Odds of Love: Past Wounds

Episode 24

" So you should really come to Zora Mayfield's pool party on Saturday," tall blond eight grader Kyle Samson said with a smile and a wink as he leaned closer to Theodore Rochester who sat by himself in his uniform of dark green blazer, red button down shirt and black slacks at a back table in the Barrington Academy cafeteria. " It's not just for sixth grade like her. Nah. My cousin's parties attract  the whole school. And her parents are fire. They don't stick around bothering us. Like some. But if you come don't tell your parental authorities about not having any adults there cause you know how old people are. They're so basic."

Theodore licked his lips nervously. A party? Him at a party? Nobody had ever invited him to a party before. Even back in California. He wasn't really the party type of person. He didn't even know what to do at any parties. And why would they want him there? Nobody liked him. Right? Nobody ever liked him.

" Ummm , " he stuttered as he stared into the boy's big sky blue eyes. His big brilliant sky blue eyes. He was so cute. Even more cute than Sol Klein next door.

Snap out of it , he told himself. Surfer looking types like Kyle were never into guys like him. He was just a geek whose own family hated him. He knew this.

" Say you'll come. I'll be there. " Kyle winked at him and his mouth went dry.

Theodore blinked his eyes behind his glasses and took a long gulp of milk before saying," I.... I can't sssswim. "

Kyle smiled sweetly at him and reached out to stroke his face. " Don't worry. There'll be other fun. And I heard your... what is she.... your cousin? I heard she was going to be there. And.... I will teach you to swim. I should have some trunks that will fit you. "

Theodore knew he should say no. Especially if Luci would be there. He knew she hated him. He wasn't sure how he felt about her but if she hated him he sure as hell wasn't going to love her. Why should he ? He should say no.

But as he stared deeper into those eyes and watched those delicious looking lips what came out of his mouth was " ok , why not, I'll come ".

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( Texts )

Richard: Niles, since you're the oldest I want to let you and your brother know that I am getting married again. And I would love it if you both chose to attend Barrington Academy here in Virginia. It's a lot closer. We can see each other more. I can easily arrange it with your mothers and the school.

Niles : I already know. Mother found out from Grandmother. They said you are gay now and marrying a man that's just out for your money. That's nasty. You're sick. Lewis thinks so. Hell no we're not wanting to be close to you. Pervert. And yeah we're not going to your sick wedding. I knew you were a bad father but least I thought you were a real man. Don't text me again, old man.

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Richard: Dad , I was going to announce it on Sunday but I figured why wait ? I'm bisexual and I am in love with Nigel Hawthorne -Cyrus. He's not a gold digger. He's a good man. For some reason he loves me. Maybe that's wrong but I am happy. I've never been happy before.

Andrew: Congratulations, son. Nigel seems like a good guy.

Richard: Thank you.

Richard: Dad. I don't have a lot of friends. I don't have any really beyond colleagues and clients. I don't know how to ask. You can say no. You probably will.

Richard: Will you be my best man? Please.

Richard lowered the phone and his head at the same time. He was glad that Nigel had gone out to the Trader Joe's for groceries in preparation for Rebecca's visit. The response from his sixteen year old son Niles was not unexpected but it hurt him. He was surprised at just how much it hurt him.

Tears filled his eyes and he lifted his hand to wipe them away.  Neither of his sons had even called him after his heart attack. Was he really that awful of a father?

His phone rang shrilly and he answered it , saying more sharply than he wanted," Yes ? "

It was his father.

Andrew just said one word. " Yes. "