ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 101

" Dad ? ," Richard heard from behind him as he was responding to emails at his desk in the study. He had been pleasantly surprised and a little nervous to find one from the governor's office. Apparently his appointment as a district court judge had been approved with no real issues or dissent by the state senate. He had feared his lingering memory issues would hold it up or cancel it. Not that it affected his legal ability for some reason. Although apparently it wasn't an applicable issue to them. He suspected his father in law had had a hand in it though. He would be sworn in next week actually.

He looked up at his young son who was looking pale faced but not as weak as he feared he would continue to be in spite of having survived a shooting and two operations. He was happy at how strong the boy was. " Yes , son , are you alright? Are you having pain? "

Lewis smiled slightly at him as he gingerly approached the desk while wearing his superhero pajamas. " I know you said me and the others don't have to go to the funeral. I mean Richie doesn't want to go. And neither does Rebecca. They're mad at Diamond for..... what she did..... But I want to go. "

Richard was slightly stunned. He was going to the girl's funeral today but alone. Nigel was still in the hospital and not up to it plus he had had  an elaborate flower display sent to both the Dennis home and the funeral home. And they had both agreed that the children should remain home. Richie had witnessed not only the suicide but Lewis getting shot. The boy wouldn't talk to anyone about it but they suspected it was wearing on his mind. And they didn't think the funeral of a classmate was the proper surroundings for any child. " Are you sure? Lewis.... , you don't have to go. Nobody expects you to be there. "

Lewis blinked the Norland grey eyes. " I know." He stood up straight with his shoulders back and proud. For just a second, a fleeting second, Richard saw a glimpse of the young man his second born son would  grow into one day in the near future. The too near future. In the same second he saw in his mind a flash of Lewis blowing out the candles on his fifth birthday cake that was in the shape of a dinosaur. " I want to be there. I ..... I liked Diamond. She wasn't as bad if she wasn't around Zora. She was nice. Sometimes. And funny. I.... I don't hate her for what she did to me. I feel sorry for her. I want to say goodbye. Richie can't understand why. I just do. "

Richard suddenly felt like crying. Not necessarily tears of sadness but tears nonetheless. He felt like his son was growing up and he wanted to stop it. He didn't want him to grow up. He wanted Lewis to stay his little guy forever. He wiped his eyes and asked softly," Would you be embarrassed if I hugged you? Are you too big at thirteen for hugs from your old man? "

Lewis didn't answer. He just looked at his father. Then he rushed into his waiting arms for a long solid supportive hug.

Richard whispered," You can go with me but if you need to leave just tell me. "