"Act like a lady. Think like a boss."
~
No word from Bapi. Emaye says I can take the job if my grades are good. Uncle Marty says that we can stay with them until the summer so that Emaye can get her funds together and maybe purchase an apartment. Robert and Julie help us put our stuff in Uncle Marty's storage. it is hard to see my paintings not plastered on the walls of my room so that I can study them from the safety of my familiar room.
I speak to Jayanand and find out he was grounded: school, home, tutoring, and nothing in between. As heir to his father's estate, he is expected to learn the family business, being the only boy and second to youngest of four children. He asks me if I am okay like three times everyday, and I really am starting to be okay. I decide to leave my hair as a surprise when we return to school on Monday. Emaye does it up just as nicely as Vanessa did before we walk with Bobby to school and hear the usual history of cars; truth is, I wouldn't trade our little morning excursion to the bus stop for anything else in the world.
After seeing him off, we head to our school; we figured out it is only a fifteen minute walk, and as long as we walk together, Emaye does not require us to catch the bus.
"Hey," Jayanand greets me at the door with Roman. They both stop dead in their tracks, and Jayanand fans himself. "Aye!!! It just got hot in here!"
He burst out with a giggle, and he rushes to hug and kiss me. "I've missed you."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l31mQP93C
"I can tell---a hundred texts a day. So, you like the hair cut?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgdv4qQZrp
"LOVE it, beautiful."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODykucpHyx
Roman just looks at my sister. "You couldn't text me?"
"I'm sorry I've had a little bit more serious things to cope with, Ro."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX90u1gifT
"Jay told me what's going on, but you could have told me." He approaches her gingerly, slipping his arms around her waist. Whispers in her ear, "You can tell me anything, little mama."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RfTvMs1B8
She plays with his tie; he is always in business casual with dreams of becoming a lawyer. "I know, Roman."
"Good, because you know we're down forever."
I turn back to Jayanand.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired, but I'm going to be fine." He slips his hand into mine, and we walk beside Roman and Nandita.
She bumps me as they head down the eleventh grade hall. "See you later, Maddie."
"K, Andi."
Jayanand squeezes my hand. "I'm thinking about going off-campus to lunch today, maybe skip a class. You down or not?"
"Nah, Jay, you know I don't skip class. Things are complicated enough as it is. I'm going to try to just hang low the rest of the semester."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwXO5vuJ5p
"Hmmmm...really, now?" He gives me a skeptical stare. 109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyjiaWDpKA
"TRY being the operative word, but you know how hard stupid people make that, right?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jySgk6d0t
He laughs. "You're right, but I'm still ditching the cafe food today."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mcrEoGQzI
Erica, the girl that greeted us outside the party, looks up from her conversation with Sanders----a peppy little brunette two years younger than us but smarter than all of us with a family legacy at Harvard.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNwt9qF05y
"Hey, Jayyy," Erica greets. "Did I hear something about off-campus lunch? I'm down."
Saunders waves at the both of us ecstatically. "Hey you two. You are in the running for prom king and prom queen. I think you are going to get it."
"Saunders, you are not supposed to be divulging that information!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkNEIiZ46m
"As if we didn't already suspect, Erica," I joke, holding Jayanand's and my hands up together. "We are the school's cutest couple, after all." I pull him into a kiss on the cheek, and he laughs, turning red. 109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOtEdm948y
Erica rolls her eyes with disgust. 109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ddhqf23zn
Saunders nonchalantly flips her hair over her shoulder as she hoists her giant backpack onto her back. "Whatever, Erica, they obviously already know. See you guys later. I need to go see Ms. Richardson about paying for the trip. Daddy is trying to figure out fundraisers." She raises her eyebrows at me. "Love the new hair, Maddie."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tx7iBiFhr
"Your house is a fricking mansion---"
"Erica, my parents like to encourage self-production. Money isn't everything. It's about the hard work that makes you appreciate things. If I don't figure out how to get this thing rolling, then I don't go. So excuse me."
Her words hit hard and deep for a moment. I always did like that girl. She is definitely going places. Bapi and Emaye had the opportunity to meet her family during a PTA my junior year, and they always said that she was the kind of company I needed to keep. At first, I thought they were just being overbearing as usual, but lately as I think about things, they are registering differently.
I hug Jayanand quickly. "See you later, rajah."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu9kf8vR2k
"Bye, rajakumari."
"Saunders, wait up!"
She grins at me with big hazel eyes. "What's up, girl?"
"You're going on the trip too?" I breathe.
"Oh yeah, I am. You are too right?" She squeals. "Aren't you sooo excited?"
"Of course." She seems hurt by my lack of energy. "Excuse my lack of enthusiasm. I'm afraid I don't have near the energy you do."
She rolls her eyes. "I have ADHD."
"Woow, I'm surprised I never realized that."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIFqAYuGGg
"Yeah, it sucks sometimes, but it is very helpful when you can manage the symptoms. My parents have had me in therapy since I was three, but they never wanted to stifle my energy, just teach me to redirect it. I just have to work harder at commonsense things that come so easily to people."
"Yes, in one of my college summer classes, I took psychology. We studied that a little bit along with other similar----ummm---disorders?"
She waves her hand good-naturedly. "Yes, it's a disorder because it doesn't go along with what society considers 'normal.'" She sticks out her tongue while making air-quotes. "We are just different. Besides, it takes all kinds of kinds, right?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORtuIVRLM2
I nod. "I was telling my little brother something like that the other day."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ZDaC8Cte
"Yeah, I wish I wasn't an only child. I feel like I wouldn't be so socially awkward and had so much energy when I was a child. Other kids always think I'm weird," she replies with an amused laugh. "But it stopped bothering me. True friends accept me for who I am."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4KuVzvK6x
I grin. "I think you are a wonderful person."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Od8rcuDvh
Her eyes shine as she beams. "I'm really glad to have you as a friend, Maddie."
I try to figure out what to say to that. We have had a lot of classes together and worked on school programs together---Sanders is literally into everything---but I never considered us friends, just well-acquainted associates.
"Do you want to have lunch together?" The words just flow out of my mouth. "Jay is going to eat out, so---"
"You just don't want to be lonely."
"No! I can totally eat with someone else---"
She leans against the doorway of the classroom, laughing her butt off. "Just kidding, just kidding. I would be so happy to eat with you. I have a tourist book on Italy from Mama." She hesitates. "We can look over it if you want, but I know I talk alot and ----"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciJy4JtiFU
"Girl, you never take a breath..." I pause for dramatic effect, and she looks somewhat downcast. "But you are a firecracker, and that's inspirational."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBzwI9a9yO
She bounces like a bomb ready to explode.
"Give me my book, please.," stutters young man I don't recognize.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSArbkHBOUT
"And what are you gonna do about it?" Two tall swimteam members are gathered around him. The blonde one is called Don Won and the more muscular one is Damarcus.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzhh2vvTdO
"Do you bully me because you are insecure about who you are?" the boy has a lovely European accent.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi30DgB14t1
"What?" they shove him against the lockers.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpnDND0yTH
"Yeah, who do you think you are, Pierre?" I assume they are referring to his accent, which is in no way French. Idiots. 109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSZq70dSKk
The boy adjusts his glasses with genuine confusion. "Pierre is a French name. I am Italian. My name is Gianrico Balistreri."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JHfvqEX6k
"I don't care what you name is. You not going to talk to me like I'm dumb," Damarcus gets all up in his face.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DWjD2Wqu8
"Maybe he's talking to you like you're dumb because you're acting DUMB!" I storm down the hall. "Leave him alone."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1WNhh8cZk
"Poor Gianrico---he's the new kid. I'm going to get the teacher," Sanders whispers in the wisp of breath between being by my side then rushing off down the hallway. 109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QvjDLvxHy
Before I know it, I've thrown off my backpack and weaseled my way to the boy's aid. "Get away from him, you idiots." Maybe because I was once bullied about slight my accent I picked up from Emaye, but there is just something about this guy that draws me to him and makes me want to protect him.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZT1NmKhiD
They study me then laugh.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SO27tO3wo
"Oh it's you---Jay's girl. Get out the way. you and your man are cool and all, but this doesnt----"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK4MUjSzH4
"I said, LEAVE HIM ALONE," I grit my teeth, surprised by the tenacity rising up in me. Suddenly, I kick him Damarcus right in his overly muscular shin, and he stumbles back for a moment. 109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfH3549PKP
"Girl, we were just playing. Chill, dude," Donwon mutters, handing back the book.
Finally, Sanders arrives with Mrs. Richardson. "They were bullying Gianrico." She points an accusing finger at the swimmers so there is no doubt who they are.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJIGLa2RWG
"Mr. Damarcus Smith and Mr. Walker Reed, you know we have a no-bullying tolerance. Let's see if we can get you to the principal and have a break from the swimteam. Maybe you will take more time to study."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8K4sZw7lc
"But, we just made it to the state----"
"Choices warrant consequences, my dear Damarcus."
"Dude---"
"Please refer to me as a person, Walker. Now, head to the office. I will be right behind you. And groan if you want to----I will be happy to report to your parents about your disrespect as well." They trudge away silently. "Thank you, ladies, for being so vigilant. Gianrico, are you okay?"
"Yes."
"Good, I hope that Madhuri and Saunders can give you a better welcome of our school. Ladies, I will give you a pass for your morning class. Can you help Mr. Balistreri find his way? It is only his second day----"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCf3FSx8nS
"Are you trying to skirt around the fact that I have autism and may need extra help?" He frowns. "It is not something to be ashamed of. Does my autism unnerve you?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DRhyAsyLc
She smiles softly and reaches to put her hand on his shoulder, but he cringes away. "Of course not, my dear. I just didn't know how sensitive you are about it. Sorry for any offense."
"It's okay."
"Have a good day and see you all in class. I will have the principal send an email to all your teachers. Now, let me go get these students in line." She shuffles off muttering, "No tolerance for foolishness."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0Diz6pnwQ
Saunders grins. "I think you're cool, Gianrico. We talked yesterday, remember?"
He nods. "Yes, I remember." His expression changes. Like the little circle on the computer that tells you it is processing something, I can see the question forming in his blue eyes as he sorts through whatever amazing thoughts quicken through his mind. "Does that means we are friends now? You talked to me and helped me when you didn't have to. That means we are friends. Had we just conversed, we would be associates, but the fact that you have done such a spectacular deed brings us closer to friendship, right?" His voice is alight with sudden excitement.
"Yes!!!" Saunders matches his enthusiasm.
He turns to me. "We are friends?"
I feel awkward being so calm around them---ridiculous. "Uhh...yes, we're friends."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVcJ4VmHxg
He suddenly grins in this extremely cute but goofy way. "Are you sure? You seem hesitant."
I feel terrible. "I'm very sure. Whoever stands up for themselves with as much eloquence as you did has something to teach me. I just cannot muster so much excitement as you two."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8u9TmlvXi
"I often have trouble expressing emotions too," he empathizes, then----out of the blue---HUGS me.
"Me too," Sanders confirms. "Emotions effect me on a hypersensitive level. I feel wired about everything, all the time."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkDjz60TWK
Gianrico shrugs. "I think your energy is charming. Just be yourself. And you be yourself too, ummm..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUlN1E84RK
"Madhuri."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXqMu4dzjY
He nods. "Madhuri, just be yourself."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBcirc7qOw
I pick up my backpack. "My friends call me Maddie."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1n27vNPQw
His deep blue eyes study me for a short minute---processing again what I couldn't imagine. The mind of autism and ADHD and other such neuro-atypical disorders---I remember from my studies---compute thoughts and emotions differently and more particularly, taking in every single detail and every angle of every single aspect without completely focusing on one single thought at a time. They might have four or five different things running through their mind at the same time! It's how they are able to draw connections quicker and excel under pressure; their mind is constantly used to working at hyperdrive, so everything is elevated with them, including emotions----they can be very sensitive to things neurotypical brains, like mine, don't think twice about.
Finally, he takes a deep breath. "My friends call me Rizzo because of my curly hair." He ruffles his chocolate brown curls.
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