Chapter 2
They made their way down the long hallway of Julliard. Claire walked confidently beside Ephram, her cane coming in contact with everything in her path. Ephram walked nervously beside the girl. He had never known anyone who was blind before. And he had definitely never walked anywhere with one. Was he supposed to do anything special?
"So what were you doing in the piano room?"
"Huh?" Ephram was caught off guard. "Oh, I was going to practice. Professor Zeleski told me I could use that piano."
"Oh, same here. The man is like eighty. He must've forgot. We'll have to take shifts." She laughed to herself. Ephram smiled. Her whole face lit up when she laughed. "So you're a pianist too? How long have you been playing?"
"Forever, I can't remember a time when I didn't play," Ephram explained. This statement was true. It had come to him as easy as breathing.
"So, Ephram, where are you from?"
"Colorado, Everwood Colorado," he answered, staring at her cane.
"Everwood, sounds like something from Little House on the Prairie." Her face lit up once again as she laughed at her joke.
"Pretty close to. I'm actually from New York, so when my dad moved my sister and I there, I hated it. But I've gotten used to it. I even kind of like it now, but don't tell my dad. Oh, watch out for that..." Her cane came in contact with a large filing cabinet against the wall. She made her way around it. "You're awesome at that!" he complimented her technique.
"Thanks," she laughed aloud, "I've used my cane all my life. Its like my third leg.
His eyes remained on her cane. He was beginning to feel more comfortable with her, but he still had a nervous feeling walking with her. What if she ran into something? Does she need help with her food? "So, um, where are you from?"
"California, San Diego actually,"
"A California girl. Should I be worried?"
She found humor in his joke, "No, not from this one."
Ephram was surprised by how comfortable he felt with her. He could talk to her with ease. She was just like any other high school girl. They made their way outside the building and approached a cross-walk. "Um, we're coming up to a crossing."
"Oh, ok, thanks." She seemed to know exactly where to stop. Ephram peered across the street and saw their signal. "We can..." But the girl had already stepped off the curb. She had known exactly when to go. When they had made it safely to the other side, he questioned her, "Ok, are you really blind?"
"Yes," she laughed, "I knew to go because my parallel street surged."
Ephram made a blank stare at her but realizing that she could not read his face, he said, "And that means...?"
"I listen for the left-hand turners to go and then I go with the cars on my parallel street."
"Oh, that make sense."
"No, I'm psychic. I know when things are going to happen."
"Well, I've heard things about Californians." They both laughed.
"Well, I know I've amazed you with my wonderful mobility skills, but from here I'm a little lost. I've only eaten at the cafe a few times in the last few weeks. Can you guide me?"
"Um, sure, do you, um, want to um, take my hand?" he questioned nervously.
"Your arm please. Here I'll show you the proper way to guide someone who is blind. Can I have your arm?" She found his hand and followed it up to right above his elbow. "This is the correct form. I'm always a step behind you so you can warn me about what is coming up. If we enter a door just put your arm behind you and I know to go behind you. If we approach steps, please let me know."
A look of concern came over Ephram's face. Could he lead her correctly? Could he remember all that? What if he made her fall? As if she could read his mind, she said, "Don't worry. You'll be great."
They began to walk and make their way down the busy New York sidewalk. They finally approached the cafe and made their way inside. They approached the counter and Ephram looked at Claire, "Um, do you want me to read the menu?"
"Yes please. Do they have burgers? I love burgers."
"Um, yeah, they have a classic burger or a cheese burger or a bacon burger or..."
"Oooo, that sounds good. I think I'll get that."
"Ok, we'll take two bacon burgers."
"Hey, what are you doing? I can order for myself."
"No, its on me."
"No, I don't want to put you out."
"Hey, you can treat next time."
She reluctantly agreed. They received their meal and made their way to a table in the corner. The place was called a cafe but it was more of a fast food joint. It was a common hang out for Julliard students.
"So what is your sister's name?"
"What, how do you know I have a sister?"
"When I asked you where you were from you said that your dad had moved you and your sister to Everwood."
"Oh, yeah, Delia. She's younger than me. She's still in grade school. Do you have any siblings?"
"Um, five siblings. Two sisters and three brothers."
"Wow! How do your parents keep up with them?"
"I love big families. I couldn't imagine being part of a small family."
"How old are they?"
"My brother Jason is the oldest. He is 22. Then my sister April who is 19, then me, then my brother Austin who is 12, and last are my twin brother and sister, Kevin and Rachel who are 9."
Ephram sat at the table with his mouth open. Claire sensed his amazement and laughed. "That's my family!"
The two walked back to Julliard and went their separate ways. Ephram could not get his mind off the girl. She was amazing.
