Chapter 3 - A Void in my Heart

When Ephram woke up the next morning, after a night of thinking, he wasn't surprised his mood was the same as the day before. No matter how much he tried to find awswers to his questions, he couldn't find something satifying.

When he got into the jazz bar to meet Todd, his mind was still off. A fact that Todd noticed immediatly.

TODD: What's up with you today ?

EPHRAM: No, I'm fine, I just... no, nevermind. let's play.

TODD: no,no,no, you know as well as I do that you can't play if you're a wreck. If you can't play, I waste my time and my time's precious, man. Not that I don't enjoy your company. So tell me what's on your mind. The sooner we solve your problems, The sooner I can make fun of you... (Ephram smiles)... come on, tell me !

EPHRAM: It's not a problem really... lately, I just feel kinda…lost. I don't know why.

TODD : why ?

EPHRAM: I just told you i don't know.

TODD: I know. But that's not really true, is it ? (ephram nods) So why ?

EPHRAM: well, I'm thinking about coming back to Everwood (pause) but I'm not sure i can handle being in the same town as my father.

TODD: So why do you want to go back ?

(Ephram looks at Todd)

TODD: okay, is this about this amy girl ? (pause) you miss her?

EPHRAM: (hesitate for a second) kind of, yeah. But it's not just about her. It's a general state. I just don't feel home here, no offense.

TODD: not taken.

EPHRAM: It's just that... I can't stay here forever, you know. Living in my little bubble.

TODD: but i like the bubble, the bubble is always fun.

EPHRAM: (smiles) no, seriously. What am i gonna do here ? Just play in this bar forever until people get bored with me ?

TODD: it works for me.

EPHRAM: yeah, i know. It's just... i don't feel it's my place to be. There's something missing. I don't know exaclty what that is.

TODD: well, there's been some hints that it's actually a cute blonde girl...

EPHRAM: (smiles) You know, some people do have other interests besides girls… and by the way, she's more than cute.

TODD: (smiling but making fun of ephram) yeah, I'm sure. (more serious) Listen. Just listen to what your heart has to say. If it tells you to go back, just go back and see what happens. It worked for the piano. And if that doesn't work, it doesn't and you can come back right here. I still have some stuff to show you.

EPHRAM: yeah, i guess you're right. (Ephram thinks)

TODD: so are we gonna play or what ?

(Ephram gets out of his thought, smiles and go the piano) he'll have time to figure things out later.

A few days later, Heathrow Airport.

Todd and ephram are walking in the airport, looking for the check-in hall.

TODD: so that was a quick decision...

EPHRAM: kind of. Like you said. I already knew what i wanted. I think it's time for me to face my life, you know...(they smile) thanks for driving me here anyway.

TODD: please, you probably would be lost by now if I wasn't there

(They arrived at the door and Ephram checked-in)

TODD : So, if anything's weird or wrong, you know you can come back here. Now, you actually have a friend here... man, you're really not a people person... 4 months, only one friend !

EPHRAM: (smiles) tell me about it : In everwood, 3 in 3 years...that's not too bad so I guess I've improved.

TODD: (laugh) yeah, you're right ! So... i guess good luck

EPHRAM: yeah, thanks... and thanks again for, you know...everything

TODD: no problem.

EPHRAM: So you know, maybe i'll see you in an USA tour or something...

TODD : yeah, right... bye ephram

EPHRAM: bye (they hugged like boys do and Todd left)

When ephram sat on the plane, he was a little stressful and anxious and scared. But somehow, he knew, in his heart, he was making the right choice...he took a deep breath and realized he was actually happy to come back to Everwood, a feeling he never thought he could feel again when he left 4 months ago...