ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 156

Jimmy stepped out of his mother's house mainly to get away from his mother fighting with his aunt over his stepfather's funeral being in Aunt Nettie Jean's opinion " low class, tacky and cheap as pork rinds in 1992 ". But he also was heading out to go check on Jamal Duncan. He was worried about Jamal since he saw on the news about him getting arrested for some dumb reason. And, he wasn't answering his phone so after searching the internet for his address he was going to ride his bike over there. He just didn't know what he was going to say when he got there.

As he pulled his bike over to the sidewalk he saw that Spencer Norland - Lane was in his yard drinking a cup of coffee and staring at his rose garden. In his wheelchair, Jimmy thought with the same guilty feeling he always had whenever he saw the man. He sighed.

( " Talk to me when you apologize to him," Faith Lane had snapped. )

Jimmy rolled his bike over to the walkway of the house next door instinctively before he could change his mind.

"Dr. Norland - Lane ? ," he called out suddenly.

The man jerked his head abruptly as though startled and turned around to stare at him. His eyes..... His eyes..... They seemed scared to him.

Spencer asked in a very faint voice as he slightly moved his chair back," Yes ? How can I help you? "

But, Jimmy knew what he really wanted to say was please don't hurt me. He knew it was because he saw it in Spencer's eyes behind his glasses and in his tensed body. His tensed vulnerable body.

" I heard about your brother. Getting shot at the store. I'm sorry. "

Spencer looked surprised. His eyes widened and his throat worked hard as he swallowed. " Thank you. Is that all ? "

Jimmy turned to leave but couldn't. He just couldn't. Something was keeping him there for some reason. He looked back at him.

" I'm sorry about your shooting too. About... the chair and all. It wasn't me shot you. But I was there and I apologize. "

Spencer was quiet for a brief moment before he spoke again. His hands gripped his coffee cup tightly. " I.... I don't remember much about the.... the accident.... the shooting. I choose not to. It protects me. But I know they say it wasn't you who shot me. I thank you for the apology though. " He fell silent once more. Then he said gently," I'm sorry for your stepfather's passing. Are you and your family alright? Do you need anything?  You'll be eighteen in a few months and your half of the trust from your grandmother will be released. I've invested it. It's grown a bit. It's now four hundred thousand dollars. Your half is two hundred thousand of course. If you require any for your upkeep or schooling just ask me and I'll release whatever you require. "

Jimmy was amazed. He had never had that much money before in his life. " Nah. I'm cool. For now. And, I'm not in school. I work. " He lifted his chin proudly. " I have a job. I work for Jeremiah Duncan. "

Spencer furrowed his brow. " You're only seventeen. Why are you not in school? You should be in school. "

Jimmy laughed harshly. " Nah. I ain't smart enough for that. Anyway I gotta go. You... You have a good day. " Then he turned and climbed on his bike to ride away quickly as Spencer kept staring behind him with thoughtful eyes.