A/N: Obviously, this title is a play on, "Third Rock From The Sun". ;) I'm glad you liked the last chapter! There weren't a whole lot of reviews, but as long as I'm making the people who do review happy (and myself happy as I'm writing this), I'm good. Divagurl277: Unfortunately, I don't get that channel. :'( I wish I did! colorado2: Oh cool! Thanks for letting me know Julia's maiden name and how they actually met. I feel happy that you kinda like mine better. :-D
4.11 Third Rock From The Sunset
----November 26, 2004----
Ephram froze. Did I just hear my Father correctly? He mentally asked himself. "Do..do you really mean it?" He whispered, reverting back to his 8-year-old self.
Andy nodded, without taking his eyes off his grandchild. "Yes." He answered, calmly. "I.." He paused, trying to formulate the correct words. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have hidden Madison's pregnancy." He padded over to Ephram and gently handed his granddaughter to his son. "If you want to live together, then do it. But make sure that this is the right choice and know that there will be rules." He added, sternly. "Once you have everything worked out, call me. I'll sign whatever you need." He walked to the door. "Come on, Delia."
Delia exchanged hugs with Madison and Amy, gave heartfelt goodbyes to Kelly and Julia, then bid a farewell to the rest of the people in the room. She was met with some type of response, before she left with her Father.
Amy stood to face her Father, expectantly. Nobody had expected the events that had led up to this moment, but now it was all on Harold's shoulders; the final say.
Harold zipped up his coat. "Come on, Rose. We need to get home."
"Harold.." Rose whispered.
"What?" Harold asked, as he reached for the door.
"The apartment." Rose answered, quietly but sternly.
"What about it?"
"What do you have to say?" Rose persisted.
Harold shrugged his shoulders. "I think Dr. Brown said it all, didn't he? We'll discuss the rules when everything is ready." He breathed in. "Until then, I think we should let them handle things."
Amy's jaw lightly dropped open. "Th-thank you, Dad!"
"Yes, well, take care." Harold replied, emotionlessly. "Come, Rose."
"I'll be out in a minute." Rose replied.
Harold simply nodded and left, leaving behind a cold breeze as he shut the door behind him.
"Mom..I-I..don't know what to say!" Amy gasped, as she ran to her Mother and fell into her arms.
"You will, when the time is right." Rose whispered. She hugged her only daughter, with tightness that only she could give. "I love you, Amy."
"I love you too, Mom." Amy replied.
Rose gave a quick kiss to the top of Amy's head. "I better go. Tell Julia that I love her, will you?"
"Of course, Mom." Amy replied.
"Goodbye Ephram, Madison." Rose said. "Good luck." She added, before slipping out the door.
----6:25 P.M.----
Rose and Harold were seated quietly, on their front porch. They were each staring at the gorgeous sunset, that was drifting away at the speed of molasses. Rose reached out, placing her hand over Harold's hand. "Thank you."
Harold looked up, his eyes were clouded with uncertainty. "For what?"
"Giving them a chance." Rose whispered. She gently squeezed the hand of the only man that she'd ever love.
Harold leaned in and gave his wife a kiss. "I'm glad you're happy." He whispered. I just hope it was the right choice.
----
Andy was seated in a chair, in his room, by his window. The shades were open, so that he could watch the sunset. His breathing was slow and steady, but his body was trembling, especially his hands, which held a golden framed photo. His turned the framed picture over and stared into loving eyes of his late wife. "Oh Julia..." He whispered, as small salty droplets splashed onto the glass that covered the photo. "If only you could see him now..If only you could see all of them." His voice cracked with sorrow and pain.
The door cracked open and Delia walked in. "Dad?" She whispered.
Andy quickly wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. "Yeah, Delia?"
"Are you upset?"
"No..Of course not. Why would I be?" He asked, as he quickly turned over the photo and set it on the edge of the window.
Delia padded over to her Father and gave him a hug. "'Cause..." She mumbled.
Andy pulled his youngest child into his lap and wrapped his arms around her tightly, never wanting to loose his baby girl. "'Cause why?"
"'Cause..." Delia replied, as she took the picture and turned it over. "You always turn to Mom for advice when you're upset." She noted, softly. She leaned back into her Father's chest and stared at her Mother's picture. "I miss her."
Andy closed his eyes and imagined some of the happy moments that the entire family spent together. "Me too, Delia..Me too."
----
Madison cradled a picture in her hands, as she sat on her bed, letting the last bit of light from the sunset hit her face, making her tears glisten. Strands of her flowing blonde hair were stuck to her face and her eyes weren't keeping her painful memories hidden right now. Her hands shook, as her fingers unwrapped themselves from the tattered photo. It was a picture of her and Ephram, on a sunny day at the park. We were so happy. She thought, as she collapsed into her pillow and let her sobs come freely, but it was only her that could hear them, through the thick cotton.
----
Amy and Ephram were seated on the steps, leading up to their new apartment. The night air was chilly, yet calm. Ephram had his arm wrapped protectively around his bride-to-be. They were watching he brilliant reds, yellows, pinks, and violets swirl in the sky as the sun sunk down.
"This looks so beautiful." Amy whispered, as she leaned closer into Ephram. "It makes it seem as if everything will be okay."
"It will be." Ephram insisted, as he gave a reassuring rub to Amy's arm. "You, Julia, Kelly, Madison....me..Everything will work itself into place."
Amy smiled. "I hope so."
"Well I know so." Ephram replied, with confidence. He could feel a new hope and faith, churning in his body. He was sure that everything would be fine. Maybe not now, but soon. He leaned in, planting a long and passionate kiss onto Amy's delicate lips.