Guiding light

Bloody dress

Tyler

I went back home and thanks to Perdita's light, I avoided any kind of troubles. Till the light touched the water I felt her gaze on he, it was a nice feeling to know that even if from far, but someone is watching over me. It was almost completely dark when I arrived home and drove the ship to its place next to the dock. Jake was already waiting there watching something on his phone. When he noticed that I have arrived, I threw the cord at him and jumped on the dock.

- Watch and learn. - I said and showed him how he can tie the ship out to make sure its not going anywhere. Jake tied the other cord and I got surprised by how excellent it was.

- Did you know already how to do this? - I asked and he pointed at him phone.

-I got bored and studied! Nowadays there is a YouTube tutorial for everything! - he said with a bright smile. We sat down looking at the water and he asked breaking the silence.

- How did it go? - I sighed and without looking at my new friend, said, looking to the direction of the island where I left a piece of my soul today.

- She was very happy to see me, and looked a lot better than last time.

- That's a relief, maybe the people there had a change of heart. - Jake said and a cruel laughter escaped from my heart. He looked at me confused.

- No Jake, she started to change. They are still torturing her. Perdita... She tried to take her own life the other day. - Jake gasped and his face distorted with anger.

- Even if she was a real monster like these people say, this is not okay. Tyler, maybe we won't be enough to help her, don't you think we should include an adult? - I shook my head.

- Grown up men are hitting her, guys around our age try to r**e her almost daily, she won't trust just anyone.

- Where is the police on that island? How could it be that not a single person tried to help her?

-I have no idea. The people there believe that she is a monster who needs to repent for her wrongdoings. That she must stay at that island and suffer, to make it even for all the lost souls. But this is bullshit! Not even the cruelest criminal is being captive and tortured like her. - I stood up and offered a hand to Jake, he grabbed it and I pulled him up. After dusting off his jeans he asked.

- Did you tell her about me as well? I understand perfectly if you didn't, we have plenty of time now that summer is near. - I pat his shoulder.

- I told her about you, she would like to meet you this weekend, I hope you are free! - Jake grinned but seemed a bit worried.

- Are you sure she is really okay with it and not jist agreed to make sure you go again? - I nodded. Perdita wasn't the kind who had the ability to lie. From how she told me about her life I knew, no one ever had conversations long enough with her, so that she can learn to lie. Hide and keeping secrets she could do without problem, but she was honest.

- Absolutely! I told her about my friend and your family and mine she was really excited and than she asked... - my voice broke and hands clenched into fists. Jake noticed it and asked.

- What did she ask? - I hang my head down and my chest hurt remembering her cute face asking something that should be obvious...

- She asked what a friend, and a family is... I explained it to her, and she asked after my explanation, what is love?

- Dude... That's really strong. How did you explain that to someone who never experienced it? - he asked out loud and started to think when I lifted my glance and looked into the eyes of my friend.

- I told her that I'm going to show it to her and teach it to her. Jake, we must helo her escape. I cannot leave her behind after meeting her, as if that storm was in our fate. She saved my life, even if she truly was a monster, the least would be to help her. - Jake nodded and we headed back to town when he suddenly stopped.

- What's wrong? - his expression was serious and pensive.

- I know you are hiding something from me for her sake, and I understand that. But, to be able to help, one day you'll have to tell me the truth. - I've nodded and the serious expression disappeared from Jake's face. He walked next to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

- That was a productive day! Who are you typing to? - he asked looking at my phone in my hand.

- I'm just asking Harry if she has some time to help me tomorrow afternoon. - Jake's face got red and started to stutter.

- Ha... Ha... Harry? Why do you need her help? Wi... With what?- I couldn't hold back a chuckle and pat his back.

- Calm down Romeo! Perdita had only one dress, she painted it to purple after she tried to escape... - I couldn't bring myself to use the word suicide. Jake understood.

- At first I thought it was a really nice dress, but I cannot look at it again. I want to surprise Perdita and buy her something nice to wear.

- That's a very thoughtful idea! But I still don't get it, why do you need Harry for that?

- Harriett is a girl, Perdita is a girl, and I have no idea what a girl likes!-I said simplifying the explanation. Jake grinned.

- I get it, let me join you as well!

- Fine by me, but why?

- This is an excellent opportunity to get to know Harry better and to see what she likes! A beggar cannot be picky. I'll collect information from wherever I can, since you weren't a lot of help. - I grabbed my chest and said in a dramatic voice.

-Oh... The betrayal! And here I thought that my life had a real meaning!

- You can still make yourself useful! - Jake joined my idiotism and I was up to some fun.

- Tell me please how!? How can I atone my sins?! - Jake grinned and in five minutes I had a seaweed mustache and beard. Jake laughed so hard that he was holding his stomach.

-Seriously? - I've asked and he nodded. I wanted to take the seaweed off but he stopped me.

- Just one selfie! I need to keep this moment captured! - I've agreed and as we watched the photo I remembered how lucky I am to have my family and friends like Jake and Harry. I wanted, more than anything, to help Perdita experience all this happiness as well.