Pathum’s POV

What the heck? It can’t be. Is she seriously saying this? How could it be? I just.. don’t know what to think of it.

Pathum: I don’t know what to say, Scarlet.

Scarlet: Neither do I.

Pathum: Are you sure?

Scarlet: Yes. She confirmed it herself.

Pathum: So…. All the emails, pictures, and locations, everything…. It was all her. There wasn’t a stalker. Oh, gosh, I cannot believe this. However, she did it because she was forced to, so you’ll have to forgive her.

Scarlet: I don’t know what to do, Pathum.

Pathum: Well, the first thing you should do is forgive her. We now know why she did what she did. She was forced to. The picture explains many things, but the question is…. Why did she take such pictures? I’m not judging her, but it seems like he tricked her into sending those pictures to him, and then I don’t know what happened next.

Scarlet: Exactly. Why is she so foolish?

Pathum: I guess, as Victor said, love makes us do terrible things, and her love for him made her blind.

Scarlet: That makes sense. But what should I do now?

Pathum: You can try to stop crying.

Scarlet: But I can’t.

Pathum: Yes, sweetie, you can.

Scarlet: But Pathum, I still can’t believe what happened. Why did I wake up this morning? I can’t handle everything. First, it was Abigail’s betrayal, and then we figured out she had committed a sinful deed for the sake of love. This all makes me so uncomfortable about loving her. I’m scared even to love you, Pathum.

Pathum: I understand, sweetie.

Scarlet: I’m sorry for saying this; I’m scared of everyone except God.

Pathum: I understand.

Scarlet: No, you don’t.

Pathum: But I do, and I’m still sorry.

Scarlet: I can’t even talk to you anymore, I’m so sorry.

Pathum: Umm... Still, I understand. It would help if you took a break.

Scarlet: I don’t need a break; I want to disappear entirely.

Pathum: I’m sorry.

Scarlet: Is that all you have to say?

Pathum: Yes, and I truly am sorry, Scarlet. Okay? I’m so sad that he ruined your life and your sister got trapped in this horrible situation with him. But sweetie, I’m not Victor, and you know that. However, I get it. It’s challenging to love others when people use love as a weapon against you. But sweetie, don’t assume everyone’s like that. On the other hand, I’m not blaming you; if you want to disappear, you can. But remember this: if you’re going to leave me, a part of me will die. So, think about it before leaving.

Scarlet: OMG Pathum. I -I’ll talk to you later. I need space.

Pathum: Okay. But promise me that you’ll be safe.

Scarlet: What?

Pathum: Promise me that you’ll be safe and that you won’t do any harm to yourself.

Scarlet: Of course, I won’t. Why would you assume so?

Pathum: Because I care.

Scarlet: Sweetie I’m sorry.

Pathum: Can you promise me?

Scarlet: Promise!

Pathum: Okay. I’ll wait for you, but until then, I’ll focus on my studies.

With that last message, she disappeared offline. I grabbed my biology notebook and turned to the recent page I was studying earlier. It was about tissues, and learning it was fun, primarily since I’d written it in beautiful, neat handwriting. It’s a delight for the eyes and a feast for the mind.

I’m not being poetic but being realistic. Because I excel better at tissues, I could revise everything, whether it’s epithelial, muscle, or nervous. But connective tissues are a bit of a challenge. But anyway, they’re not that difficult. It’s just some points that need to be memorised. But the topic of the digestive system looks incredible.

Soon, it was almost time for dinner, and my stomach didn’t bother to question it. Yet, that’s when my mom appeared with my plate.

“It’s time to eat, Pathum.” She put my plate on the table before me and motioned for me to eat, but I shook my head in denial.

“I can’t eat now.”

She gave me an exasperated look, putting her hands on her hips.

“And why not?” she asked.

“I’m not hungry, so please don’t force me,” I whined, looking away, but she took the plate and mixed the food with her fingers.

“Open your mouth.” I hesitated at first but eventually gave up.

Even if I wasn’t that hungry, I ate the whole plate. I also talked about Scarlet while we ate; in other words, she fed me while talking about Abigail and what she had done.

“You weren’t hungry before you started, but now do you want more?” Mom asked when the plate was empty. I shook my head.

She nodded.

“Okay. I’m about to eat, and you can tell me more about this situation with Scarlet and her family.”

My mom went into the kitchen, took my plate, and soon returned with her food. Her dark eyes were sparkling with curiosity as she looked down at me. She sat down, eager to listen to the rest of the story.

“So why did Abigail do it?”

I sighed before looking my mom in the eyes.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Abigail fell in love with Victor, and he manipulated her using that love. That’s why.”

My mom tutted and shook her head in disapproval. I could tell she was displeased with Abigail's handling of the situation. She then looked at me sternly.

“I’ve told you, Pathum, to be careful with people you love. They can turn against you at any second.”

I nodded, absorbing her words, but I had to make sure she knew it wasn’t Scarlet who was like that. She was too loyal and sweet a person. So, I had to defend her against my mom’s accusations.

“Yes, but I want you to understand, Mom, that Scarlet isn’t like that,” I said sternly. I had faith in what I said.

Mom shot me a disappointed look.

“Don’t sound so confident. As I’ve told you, you don’t know this girl in person. She could be completely different in real life as opposed to online. I’m not trying to be mean; I’m your mother, and I’m trying to look out for your best interests.”

“She’s a good girl, Mom. Trust me,” I smiled.

She smiled back at me and patted me on the arm.

“I don’t doubt it, son. So, I guess talking to her on the phone will help me get to know her.”

My mom’s kind words made a joyful smile come to my face. Maybe she’ll come around to the idea of me being friends with Scarlet much easier if they can get to know each other better.

“Yes. Maybe one day we could,” I said.

The thought of conversing with Scarlet was always a delight, and I hoped I could talk to her like a proper man—I mean, boy—the next time we spoke. No shivering or looking away from the camera shyly; nothing but facing it like a proper boy. But all those things are a dream for me. But it isn’t wrong to imagine a better future.

I was brought out of my thoughts by my mom’s words.

“Pathum, let’s call her again sometime soon.”

My eyebrow furrowed in confusion.

“Why soon? The last time we video-called, you weren’t pleased to see her,” I pointed out, looking her in the eyes with my gaze narrowed at her.

She shook off my worry with a smile and a gentle pat on my shoulder.

“I wasn’t in a good mood that day, but it had nothing to do with her; I don’t hate her. I want to figure out why my son loves her so much.”

“There’s nothing like that,” I denied.

She grinned at me, reached out to play with my hair, and caress my cheek playfully. I was blushing so much that I tried to duck my head so she wouldn’t see how bad it was.

“Oh, when are you going to accept the truth?”

I instantly went into denial.

“What truth? The only truth about this situation is that we’re best friends.”

“Never mind,” Mom said, waving it off dismissively. “Are you going to sleep, or are you studying late?” She directed her gaze at me.

“I’m going to study,” I said, taking out my biology book and turning the page to the current lesson.

“Okay,” my mom nodded before exiting the room. “I’ll leave you to it.”

She left but I then checked my phone to see if Scarlet had texted, but it seems she still hasn’t. I exited the app and focused on my biology notes. It was easily digested as fast as the food I ate.

In other words, I comprehended the points, but it was a bit too slow because my mind wasn‘t in one frame. It was switching between Google Hangouts and my notes. The notes were before me, but Google Hangouts had things in front of my future.

My mind drifted through a train of thoughts, which made me anxious because I was worried about her; once she said goodbye, she never returned.

Near midnight, Mom returned and asked if I wanted some tea and biscuits. I nodded, and she brought the snack in less than ten minutes. While taking a break to drink the tea and eat the biscuits, I texted Scarlet to inquire whether she was okay.

My phone beeped with a notification, and I opened the app. I saw that it was Scarlet, but not the Scarlet I was anticipating.

Unknown: Congratulations!

Pathum: Oh no, not you. Now, leave.

Unknown: But I want to congratulate you both.

Pathum: Oh… Thanks.

Unknown: Don’t you want to know why I’m congratulating you?

Pathum: I’m sure it’s nothing good.

Unknown: I want to congratulate you for solving our mystery. But you didn’t win anything.

Pathum: Oh, but we do, and I promise the police will take you down.

Unknown: False beliefs! Do you think they’ll help you? Do you think a bottle of wine and cash wouldn’t bring them down?

Pathum: Don’t keep your hopes high. We’ll learn the truth from Abigail, and she’ll confess to the police. That proof will be more than enough to send you to jail.

Unknown: Oh, that’s not going to happen.

Pathum: And why not?

Unknown: I have something on her she wouldn’t want the entire world to see, especially her parents.

Pathum: Oh, go to hell.

Unknown: With you? I’d love that.

Pathum: You’re so gay!

Unknown: Aww, are you?

Pathum: NO! You sick bastard!

Unknown: Lol

Oh, for freak’s sake, not LOL; I hate that word, and this disgraceful son of a gun just replied with it. But I shouldn’t express my frustration because he might use the slightest thing to his advantage. I exited the app even though he responded with many ‘sweet boys.’

What a loser. I wonder why people want to drain someone else's happiness.

Soon, it was past midnight, and I put my books where they belonged. I then made the bed and checked my phone. Scarlet had still not responded, so I texted her goodnight and closed my eyes.

It was when my phone started to ring with notifications. I checked it, and it was Scarlet—the real one. My bestie is not a damn loser. Oops, I’m not supposed to say those words.

Scarlet: Pathum, can you pray for us? Abigail needs God’s help.

Pathum: I would, but what should I do? How should I pray? Just keep my hands crossed and then address the problem.

Scarlet: Yes. And say Amen once you have finished praying.

Pathum: I’ll start now. And ummm… Scarlet.

Scarlet: Yes?

Pathum: I feel she told you everything, but something’s wrong. You usually wouldn’t ask for prayers unless the situation was severe.

Scarlet: Abigail tried to harm herself. I’m sure I wouldn't commit such a crime, but I doubt my sister can do the same.

Pathum: You mean she’s thinking about suicide?

Scarlet: Yes. I entered her room right when she had the knife to her throat, so I quickly pulled her back, took it away from her, and convinced her not to do such a sin.

Pathum: Are you with her?

Scarlet: No, I’m in my room now. She told me she wouldn’t do anything foolish, but she said she wanted to be free, which scared me. Maybe I should check on her again.

Pathum: Yes, go stay with her. I’ll start praying.

Scarlet: Thank you.

Pathum: You’re welcome. Now, stay safe.

Scarlet: Goodnight, sweetie; I’ll see you soon.

There’s no need for her to thank me for praying. It’s my responsibility to care for my family— even if I haven’t talked with Abigail. Still, she’s Scarlet’s sister, and that’s the reason she matters to me. So, I got into a meditative lotus position, crossed my fingers, closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and let go.

God, I don’t know whether You’re authentic. Maybe You are, or perhaps You’re not. But now I’ve decided to believe You exist, so I want to save Abigail and her family from this torment. Please, God, I can’t breathe when I know her family’s suffering. So please save them. They’re good people who deserve Your kindness.

I opened my eyes and took a deep breath. That’s when it occurred to me that I had not said Amen correctly during the prayer. Oh, for freak’s sake, I messed up. I’m such a mess.

So I closed my eyes, prayed again, and ended it as it should be.

But before I fell asleep, I heard a faint beep and opened the app to see it was Scarlet. So I opened it.

Scarlet: Pathum.

Pathum: Yes, sweetie? I was just about to fall asleep.

Scarlet: I’m so sorry; please forgive me—I AAM soorry. I’m shaking so much.

Pathum: What’s wrong?

Scarlet: We’re on our way to the hospital.

Pathum: OMG, is Abigail, okay?

Scarlet: No. She has lost a lot of blood, and I’m not sure what to do. I’m just holding bandages around her arm, trying to stop the bleeding while our mom’s driving. She’s unconscious.

Pathum: God, I’m sorry.

Scarlet: Please, can you pray for her?

Pathum: Of course, I will.

Scarlet: We’re near the hospital now, and I’ll let you know how she’s doing soon. However, please pray until then.

Pathum: I will, sweetie.

Throwing my sheets aside, I sat in the lotus position, and started to pray for her and them.