Perception

Chapter 3: Jason

  I came back home at 5 A.M. Even though I was not feeling dizzy or stoned when I went to sleep, I was awaken by a terrible headache. Realizing it was almost 8 o'clock, I got up and dressed for the day. I was locking the door when Dean's voice raised behind me:

-So, this is where you live? Nice house.

-Thank you...What are you doing here?

-I had a couple of questions about last night.

-Hum...I mean... How do you know where I live?

-I followed you after the party and watched you sleep by the window.

I looked his way, uncertain of if he was joking or not.

-I'm kidding. I asked someone your last name and searched your address on Google. 

- Never say that again, it was creepy as hell. 

- Whatever. I was wondering if you have time for a coffee.

- You mean like a you and me on a date coffee?

- No, I mean like a "I need to know how you knew what was happening to me" coffee.

- In that case, no problem. Anyway, I am going to need a big dark one. I just need to pick something for Jet, I accepted before heading back inside to pick up my dog's harness.

Out again, I put it on Jet's back.

-We can go now.

*****

We went to a nice coffee shop near the campus. I joined him at the table, coffee in my hand. Jet laid down at my feet.

-So, what do you want to know? I asked him.

-How did you find me?

-I think you know the answer.

-You mean this stupid sheppard found me?

-First of all, he's not stupid. Secondly, yes.

-How?

-He has been trained for that.

-What do you mean?

-He has been trained to help people who live with anxiety.

-Who tells you I have anxiety?

-You had a panic attack yesterday.

-How can you possibly know that? You are a specialist?

I looked down at my cup, tightening my grip on the fragile material. 

-Wrong question, sorry....

-No, it's... fine... Let's just say I am used to it...

-Is that why you always have your dog with you?

-Partly. You know when do not act like a jerk, you are kind of...

-Normal? he asked.

-Not quite the right word, but yeah.

-I hate being normal. 

-We are two, I agreed before taking a sip of the hot drink. This thing is amazing, I whispered to myself. 

-You are really that much hangover? Dean laughed. How many drinks did you have?

-Well....let me think....Nope...I do not remember.

-I don't understand what the fun is in going to a party where everyone is so drunk they don't even remember the night. 

-Well.... there are the cute girls who really want to know you since you have a pretty cute shepherd.