Eight years later....
I turned to the host of the talk show, Melissa. She was sitting in the chair opposing of mine, back to the left side of the audience.
-Wow.... That is quite a story....
-Yeah.... You can say so, I laughed.
-If you don't mind we have people on our facebook page that have questions for you.
-Sure! I answered.
-Okay, so the first question is: Have you ever thought about doing it again?
-Well, yes.... I would be lying saying otherwise... I just never went that far again...
-Ok... second question.....Are you single?
I laughed.
-Can I say it is complicated?
-How so? She asked back.
-ok...hum...I don't see anybody, but...
-You have someone in the way....
-ish?
It was her turn to laugh.
-We will come back on this later, she promised to the camera. Last question before the break...What exactly happened on that day? I mean, according to your book and what you told us, it took an unexpected turn!
My smile disappeared. Such a simple question with such a complicated answer. Instinctively, I bit my lower lip. My mind was racing. I didn't have time to think further, a giant ball of fur jumped on me, licking my face. I laughed and put the pet back on the ground. I pet him, smiling.
-What are you doing here? I asked the dog. eh? Little stupid shepherd? What are you doing here?
-You know the dog? Melissa asked me, starting to pet him as well.
-Yep.
-He is so cute!
-Are you talking about the dog or the owner? I answered, raising my gaze on the familiar face beside the camera.
-It depends who you are talking about, she answered.
I only smiled. Jason's face turned red as expected. I got down from my chair and sat beside Jet who laid down on my knees.
-Anyway, to answer your question....
-Oh forget about that, you are not obligated to answer it if you don't want to.
-No, it's fine, I quickly replied. I just didn't know how to start...So... hum...you need to know that as soon as he started talking that day, I would never have done it...
-Really?
-Yes...I would never have done it because I realized something: when I stole his pills for my second attempt... he was still at home with me.....and....I actually waited until I was alone to do it....same thing at the institute... he was there, everyday....at the same time ..... and I realized at that moment that I could have done it there....I had everything that I needed... I had a pen in my bedroom; I could have done it there...without anybody looking...but I was looking forward everyday for the moment when he would come and just sit on the other side of the door and talk to me.... I was looking forward to actually receive the new assignment under the door..... not that I ever did them, but still...I realized it was the reason I was still alive and pointing a gun at my best friend....and when he armed the weapon, I realized that I was grounding him and he was grounding me... so when he pulled the trigger I pulled the gun up so he would actually shoot the sky and not him or me....
- Why? I mean: I get the grounding part....
-The reason I was alive is because he was and vice versa....
Melissa looked at me, speechless. She shook her head and turned to the camera.
-That's all for now, guys. Don't go too far, we'll be back after a short break!
As soon as the crew started moving around, I got up and walked to Jason who was looking at the ground.
-What are you doing here? I asked him, hugging him.
- Heard you were in town for a talk show and thought it would be nice to see you after....what 8 years? I just never thought Jet would run for you after all this time, sorry.
-No problem, I laughed. He was actually helpful.
An awkward silence installed itself between us.
-Okay....Sorry about that, but it has been bothering me since the beginning. Undo your tie.
-What?
-Oh and just come here, he said before undoing my tie.
He started tieing it again. Correctly this time.
-You can see, I realized.
-Yeah... not for long but yeah.... I already lost back 50% of my left eye since the surgery.
Well that sure looks better!
I smiled.
-That is actually why I am here... I am starting the training with another dog considering Jet will be too old by the time I will actually need him again. So....
-You want me to take him?
-Well.... He loves you and he still can help.... You could bring him on sets like this and.... Look it is a lot.....I have not seen you in eight years and you probably.....
-I'll be glad to, but only if you visit him more often than every eight years.
-Yeah...
-Back in one minute, told me a PA.
-Hum... before you go..., Jason started, is it true what you said? About the white code.... You would not have done it?
I smiled at him.
-Thirty seconds!
-What do you think? I asked back before going back on the stage.
I was about to climb the first stair when he stopped me. I turned around. I didn't have time to talk. His lips entered in contact with mine. The kiss was soft and fragile in its own way, showing all his vulnerability. I was the first to break it. Smiling, I passed a finger on my lips.
-Well, that was rather unexpected, I joked.
-Oh my god.... I am sorry...hum...It was totally... Oh my god...
I laughed.
-Whoo...hum that... that's not why I pulled out of it, I assured. It was actually kind of...amazing.
By the look on his face, he still hadn't catched up on what was happening.
-Well, Dean! That is what I call an entrance. What do you think, ladies and gentlemen at home? said Melissa besides us at the camera.
-That's why, I whispered.
-I just kissed you....on national television..., he realized.
-Yep..and we are live, I answered. So that is approximately what....? 16 millions of viewers?
-It is not helping.
I didn't add anything. I just walked closer and pulled him towards me for another kiss as the audience cheered around us.
YOU ARE READING
Perception
Ficção GeralOur first perception of someone usually defines our relationship with them, but what happens when we try to go against it? Jason,a 24 years old university student, is living a normal life with his companion "Jet". Everything seems to go right until...