Scarlet’s POV
I looked around the mall and saw many people, but none were concerned with me. Yet I kept looking, waiting to see anyone displaying suspicious behavior. I was so busy I forgot to grab Mom’s biscuits.
Does he have agents working for him? I know one thing he has, and that’s money. So, someone might help him. I wonder how I never sensed them. How did they keep an eye on me without us noticing?
Abigail approached me and tapped me on the shoulder, making me jump. She followed my gaze with her eyes and furrowed her eyebrows.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I said quietly.
She looked me in the eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” I replied, not wanting to continue the conversation.
She studied me for a moment before clearing her throat.
“Well, you look awful. Are you still angry with me?”
I shook my head.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
I nodded. I wasn’t speaking to her because I didn’t want her to know about Victor.
Mom then came up to us, looking annoyed.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, scowling. “Haven't you both brought anything I’ve told you to get?!”
Abigail showed us what was in her hand, and Mom smiled before glancing at my hands. I wasn’t holding anything, which made her frown at me.
“Scarlet, you better shut down that phone,” she said before leaving us both.
“Yeah,” I said, walking towards the other side of the mall while Abigail glanced at me.
I scanned the area to ensure I didn't trip on something but found no one looking at me. So, I let Mom know I was going to the car before I stepped outside to get into our vehicle, and texted Pathum.
Scarlet: Hey, I just got to the car. Mom and Abigail are still inside.
Pathum: Sweetie, please don't stay in the car alone. What if he comes for you?
Scarlet: Then I’ll face that bastard alone.
Pathum: I don’t want anything to happen to you. So go back inside to your mother and Abigail.
Scarlet: I’m not scared.
Pathum: Stop being stubborn.
Scarlet: Pathum, if someone has a problem with me, he better say it to my face.
Pathum: Do you want to leave me alone?
Scarlet: He isn’t a serial killer, Pathum.
Pathum: If he's not here to kill you, what's he after?
Scarlet: My body.
Pathum: That picture he sent told me everything.
Scarlet: Even though it wasn't me, that body has a close resemblance to mine.
Pathum: Okay but be careful.
Scarlet: You’re more scared than me.
Pathum: He hacked into our devices, and now you’re telling me you aren't scared.
Scarlet: One thing I know about Victor is he’s a coward. So why would I fear someone like that?
Pathum: I don't understand you.
Scarlet: Well, you shouldn’t. You’re so childish.
Pathum: Watch your tongue, brat.
Scarlet: What are you going to do about it?
Pathum: Naughty girls ought to be punished, you know that young lady?
Scarlet: Do you think I’m naughty?
Pathum: Yes. But lock your car doors so no one can get to you.
Scarlet: I’m not scared.
Pathum: But I am.
Scarlet: You must help yourself then.
Pathum: I don’t know how you don’t get into trouble, but just know I’m trying to fix your problems while you don’t give a damn about them.
Scarlet: I dislike curse words, so don’t use them.
Pathum: I didn't.
Scarlet: Yes, you did.
Pathum: No, I didn’t.
Scarlet: Google curse words, and you’ll realize I’m right.
It took him less than five minutes, but he accepted his mistake. Like always, he pleaded with an “I’m sorry.”
Pathum: I never knew “damn” was a curse word. I thought it was just a word, sweetie.
Scarlet: It’s okay. Now stop apologizing.
Pathum: I learned many things from you, didn’t I?
Scarlet: You did.
Pathum: Oh crap, he sent me another one, Scarlet.
Scarlet: What’s wrong?
Instead of replying, Pathum sent me an image of me in the vehicle, taken from behind. I growled, frustrated because I failed to notice an intruder.
Pathum: Sweetie, who knows what he’s capable of?
Scarlet: If God gives me a chance, I’ll rip out his testicles with my bare hands.
Pathum: Damn! Calm down, girl.
Scarlet: How the hell is he doing this?
Pathum: I wish I could tell you, but I can’t. But be careful.
Scarlet: What the hell do you think I'm doing now?
Pathum: Calm down, sweetheart. Don't let him get into your head.
Tears cascaded down my cheeks as I looked around. But there was no one. How was he doing this? And why won’t he stop?
Unknown: Sweet girl, I don’t want to see you in tears.
Scarlet: Why are you doing this?
Unknown: Because I love you!
Scarlet: Love doesn’t ruin people.
Unknown: Love makes us do terrible things. That's why you should protect people who love you.
Scarlet: How do you do this?
Unknown: As I said before, love makes us do terrible things.
Scarlet: Leave me alone.
Unknown: I cannot do that.
Scarlet: Go to hell!
Unknown: Stay safe, sweet girl.
I didn't respond. Why does he tell me to be safe, yet targets me?
I’m so tired; I want to lie on my bed and never get up.
Soon, Mom and Abigail came to the car, their hands filled with groceries. By the time they got in, my tears had dried. I took a deep breath and forced a poker face to avoid conversation. I didn’t want to speak about Victor in front of Abigail.
Abigail handed the shopping bags to me and sat down. She looked awful, so I asked about it, but she shook her head. If I did that to her, we’d have to have a ceremony about how rude I was.
On the way home, Mom was mad at me for not helping her with the groceries, and Abigail was annoyed by my presence. I had to sit there and shut up while listening to their voices. Isn't that so unfair?
“What’s with you?” I asked Abigail while she focused on her device.
She made a face at me and went back to her mobile. I sighed and focused on my device.
Soon, we were home, and I had to arrange the groceries in the fridge and the kitchen. I had done nothing at the mall, and Abigail told Mom she had a nasty headache.
Nobody wonders what's wrong with me. And even if they did, they couldn't help me, especially since the problem was Victor. I don't want old memories to bloom in our garden. I doubt whether it's sweet, but it’s tiny, and I don't want it to be spoiled by him again.
Mom noticed my expression and gave me a concerned look once I finished putting the groceries away.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
I smiled in response before going to my room. But a minute later, she came in.
“Where did you put the biscuits?”
“In the left drawer near the sink,” I replied.
She went to look, but she returned within a minute.
“I can’t find them.”
“Why?” I groaned.
“They weren’t where you said they were.”
I got up from the bed and showed her where I had placed the biscuits. They were right there, and she insisted I get up from the bed and abandon my business to show her. My mom, while I had to do all the work, while Abigail slept in her comfy bed.
Soon, I heard my phone ding with another message from Pathum.
Pathum: Are you okay?
Scarlet: I guess.
I explained the journey from the mall to home, and tears cascaded down my face. I guess I was upset because it was too much to handle. Or was it because of the injustice that I’m supposed to work while others rest?
Pathum: I’m sorry, sweetie.
Scarlet: Don’t be sorry for me.
Pathum: I can do that if you promise me one thing.
Scarlet: And that is?
Pathum: Don’t worry about me.
Scarlet: I can’t do that. I’ll always care about you.
Pathum: I can repeat those words to you, dear.
Scarlet: Aww, sweetie!
Pathum: Did he text you back again?
Scarlet: I don't want to be reminded of him. I hate him.
Pathum: I know. But I was thinking. Did he leave any cameras around your place?
Scarlet: I don’t think so.
Pathum: Why don’t you inspect the property to make sure?
Scarlet: Good idea, but I cannot get up.
Nevertheless, he encouraged me to inspect the area. I checked every corner of my room and throughout the house, which took me two hours, and I found no suspicious devices.
Relief washed over me, but soon, it turned into misery when my phone pinged with a text from him.
Unknown: I haven’t put any cameras in the house, sweet girl. Nevertheless, I’d love to see you all day.
Scarlet: How do you know that I’m looking for cameras?
Unknown: Basic observation. Hehe, sweet girl, I’m not going to hurt you.
Scarlet: You’re a coward, you know that?
Unknown: Aww, sweet girl, don't be mad. I’m still your loving Victor.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Scarlet: Go to hell, loser.
Unknown: Calm down, sweet girl.
Scarlet: You have no right to call me that.
Unknown: Why don’t you sign the papers so I can do that?
Scarlet: Maybe in your dreams.
Unknown: Or soon.
Scarlet: You’re a loser.
Unknown: Sweet girl, I wondered what your family would think if they knew about us.
Scarlet: There’s no ‘us.’
Unknown: There was.
Scarlet: It’s just a piece of my past that I burnt.
Unknown: You can’t burn your history with me.
Scarlet: Why don’t you man up and face me?
Unknown: Where would the fun be in that?
I left the app because I didn't want to talk to him; I wished to delete Google Hangouts, but I’d lose Pathum. I’m not going to let that happen. Quitting won’t solve the problem. I must figure out how he can access my life.
Moments later, Pathum texted me.
Pathum: Did you find anything?
Scarlet: Nothing.
Pathum: Maybe he hacked into your phone. How else does he know about these things?
Scarlet: I want to kill him.
Pathum: Me too. Anyway, can I ask you something?
Scarlet: Go ahead.
Pathum: I know you don't like to dig into that, but if we are to solve this, I must learn more about him.
Scarlet: Hmmm.
I released a deep breath. I don't know where to begin, but I must explain everything.
Pathum: Don’t be scared, okay?
I replied with a simple ok and began explaining everything. At some moments, I blushed. At other points, I got mad. And at others, I was frustrated, disgusted, and ashamed.
Scarlet: So, his name’s Victor, and he’s a friend I met two years ago. He’s a tall, skinny, pale guy with blond hair, black eyes, and thick eyebrows. I can't forget his eyes; you’ll understand why later. I hate skinny, tall dudes. But don’t worry, I love skinny, short boys. How could I not when my bestie’s their prince?
I don't have any pictures, but you’re probably wondering why I can describe his features well.
I genuinely liked him, but fortunately, destiny made it so we couldn’t be together. When we first met him, Abigail and I adored him. But we knew not to get into a relationship with him since Mom advised us against it. So, we treated him like family whenever our cousins came over.
The fact that Abigail and I had crushes on him was awkward, but it still happened. Everything was fine until he confessed that he loved me. At first, I took it as a compliment, but it wasn't pleasant when he explained how much he admired my body. Something was odd, but I never told my parents or Abigail.
I didn’t want to because it’d affect his reputation, and I didn’t want to create drama. A year ago, he told me he loved me more than any other girl. He also told me he wanted to have a piece of my body with him forever.
Those eyes revealed their truth; it was also the day I rejected him; he took it on us. He expressed my love for him and hurt Abigail’s feelings by saying I was better than her. After that day, my close relationship with Abigail deteriorated, all thanks to Victor.I have no idea how he got my pictures or edited my head onto those naked images. Trust me, I’m innocent. However, it's not surprising to see him behave this way, but it frustrates me that he’s still hanging around. I want him gone. I don't want my family to revisit the past that haunted them, so I’m frustrated.
Pathum: Thanks for explaining. Now I understand why you act the way you do.
Scarlet: Yes.
Pathum: So, when are you going to tell them about him?
Scarlet: I have no idea.
Pathum: And what about the pictures?
Scarlet: What do you mean?
Pathum: Are you going to inform the cops? It’d be best if you did something. Don't leave space for regret. Just explain to your family, and everything will be over.
Scarlet: It’s not that easy.
Pathum: You must go to them, open your mouth, and let your tongue do its duty.
Scarlet: They wouldn't believe me if I told them about him.
Pathum: Why wouldn't they? Aren’t they supposed to believe you over an outsider?
Scarlet: Everyone’s lives aren’t a fairy tale, sweetie.
Pathum: Why wouldn’t they believe you?
Scarlet: Because I lied to them. I liked him, and his comments made me feel better about myself. Sometimes, I would talk to him and refuse to accept that I was interested in him to my family, and since then, they have thought I was lying. They’d judge me without believing me.
Pathum: You don’t know that.
Scarlet: I do.
Pathum: If you don’t act, he’ll do terrible things. You must inform the officials about this and get rid of those pictures. What would the world be if they got ahold of those images?
Scarlet: Nothing’s going to happen to me.
Pathum: How can you be sure?
Scarlet: I know he doesn’t intend to harm me. He’s a coward.
Pathum: How are you so sure?
Scarlet: Because he’s obsessed with me, all right? He’ll do anything in his power to have me in his arms.
Pathum: You know him better than he knows himself.
Scarlet: You see? That’s what I’m talking about. You’ve already started to suspect me.
Pathum: No, I haven’t.
Scarlet: You have.
Pathum: I’m just surprised you know him this well.
Scarlet: Oh, okay.
I closed out of the app and closed my eyes, listening to the birds chirping in the distance and Mom shouting at Dad. Mom's voice intensified as she got closer to my room and knocked on the door. I didn't open my eyes until she screamed.
“Scarlet! What are you doing?”
I shot up, looking around in confusion.
“Huh?!”
Mom glared at me and crossed her arms, looking unimpressed. I gulped.
“We’ve got some talking to do.” Her tone told me I was in trouble.
Dad sat at the table when I entered the kitchen with his arms crossed. Abigail was just as confused as I was while looking at mom and me. She had no idea why she was there.
Mom took a deep breath and motioned for me to sit beside Dad. She then sat down, grabbed her phone, sighed, and gave it to Abigail. Abigail screamed, fell to the chair, and turned towards me.
I looked at Dad, who looked away from me. I soon saw Abigail crying, and Mom held onto her tears, but she started weeping.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“You have some nerve asking that,” Mom glanced at me, her eyes full of tears.
“Mom, tell me what I’ve done,” I said.
She took a deep breath and then passed her phone to me. It was that image that he sent Pathum. I furrowed my eyebrows in horror and confusion. I can't comprehend the meaning of this. What’s his motive?
Mom clenched her fists while Dad laid his hands on his face and bowed his head. He never looked at me, even if I wanted to establish eye contact.
“How did you get it?” I asked in a trembling voice.
Mom looked at me in fury.
“Mom-“ I began to say, but she slapped me.
The pain caused tears to cascade down my cheeks.
“Is this what you’ve been taught to do, Scarlet?” Mom said, shaking me.
“It’s not me.”
She scoffed.
“After everything you did, you’re telling me that you- I - how are you even talking to us? Aren’t you ashamed?”
I shook my head, choking back tears.
“I’m being honest,” I said, wiping my tears.
Mom, of course, didn’t look like she believed me.
“Oh, for God’s sake, I’m not blind. That naked girl‘s body looks like yours.”
I protested.
“But I NEVER sent such a picture to anyone.”
“Then how could someone have this?”
I let out a groan before dropping my head into my hands.
“While it’s my face, it’s not my body. We can go to the washroom if you want me to prove it. And the messages are from Victor. He’s blackmailed me and threatened Pathum,” I explained, tears welling up in my eyes.
She raised her hand, motioning me to stop. When she opened her mouth to speak, her voice was incredulous.
“Victor?”
I nodded frantically, my eyes teary and my expression truthful.
“Yes, he’s back, and I don't know what he’ll do. I expect the worst to happen.”
I then spent the next few minutes showing my parents and Abigail everything Victor sent me. With every message, Mom's faith in me grew. Relief washed over me. When I was done, Mom looked at me.
“How did he get the emails?”
I shrugged.
“Only God knows!”
“You can’t say that. If you never gave it to him, how does he have them?”
Dad cleared his throat, speaking up for the first time in several minutes.
“We should let the police handle this.”
Mom sighed before facing her husband, her hands rubbing her temples. She had dark circles under her eyes and a permanent frown.
“Victor told me he would post these pictures on the Internet if we did.”
“He doesn’t have the balls to do that,” I replied, wiping my tears.
Mom turned on me, her expression defensive.
“You seem to know about him more than we do. Don’t you?”
“Mom, as I’ve shown you, it isn’t me, and I’ve had no contact with him since last year,” I said, making my tone as honest as possible.
Mom huffed before giving me a look.
“Well, I guess I’ll have to believe you this time.”
“Yes, you have to!” I shouted.
Mom then looked at Abigail, who hadn’t said anything. She had tears streaking down her face, and she could barely look at me.
“Abigail, what do you have to say about all of this?” our mother asked.
However, Abigail didn’t look at Mom or acknowledge her words, much to her surprise. She was looking straight at me. When I heard her speak, I was surprised by her shocked tone.
“Scarlet, how’s this possible?”
I tugged at my hair in frustration.
“I don’t know!”
“Did you ever send him pictures?”
I wouldn't say I liked it when they believed the words of an outsider. Why can’t they believe me? What’s Abigail trying to prove?
“Seriously? No, I didn’t. Ugh! I can’t believe you people!” I stood up, hoping to go to my room, but Abigail touched my hand.
I tried to shake her hand off, but she dragged me back to the seat. With tears in her eyes, she met my gaze.
“Be honest with me and tell me what happened.”
I gave her a suspicious look.
“What are you up to?” I asked, but she stopped me.
“Tell me.”
“Tell you what?” I asked, glancing at her in annoyance.
“Did you send him pictures hoping to win his love?”
“No!” I pushed her away.
She followed me, tears cascading down her cheeks. She gave me a determined look.
“I want to help you.”
“With what? I told you guys I never sent him such a picture and may have liked him, but I stopped talking to him when I realized what he was after. So, stop assuming I SENT HIM ANY PICTURES!” I slammed my fist on the table as I spoke.
“Then how could he have done this?” Mom asked as tears fell from her eyes.
“That’s what editing is for. So, stop being suspicious of me and believe what I’m saying is true,” I said, hoping my words touched their hearts.
It seems they did because my mom gave me a look of compassion and reached out to touch my hand. My sister then did the same.
“I'm so sorry he did this to you, he’s sick,” she said.
I didn't expect to hear nice words from her, but it seemed like my lucky day.
“It’s not your fault,” I told her sincerely.
But Abigail shook her head, her face turning red with fury.
“He’s a son of a bitch! How dare he do this to you!” she yelled.
Mom and I looked at her, unsurprised by her language.
“Umm… Are you okay?”
“No! We must go to the police, Scarlet.”
Dad stood up, breaking the silence.
“I’ll go. You guys stay here.”
“We’re coming too,” Mom said stubbornly.
“I’m not a baby, Daisy.”
“I know that, my dear husband, but let us accompany you.”
Seeing the determined looks we were giving him, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose before nodding. Soon, we were on our way to the police station.
It wasn't crowded when we arrived, but there were a few officers since it was late at night. Two officers led us to the Police Chief, and a nice guy named Michael wrote down our complaint in a book along with Victor’s email.
He told us he would update us when he had something new to tell us. When we were about to leave, a fat officer walked in. He didn’t look assiduous, assuming from his features and the doughnut. He glanced at Michael.
“What are they here for?”
“A complaint of blackmailing and possession of unwanted pictures.”
The fat officer shrugged and took the file in Michael’s hand.
“Do we know the suspect?”
“Yes. It’s Victor,” Michael remarked.
The man scratched his head in disbelief.
“Victor Gilligan? It can't be. He’s changed,” the fat man said, offering his file.
However, Michael slammed his fist onto the file and glared at the other man. He was foaming at the mouth when he spoke.
“I won’t let him run free this time, Freddy.”
Freddy laughed.
“You’re stupid to mess with him, boy.”
My mom stepped forward, entering their conversation. She planted her hands on the desk and looked at them, a serious expression on her face.
“If this man has a record of blackmailing women, you ought to catch him.”
Freddy gave my mom a once over before scowling at us.
“Ma’am, don’t tell us how to do our job,” he said.
“She wouldn’t have to if you had done it properly.” Dad stepped forward against Freddy’s remark.
To prevent Dad from attacking the officer, Mom grabbed Dad’s hand to pull him back. Freddy glanced at us, threw the file on the table, and left. Silence spread through the room before Michael apologized for his companion’s behavior. We dismissed the insult as we focused more on Michael’s demure nature in handling the case.
We thanked him and went on our way. But while we were in the car, I got a message from Victor.
Unknown: The police won’t stop me, sweet girl.
Scarlet: How did you know that?
Unknown: I have my eyes on you. I also know that you’re on the way home. But of course, I know many things.
After that last message, I didn't reply, nor did he send me any more messages.
How on earth did he know that we were at the police station? Did that fat man inform him?
When I got home, I went into my room, and couldn't help but text Pathum. He's the only one I have.
Pathum: Sweetie, calm down.
Scarlet: I’m just bothered.
Pathum: I know.
Scarlet: I’m annoyed he has access to my life.
Pathum: I know. But why isn’t he intimidated by the police?
Scarlet: He’s rich.
Pathum: That may also mean he has guys working for him in the police station.
Scarlet: That makes sense. But an officer ought to work according to the law, right?
Pathum: Money can do many things, like help a criminal turn innocence into guilt.
Scarlet: If that’s our world, Pathum, I feel haggard.
Pathum: Haggard?
Scarlet: Yes.
Pathum: Okay…
Scarlet: Do you need help figuring out what it means?
Pathum: No, I know the meaning of that word. I don't need you or Google because life has shredded me so haggard.
Scarlet: Oh, you’re a brat!
Pathum: And you’re a princess!
Scarlet: Are you sure?
Pathum: 100% percent, ma’am.
Scarlet: Wonderful. Anyway, I guess I’ll go to sleep early.
Pathum: Good idea, sweetie.
Scarlet: And I need you to study rather than worry about my problems.
Pathum: There isn’t such a thing as ‘yours’ but ‘ours.’
Scarlet: Aww! But we aren’t going to focus on me.
Pathum: Not happening. It would help if you got your sleep now, ma’am.
Scarlet: You think sleep would do any good for me? I must wake up knowing that the pervert is still alive.
Pathum: I’m sorry.
Scarlet: Me too.
Pathum: Don’t say that. You’ve done nothing for me, so stop.
Scarlet: I’m sorry. This conversation was all about me; how was the class today? Are you comfortable with your online courses?
Pathum: Even though I was initially hesitant, I now love them. Mainly because I don’t have to get dressed and go into a classroom with them, there’s no human contact. So, I can say that today’s lecture went well.
Scarlet: I’m happy for you.
Pathum: Hehehehe.
Scarlet: You’re cute.
Pathum: Not even close.
Scarlet: Shut up brat! Anyway, I might fall asleep soon.
Pathum: I know, darling. Have a good night.
Scarlet: Goodnight, sweetie!
I lay in bed, closing my eyes, but heard a sound at my door. But when I opened my eyes, there was no one. Then, there was a notification on my phone. I opened it and saw it was from him.
Unknown: Struggling to fall asleep, sweet girl?
Scarlet: What the hel do you want?
Unknown: Sweet girl, calm down.
Scarlet: Stop calling me that!
Unknown: Freddy admitted you’re hot.
Gross. I thought with a disgusted shudder.
Scarlet: That freak.
Unknown: Have a good night, sweet girl!