Pathum POV

I released a sigh, fortunately mom wasn't here, she was having her dinner which I barely ate. The shivering still remained but I also felt like I was about to faint. It must be due to lack of food in my belly. But I couldn't eatt, not since I saw that picture. I couldn't focus on anything but on those words this stranger said.

What could be his motive, and how does he have my email? Has he hacked into her phone? And how the hell did he come to possess her pictures and details? Shouldn't I ask her before jumping into assumptions?

Of course she’d reveal the truth but what would happen to her if I reveal what’s going on from my end? What if that person does something wrong to her? Who knows what they’re capable of.

“What are you thinking about?” Mom asked, and appeared near the door with her arms crossed.

“Nothing….. Why?” I asked, avoiding her gaze.

“Because I saw that you offered your food to the dog. Did I cook it so that you could feed it to him? What’s wrong with you?”

“If it was something pleasant, I would’ve eaten it but it's just crappy vegetables, so I threw it away.”

“So that our dog can have some vitamins? How kind of you,” she mocked.

I abruptly stood up, my chair falling to the ground, and spun to look at her, my dark eyes full of fury. She stood her ground looking unimpressed as I stormed over to her.

“What the fuck is wrong with you, Mom?!” I yelled.

She gritted her teeth and came forward towards me. Like me, she looked pretty angry. And when she spoke, her voice was cold.

“You better shut that mouth of yours or else everyone will get to know what you were watching.”

I froze in horror and she gave me a grin but triumphant look. Oh, no, she’s blackmailing me, but that wouldn’t be the first time someone blackmailed me today. Nonetheless, my temper deflated and I sat back down in my chair, rubbing my temples.

“You’ve misunderstood the situation, I never looked at anything,” I said, letting go of a sigh.

“I know what I saw.” She threw daggers at me from her eyes.

“So?”

“I’m so proud of you,” she said with a fake smile.

“Fuck,” I said, throwing my phone away.

“Is that what you want?” she said, continuing to glare at me.

I balled my hand into a fist but didn’t show it. It will only cause further trouble. Why is she talking in this absurd way?

“You don’t understand what’s going on here, mom,” I sighed.

She scoffed.

”Of course I don’t, and I never did. Did I?” She raised both her hands.

“You’ve taken it the wrong way. I wasn’t looking at that picture, mom.”

“Then how come you have that picture?” she asked, pointing towards my phone’s screen.

“Please understand that someone just told me not to talk to Scarlet anymore. I don’t know who they are, or whether they’re male or female. I just know they’re not someone in Scarlet’s family. It seems like it might be some creep,” I said while mom sat down in my chair.

She looked at me, horrified.

“Why would someone do that to her?”

I shrugged.

“I don’t know, mom.”

“You don’t know anything about this, do you?” mom asked, looking at me.

“No, I’m afraid not, but don’t you trust me?”

She nodded.

“I trust you but I don’t trust that woman.”

I cocked my head to the side curiously.

“What do you mean?”

“How could you even live? You can’t seem to understand what I said.”

I narrowed my eyes at her and crossed my arms.

“Just fucking say it.”

“How could someone have someone else’s pictures? She had probably given them to him.”

“No, she wouldn’t do that. She isn’t a bad person.”

“Well, what do you know about that woman?” She raised her brows.

“She’s just a girl, Mom. Why do you talk about her this way?”

“Because I know nothing about her, I can’t really jump to any conclusions.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because she told me everything.”

“Oh….. is that so?”

“Fuck everything. I hate everything!” I yelled, rising from my chair in frustration.

Mom gave me a look of disapproval, shaking one of her fingers at me and shaking her head.

“Lower your voice.”

“Or else what?” I asked which earned me a hard slap across the face. Touching my face and closing my eyes, I growled. ”Get the fuck out of here, Mom. I don’t want to be with someone like you. You’re a horrible person!”

Mom glared at me and spoke in a condescending tone.

“Oh, so I’m the terrible one? You picked a woman over your mother. You love her more than you love me right?”

Tears of frustration filled my eyes, blurring my vision. That’s not true. There’s nobody in the world that I love more than I love my mother. There’s non one who will fill that hole in my heart.

“What the hell are you talking about?!” I screamed.

“No, it’s okay son. I’m horrible. Don’t worry, I’ll leave you alone so you can have your peace,” she lowered her voice as if choking on tears.

“Mom,” I got up from the bed and tried to console her but she left me with tears in her eyes.

Soon, silence spread through the whole house except for my mother’s sobbing. I never meant to say those horrible things to her. But it’s too late. Ugh, I hate my mouth. Why in the bloody hell did I say those things to her? How am I going to apologise? Should I talk to Scarlet?

I don’t know.

I hate myself. Why did I do that? I need to do something or else I would lose both of them. First I need to console my mom, but I don’t know how. What should I say? I know nothing.

I can still hear her crying about what I said. Then I heard her going to my grandma’s room and taking stuff in her room. I don’t know what she’s doing but I heard chatter from that room.

I wiped my tears from my face before taking a peek outside my bedroom. There was no one in the living room. But I could hear my grandma questioning her.

I grabbed my phone and sent a short summary of what happened to Scarlet and she instantly replied to my surprise.

Scarlet: Sweetie calm down, now it has happened stop blaming yourself. It’s all right. Do you understand?

Pathum: But I said horrible things to her, and she doesn't deserve such words. I’m a horrible person, Scarlet.

Scarlet: I don’t believe that.

Pathum: But I do.

Scarlet: When was the last time you ever believed in something good about you?

Pathum: SCARLET I miss her and I haven’t left the room. I’m so ashamed I can't face her and Grandma. But I want to hug her and tell her that I’m sorry.

Scarlet: It was a one-time thing so forgive yourself.

Pathum: No, I always hurt her with harsh words and repeat the process. There's something wrong with me Scarlet. I should hate myself.

Scarlet: But didn’t Lord Buddha teach that hatred never ceases?

Pathum: Yes, but Scarlet, I can’t do this. What should I do?

Scarlet: First things first. Let’s calm down and then try to resolve this.

Pathum: Okay.

Scarlet: Take a deep breath and let it go.

I did as she asked and repeated the process a few times as she had ordered me to do. I didn’t feel calm but my mind reduced the rapid flow of thoughts going through my mind head. My mind was a little clearer and I could focus better.

Pathum: I can't promise that I’m calm but I can safely say that my mind is clear.

Scarlet: Good, now listen to me.

Pathum: Okay.

Scarlet: Take a deep breath and get up from your bed and walk towards your mom and hug her okay?

I stood up and walked out of the room towards my grandmother’s bedroom. I could hear her and my mother talking. Coming closer to the curtains, I took a deep breath, and reached out to pull them back when I heard something I hadn’t expected.

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“I have no son from today onwards.”

The words made me freeze, and cover my mouth to prevent myself from sobbing at her angry words.

“Oh, don’t say such foolish things,” my grandma said.

“Well, he called me a horrible person, and told me to get out of the bedroom. So I’ll leave him to his peace.”

“Are you crazy?” Grandma raised her voice.

But mom protested against what she said, determined with her decision. I let go of the curtain and walked back to my room and broke out into tears. They stung my eyes as I typed out a message for Scarlet, and she responded by the second I sent the message.

Scarlet: Awww, I’m so sorry sweetie.

Pathum: I’m sorry too. I messed up didn’t I?

Scarlet: NOPE. It’s just in your mind you’re defeated. You should’ve gotten the courage and hugged her. Can’t you go back?

Pathum: It’s not possible because she's in there with my grandma. I can’t express my love in public.

Scarlet: But it can hurt her.

Pathum: OMG, Scarlet! I don’t talk like that, I never meant any of those words I said.

Scarlet: I know. But first learn to forgive yourself. You were out of control and your emotions took a toll and ruined you, so stop blaming and hating yourself.

Pathum: But I’m scared because she told Grandma that I’m not her son.

Scarlet: Sweetie, it’s just your emotions playing their part. Your mother can’t be without you and you can’t be without her. Both of you need each other to grow and flourish. Just don’t believe everything she says because part of it is emotions playing their worst scenario.

Pathum: But she said she doesn’t have a son anymore.

Scarlet: Pathum. Listen, did you mean any of the words you said to her?

Pathum: No. Of course NOT.

Scarlet: If you’re wise enough to understand that, be wise enough to understand what your mom’s saying.

Pathum: Thank you so much.

Scarlet: Don’t thank me yet sweetie.

Pathum: Why not? Of course I will. Thank you my lovely bestie. But I miss her presence.

Scarlet: Aww sweetie I understand.

Pathum: Of course, you do, so now what should I do?

Scarlet: Let’s wait until your mom calms down, okay?

Pathum: She must come to bed now. But she’s not here. Where is she?

Scarlet: Exactly. She’ll come to you when it’s time.

Pathum: I hope so. And hey I also have something important to say. I don’t know how to tell you but I guess I have to.

Scarlet: Tell me what sweetie?

Pathum: UMM..

Scarlet: Come on, say it.

Pathum: UMM…

Scarlet: Brat, say it.

Pathum: It’s about why I switched moods, something scary happened. And I’m scared to tell you but I have to before it’s too late. I’m just scared or else I would’ve already told you.

Scarlet: What are you scared of?

Pathum: That you’ll be hurt.

Scarlet: Nothing would happen to me, just say it.

Pathum: I’m sorry I can’t.

Scarlet: Hmm..

Pathum: Oh no, not that word, please don’t be like this.

Scarlet: What else do you want me to be?

Pathum: Please. I’m scared.

Scarlet: Hmm…

Pathum: SCARLET!

Scarlet: Yes?

Pathum: Please calm down

Scarlet: I’m already calm. You’re keeping me out of that zone.

Pathum: Hmm..

She didn’t respond after that so I decided to send the picture and the messages. It took her five minutes to respond.

Scarlet: How did you get this?!

Pathum: I’m not judging, and I’m sorry I saw the pictures but I wasn’t looking afterwards. I saw them once and that's it. Please don’t think I was interested in the picture. I’m not but well that doesn’t mean I’m bloody gay, it’s just I choose not to cause how can I? You’re my bestie and I respect you.

Scarlet: Pathum, that’s not me in that picture.

Pathum: Oh, I didn’t know that sweetie.

Scarlet: Are you telling me that you don’t believe me?

Pathum: No, I just mean I don’t know who the hell it is but nevertheless I’ll help you out so don’t be scared. I’m here for you anytime.

Scarlet: I want to scream, I got this message from this person as well. I didn't know how I could describe it to you, I didn’t know what to do or say.

Pathum: I don’t know whether I can continue talking to you.

Scarlet: Are you going to leave me?

Pathum: If that’s what it takes to protect you, then I guess I have no other choice, sweetie. But I doubt I could ever live without you.

Scarlet: Stop saying this stuff. You aren’t going anywhere.

Pathum: But I’m so scared for you. What if this person does something to you?

Scarlet: He won’t hurt me as far as I know him.

Pathum: How could you guarantee that?

Scarlet: Because I know him.

Pathum: You know this person?

Scarlet: Yes.

Pathum: So you gave him my email?

Scarlet: NO Pathum, I haven't seen him since last year.

Pathum: Okay, so then how the hell did he get my email? Were you hacked?

Scarlet: God knows how, I didn’t notice any suspicious acts in my phone nor do I think he’s an expert on hacking.

Pathum: You know him well? Who is he? And what’s the reason behind this? Why is he blackmailing you? How can we be sure that he isn’t reading our messages now? What if he knows everything around you? Wouldn’t that be something we must inform the officials about?

Scarlet: I don’t know where to begin and where to end.

Pathum: What’s his status in your life? Like boyfriend, crush or brother?

Scarlet: I don’t know where he fills his shoes.

Pathum: Hmm.. Nope, I’m sorry I used that word, but all I have to say is hmm.. How can we move forward without plausible proof?

Scarlet: I don’t know. What does he want from you?

Pathum: He told me to stay away from you or else that picture would become famous.

Scarlet: Oh, my God, I’m so stressed Pathum. I don’t know what to think. How could humans be so cruel?

Pathum: Since you said it’s not your body, you don’t need to be scared, so let's face him. He may be intimidating at first but let’s not fail against him, let’s stay strong? Promise?

Scarlet: I’m sorry I don’t know what to say. Did your mom come back? How’s she doing?

Pathum: Stop worrying about me. My mom might talk to me soon, or she might not. If she doesn’t I can cut my hand and sacrifice myself to the devil so that you and her both are free from evil.

Scarlet: Real funny stuff.

Pathum: HEHEHE

Scarlet: Are you okay?

Pathum: I’m just scared and sad.

Scarlet: Don’t be scared.

Pathum: What if that person posted that on the Internet?

Scarlet: Then people will enjoy it.

Pathum: That’s not funny sweetie, we must do something. You have to inform the police about this.

Scarlet: He says he isn’t scared of the police.

Pathum: That’s what he says.

Scarlet: I’m sure I’m going to have a nervous breakdown soon.

Pathum: I’m sorry.

We talked about a few other things while still focusing on the main topic. But realisation hits me hard because talking and thinking wouldn't do anything good, there must be execution. If we don’t take immediate action he might cause more trouble. I tried to explain it to her but she wasn’t focused. It was mixed with anger and fear, her emotions taking control over her.

It’s funny how lessons we preach to each other come back as lessons we must take. I don’t know whether it’s supposed to be funny or scary. Even though she’s also a bit scared about this situation. she didn’t yet reveal about his personality. I don’t know why but she hasn’t decided to reveal anything yet.

It was almost an hour before midnight, and my mom finally came into the room and picked the two pillows of hers and turned to leave but before that I made sure I embraced her for a hug. At the beginning she forced me to let go, but I held her and then tears cascaded down her cheeks.

“Where are you going, mom?”

“I won’t be sharing this bed with you anymore.”

“No, mom. That’s not what I wanted, please understand. It’s just my ugly mouth.”

“I’m sorry but what’s said is said.”

“But what are you doing now? Give me the pillows back.” I tried to get the pillows from her but she pushed me away.

“It’s time that you have your own room.”

I scratched my heat in confusion.

“What the hell are you talking about? I don’t need this room by myself. Just get to bed and sleep.”

She shook her head before going to the door.

“From now on, I’ll be sleeping in the extra bed in your grandma’s room.”

No one had slept in the extra bed since my grandpa passed away. But now it was going to be hers. But i can't just sleep in a comfortable bed when she's uncomfortable

I stood up, intent on coming to her. I had a determined look on my face.

“But you don’t have to go, mom, just stay here.”

But her next words stopped me in my tracks.

“No, Pathum, you’re a young man, and have to learn to be alone. There will be more difficult times ahead of you, but if you can’t learn to sleep alone how are you to face such times?” Her eyes welled with tears.

“Arghh okay,” I said, taking a deep breath.

“Besides you have a woman, so why do you need your mother? I hope you’re happy with her.”

“She’s my best friend and she’s not a woman. She’s a girl.”

“Be careful, you haven’t met her. She could be deceiving.”

“I’ll be careful, mom.”

“Okay Did you fix your problem with her?”

“No, but we’ll soon do something.”

“Okay, that’s all I wanted to hear. I love you, son,” she said, kissing my forehead.

“I love you too,” I smiled.

But she looked at me like she heard something wrong.

“I think Scarlet is the only one you love.”

“Oh, don’t come back,” I said playfully and we both cracked up laughing before she grabbed the pillow and her blanket and kissed me again.

“Goodnight, sleep well.”

Well I doubt whether it’s going to be a good night as well as whether I can sleep well. But I smiled in response. It’s good to see her smile.

Once she was gone, I unmade the bed and settled. That’s when I got a notification from the fake Scarlet. Disgusted, I opened the app.

“So mommy and her son are in the same bed? Did you miss your mom?”

I growled angrily as I looked at the screen, I wanted nothing more than to punch the hell out of this loser. What a freaking son of a bitch. Wait no. Why should I insult his mother for his horrible deeds? I feel sorry for her but this fucker need to shut his mouth.

“What do you want?” I replied.

Unknown (Scarlet): Didn’t I tell you to stay away from her?

Pathum: Just because you said it, doesn’t mean I have to follow.

Unknown: You’ve got a smart mouth, but I doubt whether it would help you in this situation.

Pathum: That’s none of your business.

Unknown: Oh believe me it is.

Pathum: What do you want, man?

Unknown: You have a temper just like her, it’s cute but sad you’re going to be short lived.

Pathum: Please don’t do any harm to her.

Unknown: If you do as I tell you, I wouldn’t.

Pathum: What should I do? I won’t do anything that you tell me so give up your hopes. You’ll do no harm to her, you’re just a fucking loser. What’s the use of your pathetic life? Just leave her alone for God’s sake.

Unknown: Do you think I would listen to a baby boy who still sleeps with his mom?

Pathum: How the hell do you know?

Unknown: I know many things kid, so just stay away from her or else you would only have some regrets. Do you understand?

Pathum: How do you know any of this?

Then he proceeded to send a picture of Scarlet in a mall. To make sure whether she was in a mall, I sent her the picture and I got confirmation she’s in a mall and the girl in the picture is her. This only worsened my fear. Who the hell is stalking her?

My body started to shiver from shock.

Unknown: Did you get the confirmation?

Pathum: Yes. But how?