ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON TEN

Episode 3

Andrew Norland had his phone turned off because he was reclined on his couch in the living room. His hip was aching more today and all he wanted was to rest and relax just for a few hours without any interrupting from anyone. He didn't want to go to the hospital. It seemed like lately with his family they all lived at that place, and he didn't particularly like doctors much. With the exception of his son in law DuBuis but he saw the man as more of a son than just a doctor. Doctors to him never really listened to patients much. Look how long it had taken Nigel to get his lupus diagnosed properly. If it hadn't been for Richard being persistent and making his husband go to more specialists they never would have known beyond just anemia.

Besides what could they do for his pain beyond maybe pain pills, he thought as he switched on the tv to the Price Is Right. And as a recovering drunk he refused to take anything that interfered with his judgement and whatnot. The most he would take is aspirin and he already had popped a couple a bit ago. He just needed rest today. It was beginning to ease a little already.

He shifted uncomfortably on the couch as he waited for the game show to continue but instead of the cheerful funnyman host he saw a Breaking News from the local news station. Dear God, what now ? , he mused. His wife was right earlier. Yes. The world had always been dangerous but it seemed to get more so every day. Or maybe he was just getting too old.

Then as the on site reporter's words registered within his head he realized they were talking about a possible bombing at Barrington Academy in Hyattsville.

Sweet Jesus.

Not the school where his grandchildren attended. Richard's children and foster son. Spencer's children. Where DuBuis and Alfred worked. What the hell was going on? , he thought with urgent alarm as he sat up abruptly, forgetting all about the ache which didn't matter anymore.

He reached for his phone on the coffee table and switched it on. Once it fully came on he saw so many missed calls and texts.

Glory.

Spencer.

DuBuis.

Richard.

Nigel.

Matilda.

Even Rebecca, Lewis and Luci.

His phone rang shrilly and he answered it without checking who was ringing him. " Yes ? What's going on? ," he asked more abruptly than usual.

It was Spencer and he sounded like he was crying. " Dad. Dad , something happened at the school. Theodore is hurt. I'm heading to St. Paul's. Don't call Lorraine. That bitch doesn't deserve to call herself his mother. She hates that boy and I don't know why. There's nothing wrong with him. Except.... that we may lose him. "

As he stood up and searched for his keys he said," I'm about to leave for the hospital myself. It will be ok , son. I promise. "

He hoped he hadn't just lied to his son.