A/N – Here's the next chapter! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the last two chapters, I really appreciate hearing what you think of my story. I hope that you enjoy this chapter and please review at the end! The chapter after this one will be a little more exciting, I promise. Till next time!
Disclaimer – I don't own any of the Everwood characters.
The drive home from the diner was short. Although Ephram had only been in Everwood for a brief time, he got the idea that it was a very small town. Quite different from the Big Apple that he was used to.
His mother was strangely quiet on the way to Nina's house. Even as Delia pointed out all the things she found exciting along the way, Mrs. Brown's answers were short. In turn, Ephram tried to humour his little sister and pretended to be as thrilled as Delia seemed to be. The little girl had no idea what was actually going on; Ephram knew full well that his sister thought that this was a big adventure, sort of like the stories he reads to her at bedtime.
When they pulled into the driveway of Nina's house, Delia hopped out first. Ephram lingered behind, hoping to get a word with his mother. She sat in the driver's seat, looking out the front window at nothing in particular.
"Mom?" he asked cautiously, "Are you alright?"
Mrs. Brown turned around to look at her son. She smiled at Ephram and reached out her hand to touch his cheek.
"I'm fine, Ephram." she murmured.
"Mum! Ephram!" Delia's shout interrupted the quiet moment, "Come on!"
Mrs. Brown chuckled and she called back to Delia, "Alright, alright!"
His mother took one last look at him before getting out of the van, smiling fondly at him. She then sighed, and got out of the vehicle, going back to putting on her act.
Ephram shook his head; he understood why she had to put on the act, and she did it well. But it had to be tearing her up inside, and he loved his mother too much to just stand by and watch. He knew what he had to do, although he certainly didn't want to do it.
Ephram got out of the van while he formed a plan in his head. He joined his family as they stood on the step of Nina's house.
"Now, just put your coats and shoes in the front hall," Nina instructed friendlily as she unlocked the front door, "And I apologize for the mess, I didn't know that I was going to have company today…"
Mrs. Brown laughed, "Don't worry about it. I definitely know how hard it is to keep a house clean, believe me."
They all stepped into the house and took off their shoes, looking around.
"Come on into the kitchen, though you had a snack at the diner, you still must be hungry! Where'd you come from?" Nina inquired, leading the way to the kitchen while picking up clutter on the floor.
Ephram looked at his mother as she calmly responded, "New York."
"New York?!" Nina exclaimed, astonished, "Wow…you're in for a big surprise then! Our Everwood's pretty tiny compared to New York."
"I gathered that on the way here, but you know Nina, I think Everwood's just what we need. It's a beautiful town." Mrs. Brown remarked as she stood at Nina's kitchen window, looking out at the scenery.
Nina smiled at the compliment, "It is, isn't it? I don't know, but I really love living here, and I hope that you do too."
Ephram and Delia were standing in the doorway of the kitchen, and when their mother didn't respond, Ephram decided to answer for her.
"Yeah, I think we will. Do you have anything to drink, Mrs. Feeney? I'm really thirsty after my milkshake." Ephram commented, glancing at his mother who still hadn't moved.
"Call me Nina, Ephram. What do you want to drink?" Nina asked, opening her fridge and rummaging through it, "I've got milk, water…I think I've got some apple juice, fruit punch…Delia, Julia, do you want something to drink?"
Mrs. Brown abruptly spun around to face them, smiling.
"I'm alright thanks," she replied, "Delia, did I hear Nina say that she has apple juice?"
Delia grinned and nodded.
"Do you like apple juice, Delia?" Nina asked, getting the bottle out.
"It's my favourite drink," Delia stated.
"Really? It's my son's favourite drink, too. I have to go pick him up from the babysitter's soon…" Nina remembered, glancing at the clock on the wall.
"Oh, you have a son?" Mrs. Brown asked, sitting down at the kitchen table.
Nina nodded, "Yes, that's why toys are all over the place. Sam's a quick one; he's quite the mischievous boy."
Ephram grinned, "I want to meet this kid!"
Nina laughed, "You will…I think he'll like you guys. Of course, the babysitter's across town, but now, if you want, we can exchange babysitting favours. I'd love to take care of Delia and keep an eye on Ephram anytime in the next couple days if you want to take a day for yourself or something."
Mrs. Brown smiled, "Thanks Nina. I think I'll take you up on that offer."
"Good," Nina grinned, "Now, help yourself to what you'd like to drink and eat. I'm just going to run and pick up Sam; I'll be back in about ten minutes. Make yourself at home!"
Nina picked up her keys and, after smiling at her new neighbours, quickly scurried out of the house.
"Well? What do you want to drink, kids?" Mrs. Brown asked, getting up out of her seat.
"Apple juice, please." Delia replied.
Ephram got up and crossed to where his mother was standing.
"Can I go out to the car first? I just want to get some of our stuff in," he explained.
Mrs. Brown nodded, "Alright. Do you need help?"
Ephram shook his head, "I don't think so. I'll be quick."
Ephram made his way out of the house, shutting the front door behind him. Standing on the front stoop, he looked around and sighed. It was true; Everwood was a gorgeous town.
But it definitely was not home.
