Guiding light

Over the horizon

Perdita

I woke up covered by sticky blood to the weak rays of the sun. The weather was still really cold due to the storm of last night. Maybe I should stay here for a little longer... I thought but slowly I've gathered myself together, took the bloody clothes off and threw them into the fire. As soon as they burned, I headed down. Quickly checked if I still had my food that I saved up and sighed with relief when I found it untouched. I went to take a shower and wash the remaining blood away. As I looked into the tiny, broken mirror in the bathroom I've noticed that the deep purple color of my hair changed into a vibrant violet, while the magenta strings changed into a light pink one. Am I loosing my hair color with my blood? I wondered but didn't really care. My appearance never bothered me as I was always told that I'm an ugly monster. Although, Tyler never said anything like that. Tyler... I'll see him tomorrow! I should clean the house and make some nice food, for him and his friend. I headed to the basement and searched for some clothes. I was running out of them, due to the constant beatings. Luckily I found a long shirt that used to belong some of the previous Towner keepers. I found a long belt as well and put it around my waist. This way the shirt looked like a lovely dress. A little old, a little dusty, but mine. As I was looking around for clothes, I've found a small freezer in the basement. I plugged in and it was still working. I couldn't contain my happiness! I can hide the food here! And even more! I won't have to rely on those bastards! I felt my tears falling and couldn't really understand why. I was feeling happy yet crying. Could these be the tears of joy I've read about? I felt a warm feeling rising in my chest. I went up and brought most of the already stored and frozen meat into the freezer. I hid cautiously the basement door and started cleaning up after last night's mess. The weather got gradually warmer during the day and I heard again some laughter and music coming from the city. What would a world that Tyler comes from look like? Would be people walking and playing around? Would they be laughing and making happy memories? I wish I could see it with my own eyes. I stood in the door of the tower and looked down at the grass in front of my feet. I closed my eyes and my heart raced so fast that I thought it's going to jump out of my chest. With caution, I took only one step out of the tower, still holing on the walls with my hands and keeping my other feet inside. I moved my toes grabbing the soft grass with them and I became speechless. Such a little step... How could it make me feel being so far? I haven't walked away from the tower yet... It feels like I've come so far! I couldn't wait to show my progress to Tyler! The night came earlier than I've expected and I kept watching the waves to make sure that they arrive safely. I don't know when, but I fall asleep around early morning. I woke up to a gentle touch on my back.

- Perdita... - my name... Someone called my name. I opened my eyes and met Tyler's warm glance. I gasped out loud and mumbled.

- It's the weekend. - he nodded and I couldn't held my laughter back.

- Welcome back! - I said and he smiled hugging me to his chest.

- How have you been? - he asked and I snuggled to his chest, inhaling the scent of the ocean that got stuck on him.

- Missing you. - I said honestly and I heard his heart skipping a beat. Someone coughed behind us and I jumped up in front of Tyler. If they find him here... I thought but I saw someone I've never seen before. A thin, tall guy, with brown hair and kind eyes. Tyler wrapped his arms around me from behind.

- Perdita, he is my friend that I've talked to you about before. - I stared at him. He was the second person who smiled at me this way. He extended his hand and gently shook mine.

- Really nice to finally meet you Perdita, my name is Jake! I hope we can be good friends! - I glanced at Tyler and he just nodded with a smile.

- Let's go down, we brought you a surprise! - Tyler said and released me.

- Tyler... - they turned both and looked at me waiting.

- What is a surprise? - Jake's jaw dropped and I saw the pity in his eyes. I knew this glance, Emilio always looked at me like this. Even when he was smiling or I was happy. He had these pitiful eyes glued on me.

- A surprise is something that you don't expect. Something positive, a gift a gesture of kindness, things like this. - Tyler said kindly and extended his hand holding mine.

- Let's go!-he said and the three of us walked down. I noticed a few bags and something smelled sweetly. Jake walked to me and gave me a small bag.

- We brought some pastries for breakfast!

- Pastries? - he nodded and took one of those pastries out of the bag.

- They are sweet dough, in different forms and tastes. People normally eat these for breakfast or for snack. Try one! - he said and I took it carefully from him. He seemed kind and Tyler trusted him. I smelled the food in my hand and it smelled really good. I took a bite and the sweet taste filled my whole being. I looked at Tyler who smiled happily.

-That's a croissant, it's filled with chocolate. Chocolate is a sweet, normally brown but it can be white as well, although the one which is black are usually bitter. - They took a seat with me at the table and we eat the pastries they brought, while Tyler told me about his week. Jake also joined the conversation and I really enjoyed their presence. The house felt warmer and kinder immediately. Tyler picked a piece of my hair.

- It looks different. - he said and I glanced at the floor immediately. He might not like it... My hands trembled.

- I... I didn't do anything with it... It turned this color alone... I'm sorry. - I bit my lips and closed my eyes. Please don't be angry with me. Please don't shout at me... I felt Jake's gaze at me and I couldn't stop trembling. Suddenly Tyler grabbed my shoulders and turned me to face him.

- Perdita, look at me. - he said and I obeyed. I was ready to meet the usual hateful glance and resentment. But there was none... Instead, a warm smile.

- Even if you did something with your hair, it's your hair! And I didn't say that it changed because it's a problem, I just noticed it. It doesn't matter what color your hair is, you are beautiful either way. - Beautiful... Me?

-I'm not. The Princesses are beautiful, I'm an ugly monster. - I said and I heard Jake curse form the other side of the table.

- What the f**k are you talking about?

- Language! - Tyler said and Jake apologized.

- I mean, it's not my place to say, but Perdita, you are truly breathtaking.