You're Special (Undiscovered Wattys 2014 Runner Up)

Chapter 2

Jeffery K. Walton once said, "I have learned that the biggest disability any of may ever face is our own attitudes. When my health took a turn for the worse, I found myself facing yet another disability, and this one has taken me from a strong man, able to do a hard days work, in six months, to a man hobbled by pain, and unable to walk unassisted. I thought I was open minded about people with disabilities before, but now, having found myself facing challenges in every area of my daily life, I am gaining a whole new respect for those who went before me, paving the way with their strength and determination. The learning curve of living with a handicap is a tough one, but I still thank God daily for giving me the opportunity to see things from a different perspective."

It felt almost like old times - sitting in my kitchen counter-top, surrounded by freshly brewed coffee and a dozen different cheesecakes, talking... well, bitching about life really. 

Even though I had commented earlier, saying Aaron had not changed much, I knew I was wrong. Sure, he had the same brown hair, same eyes, nose, smile... but he wasn't the old Aaron anymore. Old Aaron was carefree, laughing, loving life. The Aaron sitting next to me, he laughed, but not like before. He was always worried - I swear, he will have grey hair before me. He looked like he hadn't had any fun in a long time. When we entered the kitchen,  he actually opted to sit on one of the bar stools. I literally had to pull him off and force him to sit on the island.

Being the single parent of an autistic three-year-old does that to you.

"Kayla and I got married when she got out of college. I was completing med school and starting internship. One year later, she was pregnant."

Kayla was Aaron's high school sweetheart. She was the stereotypical cheerleader - fake blonde, plastic nose and clothes smaller than my underwear. I was actually surprised she did not manage to conceive a child before 24.

"When Zoe was born, she did not even hold her before she was cleaned and had stopped crying."

We - that is, James and I - had always tried to convince Aaron that his girlfriend was a bitch. Hell, calling her a bitch was insulting every dog out there (I have always loved dogs). Aaron never understood us - she had him wrapped around her little finger.

"She always wanted me to take care of Zoe. Never wanted to do a single thing. Said her cries disturbed her beauty sleep. How could she show up at the Club with bags under her eyes!"

We both scoffed at that.

"When Zoe was diagnosed, the lawyers claimed the divorce and custody battle were the least messy ones they had seen in all their years."

I'm sure it was. But of course I didn't say anything out loud. I waited for him to continue.

He fiddled with his thumbs, not meeting my eyes. "Everyone in my family was embarrased. You know how they are, not only did I get divorced, my daughter was disabled. It's like, nothing worse could happen to them. Their image was ruined." 

I hopped off the counter and walked towards. Holding his face, I made him look up, into my eyes. "You can insult your family all you want, but never call your daughter disabled, or handicapped. She's differently abled, but special. Never forget that." 

He looked relieved, I think, that someone accepted his daughter. He nodded and pulled me into a hug. "Thank you, Selene." No other words were needed. 

I pulled back and sat down next to him. "So," I started. "When does Zoe start kindergarten?"

He hesitated. "Um, I don't think I want her to join school right now." He said slowly.

I raised an eyebrow. I wanted to protest, but I understood his decision. Zoe was different. Autism was not something that can be overcome easily. School would be difficult for her. I pursed my lips, thinking. 

"You know, I'm a kindergarten teacher, right?" I told him. "I barely work 15 hours a week. I could teach Zoe." I smiled at him, but he looked unsure.

"I-I don't know, Selene. It won't be easy. Four days and you'll come running to me, refusing to teach her anymore."

I jumped off the island and faced him. "Oh, Aaron Kingsley, when will you realise that not everyone hates your daughter." 

I held out my hand to him, and he took it and jumped off too. "Well, I think I can give you the benefit of doubt," he said with a dramatic flourish.

We both grinned. I walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels. "Well, Mr. Kingsley, let's celebrate."

I poured the drink in two flutes and we held them up to toast. "To family and old friends."

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Thank you for reading. I would really appreciate it if y'all could share the story, get me more readers.

Autism is a disability that affects many families. Sometimes people don't fight it, are embarrassed. I have a cousin who is autistic. he's only 4. But we all work with him, and he is improving a lot. I want people to understand that being different is not bad. Every single person deserves to be loved. Hopefully my story will help convey this message.

Thank you, once again.