Pathum’s POV

After saying goodbye to Scarlet, I opened my Pocketbook app, where all my book PDFs are stored, ready to be read. It’s free, and it delivers the best. Where do I get these PDFs, you ask? Well, from the Internet or Google. All you must do is type in the title and mention a free PDF then you’ll get one if you’re lucky.

I don’t think it’s illegal, even though most authors wouldn't be happy to know people read their books for free. I might not if it were me, but still I’d let readers read my books for free if they couldn’t afford it. I’d make it available to those in need. But still, I’d appreciate fans who would pay for my well-being.

It was still too early for me to go to sleep, so I chose to read the novel that I had been reading for the past week, Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. I think the level of English in this book is higher than mine. Of course, it’s better than my level. Not only do I struggle to pronounce the words on the screen, but I also find it challenging to grasp the dictionary's meaning. That shows I’m not on the level of Martin and will have to work hard to be in their position.

Work hard, and one day you’ll be like Martin or Tolkien. It’s not a crime to dream of a better life.

I started reading from the bookmark I left. The fantastic thing about this app is we can keep bookmarks, and it shows the date and time we put the mark. So, it’s unique. Finally, seeing the dates is like a journey, and observing the progress is charming.

Sleepiness was taking control over me by the time I was on page 10. I don't know how, but suddenly, I was feeling so sleepy, so I stopped reading and closed the app, making sure to set the bookmark. I visited Google Hangouts and briefly noted the summary of the book I had read to her. I don't have anyone else to talk to about books or anything.

The only friend I have is Scarlet. She's my everything; of course, that’s why she’s my bestie. I mean, of course, she isn’t my only contact, but reasonably, she’s the only contact number that I feel safe. The only contact I need or miss. It’s strange, but she’s the only one I have besides Mom, and I’m glad she’s the one.

Quite literally and truthfully, I don't have her number, but what I mean is that she’s the only person I chat with 24/7 and the only one I feel like talking to.

She’s the only person other than Mom that has made me feel at peace.

However, I guess she won't come back anytime soon since she’s at church, and it’ll be evening when she comes home and morning for me. Hanging on to the last piece of consciousness, I texted her one final goodnight before I fell asleep.

I woke up a few hours later but only unlocked my phone because I fell into slumber again before waking up again to my mother’s insistent shaking. It was almost eight-- time for our morning cup of tea. I had managed to sleep for over eight hours, which also meant I had lost some time with Scarlet.

Soon after going outside, I washed my mouth and face and drank a few sips of water, which gulped down my esophagus like burning acid. After that, I ate biscuits with tea.

Opening the app, I got tons of messages from her, which I read with enthusiasm.

Scarlet: Oh, you brat. You were supposed to be up by seven, but you slept until almost eight. How dare you?!

Aww, she’s cute; I can't believe someone as cute as she is talking to me.

Pathum: Oh, it sounds like I’m in trouble; my apologies, ma’am.

Scarlet: Hehehe

Pathum: What may I do to please you, my dear Ma’am?

Scarlet: You need to do ten squats now.

Pathum: To do what? Improve the look of my butt? Oh, it sounds like you want to have a glance at that stunning butt of mine.

Scarlet: Shut up, brat!

Pathum: hehehehehe

Scarlet: Did you have a nice sleep, sweetie?

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Pathum: Yes, I slept for a long time, and now, I guess it's your turn.

Scarlet: Hey, I’m not going to sleep anytime soon. I want to stay up with you and enjoy this night. I hope Victor doesn’t try to evade the police.

Pathum: Yeah, me too. I hope they take the necessary steps to punish him.

Scarlet: I agree with that, but let's forget about him. We don't need to stress anymore.

Pathum: Of course, let’s kick him out. But I want to know what’ll happen to the pictures. Will they be deleted, or is Abigail still in trouble?

Scarlet: They’re thoroughly investigating and making sure those pictures are out of existence. We’re hopeful they’ll succeed.

Pathum: That’s good to know. Anyway, let’s forget about this and enjoy our time together. I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and I bet you feel the same.

Scarlet: Yes, I do feel the same way, sweetie.

Pathum: Good. So, anyway, about the book I’m currently reading on my phone, do you want to know about it, or should we talk about something else?

Scarlet: No, no, that’s perfectly fine. I want to hear about the story you read because it’s a delight to listen to stories told from your perspective.

Pathum: Aww, thank you so much. I’m flattered, Scarlet.

Scarlet: Are you?

Pathum: Yes, I am. I didn’t read much of the book yesterday; it was only about ten pages.

Scarlet: It’s all right. I’d love to hear about them anyway. The book you’re reading sounds very interesting.

So, I explained to her what my memory could trace: everything about the kind and humble Stark family and the selfish and cruel Lannister family.

When I was done, Scarlet sent me another message.

Scarlet: So, that’s it? I want to hear more.

Pathum: Yeah, that’s about it. Hehe.. You’re so cute.

Scarlet: No, I’m not, you are.

I’m not anything but boring. I thought, shaking my head at her.

Thinking to myself, I smiled at her responses. She always made sure to defend me no matter what I said to her. Shouldn't I be grateful to have a bestie like her? I should thank God or nature for giving me this innocent angel. Sometimes I feel like it’s just a dream.

We talked for a few minutes before she fell into slumber. She must’ve had a tough day with church and the police. It must’ve exhausted her. So, I wasn’t mad at her; why should I be angry on earth, right? She's, after all, my best friend or, more correctly, my only friend, if truth be told.

In the evening, before our nightly cup of tea and after my bath, Mom and I engaged in a chit-chat. I told her the news that Scarlet and her family were free from everything. When I finished updating my mom on the situation, she gave me a genuine smile that lit up her whole face. She was so excited that Scarlet and her family were free from Victor and his horrible behavior—I mean, we both were.

This had been a long time coming.

“I’m glad she’s free now. But how’s she been doing lately?” she asked, stirring my tea.

“Mmm… good,” I replied. It was short, but still, I consider it a response; to my amusement, she didn't see it as effective.

I’m not blaming Mom; I’m blaming myself for being so boring. Why couldn't I have given her a better response? I’m such a loser.

Was it too much? Am I so hard on myself? Should I allow myself to speak freely? Should I talk to people more often? I have no idea, but it remains a mystery. Not at all, but yeah.

After I finished my tea, I waited for Scarlet to wake up. She slept more than eight hours, which I’m glad for, but the selfish part of me wanted her to be awake and tortured by my presence. Well, she wouldn't admit it, but isn't it torture when you must listen to someone like me?

Words can hurt, too, so don't hurt yourself, spread kindness, and don't seek the outside world for it to start within you.

Oh really? Thank you, Pat.

Is that my new nickname? I said to the voice inside my head.

It replied with,

Possibly, but don’t you think it’s better than being called a loser?

“Yes, sir!” I replied.

The rest of the day was spent on my biology notes. I know I shouldn't solely focus on one subject, but I just made the same mistake. Maybe that’s why my grades aren’t great. My biology notes have lovely letters, but I must memorise them.

It's like someone poured a liquid into my left ear, which eventually fell into the right ear after a few minutes. I absorbed everything like a sponge. But when it comes to revising, I’m like a stuttering fool who cannot decipher the information stored in the circuit.

A few hours later, my bestie woke up as usual, and I ensured she was greeted with delightful morning prayers.

Scarlet: Guess what?

Pathum: What is it, sweetie?

Scarlet: I have a surprise for you!

Pathum: OMG! Really? What is it?

Scarlet: You must wait since I’m still preparing it.

Pathum: What’s this surprise? Can you give me a hint?

You deserve shit, you freaking loser.

Shut up. I deserve the world. Am I flattering myself? Whatever loser.

Scarlet: A gift to show my appreciation for your presence.