ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 158

" You're an idiot for getting arrested. "

Jamal Duncan's head jerked up at the rough hoarse words  said directly beside him as he sat idly on the small stoop leading to the front door of his family's house. He stared at Jimmy Klein.

" I never used to... to.... be a.... a .... idiot ," he mumbled as Jimmy dropped down right next to him.

Jimmy bumped him roughly with his own shoulder as he rolled his eyes at him. " I ain't talking bout no book learning. Book learning you got all right. I member you in school. I was always... jealous of you you know. Being smart. I'm talking about being dumb enough to go trying to hit a damn pig. Are you crazy? "

Jamal glanced at Jimmy and was surprised to see just how upset the guy really was. Why ? , he wondered to himself. Heck. Why was Jimmy even here early on a Saturday? At his mom's house? Jamal figured that Jimmy would be busy with that Jeff guy. Doing whatever good-looking sexy popular guys did on Saturdays. " So now I'm crazy and dumb ? You're a jerk ! "

Jimmy sighed. " Call me what you want to. I don't care. You could have gotten hurt. Cops .. I don't trust cops. I got shot by one. " He shrugged and laughed self consciously. " Ok. I shot her too but.... And she ain't too bad. For a former piglet. But most are dicks. And we all know they don't like your race. What if he hurt you? What if he shot you? I could have lo......"

Jamal laughed as well but it was self mocking and tinged with bitterness. " I wish he had. "

" Fuck you. " The words shot out of Jimmy fast and startled Jamal who asked," Why do you even care! "

Jimmy stopped talking and just stared at him. So long that Jamal started to get really nervous. All they both heard was the sound of Nicole inside listening to too loud rap music upstairs in her bedroom , of the neighbor's  big scary dogs barking as they wandered the street, of Justin's footsteps hitting the stairs noisy inside while he headed for the kitchen for his usual giant bowl of sugar covered cereal and almond milk.

Jimmy finally spoke. " I don't know why I care. Just like you don't know why you kissed me. Or why I liked it when you did. Or why that woman hit you that day. I .... I just do. "

Then , to his astonishment, Jimmy touched his face with his long fingered slightly dirty under the nails hand that felt oddly gentle and tender. Almost... Almost ,  what was the word he was looking for.... He knew it.... Almost.... Reverent ...... That was it.

Then Jimmy leaned closer and whispered," I care about you, Jamal Duncan. Don't go doing dumb things like that. "

Then Jimmy Klein ,  with his green eyes open as he stared at Jamal, kissed Jamal Duncan on the front steps of the Duncan house.

And, Jamal leaned into it , enjoying it very much. He never wanted it to end again.

But, of course, it did.

" I didn't know you knew my nephew," they both heard from slightly above them. Then they broke apart faster than ever and stared in embarrassment at a slightly grinning Jeremiah Duncan.

Jeremiah shook his head. " Didn't mean to interrupt. Your mama here or at hospital with our mama? I wanted to take everyone out for ice cream. We deserve a treat after last night."

The grin slid away from his handsome brown face. " I know I do. You can come too , Jimmy."