A Child for Christmas

Chapter 8 (Part 1)

Seth

"Maleek?"

"Hmm?" He was reading off his own list that Anthony created for their house. They needed more cleaning supples than food, but nonetheless it was something he had to get. I couldn't stop staring at the blue shirt he had on. There was nothing fancy about it, but it truly reminded me of the ocean. I would love to go to the beach, if only it wasn't the middle of December.

"I won't be mad at all ... I just want to know what you meant last night. About my son". Jeremy was asleep in the basket, which is the only reason I felt comfortable talking about it around him. His curls were a little matted from sleeping in the car. I would fix them, but he'd just ruin it again. Plus, he's a kid, nobody cares.

He sighed while picking up some window cleaner "I didn't mean anything by it. He might just be shy. I don't truly know since a few signs doesn't mean anything without a diagnosis by someone that has tested him". He pushed his lips to one side and tried to focus on the list, but I knew it was just a distraction. His list wasn't that hard to read.

"Like blood test?"

"No not exactly". He mumbled.

"Then what is it that I should get him tested for?"

"I work with children that have Aspergers. That doesn't mean he has it, but if he does it would help explain his anxiety in social situations. As well as if he's struggling in any aspect of school more than the normal child. It all depends on the severity of it. But as I said, I don't know if he has it." I could tell that he was frustrated. Haru was right, he hates trying to talk about what a child has before he actually knows that they have it.

"I'm going to make an appointment. Can I have the number to the place you work at?" He pulled a card out of his pants and handed it to me. He seemed to be much calmer now that he knew I was serious about seeing if my son has Aspergers. I need to do more research on it that's for sure. I know it's a form of autism, and that's all I know.

We spent about an hour in the store getting all of Haru's healthy food, and some laundry detergent. We also got all of my fatty food, I'm not the health nut that Haru is, neither is my son. I won't make him suffer that way. Children should eat all the crap they want before their adult teeth come in and their body starts to hold weight.

Jeremy woke up while we were in line to check out, but went straight back to sleep when we got in the car. Waking him up early must've messed up his whole natural schedule. I felt bad, but I mean at least he's still getting sleep. I would put him back to bed, but as soon as we get home I'm probably going to be getting my car checked.

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By body is giving out, literally. I've dozed off twice while writing just this short bit. I may wake up later to finish it. Just know that this is only part one of chapter 8.