Pathum’s POV

Gosh a video call? Scarlet, why are you a pain in my butt? I simply typed it and sent it to her.

You shouldn’t have said that. She was only trying to do something good for you and you went on to hurt her feelings?

No no no.. I didn't really mean she is a pain, she is not a pain but a blessing in my butt, oops not butt but heart.

I made sure I shared that humour with her.

Scarlet: I’m a pain or blessing in the butt, huh?

Pathum: Scarlet, I was just trying to be funny..

Scarlet: Pardon me, my prince, your humour is underrated.

Pathum: Ahem… umm… it’s not even my bedtime but can I go to sleep? I’m yawning ah.

Scarlet: Oh you short bastard don't you think you can get away with it. Are you ready or not?

Pathum: Scarlet I thought you forgot it gosh not even my butt was able to get rid of this video call. Ugh. I am going to throw you to the moon. Do you know it?

Scarlet: Didn’t mom tell you to take precautions before lifting weights? You better watch your balls before lifting me. Because we don't want that sack of balls to fall from you just trying to lift me. I'm not very light. Heavy stuff boy! Heavy country stuff lilttle boy!

Pathum: OMG you did not just say that. I’m offended ma’am you better apologise.

Scarlet: I sure did and I don't care. So are you ready or not?

Pathum: Gosh not even the balls are able to distract you. Fine, I’m ready. I’m going to eat you. You better get ready.

Scarlet: Yikes, let’s go girl!

Pathum: Umm go girl go! Hurray!

I didn't wait until she made the call, I touched the video call icon and soon her phone began to ring along with my heart beat for a slight second I couldnt decipher the difference between the ring of the call and ring of my heart.

We spent the first few minutes giggling and as always I avoided the camera, which might look cute in her point of view but it is terrible in my point of view. But I guess that's why she is my bestie. The bestie I never had, the bestie that changes my life.

Even though with every second I mumbled and failed to convert my voice into words, she didn't look disturbed. I don’t know why I have this fear when it’s my time to talk. It is just that I have no control over my weak subconscious behaviours.

Why am I even shivering?

Because you are such a loser.

I know I’m not that much of a loser. Unlike you freaking thing.

You can’t even talk to her like a man. What do you even know about not being a loser?

There’s no greater misery than arguing with my mind. So I stopped even though it pounded me with his thoughts. I shifted my attention to the screen where my beautiful blonde angel was smiling back at me.

She looks like an angel. I thought dreamily. Now say it.

I can’t.

Loser!

Ignoring my thoughts, I gathered my courage and addressed her.

“Scarlet,” I said, my voice barely audible.

Hearing my soft voice, she looked at me confused.

“I have to say something important,” I stuttered, my voice becoming higher in pitch.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“Yes, what is it, Pathum?” She locked her interested gaze with mine.

I broke it looking away.

“Umm..”

“What is it, dear? Say it loud so that we could hear it as well.” Suddenly Scarlet’s mom occupied the screen, her eyes full of intrigue and eagerness.

Her excitable behaviour made us both giggle.

“She looks like an angel,” I said boldly.

“Who? Me or Scarlet?” Mom raised her brows at me.

I looked down, a blush coating my cheeks.

“Well umm.. I initially wanted to say it to her but well both of you look like an angel.”

“What about me? Am I not an angel?” Abigail chimed in, a pout on her face.

Scarlet and Abigail’s mother chuckled, her green eyes twinkling with amusement as she looked at a pouting Abigail and a snickering Scarlet before her gaze went back to me.

“Uh-oh, you’re in trouble, boy,” her mother said, snickering herself.

“Well, let me rephrase it then. All of you guys are angels including your dad but most importantly the cutest out of you all is Scarlet. I’m sorry for picking her, I don't mean she’s physically the cutest but she is both internally and externally the cutest girl I ever know. But that doesn’t mean that mom and Abigail aren’t cute. I’m just saying Scarlet is such a blessing to my life. I’m sorry if I sound stupid,” I said.

Instead of looking offended or angry, Scarlet’s mom smiled at me, and waved me off.

“Oh, you’re good son, kudos for mentioning her father, he would be happy to hear from you,” mom said.

“Tell him I said hi.”

“We will but I’m not sure whether he would respond because he’s not really a people person. I hope you get the point.”

I nodded.

“I get it mom.”

Scarlet’s mom then gasped suddenly as she looked at her watch.

“Okay I gotta go dear, remember what I said to you, never think about harming yourself. There are people who love you and they’ll be devastated if something bad happens to you. And don’t worry we will continue to pray for your mom‘s recovery until she comes home. We’ll have you both in our prayers. We love you, and she loves you. Remember that,” mom said pointing at Scarlet.

I offered Scarlet’s mom a small, loving smile, and waved at her politely.

“Thank you mom!”

“Don’t forget our advice, we need you to be alive and strong. Your mom would want the same. Be strong for her. Bye son, I’ll see you soon,” she said before she stood up and left the room.

Abigail stayed with Scarlet for a few more moments, occasionally making comments before she too got up and left, offering me a small but polite nod before she made her departure. This left me and Scarlet alone, and we kept staring at each other.

“You look so sleepy, Pathum,” she said, her accent was without a question is lovely and charming.

“I am, Scarlet,” I smiled.

“I’m sorry, but is it okay if I go to sleep now?”

“Ahem it is too early to go but it’s okay. Goodnight, Pathum.”

“Bye!” I wanted to say goodbye sweetie but was only able to sound bye.

“And remember what we said, don't ever leave us or leave me.”

“Don’t worry I won’t leave you,” I said, trying to sound as convincing as I could.

Even if my subconscious want me to give up I cannot. How could I when my family’s happiness is dependent upon my existence and my family has new members other than mom, grandma and dad. Its without a shadow of a doubt Scarlet and her family.

I fell into slumber and it was eight hours later when I woke up. The first thing that came to my mind was the tea. If my mom was here, she would have woken me a bit earlier and already readied my tea. But mom’s absence seemed to hunt me.

If I had said yes instead of refusing she would be here with you.

I am so sorry mom. The guilt was eating me from the inside out.

I washed my face and mouth despite the water being so cold. Fifteen minutes later grandma came into my bedroom with the morning tea. I drank it and focused on my studies even though I couldn't keep up with it. There was no news about my mom but I am hoping for some good news anytime soon.

The next week was spent doing our usual routine; I studied every day and talked to Scarlet. I also spent time with my grandmother. We didn’t get any updates about my mom other than the fact that she’s still sick.

A few days later, my mom’s older sister, came into my room.

“We got a call from the neighbour,” she said.

“Oh will mom come home soon?” I asked to which she began to scratch her head and let go a sigh.

“About that.. I am not quite sure.”

“Why? Is mom okay?” I asked, starting to panic.

She shook her head and watched me panic for a few minutes. However, when she couldn’t take it anymore, she stopped me. She levelled me with a calm expression and held up her hands.

“Let’s forget it, she will come home if she recovers.”

What the actual freak, why is she talking about mom this way?

Rude like they always are. I ain't going to cry now. Hold it there boy.

“Will my mom come home or is she doing okay?” I said sternly while my voice didn't show any sign of nervousness. Both my hands and legs were the opposite; they were vigorously shaking. If I was standing I am sure my legs would fail me.