ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 132

" So , how has today been for you so far, Lyle ? ," Reverend Doctor Jasper Lucas Jr. asked as he and Lyle sat next to  each other in his office , looking out the big picture window.

Lyle focused on the pure blue sky outside with the scattering of white fluffy seeming clouds. As a child he had often wondered if that was the heaven they taught him in church. As an adult he sometimes still wondered that but just kept it to himself for fear of sounding strange or weird. " It's been.... fine. I went to the grocery store. I was going to make sushi for dinner tonight but chickened out. So I'm going to do spaghetti with meatballs, a green salad and bread sticks. Homemade bread sticks. I asked Nigel to text me his recipe for them. I dropped off some clothes at the dry cleaners. I took a walk with the dogs in the park. "

Well , actually, he and Flora walked in the park while old Rufus was carried contently in his arms. His beloved first pet was getting older by the day and it worried him. What if he and Angel lost him one day? What if Flora lost her companion and playmate ?

Jas glanced over at him with a slight smile on his lips. " You're bored out of your head, aren't you? "

Lyle shrugged his shoulders and cut his eyes to him. " No. I mean it's not the most stimulating activities I've ever done. But I'm not bored. Not really bored. "

Just a little bored. He missed his classes. He missed his students. He missed Barrington but when he thought about returning his whole body just locked up on him as the images of that last day flew through his mind. He told the minister that and Jas responded with the simple words that time heals all wounds, physical and emotional.

Lyle laughed softly. " Time? A minor in psychology and that's the best you got, Reverend Jas ? Time heals all wounds? "

Jas laughed as well. " I know. Sometimes the worst issues, the ones our minds think are the worst issues, are solved in the simplest ways. It's true though. Lyle , you are a very sensitive and gentle soul. You can't just see , hear , experience what you did that horrible day and expect to just jump right back into your normal life. I think you did right pulling back a little. Taking a retreat so to speak. And, luckily, Gerald has given you all the time you require to heal. My advice is to not rush it. Enjoy the time away. Relish in it. Let your mind and your soul and your heart heal from this current anguish. When you are ready to return you'll know it. "

" And when exactly will I be ready? "

" I can't tell you that, Lyle. Only you and God know that one. I'm just here as a wingman in this little journey of yours. "

Lyle shook his head. " Well , if I know you could have fooled me. Although..... I'm thinking the craziest thoughts. "

" Like what? "

" Like about doing things I've always considered risky and costly before. Things like parachuting out of a plane with Angel. Buying a motorcycle. Climbing mountains. Going back to school for a masters degree. What do you say about that ? "

Jas murmured," I say do it. All of it. Life is very short. Shorter than we all think it is. Don't waste a single moment on what seems risky, costly , dangerous. Just do the damn thing. " Then the minister slid his eyes upward and said," Sorry, Lord , but some words just apply more than others do. Darn doesn't have the same affect really."