Naomi's Melody

8/6/2019 Naomi's Melody

1/73

Chapter 1

I was born with a visual impairment. No, I'm not totally blind. I can seesome. I guess you would call me "legally blind." There are some things I can'tsee, but that doesn't bother me too much. My real problem? Finding real friends

that would accept me the way I am. Growing up, that was my biggest problem.I got picked on and bullied in school. The other kids used to call me theworst names"Retard," "Loser," and even "Blind Bitch." Nobody reallyunderstood how it felt for me. People kept saying, "Just ignore them, and they'llgo away." Well, I tried that many times, and no, they never did go away.

It was so hard to make and keep friends, too. I was always an outsider,an oddball, or the loser nobody wanted anything to do with. I was barely everinvited to hang out, and even when I was, they would come up with some excuseto bail on me. "Oh, I'm really busy." "Sorry, I have homework." "Sorry, myparents won't let me." I knew they didn't want anything to do with me, because Iwas "The Blind Girl." They didn't want to deal with looking after me. It would ruin

their fun.As for boyfriends and relationships, they all went up in smoke. Every guy Iever liked or dated kicked me to the curb.

On top of all this, I was also born with Asperger's Syndrome, and if youdon't know what that is, it's a mild form of Autism. I didn't even know I had it, untilI was sixteen. Before then, I always wondered why I acted so differently fromeveryone else. Why was I so immature? Why did I get my feelings hurt soeasily? How come I got nervous or stressed out easily? Why was I the way Iwas? Before then, people kept telling me I was childish and immature. They stilldid, even after I found out why, but at least I knew the reason why I was like that.

I even felt like a burden to my own family. I would get sad or upset easily,

and I felt like all I did was make them mad. I felt like everything I did or said wasembarrassing or stupid. I know they love me. I always knew they loved me, but Istill felt like a curse to them.

My childhood was so lonely and difficult. I'm not saying nothing goodhappened to me, but I am saying a lot of bad things happened to me.

College was a little better. I wasn't a target for bullies anymore, but Iwas still very lonely. I would shut myself in my room, and I barely talked toanybody. I was too afraid that I would get attached to someone, and they'dsuddenly stop being my friend, just because I was "The Blind Girl" or an "Aspie."I mean, it happened so many times in the past. I would make friends, getattached, and they'd suddenly turn their backs on me. I just couldn't go through it

again. I did have a few friends, but as always, I felt like a burden to them. I wasscared of driving them away, just like I drove everyone else away.With everything going on in my life, there was one thing that made me

happymy emotional release, and that was music. I've always loved to sing andwrite songs. I can't read or write music, because of my eyesight. However, Ilearn a song by ear, and I can still write my own song lyrics. It was my escapefrom the world, because I would find songs I related to that I could sing. Evenbetter, the songs I wrote were about my life. They expressed my thoughts, my


2/73

feelings, whatever was in my heart, and told the story of my life. When I was ateenager, I wanted to be a pop star. Unfortunately, people kept telling me it wasimpossible.

Everything seemed to finally turn around, however, when I discovered amusical group called Celtic Woman, because with Celtic Woman came millions of

fans. I met them at my very first Celtic Woman concert I attended with myparents when I was almost twenty-two. I had just finished college. I couldn'tbelieve how many fans lived in my area. They were some of the nicest people Ihad ever met, and I finally felt accepted. I finally felt like I could be my completeself around them, and nobody would ever judge me.

My name is Naomi Grey. I'm from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and thisis the story of my life. This is my melody.


3/73

Chapter 2

One summer night, a little over a year after I met my new friends, we allmet at Kirby's Sports Grille for karaoke night. We all ordered food and drinks.Well, I only got a soda, because I don't drink. I don't know what everyone else

got. Okay, back to the story.We all loved to sing, especially at Kirby's. The staff was so friendly there.The service was great. The food was delicious, and karaoke night was a blastthere.

"You want another Dr. Pepper, Naomi?" asked Chlo."Yes, thanks," I replied."No ice?""No ice." I grinned. I don't like ice in my sodas, because it makes them

taste watery and flat. Yuck!"I'll get some more fries, too," said Chlo.Okay, I know what you're thinking. Why can't she just get her own food

and drink? I would, but remember, I can't see very well. I can't find my wayaround that bar by myself."Next up, we have Chico!" the KJ announced.Chico is one of my Celtic Woman friends. He is originally from Cuba.

Before that night, I had never heard him sing, so I was really eager to hear howhe sounded. He approached the KJ, and grabbed the microphone.

The KJ turned on the backing music. It was You'll Be in My Heartby PhilCollins. Then, Chico started singing, and I nearly burst into tears. What a sweetvoice!

Okay, get a hold of yourself, Naomi, I said to myself. Then, I heardsniffling next to me. I turned to see that Meredith was crying, too. "He's

amazing," I whispered to her, wiping my tears away."Yep," Meredith agreed.I managed to hold in my tears through the whole song. Meredith finished

crying when it was over. Me, on the other hand? I broke down when Chicocame back to the table, and sat next to me. I quickly wiped away thoseembarrassing tears with a napkin.

"That was amazing, Chico!" I exclaimed.Chico blushed. "Thank you, Naomi."Yes, I had a little crush on him, but I decided to keep my mouth shut. I

wasn't really sure yet about my real feelings for him, and plus, I was too scared."Okay, now, we have Naomi up next!" the KJ announced.

I jumped out of my seat, and Meredith walked me up to the microphonestand. The KJ handed me the microphone. The music began, and I started tosing. I sang You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban.

Yes, Celtic Woman got me into singing that. I've always loved that song. Ialmost cried when I first heard Josh Groban's version. Then, when I heard CelticWoman's rendition, I decided I wanted to learn that song. It has special meaningfor me, and you'll find out why later on in the story. Right now, back to karaokenight.


4/73

When I finished singing, the entire bar clapped and screamed for me. Italways touched me how everyone in that bar was so supportive of my singing,and it meant a lot to me, getting that reaction from them.

"How was I?" I asked Meredith as she led me back to my seat."Amazing, as always!" she replied.

"Great job, Naomi," said Jessica."Thanks," I replied with a smile."Your fries are here," said Chlo."Yes!" I barked.My friends laughed.I started eating my fries as Jessica went up next.


5/73

Chapter 3

The next day, I was sitting at the table on my front porch, listening to myiPod. I was leaning over a blank journal with a pen in my hand. I was in my ownworld, so I didn't see my friend, Daniel, sneaking up behind me. He tapped my

shoulder. I jumped, looked up at him, and took my headphones off."Hey," he said. "Didn't mean to scare you.""It's cool," I chuckled shyly.He sat down in the chair to my right. "Watcha doin'?"I sighed, frustrated. "Trying to write a song. I can't think of what to write.""You write songs, too?""Well, I write lyrics.""That's cool.""Yeah, but I haven't written a song in forever, and I can't think of anything.""Oh.""Like, I know what I wanna write about, but"

"The words won't come to you.""Yeah. I haven't been able to write a song in over a year. StupidWriter's Block."

"Yeah, I know the feeling.""You write, too?""Yeah.""What do you write?""Lots of stuff.""You just write what's in your heart?""Yeah.""That's really cool. I'd love to read some of your stuff sometime."

"Okay, I'll share them with you.""Thanks.""No problem, but you have to share your songs with me.""Okay. I'll see if I can find some old songs I wrote.""Okay."For a few seconds, we were both quiet. Then, Daniel spoke."So you like Chico?"I turned red with embarrassment. "What?!"Daniel laughed. "I saw that look on your face at karaoke."I laughed. "Yeah, I like him.""Are you gonna tell him?"

"No way.""Why?""I'm too scared," I sighed sadly. "I'm so tired of getting hurt. Every guy

I've ever liked or dated in the past kicked me to the curb, and I just can't gothrough it again. I'm tired of feeling like I always screw everything up in therelationship. I'm tired of feeling like the world's worst girlfriend, like I can't doanything right."

"You're not a lousy girlfriend."


6/73

"How do you know?""Because, you're my best friend, and I know you. You're a wonderful

person. Chico would be crazy not to like you, too.""Thanks.""So, are you gonna ask him out?"

I took a deep breath. "Maybe.""You never know if you don't take a chance. That's how I got with Teresa.I took a chance, and asked her out."

I hesitated nervously. "I'll call him.""Good for you."


7/73

Chapter 4

After Daniel left, I went to my room to call Chico. I picked up my cellphone, and stood still for a few minutes. I was so nervous. So many thoughtswent through my head. What if he says no? What if he says yes, and then, I

screw up the relationship? What if I drive him away? Okay, Naomi, you need tochill out, and call him. I took a deep breath, and dialed his number? My heartwas pounding as the phone rang.

"Hola," Chico answered."Hi," I said nervously. "It's Naomi.""Oh, hi, Naomi!" Chico greeted cheerfully. "How are you?""I'm good.""What's up?""I wanted to ask you something." Gosh, I was really nervous."Okay. Go ahead.""Um, I was wondering if you wanted to go out maybe on Friday."

"Ohh, yes, I would love to!"I exhaled, relieved."Where would you like to go?" asked Chico."Do you like Italian food?""I love Italian food.""Okay, how about Giovanni's?""That sounds muy bien.""Awesome! So, I'll see you then?""What time?"Oops! "Oh, um, is 6:30 good?""Yes."

"Okay.""I'll pick you up at your house.""Awesome. See you Friday, Chico.""Okay. Adios.""Adios." I hung up the phone, and held it in my hand for a few seconds.

Wow, he said yes! I called Daniel to tell him the good news!


8/73

Chapter 5

On Friday, I was going through my closet, trying to pick out a dress towear for my date with Chico. I chose my favorite onea long, white, straplessdress. I loved that dress. Every time I put it on, I felt like a Celtic Woman. It

made me feel so beautiful. I slipped into a pair of matching dress sandals. Icarefully did my makeup, and ran a pick through my hair. I sprayed myself withmy favorite perfumeCherry Blossom.

I sat in the living room, listening for the doorbell. My mom came out of thebedroom. "Oh, Honey, you look so beautiful," she said. "Chico's gonna be allover you."

I smiled. "Thanks, Mom," I said."You look just like Chlo Agnew." No, she wasn't referring to my best

friend, Chlo. Chlo Agnew is one of the members of Celtic Woman.I blushed and laughed. "Thanks." I always blush when people tell me I'm

beautiful, because sometimes, I don't see it. Then, someone else does, and it

makes me feel good."You did a great job with your makeup, too," said Mom."Thanks, Mom."Just then, the doorbell rang. I jumped out of my seat, and zoomed to the

door. I stopped for a few seconds to take a breath. Then, I opened the door,and there stood Chico. He looked so handsome in his fiddle crossing sign T-shirt. "Hi," I greeted shyly.

"You look beautiful," Chico said with a smile, "just like a Celtic Woman."I turned red. "Thank you.""Are you ready?""Yep."

Chico took my hand, and let me to the car. He opened the door for me,helped me in, and closed the door. What a gentleman!At the restaurant, we sat near a window, where the lighting was better for

me, so I could see my food. I have trouble seeing in low light. Anyway, weordered our drinks. Chico had coffee, and I had a Dr. Pepper.

"I didn't know you like Italian food," said Chico, after our food arrived."I love the pasta dishes," I said."Like Alfredo?""Yeah," I chuckled shyly."Me, too.""I love food."

Okay, yeah, awkward moment. Give me a break. I'm always shy at first.Chico laughed. "Me, too."I searched my mind for a few seconds, trying to think of something to talk

about without sounding like a complete idiot. "You were really good at karaokethe other night," I finally said.

"Ah, thank you. So were you.""Thanks." I blushed a little. "You have a great voice. I didn't know you

could sing like that."


9/73

"Thank you so much." Chico blushed, too. "I don't think I'm that good.""Well, I'm the music expert, and I say you're really good."Chico laughed. "You have a beautiful voice.""Thanks.""You should be the next Celtic Woman."

Pff, in my dreams, I thought. "Really?""Yeah, you sing just like Celtic Woman.""Thank you so much. It's my dream to sing with them.""You should.""Do you have a dream?""Yeah. I want to be an actor.""Awesome!""And, I want to sing in musicals.""You would kick ass."Chico laughed loudly. "You make me laugh.""I'm serious," I laughed softly. "The way you sang the other night, you

really got into the song.""I was singing it for you."I suddenly turned red, and cracked a huge smile. I was speechless."Because, you'll always be in my heart.""You're so sweet."


10/73

Chapter 6

After dinner, Chico took me to see a romantic movie. He knew I had a bigappetite, so he bought me a large popcorn with a soda.

During an emotional scene in the movie, I snuggled up in Chico's arms,

and rested my head on his shoulder. I watch the couple in the movie kissing andloving each other, and I caught a glimpse of me and Chico in my mind. It wasturning out to be more than a crush. I was falling for him.

After the movie, Chico and I walked out of the theater, and the sky wasdark. The only things I could see were the street lights, the colorful neon-litsigns, and the lights in the windows of buildings near by. I always loved howeverything seemed to light up at night with so many beautiful colors.

Chico walked me to the car, and helped me in again."I don't wanna go home yet," I said to him as he fired up the engine. "I'm

having too much fun.""Good, because I want to take you somewhere."

"Where?""You'll see."Chico drove for a few minutes, until we pulled up in a deserted area. He

parked the car, helped me out, and grabbed a bag out of the trunk. As he guidedme through a small grove of bushes, I heard a peaceful sound of water flowing.It was a beautiful waterfall in a small stream. I couldn't see very much, except fora light that shone by the waterfall, and into the stream. I could see the waterflowing and moving in the light. It was beautiful, and so peaceful to listen to.Chico and I sat on the ground, right next to the stream.

"Wow," I exhaled. "This is really beautiful.""I know," said Chico. "I love it here. I like to sit here when I'm stressed out

or worried. I bring my CD player, and listen to Celtic Woman.""It makes you feel okay again?""Yeah. I feel peaceful here."I couldn't say anything. I was speechless, and falling deeper in love with

him. I couldn't think of anything to say. All I could do was smile."I have something else to show you," said Chico, digging inside his bag,

and pulling out a telescope. "I know you can't see very well, so I thought thiswould help you see the stars better." He placed the telescope in my hands.

I looked through the telescope, up at the sky, and for the first time, I sawstarsreal stars. It took my breath away. "Wow."

"Aren't they beautiful?"

"Yeah," I replied breathlessly, holding back tears. "I've never seen starsbefore.""No?""No. I can't see them with my bare eyes. I can see the moon, but I can't

see the stars without a telescope.""How does it feel to see them for the first time?"


11/73

"Amazing. I can't believe I've never seen them before, and I'm twenty-three years old. I feel like I missed out, but now" I wiped tears from my eyes."Now, I can see them."

"I'm sorry you can't see very well.""It's okay. I'm used to it. I'm just really glad there are ways I can see

things.""Like telescopes?""Yeah, and like light.""Yeah.""I really like the light over the water. It looks really pretty when it's dark

outside.""Yeah, it does.""I can't see your face very well, except the parts where the light's hitting it,

but it makes you look magical.""Magical?""Yeah, like you're this angel slowly lighting up."

"I can see your face very well, and the light makes you glow like a fairy."I was trying so hard not to cry, but his words were like poetry. Then, itwas as if we read each other's minds as we both leaned towards each otherslowly, and pressed our lips together. The kiss lasted for what felt like forever,yet it went by so fast. It was so real. I had never had a kiss like that before.

We were both quiet for a few seconds. We were too speechless to sayanything. Then, I spoke. "Wow. That was real."

"Yeah," Chico agreed.I took a deep breath. "I really like you, Chico. I think you're awesome.""You're awesome, too."Then, we kissed again. Out of all the guys I liked or dated in the past,

nothing I felt for them was ever as powerful as what I felt for Chico. None of thedates I've been on were as romantic as this. It was just a sweet, simple date, justthe way I liked it, and I especially liked the company.


12/73

Chapter 7

The next day, I was at Meredith and Chlo's house, having lunch withthem and Daniel. Oh, I don't think I mentioned this, but Meredith and Chlo aresisters. Anyway, we were stuffing our faces with pizza and chips, and talking

about, well, everything."So, what happened with Chico last night?" asked Chlo."He took me to dinner," I said, "and then, we went to see a movie."Chlo and Meredith gasped, pretending to be surprised."Was it a romantic movie?" asked Meredith."Yes," I replied giddily. "Then, he took me to this waterfall place."The other three leaned in to listen carefully."He brought a telescope, so I could look at the stars."They breathed in deeply."I've never seen stars before, because I can't see them with my bare

eyes."

"Aww, that sucks," said Chlo.I continued. "Then, he told me I looked like a fairy, and we kissed.""Awwwwww!" my friends cooed."It was so sweet." I couldn't help but smile. "I really like him.""See?" said Daniel. "I told you it would all work out.""Thank you so much, Daniel.""Hey, no problem.""That's what friends are for, girl," added Meredith.I paused for a few minutes, and started to feel a little sad. "I'm still scared,

though," I said before taking a bite of my pizza."Why?" asked Chlo.

"I'm scared it's all gonna go up in smoke someday.""Why do you think that?""It's just happened so many times in the past. Every guy I've ever liked or

dated ended up kicking me to the curb. I'm scared it's gonna happen again."Meredith patted my shoulder. "Awww, Sweetie.""After you've been dropped so many times, you start to wonder if there's

something wrong with you. Like, am I a lousy girlfriend? Am I really so horriblethat no guy would ever want me? They say they do, and then, they find a reasonto dump me again."

"Well, here's how I see it," said Meredith. "Those guys were assholes.There's nothing wrong with you. If anyone makes you feel that way, remember

that they don't know you like we do.""We know you have problems with Asperger's and not being able to see,"added Chlo, "but we don't care."

"We accept you the way you are," added Daniel."Yeah," agreed Meredith. "Anyone who doesn't is stupid, because their

parents obviously didn't teach them about accepting people. Well, good luck tothem holding a relationship."


13/73

"Thanks, you guys," I said. I felt relief inside, because I finally foundfriends that accepted me the way I was. "I feel like I can be myself around youguys, and you won't think I'm nuts."

"We think you're different," said Chlo."But, that's a good thing," added Meredith. "Being like everyone else is so

overrated.""I have a confession to make," said Chlo. "I still watch the kiddy showson Disney Channel sometimes."

"I still cry when I watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," addedMeredith. "When Snow White gets poisoned, and the dwarves stand around her,crying, I can't help myself."

"I'm a huge Harry Potter fan," said Daniel. "Teresa makes fun of me,because of it."

We giggled and snickered."Aww, poor baby," Meredith teased.Daniel laughed. "It's okay."

"I still sleep with a teddy bear," I said."We know," said Chlo. "You showed us your Ojo plushy.""I don't think I told you that I talk to her, though.""Hey, I still talk to my stuffed bunny," said Chlo."I still have action figures I got when I was a kid," said Daniel."We're all still kids at heart," said Meredith, "but I guess the Asperger's

makes you more child-like."I nodded. "Yep.""Nothing to be ashamed of," said Daniel. "I think it's cute.""Yeah," Chlo agreed. "I get so sick of seeing all these robots walking

around, acting like 'boring adults' or whatever. They can't just lighten up, andhave fun."

"I'm so glad I'm not the only one that feels that way," I said, relieved."Uptight people scare me. Like, when you tell them a corny joke, and they don'teven laugh."

"I know," agreed Daniel. "That really pisses me off.""I've run into a bunch of those people," said Meredith, "and I wanted to

slap them across the face.""You know what else I hate?" I added. "I hate it when people get annoyed

over stuff that's supposed to make them laugh. 'Oh, Flo the Progressive Girl isso annoying!' Ugh!"

"I know!" Meredith agreed. "Like, sheesh, lighten up, people!"I suddenly started laughing. "How did we go from talking about my love

life to this?""I know how, but I'm not gonna bore y'all with the long story," Chlo

chuckled.We all burst out laughing, trying not to spit pizza everywhere."But, I'm really grateful that I met you guys," I said. "It really makes me

feel better to know that I can be my total self, and you won't judge me.""We're like brothers and sisters," said Meredith.


14/73

"Celtic brothers and sisters," Daniel chimed in."Oh, right," Chlo chuckled, pretending to be a ditz."No matter what happens," said Meredith, "we'll always be there for you.""We're there for each other," added Daniel."If it wasn't for Celtic Woman, I wouldn't have met you guys," I said.

"It's amazing what Celtic Woman has done for us, isn't it?" Chloenquired."Yep," Meredith agreed."Is there any more pizza?" I asked. "I'm still hungry.""Me, too," said Daniel."Oh, yeah," Meredith replied. "There's plenty left, and there's still plenty of

chips, too.""Great," said Chlo.We all got up from our seats to load our plates with more food, and pour

more soda into our cups.


15/73

Chapter 8

Later that day, I was back at the table on my front porch, listening to myiPod, and leaning over the same blank paper. Yes, I was trying to write a songagain. It was so frustrating! I couldn't get rid of the Writer's Block. I just sat

there, leaning over the paper, and holding the pen as if I was about to writesomething. I groaned in frustration, put the lid back on the pen, and sat back inthe chair, just listening to my iPod. I stared blankly at the white, fluffy clouds inthe blue sky, hoping something would come to me.

I sat in that same position for a while, until a tap on the shoulder broughtme back to Earth. I turned off my iPod, and placed the headphones on top of mywriting supplies. I saw Chico sitting down in the chair to my right.

"Hola," he greeted."Hey," I answered back, as if I was half asleep."What's wrong?""Just a little frustrated."

"Why?""I'm trying to write a song.""Oh, I see.""I have Writer's Block. I've been trying to write a song for over a year,

but I can't. I know what I wanna write about, but I can't find the right words.Everything I come up with sucks."

"Can you show me what you came up with?""I haven't come up with anything today, and the stuff I came up with before

is gone. I tore them up, and threw them out.""I didn't know you write songs.""Yeah, I write lyrics."

"What do you write lyrics about?""My life, what's in my heart, my thoughts, what I go through. Personalstuff. I write about my life. Like, the songs I write are my biography."

"What song are you trying to write now?""A love song.""Love song?""Yeah.""About what?""You and me.""Awww."I smiled at Chico. "Chico, last night was the best night of my life. Well, I

mean, besides going to see Celtic Woman," I said with a goofy grin."Of course," Chico chuckled."I've never felt anything like this before.""What do you feel?""It feels like I don't know. I can't really describe it but I like it. It's a

good feeling.""I'm glad."


16/73

"You make me feel things I've never felt before. You make me feel sobeautiful, and I don't feel that way very much."

"Why?""My skin is whiter than a ghost. I have all these ugly zits on my face, and

my stomach makes me look like I'm pregnant. I have this ugly belly bulge I can't

get rid of, and it makes me look like I'm six months pregnant." I tried not to laughwhen I said that, but I failed miserably.Chico grinned at me. "You're not ugly.""Thanks.""And, you don't look pregnant."I laughed. "You obviously can't see the belly bulge.""No.""Thank goodness," I jokingly sighed."And, I can't see your zits."I grinned. "Well, that's because I'm wearing makeup to cover them.""Oh."

I snickered."You look awesome to me.""So do you."Chico blushed. "No way.""Yes way.""Thank you."I glanced at the pen and blank paper again, and sighed in frustration."Maybe you shouldn't try to force yourself to write a song. Just let the

words come to you, and write what you feel in your heart.""Thanks, Chico.""I don't write songs, but I know what it's like not to know the right words to

say.""You don't wanna sound like an idiot when you're trying to say something.""Right.""Like, I don't want my song to suck when I'm done.""My mom always taught me to speak from my heart.""That really helps a lot. Thank you, Chico.""You're welcome.""I'll show you the song when I write it.""Okay. I'd love to read it.""Awesome."I smiled at Chico."Just relax, and the words will come to you. Look at the beautiful, blue

sky, the pretty trees, and those white, fluffy clouds, and let go of everything.""Wow," I replied, astounded."What?""For someone who doesn't write songs, you sure are poetic.""Ahh, thank you.""Thanks for the advice, Chico."


17/73

"You're welcome." Chico changed the subject. "Can I take you outtomorrow? There's somewhere I want to take you."

"Sure. Where?""To the waterfall.""Cool."

"I want to take you during the day, so you can see it better.""That sounds great.""And, I'll bring my CD player, so we can listen to Celtic Woman.""Wow, you're a romantic!" I flirted.Chico smiled. "So, I'll pick you up after lunch?""Why don't we have lunch there?""Ohh, even better! Okay, I'll bring lots of food."I grinned. "Okay, sounds great."Chico stood up from his seat. "I'll see you then." He leaned over, and

kissed my cheek. "Bye.""Bye."

I watched Chico get in his car, and drive off. Then, I just sat there for afew minutes, staring at the sky, the clouds, and the trees around me. I leanedmy head back, and relaxed.


18/73

Chapter 9

That night, I sat at my desk, pulled out some paper, and just startedwriting. Yes, my Writer's Block was gone. I was finally writing a song. Afterbeing blocked for so long, the right words finally came to me. Chico gave me

back my inspiration, and gave me my music back, too.It took less than ten minutes for me to write the song. As soon as Ifinished, I put the pen away, turned off the desk lamp, and got ready for bed.

In the morning, Daniel was at my house, eating breakfast with me. Wewere just talking about, well, love.

"I finally wrote a song," I said after I finished chewing my food."That's awesome!" Daniel exclaimed."Yeah," I chuckled."How'd you get rid of the Writer's Block?""Chico came over yesterday.""Cool."

"He found me with my head practically inside the paper."Daniel giggled."I explained my problem to him, you know, about the Writer's Block.""Yeah." Daniel nodded."He told me to relax. He practically went all poetic on me, and started

telling me to look at the blue sky and the green trees." I grinned."Awwwww.""He was so sweet. He made me feel beautiful. He couldn't see my flaws.""What flaws?""Like the zits, this ugly belly bulge, and the fact that my skin is whiter than

a ghost."

"I can't see them, either."This time, I wasn't wearing makeup."You don't?""Nope."I smiled. "Thanks, Daniel.""You are a beautiful woman, Naomi.""Thanks. That really makes me feel good about myself.""It's true."I just smiled, and took another bite of my food. "Yum," I randomly said

with my mouth full.Daniel laughed. "You're silly."

"I know," I said, still with a full mouth. "Nom-nom-nom-nom-nom," Imumbled as I chewed my food. Yes, I am a crazy person.Daniel burst out laughing.I finished chewing my food. "I'm a nutcase.""Yes, you are," Daniel teased.I was just about to tease him right back, but then, I saw him stuff a big bite

of food in his mouth."Good grief!" I laughed. "How the heck can you get that in your mouth?!"


19/73

Before you wonder what's wrong with the two of us, you need to knowsomething. My friends and I are very silly and random. Like I said, I can be mycomplete self around them, and they don't judge me. It's gotten to the pointwhere I can show them my craziest side, and make them laugh. I discoveredthey were very silly, too. Look at Daniel. He just stuffed a bunch of food in his

mouth. I could swear the bite was twice as big as his mouth. When we all gettogether, we do and say crazy things that we would never do in public, and mostof the time, we start goofing off out of nowhere.

Okay, back to the story. Daniel and I finished our breakfast, and put thedishes away together.

"Do you wanna see the song I wrote?" I asked."Sure," Daniel replied.I flew up the stairs to grab the written lyrics off my desk, and zoomed back

down the stairs again. "Here," I panted, handing the song to Daniel.I caught my breath as Daniel read through the lyrics."Wow," he said.

"What do you think?" I asked."These lyrics are beautiful," he said. "Chico will love them.""I'm gonna show them to him today. I have another date with him.""Really?""Yep. We're gonna have lunch by that waterfall we went to on the first

date. He's bringing a lot of food.""You're having a picnic.""Yep, and he's bringing some Celtic Woman CDs for us to listen to.""Awwww, sounds really romantic.""Yeah, I can't wait. I should probably get ready soon.""What time is he picking you up?""Noon.""You still have a couple hours.""Yeah.""Wanna watch some TV for a little while?""Sure.""Then, I'll help you get ready.""Thanks," I said happily.Chico and I spent every waking hour with each other. Okay, maybe not

every waking moment, but we did spend a lot of time with each other. We dideverything together. We went out to eat, went to the movies together, and weeven spent time together at each other's houses. I met his family. They were sowelcoming and kind. They didn't speak a lot of English, but luckily, Chicotranslated for me. I even learned a little Spanish. We also sang together onkaraoke nights. Yes, together, as in duets. Pretty cool, huh? Then, of course,there was the waterfall. We would lie next to it for hours, just listening to CelticWoman, cuddling in each other's arms, and relaxing.

With Chico, I felt things I had never felt before. I was falling hard for him.I could see us spending our lives together.


20/73

Chapter 10

About a month and a half later, in late July, I was sitting on my front porchagain. It was nighttime. I was sitting on the porch swing, staring at the starsthrough a telescope. I put it down when I heard a car pull into the driveway.

Daniel got out of his car, walked up to me, and sat next to me."Hey," he said."Hey," I replied, still trying to wake up from daydreaming."Watcha doin'?""I was looking at the stars with the telescope Chico gave me.""Cool. Can I see?""Sure." I picked up the telescope again, and handed it to Daniel.Daniel looked through it. "Wow, pretty awesome.""Yeah.""I guess this really helps you.""Yeah."

"It's gotta be hard.""What?""Not being able to see everything like everyone else.""Yeah, it gets tough sometimes, but I'm pretty used to it.""Wouldn't it be great if you could fix that?""Yeah, but I'm pretty happy the way I am.""I understand.""Been like this my whole life.""Yeah. I guess it would be kinda scary to make a big change like that,

wouldn't it?""Yep, but hey, there're some good sides to having bad eyesight."

"Like what?""Well, I get all this really awesome equipment. I get these really coolprograms on my computer, and not being able to see very well gets me out ofdoing some things I don't wanna do, since I wouldn't be able to do them anyway."

Daniel laughed. "Yeah, I guess that's good."I snickered. "Yeah.""I'm glad you're happy the way you are, though, and you can use your

disability to help other people.""How?""Well, you wanna be a singer, right?""Yep."

"Well, you can set an example for people not to let anything stand in theway of their dreams."I only had to think about that for two seconds, and then, I flashed a big

smile. "Yeah!" I exclaimed."I mean, you're not letting your disability get in your way.""I can teach others to do the same.""Yeah. You're a great singer. You sing from the heart, and you make a

lot of people happy when they hear your voice."


21/73

"I do?""Yeah. You make me happy."I smiled. "Awesome." I was a little speechless. I didn't know how to

respond to such a big compliment."I mean it. I've never heard a voice like yours before."

Tears started forming in my eyes, and I kept smiling. "Thanks, Daniel.""No problem." Daniel wrapped his arm around me, and gave me a bighug. Then, he changed the subject. "So, how are things with you and Chico?"

I smiled big when Daniel brought up Chico. "Great.""That's good.""I love him so much.""Awwww.""I can see a future with him.""What kind of future?""Getting married, both following our dreams, growing old together, and

being buried next to each other."

"You really love him, don't you?""Yes.""I'm so happy for you, Naomi.""Thanks.""No problem.""How are you and Teresa?"Daniel sighed sadly. "We've been fighting a lot lately.""Sorry." I felt a little worried, because I knew how much Daniel loved

Teresa. I was hoping nothing bad would happen."Thanks.""Is it okay if I ask why?""Sure. I need someone to talk to about it."I listened."She's been constantly criticizing me a lot, and she's always making me

feel bad.""What?""Yeah, she gets mad at me for trying to put an effort into our relationship.

She gets mad when I call her at a bad time, which seems to be all the time.She's always putting me down." Daniel hung his head. "I feel like I can't doanything right anymore."

"Maybe you should tell her how you feel.""Yeah, I will.""She shouldn't treat you like that. I mean, you're just trying to be a good

boyfriend.""Yeah. I try to give her everything she wants, but it's never good enough.""I know how bad that feels. It really, really sucks.""Yeah, it does.""I can't tell you how many times I got pushed aside in past relationships. I

tried to give them everything, but it either wasn't good enough for them, or theywere asking too much from me."


22/73

"I'm sorry.""I put in one hundred percent effort in the relationship, tried to show them

that I cared, but apparently, I wasn't good enough for them. Then, Chicohappened. I really hope you and Teresa can fix things."

"Me, too, and I hope you and Chico stay together forever."

"Thanks."


23/73

Chapter 11

I was hoping the same thing, but not too long after that night, thingsseemed to be going downhill for me and Chico. I hadn't heard from him in over aweek. I ran into him a few times, and he barely said two words to me. He

suddenly seemed so distant, like he didn't want to even talk to me. I wondered ifI did something wrong.After two weeks of silence, I finally picked up the phone to call him. I

stood in the middle of the living room like an idiot with the phone glued to my ear.It kept ringing and ringing, until I got his voicemail, just as Meredith entered thehouse. She saw me with the phone to my ear, along with a worried expressionon my face. She stood still while I left a message. "Chico, it's Naomi. When youget this message, I need to talk to you. Please call me back. Bye." Then, I hungup, and plopped my butt down on the sofa in frustration.

"What's wrong?" asked Meredith."Chico won't talk to me," I said glumly.

"Why?" Meredith sat next to me on the sofa."I don't even know. I haven't heard from him in two weeks, and when Isee him, he barely says two words to me. I tried to give him space, but damn it,it's been two weeks. I had to call him."

"I'm so sorry, Naomi. I hope you can get in touch with him, and find outwhat's going on with him."

"I'm scared I did something wrong, but I don't know what I did.""That makes me so mad when people do that. They don't talk to you, so

they leave you worrying yourself sick that you did something to make them mad.That just pisses me off. I've had friends do that to me before. It sucks."

"How am I supposed to know what I did if he won't talk to me?"

"I know, Sweetie, but I don't think you did anything wrong. Maybe he's justbusy.""I don't know. I mean, when I see him, he's always socializing with his

other friends, but he barely says anything to me."Meredith sighed. "Yeah, what's up with that?"Finally, my cell phone rang."Oh, that could be him," Meredith said hastily.I answered. "Hello? Hey, Chico. Yeah. Look, you've been really distant

lately. Are you mad at me for something?" My face suddenly scrunched up inhurt. "Okay," I said glumly. "Fine. Whatever. Bye." I slammed my phone shut,and sighed heavily.

"What did he say?" asked a worried Meredith."He said he needed space.""What?!" Meredith shrieked."Yeah, so he won't tell me what's going on.""That is messed up!"I groaned. "I'm so sick of being kicked to the freakin' curb!" I shouted.Meredith hugged me, and wiped tears from my eyes. "I know. It's okay."


24/73

"Sorry you have to put up with my whining," I sniffled. "I know it'sannoying."

"No, it's okay. You're not annoying me. If you need to scream, go ahead.Scream. Get mad. Flip out. I'm here for you, Naomi. I'm not going anywhere."

"What's wrong with me? Why can't I keep a boyfriend? I mean, I try to put

in a hundred percent. I don't shut him out. I don't go behind his back. I don't lieto him. I give him my heart, and he always breaks it. Am I really so awful that noguy will ever want me?"

"No. Some guys are just stupid.""I don't get it. Chico said he needed space. I gave it to him.""Then, maybe you should tell him that. You should talk to him, and see

what's going on.""I tried.""Well, this time, tell him you're not going anywhere, until you get a straight

answer, because it's not fair to you that he's shutting you out like this. He needsto realize what he's doing to you, because seeing you like this, it kills me. I hate

seeing my bestie like this.""Thanks, Meredith.""No problem.""You know, I feel like I'm fifteen again.""How so?""Well, there was this guy in school I liked, but he just wanted to be friends.

I respected that.""Yeah." Meredith nodded in agreement."I tried to be his friend, but apparently, I made him think I was stalking him.

I apparently scared him off, so after a while, I just stopped talking to him. I mean,what was the point? I'd just make things worse. For the rest of high school, Ididn't talk to him. I wanted to, though. I wanted to make amends with him, but Iwas too scared to even go near him. I didn't wanna scare him away again. Iwent off to college, and totally lost touch with him." Tears began to fall as Ispoke. "Then, a few years ago he died."

"Oh, no," Meredith replied sympathetically. "I'm so sorry.""Now, I feel like it's happening all over again. I'm apparently smothering

Chico. Thinking about it, I think I know why I can't keep a guy. I don't knowwhen to get the hell out of the way."

"No, Naomi, you are not smothering him.""Then, why did he shut me out, and tell me he needs space?""I think he's being a whimp, so go talk to him. Tell him you're not leaving,

until he gives you an answer. Tell him exactly how you're feeling. Naomi, youdid give him space. He needs to get off his butt, and start putting effort into therelationship again."

"Thanks, Meredith.""Anytime, Sweetie."Meredith and I hugged each other.I changed the subject. "I still feel bad about what happened with that guy.""Aww, why?"


25/73

"I wasn't trying to smother him." I wiped tears from my eyes. "Now, I'llnever know if he forgives me, because I was too scared to talk to him."

"Aww, Honey, I think he's forgiven you. I think he's watching you fromheaven right now."

"Thanks."

The next day, I decided to take a little walk to visit Chico. His housewasn't too far from mine. It was just in walking distance. On my way there, Itried to think of the right words to say to him. I was so nervous, but I knew I hadto do this. I approached his house, slowly sauntered up to the door. I took a fewmoments to get up my courage. Then, I took a deep breath, and rang thedoorbell.

My nerves shook when Chico opened the door. "Hola, Naomi," he saidcheerfully, as if nothing was wrong.


26/73

Chapter 12

"Chico, I need to talk to you now," I said nervously.Chico sighed. "Naomi, I thought I told you I need space, so please""Stop," I snapped. "I gave you space for the past two weeks, and it's

killing me. I need to talk to you right now, and I'm not leaving, until I get someanswers." I took another deep breath. "Look, you've been really distant lately. Ihaven't heard from you in a while, and when I see you in public, you barely saytwo words to me. I feel like I've done something wrong, and I don't know what itis. I can't fix it if you just shut me out. It's not fair to me. If this relationship'sgonna work, you need to do your part, too. I'm putting in a hundred percent, andI feel like I'm getting nothing in return. It really hurts me when you just shut meout, and don't talk to me. Then, you tell me you need space. It's not fair to me,so I need to know what the problem is."

Chico didn't answer."Fine." I turned in frustration. "Well, you know what? I said everything I

have to say, so drop by when you get your balls back." I turned away fromChico, and stormed off.Well, nothing changed for the next few days. Chico still didn't talk to me,

and I couldn't stop worrying.Finally, I couldn't take anymore. I spent those past few days, holding in all

these emotions, pretending I was okay. I called up my three best friends. I reallyneeded them. They came over to my house, and found me in my room, lying onthe bed with my face hidden in the pillow.

"Hey, Naomi," Chlo greeted sweetly. "You okay?"I turned over, and faced my friends with a wet face. "Chico still won't talk

to me," I sniffled.

"Did you talk to him?" asked Meredith."Yeah. I went over the day after that phone call, and told him how I felt.""What did he say?""Nothing, so I told him to drop by when he gets his balls back."Chlo snickered."What's so funny?" I asked."What you said," Chlo giggled.I laughed a little, even though I was still really upset."Well, I'm really proud of you," said Meredith. "You stood up for yourself,

and told him how you felt. That took guts.""Thanks," I said.

"You should be really proud of yourself.""Thanks, but apparently, it wasn't good enough.""Awww, I'm sorry, Naomi," Daniel said sweetly, stroking my back."We're here for you, girl," said Chlo."Thanks, guys," I said. "Honestly, I don't know how you can put up with

my constant whining.""That's what friends are for," said Meredith.


27/73

"We're here to listen," added Chlo, "and it doesn't bother us if you haveto rant about a problem."

"It makes us sad when a friend is upset," said Meredith, "but it doesn't bugme if they have to keep talking about it."

"Thanks, guys," I said. "Most people would tell me to get over it already."

"Well, we won't," said Daniel. "We love you.""You guys are awesome," I said, trying not to cry.While we were talking, the doorbell rang."Oh, that could be Chico," Meredith said hopefully."Naomi!" Dad called from downstairs. "Chico's here!""See?" Meredith joked. "I'm psychic."I jumped out of bed, and flew down the stairs."Here she is," said Dad. "I'll be in my study. Give you two some privacy.""Thanks, Dad," I said.Dad went into his study, and closed the door.I turned to face Chico. "So" I said awkwardly, "what do you want?"

"I need to talk to you," Chico said glumly.Uh-oh. That didn't sound good. I decided to sit down for this, so I satdown on the sofa in the living room. Chico followed me, and sat next to me.

"This is really hard for me to say," said Chico, "but I don't want arelationship with you."

Just like that, I felt as if someone had punched me in the heart. I couldn'tspeak.

"I just wanna be friends.""Did I do something wrong?" I asked."No."I didn't believe him, but I couldn't say anything. I was too shocked and

hurt by what I was hearing."The truth is, we're not together. We were never together.""Then, why did you treat me like your girlfriend?""I'm sorry, but""No." I stood up, and faced Chico. "No, I don't wanna hear it," I snapped.

"I don't wanna hear how it's not me. It's you, and you just wanna be friends! Idon't wanna hear any of that! What I want is answers! Why did you kiss me?!Why did you say yes when I asked you out on a date?! Why did you say youloved me if you didn't even mean it?! What the hell was all that bullshit?! I mean,if you never felt that way about me, why did you act like you did?! What, was itall out of sympathy?! Were you doing it out of pity for me, because I'm just adesperate, pathetic slut?!"

"No!""Then, why did you do it?! Why did you toy with my emotions?! Why did

you make me believe you actually gave a damn about me?!""Naomi, you have to understand""Shut up!" I shouted. "I don't 'have to understand' crap! I have been lied

to enough in the past! I have had enough guys act like they gave a crap about


28/73

me, and then, tell me the same shit about them only wanting to be friends! I don'tneed any more of it!"

"I'm sorry.""Stop saying your sorry! I have heard that stupid word so many times in

the past, and every time someone said it, they didn't mean it. That is the most

overused, overrated word I've ever heard, and I'm sick of hearing it!"For about five seconds, we were both silent. Then, I continued."I never wanna see you again," I said softly but angrily. "Get the hell out

of my house."Chico stood up from the sofa. "Naomi""Don't jam your penis in the door on the way out."Chico didn't say another word. He knew I didn't want to hear anything

else out of his mouth, so he just walked out the door. I slowly slid my feet to thedoor, cracked it open, and watched Chico get in his car, fire up the engine, anddrive away. I managed to hold in my tears, until I closed the door. I saw Danielstanding on the staircase. He stepped down the stairs, and approached me. As

soon as he put his hand on my shoulder, I broke down into tears. He pulled meinto a hug."Shh, it's okay," he whispered. "I'm right here."He continued to hold me while I cried, and then, Chlo and Meredith came

down the stairs to comfort me, too.


29/73

Chapter 13

The four of us sat down on the sofa in the living room, talking."So, how much did you guys hear?" I asked."All of it," Chlo said sadly.

"We didn't mean to eavesdrop," added Meredith. "We're just lookin' out foryou.""No, I'm glad you were," I sniffled. "I didn't wanna have to repeat

everything he said to me. Just thinking about it hurts.""I know.""I can't believe that jerk," said Daniel."But, Naomi, you handled it really well," added Chlo. "You gave him

exactly what he deserved.""Thanks," I said.Daniel snickered. "'Don't jam your penis in the door on the way out.' That

was classic."

Chlo and Meredith giggled.I laughed slightly, but I was too upset to smile. The tears continued to fall,and I continued to wipe them away. "I really thought he was the one," I said.

"I know, Sweetie," said Meredith. "I know you loved him.""He's a loser," said Chlo, "because he just threw away the best thing

that's ever happened to him.""Best thing?" I enquired doubtfully."Well, yeah. I mean, no one loved him more than you did, and you gave

him everything a guy could ever want.""I guess it wasn't good enough for him," I said. "Nothing I do is ever good

enough."

"Awww, don't say that," Meredith said sweetly."It's true. Every guy I've ever liked or dated kicked me to the curb. I'mnever gonna be good enough for anyone. I'm always gonna be the stupid retardnobody wants, because they're too embarrassed by me."

"You don't embarrass us," said Chlo."Yeah," agreed Meredith. "We wouldn't change you for the world.""Thanks," I said, "because it seems like everyone else wants to change

me, and make me into something they want me to be.""Well, they're stupid," Meredith said boldly. I love how she's never afraid

to say what's on her mind. "Being 'normal' is so boring.""I actually like that you're so emotional," added Chlo. "I mean, too many

people these days don't really care anymore. The only emotion they know iseither anger or fake happy. I like that your feelings aren't fake."I half smiled. "Thanks, guys.""Come here." Daniel put his arm around me, and hugged me. "It's gonna

be okay."I changed the subject. "So, um, Daniel, how are you and Teresa doing?" I

asked."We're great," he replied.


30/73

"You guys fixed everything?""Yep. We're doing great.""That's awesome." I didn't want to show it, but I was a little jealous of

Daniel and Teresa. He seemed so happy, while I was miserable. I wished thatChico and I could've fixed things, too.

Daniel continued. "I love her so much.""I like that you're not a quitter," I said, "unlike some people I know."Chlo, Meredith, and Daniel laughed."You deserve so much better than him," Daniel said sweetly."Thanks," I said doubtfully, "but I think I'm done with love for now. I'm

so tired of getting hurt, and I'm so tired of every guy I like or date kicking me tothe curb like I'm some piece of trash."

"Awwwww." Daniel continued holding me, and stroked my hair. "I hateseeing you so hurt."

"Yeah, me, too," agreed Chlo. "If there's anything we can do for you tohelp you feel better"

"Just be there for me," I replied. "Please." More tears began to fall. "Ireally need you guys right now," I wept."Of course," Meredith said softly.My friends all pulled me into one big group hug as I continued crying."It's okay," Chlo whispered.Just then, Mom and Dad came out of the study."Honey, what happened?" Mom asked, worried."Chico dumped her," Meredith answered for me. I guess she knew I didn't

feel like talking anymore. All I wanted to do was cry."Oh, Honey, I'm so sorry," said Dad. "I know how much you loved him.""Thanks, Dad," I sniffled."Well, you'll find someone else someday. Don't let it get you down. He's

not"Mom tapped his shoulder gently. "Just let her cry it out," she said softly.Neither of them said another word. They just joined in the group hug.


31/73

Chapter 14

Well, the days went by, and I wasn't feeling any better. I was stillheartbroken. I still couldn't even look at Chico without wanting to either slap him,or break down into tears. I still couldn't seem to get past the hurt I was feeling.

Yeah, I know I should've been used to it by then. I mean, I've had my heartbroken many times before, but this was the worst. They say your first breakup isalways the worst one. Well, my first breakup was pretty bad, but I didn't feel asmuch pain. I guess it was because I wasn't nearly as much in love with my firstboyfriend as I was with Chico.

To make matters worse, not very many people understood me. Everyday,I heard the same damn thing, over and over again. People around me keptpressuring me. "Move on, Naomi." "Be strong, Naomi." "Be positive, Naomi.""Smile, Naomi." "Be happy." Now, don't get me wrong. I realize they onlywanted to help me, because they didn't want me to feel sad. I get that. Iappreciated that, but at the same time, I felt like they were trying to force me to

feel things I didn't. I felt as if they were asking me to walk on a broken ankle. I'mnot the kind of person who believes in fake smiles. I don't believe that putting asmile on your face makes everything go away, not if the smile doesn't meananything. When it comes to smiling, I want my smile to be genuine. I don'tbelieve in bottling up my hurt behind a forced smile. Maybe that makes me somewhiny crybaby, but that's how I am. I don't fake an emotion. When I feelsomething, the feeling is always real and genuine. I believe that, to feel happyagain, you have to get all the sadness or anger out of your system first, unlessyou want it to build up inside you. Trust me. I have bottled up a lot of emotions,because a lot of times, I was afraid of how people would react to them. Forexample, people pressuring me to move on. I was afraid to tell them how they

made me feel, because in the past, when I told someone when they upset me,they'd take offense to it. Yeah, I'm a bit of a hypocrite. I don't believe in bottlingemotions, but I sometimes do it out of fear of how people react to them.

Okay, enough babbling. Time to get back to the story.About two weeks after the breakup with Chico, I was back on my front

porch, sitting at the same table, leaning over blank paper again with a pen in myhand. This time, I didn't have to think too much about what I wanted to write.The words just spilled out, and I wrote the song quickly. After I wrote it, I wentthrough my notebook, and looked at the love song I had written for Chico not toolong ago. I wanted to tear it up, but I didn't. I don't like throwing my work away,unless there's a bunch of embarrassing mistakes in it. I just skimmed over the

song, and nearly burst into tears. You know? I never even got a chance to showhim that song. I know I said I was going to show it to him during our picnic, but Iforgot to bring it. I kept forgetting to show him. Yeah, that's a pretty lameexcuse. What a waste of time, effort, paper, and ink! I put the song away, andskimmed over my new song. The lyrics felt so perfect to me. They describedexactly how I was feelingthe hurt, the pain, and even the anger.

As I placed the song into my notebook, Jessica came walking up thedriveway. You remember me mentioning Jessica, right? She was one of the


32/73

friends I went to karaoke with. Well, Jessica and I are friends, but I wasn't asclose to her as I was with Meredith and Chlo.

"Hey, Naomi," greeted Jessica."Hey," I said."What are you doing?"

"Writing songs.""Oh, cool.""Yeah, I just finished one.""Can I see it?""Sure." I nervously took my new song back out of my notebook, and

handed it to Jessica.I sat there nervously as she read over the lyrics. I was nervous about how

she would respond."This is really good," she said."Thanks," I replied, relieved."You write great songs."

I smiled shyly. "Thanks."Jessica hesitated for a moment. Then, she spoke. "Naomi?" she said.Oh, no. That was her serious tone. "Is that song about Chico?"

"Yes," I replied nervously.Jessica sighed heavily, and sat down at the table. "Look, Naomi, I know

it's hard, but it's been two weeks now. You have to be strong. It's time you moveon, and get over him."

"I can't," I said, trying not to show my frustration."He's not worth it if he's gonna be like that.""I know, but that doesn't make it hurt any less.""Look, I know what you're going through, but""No, you don't," I interrupted, still trying not to show too much emotion.

"You don't know how it feels to constantly be kicked to the curb by every guyyou've ever liked. You don't know how it feels to think you've finally foundsomeone who'll accept you the way you are, regardless of your flaws, andsomeone who'll always love you no matter what, and then, you discover he's justlike the others who pretended to care. You don't know what I'm going through.You don't know what's going on inside me, so don't say you do."

"You have to try to move on."I stood up from my seat. "I've tried!" I shouted, suddenly pouring out all

my emotions. "I've tried everyday to tell myself that he's not worth it! I tell myselfover and over to get over him already, but it doesn't work! Okay, it doesn't worklike that for me. It's not that simple. I have Asperger's Syndrome, and when I gethurt as badly as I did, it sticks, and it follows me everywhere I go! You think Iwouldn't rather be putting myself out there again, trying to find someone better?!You think I enjoy feeling this miserable? I don't enjoy it. As a matter of fact, Ihate it! Just when I start smiling about something, the pain sneaks up behind mewhen I'm not looking, and kicks my ass again. Just when I think I'm okay, I'mnot, and I hate it. I hate this roller coaster of never-ending waves of sadness andheartbreak and anger, but I'm not like everyone else. I can't plaster on a smile,


33/73

and make everything go away. I can't do that! That's not how my brain works.Trust me. I've been fighting to make myself get over things for the past twenty-three years, but I can't." I caught my breath, and calmed down just a little."Look, I know you're trying to help. I'm not trying to sound like an ungratefulsnob. I appreciate that you're trying to help, but when people tell me to get over

something, and expect me to, it feels like they're expecting me to walk on abroken ankle, and I feel pressured."Jessica didn't say a word for a moment. Then, she slammed her hand on

the table, and stood up from her seat. "Fine," she snapped. "Excuse me fortrying to be a good friend to you."

I suddenly felt even worse, like someone just punched me in the stomach."That reaction right there that's exactly why I don't tell people how I feelanymore, because I always seem to make them mad."

"Yeah, well""Jessica, stop," someone snapped. It was Daniel. "You have no right to

tell her what to do with her feelings. You have no idea what she's been through,

and the last thing she needs is people putting pressure on her. Just leave heralone.""I was trying to help her, and she went off at me!" Jessica snapped."Well, you shouldn't have pushed her like that.""Whatever." With that, she stormed off.I just stood there, feeling like a horrible person. Daniel walked up to me,

and held me in his arms. "I wasn't trying to be mean," I said, trying not to cry, butfailing miserably.

"I know," said Daniel. "You weren't mean. That took guts.""That's why I don't tell people when they upset me, because they just get

pissed off at me.""They don't know what it's like for you. She'll get over it.""I was just writing a song, and she came up to me, and asked if she could

see it. When I showed it to her, she got all up in my face about it. I was justminding my own business."

"I know.""I was trying not to get mad, but she wouldn't get off my back about it.""She needed to hear that. I would've said the same stuff if I was in your

position. Actually, I'd probably be meaner."I laughed a little."You didn't do anything wrong. You were just expressing your feelings.""Thanks, Daniel. I still feel stupid, though.""Maybe karaoke will make you feel better. You wanna go with me

tonight?""I'm not sure.""You can sing about your feelings, and besides, I'm really bored. I wanna

do something with my best friend.""Okay. I'll go get ready.""Me, too."


34/73

Chapter 15

After that day, Daniel's mood began to change a bit. He began feelingworried, stressed, and a bit depressed as well. He was still his sweet self, butsomething seemed to be troubling him. It worried me. I wanted to give him his

space, but when I didn't hear from him in a couple days, I had to call him.I was just about to pick up my phone when it rang. I answered it. "Hello?""Naomi?" It was Daniel. He sounded upset."Daniel, what's wrong?" I asked, worried."Can I come over? Please? I need to talk to you.""Sure. I'll be on the porch swing.""Okay. Thanks."A few minutes later, I was sitting on the porch swing as I promised, when

Daniel came walking up the driveway. He sat next to me. "Hey," he said sadly."What's up?" I asked."Teresa and I broke up," he sniffled.

"Oh, no. When? What happened?""Last night. We've been fighting again for the last few days.""Yeah, I noticed you weren't yourself.""Yeah, sorry I haven't talked to you for a while.""No, it's cool. I actually wanted to give you your space, so I didn't say

anything.""Awww, it's okay.""What happened?""We were fighting about the same dumb shit. Sorry.""No apology necessary.""I was putting in a hundred percent effort, but she didn't see it. She kept

criticizing everything I did, until we just couldn't handle it anymore. Then, lastnight she gave up on me altogether.""What a bitch."Daniel chuckled. "Thanks.""She's making a big mistake.""I guess I'm better off without her. I mean looking back, she always

made me feel bad about myself, like everything I did was wrong.""I've been there. I was once in a relationship like that, but I couldn't see

how unhappy I was, until it was over.""Yeah. I see that now.""I don't get what her problem is. You're an awesome guy. Why would she

wanna treat you like that?""I don't know.""You've been there for me through this whole thing with Chico, and I

wanna return the favor. If you ever need to talk, you can talk to me, and take aslong as you need to get all the sadness out."

"Awww, thanks, Naomi.""I mean, you saw how upset I got when everyone else kept nagging me to

get over Chico. I don't wanna do that to you."


35/73

"You're the best friend I've ever had.""So are you, along with Meredith and Chlo.""Can I hug you?""I think you know the answer to that," I chuckled.Daniel pulled me into a big hug, and held onto me for a while. "You'll

always be my best friend.""You, too. Screw any bitch who thinks it's okay to hurt someone asawesome as you. Excuse my language, but it makes me mad."

"It's okay, Naomi. I could've said worse about Chico, but I didn't wannamake you mad."

"No, you wouldn't have. Don't worry. I fight the urge to slap him everytime I see him. Now, I gotta fight two urges, because I wanna slap Teresa, too."

Daniel laughed. "Thanks, Naomi. I know I can always count on you.""Same here. You're always there for me. I don't know how you put up

with all my whining and crying.""It doesn't bother me. I hate seeing you hurt, but it doesn't annoy me."

"Thanks."That night, neither one of us could sleep. We were both battlingunbearable heartbreak. Daniel decided to go for a walk. I, on the other hand,paced around my room, made my way down the stairs, and onto the front porchagain. So many thoughts kept me from sleeping. I slowly sat down on the porchswing, and just stared off into space. Then, Daniel came walking up thedriveway again, and found me leaning on the arm of the swing. He sat next tome again, and wrapped his arm around me.

"Naomi?" he said gently.I slowly looked up at him."You okay?""I'm not feeling so good," I moaned. "I feel sick."


36/73

Chapter 16

"What's wrong?" asked a worried Daniel."I've been feeling nauseous. My stomach hurts. I couldn't sleep. I woke

up sweating, and on top of all this, I still can't get stupid Chico off my mind."

"Awww, poor Naomi." Daniel continued to hold me. "You might be feelingstressed.""Yeah, probably.""Maybe you'll feel better in the morning.""I can't go to sleep. I can't sleep when I'm all hot and sweaty, and plus,

Chico keeps popping into my dreams.""Do you want me to sit with you, until you're ready to go back to bed?""That would be great.""Okay.""Thanks, Daniel.""No problem. Actually, I couldn't sleep, either. I can't get Teresa out of

my head.""Maybe she and Chico would make a good couple since they both knowhow to break people's hearts without giving a rip."

Daniel chuckled. "Maybe."Daniel and I continued to sit outside, until I was finally ready to go back to

bed. I was hoping I would feel better in the morning, but when I woke up, I wasstill sick. I gradually started feeling sicker, and I was starting to wonder if I hadsome kind of bug.

One night, right before I went to bed, I was about to say good night to mydad. I sat on the sofa as he walked by.

"You still feelin' sick?" he asked.

"Yeah," I replied."Well, maybe it's just a stomach virus. I'll pour you a glass of water.""Okay."Dad headed into the kitchen, and filled a glass with ice and water. Then,

he brought it into the living room. "Here you are, Honey.""Thanks, Dad." I took a sip of my water. "I think I need to see a doctor.""Well, let's see how you're feeling in the morning.""Okay. It's just that I've been feeling sick for a while.""Yeah, I know. We'll see how you're feeling in the morning, and if you're

not feeling any better, I'll call the doctor for you, okay?""Okay."

I wasn't feeling any better in the morning, but I decided to try and tough itout. Maybe it was the flu or a virus. I kept on going about each day as always. Ihung out with my friends, practiced my singing, and worked on writing moresongs.

Then, one afternoon, I was having lunch on the deck of a restaurant withDaniel, Meredith, and Chlo. Everything seemed to be going okay.

"So, how you holding up since Chico?" asked Chlo."I'm a little better," I said hesitantly. "What about you, Daniel?"


37/73

"I'm hangin' in there.""I'm still not sure if I'll ever find the right guy, though, and I'm too scared to

put myself out there again.""Yeah, it'll take time," said Meredith."I'm just so sick of hearing the same thing over and over again. 'You'll find

someone someday.' What I wanna know is when will I find him, and who is he?""Yeah, exactly," agreed Daniel."Naomi, you've barely touched your hamburger," Meredith commented.

"Are you okay?"I'm not really hungry right now," I said. "Totally unlike me," I joked."Ewww!" Chlo screamed.Meredith jumped. "What?!""There's a big bug on my arm!" She tried to slap it off, and accidentally

knocked her drink off the table. "Crap!" she growled.The rest of us burst out laughing."Don't worry," Meredith giggled. "I'll get you another drink."

"Wait, is the bug gone?" Chlo asked.Meredith looked at Chlo's arm for a second before answering. "Yeah, it'sgone."

"Good.""Okay, I'll be right back." Meredith got up from her seat, and headed

inside the restaurant to fetch another drink for Chlo."I hate bugs!" Chlo groaned."Ugh, me, too," I cringed. "They creep me out.""I hate 'em, too," said Daniel. "They're a conspiracy."Chlo and I snickered."Okay, I'm back," said Meredith, placing a fresh drink in front of Chlo.

"There's your drink. Don't knock this one off the table," she teased. "I am notbuying another one for you."

"Okay," Chlo snickered.Then, Meredith looked over at me, and noticed a strange expression on

my face. "Naomi?" she asked. "You okay?" I was starting to feel sick again."Excuse me." I jumped out of my seat, and tried to find a garbage can.Daniel followed me to the parking lot. "Naomi!" he called. He found me,

throwing up in the grass. Sorry to sound so graphic. "Naomi, are you okay?" heasked.

"I feel worse," I groaned."I'll take you to the doctor's," Daniel said frantically.


38/73

Chapter 17

At the hospital, Daniel sat in the waiting room with my parents. They hadbeen waiting for over an hour.

"What's taking them so long?" he sighed.

"I don't know, Honey," said Mom."I've never seen Naomi look so bad.""I'm sure she'll be okay."Finally, the doctor came out to talk to them. "Mr. and Mrs. Grey?" he said."Yes, that's us," said Dad."Hi. I'm Dr. Granberry.""Dr. Granberry, how's Naomi?" asked Mom."We performed an MRI on her, and I regret to inform you that the results

confirmed that she has Hepatocarcinoma.""Hepa-what?" Dad enquired."Liver cancer."

Mom and Dad were both shocked and speechless. Daniel wasdevastated, but tried to stay strong for me.Dr. Granberry continued. "We can try chemo and radiation, but her best

bet is a liver transplant.""Is there a donor?" asked Dad."Not yet, but we'll call you as soon as we find one.""Thank you, Doctor," said Mom.Then, Daniel and my parents saw a nurse guiding me into the waiting

room. When I saw them sitting there, I broke down into tears.My family stood up, and closed me in a group hug."Oh, Sweetie, it's okay," said Mom. "It's okay. Mommy's here. It'll be

alright."Later that day, I was lying in bed, feeling very sick and depressed. Danielwas lying next to me.

"Well, this is just great," I moaned sarcastically. "Just what I need. On topof being a major reject, an embarrassment to the human race, and a completeloser, I'm dying of cancer. Just great."

"Awww, don't say that about yourself.""Why?""It's not true.""It is. No man on Earth will ever love me. I make everybody mad,

because I'm an oversensitive, whiny bitch, and I'm so immature that a toddler

would tell me to grow up. On the bright side, I won't be around to cause troublefor much longer.""Naomi, any man would be the luckiest man in the world to have you. All

those other guys that rejected you, they're a bunch of losers, and you're notimmature. You're adorableso innocent. I like that you're so in touch with youremotions. You wear them on your sleeve, and it makes you so beautiful. Ifanyone has a problem with the way you are, it's their loss."


39/73

Wow, what he said was incredibly sweet. It touched me so much. "Youreally mean that?"

"Of course, I do. You're the most beautiful person I've ever met."Tears suddenly poured out of my eyes."Awwww, come here." Daniel pulled me into his arms, and stroked my

hair. "Daniel, I'm really scared," I sobbed."I know.""I don't wanna die.""You won't die. They'll find the perfect donor for you, and you'll be good

as new.""How do you know?""Miracles happen.""Has one ever happened for you?""Yep.""Like what?"

"Meeting you.""You're so sweet.""It's true. I've never had a friend like you before. You're always there for

me when I need you. You helped me through this tough time, getting overTeresa."

"And, you're really helping me get over Chico.""I'll always be there for you, Naomi.""Thanks, Daniel.""You're welcome.""Daniel?""Yeah?""Will you please stay with me, until I fall asleep. I'm too scared to be

alone.""I'll stay here as long as you want me to. I just want you to be okay."As I slowly began to drift off to sleep in Daniel's arms, something crossed

my mind. Was I beginning to fall in love with him?


40/73

Chapter 18

In the morning, right before lunchtime, I was sitting at the table on my frontporch again, with Meredith and Chlo.

"So, what did the doctor say?" asked Meredith.

I took a deep breath. "He said I need a liver transplant.""What?!" Meredith shrieked."Why?" Chlo asked, shocked."I have cancer.""Oh, no," Meredith said sympathetically."Naomi, I'm so sorry," added Chlo."Thanks, guys," I said."Are you scared?" asked Meredith."I'm terrified.""Well, you'll survive it," said Chlo. "You're a tough chick."I sighed heavily as if I was in a dream. "Guys, you should've seen how

Daniel treated me last night. It was so sweet.""Awww, what happened?" asked Meredith."We were laying in bed, next to each other. I was really, really scared and

depressed, and he was comforting me. He said the sweetest things to me,and" I tilted my head to one side, like I was daydreaming. "He made me feellike everything was gonna be okay. I mean, there I was, super depressed abouteverythingChico, my Asperger's Syndrome, and stupid cancer, and he mademe feel so beautiful, so good about myself. I told him how scared I was about ifthe cancer kills me, and he made me feel like everything would be okay. Heliterally made me cry with all the sweet things he said to me, and I could hear it inhis voice that he actually meant what he said. Then, he was holding me, and I

felt so safe in his arms. He stayed with me, and held me all night. When I wokeup this morning, he was still holding me.""Awwwww," Chlo cooed. "I think you're in love.""Yeah," I sighed. "I think I am.""Why don't you tell him?" asked Meredith."I can't.""Why not?""He and his girlfriend just broke up. I don't wanna move in on him too fast,

and I'm too scared to tell him. I'm afraid of getting hurt again. What if hedoesn't want me? What if he doesn't feel that way about me?"

"Judging by the way he treated you last night, I think he does feel the

same about you," said Chlo."I really think you should talk to him," added Meredith. "I know it's hardafter all those losers rejected you, but you know Daniel. He would never doanything to hurt you."

"Yeah, maybe you can call him," Chlo suggested. "I have my cell phoneright here."

"I" I stammered nervously."Don't put her on the spot like that," Meredith teased.


41/73

"Okay, okay!" Chlo jokingly whined. "Sorry!""Turd."Just then, Dad came outside. "Hey, y'all," he said. "Lunch is ready.""Oh, good!" Meredith exclaimed. "I'm starving!""What are you guys talking about?" asked Dad as we headed inside, and

sat around the kitchen table."Naomi's in love with Daniel," Chlo blurted out."Chlo!" Meredith teased.Chlo continued. "And, she's afraid to tell him how she feels, but we think

she should tell him."Meredith didn't say anything else. I guess she figured it was useless, so

instead, she just gave Chlo the "stop talking" look."I agree," said Dad.Wow, not the typical Dad reaction, huh?"Huh?" I enquired."Honey," Dad said to me, "if he really means that much to you, you should

tell him. One thing you learn when something like cancer happens to you isyou've gotta live your life to the fullest, so don't let fear get in the way. Yougotta take that chance, because if you don't, you'll look back on your lifewondering what would've happened if you did."

"Thanks, Dad." Wow, I was expecting the typical Dad reaction from him.You know how fathers get when it comes to their little girls falling in love. Theyget all protective, but I guess my dad didn't want me to live my life with regrets.His reaction surprised me, but at the same time, I felt relieved. Suddenly, I feltlike I could pour out so much to him.

After lunch, the doorbell rang. I was hoping it was Daniel, so Iimmediately jumped out of my seat, and flew to the door. I took a deep breath,and then, opened it.

"Hey, Naomi." Yes, it was Daniel!"Hey, Daniel," I said with a shy smile on my face."Hi, Naomi," Daniel said with a cute grin on his face. "Can you come

outside for a minute? I wanna talk to you."


42/73

Chapter 19

"Sure," I said shyly as I followed Daniel to the porch swing, and sat downwith him. "What's up?"

"I wanted to make sure you were okay," said Daniel.

"Yeah, I'm I'm great," I said, hoping that wasn't the only thing he wasgoing to say to me."That's good, 'cuz you were really depressed last night. It broke my heart

to see you like that."I smiled. "Thanks, Daniel.""No problem.""Actually, you really made me feel better.""I did?""Yeah. You were saying all those sweet things to me, and you were

holding me, until I fell asleep. When I woke up, you were stillholding me. Youmade me feel so safe, like everything was okay. I totally forgot about being sick.

You made it all go away."Daniel looked at me for a few seconds before he spoke. Then, he took adeep breath. "I love you, Naomi Grey," he said, breathing out again. "Oh, myGod, it feels so good to say that!"

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. No, not sad tears. I rested my head onDaniel's shoulder. "I love you, too, Daniel Ted."

"Awww.""I have a confession to make. It's a good confession.""Confess, please.""Over the past few days, I've started to realize that I have feelings for you.

I really, really, really, really...really like you, and over the past couple of days, I

started to realize that I'm falling for you. Honestly, I think I love you more than Iloved Chico, because you have never toyed with my feelings. You have alwaysbeen there for me when I needed you, and we have so much in common, and Itake back what I said about Chico. He's not the most wonderful man to walk theEarth. The most wonderful man wouldn't have done what he did to me. No,Daniel, youare the most wonderful man in the world!" The tears began to fall.

"Oh, my God, Naomi!" Daniel exhaled as he suddenly burst into tears, andthrew his arms around me. "Since Teresa and I broke up, you've been there forme more than anyone has, more than her. You're positive, and I really,absolutely like you as well. I think it's more than like, Baby. You're such anamazing woman, Naomi. My heart is beating fast right now."

I pressed my ear against his chest to listen to his heart beat.He continued. "You're the most beautiful, and the most incredible womanI've ever met. My heart is so in tuned to you, Baby."

I cried as I spoke. "Since Chico, I've been so scared of a relationship. Imean, I've been rejected and kicked to the curb so many times that I started tothink it was my fault. I'm still a little scared I'm gonna screw it up, but I decidednot to let fear get in the way. Screw fear. Screw cancer. Screw all the guys whorejected me in the past. Screw impossible, because nothing is impossible.


43/73

Chico chickened out. I always thought he wasn't a quitter, but apparently, he is.He let fear screw things up, and he really messed me up. I don't need that. Youhad your heart broken, too, but I love how you had the courage to tell me howyou felt about me. That really made me realize that I'm ready for a newrelationship whenever you are. I love you. After all that searching, I really think I

found the right man."Daniel took another deep breath. "My heart was torn out, and stompedon. I will let you know when I'm ready. Teresa really screwed me up, but I will letyou be the first to know. I agree with all you said. I love you, too. Courage iswhat made us who we are today. I'm not going anywhere, Naomi, but right here,in your arms. I want my heart to fully heal, okay? I promise, once it's ready, I willbe ready for you. I know I'll find peace and happiness with you, and I know you'lltake care of me, Baby."

"I totally understand," I said. "You need time to heal, and I won't rush you.I'll wait for you for as long as it takes. I just want you to know, though, that you'rehealing my heart really quickly."

"Naomi, I love you so much. You're an amazing girl, and such aninspiration."I blushed a little. "How am I an inspiration?""Well you don't let your disability stop you from following your dreams.

You don't let people box you up, and make you into something you're not, justbecause you're different. You're different, in a good way. You're always there forme when I need a friend. Like I told you, you've been there for me more thananyone else since Teresa dumped me. You're not afraid to express yourfeelings. Most people just fake a smile, and pretend everything's fine. You don't,because when you smile, it's genuine, and it's the most beautiful smile I'veever seen.

I cracked a huge smile.He continued. "Oh, and now, you have cancer, but you just keep living,

and I know you'll beat it. You know how I know?""How?""Because, you're the strongest person I know, and you can do anything

and everything you set your mind to."I didn't know what to say. How do you respond to such a compliment? I

was speechless. "Wow," I said breathlessly. "I I just don't know what tosay," I stammered. "II'm speechless."

"Awwwww.""Thank you so much.""No problem, Sweetheart. I meant every word I said.""I know you did, because you would never lie to me. You're honest.""Speaking of honest, can I be honest with you?""Yes.""I will confess some dreams are of us making love, and having romance

dinner."I tried not to scream from overexcitement when I heard that. It was too

sweet!


44/73

Daniel continued. "And, another confessionwhen I saw how in love youwere for Chico, I got jealous it wasn't me. I noticed that you were so in love, andwill do anything for him. I know your heart is as pure as gold."

"Well, I know those dreams will come true someday, when you're ready,and I have to confess that you being jealous of me is cute." I laughed a little.

"It's flattering, too, but now, I'll do anything for you. I love you more than I everloved Chico. With him, it was all pretend, apparently. All the kissing, hugging,dates, and saying 'I love you' to me was all fake. It was all one-sided, because Iwas the only one that actually gave a crap. With you, it's not one-sided. I can'tbelieve I love a man that actually loves me back, and whenever you're ready tostart an official relationship, I'll be here."

Daniel didn't say another word. He just held me tighter, and kissed mycheek.


45/73

Chapter 20

Later, just before dinnertime, I sauntered into the living room, where Momand Dad were just relaxing, watching television. I nervously opened my mouth tospeak. "Um, Mom? Dad? I need to talk to you guys."

"What is it, Sweetie?" asked Mom. "Come, sit down."I sat between them on the couch."So, how'd it go with Daniel?" asked Dad."It went great," I replied. "He actually told me he loved me first.""Oh, Honey, that's wonderful," Mom said happily. "I always pictured you

guys together, ever since you first brought him over here for dinner.""We're taking things slow, too," I said. "I like that.""That's smart," said Dad. Yeah, there's the Dad reaction. "He's a good

guy, though. I know he won't do anything to hurt you.""Yeah, he's different from all the others.""So, you said you wanted to talk to us."

"Yeah, um," I stammered, "do I embarrass you, because of the way I am?""What do you mean?" asked Mom."I mean, because of my Asperger's. Does it embarrass you that I'm so

oversensitive and childish?""No, of course not, Honey," said Dad."It's just you used to get mad at me, because of it.""Well, we didn't understand what it was back then. We didn't even know

you had Asperger's, until you were in high school.""Yeah, but even then, you still got upset with me, and I still feel guilty

about it.""Oh, Sweetie," Mom said sweetly, "you have nothing to feel guilty about. If

we ever made you feel like you embarrass us, we never meant to."I tried to keep from crying. "I just I can't help the way I am.""We know that now, Honey," said Dad."And, I don't enjoy being a big whimp."Mom chuckled. "Baby, you are not a big whimp.""Sometimes, I wish I could be like every other twenty-three-year-old, and

not get upset over stupid things, not act like a child, or get so nervous easily. Iwish I could just take things like an adult, instead of being a big crybaby. It'sembarrassing forme."

"I know how frustrating it can be," said Dad, "but there's a lot of good thatcame with your Asperger's, too."

"Yeah," agreed Mom. "Your Asperger's gave you a big imagination, abeautiful nature, and I think it's also why you're such a music expert. People withAsperger's tend to have exceptional knowledge in specific areas, and they endup very successful, because of that. Your exceptional knowledge is in music andwriting. I think that's why you love to sing so much, because music is a part ofyou."

"Well, that, and the fact that you light up the room when you sing," addedDad.


46/73

"Thanks," I sniffled. "I wouldn't wanna give that up. I just wanna give upall the bad parts."

"I know, Honey, but you gotta take the bad with the good sometimes.""It's actually nice that you're so sensitive," said Mom. "Not very many

people show their feelings."

"They hide them behind fake smiles?" I enquired."That's right.""That's what Daniel said to me earlier on. He said he likes that I'm so

emotional, because I'm not fake.""Well, I think Daniel knows what he's talking about," Dad joked, "so I'd

listen to him if I were you."Mom and I laughed."I don't believe in faking a smile," I said. "It's like lying.""Yeah, and you don't lie," said Mom. "That's another good thing about

people with Asperger's Syndrome. They suck at lying."I laughed.

Mom continued. "They're honest. You're an honest person, and sinceyou're so sensitive, you're not brutal or hurtful. You try to be considerate ofpeople's feelings."

"I don't like being mean to people," I said, "because it makes me feel like ahorrible person."

"See? You're considerate.""I was actually really nervous about talking to you guys about this,

because I didn't wanna make you feel guilty.""Well, you didn't," said Dad. "I'm glad you finally came to us, and told us

how you felt.""Maybe we didn't understand how you were feeling," added Mom, "and we

didn't realize the stress and the guilt you were feeling. We never meant to makeyou feel that way. If you ever felt like we didn't accept you, or we wereembarrassed by you, we're so sorry, and we're glad you could come, tell us howyou felt. That took a lot of courage."

"Yeah, and you found some great friends that accept you the way you are,too."

"Meredith and Chlo are the best friends I've ever had," I said."They're great people," said Mom, "and we're both so glad you met them.""I wouldn't have met them if it wasn't for Celtic Woman.""Celtic Woman gave you so many blessingstrue friends who accept you,

a wonderful man who truly loves you, and so much more confidence when

Documents

Naomi's Melody