ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 32

Matilda entered the assistant headmaster's office with more than a little bit of apprehension building within her. She had been planning the perfect way to spring the baby news on Nicholas when she had gotten a call from Oscar requesting that she attend an urgent meeting about Mary's attendance. It was all so very annoying to her. She had assumed that with Mary and Niles married with a baby and living elsewhere that she wouldn't be disturbed by these school things anymore. Why couldn't Nance handle it? , she thought with irritation. The old lady was Mary's granny and she actually lived with them. What on earth did she know about her daughter's attendance? For the life of her she did not even know why Mary was still in school anyway. Matilda remembered that she had dropped out gladly at the age of sixteen. Life was so much more interesting, fun and profitable without worrying about school.

As she saw Oscar standing up from the chair behind his desk she suddenly felt weak in the knees. It was something about his big innocent brown eyes and that soft vulnerable smile on his face. It almost made her want to just forget about Nicholas and toss herself in his arms, telling him about their change of life baby. Then she remembered that he was more house rich than money rich. And she thought of all of Nicholas's lovely billions just waiting for her.

" Hello, Oscar ," she said in what she hoped was a neutral and non seductive voice. " You mentioned wanting me to come by about my Mary ? Attendance is it this time? "

Oscar stumbled over to close the door securely before turning to her with hurt shining in his eyes. " Why are you avoiding me? What did I do? I thought we were having.... I don't know..... fun. "

Matilda sighed. " Oh , Oscar , this isn't about Mary , is it ? "

Oscar looked embarrassed and stared down at his feet. " No. It's about.... about us..... What happened? "

Matilda forced herself not to look straight into his eyes as she lied ," Nothing happened. We did have fun but it's over, love. " Wait..... Maybe calling him love wasn't the best move. " Oscar, it's been grand but I have found someone else. I'm just not interested in you anymore. "

Oscar looked like he was about to cry. His lips trembled as he gazed at her like a very wistful puppy dog. She actually hated herself for just a brief moment. "Someone else ? Who? "

Matilda continued to lie ," Nicholas Volkouv. I am pregnant with his baby. So you see there's nothing for us, you and me, really. Is there? "