It was easy, a bit too easy. Iman worried a bit but kept up a good act.
Everything was a bit smooth and Harry did not exactly flinch at little things, like she had learned on google. She had stayed up half of the night researching on Autistic traits through some really weak links that were emailed to her by a friend and Laura, but only a few seem to tally with Harry has shown so far. He does not exactly interact with people except he is comfortable but nothing about him is scary, contrary to her weak expectations.
A sigh escapes her as she gently returns the half read book to their places in the shelves and consciously keeps a watchful eye on Harry, who has his eyes glued to the wet view through the window. A little drizzle was all that made him get up from the learning circle and slowly limp to the window side, wearing a weak smile and slowly blinking at the droplets racing down the glass. It was a bit adorable but hard for Iman to get him back into the learning circle, because his attention was glued and nothing could move him.
"Okay Harry, I will return these books to the main library," she says to him, keeping her eyes glued on him and gently tapping her index finger against the hard red cover of the book in hand.
The only response she gets is a weak groan and something that sounds like a giggle. Iman lightly shakes her head and decides to leave the room, with the door left half open, just in case he is done occupying himself and needs assistance with anything. His half drank bottle of apple juice is next to him, as well as his pack of delicious salted almonds and Iman crosses her fingers that he would not really need much. After all, he does not exactly act like a kid. She clears her throat and walks back in the main library. The usual gesture of exchanging smile and subtly pleasantries with others around is carried on before she walks behind the large oak desk and places the heavy book on it.
"Arabian Nights, Hmm," she hums to herself with a soft smile and gently tucks a bit of hair behind her ear.
Absentmindedly she glances back to the room and sees that Harry is still in the same position, except that now he has his phone out and Iman widens her eyes at how his phone is the latest version of the brand. A little sting of healthy jealousy goes through her mind and she mentally wishes she could get a better version of her own phone.
"Who is he?" A not so deep masculine voice laced with a posh touch and a bit of attitude asks standing opposite her, leaning his elbows on the desk.
Iman turns to face him with a smile. Tired looking face, stubble that is starting to look like a small beard, bit of crow feet around his pressing eyes, scattered light brown hair. His small frame is adorned with a pair of black sweat pants, grey coloured Adidas hoodie and a red beanie trying to stay on his head. He smells like cologne and a bit of mint chewing gum, desperately attempting to cover up the cigarette scent. His fingers gently start drumming against the smooth desk, as he waits for her to give an answer.
"Hello to you too Louis," Iman rolls her eyes and slowly scans the book.
"Hi Iman, who is the dude?" Louis asks with a small frown as he notices Harry's excitement next to the window.
"Harry." A simple response is given by Iman, focusing on typing in the information of the book.
"Looks like he needs a haircut and a memo about being an adult, what's so fascinating about the bloody window though?" Louis again asks, this time sounding irritated and confused about the lanky fellow in the group study room.
"Nothing, for you but for a mildly autistic man, quite a lot you know," Iman answers cocking an eyebrow at Louis and giving him a meaning smirk.
Louis forms an O with his mouth and gently nods before rolling his eyes. "What? Are you now a babysitter or what?"
YOU ARE READING
Yellow.
FanfictionHarry is a single autistic father, ready to prove his love for his little daughter and willing to break the ableist stereotypes placed on him. This is a heartwarming story, following Harry's growth while making friends and finding love through a com...