ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON TEN

Episode 31

" Is Nicholas Volkov my father? ," Nigel asked his mother over the phone as he prepared a winter kale salad for the family dinner that night at Andrew and Glory's house. He was feeling a little better since taking a brief nap after Richard had went off jogging. He was amused that his husband was now jogging since the man had never shown much of an interest in fitness before. He smiled faintly as he thought of the Christmas gift he was going to give him. Something that he could jog or at least walk with. The most adorable little Labradoodle puppy that was currently waiting secretly at a Montgomery County kennel until Christmas Eve when he would reveal him to Richard. It was the perfect gift since they had discussed getting a dog for protection after the gay bashing plus it was hypoallergenic for his pesky asthma. And the kids would love it.

Matilda was quiet for a long time. Then she sighed deeply. " Yes. Why do you ask ? "

He finished the salad and slid the big bowl into the stainless steel refrigerator to keep it chilled. Then he wiped his hands on a kitchen towel as he sat at the kitchen table, leaning back in the chair and crossing his ankles under the table. " I ask because he made contact with me. He was actually at the hospital after the bombing at the school. He's the fiance of DuBuis' mum. He wants me to do a DNA test on Monday. Why did you not tell me everytime I asked you for information on him ? "

He didn't want to sound like he was accusing her of anything. He just needed to know. He was tired of her secrets and he was equally tired of all the gaps in his past. Having lupus made him more determined to know all of his family background. He needed to know his family tree. Where he came from.

Matilda snapped tersely," Why I didn't tell you is my business. Not yours , Nicholas. "

" My name is Nigel. "

" I'm perfectly aware of that fact , son. I don't want to be rude but the less you know about your father the better. He's..... not all he seems to be. "

Nigel was starting to feel tired again. He looked at the clock in the kitchen on the wall. It was getting close to his next pill time. He was becoming an old hat at popping these things really. " I need to take my medicine, Mum. But before I go I need to know. What makes him not all he seems? "

Matilda was again very quiet. So quiet he thought she had hung up on him. He was about to hang up himself when finally she said with another sigh,"  I'm not perfect either. But neither is Nick. If you want to know about the man ask him. All I can tell you is he can be dangerous. Very dangerous. " She paused. " But he can also be very loving. Very kind. Sweet. I see so much of you in him. I loved him. Once. Now off you go to take your pills. My love to the children and that husband of yours. I shall see you tonight. "

Then she did hang up. And he sat while mentally pondering both of his parents. Matilda Swan and Nicholas Volkou.

Who exactly were they? And did he really want to know?