooks for free right?" Jack asked concerned.
"Yeah it does and my classes too as long as I have at least a three point five. What are you getting at Jack?" Ricky asked confused.
"That's good...Think of all the money you would save if you got a scholarship just for playing the drums! Your parents would save around two thousand dollars which is about half of what it costs for you to eat on campus. If you got it, you would be going to school for free almost." Jack explained seriously.
"And how do you know this?" Ricky asked suspiciously.
"It's all on our school's website. It's just something to think about. I'm just trying to be nice to you." Jack said honestly.
"Thank Jack...I will think about it. I'll see ya at school." Ricky hung up and heard a knock on the door. He got off his couch and opened the door to see Ethan.
"Hey Ricky...I need some advice." Ethan said as he walked in the room.
"About what? You could have asked me earlier after work." Ricky said as he sat down.
"Yeah but...we were both really busy...I brought some tacos if you want some." Ethan smiled as he gave Ricky a bag of tacos.
"Thank you Ethan. I'm starving...What do you need?" Ricky said as he pulled out a taco.
"First of all...I want to get my license and I was wondering if you could take me to get it. Maybe give me some pointers? Shaker has helped me a lot but he said you passed the test on your first try and thought you could help me out." Ethan smiled slowly.
"Oh...I can help you. I remember the driving test pretty well...It's not that hard to pass it as long as you go the speed limit. Just let me know when you want to practice...What else do you need help with?" Ricky said after eating half of his taco.
"So...during work earlier my ex-girlfriend Kathy walked in...And I think I might want to get back together with her." Ethan said awkwardly.
"Hmm...So that's why you brought me the tacos. Heh...If you want to see her, then just call her." Ricky grinned after taking another bite of his taco.
"Yeah...She was in New York visiting her cousin who got cured from leukemia...I just don't know if she'll take me back. She was pregnant when we were together." Ethan said seriously.
"She was? Oh...Kathy...She gave her baby up for adoption didn't she? I totally forgot who you were talking about for a second...My bad...Maybe she's happier now that she doesn't have to deal with her baby." Ricky said sincerely.
"It's all right...I know I haven't talked to you about her in a long time...She did look pretty happy when I saw her earlier...I just hope she doesn't try to get back with the father of her baby..." Ethan said nervously.
"Why would she do that? Doesn't he live in Texas or something? Listen Ethan, it doesn't do you any good to worry about whether she'll take you back. If it's meant to be, then it is." Ricky said honestly.
"What the hell happened to you? I was expecting a more real answer than that. So that's why Amy left you? It just wasn't meant to be?" Ethan asked surprised.
"No...Amy and I were never meant to be and we never will be...I used her and now I'm paying for it...I don't get to see my son whenever I want because Amy lives half way across the country now. But I just have to accept it...She's finally living her dreams and I'm living mine. However, I didn't think that Grace was going to be a part of them...I really love her...And I feel guilty for using her to make Adrian jealous years ago but...I have to move on from the past...I'm not who I used to be, Ethan...Believe it or not, I've actually grown up a little from every relationship that I've been in. Yeah I've cheated on girls and it broke my heart as well as theirs but I don't want to do that anymore. I know I'm not perfect but let me tell you something...If you really love someone, then you should do everything in your power to stay with them. How's that for a real answer." Ricky said sincerely as his eyes got watery.
"Wow...Ricky...I had no idea that you're still in pain...I am so sorry..." Ethan said nicely as he gave Ricky a hug.
"It's ok...I'm always going to have pain from all the mistakes I made...Promise me that you won't do the same things I did..." Ricky said through his tears.
"I promise...And you can get healed from your pain...You just have to keep working on it...I felt bad for all the terrible things I did before I went to juvie but now I try to be more positive. When it comes to relationships...it can be complicated...And math too...Ha ha..." Ethan smiled slowly as he let go of Ricky.
"Heh...You're absolutely right...It's not easy getting over certain issues...I can always help you with math...And relationships anytime, Ethan. Sometimes you drive me crazy but I'm happy to help you." Ricky said as he wiped his eyes.
"Thanks Ricky...I really appreciate everything you've done for me...I know I can be a jerk sometimes but I do look up to you. You are like a big brother to me." Ethan said sincerely.
"I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Thank you Ethan." Ricky said as he smiled slowly.
There was another knock on the door.
"I'll get it." Ethan said as he walked over to the door.
"Damn...You are...you are really hot..." Ethan said as his jaw dropped.
"Chloe? I'm sorry...This is my friend and sort of brother...Ethan...Come on in." Ricky said as he walked over to the door.
"Thanks...I'm flattered...You might want to wipe your mouth...I was expecting Grace to be here..." Chloe said looking at Ethan and then she walked in the room.
"No...She's at home...Did you need something?" Ricky asked concerned.
"I just wanted to thank you for helping Leo and the cops to find me...I know it must have been terrifying." Chloe said sweetly.
"Good God! You are so freaking beautiful! You want to go out sometime?" Ethan said as he starred at Chloe.
"Would you just shut up Ethan? Go in the other room or something. I am so sorry Chloe." Ricky said as he rolled his eyes.
"No it's fine...I'm used to guys calling me stuff like that...After all, I used to...you know..." Chloe said sadly.
"You used to...do what?" Ethan asked confused.
"Are you sure you don't mind? He can be a real pain in the ass sometimes." Ricky said annoyed.
"Yes I'm sure Ricky...He is kind of cute...My old boyfriend got together with his ex." Chloe said awkwardly.
"I'm sorry to hear that...And you're welcome for finding you and everything...If you two want to talk you can on the couch. I need to get some more food. There's some tacos if you want any. If Ethan misbehaves...just tell him to get out of here." Ricky said as he grabbed his wallet and keys from the table.
"Are you sure we can be here alone?" Ethan asked concerned.
"I'll be back in fifteen...Or you two could go somewhere else and talk." Ricky said seriously.
"Uh...Yeah I guess we could. Unless you don't mind if we stay?" Chloe asked nicely.
"No I don't mind. Just don't do anything stupid. I'll be right back. Please finish the tacos. I don't want them." Ricky said as he went out the door.
"So...Chloe...That's a really hot name..." Ethan smirked as they sat on the coach.
"So is Ethan...Are you still in high school?" Chloe asked as she took a taco.
"Yes I am but I will be graduating next year...You actually look familiar...Did you go to Grant High?" Ethan asked confused.
"Yeah I did...I got caught up with school over the summer and now I'm in college. I'm almost eighteen...And how old are you?" Chloe asked nervously.
"Seventeen...Seriously...I can't get over how pretty you are." Ethan said happily.
"Thanks...I've never really felt pretty though..." Chloe said sadly.
"Really? Why is that?" Ethan asked concerned.
"I...used to be...a hooker...My old pimp captured Grace and I after someone bailed him out of jail...I've always felt so dirty since so many guys used me for sex..." Chloe said honestly.
"Oh wow...That's just terrible...You never enjoyed...sex?" Ethan asked nervously.
"No I did not...The only reason I did it was for money so that I wouldn't get beat up...It was so terrifying..." Chloe said seriously.
"I'm sure it was...Aren't you friends with...Kathy?" Ethan asked nicely.
"I was...I haven't talked to her in a long time...You went out with her didn't you?" Chloe said surprised.
"Yeah I did...I've been thinking about giving her another chance but I don't know if I will after meeting you." Ethan said smiling.
"Heh...Thanks but I think I have too much baggage for you...I think that's why my old boyfriend left me..." Chloe said honestly.
"I doubt it...You seem pretty honest and I like that...a lot...Kathy was kind of a brat sometimes..." Ethan chuckled.
"Well...she did have a baby at fifteen so what did you expect? For her to be perfectly calm all the time? It's not easy to go through that at our age..." Chloe said sincerely.
"You do have a good point...I guess I expected too much from her...I even wanted to sleep with her but...that didn't happen...I almost slept with another girl but that didn't happen either..." Ethan rolled his eyes.
"Well, if you're expecting that from me...then forget it. I no longer open my legs for any guy who thinks I'm attractive." Chloe said stubbornly after taking a bite of her taco.
"Wow...You're feisty too. Mmm...I like it. I swear I would not pressure you to do anything that you're not comfortable with...I know we just met but...can I kiss you?" Ethan asked seductively.
"Heh...You're in over your head, Ethan. I just got out of a relationship. But...I guess one kiss couldn't hurt." Chloe smiled slowly.
Woah! This one was full of some drama, huh? The New York characters will be back in chapter twenty! What is Ethan doing? Does he want to be with Kathy or possibly...Chloe? Is Ricky going to try and get the band scholarship? Is Jack just being nice to him for no reason? Is Grace going to take Kathleen's advice for once or is she going to rebel like she has countless times before? Also, is she going to use Christianity to really help Ricky with his issues or to...just get physical with him? Stay tuned to find out! Let me know what you think! Thank you! :)