ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 101

In Reverend Lynn Lawton's small cozy plant filled office at the Moss Center that night were gathered the family of Lewis Norland.

His father and step father Richard and Nigel Norland sitting on the sofa next to Lewis.

His mother and stepfather Tania and Wilson Kaye who sat on a nearby love seat.

His grandfather and legal guardian Andrew Norland who sat in a chair next to his ten year old sister Rebecca. Richard and Nigel had tried to convince their foster son Richie to come too but he had said " no , Lewis made it clear he don't need me" and went to Alfred and Gerald's house with Glory and Tanisha.

And , to everyone's surprise especially Richard, in another chair sat an uncomfortable looking but still slightly arrogant seventeen year old Niles Norland who was invited to participate by his brother Lewis.

Lynn sat in her beloved rocking chair with her notepad and pen, her glasses perched on the tip of her nose. " I'm glad you all could come tonight. I just want you all to know that Lewis is making a good progress in his individual therapy. He has a ways to go but he's opening up. "

Nigel squeezed Richard's hand which he held tightly and they both looked at Lewis who still remained quiet. Richard said," I'm happy to hear that. All we want is the best for our son. "

Wilson rolled his eyes discreetly as Tania chimed in ," So do Wilson and I. We just want the right treatment for him. Although I have nothing against therapy as long as it doesn't involve Western drugs. I have read the worst articles on ........"

Niles laughed out loud. " What a bunch of psychobabble shit. My mother always said you were Richard's strangest wife. Well , until Miss Nigel there with the one eye and face that could scare children. Lewis, why am I here? I have homework and a wife and kid at home. "

Wilson laughed also as Richard glared at his oldest son. " The fact that he just said that proves we are right to seek custody. Richard Norland is obviously an unfit father. "

Rebecca jumped up from her chair, grey eyes blazing, chestnut brown pigtails swinging wildly. " You shut up! My daddy is a great father. "Then as her grandfather tried to gently pull her back down into her chair and shush her she ignored him and turned to her older brother who smirked at her. " And, you shut up about Daddy Nigel ! He's not scary. He's beautiful ! You're the ugly one ! "

Niles sneered , " Shut up, you spoiled little brat. "

Rebecca stuck out her tongue at him. " Make me, meanie. "

Wilson and Tania glanced at each other as Wilson whispered in her ear," Exhibit A and B."

Richard thinned his lips and retorted," Rebecca, please sit back down now. And, Niles, if you want to leave nothing is stopping you. Not me. If it's up to me you can leave right now. "

Niles laughed again. " Right. Now he's playing big bad daddy. Where the fuck were you for almost all our lives? My life? Huh ? Working. That's where. You're the reason Lewis is fucked up. You. "

Lynn shook her head and said sternly," Everyone stop talking. All you are doing is yelling but nobody is listening apparently. Lewis told me earlier he wanted to say some things to you all tonight. I think you all should calm down, take a few deep breaths and listen to Lewis as he talks. " She nodded at the still silent boy. " Lewis, dear , you have the floor. What do you want to say? "

Lewis took a deep breath and exhaled it after a few moments. He closed his eyes and then reopened them.

He said softly," Sometimes I hate you all. Except for Nigel and Granddad. "