Look Into My Eyes Chap. 27

Kaleb stared at William. I knew by now he didn't like him, and so I didn't say anything and sat down.
"I'm going to get my lunch, Els," William told me. Then he left. Kaleb just wrote on his clipboard, and I did not eat my packed lunch because I wasn't hungry. We sat in silence.
Then Kaleb said, "Elise, why didn't you tell me that you wanted to find your mum? We could have done it in a much easier, safer way."
"I didn't want anyone to know, because then they might find out about my dad," I replied.
"But George--"
"George forced me to let him come. I wasn't careful enough when I walked down his road and he saw me and wouldn't let me go alone, and now he knows it all and he's told and he changed everything and I hate him!" I shouted.
"Elise, he did it for your own good and you know that," Kaleb shook his head. "He knew you weren't going to tell anytime soon and didn't want it to carry on. He wasn't doing it because he wanted all of this to happen."
"So? He should have asked me first."
"You would have said no, and he would have done it anyway. Elise, no matter how you look at it the outcome wouldn't be any different."
"Doesn't matter."
"Don't be childish, please."
I fought the urge to mock his voice and sat back in my seat. Then I decided I would ask him; George had never given me a straight answer, but Kaleb would.
"Kaleb, I want to know what is wrong with me. Do not tell me there is nothing wrong, that's just what George said. He said everyone is different and it's a good thing, and I understand what he was saying, but he never answered my question. He told me my brain works different to other people's, and I already knew that. But why does it?"
Kaleb looked surprised. Then he said, "Are you cross with me for not telling you?"
"A little."
"I never told you because it didn't affect your schoolwork much, and as you grew up I decided that knowing might distract you and make you think you're not good enough to do well. But then again, I suppose you're old enough now to realize that--"
"Just. Tell. Me." I said through gritted teeth.
"Alright, alright! I would usually sit you and your dad down so we could both chat to you but considering the circumstances..."
"Kaleb!"
"Okay. Well, you have something called Asperger's Syndrome, and it is a type of autism. You know what Autism is, don't you?" I nodded. "Good. Well, there are ultimately three levels of Asperger's; mild, medium and severe. You're quite severe, which is why you need a YCW-" I noticed how he didn't say, you need me, and that made me sad. "-to help you out. There is nothing more to explain now, because you already know how it affects you. But are you satisfied?"
"I guess so."
"Good. Elise, make sure you understand that this makes you no better and no worse than anyone else. It just makes you unique, and that's good."
"That's what George said." I mumbled. Kaleb smiled.
"Do you want to go and speak to him and the others? It's a little silly to fall out after everything you've done, isn't it?"
I shrugged, but I smiled. "Okay."
"That's my girl. Now listen, the bell's going to ring in a minute, and I probably won't see you again now because I'm going to London tomorrow," Kaleb had tears in his eyes and his voice shook, and he put his hand on my shoulder. I did not back away. "But you have to promise me to behave. You have my number, so you can keep in touch with me if you have any problems. Your YCW will be working at the Children's home, so you'll meet her after school. I checked with the Children's home and you are allowed small pets; Samson is just under the maximum size. Behave for your new YCW, won't you? No more running off?"
"Maybe."
"Elise!"
But we just laughed. Then I think he went to hug me but the bell went and I had to go to class.
"Bye Kaleb."
"Bye Els."
And then I waved to him, closed the door, and ran to Science making sure I didn't cry.