Scarlet’s POV

I look away from my phone, bewilderment coming across my face.

Wow, this guy is from Sri Lanka, a country in the Indian Ocean.

I shook my head, amused. My Geography knowledge is off the charts. I should do some research to expand my comprehension of this country since I have a friend from that side of the world.

So, I used my phone to put up Google search Sri Lanka, and I found some maps that showcased a teardrop-shaped country off the coast of India. I guess that’s why they’re known as the “Pearl” of the Indian Ocean. I scrolled through the pictures and saw what it looked like over there.

It’s such a beautiful country. I thought, mesmerized by the lush greenery of the Sri Lankan landscape.

It was also nice of him to leave such detailed comments in my book. I’ve never had anyone comment on it in such a fascinating way. I could read his comments many times and never get bored. He’s either good at commenting or maybe my book is good. I should say something nice about myself, but where’s the point in it?

If I’m only to blame myself then it’ll always be a blaming game. Maybe I’m good at writing, but I shouldn't be flattered by a single comment. However, at the end of the day, that comment makes more sense than disregarding my achievements.

Pathum seems like a nice guy, but I shouldn't jump into conclusions. I just met him and it hasn't been a long conversation. But I can assume that out of the many I had met online he has a special place in my heart. So I can assume that he’s a good guy. He behaves better than most guys I meet.

I then got up to do my chores before logging into Wattpad, and there he was. I got hearts in my eyes at the sight of him; he’s so cute. He also has more followers than me. I wish I had that many.

Maybe one day I’ll get there. I wonder what it's like? Something good I believe. Does that mean he’s surrounded by many friends? I don’t know that, maybe he is or maybe he isn’t. But that don't matter at all, what matters is staying true to yourself.

Soon, Mom, Abigail, and I then sat down for lunch, and Abigail turned to me.

“Hey, did you dream about him last night?” she asked, shaking my hand.

Unfortunately I was so lost in my daydreaming, I didn’t feel it until she shook me strongly. I looked at her wide-eyed and confused.

I have a sister who’s very concerned about my happiness, but tries her best to take it away. Maybe she’d like to know the reason behind my happiness, but I cannot say it. Who knows whether he dislikes me or not? He was initially sweet but that doesn't mean he likes me. Well that was too much to think about but it is what it is. I just met him, so I know nothing of him yet.

Snapping out of my thoughts, my green eyes met Abigail’s. I saw concern or rather jealousy there. I furrowed my brow at her, trying to figure out what she was thinking.

Abigail is always worried about me when I’m in a good mood but never when I’m in a bad one. Does every sibling act like this, or is it that my sister’s different? I hope this is normal behavior fpr siblings because I wouldn’t be able to handle the bitter truth of my sister disliking me.

I know for a fact she isn’t a bad person but she acts mean whenever someone pays attention to me. Can I not have a life?

Anyway, I decided to distract them.

“I’m happy to be alive, sister! We shouldn't take this for granted. God has given us a chance to be alive and we must cherish that rather than wasting our time arguing over useless things.” Plastering a smile on my face, I tried to divert the conversation before Mom interrupted us to make sure we were talking about the family, not just me.

“She’s right Abigail. Have you not seen the news? The coronavirus has been spreading all over Europe and has been freaking people out. Of course, there have been so many deaths in China.”

“What?” Abigail and I asked at the same time.

Mom rolled her eyes at our confused reactions before repeating herself.

“The coronavirus is the reason for the lockdown. Everyone’s talking about it. It’s been killing people and spreading fast so we have to be careful.” As she talked, we saw the concern that was etched across her face.

I stood up, determination crossing my features.

“We don’t have to worry about this virus, Mom. God will protect us,” I said. I believed that with all my heart.

“True!” Abigail agreed, smiling at me.

Mom smiled, hearing us agree on something for the first time in a while.

“Correct. If we do as our healthcare providers tell us to do, we’ll all be well.”

We both nodded, knowing that’s true. If we listen to people who know how to take care of the virus and have faith in God. Everything shall fall under His grace.

Abigail then shook her head before directing Mom’s attention to me, her eyes on me.

“Mom, there's something wrong with Scarlet. She’s too happy,” she said, trying to get back into the conversation she initially began.

Mom’s expression fell before she snickered.

“John wasn't at church last night. How could you be happy this morning?” she asked.

“Why does John have to be the only reason for my happiness? Why can’t it be someone else?” I asked, blushing.

Mom looked around, trying to act like there’s someone hiding in the room, eavesdropping on our conversation. She then looked at me, her amused gaze focused.

“If it’s not John, then who is it then?” She lowered her voice.

I giggled, trying not to laugh at her silly behavior.

“Oh, stop it mom.”

“Tell us Scarlet!” Abigail said and mom repeated what she said and so I did. I couldn't just keep the happiness to myself.

“Well, I met this boy last night,” I said.

The moment those words escaped my lips, mom had a frown on her face while my sister was jumping up and down, excited.

“Show us.” Abigail grabbed my hand eagerly. I gave her a confused look. I never saw this side of my sister.

Is she trying to mock me or snatch him away?

So I reluctantly told them about the conversation I had with Pathum last night and exchanged the information we know about the country he lived in.

But soon, my stomach growled for more food even though it had been a few hours since I ate. Apart from having a shower and bathing Mazie I didn't have much to do today.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Once I was alone, my thoughts drifted back to Pathum. I explored more information about the country and saw some images of it and his people.

Pathum was right. They do look like Indians but they aren’t. So why should I bother thinking?

I looked at the info and it’s wonderful to have the chance to be able to talk to someone from that far. He might be miles away but it felt like he was here with me. He’s one good-looking cutie. Oh I shouldn’t think too much about him.

Soon, we heard more news about the coronavirus. Like Mom told us, it was rapidly spreading throughout Europe, causing the death toll and the rate of hospitalizations to rise. All that the media has to show is the careless behavior of people and the suffering of victims. But I wasn’t frightened. I truly believe He will protect us.

If only people had faith and behaved properly, then maybe then God would’ve protected them. I felt bad for thinking such thoughts but people never listen to the good things until we can’t reverse the deeds. But when it’s too late there will only be regrets rather than lessons.

Soon, my dad and I were sitting in the living room, waiting for my mom to call us to sit down for dinner, and Abigail was in her bedroom. I was just sitting on the couch, daydreaming about Pathum until my father cleared his throat.

“Scarlet?” he asked, looking at me through his spectacles curiously.

“Yes?”

“What are you daydreaming about?”

“I’m just excited because it’s almost nighttime,” I remarked, a slight grin on my face.

He rolled his eyes and stretched out on the sofa. I wanted to tell him about Pathum but yet I was a bit nervous.

“Well, it’s that’s because it’s the only time I can talk to my new friend.”

“Mmm.” Was his only response.

“Dad!” I exclaimed, raising both my hands.

“Well, is this new guy your most recent crush?” he asked.

I blushed due to his sudden questioning. My emotions were etched on my face proving indeed what he said was true. But this boy is only a friend, nothing more than that. I believe that’s the truth. God knows above everyone that Pathum’s only a friend. He might have impressed me with his handsome appearance but nothing more than a friend. Scarlet is not in love with anyone. I sternly believe that.

“Dad, it’s not like that,” I said trying to hold my poker face.

He pretended like he believed me, looking away.

“Okay…. If you say so.”

I pouted at him childishly.

“Dad, don’t do this.”

My dad settled back into his seat, looking at me intently. And when he spoke, it was in a tone like he was discussing the weather.

“I ain’t doing nothing, sweetheart.”

I cocked my head curiously.

“Really?”

He nodded, a cheeky smile now on his face.

“I’m just happy someone is genuinely interested in your character more than your butt,” he replied.

“Oh, my— please don’t ever say something like that again,” I said, blushing and covering my face with my hands before emitting a shrill scream.

“What? Are you still in denial that you got a big butt?” He looked at me, adjusting his spectacles.

Still embarrassed, I ignored his comment and looked away.

My mom then came into the room and sat down on the couch next to my dad. She had an amused look on her face. That meant she heard the entire conversation.

“Stop giving her hope Steve. She doesn't have a big butt,” she said.

“Yes, she does. You’re just jealous of her,” Dad replied.

“No, I’m not,” mom said as she stood in front of my dad like a statue.

“Yes, you are,” dad argued back.

Mom refused to give up but in the meantime, I was wondering why mom always says something bad about me? Why can't she be funny? So what if I do believe that I have a big butt? I can't deny what I see in front of my mirror. NOT to mention how many guys have gotten into trouble for just peeking at my buns.

Oh what am I SAYING?!

Mom then saw me smiling in a random direction and gave me a weird look.

“WHAT ARE YOU SMILING AT?!” she asked.

Shaking out of my thoughts, I looked at her, a neutral expression on my face.

“Nothing.”

A few moments later, Abigail came into the room, and settled on the couch beside Mom. She was smirking as she always did, and cocked her eyebrow in our direction. It seems like she heard what we were talking about, but was pretending to ignore it so she could ask and get it explained to her.

“What’cha talkin’ about?”

Dad was quick to respond.

“About Scarlet’s big butt!”

The volume of his voice made Abigail and I start laughing, but hers was more mocking as she smirked at me.

“She doesn’t have a big butt.”

My mom and sister never agreed with my dad and I. They often say I have nothing. That I’m a simple lass who looks overweight. Whenever I see myself in the mirror, I feel like they’re right.

On the other hand, my sister looks like a Barbie. It's so unfair. But we can't argue about it.

God has created us for a reason and bestowed upon us our roles. We must take part in the drama of life and exit when it's time for us to get off the stage. So, just some of us make ourselves puppets in this game.

Dad then repeated that I had the best butt in the family and accused both my mom and sister of being envious. Mom and Abigail always refused to accept the truth. I don't know if I’m in good shape but sometimes when they say certain things, I think I’m a sumo girl. If so I unquestionably ought to starve. But the sight and smell of food makes me only want to eat.

“You guys are so jealous. Dad is stating facts here,” I said stopping their worthless argument.

Abigail heard me and gave me another taunting smirk.

“Well, that’s what you wish, but remember, wishes don’t always come true.”

Mom didn't get Abigail’s notion, so she proceeded to go along with it. She arose from her seat and walked into the kitchen. But when she saw we weren’t following, she turned back around and beckoned us with her hand.

“It's time for dinner, guys.”

We got up, but I was stopped by Abigail, who winked at me teasingly.

“Did I get you to start thinking, darling?” she asked, her green eyes never leaving mine.

“Whatever.” I looked away.

Abigail shook her head. My face started turning red and I glared at her. I was seconds away from losing my temper with her.

“What's your problem?” I asked.

She winked again.

“Oh, nothing. My butt’s just better than yours.”

I rolled my eyes.

How mature.

“So what?” I asked, crossing my arms and raising an eyebrow at her sassily.

Her next words made my eyes widen.

“So you can come down to Earth from your dream world.”

I know she’s my sister but one day she’ll come to the realisation that she had lost sight of the moon while connecting the stars. I don't comprehend to what end that it’ll take her but indisputably somewhere terrible. She has lost a portion of my love and if she continues, I’ll have nothing left. I won't be surprised if it comes to that day.

It’s up to her to either build a palace or dig herself a pit.

I was brought back to the world when Abigail snapped at me, and we held hands and prayed to God, thanking His grace for providing us with food. All the while my dad had started to eat since he never prayed. All my life, I haven't seen him do so. But he allows us to engage in our beliefs. He wasn't always pleased with that but most of the time he was a good man and father. But of course there were times that statements were questioned.

Even good men have horrible moments. I know dad’s a good person but he hasn't always been like that. He’s displayed monstrous episodes in the past, some of which includes slapping Abigail. I can’t stand her but at the end of the day she’s still my sister and I won't let any man hurt her whether it was dad or not.

It doesn’t mean I’m against my dad, or maybe I am. Even though he was friendly today he isn’t always like this. I felt horrible at the thought that I’d ever go against my dad.

I’m sorry dad. I thought as we finished eating.

Soon, it was time for bed but it was too early to sleep. I looked at my phone and there were no new notifications. I held my phone and laid in bed staring at the ceiling. But that's when my device beeped.

I had a new message. My frown turned into a smile at the sight of his name.

“Thank God.”