Scarlet’s POV

Grandma! What were you thinking?! I blushed with embarrassment before being startled by a message from Pathum.

Pathum: Hey, where’s your grandma?

Scarlet: She’s having her lunch.

Pathum: Good. Tell her she has a good sense of humour that’s much better than mine.

Scarlet: Okay, my dear boyfriend.

Pathum: OMG, are you teasing me again, Scarlet?

Scarlet: No…. Why would I do that?

Pathum: Because that’s what you do, Scarlet!

Scarlet: Again, no I’m not but I guess YOU are teasing me.

Pathum: Oh shut up, darling!

Scarlet: Darling?

Pathum: Oh come on, Scarlet.

Scarlet: Let’s stop hehe.

Pathum: Okay. Well what shall we discuss now?

Scarlet: We should talk about roses!

Pathum: What about roses?

Scarlet: What’s your opinion about them?

Pathum: Well, I don't hate or love roses.

Scarlet: So you’re neutral?

Pathum : Umm.. maybe I love roses but not obsessed. But guess what?

Scarlet: What?

Pathum: Either you love them or hate them because when you play a game of roses, you either pick a rose or throw it away. There’s no middle ground.

Scarlet: WOW!

Pathum: HEHEHE!

Scarlet: Let me guess, this has something to do with that book you’re reading?

Pathum: Yes. It has something to do with the character Cersei Lannister from the book I’m reading. I have a few more pages to read before I’m done with it.

Scarlet: I knew it.

Pathum: Of course you know. You’re my bestie.

Scarlet: That's right! It’s a bestie thing! *winks*

Pathum: Hehehe

Scarlet: But guess why I mentioned roses?

Pathum: No idea! Maybe because there are roses in your grandma's backyard?

Scarlet: It seems that we’re truly soulmates. You got it right.

Pathum: Yay! And we truly are sweetie.

Scarlet: Aww!

I proceeded to send him the pictures that I took. There were many colours: pink, red, and even indigo roses. I took separate pictures of each flower before taking a group picture of them.

Pathum: Wow! They’re so beautiful. Beautiful like…

Scarlet: Like ?...

Pathum: Scarlet’s and…

Scarlet: And?

Pathum: Pathum’s friendship!

Scarlet: That’s it?

I think his metaphor is quite good, but a much better interpretation will be his heart and those roses.

Pathum: Yeah.

Scarlet: Okay. But do you know what I think?

Pathum: No, not that I could read minds but I believe it has something to do with my heart and roses.

Scarlet: OH MY GOD. How the heck did you know that?

Pathum: Oh that’s simple.

Scarlet: Oh, no, no I can’t believe it. Please tell me you didn’t hack my mind.

Pathum: Hehe

Scarlet: Tell me how?

Pathum: It was simple, sweetie. I remember one day you spoke about hearts and roses. So I made a simple guess and fortunately it was true.

Scarlet: How could that be a coincidence?

Pathum: I guess that is something soulmates have, they’re bonded with each others’ heart and mind.

Scarlet: True! So how was the chapter? Have you written it?

Pathu: Speaking of that, I think I need to rewrite a few scenes. The ones I have seem like they’re rushed.

Scarlet: Oh okay. I get it, but I must say your writing is something to admire.

Pathum: Aww thank you, but my writing wouldn’t be any good if it weren’t for you. You really helped a lot. Thanks to you, I was able to publish the prologue and work on some other chapters.

Scarlet: I love to hear your story, I know you told me about it briefly but can you elaborate a lengthy explanation because I love to hear some stories from your end. But only if you aren’t busy, alright? And only if you want to do so.

Pathum: Well the only thing I’m expecting is to fall asleep which I’ll achieve anytime soon. But before I do, I’d like to explain my story to you.

Scarlet: Awesome! Are you sure you want to stay up until late at night?

Pathum: A hundred percent.

Scarlet: Okay. Well, begin master.

Pathum: Okay. So this all began way back in 2015, I don't remember the month or day but our school had an English day programme. It was just a few students and our English teacher. Nothing fancy or foreign, just some events and games. It was a wonderful day. So how it began was that our teacher gave us a simple task where she gave us a picture and told us to write about it. It was like a picture description, we need to write that there’s a forest and there’s a girl in a red dress blah blah I guess you got the point.

I don’t know how I began it but I described the forest and the girl while others were focused on a simple picture description. I focused on the girl and the forest behind her as a backstory for The Epic Journey. So I don’t know why I wrote it or how it happened, it just happened.

I never planned to do so, all I wanted to do was write something but I ended up in a much better story. And guess what? Our teacher was impressed by my effort and even gave me a present.

Scarlet: Wow! You never told me this part of your story.

Pathum: Well, I did it now. I hope you aren’t mad at me.

Scarlet: Are you crazy? Why would I be mad at you? It’s your choice and I’m glad to have heard it from you. I’m just so grateful, sweetie.

Pathum: Aww!

Scarlet: So I was just thinking about the title and the picture. You told me that there was a forest behind her.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

Pathum: Well, there were technically just a few trees, but I imagined it as a forest.

Scarlet: So that’s how you came up with the title. ‘The Hidden Forest’. Wow, you’re inspirational. I want to hear more about what happened afterwards and how you wrote your fantasy novel.

Pathum: You’re excited, aren’t you?

Scarlet: Yeah! Like I said it’s always a pleasure to listen to stories from your point of view. You know how to tell a story.

Pathum: Okay sweetie. I’ll tell the whole story.

Scarlet: Woo-hoo!

Pathum: You’re so innocent.

Scarlet: I can guarantee I’m not.

Pathum: Shut up. For me you’re an innocent soul. Don’t argue with me and don’t say bad things about yourself.

Scarlet: Only if you do the same.

Pathum: Okay, you got me. But no sweetie you’re innocent and that’s it. No more talk. Let’s talk about me some other day.

Scarlet: I’ll let it slip just for today but don’t expect me to appreciate myself when you’re not doing the same. But go ahead and tell me the story.

Pathum: All right. So it was 2015 when I planted the seed but it took 4 years until I started to write a novel. Yep even though I started that amazing concept in 2015, I didn’t know about Wattpad so I never started to write. Okay let me explain my journey on how I began writing. Maybe some other day I’ll continue explaining ‘The Hidden Forest’. The first step was in 2015 but the second step was in 2019 when I started my third novel on Wattpad.

It was just a simple story in which Richard and his sister were finding a cure for their sick mother. Yep it was such a simple story but it was influenced by a certain series. My story took a whole other path. It went from a simple concept of saving the characters’ mother to a world of twelve kingdoms.

Scarlet: Wow, that’s interesting!

Pathum: So can you guess what was the series that influenced my book?

Scarlet: I don’t know, tell me.

Pathum: A Song of Ice and Fire.

Scarlet: What’s that?

Pathum: It’s the book series the TV show Game of Thrones is based on. It was a huge influence for my novel.

Scarlet: Oh, okay.

Pathum: It seems it’s the first time you heard about this series. Gosh I can’t believe Louisiana is a state in America, among those skyscrapers and modern cities, there’s this country life. America is something.

Scarlet: I know sweetie. But we’re not interested in those types of TV shows and films.

Pathum: A Game of Thrones is an extravaganza.

Scarlet: I guess it’s your favourite series then.

Pathum: It’s not my favourite, but let’s change the subject; I have a surprise for you.

Scarlet: I’m guessing you want me to guess now?

Pathum: Yep. And you get a kiss if you get it right.

Scarlet: Get your lips ready. I already know the answer.

Pathum: I’m not going to kiss your lips. I’d just plant one on your forehead or cheek.

Scarlet: I know, Mr. Sherlock.

Pathum: I - HOW - omg how?

Scarlet: It’s just a bestie thing. I can’t reveal the secret.

Pathum: Come on, tell me.

Scarlet: If I told you, it wouldn’t be worth it. Let’s keep it a mystery shall we?

Pathum: Oh, come on, I can’t wait.

Scarlet: No. You have to learn to be patient.

Pathum: Scarlet come on.

Scarlet: Well, sweetie it wasn't that difficult. I remember you telling me how special Arthur Conan Doyle was, you explained how good his books were and also I remember somewhere you mentioned this TV show. So I knew Sherlock had to be your favourite character. It wasn’t that difficult because you wouldn’t keep your mouth shut.

Pathum: What? I’m the opposite when it comes to real life. I rarely open my mouth.

Scarlet: Me too!

After that, Google Hangouts showed he was still online but there was no response. I figured he must’ve fallen asleep.

How cute!

I was lost in my thoughts, remembering his face and how adorable he looked when he fell asleep. In his mind he’s the ugliest creature but to me, he’s far from that. I don’t know why he’s consumed with a ton of negativity.

I couldn't comprehend the reasons why he believes himself to be ugly. He needs someone to convince him to be happy with himself and smile. He doesn't know it but when I see his smile, I forget my problems.

I know it sounds stupid but his smile takes away my problems and he has no idea. But I won’t let him hurt himself any longer.

“What are you smiling about?” Grandma asked. I didn't even notice her approaching.

“Nothing,” I replied hesitantly.

Upon noticing my tone, she shifted the conversation to a more comfortable topic.

“I remember I was nineteen when I fell in love with your grandpa. He was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I remember those days in which I spent daydreaming about him, so I know what it’s like to be in your shoes.”

My eyebrow furrowed in confusion as I stared back at her.

What’s going on? Does she think I’m in love? What’s that got to do with my smile?

“I was in denial at the first stage but later on I accepted my fate and it couldn’t have been better.” Her smile widened.

My heart rate increased and it raced further at the sight of my mom and sister.

“What’s she talking about, Scarlet?” My mom demanded.

I avoided her gaze while Abigail smirked at me in amusement.

What the hell Abigail? What’s with your smirk?

“She’s denying that she has fallen in love,” Grandma said.

I opened my mouth to protest but there was a lump in my throat. I couldn't speak. I was murmuring. No words escaped my lips. I was stuck.

God! Please tell them they’re delusional. Pathum is my bestie, not my boyfriend.

“Oh.” that was my mom’s response, while her lips stayed neutral. Abigail was still smirking at me.

Ugh. Why is she smirking?

“She has to accept it someday,” she said to which I rolled my eyes.

“I’m not sure about her, but I bet Pathum is in love with her,” mom said, clearing her throat.

What? No, he isn’t. He’s my bestie, that's all. There’s nothing else. Why do they think like that? Ridiculous!

“You’re talking nonsense,” I replied, my tone filled with frustration.

“Oh are we?” Mom raised her brow and Abigail tapped my cheeks playfully.

I shrugged my shoulders the moment they came into contact with my skin. I wasn't trying to be rude but I’m not going to let them have some fun at my expense.

“He’s my bestie, there’s nothing other than that,” I replied.

My mom didn’t look convinced.

“Of course. We didn’t say there’s something other than that did we?”

I brushed her off.

“Whatever mom.”

I walked away out of the room and when I got outside, I was greeted with the sweet fragrance of roses in the backyard. I was mesmerised by the beautiful array of colours. They calmed my nerves and I couldn't resist taking some photos with my phone. Every new photo I took had a remarkable resemblance to the previous.

The lush green foliage that surrounded me calmed my nerves and the serene atmosphere was ideal for relaxation. Each flower is unique in its own way but they all complement one another in such a way that the garden appears to be a vivid canvas painted by God himself.

As I wandered deeper into the backyard mainly avoiding their chitchat I discovered the little pond tucked away in a quiet corner. With every step I took, the gratitude and appreciation increased in my heart. Even with her illness, she’s doing a marvellous job at maintaining her home.

The lotus flowers with their pale pink petals and green lily pads, floating lazily on the water is a sight to behold. The tranquillity of the garden adds to the serenity of the backyard and is the ideal spot for quiet contemplation. A calming atmosphere to calm the mind and discover the serenity of the mind.

Even though the backyard was nothing but the pond and a few roses, it’s still a feast for the senses. As I inhale the aroma of the flowers, I squeeze the negativity out of my mind.

I also made sure that I captured the beauty that folds with the noon light coming from the sun. My camera wasn’t top notch but it was still good. I’m fascinated both by the effort of Grandma to maintain this masterpiece of nature as well as the mesmerising roses.

Once we went home, I made my way to the bathroom and took a quick shower. It was quite early but I still had my shower. I wasn't feeling well, so I took some pills and rested on the sofa. Once Pathum woke up I made sure I delighted his mood with the wonderful experience I had in my grandma's backyard.

I guess I could add these pictures in my book as well. A new collection of flowers to add beauty and attract more readers. But I’ll do it some other day. As always, he commented on the flowers as well as my photography skills even though I don’t admire them much; he seems to admire the slightest detail.

We talked about the flowers in my grandma’s backyard. And he shared pictures in his home garden which I believe are much better than mine. There were lilies, anthurium, and some other unknown but beautiful flowers.

Meanwhile, he added these new photos for his album that he had created on Google Photos. He had named the album as ‘my bestie’ and it left a small note which says ‘I’ll always be your bestie and thank you so much for everything.’

He appreciates everything about our friendship. I admire him for that. He tells me to appreciate everything we have in our lives before it’s too late. He’s so wise and I’m proud to be his bestie. I never knew God had better plans for me, but it seems God always has a reason for whatever He does in our lives.

While Pathum got busy with his online class, I made my way to slumber. My slight migraine put me to sleep the moment I laid my head on my pillow. Part of me criticised myself for sleeping too early and leaving him alone, but the other part of me was supported by Pathum himself. He made sure I didn’t feel guilty for sleeping. He always supports me in whatever way he can.

When I woke up, I was greeted with many messages from him and also saw he had added a few new pictures to our bestie album on Google Photos.

Scarlet: OMG you left me so many messages sweetie. Good morning!

Pathum: Good morning bestie! How did you sleep?

Scarlet: I slept okay. What about you?

Pathum: I’m good. And it’s good to see you finally awake. Guess what? It’s New Year’s for us.

Scarlet: New Year’s?

Pathum: Yes, it's a new year for us Sri Lankans.

Scarlet: Umm.. Is this supposed to be a joke or are you serious?

Pathum: It hurts me that you think it's a joke.

Scarlet: Gosh sweetie. I’m sorry, don’t be offended.

Pathum: I know why you’re confused. You might be wondering how could there be a new year in the middle of the year right?

Scarlet: I’m sorry, no offence. But yeah I am.

Pathum: Give me a minute and I’ll explain everything.