Sweet Serendipity by Jenna Pizzi

realized that if they weren’t discussing the kids, then they had nothing to talk about.
    Emily confided that Andrew’s pre-school teacher was beginning to notice that Andrew was withdrawing from class. He sometimes seemed to be off in a day dream or busy playing with his superheroes and not playing with the other kids. He wasn’t willing to try anything new; he wanted to just play with his action figures.
    “I really don’t know what to do. I thought that it was bringing home the new baby that was causing it, but what if there is something wrong?” Emily told her.
    “What does his teacher recommend?” Rebecca asked her.
    “She thinks I should take him into Boston and have him evaluated. She mentioned that he seems to fit the criteria of Asperger’s Syndrome. Have you ever heard of it?”
    “I think I may have, but I’m not really familiar with it.”
    “It’s a high-functioning Autism. He can make it through his entire life functioning and it may not even be noticeable. The problem is he is developing these little quirks. I’ve noticed that if something is moved, he can’t handle it. I have to change it back. He doesn’t handle change, and now that James is home, and the baby, we are all readjusting. I am afraid it triggered something.”
    “Can it be treated with medication?” Rebecca asked.
    “No. It’s a lifestyle. You adjust his environment to him. I don’t want to think about it. I’m supposed to call and make an appointment at Mass General Neurology Department I’ll just wait and see what they say,” Emily told her.
    Rebecca felt bad for her. She knew it was a lot to take in all at once. News like that can challenge even the strongest families.
    Tasha joined them for lunch, which was becoming a regular thing. Rebecca admitted it was fun doing it on a regular basis. She was enjoying talking to everyone and meeting new people.
    After lunch, Rebecca ran to the bank for the store. Sovereign Bank was only the next block down, and it was such a nice summer day that she decided to walk. Emily told her to take her time. She packed up what she needed to make change and set out onto Court Street. She crossed the main road at the crosswalk and walked along the sidewalk to the bank.
    On her way back, she stopped at the quad. She noticed the massive tree sitting in the middle of the town square. She smiled to herself when she saw a young couple standing in front of it taking a picture. She remembered the story that the retired couple had told her about the tree and its magical qualities.
    She walked over to the tree as soon as the young couple walked away, and ran her hand along its hard surface. She looked up into the treetop and noticed a bird’s nest inside. She stopped and watched the birds singing from their perch.
    “I don’t think I could ever see a more beautiful sight as I am right now,” a voice sang out. Rebecca looked over and smiled.
    “Hello, Ethan. What brings you out and about?”
    “What else? I saw a beautiful woman walking down the street past my shop and just knew I had to follow her.”
    “You are too much. You just don’t know when to quit, do you?”
    “Why would I quit? The chase is half the fun.” He walked up to the tree and placed his hand next to hers. “Do you know the myth behind this tree?” he asked her.
    “No, do tell. I am intrigued,” she teased in a flirting manner, which surprised even her.
    “It is the Tree of Love. It is said that when a boy asks a girl out while standing under this very tree, that they are then destined to be together forever.”
    “Is that so? I guess I don’t believe in those old wives’ tales. I’m not very superstitious.”
    “Alright then, Becca. I challenge you, then. Go out to dinner with me.”
    “Ethan, I…”
    “What’s the matter Becca? I thought you said you are not superstitious. Show me. Go out with me. One date, if you hate me by the end of the evening then I will leave you alone, but who knows? Anything is