Understanding

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters! Wish I did, but I don't.

Please read and review! I know it's not the best, I'm not a great writer or anything, and I think I kinda changed Bright's character somewhat (B/c really, how dumb can he be?) I made him a little smarter- like maybe he's just hiding his intelligence on the show or something. Anyway, I really hope you enjoy!

"I'm not stupid you know." Bright called out to the departing boy's back. "I know what's going on." He paused as Ephram turned around, watching him intently. "Look just because I don't go around verbalizing everything doesn't mean I don't understand. Collin, he's different now. He's changed, more than I'd like to admit." He sighed. "He's not the same guy I used to know. I don't even know him now. You were probably closer to him now than I was." He gave a sardonic laugh, gesturing around himself to the empty street and his black eye. "And now that that's all gotten shot to hell- now what? Huh? Am I just supposed to pretend nothing happened? That it's OK? I respect him enough not to do that."

"Collin needs help. He just doesn't see it, or acknowledge it. And as long as the clueless citizens of Everwood are behind him they won't see it either. Everyone's just turning a blind eye. Especially Amy." Bright nodded.

"Well that's Amy for you. She's just gotten her hopes up for so long now that she can't afford to be wrong. It'd kill her if she'd made a mistake and screwed it all up." He paused. "She says she loves him, that love doesn't give up it just keeps on a giving..."

"Love, right." Ephram rolled his eyes. "If there's one thing Amy Abbott is it's definitely idealistic."
"I'm with you there, man." Bright agreed with a nod. Ephram regarded him carefully.

"Why are you doing this?" He queried. When Bright's only response was a confused look, he sighed. "Being nice. I know at least this time it's not because Collin told you to. So why bother?" Bright was quiet for a minute.

"Look, I just lost my best friend. Someone I was closer to than anyone." He paused, upset. "And no one wants to realize that something's wrong with him- that he came back wrong. Nobody but you." Another stagnant pause. "I guess I see what Amy saw in you- you understand. You're the only other person who sees it too." Ephram nodded grudgingly.

"So that makes us friends?" He shook his head. "This is a weird town. Me and you- friends?" Bright shrugged.

"It means we understand each other. Not really friends." He smirked slightly at Ephram. "We have to be able to stand each other to help everyone- to help Collin." Ephram nodded, acknowledging this.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Look, I know he's not your favorite person in the world... especially since Amy's so hung up on him she won't give you the time of day- but he is a good guy." Bright told him. Ephram resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"Well I guess I'll have to take your word for it." He paused. "I'd better be going. Don't want my dad to start cooking or anything. Nobody deserves that punishment." He gave Bright a slight nod of his head before turning and beginning to walk in the opposite direction.

"Hey, Ephram!" Bright called, prompting Ephram to turn. Bright smiled, an actual smile. "You're OK. I can see what they see in you." Ephram was unsure of what to do, so he was puzzled for a minute. Eventually he shrugged and gave Bright a half-smile.

"Thanks. You too." Bright nodded, watching as Ephram left, glad to have someone who understood, someone who could possibly take over the role as best friend.