Guiding light

Conflicted

Tyler

After our brief encounter, I couldn't get Perdita out of my mind. What I saw that day wasn't of this world, but the more I was thinking about it, the stranger the whole story became. I grabbed my backpack, gave a kiss to my mom's cheek and waved to dad before heading to school. On my way to the bus station, I've listened more of Jake's podcasts and wondered, how I could contact him. Obviously, I'd never tell what I saw, but it would be nice to know more. Why are those people not releasing Perdita? Could she truly be a wicked monster that needs to be kept in check? But if she is a monster, why didn't they simply kill her? For this thought of mine I've felt an immense sense of guilt. How could I think about simply killing someone? I don't even know what happened... No life should be that easily destroyed. My head started to hurt and I felt that this issue is growing over me. I wasn't knowledgeable enough, nor had enough information and did know whom to turn to. The bus arrived and I hopped on. On my way to school a few stops later, a guy got on, a new face. He gently poked my shoulder. I took my earphones out and looked at his smiling face. He had brown hair and almost black eyes.

- Is this seat free? - he asked and I've nodded. He hopped next to me. Something was strangely familiar about him, although that was the first time I saw him, I was sure of it. I put the phone away and turned to him.

- My name is Tyler, are you knew in town? - he was surprised at first but grinned and extended his hand.

- I'm Jake! Yes! We just moved here. - his voice...I grabbed my phone again and showed him the youtube channel.

- Could it be that you are this Jake?! - he grinned a bit shyly and scratched the back of his neck.

- Yepp! - I got so excited, I grabbed his hands.

- Finally! I have so many questions! You are the pal I need! - Jake started to freak out a bit and I released his hands.

- Sorry! I swear I'm not crazy!

- Suuuureee, let's pretend that I believe it. Why do you need me?

- I watched your podcast about the Howling Island.

- Oh yeah! That one really is picking my curiosity as well! For the others I've had my theories, but for the Howling island is a blur. If I could visit the island maybe I could search for more clues. - he said with enthusiasm.

- I don't think the people there would be really helpful.... They are rather hostile fellows. - I said and remembered who they dragged me out to my boat and how they harmed Perdita...

- Wait a minute! Have you been there?! - Jake almost shouted and I covered his mouth nodding.

- Yes, a couple of days ago. I got into a storm and my boat ended up there.

- Tams amhamdign! - I took my hand off of his mouth as I couldn't understand a single word.

- This is amazing! I have so mamy questions as well! What are you doing today after school?! - his eyes sparkled like a mad scientist's in the movies.

- Why?

- I wonder why? Dude! To do some research! - I sighed.

- I thought you wanted me to take you there! - I tried to laugh it off but Jake's expression became deadly serious.

- First research, then Fieldwork and publishing!

- Woah! Hold your horses dude! That's a really dangerous place to visit for fun!

- What would an investigative reporter be without danger? I'll tell you, pulp fiction writer! Also, curiosity never killed any cats!

-I highly doubt the saying goes like that. Are you planning to become a real investigative reporter?- Jake nodded vehemently.

- Exactly! My father is also one and my mom used to be an archeologist, now she got job at the local museum. That's why we moved here.

- That's fascinating!

- What about you? - Jake asked and suddenly I've felt a bit bad due to my simple and boring life. I've never thought I'd ever feel this way.

- Well, my father is a fisherman and my mom is a teacher.

- That sounds cool! I've always wanted to see a real fishing boat and try it out! I've only seen it in the tv how the fisherman sometimes fight with the wind and waves. No wonder why you are so ripped.-he said pointing at my muscles. I couldn't help but laugh. He looked like an undercooked spaghetti! Despite that, Jake seemed so sincere and open minded that chatting with him was a really refreshing.

- Thanks!

- Will you be a fisherman as well?

- Probably, although there is something I'd really want to do, but that's gonna stay a dream. - Jake pat his thighs and said.

- Come to papa Jake and tell me about your dreams my boy! - We both busted into laughter at this point. When we could finally finish I took a deep breath and confessed.

- I wish to sail the ocean and meet new people, new countries, have some adventures. I know you cannot make a living out of this, but it would be nice.

- Who told you, that you can't make a living from this? We are in twenty first century Tyler! There are so many travel bloggers and in the meantime you can also keep fishing!

- I don't know anything about that field! - Jake put his arm around my shoulder and it felt like a little bird landed on it.

- I have so much to teach you my dear friend! So much! But fear not! You've got a friend in me!

- Toy story?

- Bestest movie of all time and I'm ready to duel anyone who says otherwise! - the bus arrived and we headed to our classes. After school Jake was waiting for mr at the door impatiently.

- Call your momma that you are having dinner at our house! - he said without greeting and dragged me to the bus. I've texted to mom and she got surprised but happy by the news. I wasn't really outgoing, so the fact that someone invited me over made her feel at ease. This is going to be and excellent opportunity. I might be able to help Perdita with Jake's help. Because as our ethics teacher said today "Everyone is innocent until it is proved otherwise."