ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON SIX

Episode 4

Monday September 9, 2024

" Are you sure you have an extra uniform in your locker, Pumpkin? ," Richard asked his daughter for the third time as the three of them were eating breakfast in the kitchen the next day. Nigel had awakened more refreshed and with a bit of energy so he had cooked blueberry pancakes in the shape of Scooby Doo, turkey sausage links, turkey bacon and scrambled eggs which they all enjoyed.

Rebecca rolled her eyes at her father as she ate the last bite of pancake. " Yesssss , Daddy. I told you I did. Mommy said you never listen. Nigel, these pancakes are so good. Mommy never makes me pancakes. She doesn't like breakfast. We always just eat cereal or a fruit salad. "

Nigel finished off his coffee. " I can't take much credit, sweetie. I found the recipe on Google. Speaking of Google, Richard, baby , I found the perfect suit at the Stern's Department Store over at the Mall at Prince George's. I'm definitely getting that today along with Miss Rebecca's dress and shoes. "

Rebecca bounced in her chair and clapped her hands merrily. " I love weddings! I've never been a flower girl before. Can I get my hair done, Daddy? "

Richard smiled gently at his daughter. " Why not? I'll talk to your mother about you getting it done tomorrow. If I pay there should be no problem. "

Nigel smiled as Rebecca asked," And can I get a manicure? And a pedicure? And can I wear makeup? "

Richard laughed and said," No. Don't push your luck , Pumpkin. "

Rebecca pouted and went off to get her overnight bag from her bedroom. " Adults are so mean. "

Nigel laughed as he got up to clear the table. " I can't wait till she turns sixteen. "

" Oh , I can wait," Richard grumbled just as his phone rang. He glanced at it. His brow furrowed. A unfamiliar 240 number. Hmmm. He answered it cautiously," Good morning. "

A rather hoarse male voice said," Is this Richard Norland? "

Richard said," Yes. It is. Who is this? "

The man let out a stressed sounding breath of air over the phone. He sounded like he had been crying. " This is Winston Arnett. You don't know me. I've been seeing your former wife. "

Richard sat up straighter in his chair and took a sip of his coffee. " And ? "

" Is Rebecca with you? "

Richard thinned his lips. " I don't believe that is your concern or business but yes she is. Why are you calling me? "

Nigel was stacking dirty dishes in the dishwasher carefully and lifted his head to look at Richard. His fiance sounded very tense.

" I'm calling you because..... because..... last night Sarah was in a car accident. She was hit by a damn bus coming back from my house. " The man sounded choked up and angry. " She.... she...... is dead. She died instantly. Her parents are dead. She has no siblings. I thought you should know. And I wanted to make sure Rebecca is ok. That's why I called. Good bye. "

Richard was stunned beyond belief and speechless as he lowered the phone down to the table. He could not quite believe what he had heard just now.

His ex wife was dead. Sarah was dead.

He hadn't loved her in a long time but they had been married for ten years and shared a daughter that they both adored. He didn't love her but a small part of him hurt knowing she was gone.

Nigel saw the pained expression on Richard's face and hurried to his side. " Baby, what's wrong? Who was on the phone? "

Richard looked at the man who currently owned his heart and who he had almost lost not that long ago. He reached for his hand. " Nigel, Sarah is dead. "

" What! ," Nigel exclaimed as he sat back down in his chair before he fell down from shock. " How ? She was healthy. She was only what forty two, three ? "

" Forty four. She was a little older than me. She died in a car accident. She was hit by a bus. "

Nigel shivered at the words " car accident" and his hand instinctively went to his deformed face. " Dear God. Richard..... Dear God..... Rebecca. "

Richard nodded and lifted Nigel's hand to his lips for a tender kiss.

Rebecca indeed.

How was he ever going to be able to tell his nine year old daughter that her mother was dead?

Rebecca bounced into the kitchen. " I'm ready for school, Daddy ! "