ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON ELEVEN

Episode 65

That afternoon as Gerald arrived back home he was tired and parts of his body he didn't know he actually had hurt him severely. Yet he still felt good. He knew it was too early for real change but after a hour long exercise session with Rocky that included stretching, the treadmill and a rousing go on the exercise bike he felt oddly good about himself.

He had actually joined a gym and exercised for a hour. In front of people that looked like they were way too fit to still be worried about exercising. He had done it without passing out or dropping dead. Both of which had crossed his mind frankly.

He had even started eating better. A cantaloupe and a plain ordinary oatmeal in the morning for breakfast. For lunch before the gym he had stopped by a little cafe nearby for a small salad and a similarly small sandwich on wheat bread. And no snacking between meals. He had even told, asked, Cook in the kitchen to take all the unhealthy stuff out of the house. He did not care where it went. He just wanted it gone. He had given her a list of healthy items to purchase for meal times. He thought he had shocked her. He had never in his life been on a genuine diet.

He was about to enter his bathroom for a nice long leisurely bubble bath to soak his exercise induced aches and pains when he noticed his phone had a missed call from Alfred earlier when he was on the bike. But no voicemail.

He swallowed hard. At that time of day the man should have been at school about to start homeroom activities. He hoped nothing was wrong. He checked the time on his phone. It was free period for staff and students alike so he decided to call him.

It was answered almost immediately.

Alfred said in a faint and almost distant voice," Hello , Gerald. How are you feeling? "

Gerald was slightly concerned. Alfred did not seem himself. " Tired. But content. How are you? You called me earlier? Is everything alright? "

Alfred paused for too long and his concern grew. He wished he was with the man personally so he could hold him. Then as he spoke again his voice sounded like he was fighting back tears. " I'm.... not ok. I'm sorry to intrude on you. You need to rest after the surgery and all. I.... My Momma ..... She is sick. She has stage three breast cancer and is having surgery tomorrow. " Then his voice broke off in a muffled sob. " I don't want to lose my mother. If I do what else do I have left? "

Gerald lowered himself on the closed toilet seat in the bathroom and took a deep breath. He liked Glory Norland. And her husband. Heck. The whole family he was growing fond of. " Your mother will be fine. Medical technology is becoming very advanced with the treatment for cancer. And she seems to be a very strong woman. As for what do you have left without her in your life...... You have your stepfather. Your sister. Your friends. "

Then he stopped talking and flushed red in the face. Thank God this was not video chat. "And you have me. I care for you very deeply. You will always have me in your life. I promise you that. "

Alfred sniffed. " Thank you. I'm sorry to moan all over you. You did help me. It helps just hearing your voice. "

" I'm glad. I.... I l..... I would like to be there with you and your family tomorrow when your mother has surgery. I assume you will be there. Which you should. Feel free to call in for the day. We can find a proper substitute for you. "

" You would do that? Be there for us ? Thank you, Gerald. I would love to have you there. I'll text you all the information. " His voice fell away gradually. Then he spoke again softly. " I love you, Gerald HighTower. "

Then he hung up before Gerald could respond.