Touch My Heart - Chapter 2
A/N - I would just like to say thank you to all the follows so far. It's amazing to see so many already take a like in the story after just one chapter. Thank you! I also wanted to say thank you to my co writer Valorie818 for the amazing Sonny POV's - RoxyGirl24 & Valorie818.
(Will's POV)
"It's not like we have any other choice, right?", I implied as I shifted over looking at a now annoyed Alex.
"Fine! Whatever man" , he said as he blissfully got up off the chair and headed towards to door. I knew deep down that Alex wasn't really on board with the outcome of our so-called situation, but I had to talk to him to try to make this work for both of us. My life depended on it.
"Alex wait!", I asked as I bolted off the chair and followed Alex out the door.
"Not now Horton, I have to get my brother home before this becomes too much for him to handle. You've scared him enough already today."
"What do you mean hard to handle?", I asked as I grabbed his arm and turned him towards me, "Please, Alex. Could you at least tell me what's wrong with your stupid brother anyways?", I asked and never thought twice about he way I said it or how it might have sounded. I wasn't one to think before opening up my big mouth.
Alex got angry at my question, "He's not stupid, he's autistic you moron!"
"Autistic? What the hell does that mean?", I asked, trying to understand what Alex meant by autistic.
"Google it asshole! Oh, and if you as much as lay a finger on him, I swear to God...", he muffled out as he pushed my back up against the door of principal Carvers office, "Do not make me regret this Horton", he said and finally let go of my shirt and turned to Jackson, "Come on buddy. Let me take you home, alright?"
As I watched him closely as he leaned down towards Jackson and handed him his book bag, trying to see if there was anything I could learn from watching him interacting with his brother. The smaller boy didn't even seem to listen of even acknowledge his brother, but got up anyways and followed right behind as Alex walked out of the principal's office, not once turning around to see what was going on in his surroundings.
I took a moment to think about what I was gonna say to the others before I left the office. I knew Chad was waiting for me right outside the office and honestly I had no idea what to tell him about my new arrangement that's been negotiated in order for me to not be expelled from school.
The first thing that came to mind was to brush it off and pretend like nothing happened today. I've done it so many times before, so why is this any different from before? Sure, I might be able to hide from him for a few days or so, but what's gonna happen when he starts asking questions when he see's me with the little freak? How was I gonna explain to him when he asks me why I'm not joining him for lunch, or when I can meet up with the gang after school to hang out because I'm stuck babysitting the Kiriakis boy?
I took a step back and brush my fingers through my hair a few times and said to myself, "Everything's gonna be okay...", and walked out of the office with my pride in hand and hoped that my friend would understand that I had no other choice that to agree to this fucked up arrangement or else I wouldn't be walking up to get my diploma with him this year. What other choice do I have?
"So, man. How did it go? Did you get a week in detention?", he asked, curious about what my punishment would be this time around.
"Yeah, something like that man. I don't feel like talking about it, do you mind? Can we just drop it?", I suggested as I headed towards the exit.
"Come on man, what did you get? 1 week? 2 weeks? Are you getting suspended?"
"Chad, lay off alright? I'm not in the mood right now", I explained as I opened my car door and threw my bag inside and closed the door.
"Look man, I'm sorry. I just wanna know what's going on with you alright? You've been acting weird these past few days and I can't get the image out of my mind of you beating up Cameron. What going on dude? Talk to me?"
I took a deep breath and sighed, "Man, my life is so fucked up!", I admitted and got in the car and slammed the door shut. Chad opened the passenger side door and got in.
"I know it's not easy, but seriously man, what gives? Is everything alright at home? Does this have anything to do with your mom?", he asked and waited for my response.
"No, not really", I said as I put the key inside the ignition, "I need to clear my head. I'm going for a ride up to the falls, wanna come with?"
"Sure, but only if you tell me what bothering you. I'm your best friend, man. I'm not gonna lay off this until you tell me what wrong."
I nodded and started the engine, "I just need a few minutes to wrap my head around this, okay?"
"Okay..." was all he said as I back up from the parking lot and drove off towards our destination.
(Alex's POV)
"Dad? Are you home? I need to talk to you", I screamed out as I walked into the front door with Jackson, "Alright, buddy. Do you wanna go in the living room and draw while I talk to dad?", I asked him, hoping he agree to it, so he wouldn't have to hear my dilemma. He nodded and headed towards the darker room without hesitation.
"Alex? Is everything alright? You seem agitated", my dad asked as he came down stairs to greet me.
"No, dad! Everything is not fine! It's screwed up!", I said in a not so calmly tone of voice.
"Alright, calm down and tell me what's going on, son. You're scaring me here!"
"It's Will Horton! That's what's going on", I said as I walked past my dad and headed towards the kitchen so we could talk in private so Jackson wouldn't hear me. He got the hint and followed me inside.
I leaned up against the side of the counter and waited patiently for my dad to weigh in.
"So, Will Horton. What does he have to do with you being so angry", he asked.
"Dad, Jackson wandered off again today because I was late to pick him up, and Will got into trouble like he always does and now he's gonna be watching Jackson during lunch and after class for the rest of the semester. Will's an arrogant son of a botch who thinks with his fists and not his brain. He's gonna hurt Jackson, I know it."
"Why so quick to judge? Did something happen today?", my dad questioned.
"He touched Jackson, dad."
"Oh...", he whispered out and smiled. I for one didn't think it was something to smile about.
"Oh? Is that all you have to say about this? He touched Jackson and Jackson freak out!", I said a little louder, "This is bad! So bad!"
"And? Why is this so bad? I mean, you said yourself that having Jackson in a normal environment might help him out more with his social skills if he interacts with others, plus you're graduating in June and you're gonna be extremely busy with classes. So maybe this isn't gonna be so bad. Jackson seems fine and it you have to understand this is bound to happen sometimes. We can't always protect him like he's a baby, because he's not. He needs to grow as a person and learn to deal with this on his own terms when someone touches him. I know you only want what's best for him, but Alex, you need let him breathe a little and not make him feel like he's a burden to us, because he's not. Jackson needs to become more independent, and I honestly think Will can help him in more ways than we can help him."
"What? Have you lost your mind? This is a disaster!", I said throwing my hands up in the air. "I just can't leave Jackson with this asshole! He's bad news and his friends are even worst. This is the worst possible thing that could happen", I said as I shook my head in disbelief, trying to convince my dad that this was clearly a bad idea, "You can't seriously be okay with all this?"
"Okay, son. I get you're not a fan of Will Horton, but maybe this can be a good thing for Jackson. He's never been around anyone else beside you and your brothers. Maybe Will Horton is exactly what Jackson needs to break out of his shell. And who knows, maybe Jackson can also help Will see that's there's more to life than popularity and being a Jerk. Maybe you should give him a chance, son."
"Okay, I see where this is going! You're taking his side!", I said without thinking.
"Alex, I'm not siding with anyone. It's just sometimes, you need to understand that things don't always work out the way we planned them out to be. And believe me, I know that from experience", he paused for a second and continued, "Did you talk to Will about Jackson's condition?"
"No, I told him to google it!", I sarcastically replied.
"How thoughtful of you!"
"I'm sorry...It's just..."
"Hard to let go?", he suggested and I simply nodded, "Give him a chance, Alex. He might surprise us."
I inhaled deeply, " I hope you're right, dad. For Jackson's sake", I said as I walked out of the kitchen to check up on Jackson.
(Sonny's POV)
I was sitting at my drawing desk in the living room and I could still hear Alex yelling at dad in the kitchen. I know that they went to the kitchen so that I couldn't hear them, but they don't know that I can still hear them. Alex is so mad and I don't quite understanding why. Deep down I know it wasn't that guys fault for touching me, he didn't know that I would freak out. Plus there was something about him that has peaked my interest and I had the sudden urge to start drawing.
I pulled out my sketchbook and a pencil before I got to work. The one look I got of him earlier in the office wasn't a happy one, so I thought back to one where I remember him smiling. What a lot of people don't know about me is that I have a photographic memory so I remember things with clarity. That is why I was able to think of that one memory and be able to draw is from memory. I remember that day because it was one of the rare times I ever lifted my eyes from the ground to look around the room.
The drawing was coming along and it was already starting to look very realistic. I pulled back and squinted at the photo trying to decide what to work on next. I smiled a little at the picture in front of me before I dove back in to make the final touches.
(Will's POV)
It took us about thirty minutes to get to the falls when I stopped the car and got out. Chad did the same.
"It's beautiful out here", I pointed out as I looked over the amazing scenery before us.
"It sure is", Chad agreed and continued, "So, are you gonna talk to me today or am I gonna have to beat it out of you?"
I shook my head gesturing I would do so, but in the back of my mind, I was scared to death to him my best friend about my current turn of events. What if he didn't wanna be my friend after this? I know what the reactions from the others is gonna be. They are probably gonna laugh this up and make fun of me, but with Chad, it's different. He's more than my best friend. He's like a brother to me, and his support means more to me than I'm willing to admit to him, but I'm sure that deep down inside he knows.
I closed my eyes and prayed to God that this wouldn't change our relationship, "I've been assigned to Jackson Kiriakis for the rest of the semester. I have to spend my lunch hour with him to make sure he doesn't run off and watch him after class until Alex is done", I confessed, watching Chad's facial expressions change and the word flowed out of my mouth.
"Jackson? The weird dude that doesn't talk to anyone and has those fits?", he asked and chuckled, "Man! That dude's weird and kinda freaky!"
"Yup! That's the one, tell me about it", I said trying to hide the fact that I was not only embarrassed, but also terrified of the situation.
"So, this is only until school ends, right?", Chad asked.
"Don't remind me!", I said as I lowered my eyes to the ground and headed towards my car and sat on the hood, "What I'm a gonna do, man. I can't be seen around with this boy. What are people gonna think?", I asked, hoping Chad would say something to make me feel better.
"Since when do you care what other people think? It never bothered you before?", he said as he caught on to my insecurities, "What changed?"
"I don't know", I said as I lifted my shoulders slightly yo gesture my opinion, "Maybe I changed."
"Change isn't so bad you know? Maybe all this won't be so bad after all. You might even learn a thing or two", he said as I sat next to me and gently shoved my arm and laughed, "Or maybe not."
"You're such a dick!", I pointed out and smiled.
"Takes one to know one!"
"Shut up!", I jokingly said as I got off the car, "Ready to get out of here?"
"Lead the way!"
"Alright!"
And with that, We both got into my car and left the falls behind and headed back towards Salem. Knowing that what ever happens, Chad and I are gonna be alright. As for the others, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Tomorrow is a new day and I honestly have no idea what to expect from it, but one things that I know for sure is that Chad is gonna be on my side no matter what.
"What?", He asked as I started over at him, "Are you having a chick flick moment Horton?"
"No...I'm just happy that your my friend, man. I don't know what I would do with you."
"I know, I'm pretty cool, right?"
"You're so full of yourself, DiMera!"
"Yeah, yeah. I know, but for whatever it's worth, I don't know what I would do with out you either."
(Sonny's POV)
I drew in the last few details and rubbed them with my finger to make them slightly shaded before I dropped my pencil. The drawing before me was probably one of the best that I ever have drawn before. It looked exactly like Will, according to the name Alex said in the kitchen, and I also looked like he could actually walk right off the page.
As I stared at the drawing I realized I really wanted to get to know him. Even though that mostly meant him talking while I sat there not responding to anything that he asks me but I didn't care as long as I got to spend time with him.
I was admiring the picture some more when I heard a shuffling coming from the hallway. I didn't want anyone to see this picture because it meant more to me than any other picture have ever drawn so I quickly leaned forward and cover the drawing with my chest. I looked over my shoulder at the ground so that whoever it was coming into the living room would know I didn't want to show anyone this drawing.
(Alex's POV)
As I headed towards the living room to check out on Jackson, I noticed him looking over his shoulder as I approached him, as if he was trying to hide something from me. I could help but wonder what was going it with him.
"Hey buddy, can I see what you're drawing today?", I asked and Jackson just shook his head from side to side, as this was his way of saying no.
"Come on, buddy. Let me take a peek at it! I'm sure it's amazing", I said as I tried to change his mind and get him to show me his work of art, but he leaned over that table, covering his drawing with his body before I had a chance to see it and continued shaking his head in disapproval.
Usually, I wouldn't make anything of it, but Jackson can be stubborn at times. Being autistic doesn't make him any less human. He has feelings just like anyone, but something was off about his behavior today that I can't put my finger one, and it was kinda disrupting to our daily routine. Jackson draws, I ask to see his picture, he shows me the picture, I say it beautiful and then we get ready for dinner and that's that. What changed all of a sudden? Has something triggered this sudden change in Jackson?
"Alright! Suit yourself! I guess it's not that great after all", I told him as I started to leave towards the kitchen, because this usually works to get him to show me something or follow me when he's being a hard head and I wasn't the least bit surprised when he turned over towards me and handed my his picture shyly, without looking at me directly.
"Thanks for sharing with me", I said and brought up the picture to my eyes so I could have a look, "Jesus Christ!", was all that came out of my mouth, scaring Jackson enough for him to wave his hands frantically around in thin air.
"Shit! Jackson, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you, buddy. It's just this picture. It's amazing!", I tried explaining to him the reason I freak out when I notice who the person was in the picture. Because anyone who goes to Salem High, knew who the person in the picture was. It was of Will Horton. Can you blame me for freaking out?
Jackson finally calmed down and just sat there like did something wrong. I couldn't help but feel guilty as shit to make him feel this way. I leaned down before him and begged him to forgive me, "I'm sorry buddy. Are you angry at me?", I asked and awaited for his response.
He nodded once. So I guess that was a yes.
"I'm sorry. I was just surprise you drew a picture of Will, that's all. It's so Beautiful, buddy. You really outdone yourself on this one. You're a true artist", I pointed out to him and finally he smiled. Has much as I was afraid to admit it, I think Will is going to be a wonderful addition to Jackson life, even if I don't approve of it one bit. He's already done an impression on Jackson to the point where he's drawing him, and Jackson only draws things that either makes him feel good, or makes him feel happy. I guess if Jackson's ready to give him a chance, I don't see why I can't do the same thing.
"So, buddy. Will is going to pick you up tomorrow at lunch and after school. Are you gonna be okay with that?"
He hesitated first, but nodded twice.
"Are you going to give him this picture tomorrow?", he shook his head from left to right frantically.
"That's okay", I said calmly, "Maybe when you're ready you can show him. How does that sound?", I asked hoping he would change his mind.
He nodded in agreement.
"Come on, let's get ready for dinner before Dad get's angry", I said and gesture him to follow me, and he did.
As I watched Jackson raise himself up and walks towards the kitchen, I couldn't help but wonder about what was going on in his mind and why this sudden fascination with the young Mr. Horton, "I smell trouble", I thought to myself hoping, no...I should say praying that Jackson will not become to attached to Will, because only God knows what this could do to him if Jackson actually starts to have a liking in him and get hurts in the process. The only thing left for me to do now was sit back and keep my fingers crossed. Letting go is not as easy at it seems, but maybe it's time we give Jackson some space to find himself without have us hover over him all the time. As much as I hate to admit it, maybe this wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. Guess I'm gonna have a chat with the young Mr. Horton tomorrow and set a few things straight.
(Will's POV)
After dropping Chad off at the mansion, I hurried home because who knows how bad tomorrow is gonna actually be. As much as I was grateful to Mr. Carver for giving me this chance, I hated it! Being forced to watch of some weird guy who's actually the same age as myself was a little creepy. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against sick people or anything like that, but what are others gonna think when they see me with the Kiriakis boy? What if I become the laughing stalk of the whole school?
"Fuck! Why do I always get myself into these situations?", I asked myself as I flopped down on my bed and pulled out my laptop and started doing some research.
"Alright!", I whispered to myself as I pulled up the google page and typed in the word "AUTISM".
To my surprise, there was a lot of information on the subject, and yet to me, this was the first time I ever heard of it. As I read through it, I learned a few things about it actually about it. Like how it can affect social skills and brain development in people who has autism. I thought of Jackson and the way he never talks to people and how he freaked out when I touched him and somewhat understood why he was behaving that way, when it occurred to me that I might actually be able to help Jackson if I give it a chance. Me of all people? That I could make a difference?
I took a deep breath and got a little frustrated at the whole idea and closed my laptop and pushed it aside and starting thinking of ways I could actually help Jackson. I might be an asshole on the outside, but inside, I do still have a heart. With that, I closed my eyes and went off to sleep.
The next morning, I woke up and got ready for school. AS much as I hate the idea of helping out Alex Kiriakis of all people, after sleeping on it, I knew I have to go through with it somehow. I really had no other choice, right? I needed to graduate so I could get out of this god forsaken town someway or another, "Let's get this over with", I said out loud as I got in my car and left for school. And for the first time in my life, I was actually scared to death of going.
Once I got there, I hurried inside and tried to avoid the crowd, before the started asking questions about why I was interacting with the upper class citizens of Salem. The Kiriakis family was a well-known and very powerful family know all over the world. To a person like myself, lets just say that we don't blend very well with he rich people of Salem. Well, in exception of my best friend Chad DiMera. He's probably the only exception to the rule. He's funny, nice and if you wouldn't know it, you would have no idea he was loaded. His father, Stefano DiMera. One of the most powerful people in the entire world and rival the Kiriakis family. How could this even be more fucked up for me? Well, I'm Horton. We don't come from great fortune, but we are after all a very well-respected family in Salem. So, with my best friend being a DiMera, my punishment being assigned to the Kiriakis boy, what's left for a Horton to do if things get bad between the two crowds? It's not like I can just run and hide under a table, right? Even if that's what I feel like doing right now as I walk towards Alex's clan who is sitting at the end of the study hall and see everyone staring at me as I approached Alex and his brother straight on. Help!
"Look man, before you just to conclusion, I just wanna let you know that I just wanna get this thing over with so we can both move on and forget this ever happened", I explained to Alex.
"Well, that's probably the first intelligent thing you've ever said Horton", Alex pointed out and kicked over the chair and pushed it towards me, "Sit down."
I looked around to see if anyone was watching at took a seat and swallowed hard.
"Now listen and listen good! Rule number one. Never touch him! If I ever find out that you've laid a finger on him, I swear to god I'll rip you're fingers off one by one. Got it?"
I nodded, "Got it!"
"Rule number two. Don't talk down to him. It's not stupid. He can hear everything we're saying right now and he's probably scared to death. So, when you talk to him, talk to him like he's normal."
"I can do that. I've actually read up on his condition and...", I tried explaining, but I was interrupted by Alex.
"You googled?", he asked, looking surprised.
"Yeah. I had no other choice now did I? You wouldn't help me up when I asked you", I said with a smirk and looked over at the other Kiriakis boys, when I caught a glimpse of Jackson, look at me through his messed up hair that covered half his eyes. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind at the time.
"I'm sorry about that", Alex shyly admitted.
"It's okay, man. I get you care about your brother very much and only want what's best for him. But I do need to know a few things about him so I don't look like a total idiot when, or if he has an episode. I read that not every one reacts the same way. So, maybe if you could, you might be able to give some information if it's not to much to ask?"
Alex smiled and looked over at his brothers before answering and they all give him a nod, expect for Jackson. He just sat there eating his breakfast, "I think we can work together. What do you think Jackson? Do you think we should give this sucker a chance?", he asked Jackson and I waited for a sign of approval from him.
(Jackson's POV)
When the pointed the conversation to me I didn't know what to do so I just kept my eyes on my breakfast and thought about the question. A part of me wanted to let Will help me out because then I would get to hang out with him more but another part of me was nervous because I didn't want to freak out on him like last time. No matter how hard I try to stop those reactions they still happen. But as I subtly look over him through my bangs I see that even though he tries to look tough on the outside he is a nice person on the inside which helped with my decision.
(Will's POV)
He looked up at me briefly and turned his eyes over to Alex and moved his head slightly up, then down once.
"Well, I guess if Jackson approves, then I guess we can help you out. So, how about we meet up at lunch today so we can get to know we better. It would just be me, you and Jackson. You alright with that?"
"Yeah, sure, man. I can do that. I'll meet you outside by the entrance", I said as I got up from the table and started to leave, but only got hal way out the study hall and turned around.
"Did you forget anything, Horton?", Alex asked as I sat next to Jackson and answered.
"Yeah, I forgot to introduced myself to Jackson", and turned towards the boy, "Hey Jack, I'm Will. I'm gonna be hanging out with for lunch and after school. I hope that's alright with you", I said to him and looked over at Alex to see if I was doing okay. He smiled, so I knew I was doing good.
(Jackson's POV)
When Will stood up to leave, I got right back to my breakfast but when I heard my brother ask Will if he forgot something I suddenly became aware that Will was coming back. He came around to my side of the table and stood next to me. I suddenly had the urge to touch him but right after that I internally cringed at the thought so I just listened to what he had to say, "Hey Jack, I'm Will. I'm gonna be hanging out with for lunch and after school. I hope that's alright with you?"
I silently agreed but before I could respond he talked again, "Well, I know you might not like me very much, but I promise that I'll take good care of you when your brothers aren't around. I won't let anyone hurt you. So, I guess I'll see you later for lunch?"
When he said that he wouldn't let anyone hurt me I trusted him just a little more and so I did something I never do right away. I acknowledge him by nodding my head in agreement. I could tell that Alex was proud of what I did but at this point I have come out of my shell so much today that I drew back into myself and finished my breakfast.
(Will's POV)
"Well, I know you might not like me very much, but I promise that I'll take good care of you when your brothers aren't around. I wont let anyone hurt you. So, I guess I'll see you later for lunch?", I asked, I wasn't sure why I asked in the first place, because I knew he wouldn't respond to me, but to everyone surprise, he nodded once and looked at Alex.
"Wow! That's a first! It can take him months before he acknowledges people. I guess he likes you, Horton."
"I guess, so. Well, I'll catch you guys later, bye. Bye Jack.", I said and left the study hall felling a hell of a lot better than I did walking in.
(Alex's POV)
"So? What do you think guys? Jack seems to like him, right?", Joey asked as I watched Will walk away.
"I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I think he's the best thing that could happen to Jackson. If we're lucky, maybe he'll even learn a thing or two for Jackson."
"Well, I kind like him", Victor pointed out, "And I agree, Alex. Maybe Will's not such a dick head as he make himself out to be."
"So, It's Jack now?", I asked, feeling like an over protective brother.
"Hey, Jackson seems to like it. Isn't take right, buddy?", Joey pointed out and looked at me. Jackson smiled.
"Well, I hope you're right", I sighed and looked at Jackson, "God I hope you're right."
To Be Continued...OXO