章 26: Exploring Other Options

"Why… doesn't he… go to school?"

After her question dropped, another silence that was longer than the previous one ensued again and Grace reprimanded herself for not minding her business.

He had already expressed his displeasure in the morning about the topic when she brought it up, yet she couldn't be an obedient servant and leave it at that.

Just when she made up her mind to apologize, Jace's deep voice beat her to it.

"I can see that you care a lot about my son."

Grace lowered her head, not daring to respond. Could it be wrong if she admits to it? Afterall that was the truth.

After knowing about the child's condition, she had developed a soft spot for him and wants to do nothing but help him the best she could for as long as she was here.

Initially she didn't like the idea of a nanny and she just wanted to do her job and get out as fast as she possibly could, but her little interactions with the boy had made her think beyond that.

She wanted to sincerely help the boy from her heart and that was the reason she risked being scolded or punished.

From her fluttering eyelashes, Jace knew she was nervous. Who wouldn't be, however, he appreciated her boldness.

"Two years ago, I did enroll Charles in a kindergarten," Jace stated in a less colder tone.

Grace raised an eyebrow. "You did?" Grace asked before realizing that she had interrupted him, but Jace didn't seem to notice or rather chose to ignore the interruption as he went on as if Grace hadn't spoken.

"It was…. disastrous, to say the least. Charles struggled for those few days. It was overwhelming for him."

Jace shook his head as he recalled the state Charles was in for two weeks even after he had stopped going to school. "In fact, he had a meltdown the very first week in school, and I had to withdraw him after just four days in kindergarten."

Grace raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"For an autistic child, a meltdown refers to an intense reaction to overwhelming sensory stimuli or emotional triggers," Jace explained, knowing fully well where her confusion sprang from.

"When it happens, it usually expresses itself in the form of an outburst from frustration, anxiety, or anger, and you'll find the child exhibiting uncontrollable behaviors like crying, screaming, or physical aggression."

"In Charles's case, the meltdown was as a result of his inability to cope with the new environment. He found it difficult to relate with the change in routine, environment and the new set of people he was meeting for the first time."

"And being children, his class mates didn't make things easier for him either. He was acting strangely contrary to what they were used to as children, so they sort of ostracized him and he was all alone as he couldn't blend into the new environment and routines — that was what the school director said anyways."

"But fortunately for Charles, he wasn't aggressive, but the only sign he showed were the thick drop of tears that kept rolling down his cheeks without any sound. It sure landed him in the hospital and for days he was on admission and refused to get close to anybody, except me and Caden.

A sympathetic frown was etched on Grace's face as she said. "Oh dear, poor child. I had no idea. That must have been incredibly difficult for both of you, especially Charles."

"It was," Jace affirmed. "After that experience, I couldn't bear the thought of putting him through that again. So, I decided to hire home tutors instead. At least that way, he could learn in a calm and familiar environment."

'No wonder Charles also reacted badly when I mentioned school to him. It's like he hasn't moved on from the shadow it cast over him.'

"Was he also having a meltdown when he rushed into the middle of the road yesterday?"

"No, that was not a meltdown. He was only throwing a tantrum," Jace clarified and was careful enough not to mention that she was the reason behind the tantrum.

"But he happened to take it far this time around, luckily, you were there to salvage the situation."

"I try to avoid situations that will lead to him having a meltdown, though," Jace added.

"I understand your concerns, sir but…" Grace said hesitantly.

"Go on," Jace encouraged.

"But isolating him at home might not be the best solution either. I'm sure you are also aware of the fact that he can't remain that way. He has to meet people later on in life and this is the best time to gradually correct that. Charles needs to interact with other children his age to develop his social skills, considering his autism."

Jace nodded, acknowledging her point. "I know, Ms Fowler. And believe me, it's something I've struggled with all these years. But I can't shake off the fear of him experiencing another meltdown."

"I completely understand, Sir. But perhaps it's worth considering other options. There are specialized schools and programs that cater to children with autism in an inclusive learning environment. They could provide the support and understanding Charles needs while still offering him the opportunity to socialize and learn alongside his peers."

After contemplating her words for a moment, Jace said, "You might be right. It's worth exploring those options. How come you know about all these?" Jace couldn't resist asking.

"Back home, I have a friend whose aunt has an autistic daughter. I also did a little research after you informed me about Charles' condition yesterday." A slight blush crept onto her cheeks as she added that last part which did not escape Jace's scrutinizing gaze that was fixated on her beautiful face.

"I see," he nodded in understanding. "I'm rather impressed by your boldness. Not everyone would dare take such a risk of bringing up the topic with me."

'But I guess you love taking risks, considering the one you took yesterday,' Jace muttered to himself.

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