ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 80

At Cassandra's coldly spoken statement the dining room became very quiet and extremely tense.

The one who broke the tension was Reese Malden who slowly removed his sunglasses and stared at his fellow co president with his red rimmed bleary brown eyes. He said slowly and softly," You are a bitch. My own mother Delia can be a piece of work but she's nothing on you. I wasn't going to come tonight. I was going to leave the PTA but not anymore. I can't let someone as rude and bigoted and mean spirited as yourself lead this group. "

Cassandra pursed her lips and her eyes flashed furiously at him. " Excuse me? I don't care who you think you are. I will not be talked to in that fashion in my own home. "

Reese slammed the tabletop with his hand. The sharply sounded movement had everyone jumping slightly.

Spencer and Michael exchanged glances with each other.

Michael said softly as he gently touched Reese on the arm ," It's okay, Reese. It's....."

Reese shook the other man off as though he was just a fly that landed on him. " No. No , Michael. It's not okay. Far from it. This.... woman..... This repulsive woman had us all leave our homes and our ..... our families to do what? Listen to her complaining about perfectly reasonable books that harm nobody. Listen to her insults. I just lost my husband. I could be writing his eulogy ! I could be making sure my niece is not having a wild party. " He pointed his shaking finger at Cassandra's cool face. " There is nothing wrong with LGBT books or Black books or Captain Underpants. Although I do believe Captain Underpants may be a little young for middle school students. There is nothing wrong with children being educated about all the realities of life. Life is difficult. Difficult enough without people like you. Life is violent . Life is hard. Life is..... I..... I....."

Spencer looked at Reese with compassion in his blue bespectacled eyes. So did Michael. " Michael is right. It will be alright, Reese. It may not seem like it now but it will. "

Michael said," Yes. It will. It just takes time. I know. My parents were murdered in a robbery when I was so very young. I.... I am available to talk to if you need. "

Spencer nodded. " I am not the best at emotional support but I can listen. People think I can't but I can. I understand our violent world better than most. " He paused. " Actually I don't understand it but I can still listen. "

Elizabeth licked her lips slowly. " I .... I do offer my condolences on your loss, Mr. Malden. "

Cassandra sighed dramatically. " Can we please get back to the business of the meeting? This is not a group therapy session."

Reese shook his head. " I apologize. I plan on participating in the PTA but I can't be here now. Not now. I'm sorry. "

He stood up and made a move to exit the room. Then he turned back to look first at Michael and then Spencer. He tried to smile but it seemed to fail on his face. " Thank you."