Guiding light

In the darkness

Tyler

I've told Perdita all that happened to me but when she asked about what love, family and friends were, I simply couldn't find the way to express how much I loathed the people of this island. How could they deprive her from all these basic human concepts? How is it possible that a fifteen years old woman has no idea of this? I was really happy when she agreed to meet Jake and I was simply captivated by her voice. When she spoke to me I felt as if a new dimension opened in front of my eyes and I've entered to a new world. We sat down on her bed and I asked.

- So, now is your turn, how was your week? - she smiled and started to tell me everything that happened. My hands clenched into fists. She talked so casually about another r****g attempt and attack as if it was normal. Suddenly... That lovely light purple dress she wore, and caught my eyes as soon as I saw her, looked the ugliest and most resentful clothing of the entire world. The thought that it became purple after it had been drenched in her blood... While Perdita told me about this I felt guilty. I should've taken her with me. But how? What is she exactly? Why are they keeping her here? I hugged Perdita to my chest and couldn't help but shed a few tears.

- Tyler... What's wrong? - she asked and I couldn't speak. I knew if I spoke, I'd sound like a helpless child and she needed a man by her side. Someone she can rely on. I just held her stronger as if my arms could hold her broken pieces magically together.

- I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. - she said and tried to pull away.

- You didn't hurt me. Stay here for a bit more. - I said and she sighed laying her head against my chest. We stayed like that for a while till my mind finally calmed. I released her from my arms and turned Perdita to face me. I looked into those eyes and couldn't help but see yearning for freedom in them. Her eyes looked like the ocean early in the morning when the sun kisses the calm waves.

- Perdita, never do something like that ever again, please. - I asked and she smiled.

- Okay, I won't. - she said these words with so much carelessness as if I've asked her to take her shoes off when she comes into the house. I held her hands and leaned my forehead on top of them. They were so small, and cold.

- Don't try to escape that way, let me help you instead. - I said and looked into her eyes again. She started to cry and I didn't know what to do suddenly. I mimicked how my father usually wiped of moms tears if she got emotional while they watched a movie and just like my mother, Perdita also started to giggle when I gently tapped the tip of her nose to distract her. Her laughter sounded so incredibly beautiful. Somehow her voice was in sync with nature. I looked at disgust at the dress again and decided to bring her a new one next time.

- Tyler is my friend and friends help each other! - she said and looked so cute that I just wanted to squeeze her.

- Exactly! - suddenly we heard talking approaching the lighthouse. Perdita's eyes filled with fear, she looked around and quickly out the collar back on her neck, then pushed me into her cupboard and motioned to stay quiet. She shut the doors and in that moment the door of the lighthouse swung open.

-HEY MONSTER! We heard you hurt Remy again! - three guys around my age walked in and one of them pushed Perdita to the floor. She fell and glanced towards the cupboard for a split second. Her eyes begged me to stay put and I hated to be this useless. I just said that I'll help her escape. And here I'm hiding in her closet. A taller guy lifted Perdita by her collar and laughed at her struggle.

- How could this pathetic b***h hurt anyone? - he asked and they laughed at their friend.

- Yeah! Remy always said how beautiful this little b***h was, at least he was right about that part!

- I wonder how a monster tastes! - the tall guy said and I felt sick. What on Earth!? How could scumbags like these even exist? How could this be the reality of her...? I wished Perdita would kill them on the spot. I would've gladly helped to dispose of the bodies and clean up the blood. She wasn't the monster here. I had my doubts about it when I came back today, but now it's cristal clear. The monsters are the people of the island and Perdita is the victim. I was about to push the closet door open when Perdita chuckled. The boys eyes opened wide and she started to scream. I had to cover my ears and my heart hurt watching the collar shocking Perdita. But she wasn't the only one. The guy who held her got seriously shocked by the collar and collapsed on the ground motionless, while the other two looked dizzy as f**k. Perdita grabbed his legs and pulled him out of the house. His friends tried to touch her in the meantime x but I got out of the closet and hit them from behind with the broom. They fall face ahead to the floor and I threw the broom away immediately taking off Perdita's collar. Her gorgeous white skin was bleeding and smelling awfully. She smiled at me and said happily.

- Thanks for your help! - I grabbed the guys and helped her to throw them out. I checked the shocked one, he was still alive. I couldn't help myself and kicked into him, watching how he rolled down the hill with delight. Perdita noticed it too and she was laughing beautifully. I walked back to her closing the tower's door behind us. Her neck almost healed by then but I knew even if I couldn't see them, the wounds were there.

- Perdita, do you know why they keep you here? - I asked and she looked pensive.

- They said that's my place. The monster must pay for her wrongdoings. - she repeated those cruel words like a mantra.

- You are not a monster Perdita.

- I'm, and you also saw it. - she said and tried to hide her face with her hair. I walked to her and pulled her hair behind her ears.

- You are not a monster. If someone is a monster here, I'm. - her eyes widened.

- No! Tyler is not a monster! He is a... - she blushed and finished shyly.

- A prince. - I held my laugh back not to hurt her feelings.

- Perdita, a Prince would never think about killing someone and throwing their bodies into the ocean. - she held my face in her hands and asked curiously.

- Did you think about that? - I nodded and her smile got brighter.

- This means that I'm just like Tyler! - she started to cry, but these tears were tears of joy. She laughed and cried while she said.

- I'm not alone anymore! - I embraced her and kissed the top of her head. She stopped laughing for a second while I did that and I said.

- As long as I'm alive, you'll never be alone like that anymore. I promise. - she giggled and looked at me with loving eyes. I felt my racing mind calm down and my heart beating fast again. Out of nowhere, Perdita got on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek.

- Why did I get this? - I asked and she blushed adorably.

- This is how the Princesses usually thank to the Prince for saving them. - I chuckled and bowed holding her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it.

- It's my pleasure. Although, I think the Princesses does not kiss the Prince's on their faces. - she looked away and I saw even the back of her neck getting red. Okay, let's not tease her more today. My phone rang and she turned to me with curiosity. It was Jake. I picked it up and told him that I'll go back soon. Once I hang the phone I saw sadness in Perdita's eyes.

- I'm sorry, but soon I'll have to go back. - she nodded with a forced smile.

- Yes, Tyler doesn't belong here. - she said and I sighed.

- You neither. Come with me. - I didn't know what I'll do or what my parents would say, but I had to take her away from here. She looked at me and nodded. I held Perdita's hand and walked to the door. I opened it and stepped out, Perdita followed me but halted in the door.

- I.... I... I can't... - she said and I couldn't even comprehend how terrified she must be. I walked back into the tower and held her again.

- That's okay, I'm patient and I know you can leave when you are ready. I'll come and help you get ready to leave. - she smiled.

- Thank you! I want you to stay, but it's getting darker. You must go. - she said and I knew she was right. If my parents weren't worried, I would've stayed for the night with her, just to make sure she'll be alright. My heart hurt to leave her alone again.

- Before you leave... What's that? - she asked pointing at my phone.

- This, it's a smartphone. You can call people with it, or write messages and they can see it faster than with the post. Also you can browse the Internet and learn lot of things, watch movies, listen to music. - she looked completely lost and said in a shy voice.

- Tyler, those were lots of weird words. - I laughed and caressed her face.

- I'll explain them next time.

- Will you come again? - she asked and her face looked delightful and hopeful.

- Of course! I just told you that I'll help you to get ready!

- When are you coming again?

- In a week.

- With Jake?

- If that's alright.-she nodded and gave a peck on my cheek again.

- Safe travel. - I pulled her for another hug and inhaled the salty scent of her hair.

- Take care till I'm back. - I left the lighthouse with a heavy heart, once I was on the water, the light of the tower turned on, guiding my way, back to home.