Dexter Hears From His Cousin Christopher Chap 1 Pt 7

"Hi Chris," Dexter said, "how are you doing? We had an uproar over here this afternoon."

There was a pause and then Chris said, "Nothing much knew with me. What happened over there?"

"To make a long story as short as possible, " Dexter started, "one of my neighbors was murdered today. You remember Mr. Peabody who lives across the street? The one no one really likes?"

"Yep, I remember him. Kind of hard guy to forget"

"Well, I was reading and heard gun shots. By the time I got out the murderer was gone and there was just the body laying in mud in his front yard."

"Let me guess, " Chris asked, already knowing the answer, "You had to check out the crime scene?"

Dexter chuckled,"You do know me well, don't you? Yes, I went and poked around. You'll never believe who I ran into there."

"Who?"

"My old friend from High School, Danny Johnson. He's now a detective on the police force. He let me into the crime scene for a closer look." Dexters voice had a hint of excitement in it.

"I remember him."  Chris said, "And, I remember correctly he was one of the few people you every hung around with. Too bad you two lost touch with each other after High School. Maybe this was fate that brought you back together. We should ask him out on one of our nights out."

Dexter hesitated, again, afraid to put himself out into a situation outside his comfort zone, "We did talk about getting together something. But, Chris, you know how that goes. People always say they will do something and never do."

"Then you have to make it happen."

Dexter laughed, "I guess I'm suppose to do this. Mrs. Houser was saying the same thing.

At the mention of her name, Mrs Houser stopped what she was doing and looked toward Dexter with a questioning look. He put his finger up, as if to say, hold on a second and I'll explain.

"You want to go out tomorrow night?" Chris asked, "We'll just hit the pool room, grab something to eat and some drinks. Nice causal night. See if Danny can join us. I'd love to see him again as well."

Dexter sighed, starting to dread the night already, "OK, I'll give him a call and see if he can make it. I'll let you know tonight or tomorrow. Around what time?"

"Let's make it around 7. Is that ok for you?"

"That will work.", Dexter said, thinking, I have no life, anytime would have worked just fine. Till he saw his old friend today he was fine and content. All the sudden he wasnquestioning his whole life. He knew that trying to measure your life up against another's life can only bring disaster. And, quite often depression and self doubt. Wish is where Dexter found himself this night. "I'll talk to you soon, Chris. Bye"

"Have a good night Dexter and I'll see ya tomorrow. Bye", Chris said hanging up the phone.

Mrs Houser was still sitting there with this questioning look on her face. Dexter looked at her and almost laughed. "Chris says I should invite Danny out soon. I was explaining to him how people don't ever follow through and he said that I need to make this happen. Same thing you said."

"See, I told you,"Mrs Houser said, "you need to get yourself out of here more and make some more friends. Chris is a fine friend but it wouldn't hurt to have a few more, to be more well rounded."

"We shall see.", Dexter said. "It's been a wonderful evening Mrs Houser." He took a look around and while he was on the phone with Chris she had cleaned up more than half the apartment. "And thank you for your help, even though I can never find anything after you clean. "Dexter smiled. "Let me see you to the door and I will look forward to seeing you tomorrow before my night out."

Mrs. Houser gathered her coat and grocery bags up. "You will do fine Dexter. Just be yourself. After all, that's what I love you for."

After seeing Mrs. Houser out, Dexter picked up the book he had been reading when he had heard the shots from outside. He finally put it down. He thoughts were racing on other things. He, all the sudden, had so many questions without answers. He knew that Mrs. Houser and Chris were both only looking out for his best interest, but he still hesitated. Going out with Danny was way beyond his comfort level. It didn't bother him to have the crowds around him at the pool hall, he just blocked them out. And he, most importantly, didn't have to talk to them. Danny was different, he would have to make conversation. Conversation with Chris was so easy, they had practically grown up as brothers. Chris had always been in his life.

Dexter got some Earl Grey tea and headed for the bedroom. Finally relaxing some. He picked the book back up and read till he fell into a peaceful sleep.