The next day Andy drove Ephram to school. As he walked down the halls everyone was staring at him, at first he was shocked that they all knew about the accident, but then he remembered that this was Everwood. He was putting his books in his locker when Amy walked up to him.
Amy: Hey Ephram (quietly)
Ephram: Listen Amy, I don't need your pity...you weren't talking to me before so you don't need to talk to me now...
Amy: I know...but you were there for me when I was going through the same thing...I just wanted to be there for you...I know what you're going through Ephram...I know how much it hurts-the fear, the pain...everything
Ephram: (laughed to himself) Kind of ironic isn't it? I mean your boyfriend in a coma last year, my girlfriend in a coma this year....
Amy: That's not funny Ephram...
Ephram: (slammed his locker shut) I know it's not funny! It's anything but funny! (he punched his locker and didn't notice the pain, everyone was staring at him) It should have been me...I was in the car, why wasn't it me!? She didn't deserve this! (he turned around leaning against his locker and slid down it, covering his tear-filled eyes with his hands)
At that moment Amy saw how much Ephram truly loved Madison, she knew that he liked her, but had no idea his feelings were this strong, this real.
Amy: You didn't deserve it either Ephram!
Ephram was crying in his hands, everyone was watching him, including Bright who was making his way through the crowd.
Bright: Ok folks, shows over! Everyone go back to your own mini dramas...(he turned around and faced Ephram) C'mon man (he pulled Ephram to his feet)
Ephram: What are you doing?
Bright: Saving what dignity you have left
Ephram: (wiping the tears away) I don't give a shit about dignity
Bright: C'mon
Bright led Ephram to the bathroom.
Bright: Now clean yourself up, we're gonna be late
Ephram: You think I care about class right now? If you're so worried about being late, go...I'm fine
Bright: Yeah, I can see that...so how is she? (as Ephram splashed his face with water)
Ephram: She's in a coma, how do you think she is?
Bright: Ok dude, sorry...just askin'
Ephram: ( drying his face off with a paper towel) What are people saying?
Bright: That you and your sister's babysitter got hit by some drunk...
Ephram: So I guess they all think I was crying for nothing?
Bright: Well normally people don't cry when their sister's babysitters are in comas...
Ephram: I gotta get out of here...
He walked out into the hallway and Bright followed, everyone had already gone to class.
Bright: Why are you here anyway? I didn't expect to see you for a while...
Ephram: My dad thinks it will take my mind off things...but obviously it hasn't
Bright: Well you should just leave, go see her...that's what you really want to do
Ephram: I can't...no car, he dropped me off
Bright: (pulling his keys out of his pocket) take mine...I'll get a ride from someone
Ephram: No, I can't do that....
Bright: Yes you can (he grabbed Ephram's hand and put his keys in it)
Ephram: Thanks
Bright: Don't mention it...I gotta get to class...Just drop it off later...
Ephram: Yeah
Bright turned around and walked in the opposite direction down the hall. Ephram made his was out to the parking lot and found Bright's truck. He got to Madison's room and peered through the door, he saw that her parents weren't there so he went in. He sat in his usual seat and grabbed her hand. He looked at her, she looked different, better maybe, he couldn't really tell.
Ephram: You're turning me into quite the rebel...(he smiled, half expecting her to smile back, but when she didn't tears formed in his eyes) a rebel and a wuss...(he sighed) God...Madison, you need to come back, please...I love you so much....(he looked down)
Madison: (weakly) I love you too
Ephram was shocked. He quickly looked up.
Ephram: Oh my god-oh my god, Madison! (he kissed her hand) Oh my god-doctor, I have to get a doctor! (he picked up the emergency button) how the hell do you use these things?
Madison put her hand over his stopping him.
Madison: Ephram calm down...the doctors know I'm awake...
Ephram: What do they have some sort of ESP? (he couldn't stop smiling)
Madison: No...I woke up this morning...I was sleeping when you came in...(she smiled at him)
Ephram: What? Why didn't they call me? They were supposed to call me! I was supposed to be here!
Madison: Relax...
Ephram: Are you ok? Are you gonna be ok? Whats-what's gonna happen now?
Madison: Would you just sit down, I don't have enough energy to keep up with you...
Ephram sat down, but he couldn't stop shaking, he was so happy, he didn't know what to do, he wanted to jump up and scream but he figured the nurses would frown upon it.
Madison: Would you stop shaking? (she put her hand over his)
Ephram: I'm sorry-I-I just, I'm so happy...I can't believe it, you're awake-you're here!
Madison: Yeah...I am
Ephram: So how are you feeling? Any pain?
Madison: Not really, I'm pretty drugged
Ephram: Well that's good
Madison: Ephram...will you stop trying to make casual conversation and just kiss me already?
Ephram: (smiled) you sure you can take it?
Madison: Positive
Ephram stood up and leaned in and kissed her. He kissed her like he never had before.
Madison: (as they pulled away) Wow
Ephram: (smiled) yeah
Madison: I think I have enough energy for one more...
Ephram: I think I can deal with that... (he leaned in and kissed her)
Mrs. Detmer walked into the room just as they kissed. Her jaw dropped, she knew they were together, but seeing them kiss just made it more of a reality. She saw Madison's face after they pulled away, it was the first time she's seen her smile all day. She knocked on the wall. Ephram looked back and quickly sat down.
Madison: Hi mom...
Mrs. Detmer: Madison, you really need to get some rest
Madison: I just woke up...I feel fine
Mrs. Detmer: The doctor said that you need your rest, I think it's best if Ephram leave...
Madison: Ephram just got here, he didn't know I was awake...
Mrs. Detmer: Well now he does, and I think it's time that he go...
Ephram started to get up but Madison gabbed his hand to stop him.
Madison: He's not going anywhere...I want him here
Mrs. Detmer: (cleared her throat) Madison...you need your rest, I don't think you're going to get that by sucking face with some teenaged boy!
Madison was about to argue but Ephram stopped her.
Ephram: Wait-(he looked at Mrs. Detmer) your daughter just wakes up from a coma and you come in here and start an argument? Does that sound right to you? And Madison, you do need your rest and I am a distraction, as much as I want to stay I think I should go and let you sleep...I'll be back as soon as I can...(he gave her a sweet kiss) I love you
Madison: (smiled at him) I love you too
Ephram walked past Mrs. Detmer and out the door.
Mrs. Detmer: (making sure Ephram was out of range) Your relationship with that boy is over...
Madison: I can't believe you! I'm 21 years old, I can date whoever the hell I want to date! And after what he just said, you still want to argue with me? Well you can come back tomorrow...cause like you said, I need my rest.
Madison turned on her side, with her back facing her mother. Mrs. Detmer shook her head and walked out the door.
Ephram drove around Everwood in Bright's truck for the rest of the day, he couldn't stop smiling. He finally dropped of the truck at the Abbot's and started to walk home. He walked with a skip in his step. He even started to whistle, but he got some strange stares so he stopped. He got to his house and shut the door.
Andy: (hearing the door) Ephram is that you?
Ephram: Yup
Andy: (walking into the living room) I just got off the phone with your school...they said you weren't in any of your classes today...where were you?!
Ephram: Madison's awake
Andy: Now that's not an exuse-wait what?
Ephram: (all smiles) Madison's awake! She woke up this morning!
Andy: Oh my god (a huge smile covered his face) is she ok?
Ephram: Yeah, she's great!
Andy: But that still doesn't give you an excuse to just leave school (trying to keep his foot down)
Ephram: Dad will you stop trying to be strict and just enjoy the moment?
Andy: Delia?! Can you come down here please?!
Delia: (coming down the stairs) what?
Ephram: Madison's awake!
Delia: Are you serious?!
Ephram: Yeah
Delia ran downstairs and gave Ephram a hug. Ephram returned the hug without a sarcastic comment.
Delia: Can we go see her?!
Ephram: Not now...she's resting...maybe tomorrow
Delia: When's she coming home?
Andy: Probably not for a while sweetheart...they still have to get her better
Ephram: So are you gonna ground me again?
Andy: I think I'll let it slide...just this once
Ephram: How about twice? I promised her I'd go see her in the morning...
Andy: I guess I have to say yes...I mean if I say no I'm gonna look like the bad guy...but that's it, after tomorrow you go to school, is that clear?
Ephram: Crystal
Amy: Hey Ephram (quietly)
Ephram: Listen Amy, I don't need your pity...you weren't talking to me before so you don't need to talk to me now...
Amy: I know...but you were there for me when I was going through the same thing...I just wanted to be there for you...I know what you're going through Ephram...I know how much it hurts-the fear, the pain...everything
Ephram: (laughed to himself) Kind of ironic isn't it? I mean your boyfriend in a coma last year, my girlfriend in a coma this year....
Amy: That's not funny Ephram...
Ephram: (slammed his locker shut) I know it's not funny! It's anything but funny! (he punched his locker and didn't notice the pain, everyone was staring at him) It should have been me...I was in the car, why wasn't it me!? She didn't deserve this! (he turned around leaning against his locker and slid down it, covering his tear-filled eyes with his hands)
At that moment Amy saw how much Ephram truly loved Madison, she knew that he liked her, but had no idea his feelings were this strong, this real.
Amy: You didn't deserve it either Ephram!
Ephram was crying in his hands, everyone was watching him, including Bright who was making his way through the crowd.
Bright: Ok folks, shows over! Everyone go back to your own mini dramas...(he turned around and faced Ephram) C'mon man (he pulled Ephram to his feet)
Ephram: What are you doing?
Bright: Saving what dignity you have left
Ephram: (wiping the tears away) I don't give a shit about dignity
Bright: C'mon
Bright led Ephram to the bathroom.
Bright: Now clean yourself up, we're gonna be late
Ephram: You think I care about class right now? If you're so worried about being late, go...I'm fine
Bright: Yeah, I can see that...so how is she? (as Ephram splashed his face with water)
Ephram: She's in a coma, how do you think she is?
Bright: Ok dude, sorry...just askin'
Ephram: ( drying his face off with a paper towel) What are people saying?
Bright: That you and your sister's babysitter got hit by some drunk...
Ephram: So I guess they all think I was crying for nothing?
Bright: Well normally people don't cry when their sister's babysitters are in comas...
Ephram: I gotta get out of here...
He walked out into the hallway and Bright followed, everyone had already gone to class.
Bright: Why are you here anyway? I didn't expect to see you for a while...
Ephram: My dad thinks it will take my mind off things...but obviously it hasn't
Bright: Well you should just leave, go see her...that's what you really want to do
Ephram: I can't...no car, he dropped me off
Bright: (pulling his keys out of his pocket) take mine...I'll get a ride from someone
Ephram: No, I can't do that....
Bright: Yes you can (he grabbed Ephram's hand and put his keys in it)
Ephram: Thanks
Bright: Don't mention it...I gotta get to class...Just drop it off later...
Ephram: Yeah
Bright turned around and walked in the opposite direction down the hall. Ephram made his was out to the parking lot and found Bright's truck. He got to Madison's room and peered through the door, he saw that her parents weren't there so he went in. He sat in his usual seat and grabbed her hand. He looked at her, she looked different, better maybe, he couldn't really tell.
Ephram: You're turning me into quite the rebel...(he smiled, half expecting her to smile back, but when she didn't tears formed in his eyes) a rebel and a wuss...(he sighed) God...Madison, you need to come back, please...I love you so much....(he looked down)
Madison: (weakly) I love you too
Ephram was shocked. He quickly looked up.
Ephram: Oh my god-oh my god, Madison! (he kissed her hand) Oh my god-doctor, I have to get a doctor! (he picked up the emergency button) how the hell do you use these things?
Madison put her hand over his stopping him.
Madison: Ephram calm down...the doctors know I'm awake...
Ephram: What do they have some sort of ESP? (he couldn't stop smiling)
Madison: No...I woke up this morning...I was sleeping when you came in...(she smiled at him)
Ephram: What? Why didn't they call me? They were supposed to call me! I was supposed to be here!
Madison: Relax...
Ephram: Are you ok? Are you gonna be ok? Whats-what's gonna happen now?
Madison: Would you just sit down, I don't have enough energy to keep up with you...
Ephram sat down, but he couldn't stop shaking, he was so happy, he didn't know what to do, he wanted to jump up and scream but he figured the nurses would frown upon it.
Madison: Would you stop shaking? (she put her hand over his)
Ephram: I'm sorry-I-I just, I'm so happy...I can't believe it, you're awake-you're here!
Madison: Yeah...I am
Ephram: So how are you feeling? Any pain?
Madison: Not really, I'm pretty drugged
Ephram: Well that's good
Madison: Ephram...will you stop trying to make casual conversation and just kiss me already?
Ephram: (smiled) you sure you can take it?
Madison: Positive
Ephram stood up and leaned in and kissed her. He kissed her like he never had before.
Madison: (as they pulled away) Wow
Ephram: (smiled) yeah
Madison: I think I have enough energy for one more...
Ephram: I think I can deal with that... (he leaned in and kissed her)
Mrs. Detmer walked into the room just as they kissed. Her jaw dropped, she knew they were together, but seeing them kiss just made it more of a reality. She saw Madison's face after they pulled away, it was the first time she's seen her smile all day. She knocked on the wall. Ephram looked back and quickly sat down.
Madison: Hi mom...
Mrs. Detmer: Madison, you really need to get some rest
Madison: I just woke up...I feel fine
Mrs. Detmer: The doctor said that you need your rest, I think it's best if Ephram leave...
Madison: Ephram just got here, he didn't know I was awake...
Mrs. Detmer: Well now he does, and I think it's time that he go...
Ephram started to get up but Madison gabbed his hand to stop him.
Madison: He's not going anywhere...I want him here
Mrs. Detmer: (cleared her throat) Madison...you need your rest, I don't think you're going to get that by sucking face with some teenaged boy!
Madison was about to argue but Ephram stopped her.
Ephram: Wait-(he looked at Mrs. Detmer) your daughter just wakes up from a coma and you come in here and start an argument? Does that sound right to you? And Madison, you do need your rest and I am a distraction, as much as I want to stay I think I should go and let you sleep...I'll be back as soon as I can...(he gave her a sweet kiss) I love you
Madison: (smiled at him) I love you too
Ephram walked past Mrs. Detmer and out the door.
Mrs. Detmer: (making sure Ephram was out of range) Your relationship with that boy is over...
Madison: I can't believe you! I'm 21 years old, I can date whoever the hell I want to date! And after what he just said, you still want to argue with me? Well you can come back tomorrow...cause like you said, I need my rest.
Madison turned on her side, with her back facing her mother. Mrs. Detmer shook her head and walked out the door.
Ephram drove around Everwood in Bright's truck for the rest of the day, he couldn't stop smiling. He finally dropped of the truck at the Abbot's and started to walk home. He walked with a skip in his step. He even started to whistle, but he got some strange stares so he stopped. He got to his house and shut the door.
Andy: (hearing the door) Ephram is that you?
Ephram: Yup
Andy: (walking into the living room) I just got off the phone with your school...they said you weren't in any of your classes today...where were you?!
Ephram: Madison's awake
Andy: Now that's not an exuse-wait what?
Ephram: (all smiles) Madison's awake! She woke up this morning!
Andy: Oh my god (a huge smile covered his face) is she ok?
Ephram: Yeah, she's great!
Andy: But that still doesn't give you an excuse to just leave school (trying to keep his foot down)
Ephram: Dad will you stop trying to be strict and just enjoy the moment?
Andy: Delia?! Can you come down here please?!
Delia: (coming down the stairs) what?
Ephram: Madison's awake!
Delia: Are you serious?!
Ephram: Yeah
Delia ran downstairs and gave Ephram a hug. Ephram returned the hug without a sarcastic comment.
Delia: Can we go see her?!
Ephram: Not now...she's resting...maybe tomorrow
Delia: When's she coming home?
Andy: Probably not for a while sweetheart...they still have to get her better
Ephram: So are you gonna ground me again?
Andy: I think I'll let it slide...just this once
Ephram: How about twice? I promised her I'd go see her in the morning...
Andy: I guess I have to say yes...I mean if I say no I'm gonna look like the bad guy...but that's it, after tomorrow you go to school, is that clear?
Ephram: Crystal