"Just stick him in Public. I know how that place works. Last thing the other kids need is everyone asking about their weird looking little brother."



"Our son got another note from school. I don't get it, his grades are fine, we don't send him there to make friends."

"Well first of all, who is 'our?' He's your son."



"One of you has to walk your brother home from his stop, so stop arguing and just figure it out."

"Why can't ear-boy just go to our school?"



"Julius, Mommy is very tired. Besides you're so good at reading, right? Why don't you read it to yourself?"



"Why do you talk like that? You sound like a girl."

"He looks like a girl, too. And his name sounds like a girl. And he acts like one. I think he IS a girl."



"Well, Julius is obviously very bright...the only thing that really concerns me is his social interactions. While all the other kids are playing, or if we're having a class party, he's always in the corner reading, or even just doing homework. Even just seeing him hang around with one little friend would make me feel better. Is he the same way at home, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well...yeah, he um...I'd say that's normal for him."



"Julius, you can't spend every recess in the library, you need your exercise. Why don't you try to ask to play with some of the other kids? If you give them a chance, they'll give you a chance."



"Ha-ha, your team got stuck with purse-boy."



"Where's the other kid?"

"Cleaning his room."

"Again? Practically all that little weirdo ever does."



"Don't worry hon, you're not in trouble. Here, take my paw...we're just going to go visit Mrs. Alden, you know who she is? She just wants to talk to you a little, find out a little about what you're thinking."



"Not now, Julius"



"I would recommend advancing him at least one grade, see how he does. He's simply not being challenged, anymore. And I suspect he'll have an easier time making friends when he's around kids who are his true peers."



"I already look like a fucking idiot every time that kid walks out the door with his stupid looking ears! You think I like trying to support the goddamn household while clients are laughing behind my back? Pretending everything is okay? Pretending I don't know, pretending I AM a fucking idiot? Keeping this 'perfect family' thing going?

"Shhh! You want him to hear you?"

"Hey you're always saying how smart they think he is, right? Kid's going to find out eventually, right? He's not stupid, he probably already knows, he knows he doesn't look like his brothers or sisters. And that is your fault. And that is your kid. You deal with it."



"Alright Julius, remember what I said about 'first impressions.' You'll be new to everyone in this class so...no more notes, alright? Mommy just can't deal with it anymore."



"Okay quiet down everyone. We have a new face in our class today! Do you wanna tell everyone your name, sweety?"

"...Honey, did you hear me? Can you tell us your name?"

"...What's the matter, dear? Don't feel like talking?"