Pathum’s POV

I hugged my mom as soon as she came into my room. Tears cascaded from her eyes while we were hugging. Even though my eyes weren't filled with tears, my heart was screaming in joy.

“So, show me your girlfriend. Be quick,” she said while caressing my hair.

I shook my head, partially annoyed and excited.

“To begin with everything, she’s not my girlfriend. Okay mom?”

My mom’s dark eyes lit up with excitement and she jumped up and down, grinning wildly.

“Aww, does that mean she’s already your wife? How exciting!”

I rolled my eyes at her overly-excited tone, but her joyful behavior made my day. I couldn’t resist grinning. It’s a delight to see her happy after what she endured.

I love you mom, and I’m so glad to be here with you.

Why not translate those thoughts into words?

Nah, I’m fine!

Don’t you want to make her even happier?

I’m a bit shy…

It’s my turn to roll my eyes Pathum.

“Mom, stop the joking, will you?”

“I’d tell you to do the same,” she said, her hands on her hips. Her smile widened with every word. I shook my head in denial.

“Okay, okay, let’s talk to Scarlet now.” she said.

Without hesitating I texted Scarlet and clicked on the video call icon. It rang and on the 3rd ring she answered. We stared at each other giggling and hiding our faces at the camera.

“Hello angel how are you?” Mom was the first to break the silence.

“I'm doing good mom, how are you?” she asked her, I was quite surprised at the way she spoke.

She was quite comfortable around my mom. It surprised me as well as excited me.

“I’m fine, angel,” she smiled at her. My heart bloomed with excitement as moms referring her as an angel.

“That’s good, mom.” she smiled back.

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”Where’s your Mom, Scarlet?” My mom managed to ask through broken English. Still, I think her English was quite good, even if she thinks it isn’t, I’d still say it’s excellent.

She understands it when it’s spoken and that’s all that matters.

“Oh! My mom’s in the kitchen,” Scarlet replied. And she made sure we saw her teeth when she smiled.

“So, now with quarantine over, what are you planning to do?” Scarlet asked her.

I translated what she said to mom so that she would understand. Once I explained, mom replied in Sinhala, so I had to translate that back to Scarlet.

“At the moment no specific plans but as days go maybe things shall change, as long as COViD is out of my body. So how are you? Are you going to school or are there online classes?” I said serving as Mr. Translate.

“No, there are no online classes for us.”

We talked about the weather and how to stay safe during the pandemic.

A little while later, my mom was going to leave the room to give us some privacy.

“Okay angel, I’m going now, bye! Be happy, darling!” She blew some kisses at Scarlet which she responded with a wide grin and a wave.

Once my mom was out of my room, we looked at each other and said nothing.

My mind was speaking thousands of thoughts but my mouth couldn't respond to them quite strongly. But still I kept smiling even though part of me was disgusted at the boy on the screen. I did look ugly. Not by a greater extent but still ugly is ugly.

Ugly!

“So are you going to keep that mouth of yours shut?” she asked me and I smiled in response. She smiled back.

“I’m sorry I kind of stutter, I have many things to say but I can't do it like I do it when it comes to texting,” I replied finally letting that sigh go.

“Don’t worry Pathum,” she said gently, and I grinned. I loved how she pronounced my name.

So, I teased her.

“I’m sorry. What was it?” I raised my brows.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“No not that.” I shook my head and she focused her gaze on me.

“What was that name again?”

She contemplated for a moment, looking puzzled but when she got it, she laughed wholeheartedly.

“Can you pronounce my name please?” I asked.

“Only if you would return the favour,” she smiled.

“Ugh, my voice is very bad for your ears.”

She pouted at me cutely.

“Please don’t say that Pathum. Your voice is my favourite,” she replied.

I can assure that those words melted my heart in a blink. Her accent and her innocence illuminated through her eyes were like nothing I imagined. I couldn't believe the person in front of me, I couldn't believe that someone as cute as her was talking to me. Since I need to return the favour I did it with a surprise.

“Scarlet!” I exclaimed, and she raised her brows at me. “Scarlet my sweet bestie, I love you!”

I cannot believe those words slipped out of my mouth. We both gasped at the courage I mustered up. How the heck did I manage to say that?

You’re not as weak as we thought you are, I’m impressed.

Shut the freak up Pathum. I told myself. Is this craziness itself?

“Oh my God he just said he loves you and gosh his accent. Are you on a video call, Scarlet?” a feminine voice said suddenly.