The Boy Who Hugs Trees

by Dougie McHale

  He is in the hallway now, collecting his suit jacket, his laptop bag and a small luggage bag. The doorbell rings, to Georgia’s annoyance.

  ‘That’ll be the taxi,’ Stephen calls. He strides towards the front door with an air of relief.

  ‘Aren’t you going to say goodbye to your son?’

  She is in the hallway now. She catches her reflection in the mirror.

  Stephen swings the door open in a purposeful manner.

  ‘Ah, Miss Devlin,’ he says deflated, placing his bag down. He scratches his chin; the sight of the old woman on the doorstep drains his urgency.

  Georgia stands beside him, unable to repress a satisfied smile. ‘Hello, Miss Devlin.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sorry for calling at such an early hour,’ Miss Devlin says apprehensively. ‘The thing is, Fluffy has been out all night and I’m worried something terrible may have happened to her. You see, I let her out every evening at six; she does her business and is back in by ten past six. But, last night she didn’t come home at all and I’ve been at my wit's end with worry.’ She wipes a tear stained eye with her handkerchief.

  ‘At least it won’t shit in our garden again,’ Stephen whispers in Georgia’s ear.

  Georgia glares at him and the weight of her scorn makes him lean back.

  ‘What was that dear?’ Miss Devlin says, bending forward and turning her good ear to Stephen.

  Georgia touches the old woman’s arm. ‘He says we haven’t seen it sit in the garden.’ She emphasises the word ‘sit.’

  ‘I’m sure she’ll turn up,’ Georgia raises her voice. ‘What do you think dear?’ She turns to Stephen.

  ‘Oh, I’m sure you’re right. It’ll probably turn up today.’

  ‘You will call round if you see her?’

  Georgia nods. ‘Of course, try not to worry,’ she says soothingly.

  A black cab draws up.

  ‘Ah, that’s the taxi.’

  Stephen retrieves his bags and kisses Georgia on the cheek. ‘Kiss Dylan goodbye for me, I’ll phone you later.’

  Stephen waves from the taxi as it moves off. Georgia can hear movement from upstairs.

  ‘I’d better see to Dylan.’

  ‘Of course, dear. I’ll check the garden one more time.’

  Miss Devlin turns and shuffles down the path.

  Chapter 2

  The Interview

  Adam Newman sits in a large room with high ceilings. His eyes run over the solid oak flooring, where sways and tails, around a large bay window, splay light onto its grain. The walls, coated in warm magnolia, blend with the stone hearth of the fireplace. He sits on one of two bespoke sofas, one cream and leather, the other striped fabric. A flat screen TV sits perched above the fireplace, and opposite, a large gold- framed mirror magnifies the depths of the room. In front of him, flowers in a glass vase sit on top of an oak coffee table. His eyes pause on a framed photograph, taken in a studio, and professionally orchestrated. The family are sitting on the floor, relaxed poses but staged.

  Adam wonders if he has made the right decision. He puts this down to unaccustomed nerves, as he has not applied for a job in years and this does not feel like a typical job interview.

  The highly polished door opens to reveal Georgia carrying a tray. With a composed smile, she places the tray on the table and sits opposite Adam. She pours dark brown coffee and invites him to take his own milk from a small white jug. He politely declines an offer of assorted biscuits.

  Georgia’s head bows slightly, self-contained in her thoughts; she consults the sheaves of paper that sit on her lap. He gazes at her and then looks out of the window.

  ‘Shall we begin Mr Newman?’

  ‘Please call me Adam.’

  ‘I’d prefer to keep this formal.’ Solidity cases her words, yet he senses an aura of vulnerability around her, that seems to leave an impression upon her skin.

  When she opened the front door and welcomed him out of the rain, he trained his eye over her slender figure and the sweep of her hair, as she showed him to the front room, and then again, he could not help himself, when she left to fetch the coffee. Even now, sitting opposite her, his eyes pause upon her and he considers that image.

  ‘Thank you for coming. As you know, I’m interviewing for a suitable candidate who’ll tutor my son. To let you know the history that has led you here, school hasn’t been a pleasant experience for Dylan. In the world of private education, there is no room for compromise, in his case anyway. His particular school didn’t accommodate him well, nor was it compatible with his needs. This may seem a biased view, but it’s one I’m afraid has developed through bitter experience. Dylan’s wellbeing is my only concern,’ Georgia insists.

  Adam nods.

  She continues business like. ‘As you’re now aware Mr Newman, the post is quite unconventional, in that it involves the successful candidate moving to and living in Corfu. During the latter part of his time at school, Dylan was becoming increasingly anxious and stressed and moving to Corfu, I believe, will be a therapeutic experience for him. It’s a place he knows well, filled with wonderful memories. He obviously needs to continue with his education, therefore I need to find a suitable and qualified tutor.’ Georgia pauses before continuing. ‘At present, Dylan doesn’t know about this process. As you may appreciate, he associates the house with fun and happiness and certainly not school lessons, so it will be a time of uncertainty for us all. Change, at the best of times, can be a challenge for him. So, I need him to get used to the idea that while we’re there, he’ll be continuing his education and that a new person will come into his life facilitating this.’

  Georgia glances at Adam. ‘I’m aware that part of the motivation for most of the people who apply for this job, will be the attraction of working and living on a Greek island, I understand that, but the focus must be about educating Dylan. There are contractual obligations.’ She delivers the words as the future employer she will be. She glances at the papers on her lap.

  ‘I don’t doubt your competence and capabilities, your references and colleagues at the university speak highly of you. Therefore I’m interested in why a man of your standing, in your chosen profession, would apply for this kind of undertaking?’ If the truth be told, Georgia is intrigued.

  Adam’s face does not register it, but her directness surprises him. He ponders the question.

  ‘It’s not a decision I’ve taken without giving it a lot of thought. To let you know, I’m weighing up my options. I’m aware of the responsibilities. I’ve gone over the contract and job description so, in that regard, I’m well informed and under no illusions concerning the demands that such a job will undoubtedly entail. My motives for applying are simple. I’m at a crossroad in my career. I need a change. I’ve deliberated on this for some time now and the timing just seemed right. I need a challenge, something new and at the end of the day I suppose I’d like to make a difference.’

  ‘A difference.’ Georgia studies him. ‘What kind of difference?’

  ‘To your son. As you’ve pointed out, it seems his educational experience has left much to be desired. I’d like to change that if given the opportunity.’

  She consults her prearranged questions. ‘Mr Newman, what qualifies you for this position?’

  Adam trained as a teacher, then after a few years he specialised in teaching children with special needs. By then, he developed an interest in autism and undertook further studies, a postgraduate diploma and then a Masters in autism. He moved to Manchester and took up a post at The Abbey School, a centre of excellence for pupils with autism and moderate learning disabilities. After several fulfilling years, he returned to Scotland and taught at a residential and day school. Eventually, he moved into research at Glasgow City University and lectured in autism. His speciality led him to be invited to join Glasgow’s NHS autism diagnostic team.

  ‘Don’t you feel over qualified for this position Mr Newman?’

  ‘You can never be over qualified. I might have a lot of e
xperience working with children who have special needs but I’d never say that learning stops just because there are letters after your name.’

  Georgia smiles for the first time. ‘What are your interests? Do you have any hobbies?’

  ‘I do, I like to read, fiction mainly, when I’m not reading about the Roman Empire. William Boyd is probably the author I most admire. When time allows, I like to travel. I love most things Italian and I’ve got a consuming interest in ancient Rome… books, films, documentaries, anything about the Roman Empire, really. I know it’s sad, but there you are, it’s out now. I believe that our knowledge and understanding of the past helps to create a better future. Well, that’s how I justify my obsession with Rome.’ Adam smiles.

  ‘There’s nothing wrong in being passionate about history.’ She runs her fingers through her hair; it is an involuntary motion, a ritual within her conversation. ‘This is a bit awkward, but as you know, I’ve stated on the application that I’d prefer those who applied were not married or in a relationship. I know it’s not politically correct. I’m asking everyone the same question. I need someone who doesn’t have the emotional ties that would force them prematurely back to the U.K. By asking such a question, and I believe I have to, I’m implying that it’s obviously imperative that you’re able to fulfil the contractual agreements. After all, I don’t want to end up in the unpleasant situation where I’m left in Corfu with no one to provide for my son’s education.’

  For a moment he hesitates. ‘I’m a safe bet there. I wouldn’t be running back to Glasgow. I’m not married, although I’ve been told I’m married to my work.’ He smiles confidently.

  ‘But not anymore?’ Georgia raises an eyebrow, creasing her forehead.

  ‘I like to think of it as a period of separation.’ He regrets his reference to work. ‘It’s not a permanent arrangement. As you know, I’ve been given a sabbatical year from the university.’

  ‘The contract is for three months but I reserve the right to terminate it without notice if need be. Is that agreeable to you?’

  ‘Yes.’

  She leafs through the papers on her lap.

  ‘As I said, your references are exceptional. However, to be honest with you, when I first began this process, rightly or wrongly, I imagined the applicants to be female, it never occurred to me that a man would apply.’

  Adam looks down at his cup, contemplating the sudden awkwardness, the silence. Again, she runs her fingers through her hair.

  Her face is suddenly flushed. Finally, she begins to speak, ‘The successful applicant will be spending a great deal of time with my son, in another country, so in that respect, the character of that person is of paramount importance to me. After all, they will only be offered the position if Dylan accepts them and after the necessary disclosures are verified.’

  Adam nods.

  ‘And for this reason, I’ll initially be selecting two applicants. There will be a period for Dylan to meet with them and spend time together. The first meeting will be short, just an introduction really, and for each subsequent one, the length of time will increase. I suspect this will take a few weeks and then we’ll be in a position to decide. Dylan’s opinions will influence my choice.’

  Georgia refers to a photograph of Adam clipped to his application. ‘Dylan will need to know what the person looks like before they meet. It will be an anxious time for him.’

  ‘And for you also, I suspect?’

  ‘Yes,’ she says softly.

  For the second time, there remains a silence in between their exchanges.

  ‘Do you have any questions, Mr Newman?’

  ‘Can I ask about Dylan?’

  ‘Of course.’ She nods.

  ‘You said that this process will be difficult for Dylan.

  As someone who doesn’t know him, how would I know?’

  Georgia pauses. Having to articulate Dylan’s most intricate feelings to a stranger suddenly makes the process feel personal. For a moment she feels uneasy, no one else has enquired about this. No, one other had skirted the issue. Was that their failing or was it his? She decides on the former.

  ‘You know there is something not right when Dylan is quiet and he’s been in your company for a while. Usually, during such times, he will stare, his expression blank. I think he is trying to make sense of what’s in his head or what he is feeling at that particular moment. At other times, he may become erratic and talk continually, never with you but at you. Sometimes, he can become so distressed that it’s as if he shuts down and blocks out the world around him but that’s rare. He’s also very sensory and that can be difficult especially in social situations as you would expect.’

  ‘You just mentioned Dylan being sensory. I often find that a child’s sensory difficulties can be underestimated, especially in relation to behaviour. What is Dylan sensitive too?’

  ‘He has difficulty with noise, especially a noise that is unexpected. He covers his ears because certain sounds hurt him. He tolerates sounds better when he has initiated them. Also, certain fabrics and textures irritate him to the extent that he won’t wear certain clothes or eat certain foods. These were particular issues at school where he was perceived to be a bad child… a disruptive child.’

  ‘From my experience, I’ve found that tactile and auditory sensitivity can limit classroom performance, and in some cases, contribute to academic underachievement. That’s why it’s crucial to have the appropriate strategies in place that cater to the individual’s needs.’

  Georgia nods in agreement. ‘Unfortunately, his school didn’t subscribe to your theory, hence the reason you’re here and we are embarking on this course of action. I feel that, sometimes, Dylan’s sensory sensitivities can be more of a problem, to Dylan anyway, than his difficulty with social communication and interaction. I’d be interested to know your thoughts?’

  Adam hasn’t anticipated this form of detailed questioning. ‘Well, in the academic world, research has highlighted that up to eighty percent of people with autism may demonstrate behaviours that are related to impaired sensory modulation, things like rocking backwards and forwards and spinning. I’ve even witnessed children cover their ears in reaction to a level of noise that I hadn’t even noticed. Some may not even respond to their name or environmental cues, so you can imagine how things like social activities, play, self-care skills and even learning can be compromised. So, in answering your question, I believe sensory processing difficulties can impact greatly upon an individual’s social and emotional behaviours and this is pertinent, especially when considering the learning environment.’

  ‘How would you approach Dylan’s sensory issues?’

  ‘I’d use known strategies that work for him. I’d be guided by a support plan or from yourself.’

  Georgia leans forward, encouraged to talk more freely.

  ‘I need to be flexible when considering family activities; this involves accommodating Dylan’s needs. It’s a lot easier at home, his sensory needs and routines are predictable so we know how they impact upon his behaviour. We create routines that Dylan knows will be predictable in various situations. We experience problems when we’re out. As you know social environments are less predictable. So we try to plan in advance whenever possible. The order of the day is predictability and routine. When I’m out with Dylan, I need to be aware of the environment, it’s a constant process but you can’t always predict when there’s going to be a loud noise, a light that’s too bright or lots of people around. In such situations what would you suggest Mr Newman?’

  ‘That’s when you need reactive strategies, so you’re prepared as best you can be. You can’t always legislate for what’s about to happen but knowing how to react, when it does, may make it less of a stressful situation for Dylan.’

  Georgia smiles, she is indeed impressed. Adam is the last to be interviewed, and he has proved his suitability during the interview. His qualifications and experience set him apart from the other candidates. However, he is a man, and t
his is a complication.

  How would Stephen react to a man teaching Dylan? More importantly, Georgia speculates, how would he react to a man, a stranger, living in the house?

  ‘Oh, I almost forgot.’ She holds up an A4 document.

  ‘This is Dylan’s communication passport. I’m sure you’re familiar with them, it details his likes, dislikes, what makes him upset, happy, that sort of thing. Only those chosen as the final two will get a copy.’

  She stands and composes herself.

  ‘Well Mr Newman, I think we’ve covered everything. I’ll only contact you if you’ve been successful. Thank you for coming.’

  Adam rises from the chair and extends his hand. She shakes it gently, as her fragrance moves across space between them. Her hand is warm to the touch.

  ‘Thank you,’ Adam says and then Georgia leads him to the front door.

  Chapter 3

  A New Rhythm

  Georgia found the whole process of interviewing eight candidates exhausting and draining. During those four days, she often doubted her self-assurance. Was this the right thing to do? The reasoning she formed when embarking on this venture was built upon the realisation that Dylan’s school could not be thought of as a permanent arrangement due to the anxiety it provoked in him; therefore, his educational needs would be best served elsewhere.

  During the interviews, Georgia did not mean to be seen as formidable. She wanted to portray a business-like exterior, yet in the cold light of the last few days, she often felt swallowed in a quicksand of self-doubt. She felt vulnerable and at times uncomfortable. Was she making the right decision? There were moments when the conciliatory remarks of Dylan’s guidance teacher, patronising and worthless, reverberated in her head, reinforcing her belief that by sending Dylan to that school they had set him up to fail. No, they failed him.

  Would Dylan cope with the changes that would be enforced upon him? They had stayed in the house on family holidays. However, this would not be viewed by Dylan as a holiday when there would be daily lessons, with someone he would regard as a stranger. There would be so many changes. None of this was ordinary. She must prepare him, gradually, yes; it could be done with the correct preparation.