Colin the Second, #14
Original air date: Jan.27, 2003

The scoop: Colin becomes increasingly frustrated with his memory loss; Andy's determined to get Ephram to start playing piano again; Nina's husband, Carl, comes home; Amy and Colin are elected Homecoming King and Queen.

What's up with Andy: Andy's surprised when he awakes one morning to see that Carl, Nina's traveling husband, has returned home. Andy seems happy for Nina, if not a bit uncomfortable with the situation also. Andy then meets with Colin and his mother to discuss Colin's progress. He senses Colin's frustration and reiterates to his mom that Colin shouldn't be in school yet. Although he attempts to explain to her why the situation could be harmful to Colin, she refuses to hear, insisting that Colin needs to get his life back to normal. In addition, every day Andy finds the name of a different piano teacher that he gives to Ephram, trying to rekindle his talent. Delia tells Andy that mom would have just yelled at him. This makes Andy think and he decides not to take no for an answer from Ephram anymore.

What's up with Ephram: Ephram agrees to help Colin study for a test. Eprham's making a point to be there for Colin and enjoys his company as the two of them have many social issues in common. On Homecoming night Bright asks Ephram to go find Colin since he has to escort Amy to the podium soon. Ephram finds Colin sitting alone in Bright's truck and listens as Colin attempts to express himself. Before long he sees that Colin has smashed his fist through the window and has severely cut his hand. Seeing this Ephram rushes to get his father. Needless to say that piano doesn't seem to be a priority in Ephram's life right now. No matter how many piano teachers Andy presents to him, Ephram won't give any a try. One day he comes home and finds that Andy wants to have a "one sided conversation" with him. Ephram's given no choice but to go inside and meet the piano teacher that's waiting for him. When he finally sits down and plays the piano, the most exquisite music pours from his hands.

What's up with Amy: Amy hears that Colin and Ephram will be studying together. She offers to help and is disappointed when her help is refused. She seems uncomfortable with Colin and Ephram's growing friendship. Amy, Bright and all the kids at school take no notice that Colin's struggling and that he's different than he was before. They're all waiting for him to snap out of it and get back to the way he used to be. When Homecoming arrives Amy anxiously awaits Colin's arrivalto no avail. Colin's a no show; therefore Bright assumes his role as big brother and escorts a flustered Amy to the podium.

What's up with Colin: Since Colin used to play on the basketball team he's given the job of timing the team since he can no longer play. He seems extremely frustrated with the pressure of trying to be who he was before the accident. Not knowing who that person was, he grows increasingly angry and even hurls a basketball into the glass case exhibiting past basketball photos and trophies. Although he's reading and studying for his classes he hasn't recovered enough to retain anything he's learning. Even when he goes over to Ephram's to study he can't seem to grasp what he's supposed to do. On the night of Homecoming he's sitting alone in Bright's truck when Ephram hops in next to him. Colin tells Ephram about, Bob, a guy he met at the hospital who was also recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Bob wanted to change his name to Bob the Second since he didn't know whom Bob was but his friends and family refused to acknowledge that. Unless the people who love Colin the most snap out of their denial and see how he's suffering, Colin may possibly be headed for another long stay in the hospital.

What's up with Nina: On the outside it seems as though Nina and Carl couldn't be happier but Nina is thoroughly frustrated with her husband's constant absence. She tells Carl that they can afford the Sporting Goods Store they've been saving up to buy but Carl's not ready to quit his job. Despite Nina's heartfelt proclamations of love and pleading, Carl leaves home yet again.