THROUGH THE EYES OF HER HEART

This is dedicated to my two brothers PG and RJ. I love you both very, very much. 

THROUGH THE EYES OF HER HEART

Lara Mia Veronica

"My handicapped brother has taught me the most important lesson of all, to accept people for who they are and not for whom I think they should be." 

-Special Parent from Dr. Franklin Perkins School 

Lancaster, Massachusetts 

Prologue

1989

     There was deafening silence inside the psychiatrist's office.  Inside the room was a two year old girl, looking perfectly healthy and normal, that was sitting on her father's lap. Her mother who was presently beside her father, was clasping her hands. Also in the room were the psychiatrist, a friendly looking chap who was mutely playing with the pages of the medical report,and a corpulent, but beautiful nurse. 

    The doctor took a deep breath then looked at the parents slowly. He began to open his mouth, but nothing could be heard. He decided to play with the pages of the medical report again. 

     Dave, the child's father, was getting impatient. He started to tap a pen on the table using his free hand. 

     Again, the kind doctor started to speak. He felt his necktie go tighter. It's now or never,he thought. He cleared his throat then said,"This is not easy to say..." He took a deep breath again then said,"I am sad to inform you that your daughter has severe autism."   

     Dave's world started to be cramped inside the room. He could not believe what he just heard. 

     "You're kidding!?!" 

     The doctor's face was blank. 

     Dave looked at his child then shouted,"She doesn't look retarded!!!!! Tell me your tests were mixed up with another couple's child!!!!! My daughter is normal!!!!" 

     The little girl started to cry. 

     "I could have stopped you during your first loud sentence, but I wanted to see Deanna's reaction." 

     "What do you mean?" asked the mother. 

     "You should be careful not to shout in her presence...she might think you're mad at her...At her present stage, she could only differentiate the loudness and softness of one's voice and she wouldn't know if you are pertaining to her or not." 

      Dave kissed his daughter. She was pacified immediately so the doctor went on. 

      "Dave, Martha...Deanna may look normal, but she is living in a world of her own. Look into her eyes and you'd know that she can't see you. But that could change. Once she feels that she is loved, she will respond accordingly. It may be hard at first, but you'd get used to it." 

      "But Pete, how could this be? There's no history of autism in our families. Our rh factors are compatible and I have a balanced diet, meaning I don't lack in iodine. What went wrong?" asked Martha. 

      "In the case of needing to have a history, that's a myth, Martha. There's no need for a history for such matters. An estimated six million people in the country are in some degree autistic-almost three percent of the population. Autism occurs among all nationalities, races, religions, and among the children of those in the highest social economic groups as well as the lowest." 

      The doctor looked at the couple's eyes and after seeing they were listening attentively, he continued,"In the case of autism, some children never learn to speak and some speak when they want to. Others become mimics and others would even be walking dictionaries and encyclopedias. About eye contacts, it takes a lot of patience and understanding before an autistic child or person could look straight into another person's eyes. You know what you can do?" The couple shook their heads."You must discover her talents as early as now. Let her believe in herself. Once this is motivated, she could learn to trust you and little by little, learn to look straight at you." 

      "Talents? She could still have talents?" 

      The doctor smiled. 

      "Of course. Autistic people, most especially autistic savants, may have several talents, but would focus on one or two that they could excel in, even surpassing the normal." 

      This made the couple's faces brighten. 

      "Where do we start?" asked Dave. 

       "First, see if she could remember her name...always let her face you when you call her Deanna." 

       "Thank you, Pete," said Martha. 

       "No problem...by the way, you must tell Mable and Martin to love their little sister. It is important for her not to feel the slightest rejection from her siblings. With their cooperation, Deanna could be brought to her full capacity." 

       "You heard that, Deanna...we will take care of you," said Dave as he embraced his child. Martha stood up to do the same. The doctor looked at the nurse with a smile. She sighed in relief. They knew Deanna would grow up to be the best she could be. 

I 

March,1995

    The park was not so crowded that breezy spring day when Mable, Deanna, and Deanna's nanny, Deborah, decided to walk through it. 

     Mable by this time was almost sixteen years old. She was studying in one of the best private schools nearby, but the people who saw her that day were not aware of it because she was not wearing her school clothes. 

     "I can't wait to tell mom and dad! They're going to be so proud of me. Six months from now, I'm going to be a senior." She continued to prattle until Deanna stopped. "Deanna, why here? What's to paint in this place?" Mable looked around."Deb, just prepare her easel and her painting stuff, okay? I'll just..." 

    Deborah did not give her the chance to finish. She pulled Mable's sleeve then said,"You're not going anywhere young lady! You too are my responsibility," she said, meaning every word."Just because you passed the acceleration test you think you could do anything. Well, you're wrong. You know how dangerous these times are." 

    Mable grinned at Deborah. "Thank you for thinking that I'm dangerously beautiful, Deb." 

   "That's not what I said." 

   "It's what you meant." 

    "Argh!" 

    "Alright, I'll stay." 

     Deanna started to paint rapidly. Amazingly, the strokes she was making were so fine that you would think she painted slowly. 

     "She's really so talented, Deb...I couldn't even make a straight line." 

     Two young architects in their twenties passed by. They noticed Deanna's painting style and this made them highly interested. At least one of them, anyway. The other one was attracted to Mable. 

    "Look Bruce...that little girl paints rapidly and yet beautifully." 

   "Yeah," but his attention was on Mable still. He turned to Deanna and then saw how artistically gifted she really was. "Hi little girl, what's your name?" Deanna just went on painting. "Is she deaf?" he asked, turning to Mable. 

    "No, she's autistic." 

    "Oh, that's why." 

    He smiled at Mable then reached out his hand. "Hi, I'm Bruce Wegman and this is my best friend, Jimmy Larson." 

    "Are you architects?" asked Mable. 

    "Yeah...how did you know?" asked Jimmy. "Do you have a set notion of how an architect should look like?" 

    Chuckling, Mable said,"No...Bruce is carrying a transparent folder with blue prints." 

    With a brighter smile, Bruce said,"Very observant...we're architects alright." He pointed to twin towers under construction that they could see. "We designed that building over there...Jimmy actually is the project coordinator." 

    "Wow, maybe I'd like to be an architect one day." 

    "Why not?" Bruce commented then segued by asking,"May I please know your names?" 

    Mable blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm Mable Tannenbaum and this is my sister Deanna with her nanny, Deborah," seeing that Deborah turned into pink herself, she added,"She's no ordinary nanny...she has a degree in special education...and she is finishing her thesis for her masters." 

    "It's nice to meet all of you...most especially you, Deanna." 

    "She won't respond to..." Mable was about to say strangers when Deanna turned to them and smiled briefly then went back painting. "Well, what do you know? She smiled. She doesn't give her precious smile to just anyone." 

    They chatted more. Jimmy even told them that he read books about autism. Bruce told them that he has seen RAIN MAN and that it opened his mind about it too. 

    "Deanna and Raymond are both autistic savants, but they differ in skills," said Deborah. 

    Deborah started to let the two gentlemen know that she was no bimbo. She explained to them the difference of people with autism and autistic savants. "Although both categories both deserve our respect and love, people with autism are people who are merely trapped in their own little world...autistic savants may be trapped once in a while in their own world, but they have their lucid moments and their innate abilities. Needless to say, people with autism could also turn into savants when given the proper care, attention and training, but some remain in their own little world forever." 

    Bruce wanted to stay more, but Jimmy started to look at his watch. "Whoa, we lost track of time....we have to go, Bruce." 

    They said their goodbyes then the two gentlemen started to walk. After five paces, Bruce ran back to them, almost hitting Deborah. 

    "Hey, how could I reach you?" 

     Mable wanted to give him her mobile number, but Deborah was giving her a warning look. 

    "We're harmless, really," assured Bruce. 

    "If Deanna thinks they're harmless, I'm sure they are," said Mable. 

    "May I see some id. first?" 

    Bruce handed his wallet and Deborah inspected it thoroughly. 

    "What do you think, Deanna?" Deanna again turned her head then nodded as she smiled then went on painting. 

    "Well, alright....but if you two turn out to be criminals, I know where to find you," she threatened. "Okay Mable, you can exchange cards with them." 

    The two gave Mable their cards and she gave them each one of her own Winnie The Pooh calling cards. They thanked her then nodded their goodbyes. As they were walking away, Jimmy nudged Bruce then whispered,"She's a kid, man." 

    Bruce whispered back,"I know...but I think I'm in love with her." 

    Deanna was still painting when she started to chuckle. 

    The two stopped whispering abruptly then ran off. 

    Deborah and Mable had no idea what Deanna was laughing about and decided not to mind her. The two ladies just teased each other until sunset. 

II August 20,1995

    Inside the living room of the Tannenbaum Manor, Eugene Grayson, an intelligent looking man of 38, entered. His bags were being carried by a young English butler. The whole Tannenbaum family rushed down the stairs to greet him. The butler excused himself and carried Mr. Grayson's bags upstairs. 

    Martha, while giving Eugene a bear hug told him they missed him and asked about Switzerland. He told them Switzerland was still the same and their businesses were still climbing the Alps, thank goodness. 

    Eugene gave his old buddy a hug too, followed by Martin, Deanna, then Mable. Eugene hugged Mable as briefly as he hugged the others, but Deanna noticed it was a different hug. He got Eugene's hand then pulled him up the stairs leading him to her art gallery. 

    "Wow! These are all your work, Deanna?" Without looking at him, Deanna nodded."You now have a grand collection," he said, patting her head. "The last time I've seen your work, they were only about three paintings...now you have a lot." 

    "Yes, and she still keeps on going," said Martin. 

    "The one she brought to Switzerland with her to give to Susan is at the art museum near our estate. I hope you do not mind." 

    "Of course not," said Dave. 

    "Hey, Uncle Eugene, Deanna prepared a feast for you....Chef Francois is bragging that he is a very good teacher," said Mable. 

    Eugene was about to touch her shoulder to squeeze it when Deanna pulled her 'Uncle' out of the room. The rest of the family just laughed about it not knowing what was going on Deanna's mind. 

III

   At the gazebo located at the Tannenbaum's orchard, Mable and Bruce were stargazing. 

   "Your eyes are as beautiful as the..." 

   "Stars? Mable! I didn't think you could be so corny." 

   "I just said that so you wouldn't say mine are." 

    "You're really an airhead," he said teasingly. 

    "If I'm such an airhead, what are you still doing here with me?" 

    "Because I love you even if you are the most boastful person on earth." 

    "I really hope you can wait for me, Bruce." 

    "I will, Mable...I will." 

     Just a few paces away, at the playground, Jimmy, Deborah, and Deanna were playing dodge ball. Deanna stopped for awhile then giggled as she saw Bruce put his arms around Mable's shoulders. Later, she clapped both her hands separately. 

     "How'd she do that?" asked Jimmy. 

     "Her reflexes are quite different than ours." 

      Deanna looked up all of a sudden and the two followed her gaze. It led up to the turret room where Eugene was staying. Without the lovebirds knowledge, Eugene was watching them and without Eugene's knowledge, Deanna and company saw him watching Bruce and Mable. 

     "I think Mr. Grayson has a big crush on Mable." 

     "But isn't he their uncle?" 

     "No...Mr. Tannenbaum and Mr. Grayson are the best of friends since junior high...they're not related." 

     "Do you think Deanna knows?" 

     "You can see her gaze...better tell Bruce about it so he can be wary, but I don't think we can tell Mable." 

     "Why not?" 

     "I knew Mable since she was twelve...yes, she's mature for her age, but she's so unsuspecting...she'll just think we're inventing things. Besides, I don't want her to lose respect for her dad's best friend." 

    Deanna got the ball to tell the two that she wanted to continue playing. 

    Back at the gazebo, Bruce and Mable were still teasing each other. 

    Dramatically, Bruce said,"I'm glad you accepted my love, Mable." 

    "Now, you're being cornier than ever...why shouldn't I accept you?" 

    "Because I'm nine years older than you are." 

    "I don't think age really matters," she said, while fondling with his hair."My mom's a decade older than my dad." 

     "Really? She doesn't look older than him at all." 

     "Yeah and she's proud of it most especially when people think that dad's the one who's a decade older." 

     Bruce segued by asking,"How long will your uncle Eugene stay with you?" 

     "Hmmm, maybe until my birthday on April." 

     "Why that long?" 

     "It's the first time mom and dad are going to visit the plants in Asia, Europe and Australia and the nearby territories. It will take a lo---------t of time." 

      "Is he nice?" 

      "He's super!" 

      "I'll take your word for it." 

       Mable playfully pulled Bruce close then kissed him on the forehead. The curtains from the turret room were shut and Deanna et al were surer than ever that 'Uncle' Eugene was a threat to Mable and Bruce's love. 

IV

August 27,1995

      Mable's room was gargantuan. She had a receiving section. In that receiving section there was a television, a VCR, a dvd player, a laser disc player, a fax machine, a love seat, two bean bags and lot of throw pillows. On the left corner there is a rest room for the guests. Near the right corner, there was a door leading to the main room. 

     Upon reaching the vast room, you will find that everything you need is there. Like a hotel Presidential Suite, there is also a mini kitchen at the left and at the right side there was a bath room. In the middle there was a sliding door leading to the veranda. Her king size bed was in the middle of the room. Beside the left side of the bed was a bureau with trinkets and other stuff. On the right side of the bed was a cute telephone. She had lots of porcelain dolls, Lladro and Lalique figurines, teddy bears on display at the corner racks and again, a lot of throw pillows on the floor. 

       Deanna and Mable were inside that room that time. On the carpeted floor were a lot of crayons and sketch pads. Mable was teaching Deanna to write her name. 

       "Deanna, look at me, please." 

        Deanna was inattentive. She stood up then ran to the other side of the room. 

        "Deanna, we're not finished. Not because your an artist par excellence you don't need to learn to write your name well." 

         Deanna was in her own little world. She started to do fast pirouettes then went near Mable's switchboard which was located beside the door leading to Mable's bath room. She pressed the button for Mable's wide screen TV and tuned in at Nickelodeon. 

        "Alright, if you're not up to it, I'll just call Bruce,"said Mable, rather exasperated. "He doesn't have a mobile phone, but he's home, anyways."

       Mable dialed Bruce's number using her phone by her bed. Mable did not notice it, but Deanna was looking at her while she was dialing. 

       "Hi Bruce, it's me....I miss you..No, I'm not being melodramatic..." Mable chuckled. The bell coming from the receiving room rang. "Deanna, please be a doll and get the door." Deanna's eyes were focused at the TV show. Mable got her remote control at the other side of her bed and pushed a button opening the door. "Oh, it's you, Uncle Eugene...please come in....Hon, my uncle's here...Deanna's with me silly...bye...love you." 

      "You didn't have to put the phone down." 

      "It's okay," Mable said with a smile. "He's coming over later." 

      "Isn't he too old for you?" 

      "Our hearts and minds are one." 

       Deanna started to giggle. 

       Eugene noticed it, but decided not to give a damn. "I noticed that you do not lock your door....I would've entered immediately, but I respect your privacy." 

      "Our security is tight here...there's nothing to be afraid of, right, Deanna?" 

       Deanna did not move. She was looking at Eugene, without staring into his eyes. 

       Eugene was uncomfortable with Deanna's presence. 

       "I think I better go," he said reluctantly. "Your mom and dad are taking me to a Puccini Opera...I forgot which one." 

       "Probably Tosca." 

       "Probably."

        Eugene started to kiss Mable on the cheek, but when he was about to, Deanna pulled him down, so he kissed little Deanna instead. He went out of the room immediately, filled with disgust. 

       "Isn't Uncle Eugene the greatest, Deanna?" 

       To Mable's surprise, Deanna started to shake her. Deanna started to make vowel sounds that Mable could not comprehend. 

       "Deanna, stop!...Stop it!...You're hurting me!" 

       Deanna started to wail like a baby. It was so loud that Mable felt guilty that she shouted at her. 

      "I'm sorry, baby," she said while hugging Deanna. "It's just that you've never shaken me before...Hush...Mable is not going to yell anymore." 

V

September 2,1995

     "Good morning Saturday people!" 

     "Maybe you mean good afternoon," remarked Martin. 

     "Afternoon? You mean to say mom and dad left already?" 

     "Yup. While you were dreaming of Bruce's kisses, mom and dad left for Kuala Lumpur." 

     "Shucks!" 

     Deanna just finished baking chocolate chips. Mable got some. 

     "These are delicious, Deanna." 

     "Hey Mayb, have you done it with Bruce already?" 

     "Don't be silly." 

     "Come on, it's almost the year two thousand." 

     "Martin would you please stop that," Mable demanded. "He told me he'd wait for me and that's final." 

      Deanna started imitating the Energizer Bunny. Her siblings look at her. 

     "Do you think she understands us?" asked Martin. 

     Mable kissed Deanna on the cheek then said,"I don't know, but whether or not she understood, what's important is that we love our baby sister." 

     Martin nose to nosed Deanna. "You heard that Deanna? We love you." 

     "Wuv you." 

     "Mable did you hear that?" asked Deborah who was beside Deanna all along. 

     "She's starting to mimic us...that's a good sign, right?" 

     "Of course," agreed Deborah. 

     The three jumped for joy. Deanna stared at them, a little bit startled. 

     A little while later, Eugene entered the kitchen. 

     "Am I missing something here?" 

     "Deanna's starting to mimic us, Uncle Eugene," cried Martin. 

    "And she never uttered a word before." 

    Eugene carried Deanna then asked her,"Is that so, Deanna?" 

    "Deanna." 

    "What's my name?" 

   "Name." 

   "Uncle Eugene." 

  "Kel Uvin." 

   Eugene chuckled then said,"Close enough...Well, this calls for a celebration. Call Bruce and Jimmy. We're all eating out for dinner." 

VI

February, 1996

   Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. Eugene Grayson earned everybody's trust, except Deanna's. 

    One night when Martin and Mable were in Dreamland, Eugene decided to pay Mable a visit in her room. To his dismay, little Deanna was playing with her dolls while humming a beautiful tune at the corridor leading to Mable's room. 

    Thinking Deanna could not do anything, Eugene went on with his plan. He kissed Deanna on the cheek then whispered,"Why are you still awake at this hour?" 

    Deanna just smiled nervously at him. 

    Eugene did not mind this. Instead, he went straight to Mable's room and opened the door. Inside Mable's sleeping area, Eugene stared at the dreaming Mable, whispering Bruce's name. He tiptoed then got the remote control locking all the doors from the receiving area to the main room. He disconnected the phone line then removed the batteries of Mable's mobile phone and pager.

    Outside, Deanna was perspiring. She was shaking because she was afraid of what might happen to Mable. She went to the den then stared at the phone for the longest time. She picked up the phone then tried to remember Bruce's number at home. She had seen Mable dial his home number several times and now she knew it by heart. Carefully, she dialed the number. 

   "HELLO!" Bruce answered rather angrily. Deanna cried. 

    "Deanna?" 

    "Bruce...'elp Mable." 

    "You want me to go there in the middle of the night? What would your uncle say?"

   Deanna mimicked a police siren. 

   "You want me to call an ambulance?" 

    Duh! But you must forgive Bruce for he just woke up. Deanna repeated the sound. 

   "You want me to call the cops?" With that, Deanna put the phone down. Folding her hands, she silently prayed in her own little way, forcing her eyes to shut tightly. 

VII

   Outside the manor, the police arrived before Bruce. The guards would not let them enter without a warrant,  but when Bruce's car arrived, they let them in. 

    Inside the kitchen, Deborah and the staff were still exchanging jokes. They were shocked to see Bruce along with some cops. 

   "What's going on here?" 

   "Tell me where Mable's room is, Debbie." 

   "Why?" 

   "Deanna called me....Mable is in danger." 

   "Mable? In danger? Oh no...Mr Grayson!" 

   Deborah got Bruce's hand then ran out of the kitchen. The cops followed suit. The staff couldn't believe what they just heard. Deanna was able to call Bruce.[ ;-) yup, they weren't shocked to hear about Mr. Grayson] 

***

   Deanna was waiting for them. Deborah rushed to one of the drawers near the den and got the keys that were labeled Mable. 

   She handed the keys to Bruce. To cut the long story short, they were able to enter the main room. They saw that Mable was filled with kiss marks, but Eugene was down on the floor. Mable was able to hit his most sensitive part of the anatomy. 

   "I think we're not needed here," joked one of the cops. One of them read him his rights. 

    Bruce held Mable tightly in his arms. She was safe now, but she was overjoyed that Bruce was able to come to save her. 

VIII

Two Days Later

    Dave boxed Eugene's gut. He was so mad at him. He shouted heavy expletives that made Eugene cry like a baby. 

    Mable decided not to press charges, but Dave's blood was still boiling. Deanna got Dave's hand to let him hold Eugene's. Dave's heart softened. 

    "I guess my baby's telling me to forgive you." 

    Bruce and Mable decided to escape the commotion and watched the reconciliation from the living room. 

    "It's nice that everything's back to normal again." 

    "Mom and dad are still leaving, but they think we can manage without a guardian...after all, Thompson and Deborah are here with the rest of the staff...and we musn't forget, our guardian angel, Deanna." 

    "She's really something special." 

    "She is." 

    By this time, Eugene and Dave were hugging each other. 

    Mable cupped Bruce's chin then said,"I love you Bruce." 

    "I love you too." 

    "Will you ever get tired of waiting for me?" 

    "No, for you're worth the wait." 

    They kissed lightly then decided to join the rest of the brood. 

THE END 

First draft October 18, 1994

© Lara Mia Veronica M. Garcia 1995

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental