Chapter Twenty-Eight – Cracks In The Dynasty

The holiday spirit was sweeping across Everwood as November turned to December. Things were slowing down. Amy and Colin had settled back into their roles as King and Queen of Everwood, although, there was obvious signs that forewarned their dynasty would come crashing down.

It is now the second week of December, just an ordinary Monday at County High.

"What do you want for Hanukkah?"

Ephram raised an eyebrow. "I told you, we don't celebrate anymore."

"Doesn't mean you can't start up again," Ryan said.

"You're not even Jewish."

"I had a friend back in Jersey that was."

"Okay, I'll put it this way. I'm broke. I can't afford to buy you a Hanukkah gift, a Christmas gift, and a one month gift at the same time."

"I'm not asking for one in return. I just thought it would be nice, to honor both my holiday traditions as well as my boyfriend's."

"What are you two arguing about now?"

Colin's voice caused the two to turn their heads as him and Amy approached.

Ryan crossed her arms in front of her chest. "He won't let me buy him a Hanukkah gift."

"Because we already have Christmas and the one month anniversary gifts," Ephram added.

"You guys are celebrating one month? That's cute," Amy said. "I remember when we did that."

"Yea, then you moved onto years and the names of your children," Ryan said, sarcastically.

Ephram laughed, but all Amy and Colin could do was give weak smiles. There was an awkward silence until the bell rang.

"I've got to go. I'll see you after class Colin," Amy said, giving him a kiss, before turning and walking away.

The three started down the hallway.

"What's up with you and Amy?" Ryan blurted out. I really got to learn to use an inside voice, she thought.

"What do you mean?"

"You guys just seem so…off. So not Mr. and Mrs. Everwood."

"Yea, well, things change."

Ephram put an arm around Ryan's waist. "Are you always so nosey?"

"No, it's cool," Colin said. "I don't mind her asking."

"So, how do things change?"

Ephram rolled his eyes. "You'd make a great detective," he said under his breath.

"Let's just say, someone can appear to love you on the outside, but deep down, you know they don't and haven't for a long time," Colin said, as he quickened his pace and left the couple standing still, confused looks on both of their faces.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Ephram said.

"Poor Colin" was all Ryan could say. She put her head down on Ephram's shoulder as the two walked in the same path Colin had stormed off in.