A Second Chance At Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1518

Angelica had seen lots of kids on the autism spectrum and knew not to wait for a response. So, she just kept talking to Damian.

"Your mom's worried about you, kiddo. Thinks you're all cooped up in your own world. So she sends me to help you out. But you know what? I don't think you're withdrawn. I think you're just too smart for your own good. We should test your IQ. Are you okay with that?"

She spoke to Damian not like he was a child, but as an equal. That caught his attention, and he gave her a look that seemed to ask, "How do you test that?"

The eagerness in Damian's eyes confirmed Angelica's suspicion. His thirst for knowledge was a sign of a high intellect. Kids like him often lacked guidance and didn't know how to channel their learning, picking up things here and there—from role models, books, and their own solitary worlds.

Once Angelica had sized him up, she whipped out her smartphone and pulled up an IQ test, holding it up for Damian to see.

"Got some real brain-busters here. Stuff that stumps most adults. Think you can handle it?"

Damian was initially disinterested until he heard that adults struggled with these questions. That piqued his curiosity, and he snatched the phone from Angelica, his little head bowed in concentration as he tackled the test.

Angelica let him be, picking up scattered books and high-tech gadgets around the room, browsing through them as Damian worked.

After what felt like an eternity, Angelica felt a nudge on her arm. Looking up, she was met with the imperious gaze of little Mr. Laurence, chin tilted up, eyes challenging.

"Did you ace the test, then?" she asked, not expecting a response.

Without a word, Damian handed back the phone. Angelica checked the screen and saw he'd passed the IQ test. But if they want to be precise, they'd need to visit a professional institution.

"Mr. Laurence, you're quite the genius. But compared to certain people, you've got a bit to go."

"Where are they?"

The notion of others outshining him didn't sit well with Damian. His prideful facade faltered, a hint of defiance in his eyes.

Though the bluntness startled Eleanor, Angelica quickly explained that the specialist, too, had an IQ over 138 and was known for being a bit tactless.

Eleanor wasn't bothered by the lack of bedside manner. What troubled her was the idea that Damian might view those around him as idiots. He was only five years old. What would he be like once he grew up, even more outspoken than the specialist?

She struggled to accept it, but the truth was undeniable. Leaving the institution with Angelica, Eleanor promised herself to never treat Damian like a child again, lest she be seen as a fool by her own son.

Eleanor shared the test results with Bernard, who was in the middle of a business meeting.

He was unsurprised, simply replying, "My son was always bound to stand out."

Eleanor typed back frantically, "Angelica says it's not good for a genius to look down on others. We need to guide him right, or he'll go astray when he grows up."

Bernard, half-listening to financial reports, reassured Eleanor, "Honey, don't worry. I'll handle it when I get back from the meeting."