ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON ELEVEN

Episode 111

Nigel felt like the ground was opening and sucking him down into some terrible black hole. Some vortex or other. Some dreadful universe where apparently his own husband had forgotten him. Had forgotten everything.

He squeezed his hand. " What do you mean? You are Richard Norland. You're a lawyer and senior partner of a very good law firm. You're my husband. My name is Nigel. You are the father of Rebecca and Lewis. " He pointed a shaky finger at Lewis who stood back silently. " You are the father of Niles. The foster father of Richie and Tanisha. Your parents are Doris and Andrew. Your siblings Spencer and Lorraine. Certainly you remember all this. "

Richard looked oddly frightened and he tried to pull his hand away from Nigel who just clutched it even more firmer. " I.... I....."

The doctor shook his head and clicked his teeth. " Don't overwhelm him , Mr. Norland. As a result of the gunshot wound he seems to have sustained a bit of memory loss. It may just be temporary. Or it may be permanent. Time will tell. " He leaned closer to Richard and looked into his eyes. " Do you know what year this is, sir ?"

" 2025. "

" Good. " He took out a small light from his white lab coat and flashed it into Richard's eyes briefly. " What state is this? "

" I..... I ..... Wait. Maryland. I'm in Maryland? "

" Yes. You are. Who is the current president? "

Richard hesitated and Nigel squeezed his hand. " Walker Brandon. I think I voted for him but I am a registered Republican. I think."

His grey eyes met Nigel's worried eye.

Nigel said," Yes. You are but mainly fiscally conservative. You're socially liberal. And you voted for him twice. You like his politics even though he's democrat. "

Lewis looked scared with big wide eyes as he stared at his father.

Richard asked," Why can't I remember anything about my own life? " He glanced at Nigel. " I can't remember you. You are my..... husband ? I have children? A family? I'm gay ?"

Nigel wanted to cry. He wanted his husband back but not like this. Richard forgot him. How could he forget him ? Forget everything?

" Yes. Well you are bi. Not gay. You came out not long before we got married. You have been married three times before me with a child from each marriage. My name is Nigel. This is Lewis. He's thirteen. I..... I love you. "

Richard still looked confused but he almost instinctively drew closer to Nigel. " I..... I still..... Nigel. Nigel. I think I like that name. "

Then his face paled. " Is Spencer alright? "