The next day Ephram woke up in front of the fireplace to notice Madison wasn't there. He went into the kitchen and found her making breakfast. She put it on simmer as she saw Ephram coming towards her, "you're so cute in the morning, looking all groggy and tired!" she smiled
"Har har!" Ephram said sarcastically, kissing her on the cheek before going up brush his teeth and wash his face. "I'll be right down. Then when I come back you can tell me what you couldn't last night."
Madison half smiled, sighing as he left the room, realizing she was going to have to tell him.
He came back down, not looking so tired a few minutes later.
"How about we eat breakfast first?" replied Madison, realizing he probably wouldn't go for it.
"How about you tell me what you're thinking then we'll eat."
Madison looked at the floor for second to collect her thoughts. Ephram sat down before she started talking. He leaned forward and clasped his hands, listening intently as Madison spoke, "Well.Good news and bad news." she sighed before continuing, "good news.I got a job opportunity in music." She paused and tilted her head
"Well, that's awesome news, Madison, that's what you were hoping for!"
".bad news..well.it could be good news if you look at it a different way." She inhaled deeply then continued, "the job opportunity is in New York-"
Ephram's jaw dropped to the floor and he hung his head as she continued, "I mean, the job will pay excellent! I will have flexible hours and I can move out there after I finish the semester in 2 months-"
"So, what" interrupted Ephram, "You were planning on breaking up with me after the semester or waiting 'til you got out there to do so!"
"Ephram, shut up! Let me continue please! I want to make this work-"
"How! You're going to be in New York!"
"Ephram, you're not making this any easier, just listen to me, please?"
Ephram made a motion for her to continue even though he looked pretty upset.
"I don't want to break up with you now or in three months! I want this. I want us to last because I think we can." She gave him pleading eyes and his face went from anger and hurt to almost a confused look. He reached for her hand and pulled her towards him. She sat on his lap and placed an arm around his neck as she continued, "sweetie, I've known for a week now but didn't want to come out and tell you because I knew you'd be upset. See, we worked it out so I can move out there after the semester, therefore giving me the next two months with you. Then I will have a flexible schedule and if you want to come visit or if I want to come visit you for a few days, I can do that after I've worked there for a while. And the cool part is, its about 45 minutes from your grandparents place." She raised her eyebrows, waiting for Ephram's response.
"that's a bad joke"
"Its not a joke, smartass! I'm serious!"
"So you really think the long distance thing will work?"
"More than you know, Ephram Brown. I've never had a relationship like this."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, with a guy like you, one who is so honest, sweet, caring, loving. There is an innocent naivety about you, which I love, I've never experienced any of it at this depth before. At first it was very overwhelming but now I don't want to let it go. I don't want to let you go, Ephram."
"Trust me, Madison.I don't want to let you go either."
They sat together, kissing and whispering into each other's ears until they were interrupted by the fire alarm, once again!
Madison couldn't help but laugh as she ran to the oven to turn it off as Ephram made his way to the fire alarm with a towel to make it stop screaming. Delia walked into the room with Andy, they were both home from their "dates" from the previous night and saw all the ruckus. Delia opened the windows and finally the alarm stopped screeching and Delia was able to be heard snickering. "You two shouldn't be allowed in the kitchen unsupervised again, this happens all the time!" She started laughing again.
Ephram threw the towel at her in a playful manner, "welcome home, squirt, that was for you!"
A few minutes later everybody sat down to the late breakfast, laughing and joking about the highlight of the morning. Every once in a while, Madison winking at Ephram and squeezing his hand under the table.