Author's Note: Thanks to all of you for your positive comments on One Week. I encourage many of you to stick with me on this story – it's starting slow but it'll start taking on a stronger shape soon.
Stranded
Part One
Dr. Andrew Brown tried to hold a stern face but couldn't do anything about his quivering legs. So much of himself was put into this single surgery – and he failed.
"I…I'm sorry…I couldn't save him."
Tears began to roll down the crowd's faces – save Ephram and Harold Abbott. Amy collapsed on her knees, feeling the world spinning around her in loom of pain. Ephram shut his eyes and rubbed his forehead.
***
THREE WEEKS LATER
Andy looked around as he and Ephram walked to Gate A-17.
"You know, I never noticed how much DIA (Denver International Airport) looks like a white circus tent from the outside," he chuckled.
Ephram smirked and remembered how tedious going through Customs was. "A circus tent with HEAVY security."
Andy nudged his son with his elbow. "Hey, how was I supposed to know my belt would set-off that metal detector? Besides, it's not like we're late for your flight."
"Thank heaven for small miracles," Ephram mumbled.
"Look Ephram, I know you're not too thrilled about flying out to Hawaii with Amy, but life is full of coincidences," Andy spat back.
Ephram had decided to visit his aunt and uncle in Hawaii for a relaxed week of freedom from the growing depression in Everwood. Ironically, Amy wanted to fly out to Hawaii to deliver some of Colin's possessions to his grandparents, who were unable to attend Colin's funeral in Everwood. It was discovered that Ephram and Amy were on the same flight when Andy and Harold were talking about the trips in one of their lunch discussions. Amy didn't seem to mind. Ephram wasn't too optimistic about the idea.
"Now Amy, I want you to be careful. God alone can protect you in that tiny metal deathtrap," Harold ordered, pointing to the small 16-seat charter jet taking Ephram and Amy to Hawaii. "This is the last time we buy Frontier Airlines tickets," he added in disgust.
"Relax dad, I'll be fine," Amy chirped, clutching her boarding pass. She gave her mom and dad a hug and waved them goodbye as they walked away. She walked over to Ephram and tried to smile. "Looks like we're the only ones on this flight."
Ephram nodded, not making eye-contact with her. "Guess so."
Amy sighed. This is going to be a long flight…
***
Ephram woke up to a loud blasting noise from the left wing. Looking out his window, he saw smoke pillow from the engine as the plane pitched forward.
"What's happening?" Amy yelled, grabbing Ephram's arm.
"I-I don't know!" Ephram responded, turning to the flight attendant approaching them.
Fear flashed in the attendant's eyes as she ushered the two to the emergency escape hatch. "The flight captain thinks one of the cooling coils just ruptured. We're losing altitude."
Amy blinked in disbelief. Ephram nodded to the attendant. "What should we do?"
"We're going to evacuate the plane, starting with you two," she nervously answered, handing them each a seat-cushion/flotation device. "Grab onto the arm straps."
The two did as they were told but Amy was a little more hesitant. "What about you and the pilot?
"The flight captain's going to try to turn the plane around. We might be able to make it to the coast of California where he'll try to land the plane. But it's too risky; we need to get you two off this plane NOW!"
The pilot tried to lower the plane into a semi-safe altitude for the two to jump. Amy walked up to the hatch first. "I can't do this!"
Ephram grabbed her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be right behind you."
Amy nodded and jumped out, hugging the flotation cushion. Ephram jumped out next. As his body hit the cold water, a loud noise echoed from behind him – from the plane. A massive wave of water swallowed his body, sweeping him downwards into the depths of the sea. The utter force of the wave hit Ephram hard and blackness swept over his eyes seconds later.
***
Ephram! Please wake up! Ephram! The calls rung in his ears as consciousness lingered back into Ephram's mind. He slowly opened his eyes and blinked several times, trying to focus his eyes. Amy was perched above him, tears on her cheeks and water dripping from her hair.
"You're awake!" Amy yelled, hugging him. "I was so scared you weren't going to wake up…didn't want to be all alone…"
Ephram tried to speak, but only a croak escaped his mouth. Feels like I've been gargling razor blades. Finally, he could whisper. "Wha…What happened?"
Amy released him and wiped the tears off her cheeks. "I don't know. Heard a loud noise and I think I blacked out soon after. I woke up here, with you just a few feet away from me."
Ephram looked around at the sandy sun-baked beach. This can't be happening to me. "Are we the only ones here?"
Amy shrugged, terrified. "I think so. But I don't think the flight crew made it back to the coast." Tears replaced those that she had wiped away.
Ephram grabbed her arm. "It'll be okay. I'm sure they made it. Maybe we'll get picked up in a few hours."
Amy nodded, still not enthusiastic about the thought.
Ephram brushed his fingers over a cut a couple of inches above his left eye and stood up. "We should go deeper into this island. The sun's going to set soon and the tide's starting to come in." Hope this doesn't turn into 'Castaway' or worse yet – 'Six Days, Seven Nights.'
Amy nodded and followed him, making a silent prayer as the two journeyed into the thick patch of trees.
***
The phone rung loudly in the kitchen of the Brown household. Delia was enjoying a plate of Oreos and a glass of milk.
Andy grabbed the phone and glanced at the CallerID. Why is the airport calling us? "Hello?" Andy nearly dropped the phone and blinked several times in shock. "Sss-Say again?"
Delia raised her eyebrow and gave her dad a puzzled look. "What is it, dad?"
Andy held his hand up to prevent any further questions from his daughter and continued to listen to the airport representative.
***