ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 129

Thursday September 25 , 2025

" You think she is faking ," Gerald said point blank as he stood in front of the mirror in their bedroom adjusting his necktie. His eyes in the mirror went to Alfred who sat on the bed putting on his hated sneakers with the velcro fastenings.

Alfred yawned. He was exhausted but he was not going to miss any more work. His kids at school didn't deserve to be afterthoughts in his life no matter what was going on with his family. And he missed being in the classroom teaching. He didn't understand exactly how Lyle could just walk away from the school like he had. Plus he also had to get in touch with Tony about the boys. Dodie certainly couldn't take care of them. Even with being free from jail. And his mother's cancer was improving but he couldn't see her or Andrew keeping up with three rowdy rather devious children daily. He also couldn't see Tony wanting to be responsible for all six of his kids. He suppressed a sigh. He sensed that the kids were going to be with him and Gerald for a while.

" I don't want to think she is faking..... whatever she is experiencing. I just know my sister. She's always been.... a little dramatic, I guess the word is. "

Gerald picked up his suit jacket from the back of an armchair nearby in the room and slung his arms into it casually. " Dramatic. Yes. I see your sister as being dramatic but..... , Alfred , do you really think she is capable of pulling off something like this? I mean , she's deliberately deceiving your mother and trained doctors not to mention you and her children. What do the doctors say? "

Alfred shook his head in bemusement. "I think my sister is capable of a lot of things really. I love her but I don't totally trust her. Not really. Growing up she was always sneaky. Devious. Spoiled. She was the perfect Giadello. I'm surprised she's not working for the company really. " He put his hands firmly on his walker and gripped it tightly. " And , the doctor at the hospital ran a lot of tests on her yesterday. MRI. Cat scan. They think it's traumatic brain injury or something like that. Like Richard's amnesia but where he couldn't remember people in his life she has regressed. To the age of sixteen where frankly she was worse than she is now."

Gerald pursed his lips as he glanced at his fiance who looked perplexed and worried. " Well. What is going to happen to her? "

Alfred sighed. " She'll stay in the hospital until she's physically able to leave. The doctor doesn't think she needs to go to a psych ward or anything. But she most likely can't take care of herself and three children. Not like this. Momma wants her to come here with us. "

He looked at Gerald suddenly and his expression turned almost pleading. " I don't expect you to let her live here. It's enough that the children are here. But I want Momma with us. And , Drew. Of course, Drew has moved back to their house without Momma now so...... If Tony would..... but he's selfish as Dodie. And, let's not forget that someone tried to kill her in the jail and the police have taken away her guard. " He sighed deeply and his body began to tremble instinctively.

Gerald came over to sit beside him. He gently stroked Alfred's face. " My dear teacher, please don't worry so much. If she needs to come here she can. I shall deal with it. I can deal with anything for you. I have something for you that may cheer you a little. I hope. "

Alfred furrowed his face with questions as he watched Gerald take a small velvet box out of his jacket pocket and hand it to him. When he opened it he almost cried. Nestled within it was a handcrafted gold band with three salt and pepper diamond accents. He was blown away by it. When Scott had asked him to marry him neither of them had bothered with engagement rings. Scott wasn't a very romantic man really. And , he himself was too practical to bother with jewelry. But this......

" I love it. "

Gerald smiled tenderly at him. " Read the inscription. "

Alfred read it silently. It stated simply " To My Heart". That did it. He began to cry even as Gerald slid it on his shaking finger.

" Till death do us part , " Gerald said firmly as he looked into the man's teary eyes. " And , no Dodie shall ever tear us apart. "