The Trials and Tribulations of a so-called Trouble Teen

Chapter 6 - Hey Girls My Name's Alaska

The fateful day has finally arrived. I am starting my first day back to school, albeit in a more relaxed, inclusive environment that I will thrive in and be supported in. I haven't felt this sort of confidence in a long, long time. When I was still at Marino, I felt really nervous and upset because I was not ready for another year of feeling miserable. More than anything, I was afraid of fucking up to the point of no return. I guess that was my fate by the end of it anyway. 

It's almost 8, so I better get moving and head downstairs. Dad is expecting me to be down there by 8. If I'm not down by 8, I won't be in trouble, but it could seriously off-set the schedule. Of course he knows best for me, that's why I feel so confident in listening to what he tells me to do. My dad has guided me a lot through life and I definitely still need such guidance through such a big life transition. He's made my breakfast smoothie for me though, so I'm happy enough. My dad will go out of his way to make sure I'm okay, something I hold dear to my heart.

G: Buen día mi amor. 

E: Buen día papá. [sits at kitchen island]

G: How was your sleep darling? 

E: It was okay.

G: Did you have any dreams?

E: No, not really. How has your morning been?

G: Adequate. One of the staff lower down has apparently been breaking a lot of rules and regulations to manipulate their colleagues so I have a meeting to attend regarding it, but other than that, my morning has been fine. Are you excited for today?

E: Yeah.

G: Here's your smoothie and your medication. I have to make a quick phone call so you get that into you and I'll be back soon. [ruffles hair and leaves] 

He seems happy enough this morning. Maya's asking me all sorts of questions about today but I don't fe like I can answer all of them now. I want to ask the questions here - I want to know more about Stefan. Tonight he's coming over for dinner and it's my turn to make it. I've decided to make a pasta bake with lots of vegetables but I don't know what to do for dessert. Maybe a cheesecake? 

G: [comes back into room and sits down at table] What are you doing on your phone?

E: [zoned out]

G: Hija [waves hand in front of phone]

E: Yeah? [looks at] 

G: What has you so happy?

E: Oh... it's nothing. 

G: It's Maya isn't it? 

E: Yeah.

G: Is she coming over tonight? 

E: Yeah. ¿Papá?

G: Yes darling?

E: What's Stefan like?

G: Well, he's a very kind and gentle guy. Quite professional too. He's been teaching since 1998 and he really enjoys it. He's been working with a lot of the kids on the spectrum so he knows a few things that might actually help you. [phone rings] Not again. [sighs] Evin, never become a CEO. Permiso. [goes back to office]

I'm unlocking more and more about Stefan as the days go by. So far I know he's a teacher, teaches in Tiffin and deals with SEN kids. With the way dad talks about him, he seems like a really nice guy. After my dad split from Priscilla, he just seemed an awful lot happier. The time they were together was terribly stressful for me personally because of how I was treated by Priscilla. She was one of those people who thought autism could be cured and I just needed therapy. When my dad was out of the house, Priscilla unleashed her wrath and was such a damning for on me that I started seriously hating myself.