Pathum’s POV

Even though it had been three days since Abigail came home from the hospital, Scarlet was still worried. So, I knew I had to do something to shift her mind onto another topic, or she’d suffocate from too much stress. However, her feelings towards her sister are understandable. She must do everything possible to keep her out of harm’s way. But stressing too much about that is very unhealthy. I’m not going to stand here and let her be tortured. What would be the point of my existence if I can't help her? So I’ going to figure something out.

“How’s her sister doing now?” Mom asked, interrupting my sea of thoughts. I noticed she brought me my evening cup of tea and took it from her with a grateful nod.

“She’s doing better now,” I replied.

My mom’s features shifted into a genuine smile, but I wasn’t smiling. I was too busy thinking about how much I loathe Victor for taking Scarlet’s bright, friendly smile from her. She would’ve had the same smile listening to my words but unfortunately her mind wasn’t in the right place.

“Good. And how’s Abigail and your girl doing?” Mom asked, her smile slowly fading her face when she noticed the crestfallen look on my own.

My eyebrow furrowed in confusion at her words.

Mom, seriously? My girl?

I felt anger, gosh I’m not going to let my anger take control of my mouth. It’ll only be a disaster. We don't need more disasters because the ones we have already are exhausting. Also I didn't want to be rude, so I smiled back reluctantly before sighing and shaking my head, a look of worry quickly crossing my features.

“Abigail’s fine, but Scarlet’s not doing so well.”

That’s true; she isn’t okay, so why would I lie to my mom? If I would lie to her it’s because I don't want her to be worried about it. I can't just let people whom I love suffer.

Mom looked at me, concern now etched across her face, and sat on the bed beside me while taking a sip from her teacup.

“Oh no. Why isn’t she still doing so well?”

I went on to explain.

“Scarlet’s still worried about Abigail’s well-being and isn’t caring for herself.”

My mom gave me a look of sympathy, touching my arm while biting her lip. I can tell that thinking about what that monster had done to Scarlet’s family disgusted her. I was proven right by her words moments later.

“Ugh, it sickens me so much that all this torment to their family was caused by a man who’s unable to control his dick,” she said loud enough for Grandma, who’s having hearing issues, would’ve heard her.

I gaped at her, so shocked that I almost spilled my tea and averted my gaze. It embarrassed me to look at her after she had mentioned the d-word. For God’s sake, I was so uncomfortable. However, on the outside, I appeared to have a poker face, which caused my mom to raise an eyebrow in confusion.

“Are yours alright?” Mom asked.

“What?” I asked, clearly, not understanding what she meant or because I didn’t want it to be what I thought it was.

She looked towards the front of my pants before repeating the question. This made my jaw drop open in surprise. I had not been expecting that from her. So I instinctively turned my body away from her, blushing from embarrassment.

It was a few seconds before I spoke again, and when I did, it was with an annoyed tone.

“Mine’s alright. But why the crap did you ask me that, Mom?!”

She snickered for a few moments before smirking at me mischievously.

“You could’ve said a simple yes or no. Don’t panic, boy,” she said laughing, her words barely audible to my ears.

“Okay!” I exclaimed, finishing my tea, hoping she’d leave soon. Not that I loathe her presence but because I couldn't handle the embarrassment coming from the deepest parts of my heart.

“Oh, come on, it was supposed to be funny.” Mom tapped my cheek before gesturing towards the cup. “Now, give me the cup.”

“Oh, no, I’ll wash it myself,” I insisted, but before I could do anything, she grabbed the cup from me, caressed my hair, and then left the room.

Was I rude to her? Heck she only wanted to lift my mood by stating a joke while I made a mess out of it.

What a horrible loser I am. I thought shaking my head.

Five minutes later, Scarlet woke up, and instead of me doing my morning prayers, I told her what had happened with my mom. For some odd reason, she started laughing.

Scarlet: Your mom really said that to you?! Haha.

Pathum: How many times am I going to have to tell you? Yes, Scarlet, she did ask me that, much to my humiliation. I could barely look her in the eye afterwards.

Scarlet: OMG! Hahaha, can you believe I'm dying of laughter for the first time in a long time?

She found it funny? How interesting. Does that mean umm.. No stop it right there.

Pathum: Really? Gosh. I just had a thought, but I won’t say it.

Scarlet: What is it?

No, I won’t say it.

Pathum: You can’t convince me to tell you.

Scarlet: Oh, come on. Tell me!

Will it be okay if I told her?

Pathum: Fine. But can you promise you won’t judge me or get mad at me?

Scarlet: Yes, I promise.

Pathum: Are you sure?

Gosh is she being serious now?

Scarlet: A hundred percent, sir!

Pathum: The silly thought was based on your and my mom’s behavior. Again, it’s just a thought. Don’t overthink it.

Scarlet: All ears on you.

Pathum: Girls get excited when they talk about ‘it,’ don’t they?

Scarlet: What’s this ‘it’ you’re referring to?

Pathum: The thing Victor has no control over.

Scarlet: OMG Pathum! You did not just say that.

Pathum: I’m sorry, Scarlet.

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Scarlet: Oh, what am I going to do with you? You’re such a brat.

Pathum: Does that mean the answer is yes? OMG, never mind, let's forget it.

Scarlet: Brat. Of course, it’s a yes, but let's change the topic because talking about it doesn't end well.

Pathum: Holy God, did you just say yes?

Scarlet: That was a typo.

Pathum: Sure, that was a typo.

Scarlet: Oh, whatever! * rolls my eyes*

Pathum: OMG GIRLS ARE …..

Scarlet: Girls are what?

Pathum: UMM… cute.

I don’t know what I was going to say anyway. Will she jump into some conclusions and will I lose her? Of course not stupid. Just shush.

Scarlet: That's far from the truth.

Pathum: So you think girls aren't cute?

Scarlet: That wasn't what I meant. Gosh whatever!

Pathum: Let’s forget it.

My humour is so horrible; I can’t make anyone laugh.

Scarlet : Yeah! Let’s move on.

Pathum : Okay! So, my dear girl, how are you feeling?

Scarlet: I’m feeling good—all thanks to my boy.

Pathum: Aww, I’m your boy?

Scarlet: Yes! Hehehe.

Pathum: That’s so sweet. I need a smiling Scarlet right now.

Scarlet: I will, but only if you return the favour.

Before she could blink, I shared the pictures I had taken the evening after my bath. I thought it looked cute enough, and my smile wasn't that bad, as they say my smile brightens the picture. And I thought she might like it, so I sent it to her. I wasn't confident in my smile but was confident she would have an encouraging comment for it which would make my night.

Pathum: Done!

Not long after, she sent me her reaction.

Scarlet: OMG, these are so cute.

I told you Pathum, she always appreciates you.

Pathum: Aww, thank you, miss. My pleasure.

Scarlet: How is it that my bestie’s so cute? How am I so lucky? I thought I was an unfortunate thing that happened to my mom and dad.

Pathum: Awww, thank you. Dreams do come true. So, keep dreaming! And shut your god dang mouth you aren’t a curse to anyone. You’re a blessing for everyone around you. Get that into your brain and enclose it in the deepest layers.

Scarlet: Aww you defended me. How adorable.

Pathum: I wasn't being adorable, I was only being truthful.

Scarlet: Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have someone like you. God is marvellous. Thank God for putting you in my life.

Pathum: Amen!

I meant the Amen I uttered because I know the simplest gesture would make her happy. So why not act on it and make her happy.

Scarlet: AWW!

Pathum: Anyway, how’s Abigail doing?

Scarlet: She’s getting better physically but weaker mentally because, of course, Victor’s still threatening her. But I got a call from Michael. He told me they’re thoroughly investigating some other complaints against Victor. So, they hope to arrest him eventually.

Pathum: Good. I pray they’ll get him soon.

Scarlet: Oh, me too!

Pathum: I’m so sorry, Scarlet, that you and your family must endure this mess. He’s a creep.

Scarlet: I know. Me too. And did you know our mom hasn’t talked to Abigail since we arrived home?

Pathum: No. Are you sure that she didn’t hear about the pictures?

Scarlet: I can’t reassure you that she didn’t, but by the looks of it, she hasn’t heard anything about them.

Pathum: That’s good. Or else she’d be in for a big struggle.

Scarlet: That’s true. Anyway, could you give me a minute? I’m getting another call from Officer Michael.

Pathum: Yes. Sure. Go ahead and answer it.

While she disappeared to talk to Michael, I focused my attention on my Physics notes. Even though I was getting nowhere, even if I stared at the note or illustrated it on a rough sheet, I did just that, clinging to little hope.

Frustrated by my inability to answer the question, I threw the book away and walked outside to enjoy nature. I smelled some lilies in the backyard. They had a soft, powdery smell with woodsy undertones. After a few minutes of walking here and there, she texted me.

Scarlet: Pathum.

Pathum: Yes, sweetie? Do you have any news?

Scarlet: I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?

Pathum: The bad news. So go ahead and tell me.

Scarlet: The bad news is that Victor won’t stay in custody for long, but the good news is that the police have captured him.

Pathum: I’m glad they had the guts to catch him. Kudos to those officers. But what do you mean by ‘he won't remain there’?

Scarlet: You know he’s friendly with some of the officers, so he might convince them to let him out. And even though he was caught, he still threatened to reveal everything to our mom.

Pathum: WHAT?! No! He can’t do that!

Scarlet: Well, unfortunately, he can.

Pathum: How’s that possible?

Scarlet: His friend, Freddy, says he needs to inform the person who made the complaint. Since it was my mom, as the law states, she ought to know about the progress of the case.

Pathum: Dang this, Victor!

Scarlet: Yes, I know. And he also said he’d make a call fifteen minutes later to keep or let him go. But we must decide soon; the clock is ticking.

Pathum: This is getting out of hand. Have you talked to Abigail yet?

Scarlet: No, she's still asleep, but I’ll have to wake her up to deliver the terrible news. Please give us a few moments.

Pathum: Okay.

With that last message, she went offline. But within a few minutes, she reappeared, so I quickly sent her a message to see what happened.

Pathum: Did you two decide?

Scarlet: Umm, no. She’s crying, so I don't know what to do. The police warned us we were out of time, so we needed to call them about this.

Pathum: Gosh, so what are you going to do?

Scarlet: Wait until Abigail decides.

Pathum: Okay, sweetie.

Scarlet and I waited for a few minutes in silence. While I was waiting, I studied my physics notes. But, of course, my mind was elsewhere. I kept returning and thinking about this mess with Scarlet, Abigail, Victor, and the police.

Then, she sent me another message, making me look up from my notes. I read it silently to myself before starting to message her again.

Scarlet: She just called them.

Pathum: Oh, okay.

Scarlet: I don’t get it. Why are people so disturbing, Pathum? Why can’t they be like you?

Pathum: I don’t know how to answer that, but I’m still sorry about all this, Scarlet.

Scarlet: How could God allow Victor to escape his sins? It’s not fair.

Pathum: Have some faith, sweetie. God will help you. He has a reason for everything He does.

Scarlet: Sometimes I doubt Him, and I’m scared I’m drifting away from His presence.

Pathum: I don't know much about Christianity but believe God has a plan. It seems like the devil is in control right now, but don't lose faith. I’m sure something good will happen at the end of this dark tunnel. You’ll see.

Scarlet: How do you have so much faith in God when you aren’t even a Christian? It’s mesmerizing.

Pathum: I don't have faith in God, sweetie; I have faith in you. I believe in my bestie, I do wish I could have some faith in God just like you but unfortunately it doesn’t work that way but that doesn’t mean I can’t have faith in someone who has faith in God. And I believe that no matter how challenging the situation looks from the outside, someone like you deserves better. An angel like you deserves justice, so I believe you’ll get the help you deserve at the right time and place.

I hope my words make a difference in her heart. I wanted to make an impact and make her feel like she’s safe and secure. I hope my words heal her wounded heart, I hope I lend a hand to her faith towards God. I hope God sees her prayers and answers them.

Scarlet: Thank you so much, sweetie. Sometimes, I rely on you more than I rely on God. But I’m so grateful to have you in my life. I thank God for putting you in my life.

Pathum: You have no idea how much those words means to me. It means the world sweetie. Anyway it’s good, be grateful. It’s good to be grateful.

A few seconds later, Scarlet sent a very startling message.

Scarlet: Oh God.

Pathum: Sweetie? What’s wrong?

Scarlet: My mom just... oh, my God!

Pathum: What happened? Please explain further.

Scarlet: I think she’s bleeding. Give me a moment, and I’ll be right back.

Pathum: Wait a minute. Scarlet! Who’s bleeding? Are you there? Sweetie?!

It wasn’t long before she replied. But it still didn’t explain what happened.

Scarlet: Never mind, it stopped.

Pathum: What stopped?

Scarlet: The bleeding.

Oh god whose bleeding?

Pathum: Who was bleeding?

Scarlet: Abigail.

Holy hell, I hope she’s okay.

Pathum: Oh God! Did she try to harm herself again?

Oh, please God I hope I’m wrong.

Scarlet: Uhhhh…. no…. My mom slapped her across the face.

Pathum: Oh, my God! Why did she do that?!

Scarlet: Because Abigail finally sat down and confessed to Mom that it was her that had sent all those dirty pictures to Victor.