Perception

Chapter 1: Jason

I was dreaming. Well, I thought I was, because your French teacher flirting and dancing with you (and for you) is not something that normally happens when you are awake. The music she was dancing on suddenly changed for a ringing bell. Stupid alarm! I was enjoying that dream! Anyway, I raised my hand to shut it, but something was in my way. Half awake, I passed my hand on it. It was warm, but it was not as soft as Jet. Oh shit! It moved! I retrieved my hand as fast as possible. A light odor of perfume entered in my nose. Oh no... please do not tell me...

-Hello sweetheart, said a feminine voice by my side.

Yes...It was MS. Brown... my French teacher...

-So, how did you find last night, eh? she asked me, her fingers slowly sliding on my warm skin.

Last night? I did not even remember letting her enter my house. Actually, was I at home or...

-You don't remember anything, do you?
I opened my mouth to answer, but she was faster.

-That's what I thought, she replied as she got out of the bed and put her clothes on. I should have known it. You are all the same. The only thing you really want is great grades! You know what Jason? Watch out this session!

-I already have good grades!, I yelled as she got out of the bedroom.

Of course, she was not coming back, I got up and followed her to the entrance. Ok, so we were definitely at my place. That was good to know.

-Wait!

She stopped, hand on the half-opened door

-I'm sorry, I said. I was half asleep.

-Ok...So you do remember what happened last night?

-Yes.

-Ok, so what happened?

I looked at her, biting my lips. She was right. I could not remember a single thing. I had nothing to say. Understanding, she left without saying a word. I stayed by the door grieving.
The sound of paws hitting joyfully the floor brought me back to reality. I turned around just when a big ball of fur started to bark and jump around me. 

-Hey Jet! My baby boy! I said as I laid down at his height. Are you ready?

He barked to reply. I smiled. Jet is my emotional support dog. He is a beautiful Shepard. I would not be able to do anything without him. 

So what was I saying? Oh yeah! I got up and prepared myself for school. As soon as I had finished, I put Jet on his leash and headed to the university.

The day went as usual. I met my friends at the cafeteria, we talked and went to our classes, Ms. Brown gave us a surprised "evaluation" test (she was still pissed about last night apparently), I had a good grade....and then, it was time for my favorite subject: martial arts. When I entered in the combat class, I knew something was wrong. All the students were silent. They never silent! Jet barked at my left and a guy that I did not know told him to shut up. A newbie probably. Anyway, I joined the others as the teacher began to talk:n 

-Okay. Everyone is here? Great. So, during the past session, you've learned how to use the right techniques depending on the situation. Now, it's time to apply them in real fights. We will see if you have a good memory. When I call you, you come in the front and you do your best to stay up. Yes, Miss Clark.

Apparently, an arm had raised and I thought I knew the question.

-Who is going to fight against Jason?

-You will see when the time will come.

Without saying another word, he called the first two students. The battles went on for an hour before he called my name. Jet followed me in the front of the class. He sat right beside me. The teacher called my opponent, Dean...Dean? Who the hell was he? 

-Can his stupid dog get out for the battle? he asked the teacher as he joined me.

This voice....So the newbie's name was Dean. That was good to know.

- Don't worry, I replied. He will not be part of it. I am your only opponent.

- Good. Cauz' I didn't want to humiliate both of you.

I wanted to answer back, but I decided to keep it for me. After all, a little bit of surprise never hurt anyone. The teacher gave the signal and Jet automatically stepped aside to give me space. Immediately, every thoughts got out of my mind. I started to analyze everything. A little bit of air hit my right cheek. I crawled down as Dean's fist missed me by a second. Rapidly, I gripped his arm and flipped him over my head. He rolled on the ground and got back on his feet. He tried to attack me again, but I stopped his move. Reacting faster, I hit him in the sternum. He took a few steps back, searching for his breath. I could hear him breathing roughly. Did I go too far? It was only an exercise after all.... I did not have time to think further about it. His foot hit me in the stomach, followed by his fist. I was sent to the ground in about five seconds. I heard Jet barking at me, but I did not mind. Dean immobilized me on the ground. The teacher started counting to ten.

-I don't understand why they are all afraid to fight you. You can't even stand for two minutes.

Oh...you will see. I was only waiting for the..nine! The teacher had not finished to pronounce it that I was already grabbing Dean's hand. I flipped him over my head (again) and got back on my feet. As soon as he was up on his feet, his fist tried to hit me again. Hearing the move, I blocked it and kicked him with my knee, sending him to the ground. Putting my knee between his omoplates, I grabbed his hand and pulled it behind him. He tried to move, but I pulled harder. I let him go as the teacher reached ten. Dean got up. I could feel his frustration, even with the distance between us. That was good Jason.... you had known him for ten minutes and he seemed to already hate you....

All the way through the rest of the class, I could feel his death glare on my back. When we reached the lockers room I had the chance to find out his locker was right beside mine. 

-You have learned in the street, right? I asked him as I unlocked the door.

- No.

-Really? Because you seemed to fight with your instinct instead of your mind which is...

- I've learned in the army.

- Which sector?

- Why would you even care?

- Why would I not?

He continued what he was doing in silence, ignoring my question. He grabbed his bag and flipped it over his shoulder.

-Marines, he replied before leaving the room. 

A smile appeared on my face while I got out as well, followed by Jet.