Ephram rolls his eyes and turns back to his grandfather.

Jacob: (pointing to where Madison just was) That one's a looker, Ephram. Wish I had a babysitter like that when I was your age. (He winks at Ephram) Does she go to your school? Maybe you should ask her out - that is unless you and that Abbot girl finally got things worked out?

Ephram: Amy and I are just friends, grandpa.

Delia: Yeah, and besides, Ephram's going out with -

Ephram: (Raising his voice) So, grandpa, do you think you can help me out with this piano teacher situation?

Jacob: Well I have a few connections. I'll see if any of them have friends around here. The next day at school, Ephram is at his locker and Bright walks up and punches him in the arm.

Bright: Greetings, Romeo.

Ephram: Don't you have some poor freshman you should be torturing right now?

Bright: Probably, but you taking your beatings a lot better.

Ephram rolls his eyes and the two of them walk outside. They walk past Amy who's sitting at one of the park benches with Laynie. She looks distant and bored, and Laynie is talking away.

Ephram: (Nodding at Amy) How's she been since she's been back?

Bright: Okay I guess. My mom's been walking on eggshells and Dad's been watching her so closely that she couldn't grow a pimple without his notice.

Ephram: Has she said anything about what happened while she was gone yet?

Bright: No, I tried asking her once and she just told me that it didn't matter. Her shrink told all of us that we're not supposed to push her to talk just now, to let her come to us when she's ready.

Ephram: (eyes widening) Amy's got a shrink?

Bright: Yeah, Mom wouldn't have it any other way after she ran off. But hey, don't tell anyone about it, okay?

Ephram: (Looking at Amy) No, no of course I wouldn't. Is the therapy helping?

Bright: Too soon to tell. Right now my parents are trying to get her to go to that New Year's Eve Gala thing. Dad even said she could bring Tommy.

Ephram: (looks sharply back at Bright) Tommy? Who's Tommy?

Bright: Oh, just some loser that thinks he's got a future with my sister. He works at the drug store.

Ephram: So he and Amy are.Are they a couple or something now?

Bright: (looks at Ephram, then laughs) I don't know what they are, bud. I just know that Dad hates him, and with any luck, Amy will too once she's better. But what do you care anyways? Aren't you going to the Gala with Mrs. Robinson?

Ephram: Who? Oh, Madison. Come on Bright, she's not that old. Bright: Whatever man, I personally think it's cool that you scored an older chick. If the Gala turns out to be a bore, at least seeing the reaction everyone will have when you walk in with Madison should be entertaining.

Ephram: I don't even know if I'm going yet. My grandparents just showed up out of nowhere last night. Who knows what they have planned.

Bright: So? Just tell them to come to the Gala with you. I'm sure Madison and your grandma will have a lot in common. (Bright starts giggling)

Ephram: Just a tip Bright, the next time you try to be witty, don't.

Bright: It's just a joke dude, chill out. But seriously, what do your grandparents think of you and Madison?

Ephram: (looking away from Bright) Well, I haven't exactly told them yet.

Bright: (his eyes wide) WHAT? (Laughing) Oh, this is going to be great. And how do you plan on keeping this a secret?

Ephram: That's just it. I don't know if I can.