Pathum’s POV
It was me and my blank mind. Well, actually, that’s a lie. When was the last time I had nothing to think about?
Never.
I shivered, covering my bare legs with my bedsheets. It’s freezing, and I can’t go to school. However, it’s been a week since the last time I’ve attended classes, so I’ll have to go today. But how can I get out of this nice, warm bed when I feel like my limbs will succumb to frostbite if I leave?
My mom came into the room, tapping me on the shoulder. At the slight touch, I groaned in displeasure before opening my eyes. She was looking at me pointedly. So that meant I had to get up.
She then left the room, so I stayed in bed where I was until she returned. She was carrying a cup of warm tea and a plate of some biscuits. Reluctantly, I sat up and took the teacup from her to drink the tea and ate a few of the biscuits.
Soon, I finished the tea, so I laid back down again and covered myself with the blankets. I was so tired, about to fall back asleep when she yelled at me.
“Pathum, get up or you’ll be late for school!”
Grumbling to myself, I finally got up, not even bothering to check my phone. It didn’t matter. No one would text me anyway. I then went to bathe and finished getting ready before telling my mom and grandma goodbye and going on my way.
There had been a time where I liked school and friends, but I recently joined a new school to achieve my A/Level, and I can’t stand the students. Well, I don’t actually hate everyone, but it’s difficult for me to be around any of them. It wasn’t like how I had spent my O/Level.
Back in those days, I had friends that I loved being with, but now I’m at a different school, I don’t like all the new people. In order to be their friend I had to adapt into their culture and I wasn't going to do that, and thus a debacle began. In simple terms I was suffocating.
As I made my way through the school to my classroom, I was greeted with mocking remarks. I pretended not to hear them as I rolled my eyes. This is exactly what I was expecting from them since I stayed home for a week.
But suddenly of them saw me and came to me, an arrogant smirk on his face.
“Wow, long time, no see. What brings you here?”
Another boy walked up, a smirk also on his face. When he spoke, his tone was cruel.
“Why, good morning Mr. Pathum, you’re here. Wow, what a wonder.”
A few more voices and the morning prayers followed.
“Oh, Pathum, we missed you man. I wondered why it looked like it was going to rain today.”
Other comments followed which I didn’t pay much attention to. My classmates were laughing at me as if I’m a comedian. That’s why I hate being with those guys. It makes me wish I had my childhood friends with me instead. Actually I’m overreacting, I don’t need to hate anyone. Just let them have their fun and let me focus on my studies.
But by the end of the day, they’re left with frivolity and I’ll have a good job.
However, I’m guessing you wondered why I stayed home for a week?
Well, it wasn’t because it was cold or because of laziness. It was all because of these people in this school who called themselves my friends. I didn’t want to see them, but I had to spend the next few hours with them, doing nothing but letting them mock me before coming back tomorrow and repeating the cycle.
I just smiled politely before looking away because what else am I supposed to do?
I have my big exam at the end of this month so I’ll have to study, or I won’t succeed. My studies are a bit tough. Or maybe I’m not giving them my all or I have a low IQ. Although, I doubt that last one anyway.
The first period was Physics and the teacher did express some amusement at my presence. All I could do was reluctantly nod, then came Biology and next, interval. I didn't get the chance to talk with anyone. But no one wanted to talk to me except for making mocking remarks.
And like always I didn't get the chance to eat as well. Why didn’t I, you ask?
Because we bring a single rice packet to unpack and place in the middle of the lunch table. When the food gets emptied, someone else puts the packet into their lunchbox.
I grimace in disgust; I don’t touch it with my hands while being surrounded by people. I’ve never liked it. Maybe because I’m socially awkward or maybe that’s the truth. But I can't eat alone. I’d be the number one bullying victim if I chose to do that.
So I ate with them, making sure I only touched the part of the packet that was untouched. I couldn't eat more even if I was greedy. Every time I bring my hand close to my mouth, I remember someone’s saliva must have been in that.
I just want to stay away from these people.
I’m sorry I don't think my classmates are bad, I just think I don't fit in with their culture. In order to be friends with the guys, you have to adapt to them. Which for me, would never happen. It’s like every time you go to the washroom, you aren’t allowed to wash your hands. How can I break free from something I did for decades and get accustomed to something else?
Well, it’s not that difficult, eventually with time I would get adapted to that culture but God I never want to be like my friends. They’re boys who walk the wrong path in life. I’m not claiming to be perfect either but I’m not like them.
Regarding my friends, I think they’re not that bad. How many times am I going to mention that? Mind, you must let me be free. Despite the fact that they occasionally make me the center of their jokes, they leave me alone for the majority of the time.
After lunch, it was time for Chemistry and fortunately, the Chemistry teacher didn’t mock me. However, he did make some jokes which we all thought were funny, including me. The only difference was I wasn’t the victim.
Soon, it was five minutes before the final school bell, and a student from another class ran into the room. Everyone’s eyes turned to him just as he opened his mouth to scream, “WE WON’T BE HAVING EXAMS BECAUSE THE SCHOOL WILL BE ON HOLIDAY!”
I smiled in excitement. There was no sweeter thing for me than hearing that I won’t need to come to school for another month and to hear the term tests are postponed. I heard the reason for this sudden decision is because we’re having a thing called lockdown. I have no idea what that is but I love it already.
“Hey Pathum, you shouldn't have come today,” my classmate who was behind me said with a smirk.
I glared at him, my dark eyes narrowed, all the while my thoughts spewing insults.
Thanks, bitch. Excuse my language, but that loser must mind his own business.
Then I heard someone else say something about a coronavirus spreading in China and other countries. And we already have a case. Oh, so that’s why we were given this sudden holiday.
Thank God I can stay home now. I thought as the bell rang.
Everyone was leaving while talking about this coronavirus, but there was one big guy standing in front of us. I frowned when I heard what came out of his mouth.
“Hey guys, don’t watch Chinese content, or you’ll get corona.”
The entire class erupted into laughter that swept through the classroom. But I didn’t laugh. Because for God’s sake that’s not funny. It’s very offensive.
Then a guy said to me, “Hey, Pathum, you don’t have to be worried about watching content.”
I heard him, but I didn’t reply to the boy because there’s no point arguing with these people. They’re too stupid and immature to be reasoned with. That was a fact I had learned a long time ago.
Another boy cleared his throat, a mocking smile on his face. When he spoke, it was in a loud but snide voice.
“Pathum doesn’t watch it because he’s gay, and therefore, incapable of enjoying the content.”
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
I rolled my eyes at that comment. I don't watch it because I don't want to. If I did, I’d be a loser like them. And just because I don’t watch such content doesn’t make me gay. But even if I am, so what? I’m not going to be watching that crap like they do.
I stand by what I am, so that’s enough of that.
Unfortunately I can only argue within my mind, so I became numb when it came to speaking with friends. I hated that feeling when I wanted to say things, but I couldn't deliver them properly. I just stutter, and I hate myself for it.
But why would I want to hurt myself over what some intolerant shitty people do?
It was so loud from everyone’s cheering about the holiday and postponed exams, I had to cover my ears. But I am cheering deep inside me. I just didn't make a fool of myself in front of my classmates. The final bell rang and everyone sang the anthem as we were walking to the bus halt.
I wasn't alone. There were two other boys so it was triplets where two guys were mean to each other and the remaining one was a boring little dwarf.
They were towering over me, and I wished I was average height so that I wouldn't look like a dwarf, but wishes never come true.
Okay so then why would I think? Because I’m tired of looking up at them. I was a foot shorter than them and if I was another foot shorter then I’d be a definite dwarf. Another thing I hated was coming into contact with their armpits. Since my body was only to their shoulder level, it was a problem. We were travelling on the bus, and collisions happen when it’s crowded.
Imagine that disgusting sweat getting in contact with your hands or lips. I mean an accident could happen and what if such a thing happened or I unintentionally lick my hand after coming into contact with dirt? I became numb just contemplating those thoughts.
I didn't pay attention to what they were saying because I was waiting until a bus arrived so that I could go home. And most importantly get rid of people I don't like. Even though I was determined not to pay attention to them, my mind did the opposite of what should have been done.
They were talking about people and their lifestyles when I glanced at them. I was contemplating on what I should say to join their conversation. Eventually I sneaked into their conversation. For a moment I thought I could try to tell some jokes. We cracked and it went well until my former best friend decided to say something.
“So, you know he doesn't have to bother about data. He has a whole Wi-Fi network and he’s super rich. So, he can buy any game he wants, right Kamal?” I asked staring at him.
His smile widened as he started to nod his head. But it wasn't because he agreed with me.
“Not really Pathum.”
I felt like someone just stripped my clothes off in the middle of the road as Kamal and the other boy cracked up and shared a high five. I was there surrounded by people and laughter. To add more salt to my wound, Kamal glanced at me.
“Oh, man, you roasted him, Kamal!” The other guy covered his mouth, unable to control his laughter.
That was a mistake, I shouldn’t have joined them. I don't belong here. I never have. Shit that was so embarrassing.
I remained silent the whole time that we were on the bus. Everyone was stacked on top of each other. I couldn’t find a seat. The putrid scent of body odour filled my nostrils and I recoiled. It’s unpleasant coming into contact with another person’s sweat and then dealing with their fury when you trample on their clothes. Thankfully, it only took an hour to get home. But an hour with sweat and contact means an hour of hell.
I wish I could teleport.
After I entered my house, I sat down at my bedside table and wrote a post about my school’s lockdown and the holiday. I had initially told my Wattpad followers I was taking a break due to the exam, but since there’s not one, I can get back to it.
I have no idea when the lockdown will be over but it’ll mean no school for a while. After I finished my announcement, I went to bathe before settling down to watch some anime.
Hours later, when I looked at my phone next, I saw a notification from someone I recently followed that said, “Thank you for the follow.”
I clicked onto Wattpad, and saw the person who posted on my message board. It’s a beautiful blonde-haired girl. I furrowed my eyebrow. It was strange for someone like her to text me. But what got my attention was the two heart emojis she sent me.
So, I responded back with, a “You’re welcome!” and made sure there were three hearts. After that, I put my phone aside before getting up to have dinner. But after a while, the device beeped with another notification.
This time, she posted a message with four hearts! It was interesting, but I didn’t want to respond back with five. I thought about talking to her. She seems nice.
But what should I talk to her about? The weather, or about where she lives? Ugh, I don’t know.
I spent five minutes thinking about questions I could ask her and that’s when I got the idea for a read for read. So, I typed in the Conversations tab, “Would you do a read for read?”
She replied back with; “Sure! Which book of yours should I read?”
“Well, I have one book…” I told her.
I felt bad at the way I talked, but I didn't mean to offend her. I felt I should’ve said it in a better way. However, it isn't the first time I regretted saying something.
Then I looked at her profile, and saw that she had published a few books. I browsed through them before choosing the book, “Unexpected Love”.
It seemed like interesting, so I opened it to the first chapter and began reading. As I read, I noticed there were some punctuation errors, but as far as my knowledge goes, her story seemed intriguing.
I voted after finishing the chapter and was about to add another comment on her Message Board. But before I could, I received a message in my Inbox. I went over to look at it and smiled. It was from her! I was over the moon because I wanted to talk to her but she did me a favour by messaging me first.
Scarlet: “I read your prologue. It’s amazing, hunny.”
Pathum: “OMG you texted me, and thank you. I read yours too. It’s such a beautiful story.”
It was as beautiful as her, but there’s no way I’m going to type that. She would probably get the wrong idea. But I don't know if I should add the term honey, but what does it mean? I Googled it and it was about something with sugar, then I noticed there is a ‘u‘ instead of an ‘o‘. Why can’t I solve the issue by asking her what it means? That wasn’t like me anyway.
Then, I got another message from her.
Scarlet: “Thank you for voting!”
Pathum: “You’re welcome!”
Scarlet: “Oh, sweetie that was a nice comment. Thanks a lot. All you asked for was a read for read. This is so much more.”
Pathum: “You're welcome. I usually comment on books I read and your book got my attention since the first chapter. I'm looking forward to reading more and leaving comments.”
Scarlet: “That’s great, hunny, thank you indeed.”
Pathum: “You’re welcome. I’m pleased to have helped you. Where are you from?”
Scarlet: “I’m from Louisiana. What about you?”
Pathum: “I’m from Sri Lanka.”
Scarlet: “Sri Lanka?”
Pathum: “Yeah!”
Scarlet: “Oh! Sp, you’re close to India, right?”
Pathum: “We’re a separate nationality but we do look like people from Southern India.
Scarlet: “Oh, okay. That’s fascinating. So what are you up to?”
Pathum: “Oh, nothing. Just talking to you.”
Scarlet: “Aww, that’s so sweet!”
Pathum: “Oh, haha!”
Scarlet: “What’s with your haha?”
Pathum: “I’m sorry if I offended you!”
Scarlet: “Oh, sweetie, you don’t need to apologize. I was just smiling at your response.”
Pathum: “Aww, ok!”
Scarlet: “So I think we should introduce ourselves. What do you think?”
Pathum: “I think that’s a good idea. Who should go first?”
Scarlet: “Me!”
Pathum: “Okay.”
Scarlet: “I’m Scarlet Baker, I’m 16, and I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana. I graduate from high school next year. I have one older sister and we live in the countryside.”
Pathum: “Nice to meet you, Scarlet. I’m Pathum Nisansala, and like I said, I’m from Sri Lanka. I’m doing advanced level studying for Biological Science. I’m eighteen and in my final years of school.”
Scarlet: “Wow! Nice.”
Pathum: “Yeah…”
Scarlet: “Okay. Moving on, do you love writing?”
Pathum: “Yes. How did you know that?”
Scarlet: “I’m a witch!”
Pathum: “That makes sense.”
After that last comment, I didn’t get a response from her, so I don’t know whether I annoyed her or not. I hope I hadn’t; it was nice talking to her. She was so sweet. No girl has ever been like that to me.
Oh, well, I guess I should’ve changed the subject by asking questions about her interests. But now she’s gone so I’ll have to wait until she returns.
I look out the window and see that it’s dark, it’s almost midnight. I yawn, suddenly feeling fatigue hit me. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to stay awake.
I then checked out her profile and saw that she had a book on face reveals. I opened it up and there she was; a beautiful soul. I don’t know why but for some reason she looks innocent. I mean how can I not tell she isn’t when she talked to me?
No girl has ever been interested to ask me about anything. But she was keen to have a conversation with me. And she said some sweet things, which is something no other girl ever has done. I knew she wasn't flirting because she doesn’t look like that type of girl. But whatever she is, she’s beautiful.
Well, there’s hundreds of girls who have fallen in love with me, but I’m not talking about them.
I get a smile on my face at my thoughts. Isn’t it funny when you crack up at your own jokes, or is it sad? Oh well, it doesn't matter anyway.
I put my phone down and get into bed.
For the first time in a while, I’m in a good mood before I fall asleep. The reason behind my happiness is the realization of bringing in a friend to my life. I hope she’ll stay longer than most did.
And hopefully, one day, after we’ve known each other for a while, we’ll meet in person….. gosh, I shouldn't go THAT far. She might not remember me by morning…….