Truths of Life
By: lizzie1986
Couple: Eventually Ephram/Laynie
Disclaimer: Don't own any of it. If I did, do you think I would be writing fanfic? Yeah right.
A/N: Once again, don't take anything from season two into account in this fic.
A/N 2: Thanks for Nikki for helping me incorporate Ephram's friends in this chapter. You're such a big help!
Part Three: Wanting Out
"What do you mean you're not coming?!" Ephram winced a little from the voice over the line.
"Yeah, I've decided to stay in Everwood for the summer. I'll come visit some other time Rob."
"Yeah, sure. Soon you'll forget all about us city folk and become a country hick." Robin Ferrara commented, a hint of laughter in her voice.
"So you won't kill me?" Ephram asked, unsure of his best friend's temper, which at times could be cruel.
"Not this time. But screw up one more time Brown…" She trailed off, threateningly.
"And what?" Ephram raised his eyebrows, unsure of what his response would be.
"Let's just say. I've known you a long time and I know all your little secrets. Would you like me to list some examples?" Ephram could just imagine her smiling wickedly.
"No thanks. I'll be good. I promise." He hurriedly said.
Robin snorted. "You're kidding, right?"
Ephram lifted his eyebrows, even though he knew she couldn't see him. "I'm hurt Robin, seriously hurt. You don't think I can be good?"
"I'm not even dignifying that with an answer."
"Typical Ephram Brown response." Robin stated with laughter in her voice.
"Why do I always have to get ragged on? Scug would probably appreciate your witticisms more than me."
Robin snorted at this. "Scug's no fun. He never takes anything seriously. He hooked up with Karen Lasame at Rachel Ackerman's party last week. Did he tell you? I couldn't believe! He'll take anything that has two legs." She finished off with disgust.
"So from this little rant, I take it Scug's just fine?"
"Is he ever "just fine"?
"Good question. Though it's one that I don't have an answer for."
"You need to show your opinions a little more. Work on that by the next time we talk." Robin ordered.
"I'll be sure to try that out." Ephram sarcastically said.
"Good. Talk to ya later Brown."
"Later, Ferraras."
As Ephram hung up with his best friend, he cut off one of his only remaining links to his home. To New York. It was at that moment he realised just how much he missed it.
* * * *
"So you're staying for good this time?" Amy asked Laynie, as they sat on her bed.
Laynie nodded. "Yeah. Mom thought that having the family together now would be best. But she's delusional. Like we're a family." She finished sarcastically.
Amy nodded, clearly thinking about something else. "Laynie, do you ever…. I mean, do you have…"
"I think about Colin all the time." Laynie softly said, knowing what Amy was referring to.
"I just… I don't know. Just, all I can think about is him."
"It takes time. We all mourn in different ways. You obviously choose dwelling on it, while I choose denial."
Amy forced a smile on her face. "Laynie? I'm glad you're back."
Laynie stared out the window for a moment. "Are you? Because I'm not. I get out of here, and I get pulled right back. It'll never change."
Amy looked at her with a questioning look.
Laynie continued. "I mean, when I think about this place, I think about running in the opposite direction. Don't you? I mean, just want to run from here and keep running till you're far away?"
"No, I love Everwood. I can't imagine ever leaving."
Laynie smiled wistfully. "Colin too. He got all the Everwood loving out of the two of us. I just want out."
"You'll get out."
"Will I? Because right now, I'm not to sure anymore."
* * * *
Ephram slammed on the breaks for the final time at the DMV. Both he and the woman who was testing him went flying forward. Ephram watched as she silently made a mark on her sheet. He nervously sat as she continued making marks on the sheet of paper that would determine his fate. Then he couldn't take it anymore.
"Well, did I pass?"
She looked at him. "Well, you didn't fully stop at the stop sign, cut off another vehicle, never used your rear view mirrors once, the list goes on. Do you think you passed?"
Ephram looked unsure, not liking being out on the spot. "Umm,,, yes?"
The woman shook her head. "No you don't, Mr. Brown. But you nailed the three point turn and did decently on the parallel park. Here."
She handed him the sheet of paper. A big 81 was circled with the word Pass. Ephram let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Thank you!"
The woman looked at him as she got out of the car. "God help us all, with him on the road." She muttered and left.
* * * *
Ephram was eating his food at Mama Joy's before heading home. He figured this way was easier to avoid his father's attempts at cooking. Laynie walked in to the restaurant and spotted him immediately. Smiling slightly, she headed over to him and sat down.
"Hey."
Ephram looked up and was surprised at how happy he felt to see her. Trying to ignore his new feelings, he just replied with a casual, "Hey"
Ephram immediately noted her subdued face as Laynie played with a napkin. They stayed in silence for a few moments, a safe kind of silence that people who understood each other used. Laynie was the one to finally break it.
"My mom actually talked to me today. Can you believe it? I'm surprised she still remembers she has a daughter." Laynie bitterly chucked at this statement, even though there was nothing amusing about it.
"That's good, right? Maybe she's finally starting to get over Colin."
Laynie rolled her eyes at this statement. "When pigs fly. She thinks I should go on anti-depressants. Get over… you know." Laynie shrugged. "I've been thinking it might be a good idea. Going on anti-depressants."
Ephram was surprised at this. "Really? I thought you were handling everything okay."
"Yeah, façade are great, aren't they? In reality, I'm not doing so hot. I'm mean, not as bad as Amy or anything… but, it's just tough. I've had some pretty rough nights."
Ephram looked at Laynie, willing the sympathy to not appear in his eyes. "It's like that for everyone. When my mom dies, it was tough. But I managed without medication."
"That's the thing. Not all of us are as strong as you. And it's different losing a sibling. I mean, me and Colin grew up together. Despite everything, we were pretty close. And now I'm an only child. You still had Delia." Laynie tried to explain to him, but didn't think that she was succeeding.
"But, you know if you need anything, I'm here." Ephram seriously told her.
"Thanks. But don't offer that too much. You wouldn't want wrecks on your doorstep every night." Laynie tried to joke, trying to make the conversation lighter.
"I'm not." He looked intensely at her and for some reason Laynie had to look away and slightly blush.
* * * *
End of Part Three