Disclaimer: you already know it…

Note 1: the subject is autism, and I will bring Eiji back to his true self for sure! Don't worry about that, I love the bouncy Eiji.

Note 2: I got comments on the language style. English isn't my native language, I'm originally Dutch. But I like writing and I wanted everybody to learn more about autism and how to deal with people who have it. I'm not very good in English, but this is a good way to learn it. Hope you understand, because I want to be perfect and that's a mark of autism as well, although I know I can't…

Enjoy ^^

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 4: Nani?! – Eiji's Thoughts

Before the ranking tournament started, Eiji went with his mother to the psychiatrist, after they got a reference from the GP (that's necessary when you go to a psychiatrist). She was a nice woman and listened patient to Eiji's story's. He told about his troubles at school and about his quarrel with Fuji. He had to tell what he felt too.

I thought it was good to be paired up with Fuji, because we are both smart. The beginning went well, though I couldn't find something. I was searching and searching, but I couldn't find it. Fuji told me where I could find it, but he said it in a way like I was dumb. I became angry and I think that's why Fuji didn't want to talk with me anymore. I was fine with that, I made the report without his help. But was my reaction not right? Did I make him angry too? I couldn't tell it, he always has the same expression on his face. It's hard for me to see what he is thinking and I don't like that. I want to know more about him, because he's a regular of the tennis club. And maybe I'm becoming one. I don't know what to do if I see him. Ignore him? Run away? I don't know what the right way is. I just don't know.

The psychiatrist smiled friendly.

"I almost know what's going on," she said. "I want you to come back again, understood?"

Eiji nodded. His mother made an appointment for next week, in the middle of the tournament. But he didn't care. He wanted to play.

The first day of the tournament quickly came. Everyone walked to the board near the courts to see the arrangement. So did Eiji. He saw his name in block B, along with Oishi and Momo. Eiji stared at it for a while. So he really did participate in the tournament. He saw his first match was against a second year, so he walked to the court. He was starting first.

Everyone who watched the match was fascinated by Eiji's movements.

"Hoi!" Eiji's flexible body allowed him to do things no one else could do.

It was somewhat fun to see him playing. Kawamura, who accidentally walked near the court, also stopped to watch the interesting match. Eiji won easily again, with a count of 6-0 this time. His skills had improved again.

When Eiji left the court, Fuji ran to him. Eiji looked a bit surprised, he didn't expect Fuji to come to him.

"My match will begin any moment," Fuji said. "Would you like to watch it?"

Eiji wasn't able to answer immediately, because he was overwhelmed. Then he nodded.

"S-sure," he said a little shy.

Fuji smiled.

"Then, follow me," he said.

The match was interesting, but it would be more interesting if Fuji was playing against a regular.

The next day Eiji had his first match against Momo, who had lost from Oishi yesterday. Surprisingly, it was Eiji who with 6-3.

"I didn't underestimate him," Momo honestly said afterwards. "He's just better than I thought."

The regulars knew he was right. Eiji had just shown his real abilities.

After the match Eiji went to the psychiatrist again. She smiled when Eiji came in. He and his mother sat down and waited.

"I know what is bothering you," the psychiatrist said. "I give you the diagnosis right away. You have autism, the kind called PDD-NOS."

...

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Finally! What is Eiji thinking when he heard that? When I heard I had autism, I wasn't surprised. My two younger brothers have autism too, one of them has classic autism and the other one has the syndrome of Asperger, so I already knew what autism was. It was for a long time clear I had autism too, but I didn't know what kind. Since Januar last year I know I have PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, what a long name, I can't remember it). But Eiji don't even know what autism is, so from now on I have to invent what's going through his head. But I know what you can do when you have the diagnosis. Three weeks ago my father has been diagnosed with Asperger too.

I think this chapter got longer again, but I don't really see it.

Uhm about my English language again, it may a little bad, because I'm Dutch, but I give it a try. I think there are a few chapters left, I think three or four. So please support me!

Please review!

~Rie-chan~