A/N – To anyone who's reading…I'm so sorry this took so long. I lost complete interest in this story, partly because of lack of reviews, and then school started and now I have hardly any free time….but nevertheless, here's the next chappie!! I hope my loved reviewers are still there! It took me awhile to get the 'flow' back so I hope you guys enjoy! Please review to let me know whether I should continue! And special thanks to Jenn and Kim for beta-ing this last minute…
Amy and Ephram sat in the diner at a booth, having a late-night snack. There was a while yet until they had to head back to the Brown's to welcome Delia home, so they were enjoying a little time by themselves.
School started in less than a week and both were very excited to begin their last year. They were unsure about what was going to happen after it though, where they would be going and for what. Amy had lived in Everwood her whole life, and even though she'd never admit it out loud, she couldn't imagine ever leaving it. And even though Ephram had hated the small town life when his family had moved to Everwood, he felt the exact same way that Amy did. They'd shared their concerns with each other, and had decided that they'd cross that bridge when they got to it', in Edna's words.
"Hey Ephram?" Amy asked when there was a pause in their conversation, "Do you think that Nina and your Dad have a thing?"
Ephram thought for a moment before answering.
"You know, I really don't know." Ephram replied thoughtfully, "Why?"
"They always seem to be laughing together about an inside secret and they get along so well…I just think that they'd make a cute couple, if they aren't already one." Amy answered, smiling.
"You're right, but I think I would've noticed if they were already a couple." Ephram replied.
"True," Amy conceded, nodding her head and pausing before responding.
"Then let's help!"
Ephram did a double take.
"What?!" he exclaimed, choking on his sundae.
Amy took a minute to wait for him to stop choking, and then continued.
"Let's help them Ephram! It might take years for them to come together on their own and they need a push. Besides, it could be our project…and once we're done it we could celebrate." Amy explained, grinning at the end.
Ephram returned her grin and took her hand in his from across the table, "Really? Well, you've got my attention, Miss Abbot. How do you propose we put this plan into action?"
"Well…" Amy hesitated, smiling sheepishly.
"You haven't gotten that far yet?" he asked, smirking.
Amy shook her head and grinned, "But we have a couple minutes before we head back to your house, so let's think about this for awhile. I'm sure we can come up with something."
"Alright. That's a deal." Ephram said.
This was certainly going to be very interesting.
* * *
Dr. Brown sat at home, watching a documentary on wildlife on the Discovery Channel. Truth be told, he wasn't really listening to it. He was thinking about his Delia, on her first date. Even though she was 13, he still thought of her as his little girl. Her first steps, her first words, her first little-league baseball game, her first day of school … the list went on and on. It seemed only yesterday that he was feeding her in her high chair and he couldn't believe how fast she grew up. It was like he missed a whole stage of her life…because he did. All those years when he worked in the hospital, all those nights when he didn't make it home for dinner…he missed her growing up. Dr. Brown sighed…he'd never forgive himself for that. Maybe if he had been more attentive and not been a workaholic maybe he would've seen more of his kids, and maybe Julia wouldn't have died.
He would never forgive himself for that either, how they left things with each other. He'd been trying to move on, trying desperately to get past his huge mistake but it was just so hard. The worst part was; he thinks that he has feelings for someone really close to him.
Nina had been an amazing neighbour, babysitting Delia and sticking by him throughout his stay in Everwood, and they had gotten to be good friends. After she discovered her husband's secret, she was devastated. That's the only reason the kiss between Dr. Brown and her happened; they were both going through a hard time. What now though? Part of him wants to take the chance and go for it; the other thinks that it's too risky. How could he tell which one to listen to? Play it by ear and test the water was the best option at the moment…and that was the plan that he was going to stick to.
Amy and Ephram's laughter interrupted his thoughts and he got up to meet them in the front hall.
They stopped laughing when they saw him and sobered rather quickly.
"You two okay?" Dr. Brown asked, looking from his son to Amy.
"Oh yeah Dad," Ephram replied seriously, "We're fine."
"Delia not home yet?" Amy asked.
"No, not yet," Dr. Brown replied, suspicious at the sudden change of topic.
"Oh, well it's still five to, so there's still time for – " Ephram stopped in mid sentence as he noticed headlights pass the front window.
Simultaneously, they rushed to the window to check if it was Delia.
"It's her!" Amy exclaimed, whipping around thinking fast she continued, "We gotta look busy…ummm…Ephram, go upstairs and come downstairs when you hear the front door open, Dr. Brown, go sit on the couch and pretend you're watching to and I'll go in the kitchen! Come on, she's gonna catch us!!"
Everyone sprinted off to their respectful places and made it just in time as the front door opened.
"Everyone! I'm home!" Delia shouted, standing in the front hall.
"Delia! Hey!" Amy exclaimed, coming in from the kitchen.
"Hey Aims! Where are Dad and Ephram, I saw them standing with you in the front window…" Delia grinned. When Amy looked embarrassed, Delia whispered, "Don't worry, I would have done the exact same thing in your place."
"Honey! You're home!" Dr. Brown said happily, giving her a hug, "Did you have a good time?"
"Hopefully not too good of a time…" Ephram said jokingly, coming down the stairs.
"Don't worry, Ephram, you have absolutely nothing to be worried about." Delia smiled, giving her big brother a hug.
"Really?" Ephram asked, a little surprised.
"Yes." Delia confirmed, "But you're not getting any other details than that."
Ephram groaned and Dr. Brown hid a smirk.
"Amy, can I talk to you upstairs?" Delia asked, grinning.
Dr. Brown laughed and Ephram looked offended.
Amy gave Ephram a grin and a kiss on the cheek, "Sure, Deel. Let's go. Boys, we'll back down in a couple minutes."
"Bye guys!" Delia said, bounding up the stairs with Amy right behind her.
"Amazing how those two have bonded, eh?" Dr. Brown chuckled.
Ephram broke down and laughed, "Yeah, frickin' amazing."