About a week and a half later, I am headed to my first AP biomedics class. AP Biomedics was added midsemester as a trial course. It takes the place of AP Bio Friday; that class is now a study hall on Friday for those that chose not to join AP Biomedics. The class will continue after summer for a week for us to present our final projects to a college committee of professors and is worth 5 college credits instead of just the 3 offered for AP Bio. Our school is experimenting with the quarter system this year, so graduation will take place about August. Summer is a chance to take extra classes and begins mid-June.126Please respect copyright.PENANA8VQD1P1Gvp
so far, it has been a research class, and Dr. Prichard has been working with us off and on for the last two weeks to narrow down our topics. That is just the brainstorming part. Truthfully, I enjoy it a lot. As I enter the class Friday afternoon, I am surprised to see Rizzo. When Jayanand goes off-campus for lunch, I sit with Saunders, Rizzo, and Paige. Since he goes off-campus most days, I find myself joining them more and more, and I am so happy.
"Hey, Maddie!"
I wave at him as Jayanand hugs me from behind. "Missed you at lunch today. Who's your new friend? I see he's pretty fond of Saunders."
"That's Gianrico, the new student from Italy. He's a photographer."
Jayanand studies him and Saunders as she explains different images on her poster. I am surprised by how fast his mind seems to process the information. Faster than Saunders can answer his questions, he comes up with a new question to stump her.
"He sure is smart, huh? I never knew we could have someone smarter than Saunders in class."
"He has Aspergers, I believe." I sink onto his lap.
"Aspergers? Ah, is that why you have taken such an interest in him."
I glare at him. "Please, Jay, you make it sound like he's a science experiment. He's a PERSON."
"PDA, Madhuri." Mr. Prichard wanders by as usual.
"I know he's not a science experiment," Jayanand continues. "I'm just saying you want to work with---um---people like him."
"Really..." I stare at him. "I just want to get to know him better."
"That's fair. Learn from him. That's your dream, Maddie."
"It's more than that, Jay. I feel we should try our best to understand them---as fellow human beings. You know---does that make sense?"
"Totally, and you know I support you one hundred." He winks at me.
Mr. Prichard clears his throat as the tardy bell rings. "Everyone hear?"
All eleven of us nod.
"Good." He motions to Rizzo. "I would like to introduce our newest student, Gianrico Balistreri. He is joining us from Italy."
"Hi, everyone."
"WOOOW, cool accent. You're gonna get all the girls." Richard Prichard, Jr.'s eyes widen. "Can you teach me to speak Italian and bring food and ----"
"Jr, this is not a foreign language class, neither a buffet. Gianrico is here to learn about medicine like the rest of you---"
"Actually, Padre Gui said I need to take this class because the other classes would bore me. Also, because I have autism, he thought your current studies would help me understand myself better." He smiles. "So far, my friend Saunders has updated me." He recites a full spill on the neurology of OCD that leaves Mr. Prichard speechless.
"Dude, he's an alien," Richard gasps.
"Jr, that's enough."
"Yes, Pops."
"May I take my seat now?" Rizzo stares around awkwardly at our aghast faces.
"Sure, Gianrico, uh...thank you. Saunders, we will start with you, then. Please present us with your end-of-the-year research plans."
Saunders excitedly presents her poster board, finally remembering to breathe when she reaches the end.
"Stellar as usual, Saunders. Above and beyond."
Everyone else, including Jayanand and I, present brainstorming ideas on notebook paper. Jayanand has takes an interest in child psychology to help with pediatrics.
"Gianrico, are you interested in anything in particular? We are focusing on special topics of biomedics, specially the relationship between psychology and the biomedical field."
In an attempt to focus his mind on such a simple question after all of the information that has been presented, he taps on the desk and stares out the window. After a few minutes, he makes eye contact with Mr. Prichard again. "Like Psychiatry?"
"Yes."
"I have no interest in that."
"But you just recited all the biological concepts behind OCD like a book."
"Only because I was certain I paid attention to everything my friend Saunders had to teach me." He grins over at her, and the class "awwwsss," making Saunders not only blush but surprisingly speechless.
"Class, enough," Mr. Prichard scolds. "Gianrico, would you like to work with Saunders? This wasn't a group project, but since you have come so late---"
He runs his fingers through his curls, ruffling their neat ringlet patterns. "Um...can I do the relationship between the mind and kinetics? Like for movement disorders? Padre takes me to different classes, like yoga and aerobics, to help with my coordination. I could take pictures there, but I really like to photograph circus acrobats. I could research the areas of the mind that control movement, what might be lacking in motor disorders, and what is advanced in people like acrobats and trapeze artists." He scrunches his face. "Is that good?"
Richard raises his hand. "Pops, can I join him? His project sounds fun."
"I agree, but no, Jr. Maybe, you won't throw something together in the last minute next time." Mr. Prichard crooks an eyebrow at his son. "Your topics are cemented, and you have the whole summer to put together a college-worthy presentation. Remember this class will continue after summer, and you will present your reports in a college classroom to professors." After the dismissal announcements blare over the intercom before dismissal, we flood the hallways.126Please respect copyright.PENANA9xiirNfsKo
Jayanand takes my hand. "Eight MORE WEEKS! What are you picturing for our prom colors?"
"Haven't decided yet. You have any ideas?"
Saunders bounces into our conversation. "I'm going to do GREEN!"
"Me too," Rizzo adds.
"Perfect, we can match."
"Hey, Gianrico, you are pretty cool. Very good idea for your project. Wish I had thought of going to the circus. All I get to do is hang out with annoying little cousins."
"You can bring them to the circus," Gianrico offers.
"Good idea. I'll take you up on that offer."
As we get outside, Saunders races to her father's green sports' car. "Bye guys!"
Nandita jogs to me from the other side of the building. "Maddie, Emaye said it's okay for me to go to the public library with Danica and Roman." She rolls her eyes. "And, yes, I'm actually going to the library."
"I guarantee it," Danica assures behind her. "And there will be no making out. We have a major English test I need help studying for."
"Okay, that's fine."
"Emaye is on an interview. She asked if Jay could take you home. Did you check your texts?"
I shake my head.
"Well, check it! See you later!" They head to the student parking lot.
As I peek at my phone, Gianrico bumps into me. Eyes flitting around nervously, his olive face drains pale white, and he sinks to the ground with his own phone plastered to his ear.
"What's wrong with Gianrico?" Richard panics. "Is he having a seizure?"
I shrug, stooping next to Rizzo. "Hey, Rizzo, are you in pain?"
Jayanand races off. "I'm going to get a teacher!"
Rizzo breathes hard, gripping his curls. "I can't get Padre. He said he would be here at 3 o'clock. It's 3:15!!!" He pounds the display on his phone before throwing it across the cement.
"Rizzo, he's probably just running late. It's gonna be okay."
"No, no," he breathes, his face turned red with distress. "He said he would be here. He knows that Nonna will have my snack ready at 3:15, and I work on my photos until 4:30, then homework, then yoga instructor comes, then dinner---" He squints. "One, two, three---" A crowd gathers, making him even more distraught.
"Rizzo," I murmur. "Can I put my hand on your shoulder?"
He shakes his head for a second, then nods, not looking at me. "Look at me, Rizzo. Gianrico Balistreri, look at me."
As the principal and school nurse arrive with Jayanand, I put my hand up, asking for a minute. I try to think quickly, grappling with one idea after the other, taking in the situation. I note that repetition is important to him. As with anyone else, maybe it has a calming effect by helping him regain focus. And what better way to make him talk to me than by rhyming with other words? Kind of like extended repetition...thanks Dr. Seuss!
"Can you make everyone go?" he whispers as other students snap photos and gab, trying to flood around faculty.
The teachers and security guards finally manage to disperse the crowds, getting the car line-up back in order.
"Can we get him inside?" Nurse Glass inquires.
"One, two, three..."
"One, two, three..." I murmur. "Look at me?"
He frowns, then his blue eyes stare deep into my face. "One, two three..."
"Breathe," I whisper. "You need to relax."
He sniffles a bit, but I feel him take a shuddering breath. As his phone lights up, Jayanand scrambles to give it to him.
"Padre?"
"Rizzo, I'm on my way."
"Where were you?!"
"I'm running just a tad late at the office. I have quite the surprise for you Mio piccolo figlio."
"I was worried about you."
"Rizzo, you didn't have a meltdown, did you?"
"Yes, but my friend Madhuri helped me."
"Good, I will be there in five...let's say, ten minutes."
"Okay, that's...3:41. Don't be late."
"I won't."
As he hangs up the phone, he buries his head in my shoulder, shivering. I don't know what to do, so I just squeeze his shoulder softly.
I can feel his tears soaking my blouse as he whispers, "I'm sorry, Maddie. Routines help me function and keep me from getting overwhelmed. I already have to work so hard to do things!"
"I know, Gian---"
He looks up at me with wet cheeks and the brightest grin. "You still call me Rizzo?"
"Of course." I nod. "Always."
"Ummm..." the principal begins. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Rizzo sighs.
"Okay, do you want to come inside to wait? Juice box? Crackers?"
"No, I do not, thank you."
They look perplexed, stuck between staying here to monitor him and wanting to finish their office-work so that they can end their day.
"I will stay with him."
"Maddie, I have to meet Baba at the gas station soon. If I'm late, I will NEVER get off punishment."
"Emaye should be done with her interview soon. I can wait inside for her."
"You sure?"
"Positive."
"My ride left me," Erica whines. "Jay, can you give me a ride?"
"Ummm..."
"I can have my cousin pick me up from the gas station!" she assures quickly.
"Sure, just come on. I have to go!" He kisses me before rushing to his car. "Text me when you get home. Glad you're feeling better, Gianrico."
"Call me Rizzo."
"Rizzo."
"Thanks for volunteering, Maddie." Principal Evans heads to the door. "You can wait in the office for your mom with Ms. Clark."
"I will leave a granola bar and some juice at the desk for you." Nurse Glass follows her back into the building
I stand beside Rizzo quietly, thankful for the beautiful day---the bright blue sky and the cool breeze that blows my long white cotton skirt around my anklets.
"Thank you for staying with me, Maddie."
"No problem, Rizzo." I smile at him. "Friends are always there for one another."
He frowns like he is trying to work through something.
"Friendship...do you...understand that?"
"Don't talk to me like that, please. It's offensive. I'm autistic...NOT an alien, not stupid. Just have a different perception of the world."
"Erm...okay..um...then what do you FEEL?"
"I'm not a science experiment," he replies, but there is amusement in his voice. "When people treat me different, it hurts and makes me become even more overwhelmed."
"I'm really sorry, Rizzo." I am drawn to wanting to get to know him better---more than with any other person I have ever met---I want to comprehend him, to understand him, to see him as well as my own reflection.
We stand in silence for a good minute. "Do you want to know what I experience when I think of friendship?"
"Yes, please."
"It is an overwhelming concept for me. The emotions that come from even think about it FLOOD me---my mind, my heart, my gut." He pounds his gut with his fist. "My mind tries to process every aspect of it---what it means---the concepts of loyalty, love, trust---if I am worthy of such things---what if you don't mean it? What if you decide tomorrow that things are different after I have trusted you with everything in me?
"It makes me nervous and anxious because I KNOW I am socially awkward, and people never stick around. Anxiety triggers adrenaline due to the flight or fight response, making me even more overwhelmed both mentally and physically. I have to react to all these thoughts and processes while trying to keep in mind the social norms. THAT is the sensory overload part.
"Also, I don't like when people just intrude in my comfort zone. That's why I tell people when they are my friends because hugs from someone I barely know make me feel like I am drowning in the unfamiliar scents, pressure of their arms, and how their breath stinks." He stares at me for a moment, searching for a reaction.
His expectation is met with loud laughter. "I really don't like hugs in the morning either. Morning breath, ewww!"
He laughs too. "Exactly. It really stinks."
I tilt my head at him. "But you hugged me earlier, and you barely knew me."
He laughs. "Because you're so small. Your hugs don't feel like they are going to drown me. You hand doesn't create a huge pressure that feels like a stone has landed on my shoulder, like some giant flying saucer landing on a little tiny hill or something. What if they hit you too hard?!" He throws his hands up in exasperation. "I don't understand how people don't get it."
I chuckle. "You have to understand that your senses are higher than that of a neurotypical person. You see? We really don't notice stuff like that too often."
"I can't help it."
"You don't need to, Rizzo. If someone can't accept you for you, they don't deserve the honor of getting to know you."
Frowning, he takes a deep breath.
"Rush of emotions?"
"Yes, no one but Padre has ever said that to me before. I kind of want to cry. I don't want this moment to end---I'm scared of letting it go. It's such a nice moment, but what if I don't live up to what you say? What if I fail you?" He shudders a little.
I shake my head. "Relax. Don't think so much."
He nods, counting to recollect his thoughts and control the overload of emotions.
"You okay?"
"Yes." Not looking at me, he asks, "Madhuri, do you know why I hugged you earlier?"
I chuckle. "Because I'm litt--"
"Because you made me feel safe."
"Rizzo..."
"Il mio primo vero amico."
"What does that mean?"
"My first true friend."
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