Chapter June 2nd, 1968

I took theI.Q. test the day after speaking to the principal. This was later followed bysome further testing, also of an academic nature.

Once theresults were in, Principal Hawkes wasted no time in contacting my parents.

Today it wasmy mother’s turn in the principal’s office.

She was onthe PTA, and he remembered her clearly.

“Mrs. Crane,your son is what is known as a child prodigy.” My mother must have had aconcerned expression, because he quickly added, “No! No! It’s a good thing. Avery good thing.” (Actually, I’ve always considered the term Child Prodigy inthe same light as Freak of Nature.) He continued to explain, “It means that hehas an I.Q. that is far above most children his age. His intellect at themoment is also probably higher than children twice or even three times hisage.” He smiled at me, but spoke to my mother. “The experts place his currentmental capacity in the same range as that of a normal late teenager or twentyyear-old.”

“Goodnessme,” said my mother placing a hand on her chest. “That high?”

“That’sright. I’m sure you must have realized by now that your son is…different fromother children of his age.”

“Well, yes,but I never imagined that…” She stared at me. “It’s hard to believe, I mean hestill seems to get up to enough mischief.”

“And rightlyso! You see, although he possesses the mental capacity of an adult, he has yetto develop the maturity that comes with age.” I flushed with anger andembarrassment. “He’s just really a very bright kid; extremely clever!”

“I see! Sowhy exactly am I here?”

“Well,firstly to give you the good news that you have a little genius living underyour roof, and secondly to inform you that we’ll be placing him in a specialclass here at Jefferson that we run especially for our gifted youngsters.”

“Oh, you haveothers like him as well?”

“Two others.They’re older than him. They only began to demonstrate their…unique mentalcapacity much later. Although our regular senior teachers cater to their needs,a lot of it involves self-education. But, as mentioned, they are all stillchildren and need a little…help and guidance to keep them on the right tracks.Twice a year we have an expert down from Washington to do an evaluation.”

“What sort ofexpert? What evaluation?”

“A clinicalpsychologist. As you already must understand, we can’t expect Cornelius tostart attending college or university at his age. He needs to mature more. Heneeds to develop confidence and life-skills. One doesn’t throw a child into thedeep end without making sure he can first swim properly.”

“I understand.Is there anything I should do? Something to help? Something I’m not aware of?”

“He’s stilljust the same little boy you’ve always loved and cherished. Just keep going theway you have. I’m sure if any bumps arise in the road ahead, you’re both intelligentenough to iron them out? Also, feel free to call me anytime with any queriesthat may arise.”

Herexpression didn’t reflect her response. “Uh…fine.”