Happy Reading

Chapter 2

Tris P.O.V

"Ethan, honey finish up your cereal we need to get going." I say as I look at the time on my phone. Ugh. Is it really already 7:52? We are going to be late today. I grab his bowl and place the remaining foot loops into a baggy, he can eat it on the way.

You are probably wondering... really what happened to the milk? That's easy, Ethan has sensory processing disorder, which often goes hand and hand with his Autism and A.D.H.D. Basically his senses aren't functioning like others would. No big deal, he prefers cruncher foods, he likes not too warm and not too cold baths, he needs tighter hugs to calm him down and needs a heavy weighted quilt to keep his anxiety at bay so he can fall asleep. Over the years I have learned to roll with it. If you treat it like no big deal, than Ethan will take it easier and his anxiety will not heightened. It's no big deal.

Life has thrown me many lemons over the years. A lot have been heart breaking, tragic even. But at the end of the day I have learned to place one foot in forward of the other and keep walking. Because at the end of the day that's all you can do. Keep going, look at the brighter things in life and don't dwell on the things that you cant control.

In Ethan's case, he is often hyper active, aggressive, loving, and often then most a T-REX. Yes, that's right, A T-REX! When Ethan becomes uncomfortable, anxieties are high, are unable to adjust to anything he often transforms into a t-rex. He curls his arms up close to him armpits, sticks his neck little out, and stomps with his feet. He roars as well instead of responding verbally. He can talk just fine, he is full functioning autistic child. Which means he can talk, walk, communicate, etc. Life is never a dull moment in my home, that's for sure.

His teachers love him though, they find his story telling very amusing. Somehow twisting any subject back into the Jurassic world period. I'm glad many love and cherish him as much as I do. But than there are those that don't understand him and why he is the way he is. So they act the only way they know how... They respond to him with mean words and actions. Even than, Ethan never lets them win, he gets up roars and stomps away. But when that happens he shuts down verbally until I come and calm him down. Usually with an extra firm and tight bear hug that lasts until I feel all tension in his body disappear.

Often most, I have to deal with those special parents... You know the ones that think you have no idea what you're talking about. The parents that say...

Your child looks normal, no way is he autistic.

But he can speak, are you sure?

The accusations of what I must have taken while being pregnant.

You seem normal maybe it was the father's jeans.

Maybe if you smacked his butt every once in a while he wouldn't act that way.

Seriously? I always mentally smack myself on the forehead. How is it that so many people have so much judgment, but never fully educated on the subject to really know what they are talking about? Like I said, I have no control on how special some people can truly be. All I so is explain to Ethan, that he is the most special, beatufil little boy and anyone that cant see that are idiots.

But no mater what has happened and what life has thrown me. I remain thankful. Thankful for my healthy and loving son, and for the job I love to go to each and every day. Life may not be perfect. But there are a lot of great things about it.

Before starting to work for Four at D.A.A, I was waitress. I was barely keeping our heads above water. Ethan was diagnosed at the age three. Which meant a lot of medical exams, and therapies he needed along with medications. Medical bills started to pile up very quickly with no way to pay them. Luckily I saw the ad in the paper "Assistant needed," the header said. I was so pleased that I met all the requirements. I wasted no time in calling and setting up the interview. Sure the line and wait was crazy and if it wasn't for my no sugar coated, and I don't have time for games, attitude. I probably wouldn't have gotten the job. If you had compared me to the hundreds of other applicants waiting... I didn't stand a chance. They were all female, mid or early twenties, gorgeous, with curves and big breasts. Nothing like me. You can tell they were fresh out of college, no responsibilities, not a care in the world. Who could blame them? But I needed this job, I wasn't leaving without a fight.

At first I thought Zeke was kidding when he asked if I would ever sleep with Four. Was he serious? If I answered no, was that a deal breaker. Was this whole job thing a way to make sure Four got laid every day or something? But than I looked at Four and he was just as shocked to the question as I was. Up until now, Four seemed pleased with all of my answers to all their questions. Including my honest answer on why I wanted and needed this job. I figured might as well answer this one honest as well.

"Does it look like I would? I have a child at home. I cant risk loosing my job at the end of the day over some two minute sweat job." It was the response I could think of at the time. When I glanced between Zeke and Four. Four looked little hurt. Why? Did he really think I am that kind of girl? Please. I have only been with one man in my whole sexual life. And after what he did to me, one man is more than enough. Zeke on the other hand, looked more than amused. I loved the idea of someone not sleeping with Four because apparently I got the job with that answer.

We arrive ten minutes before the first bell rings, we meet Mrs. Rodriguez right outside the school in our designated spot. Mrs. Rodriguez has been appointed as Ethan's Para professional. She meets him in front of the school, takes him to class, and than works with him for a hour each day. She basically makes sure he understands the material and goes over it, if need be. Than she helps him find me at the end of the day. I am beyond grateful for her.

Before the school assigned her to us, Ethan had high anxiety about arriving and the end of the day. He would often worry about finding me in the court yard. One day he was unable to spot me (seeing I'm only 5'2), and he ran off towards our house. I never saw it happen, someone must have been blocking my view. For two hours no one knew where he was, or what happened to him. Luckily he found his way home, and sat in front of our door rocking himself. After that Mrs. Rodriguez always makes sure to assure him I will be here, and always helps him find me.

"Bye, baby. Have a good day, be a good boy for mommy." I say giving him a kiss good bye on his forehead. He RAORS responding back but allows one of his hands to wave at me from under his armpits. The moment he is with in the building, I continue to watch has his body slowly relax and his arms fall to the side of his body. He hates walking on the busy streets. So much noise and so much action going on very disturbing for him. But I have no choice, I cant afford a car yet. Maybe one day.

It took us six months after I started working at D.A.A to save up enough to move us into a comfortable two bedroom apartment. At first Ethan took the change hard. He was use to being in a small studio apartment, major changes can bother him. It took him a few days of sleeping in my bed, than we both slept in his bed, than slowly over time made my way back to my bed. It took time, but now he can self sooth himself and fall asleep in his own bed, just like a big boy. I also just finally got most of our medical bills caught up as well. Getting bonuses and pay raises really helped pay them off quickly. I just have one more bill to finish off.

I walk at a fast pace to work. Hoping I get there before Four does. It's Monday, I might be lucky. I don't make a habit at being late to work. I love my job. I need my job. I never slow my pace entering the double doors to the building and sliding just in time before the doors to the elevator closes. The elevator eventually digs on the twenty second floor and I step off. I take notice that Four hasn't arrived. Great. Taking full advantage. I get to work. I check Four's office emails, take notes on what emails may be important and what needed just be trashed. Than I move on to the office voicemail. Just like the emails, I check for anything important and delete the rest. Four gives me full access to everything. My job is to basically make his life easier and smoother. I don't mind. Its nice working here, plus lets face it he is nice to look at.

Four has this tough guy thing going for him. But I can tell its just an act. His dark blue eyes often give him away... Although I am the only one that takes notice that he wears his emotions in his eyes. The rest he covers up pretty good. He is very well fit, his well built muscles always threaten to reveal itself through his clothing. Not to mention the man's hands... something about them. Long fingers, and big palm. Who wouldn't want them all over? Ok, Tris calm down.

After working for Four for so long, it didn't take long to understand Zeke's original question. Although Four doesn't make a habit sleeping with the women that work for him. There have been a few, not to mention the woman he also would bring or I should say take into his office for "lunch meetings." It may have been awhile since I have had relations but I know what it sounds like. The moaning, the sounds of items being thrown to the floor, the sounds of a woman calling out Four's name. It hasn't happened in awhile, I am thankful for that. I use to often get up and leave. Go to lunch, go get more supplies, anything. I wasn't sure why I hated to hear that... was I that uncomfortable with the thought of sex? Or was it because Four was having sexual relations with other woman? I'll admit that although I love and need my job, I did and still do have a crush on Four.

Four is so handsome, not to mention kind. I never understood why a man like Four isn't married or at least have a girlfriend. He is such a gentleman, caring, gentle all together. Its so disappointing that a man like him can reduce himself to sleeping around. He should have a woman caring for him, showing him endless love. But who am I to talk? I, who have ruled all men together other than the little man I go home to every night.

"Good morning, Tris." I look up as Four walks by. Although he doesn't stop for a more proper greeting, he offers a smile as I passes. That handsome, show all my teeth, smile. Wow.

I waste no time, I finish my task at hand. Go the office kitchen and get Four a nice steamy cup of coffee. Always black. As I am walking by my desk to reach his office I stop and grab my notepad and pen, tucking it under my arm.

"Good morning, Four." I say grabbing his undivided attention as I place the cup of coffee in front of him. I than go for my pad which is already open and begin to let him know what he has ahead of him for the day, along with any messages."You have a office meeting with Zeke regarding the Amar account at nine. A phone conference with Mr. Ramos at one. Oh and a Nita called, she wants a call back regarding a dinner date." I rely to Four. Placing Nita's number on his desk. I see him take it all I have said in. Until I get to the Nita comment, and saw nothing but irritation in his gaze. I guess he won't be seeing her again.

"Thank you, Tris. Anything else?" Four asks. I can think of a few. Stop that Tris!

"No." I say instead.

"Great. Hows your son doing?" He asks. I take notice that every day he asks about Ethan, and every day I wonder why. Is he just being polite? Or is he actually concerned? His eyes show his curiosity towards his questions. I also notice that every time he ask he always meets my gaze.

"He is doing much better know. Thank you. We finally found a behavior therapist willing to squeeze him in on her schedule." I inform him after all who can deny his gaze. Four has never been one to give me pity over me and my sons situation, instead he has always shown concern and curiosity for us.

"Well I'm glad to hear that. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Ok? Door is always open." He says. Did I mention how sweet he can be?

"Thank you, Four. I appreciate that." I express.

"Well you are appreciated around here. We want to make sure you are ok in return." He says with that smile that makes my panties wet. Damn, time to get.

I sit down at my desk as Four exits his office making his way to Zeke's. I let out a breath not knowing that I was holding it back. Over the past three years I have fantasize about that man. But I know it's just a fantasy no man like that would ever want me. Well alone a woman with a special needs child. I have come to terms with this, Ethan and I are fine the way we are. We don't need anyone coming in and changing that.

I start preparing for Four's phone conference. I grab the file, print out the lasts emails that have been sent as well as jot down a few notes for Four. But then a loud "WHAT?",breaks my concentration. Was that Four yelling? He sounded beyond upset. What could be going on?

Minutes pass by and there is no more yelling coming from Zeke's office. I begin to let it go. When I spot a red face, pouting, upset, Four. Heading back to his office.

"Tris, I need to speak with you. When you have a minute." He says passing my desk and entering his office. I take note he doesn't even bother to close the door behind him. Signaling that minute better be now. What did I do? Am I fired? I need this job! I get up slowly entering the office, and lowing myself in one of the office chairs. I take in a few deep breaths, steadying myself. Preparing myself for he worst.

"Four, is everything ok?" I ask him.

"No, everything is not." He says pinching the bridge of his noise. I know that what ever he has to say to me will not be good news.

A/N: So I hope you all are enjoying this so far! Please let me know if this is something to continue. If not let me know I have four other story lines I have been playing with as well :) take care everyone and like always HAPPY READING!