"Your mother was pretty," Amy fingered the glass frame that sat atop of the piano. Ephram liked to move it there when he played. Ever since his grandparents had left Everwood, he'd been doing it more often. His father had volunteered to check around for teachers, but Ephram couldn't imagine anyone but his old teacher or his grandfather. And he knew it was impossible to study with either now.
"Yeah," Ephram said. His fingers moved across the keys with a grace that left Amy in awe. Ephram always left her in awe these days. She liked to watch him play. Had liked to watch him play since that one day during ballet practice and had found Ephram, mysterious and rebel Ephram, playing the piano like he'd been born to play.
And maybe he was, Amy marveled. It wouldn't have surprised her if that had been God's will. The savior and his beautiful music. Music that cheered up anyone. Even Bright, although it had pained him, admitted that it was 'bloody brilliant.' Too many Harry Potter books for Bright, Amy snorted to herself.
"Amy. Earth to Amy! ...Bright just informed me he was entering a beauty pageant to win a date with Kayla."
"What?" Amy blinked, startled. "Bright isn't even here."
Ephram flashed a quick grin. "Yeah. I know. I just wanted to get your attention. You were zoning. Am I really that boring?" he gave her a weak, less experienced, puppy dog look.
"You know," Amy acknowledged seriously, "you really have been getting cocky lately. Just because we're good again, you try and get away with murder." The last few words were followed by a low whine.
Ephram gave a full, wide smile, "If I killed anyone, it would be your brother, and I'd gloat and eeeeveryone would know."
Amy just stared, barely hearing his words. She'd never seen him fully smile before. It was blinding and beautiful and once again left her in awe. There was something honest about it. In reality, the smile really wasn't much, but it came from Ephram, and just for her. And that was enough to send her heart pattering three million miles per hour.
"You're cute when you smile."
Amy turned away, with a blush, when she realized she'd spoken out loud. Great. Just what she needed.
"You're prettier when you smile."
Amy's blush deepened at those words, and she ducked her head.
She frowned, seconds later, when Ephram stopped playing. The moment would soon be broken and Amy knew the cozy uncomfortable silence would return, where they'd both dwell over their inner demons. And Amy wasn't ready for them yet.
"Would you play the song you wrote me?" Her voice was laced with desperation but she didn't care. She just wanted that peace Ephram brought.
Ephram seemed to understand the desperation and began to play, not saying a word.
As long as Ephram continued to play, she knew all would be well.