Pathum’s POV
I thought Louisiana was a country in Europe but it was in the United States. Isn't that marvellous? I guess my guesstimate failed. America has such a different culture within that globalised world.
Oh, but I’m ashamed of my current lack of expertise in geography even though I was good during my O/Levels. But it’s still disappointing to see I failed to recognise Louisiana. Of course I forgive myself, it isn't that big of a deal. It’s just that I’m surprised to find Louisiana is in America. Their culture looks totally different.
Anyway, this new friend is a kind girl, and it was nice talking with her. The fact she’s a female and texted me amazes me. Maybe because I never had girls text me in the past. I mean of course she wasn't the first one I talked to but she has an awesome aura. She’s sweet and innocent. It was my first impression of her.
So, the first thing I did once I got out of bed and washed my face was log into Wattpad to message her.
“Good morning, Scarlet!”
She replied back with,
“It's night here, dear!”
Pathum: “Oh, I’m sorry, my dear. What are you doing?”
Scarlet: “Not much. And it’s fine. You just met me, so you don’t know about the time difference. Anyway, good morning to you.”
Pathum: “Well, now, I know about the time zone.”
Scarlet: “That’s wonderful. Do you like studying time?”
Pathum: “Neither sweetie.”
Scarlet: “Okay. But what’s the time difference between our two countries?”
Pathum: “It’s 10 hours and 30 minutes.”
Scarlet: “Wow. That‘s a huge difference.”
Pathum: “Yeah, it is.”
Scarlet: “Wait, how do you know it’s 10 hours and 30 minutes?”
Pathum: “Because I’m a witch! Haha!”
I just checked the time zone on my clock and then Googled the time in Louisiana. It was a simple act. But this girl is too adorable.
Scarlet: “No, you’re a wizard!”
Pathum: “Oh, right. Haha. I used your own skills against you.”
Scarlet: “Yes, you did, hunny.”
Pathum: So, what shall we talk about?”
Scarlet: “Anything is fine with me!”
Pathum: “OK! So, what’s your favourite movie, book, colour etc..”
Scarlet: “It might come as a surprise to you but I don’t have a favorite book or film, but I do have a favorite color, and it’s green. So now tell me about your list of favorites.”
Pathum: “Wow I am surprised that you don’t have a lot of favourites but it’s okay. My favourite colours are green, blue or pink. I can’t seem to pick one.”
Scarlet: “Nice! So tell me about your favorite book and stuff.”
Pathum: “Sherlock Holmes is my favourite novel but A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle is also super-amazing. I don’t have a favourite film, but I recently watched Little Women, which was so beautiful. It reminded me of you. But before I go further, I want to clarify something. What’s with this country girl thing? I’m not American or European, so I don’t know what it means. Could you explain it to me? You guys look different from most of the people I see in movies and YouTube”
Scarlet: “So as you know in the Southern states is where country people live. There are many states that are like us and states that aren’t. We’re closer to animals and nature than city people. They live in a fancy world of skyscrapers and items. We, on the other hand, like mud and farming; we aren’t scared to go into the mud. We also like 4-wheel vehicles, and being around horses. We listen to God in the midst of all the craziness. So, yes country people are different from city people, sweetie.
We use technology but know our limits, and don’t party much, I mean we do like to have fun, but we don’t do fancy dancing. We live by the grace of the Lord by respecting Him and believing that He’ll take care of us. We love God and He loves us. Yes, we’re religious and abide by every rule God has set upon us. So my dear when I told you that I don’t have a favorite book or film, it’s true. Most of us don’t watch movies. We feed our animals, pray to God, do our chores, and live by the name of God. That's how our day goes. Something different from what you see on TV or on social media.”
Pathum: “Wow! That’s a long message, sweetie. Oh, I’m sorry for addressing you with that term. I only used it since you did. But if that bothers you, I won’t use it. But guess what? I read your bio and learned some things about you, also I read your face reveal book and figured out you guys are different from other people I see on social media. Those I see on the Internet behave unlike your people. I wonder why you’re different from city people. Do you hate them? What’s the cause for your differences? I’m sorry for asking so many questions but I’m fascinated by American culture.”
Scarlet: “You don’t have to apologize, you didn't offend me. But it’s not that we hate city people, sweetie; we don’t like their behavior. Most of them do things that aren’t supposed to be done regarding the preaching of the Lord. They’re beyond the limit God has set upon us. And they live by bad will. Thankfully, not all city people are like that but a majority share the same characteristics. But sweetie, there’s no hatred between us; it’s just that we live on a farm and they live a life where the farm is in their heads and the animals are out of control. And remember there are always decent city people and ugly country people. It depends upon the individual.”
Pathum: “I understand what you’re trying to say, so thank you for letting me know all these details about your culture. It’s interesting. But I was just thinking about something. Country people are similar to my people. We dress like you and I think our cultures have some similarities. Most of our females wear frocks like yours. They don’t usually wear shorts, but country people wear clothes that cover their body well. I love your attire; it makes you guys look respectful. But hey I’m not saying people who dress in shorts are bad. I’m just saying that your characteristics are admirable.”
Scarlet: “You’re welcome. I'm glad we’re similar, and that’s kind of you.”
Pathum: “Me too! Oh, I believe it’s midnight at your place. Is it time for you to go to sleep?”
Scarlet: “Yes. I’ll text you later. Because if my mom finds out I’m still awake, I’ll be in trouble. It was nice talking to you. Goodbye!”
Pathum: “Have a good night, friend.”
It was amazing to get to know her. So I checked out her face reveal book and saw many pictures which correspond to the details she said. Even though I briefly peeked at it before, I decided to look at it further to get to know her more.
I love looking at her long, wavy blonde hair and lovely sky-blue eyes. They’re nothing like my boring brown eyes and dark hair. She’s so pretty. Oh, God, why did I say that again? Well, she is but the first thing that grabs my attention when looking at her is her innocence.
I cannot comprehend why that is but I believe it wholeheartedly. She’s innocent and pure at heart. The way she poses for pictures and her manner of speech are further proof of my statements.
Stolen story; please report.
I’m so lucky to have met her.
I spend the rest of my time watching anime and doing some work for my classes. I’ve been thinking about this month because it’s March of 2020 and I consider it the month in which I’ll upgrade my results. But luckily we’re on holiday until April, so I don’t have to worry about studies. I now have more free time.
But soon, I grabbed my Biology book and started to study. It was nice but I couldn't do as much as I planned.
My thoughts kept drifting to Scarlet. She’s not like other girls I’ve seen on Wattpad. She’s talkative and above all, innocent. She’s innocence at its best. Often, repetition becomes irritating but admiring this girl will never be annoying to me.
A while later, my mom entered the room and shook her head at me.
“You should be studying,” she scolded with a frown on her face.
I flushed in embarrassment.
“Who the hell is daydreaming?”
She narrowed her eyes at me sternly. I gulped, knowing she wasn’t impressed with my attitude.
“Watch your tongue with me, boy. I am your mother, and I deserve respect.”
A wave of frustration washed over me. I hated when words that aren’t supposed to leave my mouth, are said to the wrong person. I wonder where this tongue is when I’m with my classmates, because it’s them whom I should say venomous things to. Not my mom, but it’s too late for it.
I stood up, frustrated with myself, and was about to leave the room when my mom shook her head at me. This stopped me in my tracks.
“You don’t have to leave the room, Pathum. I’ll leave so you can stay here and study in peace,” she said, turning away but I was quick to hug her.
She reciprocated the gesture, and gently patted me on the back. The warm sensation of tears coming down my face. She must’ve sensed it because the next thing that came out of her mouth was;
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry I was rude to you, mom,” I said, the tears continuing to well up in my eyes.
She only smiled gently.
“It’s okay, son. I still love you.” She kissed my forehead.
I shook my head at her. It wasn’t okay. The tears were still pooling out of my eyes and going down my face. Some even got in my mouth, and I choked on them.
When I spoke, my voice was barely audible, my mom had to strain her ears to hear me properly.
“I hate that I don’t have control over my emotions and words.”
“Then, learn to control them, or they’ll control you,” she said in a firm but reassuring voice but I didn’t let her go.
“Umm..” I tried to say but was stuttering.
She looked at me while touching my cheek gently.
“Other than that, what’s wrong, son?”
“Well…..” I was still stuttering and avoided her gaze while grabbing my phone with a shaking hand to open Wattpad and going to Scarlet’s profile. I turned to her, showing her the screen, and managed to choke out, “I made a new friend on Wattpad.”
Mom’s eyes lit up with excitement and she bounced on the balls of her feet.
“Oh, that’s great! Who’s the lucky boy?” she asked.
I looked at her in wonder and scratched my head. Red coloured my cheeks.
“Well, Mom, here’s the thing. It’s not a boy….”
Realisation dawned on her and she nodded, a grin coming across her face. She sat on the bed, crossing her legs, and looked up at me.
“Oh…. Okay. Well, then, who is she? Where does she live?”
“Her name is Scarlet, and she’s from America.”
Mom squealed in joy and tried to look at my phone.
“Oh, how exciting! Now you have to show me what she looks like,” she said.
Blushing, I showed her Scarlet’s profile picture but since Mom wasn’t satisfied with the micro picture, I showed her the face reveal book.
With every picture I saw a growing delight in her eyes. I was so nervous I dropped my phone on the table. I was shaking but I don’t know why.
Of course my mom gave me a concerned look, putting her hand on my shoulder to try to steady me.
“Why are you shaking?” She narrowed her eyes at me.
“Uhhh…. No reason,” I lied.
Her eyes narrowed further.
“Are you hiding something else from me?”
“No!” I shouted, which might have hurt her feelings judging by the frown on her face.
After a few seconds, her frown went to a more neutral expression. I don’t think she believed me, but she nodded in response.
“Ok….. well, then. Study well, son.” She got up and left the room.
I took a Physics question and meddled with it, but to my disappointment I couldn't figure it out. I don't understand what’s required for me to succeed. It’s my concern to pass my Physics exam and nature never fails to frustrate me.
Grabbing my phone, I sent a message to Scarlet.
Since it's afternoon for me, it’s morning for her, so I wasn’t expecting her to text me yet. Of course, she didn’t. Then a sudden thought came to my mind and I agreed upon it.
I think it’s time I tell someone about her.
Opening WhatsApp, I clicked on my friend Manoj’s name and sent him the screenshots of mine and Scarlet’s conversation. I didn’t send her face reveal book because I didn't want anyone to see more than what they’ve already seen. I don’t trust anyone. However, I know the face reveal is public so that I need to be okay with it.
Oh, why am I bothered? I should mind my own business.
An hour later, I got a message from Manoj.
“You’re a flirt, aren’t you?”
Pathum: What the hell is wrong with you? No, I’m not. What do you mean?
Manoj: Well you called her sweetie, didn’t you man?
Pathum: She was the first to call me sweetie so that's why I replied with that.
Manoj: Calm down. I’m not going to steal her from you.
Pathum: I am calm, brother.
Manoj: Where does she live?
Pathum: Louisiana, which is in the USA.
Manoj: Oh, that’s great! So was she the only one who was flirting?
Pathum: I’ll say it again, I’m not flirting with anyone. I NEVER HAVE and probably will not in the future. She was the first to text me and is nothing more than a friend. That's all. The only reason I told you is because I felt like telling you. So why can't you believe that?
Manoj: Calm down, it’s fine to flirt with a girl. It’s not a crime.
Pathum: Oh, for freak’s sake, I’m never showing you anything ever again.
And that was it. We talked about a few topics and eventually the discussion came to an end. It was always the case with me. Oh, yes I know every conversation comes to an end eventually but at least some last for hours but the case with me was it only for five minutes and then we’re out of things to talk about so we’re left with an awkward silence and then either Manoj or I go offline.
But it's funny that the situation’s different when it comes to Scarlet because we never run out of things to talk about.
I wonder where we’ll go with our relationship?
Even though it has only been a few days, I feel more comfortable around her than most of my classmates. That's odd because she’s a girl, but I hope it’s not a major issue.
Oh, what the hell Pathum? There’s nothing wrong with having a girl as a friend. But isn't that a problem when you don't have many guy friends? Who cares I don't need those losers. The ones who want me in their life will remain and all the others who don't will leave.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I spent the afternoon studying Biology, but I wasn’t able to answer the questions properly. Why can't I EVER get good grades? Maybe I’m not focused…. I think I’m focused and I don't think there’s room for improvement. I’m stubborn. So what? Oh nothing Pathum, you can do whatever you want.
The rest of the afternoon was spent scolding myself and staring at my notes. Even though I was getting nothing done other than staring at them. Why can’t God help me? But I guess if I want His help, I’d have to give myself to Him.
Then, once the evening came I bathed and was ready to text Scarlet. We had talked every single day for the past week. She would text me by 6:30 pm but in her area it's around 8 or 9. And like usual we talked starting from 6 but her messages were delayed but I still responded to them without asking why. I don't know what’s going on. But she seems to be having a problem which she sin’t comfortable sharing with me. I don't know if I have something to do with it or not.
Eventually, that’s when I got this weird message from her.
“Hey Pathum, I apologise for the delayed messages, but I don’t think I can continue talking to you through this platform anymore.”
What happened? Did I say something wrong?
I tugged on my hair in frustration, staring at the screen.
Shit!
I waited until midnight, but she never replied to any of my messages. I don’t know what I did but she seemed upset.
What did I do wrong?
Right when I feel like I’ve made a friend, she says she can't talk to me anymore. Oh, life is so fun.