He decided to start on the homework, at least the stuff he knew about.
Later there was a knock on his door.
Ephram: Come in
Laynie walked through the door, which greatly surprised Ephram.
Ephram: (quickly getting up) Laynie...hi, um...what are you doing here?
Laynie: I know this is awkward, since well we don't really talk anymore and everything, but I really need to talk to you
Ephram: Sure, what's up
Laynie: It's Amy
Ephram: Amy?
Laynie: Yeah, she got back together with Tommy, I warned her not to but she fell for his "I can't live without you" speech...then we had this fight and she chose him over me...
Ephram: She's been doing that a lot lately...so what's so wrong with Tommy, did he hurt her or something?
Laynie: Not yet, but I think he's still dealing...and when came up to us yesterday he was obviously on something
Ephram: Oh...
Laynie: She won't listen to me, or her family...but I think she'll listen to you
Ephram: Me? I really don't think I should get in the middle of this, I don't even know the guy
L:aynie: Ephram, he could really hurt her...he's dangerous...what if...what if he gets her in the middle of one of his deals...or gets her to take something?!
Ephram: (sighed as he sat on his bed) Why do you think she would listen to me anyways?
Laynie: I don't know...you have a way of making her listen, everything you say has some sort of effect on her
Ephram: Me? I don't think so
Laynie: You do, she told me...listen, just talk to her, please...for her sake
Ephram: I'll try...but I mean, she seemed fine this morning when we talked on the phone, didn't mention the whole Tommy thing, maybe she's over it
Laynie: Would you mention getting back together with your druggy boyfriend-sorry, girlfriend- in a casual conversation?
Ephram: Good point
Laynie: Just talk to her
She walked out of the room.
Ephram was confused, what was Laynie thinking? If she couldn't convince Amy, why would he be able to? He went back to his homework.
The phone rang.
Ephram: Hello?
Madison: Hey, guess what?
Ephram: You ran over my history teacher's dog, so she won't be there Monday and I don't have to write this stupid paper
Madison: No...well not yet, but I got an A on my paper!
Ephram: That's great...so your professor wasn't mad that you were late?
Madison: Actually he was pissed, I got a long lecture on responsibility, felt like I was in Jr. High again, but then he handed me my paper
Ephram: I still get those lectures
Madison: So what do you want to do to celebrate?
Ephram: Your pick
Madison: I was thinking Chinese and a movie
Ephram: Ok, what time should I be there?
Madison: 5?
Ephram looked at his clock, it was 4:30.
Ephram: You're only giving me a half hour?
Madison: What are you a girl? You look fine...I'll order the food and you pick it up on the way over, that way we don't have to tip
Ephram: Fine, get extra egg rolls
Madison: Sure, but you're paying
Ephram: I gathered that
Madison: (smiled) ok bye
Ephram: bye
They hung up.
Ephram checked himself in the mirror and decided to change his shirt. He picked a black long sleeve one and went downstairs.
Ephram: Dad? Can I borrow some cash?
Andy: (sitting on the couch) "Borrow" as in you'll pay me back?
Ephram: No
Andy: That's what I thought
He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He handed Ephram a 20.
Ephram: (taking it) thanks...I'm going out, be back later
Andy: Wait a minute Ephram...you're not getting away that easily
Ephram: (stopped before the door) what? (not wanting to go through this)
Andy: Where?
Ephram: Madison's
Andy: For how long?
Ephram: Couple hours
Andy: What are you gonna do?
Ephram: Dinner and a movie
Andy looked at his watch.
Andy: Be back by 10:30
Ephram: Fine
Ephram went out the door.
He got to the Chinese place and went inside, they told him he would have to wait another 5 minutes so he sat down at one of the tables.
He looked around and saw Amy and Tommy sitting across the restaurant. Amy noticed him and motioned him over. He unwillingly got up and walked over.
Amy: Hey Ephram, eating alone?
Ephram: No, waiting for take-out
Amy: Oh...you remember Tommy?
Ephram: Yeah, hey
Tommy: hey
There was obvious tension between them.
Amy: So...Your dad didn't feel like cooking?
Ephram: What my dad does with food can't really be considered "cooking," actually I'm going to Madison's for a movie.
Amy: Oh...sounds fun
Ephram: Yeah
Waiter guy: Order for Madison!
Ephram: Well that's me...well not me, she ordered the food so that's her name...anyway...see ya
Ephram walked away from them and paid for the food, then he left.
When he got to Madison's he noticed an unfamiliar car in the driveway. He went and knocked on the door.
Madison opened it, she smiled when she saw him and he smiled back.
He walked in a saw an older man sitting on the couch. He looked at her confused.
Madison: Ephram, this is my dad...he decided to pay me a surprised visit...
The man stood up and shook Ephram's hand.
Mr. Kellner: Hello son
Ephram: Mr. Kellner
Mr: Kellner: Please, call me Jeff...so Madison tells me you are a great pianist
Ephram: I'm alright
Ephram was surprised, he had totally forgotten that Madison had even had parents, they never really came up in their conversations. He could tell Madison was also surprised, obviously her dad coming around wasn't exactly common. He couldn't tell if she was happy-surprised or not.
Jeff: You know, I used to play...back in the day
Ephram: That's cool, how long did you play for?
Madison: I'll be right back
She walked into the kitchen.
Jeff: (watched her walk away) just a couple years...wasn't too good
Ephram: Oh...
There was an awkward silence between the two. Ephram decided to break it.
Ephram: Well I better go put this in the kitchen (holding up the bag of food)
He walked into the kitchen and saw Madison sitting at the table, she didn't look happy.
Ephram: (putting the bag down and sitting next to her) You ok?
Madison: I don't know what he's doing here, he never comes here...what does he want?
Ephram: Maybe just to say "hi"
Madison: That's not how he is...he wants something, or he wants to know something...he doesn't just come to say "hi" like a normal dad, he comes cause he doesn't have anywhere else to go, or cause he needs something from me...(she put her hands over her face) what is it this time?
Ephram: When was the last time you saw him?
Madison: Like a year ago! And he just knocks on my door and walks in like nothing has changed, like I just saw him yesterday!
Ephram: (whispering) Madison, he's in the next room
Madison: I don't care!
He put his arm around her and rubbed her arm, she leaned her head on his shoulder.
Ephram: So you told him...about us?
Madison: I told him you were my boyfriend...he probably thinks you're like 25
Ephram: Do I really look 25? (excitedly)
Madison: No...but he doesn't notice those things, details...he doesn't care enough
Ephram: He cares about you...he has to
Madison: No, he doesn't...he cares about that stupid car of his and he cares about himself...that's it
Just then Jeff walked in.
Jeff: Need any help in here?
Madison: No (getting up) We've got it
Jeff: Ok...well I have to go out to the car, I'll be right back
Madison: (getting plates out of the cabinet) Ok
Jeff left the room and went out the front door. Ephram got up and opened the bag.
Ephram: So is he staying for the night?
Madison: No idea...I hope not
Ephram: Good thing we got the extra egg rolls
Madison smiled, Ephram was glad she did.
They served the food and sat down at the table. Jeff came back with something in his hand but he put it in his pocket before he sat down.
Jeff: So, Ephram...do you go to school with Madison?
Ephram looked at Madison who gave him a look.
Ephram: Uh...yeah
Jeff: What are you majoring in?
Ephram paused, he had no clue what to say.
Madison: Music (quickly)
Jeff: That's interesting
Ephram: Yeah
Jeff: So Maddy...how've you been?
Madison: Great...everything is great
Jeff: That's good to hear
Madison: Yup
They ate while continuing their small talk. When they were finished Ephram helped Madison clean up.
Ephram: He hasn't asked for anything yet...
Madison: He's probably just waiting for you to leave so it isn't so embarrassing
Ephram: You're quite the optimistic one
Madison: Why thank you
They laughed together as they scrubbed the dishes.
Jeff: (from the other room) Hey Ephram! Come on in here...the game's on!
Ephram: (looked at Madison) I'm not really that into sports...
Jeff: Oh bull! C'mon!
Madison: It's ok...I can finish up
Ephram: You sure...cause I can stay...
Madison: Just go...it's fine
Ephram: But I can really stay
Madison: Ephram...go, manly bonding could do you some good
Ephram: Thanks (sarcastically)
He walked into the living room and sat on the couch.
Jeff: See that guy...number 4, that's Rob Blake...best defenseman in the game
Ephram: Cool (uninterested)
Jeff: Oh c'mon ref!! There was no way that was off-sides!!!
Ephram had no idea what a off-sides was, he only watched hockey when Delia did and she never explained anything to him.
A couple minutes later Madison had finished cleaning up.
Madison: Ephram? Can you come here for a sec?
Ephram: (relieved that she gave him an excuse to leave) Uh...yeah
He got up and gave Jeff a, "can you believe she is making me miss the game?" look, then he walked into the kitchen.
Ephram: Thank you
Madison: I figured you would be bored...and this is probably the only chance we'll have to be alone all night...
She smiled as she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ephram kissed her softly.
Madison looked at him and bit her bottom lip.
Madison: Are you ok...with this whole thing?
Ephram: What-your dad? Well he hasn't punched me or kissed you-hopefully...so I can't complain
Madison: (smiled) No...I mean with being here, while he is here, it has to be awkward...
Ephram: What would make it awkward would be if he knew my real age...actually that would probably make it violent
Madison: Well I know how awkward it is for me with your dad...especially after...well I just wanted to make sure
Ephram: It's fine...plus, now we're kind of even, with the whole parents thing...
Madison: Not even close
Ephram: Damn...I was hoping that would work
Madison kissed him.
Ephram: So are we ever gonna watch the movie, or are we gonna have to settle for boxing on ice?
Madison: Ephram...there is more to hockey than the fights...
Ephram: Well that is all I'm interested in...I figure I could learn a few things
Madison smiled and led him back to the living room. They sat down on the couch and she put her legs on his lap. Ephram took off her shoes and started rubbing her feet.
Madison: Who's playing?
Jeff: Colorado and San Jose
Madison: Who's winning?
Jeff: Sharks (solemnly)
Madison: Oh... (she was obviously trying to make conversation but her father wouldn't take the hint)
Ephram saw how different Madison was around her dad, she wasn't as straight forward with him, he was probably the only guy she ever let walk all over her. She didn't know how to handle it.
Jeff: Hey Madison...why don't you go get Ephram and me some drinks? (not taking his eyes off the screen)
Madison started to get up but Ephram stopped her.
Ephram: I can get them....
He smiled at Madison as he started to get up.
Jeff: No son, it's ok...we're watching the game, she can get them...
Ephram: I think Madison is more interested in the game than I am
Ephram walked into the kitchen and grabbed some sodas from the fridge. When he got back to the living room Madison wasn't there.
Ephram: Where'd Madison go? (handing Jeff a soda)
Jeff: Beats me (still not taking his eyes off of the screen)
Ephram walked to Madison's room and knocked on the door.
Ephram: Madison?
Madison: (obviously crying) yeah?
Ephram walked in and sat down next to her on the bed, he put his arms around her and gave her a hug.
Madison: How can he just come here and act like that?! Like he owns the place! I own the place! He comes here after spending a year who knows where and starts throwing around orders!
Ephram let her cry on his shoulder.
Madison: I'm sorry, I'm sorry you have to be here...to see me like this...
Ephram: Like what? Crying? Cause I live with Delia, crying doesn't scare me...
Madison: No...(smiling) like...I'm different around him, I don't know, it's just weird....I don't feel like I can tell him how I feel, or how he treats me...
Ephram: I noticed
Madison: Is it that obvious?
Ephram: I guess...
Madison: (wiping the tears away) What's wrong with me? Why can't I just stand up to him?
Ephram: Because he's your dad, and you love him...and even though he treats you like shit, you still want to spend time with him when you see him, and you want him to love you...there is nothing wrong with that...
Madison: When did you become a therapist?
Ephram: Right after I got my black belt...
Madison laughed, Ephram wiped away more of her tears and kissed her.
Ephram: Now go out there and tell him what he needs to hear
Madison: I can't...can you do it for me?
Ephram: I don't even know him, besides he needs to hear it from you
Madison: Why?
Ephram: Madison...when have you ever chickened out of something?
Madison: Lot's of times...
Ephram: Ok...well now is not gonna be one of them, go...
Madison: Oh come on, I always bail you out of stuff with your dad!
Ephram: This is totally different
Madison: How?
Ephram: You know how...I'll go out there with you but you are doing all the talking
Madison: (gave him puppy dog eyes) Please...
Ephram: Didn't I just tell you I live with Delia? I am immune to puppy eyes...(he got up and pulled her with him) Come on....
Madison: What if I don't know what to say?
Ephram: Just tell him what you told me...
Madison: It's not that easy
Ephram: You can do it...
He pulled her out to the living room, he picked up the remote, and turned off the TV.
Jeff: Hey! What's that all about?!
Ephram: Madison has something she wants to tell you...
He pulled her over and gave her a reassuring look.
Madison: Hi...
Jeff: Madison, you turned off the game to say "hi?!"
Madison: (quickly) No...I....(she looked at Ephram who nodded to her) I....(she bit her bottom lip, it was a nervous habit of hers) I wanted to know...if you wanted any ice cream? (Ephram looked at her quickly)
Jeff: Ice cream?
Ephram: No (just as Madison said "yeah")
Jeff: What is going on here?
Madison: Nothing...(she gave Ephram a look)
Jeff: Ok then (he motioned towards the TV) can you move?
Madison: Sure...no problem
She rushed to the kitchen and Ephram followed. He had never seen her back down from anything before, not like that.
Ephram: What are you doing? I gave you the perfect opportunity!
Madison: Ephram...it just wasn't the right time ok?
Ephram: No...no that's not ok, Madison, you let him walk all over you!
Madison: It's ok
Ephram: No, no it's not, and you know that!
Madison: Please...just don't...ok?
Ephram: You can't just expect me to sit here and let him talk to you like that...
Madison: I know...but please, just leave it alone...he'll be gone soon and then everything will be back to normal...
Ephram: Yeah...for how long? What's gonna happen the next time he knocks on your door huh? Are you gonna offer him cake? Maybe some pie?!
Madison: I can't deal with this right now...it's just too much...can we please, just not talk about it? (she was tearing up)
Ephram: Madison...this is killing you, you have to tell him...you can't live like this!
Madison: And I don't have to! When he leaves it will be fine again!
Ephram: How do you know?! What if you carry this around with you? And every time something reminds you of him you crawl into a dark corner and curl up!
Madison: That's not how it works with us! I always get over it!
Ephram: How do you know this isn't different?! Maybe this time you won't!
Madison: Ephram...I don't want to fight with you about this...please
Ephram: I am not just gonna sit here, I can't watch him treat you like that!
He walked into the living room and grabbed his jacket, then he went out the door.
Later there was a knock on his door.
Ephram: Come in
Laynie walked through the door, which greatly surprised Ephram.
Ephram: (quickly getting up) Laynie...hi, um...what are you doing here?
Laynie: I know this is awkward, since well we don't really talk anymore and everything, but I really need to talk to you
Ephram: Sure, what's up
Laynie: It's Amy
Ephram: Amy?
Laynie: Yeah, she got back together with Tommy, I warned her not to but she fell for his "I can't live without you" speech...then we had this fight and she chose him over me...
Ephram: She's been doing that a lot lately...so what's so wrong with Tommy, did he hurt her or something?
Laynie: Not yet, but I think he's still dealing...and when came up to us yesterday he was obviously on something
Ephram: Oh...
Laynie: She won't listen to me, or her family...but I think she'll listen to you
Ephram: Me? I really don't think I should get in the middle of this, I don't even know the guy
L:aynie: Ephram, he could really hurt her...he's dangerous...what if...what if he gets her in the middle of one of his deals...or gets her to take something?!
Ephram: (sighed as he sat on his bed) Why do you think she would listen to me anyways?
Laynie: I don't know...you have a way of making her listen, everything you say has some sort of effect on her
Ephram: Me? I don't think so
Laynie: You do, she told me...listen, just talk to her, please...for her sake
Ephram: I'll try...but I mean, she seemed fine this morning when we talked on the phone, didn't mention the whole Tommy thing, maybe she's over it
Laynie: Would you mention getting back together with your druggy boyfriend-sorry, girlfriend- in a casual conversation?
Ephram: Good point
Laynie: Just talk to her
She walked out of the room.
Ephram was confused, what was Laynie thinking? If she couldn't convince Amy, why would he be able to? He went back to his homework.
The phone rang.
Ephram: Hello?
Madison: Hey, guess what?
Ephram: You ran over my history teacher's dog, so she won't be there Monday and I don't have to write this stupid paper
Madison: No...well not yet, but I got an A on my paper!
Ephram: That's great...so your professor wasn't mad that you were late?
Madison: Actually he was pissed, I got a long lecture on responsibility, felt like I was in Jr. High again, but then he handed me my paper
Ephram: I still get those lectures
Madison: So what do you want to do to celebrate?
Ephram: Your pick
Madison: I was thinking Chinese and a movie
Ephram: Ok, what time should I be there?
Madison: 5?
Ephram looked at his clock, it was 4:30.
Ephram: You're only giving me a half hour?
Madison: What are you a girl? You look fine...I'll order the food and you pick it up on the way over, that way we don't have to tip
Ephram: Fine, get extra egg rolls
Madison: Sure, but you're paying
Ephram: I gathered that
Madison: (smiled) ok bye
Ephram: bye
They hung up.
Ephram checked himself in the mirror and decided to change his shirt. He picked a black long sleeve one and went downstairs.
Ephram: Dad? Can I borrow some cash?
Andy: (sitting on the couch) "Borrow" as in you'll pay me back?
Ephram: No
Andy: That's what I thought
He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He handed Ephram a 20.
Ephram: (taking it) thanks...I'm going out, be back later
Andy: Wait a minute Ephram...you're not getting away that easily
Ephram: (stopped before the door) what? (not wanting to go through this)
Andy: Where?
Ephram: Madison's
Andy: For how long?
Ephram: Couple hours
Andy: What are you gonna do?
Ephram: Dinner and a movie
Andy looked at his watch.
Andy: Be back by 10:30
Ephram: Fine
Ephram went out the door.
He got to the Chinese place and went inside, they told him he would have to wait another 5 minutes so he sat down at one of the tables.
He looked around and saw Amy and Tommy sitting across the restaurant. Amy noticed him and motioned him over. He unwillingly got up and walked over.
Amy: Hey Ephram, eating alone?
Ephram: No, waiting for take-out
Amy: Oh...you remember Tommy?
Ephram: Yeah, hey
Tommy: hey
There was obvious tension between them.
Amy: So...Your dad didn't feel like cooking?
Ephram: What my dad does with food can't really be considered "cooking," actually I'm going to Madison's for a movie.
Amy: Oh...sounds fun
Ephram: Yeah
Waiter guy: Order for Madison!
Ephram: Well that's me...well not me, she ordered the food so that's her name...anyway...see ya
Ephram walked away from them and paid for the food, then he left.
When he got to Madison's he noticed an unfamiliar car in the driveway. He went and knocked on the door.
Madison opened it, she smiled when she saw him and he smiled back.
He walked in a saw an older man sitting on the couch. He looked at her confused.
Madison: Ephram, this is my dad...he decided to pay me a surprised visit...
The man stood up and shook Ephram's hand.
Mr. Kellner: Hello son
Ephram: Mr. Kellner
Mr: Kellner: Please, call me Jeff...so Madison tells me you are a great pianist
Ephram: I'm alright
Ephram was surprised, he had totally forgotten that Madison had even had parents, they never really came up in their conversations. He could tell Madison was also surprised, obviously her dad coming around wasn't exactly common. He couldn't tell if she was happy-surprised or not.
Jeff: You know, I used to play...back in the day
Ephram: That's cool, how long did you play for?
Madison: I'll be right back
She walked into the kitchen.
Jeff: (watched her walk away) just a couple years...wasn't too good
Ephram: Oh...
There was an awkward silence between the two. Ephram decided to break it.
Ephram: Well I better go put this in the kitchen (holding up the bag of food)
He walked into the kitchen and saw Madison sitting at the table, she didn't look happy.
Ephram: (putting the bag down and sitting next to her) You ok?
Madison: I don't know what he's doing here, he never comes here...what does he want?
Ephram: Maybe just to say "hi"
Madison: That's not how he is...he wants something, or he wants to know something...he doesn't just come to say "hi" like a normal dad, he comes cause he doesn't have anywhere else to go, or cause he needs something from me...(she put her hands over her face) what is it this time?
Ephram: When was the last time you saw him?
Madison: Like a year ago! And he just knocks on my door and walks in like nothing has changed, like I just saw him yesterday!
Ephram: (whispering) Madison, he's in the next room
Madison: I don't care!
He put his arm around her and rubbed her arm, she leaned her head on his shoulder.
Ephram: So you told him...about us?
Madison: I told him you were my boyfriend...he probably thinks you're like 25
Ephram: Do I really look 25? (excitedly)
Madison: No...but he doesn't notice those things, details...he doesn't care enough
Ephram: He cares about you...he has to
Madison: No, he doesn't...he cares about that stupid car of his and he cares about himself...that's it
Just then Jeff walked in.
Jeff: Need any help in here?
Madison: No (getting up) We've got it
Jeff: Ok...well I have to go out to the car, I'll be right back
Madison: (getting plates out of the cabinet) Ok
Jeff left the room and went out the front door. Ephram got up and opened the bag.
Ephram: So is he staying for the night?
Madison: No idea...I hope not
Ephram: Good thing we got the extra egg rolls
Madison smiled, Ephram was glad she did.
They served the food and sat down at the table. Jeff came back with something in his hand but he put it in his pocket before he sat down.
Jeff: So, Ephram...do you go to school with Madison?
Ephram looked at Madison who gave him a look.
Ephram: Uh...yeah
Jeff: What are you majoring in?
Ephram paused, he had no clue what to say.
Madison: Music (quickly)
Jeff: That's interesting
Ephram: Yeah
Jeff: So Maddy...how've you been?
Madison: Great...everything is great
Jeff: That's good to hear
Madison: Yup
They ate while continuing their small talk. When they were finished Ephram helped Madison clean up.
Ephram: He hasn't asked for anything yet...
Madison: He's probably just waiting for you to leave so it isn't so embarrassing
Ephram: You're quite the optimistic one
Madison: Why thank you
They laughed together as they scrubbed the dishes.
Jeff: (from the other room) Hey Ephram! Come on in here...the game's on!
Ephram: (looked at Madison) I'm not really that into sports...
Jeff: Oh bull! C'mon!
Madison: It's ok...I can finish up
Ephram: You sure...cause I can stay...
Madison: Just go...it's fine
Ephram: But I can really stay
Madison: Ephram...go, manly bonding could do you some good
Ephram: Thanks (sarcastically)
He walked into the living room and sat on the couch.
Jeff: See that guy...number 4, that's Rob Blake...best defenseman in the game
Ephram: Cool (uninterested)
Jeff: Oh c'mon ref!! There was no way that was off-sides!!!
Ephram had no idea what a off-sides was, he only watched hockey when Delia did and she never explained anything to him.
A couple minutes later Madison had finished cleaning up.
Madison: Ephram? Can you come here for a sec?
Ephram: (relieved that she gave him an excuse to leave) Uh...yeah
He got up and gave Jeff a, "can you believe she is making me miss the game?" look, then he walked into the kitchen.
Ephram: Thank you
Madison: I figured you would be bored...and this is probably the only chance we'll have to be alone all night...
She smiled as she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ephram kissed her softly.
Madison looked at him and bit her bottom lip.
Madison: Are you ok...with this whole thing?
Ephram: What-your dad? Well he hasn't punched me or kissed you-hopefully...so I can't complain
Madison: (smiled) No...I mean with being here, while he is here, it has to be awkward...
Ephram: What would make it awkward would be if he knew my real age...actually that would probably make it violent
Madison: Well I know how awkward it is for me with your dad...especially after...well I just wanted to make sure
Ephram: It's fine...plus, now we're kind of even, with the whole parents thing...
Madison: Not even close
Ephram: Damn...I was hoping that would work
Madison kissed him.
Ephram: So are we ever gonna watch the movie, or are we gonna have to settle for boxing on ice?
Madison: Ephram...there is more to hockey than the fights...
Ephram: Well that is all I'm interested in...I figure I could learn a few things
Madison smiled and led him back to the living room. They sat down on the couch and she put her legs on his lap. Ephram took off her shoes and started rubbing her feet.
Madison: Who's playing?
Jeff: Colorado and San Jose
Madison: Who's winning?
Jeff: Sharks (solemnly)
Madison: Oh... (she was obviously trying to make conversation but her father wouldn't take the hint)
Ephram saw how different Madison was around her dad, she wasn't as straight forward with him, he was probably the only guy she ever let walk all over her. She didn't know how to handle it.
Jeff: Hey Madison...why don't you go get Ephram and me some drinks? (not taking his eyes off the screen)
Madison started to get up but Ephram stopped her.
Ephram: I can get them....
He smiled at Madison as he started to get up.
Jeff: No son, it's ok...we're watching the game, she can get them...
Ephram: I think Madison is more interested in the game than I am
Ephram walked into the kitchen and grabbed some sodas from the fridge. When he got back to the living room Madison wasn't there.
Ephram: Where'd Madison go? (handing Jeff a soda)
Jeff: Beats me (still not taking his eyes off of the screen)
Ephram walked to Madison's room and knocked on the door.
Ephram: Madison?
Madison: (obviously crying) yeah?
Ephram walked in and sat down next to her on the bed, he put his arms around her and gave her a hug.
Madison: How can he just come here and act like that?! Like he owns the place! I own the place! He comes here after spending a year who knows where and starts throwing around orders!
Ephram let her cry on his shoulder.
Madison: I'm sorry, I'm sorry you have to be here...to see me like this...
Ephram: Like what? Crying? Cause I live with Delia, crying doesn't scare me...
Madison: No...(smiling) like...I'm different around him, I don't know, it's just weird....I don't feel like I can tell him how I feel, or how he treats me...
Ephram: I noticed
Madison: Is it that obvious?
Ephram: I guess...
Madison: (wiping the tears away) What's wrong with me? Why can't I just stand up to him?
Ephram: Because he's your dad, and you love him...and even though he treats you like shit, you still want to spend time with him when you see him, and you want him to love you...there is nothing wrong with that...
Madison: When did you become a therapist?
Ephram: Right after I got my black belt...
Madison laughed, Ephram wiped away more of her tears and kissed her.
Ephram: Now go out there and tell him what he needs to hear
Madison: I can't...can you do it for me?
Ephram: I don't even know him, besides he needs to hear it from you
Madison: Why?
Ephram: Madison...when have you ever chickened out of something?
Madison: Lot's of times...
Ephram: Ok...well now is not gonna be one of them, go...
Madison: Oh come on, I always bail you out of stuff with your dad!
Ephram: This is totally different
Madison: How?
Ephram: You know how...I'll go out there with you but you are doing all the talking
Madison: (gave him puppy dog eyes) Please...
Ephram: Didn't I just tell you I live with Delia? I am immune to puppy eyes...(he got up and pulled her with him) Come on....
Madison: What if I don't know what to say?
Ephram: Just tell him what you told me...
Madison: It's not that easy
Ephram: You can do it...
He pulled her out to the living room, he picked up the remote, and turned off the TV.
Jeff: Hey! What's that all about?!
Ephram: Madison has something she wants to tell you...
He pulled her over and gave her a reassuring look.
Madison: Hi...
Jeff: Madison, you turned off the game to say "hi?!"
Madison: (quickly) No...I....(she looked at Ephram who nodded to her) I....(she bit her bottom lip, it was a nervous habit of hers) I wanted to know...if you wanted any ice cream? (Ephram looked at her quickly)
Jeff: Ice cream?
Ephram: No (just as Madison said "yeah")
Jeff: What is going on here?
Madison: Nothing...(she gave Ephram a look)
Jeff: Ok then (he motioned towards the TV) can you move?
Madison: Sure...no problem
She rushed to the kitchen and Ephram followed. He had never seen her back down from anything before, not like that.
Ephram: What are you doing? I gave you the perfect opportunity!
Madison: Ephram...it just wasn't the right time ok?
Ephram: No...no that's not ok, Madison, you let him walk all over you!
Madison: It's ok
Ephram: No, no it's not, and you know that!
Madison: Please...just don't...ok?
Ephram: You can't just expect me to sit here and let him talk to you like that...
Madison: I know...but please, just leave it alone...he'll be gone soon and then everything will be back to normal...
Ephram: Yeah...for how long? What's gonna happen the next time he knocks on your door huh? Are you gonna offer him cake? Maybe some pie?!
Madison: I can't deal with this right now...it's just too much...can we please, just not talk about it? (she was tearing up)
Ephram: Madison...this is killing you, you have to tell him...you can't live like this!
Madison: And I don't have to! When he leaves it will be fine again!
Ephram: How do you know?! What if you carry this around with you? And every time something reminds you of him you crawl into a dark corner and curl up!
Madison: That's not how it works with us! I always get over it!
Ephram: How do you know this isn't different?! Maybe this time you won't!
Madison: Ephram...I don't want to fight with you about this...please
Ephram: I am not just gonna sit here, I can't watch him treat you like that!
He walked into the living room and grabbed his jacket, then he went out the door.