Beam’s POV

It is morning. I opened my eyes slowly, expecting to be in Big Papa’s damp dark room. But instead I was lying in a comfortable bed in comfortable clothes. Suddenly, everything that happened yesterday overwhelmed my memory like a big wave. My eyes still sting from all the crying last night, my throat dry and parched. My whole body still hurt, my asshole specifically, but it's not as painful as before.

I looked at the empty space beside me. For some reason, the tears start flowing again. But these are no longer tears of pain or sadness, neither anger nor resentment. Definitely not tears of joy, but maybe relief? Solace?

My life was pathetic. I have lost hope and trust to those people around me a long time ago. For years and years, I have never been treated with respect and compassion. I am an orphan, someone of no value. People look at me with contempt in their eyes and that made me feel worthless, ashamed of myself. I’ve always felt like my existence is meaningless.

What happened the past six months made me give up on living. I didn’t care anymore, the abuse, the violence, the rape, I just let them do it. I was ready to die. I am already broken anyway. Dirty and useless. But then I thought of the kids, they are innocent and they needed me, and that‘s what kept me going.

Then last night happened. I found my saviour. He found me. If angels are real, then he must be one. I felt overwhelmed. The way he looked at me, it looked like he understood my pain.

I place my hand on my chest, feeling the heaviness in my heart. It is still there, but the fear and unease are gone. Somehow that person, was able to remove them in one single night. His warm embrace, his comforting words, his kind eyes. It has that effect.

P’Forth, I silently say his name. A name that resounds loudly in my head.

Even if its only for a short while. Even if it was just for one night. I felt grateful. Maybe there is still hope for me? I am free now, I am saved and was given a second chance.

Last night was the first time I cried for a long time. And now, I am crying again. I closed my eyes and tried my best to suppress my sobs.

I felt a warm hand on my face. Wiping away the tears that won’t seem to stop falling. I open my eyes, and there he is, looking at me with those kind eyes. I can’t help but stare.

“Good morning, Beam.” He said as he hoisted me and made me sit on the bed. “How do you feel?”

“I’m okay.” I say as quietly as I can.

He gently takes out the blanket and looked at my legs. He gently grabbed my ankles. I flinch at his touch. Out of habit, an automatic reflex.

“Shhh… I’m just gonna check your wounds.” P’Forth said gently as he looked at the wound at my ankle that was left behind by the chain. Then he applied some kind of ointment or cream.

Then he lifted the loose shirt I’m wearing and quietly examined the bruises on my upper body and applied the same cream. But then to my surprise, he hooked his fingers on the garter of my boxers. I flinch again.

“I’ll… I’ll do it.” I say in a low voice. I’m suddenly feeling self-conscious. The memory of the bathing scene last night was still fresh on my mind.

“Sorry. I was just… Sorry...” He mumbled as he helped me get up and go to the bathroom.

I took a deep breath as I close the bathroom door and applied the ointment. It did really lessen and soothed the pain. I am kind of feeling better now.

I mentally prepared myself before I went out of the bathroom. I have to remind myself how to speak to be able to thank him properly. Or else he will think I am some ungrateful brat.

I slowly walked out of the bathroom and found him preparing food in the kitchen. He smiled when he saw me. That smile suddenly made me feel warm. I choke on the lump in my throat.

“Come, let’s have breakfast.” He motioned for me to take a seat.

I quietly sat opposite him, and drank some water. I felt his hand on my arm.

“Beam, just relax. Everything is fine now.” I just nod.

He continued. “After breakfast, go have a change of clothes. They’re on the bed. I tried to find some of my smaller sized shirts and pants. I hope they fit you.” I nodded again, still with my head down.

“I know you’re still in pain, so we need to go see a doctor to actually check on you.” He explained as he lifted my chin. “Then we will drop by at the station real quick, I took a personal leave but I needed to do some paperwork.”

“The kids…” I asked.

“They are all okay. Most of them are already with their parents. The rest are in the rehabilitation center.” He answered.

I let out a sigh of relief. In just a few hours I will be with them soon. I’m pretty sure they are already looking for me. My mind is now at ease knowing they are okay.

But there is that worrying feeling. I know the kids will be sent to their foster parents soon. But I myself don’t know where I am going. Maybe the center has somewhere for teenagers like me.

In just a few months, I’ll be eighteen, I know I’ll have my freedom soon but I really don’t know what to do when that day comes.

I sighed heavily and tried to shake away that feeling of loneliness. I glanced at him. He was busy with his phone while sipping his coffee.

“P’Forth…” It’s the first time I said his name out loud. He jerked his head, looking surprised.

“Thank you.” This time I looked at him and said those two words from the bottom of my heart. I want him to know that he’s my savior, that I am truly grateful.

Again, for the first time in a long time, I smiled.

P’Forth didn’t say anything and was just staring at me. I shyly looked away. Why do I feel embarrassed?

After a long awkward silence, he cleared his throat. “Eherrrmm…” and he smiled back. “It’s okay… Beam.”

***

Forth’s POV

He smiled... and I was speechless. It was captivating, the whole room seemed to be brighter, warmer. It actually took me a full minute to get over it.

“Eherrrmm…” I tried to clear a lump in my throat. “It’s okay… Beam.” I can’t help but smile back.

For some reason, my coffee tasted better than usual.

After breakfast, we went to the hospital and after a thorough check up, I was given the test results and spoke with the doctor.

Thank God, the wounds were just superficial, and the bruises will eventually heal. But the good news is that Beam is clean. Thankfully he did not contract any sexually transmitted disease. Beam’s genitals were okay, but he really suffered from anal trauma. The bleeding was due to the anal lacerations because of forced entry.

I clenched my fist as I listened to the doctor. The test results were enough to convict the criminals of child abuse and rape. On top of kidnapping and human trafficking. Those felons will surely rot in jail.

After the doctor’s visit, we stopped by the pharmacy to buy the prescriptions and then drove off to the police station.

Beam was silent throughout the entire ride, his eyes was looking at a distance. I feel like something is bothering him.

What are you thinking Beam?

“Hey, Beam.” I called out to him. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, P.” He answered.

“I know you’re tired. But it will be just a quick trip to the station after we have lunch, okay?” I told him.

“Okay, P.” Beam nodded.

When we arrived at the station, I just let him sit in my desk while I got busy with paperwork. I did not expect to fill up a lot of forms, and was surprised I have to pull some strings and call some people who owes me to ask for help.

It actually took the whole day, and I felt sorry for Beam who has fallen asleep on my desk.

“Beam…” I tapped his shoulder gently. “It’s time to go and have dinner.”

Beam woke up and just followed me. We went to a small restaurant and ate dinner. Beam is still silent the whole time.

“Beam, tell me what’s wrong…” I asked him during the car ride.

“Nothing, P. I was just thinking of the kids.” He told me, but I think there was more to it than that.

“I told you they’re okay at the center. Don’t worry. We will visit them tomorrow.” I ruffled his soft hair.

Beam just looked at me confused. “What do you mean, P’?”

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you gonna drop me to the center?” He asked.

“No. It’s already late.” Now, it’s me who's confused.

“But I am going to live there now…”

I smiled at him. “Ohhh… Sorry for the confusion. I guess you didn’t understand what I told you last night.”

“I told you I will protect you. I am now your legal guardian, Beam. You are going to live with me from now on.”

Beam was silent but he was now looking at me with those deep beautiful eyes. I am having a hard time concentrating on driving.

“The papers I filled up and signed earlier are requests for legal guardianship of a minor. You will be under my care and custody from now on. Well, at least until you turn eighteen.” I explained to him.

I glanced at him. His head was down again.

“Beam, what’s wrong? You don’t like it?” Now I regret not telling him beforehand. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask you about this matter first. Are you mad?”

“...you.” Beam’s voice was muffled. I saw him clasp his hands on his chest.

“Beam.” I called out his name. “What is it?”

“P’Forth...”

…

“Thank you.” This time it was louder.

I just smiled at him and drove faster. We both remained silent on the remaining drive home.

“Finally… ” I sighed as I opened the door and dropped the keys to the bowl near the kitchen counter. I felt really tired. Beam just silently followed behind.

Then suddenly, and unexpectedly, Beam hugged me from behind. I stood frozen, surprised.

His hug got tighter as he mumbled. “Thank you...”

I felt his warm breath on my nape.

I unclasped his arms and turned to face him. This time, I hugged him.

“Welcome home, Beam.” I said as I tighten my embrace.

***

A/N: Sorry for this slow burn chapter.

Thank you for reading! 😘