Love of Autism

Here we are, chapter 14. You all have stuck around for 13 chapters so why not read a 14

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? This is the longest chapter I've written as a lot happens and I didn't feel like dividing this into chapters was a good thing. I know the long is wait, but unlike EA who likes to rush and push video games that aren't ready, I want to be like the other video games companies who delay the release date to make sure that the end product is great and the consumer is more than satisfied.

Everything in this chapter and previous chapters has been put in for one reason or another. Nothing is put in just because. As always I want to thank my editor Tigersman for the excellent job of editing this chapter and helping me with the finer details for story telling.

"So how long have you and your boyfriend been together?" the salesman asked curiously.

"About six months now," Katie answered.

"Do you go to school together?"

"Yep."

"So how did he ask you out the first time? I mean you're beautiful and well...he's not exactly the best looking guy in the world," the salesman stated plainly.

Katie didn't like the fact there were people who thought certain people shouldn't be together based on their looks. Sure, by the world's standards he wasn't the most handsome or attractive. What was so amazing about him was his character and how well he treated her, even after all the hell she had put him through.

"He may not be, but I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. He's an amazing guy and treats me better than I deserve."

"Besides," Sarah began, "if you knew the actual history between these two, you would actually be more shocked that my brother would even consider dating her."

"I think everyone in our families is shocked that your brother and I are dating."

"Along with half the school," Scott said as he came out of the dressing room wearing a tuxedo with a sky blue vest and tie.

Katie and Sarah immediately smiled when they saw Scott. "Damn Scott, who knew my brother could look so good in a tux."

"I did," Katie immediately responded.

"Whatever," Sarah said rolling her eyes.

"You do look really good in that tux," the salesman said. "I assume this will be for prom?"

"Yes, in three weeks," Scott responded.

"Well let me get your measurements so it will be a perfect fit for you so that every lady there will be jealous of your girlfriend."

The salesman took Scott's measurements and then instructed him to go back into the changing room and change back into his normal clothes. Once that was done, Scott paid for the rental and the three of them left and got in Scott's car.

"Since that is done can we get lunch?" Sarah asked.

"Sure, where should we go?" Scott asked.

Katie already had an idea of someplace that all three of them would agree to. "I say we go to Panda and get two biggie plates so that everyone can have rice and two entrees of their choice."

Immediately Scott and Sarah agreed, and Scott drove them to the nearest Panda Express. Unfortunately as it was lunch time on a Saturday the line was long. It took them almost thirty minutes just to get their food. Luckily a group of people had left a table and the three of them quickly grabbed it before anyone else could.

"So when do I get to see the dress?" Scott asked.

"Prom night," Katie said without even looking at him, just picking up some rice with her fork.

"And the reason I can't even know what it looks like?"

"Because I want to see the look on your face when you see me in it for the first time."

Scott wanted to say something, but turned to his sister first. "I'm not going to win this am I?"

Sarah smiled and shook her head. "Nope, but I think that is the least of your problems right now."

Katie wasn't sure at first what Sarah was talking about, but quickly realized that Scott had put off something again as she looked at him with disdain. "You still haven't asked your parents yet."

Scott let out a long breath, hating the fact that Katie was bringing this up again. "No, and I know I need to."

"Then just do it," Katie said pointedly.

"You know my parents are going to ask a hundred questions," Scott said trying to defend himself, "and I'm afraid they are just going to shoot it down."

"Then let me come with you and I'll explain that my mom is cool with it and she's paying for the two nights."

"Wait, hold on," Sarah said interrupting their conversation. "Two nights? They definitely won't be ok with that."

"See! Even Sarah doesn't think they will let me do it."

Katie rolled her eyes, still not quite believing Scott hadn't asked his parents yet, even though he is eighteen and it shouldn't matter if he wants to spend one day and two nights with her in a hotel room. "If they say no, then we won't do it then and just figure something else out. But we can't move forward anyway unless YOU ASK YOUR PARENTS!"

Scott hated the fact that Katie was right that he needed to ask his parents, but it still didn't make him less anxious. "Ok, when we got back to my place, the first thing we do is ask my parents and see what they say."

"Ok, that works."

After the three of them finished all of the food, which was Scott eating most of the rice and three of the portions of orange chicken, they dumped the remaining food in the trash and got into his car to drive back home. Once home, Sarah got out of the car quickly while Katie and Scott sat in the car for a while longer.

"I'll be with you the whole time," Katie said trying to encourage Scott.

"I know. Still doesn't make it any easier."

"Come on. Let's just get this over with."

Scott nodded his head and opened the driver side door to get out of his car and Katie followed suit with the passenger side door. They walked into the house and were greeted by his mom.

"Hey, so how did shopping for a tux go?" Jackie asked with a smile.

"Really well," Katie answered. "He picked a tux and vest that he liked on the first try and nailed it. Didn't even really need mine and Sarah's help."

"Awesome! I'm glad to hear that."

Scott nodded his head, not ready to ask his mom the question that needed to be asked, but he couldn't put it off much longer. At least if he didn't want to be nagged by Katie anymore. "So Mom. Umm, Katie and I have some plans we want to run by you and dad."

"You mean you and Katie spending two nights at a hotel?" Scott and Katie looked at each other wondering how his mom knew. "Jillian brought it up too as Katie might have suggested it to her."

Scott became very nervous that his mom would shoot the idea down. "So um..."

Jackie continued her smile and decided to stop torturing Scott. "Your father and I have decided to help pay for one of the nights and give you guys some money to spend on pizza or whatever takeout you two decide to get on that Saturday." Scott and Katie both were happy to hear the news. "However, your dad has a gift for you that he will make sure is in your duffel bag that will have your change of clothes."

"What gift?" Scott asked.

Scott's dad came out of the kitchen and joined them with a small box in his hands. "Something I've asked you to buy and know you haven't."

Scott knew exactly what is father was talking about. "Condoms." He felt embarrassed by his dad doing this, but understood at the same time why he was doing it. The only thing he wished was that it wasn't in front of Katie who felt bad for Scott that his dad was doing this to him.

"I promise we'll use them."

"Honestly Keith," Katie began, "I've told Scott that I don't want him to use them because I have heard from other girls it doesn't feel as good and I'm on birth control."

"Still," Keith said not caring that Katie was on birth control, "it doesn't hurt to add more protection."

"But," Katie was ready to object more but Scott grabbed her arm.

"Let it go Katie. We aren't going to win this argument with them," Scott said, none too happy about it.

***********************************

"Your dad didn't do that," Steve said, still not believing what Scott's dad did in front of Katie.

"Yep, right in front of her," Scott said looking down at his food.

It has been a while since Scott and Steve had sat alone with each other away from Liz and Katie. They used to sit together without Liz just to talk about guy things during lunch. Things changed with senior privilege when they got to leave the campus for lunch and when it became very obvious to Scott that Steve and Liz were becoming more than friends; he didn't feel the need to separate them from each other. Sure it meant he might have to eat by himself at lunch once in a while, which ended up never happening because Steve and Liz always wanted him to join them, but he wouldn't have minded at the time. Somedays, he just needed to relax some during the school day.

"That stinks, but at least you and Katie are getting the hotel room still."

Scott smiled and looked up at his best friend. "That is true. It will be nice just for me and her to really spend a good amount of time alone and NOT," he said emphasizing the word not, "just because we get to have sex and not worry about anyone interrupting us."

"But that is a big bonus," Steve said with a grin on his face.

Scott let out a little, quiet laugh and smiled back. "Very big bonus. But honestly, I'm looking forward more to just cuddling with her and relaxing and talking."

"Have any idea what you want to talk about?" Steve asked curiously.

"Umm...well one thing I was thinking about bringing up was what we would do about our relationship during college."

Steve nodded his head. "Yeah, I can see that."

"Have you and Liz talked about it?"

"Yes we have and we believe we will work out. Seeing as all three of us are going to Eastern Michigan, it shouldn't be that much of an issue. I know she won't sleep with another guy and I won't sleep with another woman. Plus I think it will be good to see if our relationship can work in that type of environment."

"True, but you will need to give me a heads up if you two are going to get busy in our room."

Steve couldn't help but laugh at Scott. "You sure you still want me as a roommate knowing there might be times you won't be able to get in our room?"

Scott gave him a blank stare. "Yes, because I don't have to explain what it is like for me to be autistic and have to have my roommate adjust to me and vice versa."

"Fair enough," Steve responded.

"Plus I know you'll hold me accountable and help me stay on top of my homework and studying."

"And help you deal with situations that you aren't prepared for so that you don't get overwhelmed and shutdown."

Scott let out a long sigh. "After hearing stories about my dad's struggles in college and how your dad helped him, I'll be grateful for any help I can get."

A few seconds later the bell rang, and Scott and Steve got up, threw their trash away and headed off to their lockers to get their things they needed for their next two classes. 'Only a few more weeks', Scott reminded himself. Only a few more weeks and school would be done and he could relax. He and Katie could hang out during the week during the actual day and not worry about homework or studying for a stupid test. Yes the new environment of college was only a few months later and the new stresses it will bring, but with his friends and girlfriend, he knew he could tackle the challenge.

Math seemed to go slower than normal to Scott. He couldn't help but look at the clock on the wall every few minutes and a couple of times he thought he saw the minute hand go backwards. Finally Math ended but as if he hadn't suffered enough Alyssa Frank came running after him.

"Hey Scott, wait up," she said chasing him out the door. Scott just kept walking but Alyssa caught up to him. "Hey, do you think you can help tutor..."

"No," Scott said before she could finish asking her question.

"Please, I really need to pass so I can graduate," she begged.

"Find some other sucker," he said with disdain.

"I'm sorry for how I used you." Scott just kept walking. "Please, I promise..."

Scott turned as soon as he reached the door to his English class. "Leave me the fuck alone and put in the damn work yourself," he said quietly, but with obvious annoyance and hatred.

Alyssa was hurt by what Scott said and how he said it. She walked away crying and Katie saw her crying as she walked into class with Scott.

"What happened?" Katie asked as they both sat down.

"She wants me to tutor her again in Math."

"Ok, but why was she crying?"

"I don't know," he said growing more annoyed. "I'm sure she just wants to use me again and I'm not going to let her. She even tried to say she's sorry for trying to manipulate me."

Katie thought for a moment what to say next. "Accept her apology." Scott did a double take, not expecting his girlfriend to say that. "Yes, accept her apology. If you can forgive me for all the shit I've done to you, you can forgive her."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. Scott, she was really hurt. Go find her after class and accept her apology."

"Should I start tutoring her again in Math?"

"That is up to you, but just know I trust you and you have my blessing if you decide to tutor her again."

Scott was shocked by what Katie said...but the more he thought about it, she was right. If he could forgive her of the shit she had put him through, he could forgive Alyssa. He just wished English didn't also go at a snail's pace so he could just get it over with. When it was finally over he left to go find Alyssa. After ten minutes he didn't think he would find her, but he luckily found her leaving the girl's restroom.

"Alyssa!" he shouted hoping to get her attention, but the noise of the hallway drowned him out. He chased after her through the halls and outside and finally managed to catch up to her as she got to her car. "Alyssa, hold on a sec," he said trying to catch his breath. She turned to look at him, her face still red from crying which made Scott feel even worse. "I'm sorry for going off on you like that. You were asking for help and my forgiveness and you didn't deserve that from me."

Alyssa shook her head. "No, it's ok. I treated you horribly and used you."

"You still didn't deserve that and I want to let you know I forgive you."

A small smile formed on Alyssa's face. "Scott you don't have to if you don't mean it."

"I do mean it though and well...Katie might have also brought up the point I've forgiven her for the far much worse stuff she's put me through."

Alyssa's smile grew a little bigger. "Thank you," she said and gave Scott a quick hug before letting go and opening her car door.

"But you remember to bring your math homework and flash cards tomorrow after school." Alyssa turned and look at him confused. "One hour, in the library after school. I'll find a ride for my sister so she can get home."

"Oh my god!" Alyssa exclaimed and hugged Scott again, but even tighter. "Thank you so much." She about to kiss him on the cheek but then stopped herself. "Sorry...um...see you tomorrow." With that she got in her car and drove away.

"So you not only forgave her but agreed to tutor her," Katie said from behind him.

"Yeah, I did. I'm going to tutor her in the library an hour each day after school is over." Scott turned to look at Katie who had a big 'just admit I was right' grin on her face, which he rolled his eyes at. "Yes, you were right."

***********************************************

The next two weeks thankfully went by much faster for Scott. Much to his relief, Alyssa never did try to pull anything during their tutoring sessions. Alyssa was dedicated to doing better and it showed on her next two quizzes and two tests. Even Mr. Jeffery was impressed by her improvement and when he asked her about her improvement she mentioned that Scott was tutoring her again.

Katie was a little fearful that Alyssa might try to pull something, but she knew Scott wouldn't put up with it if she did. Still she was happy that Alyssa didn't try anything and was hopeful that it meant she was not quite the bitch she was before. But now the big night was approaching, Prom night. Everything was set up for her and Scott. Both her and his parents paid for the room and were going to get them their room keys during the day and put their bags in the room with their change of clothes, some snacks that they both liked and the condoms that Scott's dad had bought for them. They had had no interest in using them, but agreed to use them just once just in case one of them got asked what it was like by either of their parents, most likely Scott's parents. It was stupid, but she knew there was no way she was going to get pregnant since she was on birth control.

Still, her anxiety was still getting to her a little bit about that night. She wanted it to be the perfect ending to her high school life and she couldn't imagine it in a better way. Her and Scott in a hotel room, having sex and just enjoying each other in whatever way they wanted. It had been a long time since they had sex and masturbating wasn't doing it for her anymore. She wanted the real thing.

Thankfully the weekend before Prom she and Scott had a little date night planned. Just a simple dinner that they could make together at her place. Possibly some TV afterwards if her mom didn't intrude. She hadn't in the past but that didn't mean she wouldn't this time.

She went through a checklist of everything she thought she had needed. Beef, shrimp, carrots, peppers, stir fry noodles and sauce...what was she missing? Her thoughts broke as she heard the doorbell and immediately went to go answer it, but her mom beat her to the door.

"Hi Scott," Jillian said when she opened the door and saw him. "Katie is in the kitchen making sure you two have everything you need."

"Actually I think she is right behind you," Scott said nodding his head.

Jillian turned around to see Katie indeed right behind her. "Oh, she is."

"Hey Scott," Katie said with an awkward smile.

"Hey beautiful." He lifted up a plastic bag that he was carrying. "I brought some water chestnuts because I think we forgot that we both like them and didn't mention them on our checklist of what we wanted."

Katie immediately snapped her fingers. "That's what was missing. Thank you for getting that."

"Well," Jillian began, "guess it is time for me to head out and then you two have your date night together."

"You don't have to leave Mom."

"No no, you two deserve some alone time. Plus I'm actually meeting up with Jackie, Stacy and Melissa to have a girl's night out."

"That's why my mom was more dressed up than my dad when I left," Scott said to no one in particular.

"Yep. So have fun you two and try to not make the house smell of sex again," Jillian joked. A few minutes later she was gone, leaving Scott and Katie alone.

"She is never going to not give us crap about that isn't she?" Scott asked.

"Nope," Katie said shaking her head, "think she just enjoys teasing us about that. Anyway let's make dinner."

And so they cut, prepared, and made a beef and shrimp stir fry together. Katie originally wanted to eat at the table, but Scott suggested that they should just eat on the couch. She agreed and they sat down on the couch eating and flipped through the channels trying to find something to watch. They settled on a Marvel movie that was almost over but it was marathon so another one would come on after that. They sat there, ate and watched the movie for a while in silence.

"So did Liz tell you her and I are going to be roommates?" Katie asked knowing that Scott would be excited about that news.

"Wait, what? Really?" Scott said excitedly.

"Yep," Katie said with a big grin on her face, happy about Scott's reaction.

"When did you two decide to become roommates?"