Scarlet’s POV

“A bit too much to be human,” I wrote on the screen, crying overjoyed tears.

I was unable to believe that I said such a cold line to him, I gave him a heart attack. Even though I said it three days ago, I still remember now. With a smile plastered on my face I fell into slumber.

Later, I woke up to some beautiful messages from Pathum. I love how he always leaves me such sweet messages when I go to sleep to find when I wake up. I feel so lucky. How can I not be grateful for him right? When you have to go to sleep with happiness and then when you have to wake up to happiness. What more could I have asked for from God?

I just can’t believe I have a friend like him. He’s so sweet, caring, and most importantly, he’s different from the other guys I met online. I don’t know what it is but he’s a special person to me, and just behaves so well. Maybe I’m lost in his world or I praise him much more than he deserves. But I doubt he deserves less praise, he deserves more than I ever give him.

I got out of bed, and saw that Mazie was still asleep, so I didn’t bother waking her up. I went into the kitchen where my mom and sister were cooking breakfast. I wanted to tell them about my bestie. They knew I was hiding something, judging by their suspicious looks at my amused smiles whenever I was on my phone talking to Pathum.

Entering the room, Abigail and mom was already busy talking about something but at when they saw me, they stopped and then glanced at each other.

“Did I interrupt something?” I asked turning on the faucet and washing my hands. Once I was done I dried them and started to make myself some hot tea.

“Well, no. What do you want to know about it?” Abigail asked.

I was quick to respond with, “Everything.”

This made her giggle at me.

“Who taught you that? Was it him?”

Mom raised her brows at her before glancing at me while I poured tea into my mug. I then slowly brought the cup to my lips and blew on it without answering them, which made them to jump into conclusions, without further notice Abigail spill it out.

“Looks like he has made some impact on your life already,” she said but I cannot comprehend whether it was a question or a statement.

“Is that a bad thing?” I raised my brows sassily.

Our mom glared at me slightly, her eyes narrowed.

“Watch that tongue of yours!” she snapped while putting some vegetables in a bowl.

“Give me a break. Why does it always has to be me?” I asked.

They stopped what they were doing and focused on my lips. I couldn't stop the quivering of my lips while tears slowly formed on my eyes but they didn’t betray me so I was able to hold them. The silence lasted until they dried.

“So, what’s with your emotions lately?” Mom crossed her arms and threw daggers from her eyes while Abigail was glancing at us.

I, of course, had a witty reply ready on my lips.

“What’s with your accusing lately? Oh, I’m sorry it wasn’t just recently, it was always. Can you provide me a reason as to why you’re accusing me of everything for the past seventeen years and haven’t never brothered to question Abigail?”

I sipped my tea mixed with my tears in it. It made it taste odd.

Afterwards I walked towards the sink to wash the cup. All the while, Mom and Abigail didn’t say a single word. I put the mug in the cupboard and walked to my room, slamming the door behind me. It made a loud noise waking Mazie.

She was over the moon seeing me even if she woke up from a deep slumber. But I, on the other hand was over on the bed shedding tears.

Was I wrong about what I said? I spoke facts and they were silent because they knew from the bottom of their hearts I spoke the truth and they couldn’t decipher my words to oppose me.

I wrapped my sheets around me and sobbed. Mazie came over to me and jumped onto the bed beside me as I hid my face in her fur. I couldn’t let her go.

It was barely eight so the sun was out but nevertheless I liked the warmth from the blankets. I let out a sigh because there was nothing I could do against the cold hearted behavior I received from my mom and Abigail. I guess God has His way of teaching us lessons but I couldn’t comprehend the meaning of my suffering from them hating me.

What’s the lesson? How could God let us go through these things?

Right then my mom started calling Mazie from the kitchen. Removing the blanket I let go of her. She jumped to the floor and exited the room while I folded my arms closing my eyes and started to pray.

Please God, show them the meaning of love.

I prayed as I heard a few quiet knocks on my door but I ignored them, only opening my eyes when I was finished. When my gaze focused, I saw my dad standing there, looking down at me. His eyes shone with sadness. I pushed the sheets off and sat up, motioning for him to sit on the bed.

“What happened?” he asked.

I shook my head in disbelief that he wouldn’t have already known. But he pressed on by repeating the question. I tried my best to make sure I wouldn’t choke on my words but failed. His affection broadened when tears started to flow from my eyes, and his hug only made matters worse. But I didn’t mind shedding tears in front of him, there’s no shame in it.

“I was reminded of something that happened thirteen years agp. It was your fourth birthday, and we invited some of our family over to enjoy the party. You were with your mom and Abigail while watching my friend on the trampoline. You then asked to jump on it and your mom disagreed but Abigail pleaded with your mom for a few minutes. But that’s when that man, who was drunk, ruined the party. He kept drinking more even when we told him not to and suddenly he jumped onto the trampoline while you were still on it. He knocked you unconscious before falling to the ground. We took you to the clinic and it was horrible until the doctors told us you were going to be alright. And when the effects of alcohol wore off, he begged me for forgiveness. It wasn’t difficult to forgive him but I couldn’t forgive myself for allowing alcohol at parties after that. Our hearts stopped functioning when you flew so high-”

I stopped him in the middle of the sentence while wiping my tears.

“Why does any of that matter?”

He took a deep breath and locked his blue eyes on mine. We shared the same eye color. Was her indifference coming as a result of me not sharing the same eye color as them?

That was a weird thought.

“If you’re wondering why they act the way they act, it’s because we made a promise to protect you at all costs and if that meant being cold to you, then so be it,” he said, keeping his smile on his face, but I couldn’t hide my frown.

I sighed, and rubbed my eyes, tired.

‘’When will this end, Dad?”

He shook his head, looking unsure.

‘’I don’t know. But you need to understand they care for you, and they only became cold hearted because of that day. You’re our angel and we don’t want to hurt you, sweet thing.”

The words shook my mind and I felt numb. So that was the beginng of everything? But the fact my dad called me an angel and addressed me as sweet thing for the first time didn’t go unnoticed because the next moment I hugged him. Why don’t I see him in this mood more often? Why can’t he be like this with them too? Why does everything happen the way it happens? I don’t know.

Why is he cold to them like they are to me? Is it just a cycle of hatred or anger? Just taking the anger on a lesser substantial individual by a higher individual? And does dad hate them because they hate me and if so am I the reason for every problem? Or aren't I the reason for everything?

Realization stuck to my heart as the cold wrapped around me once I let go of him. Wiping my tears he kissed me on the forehead. I pray to God if that deed didn’t melt my heart then I'm a cold hearted fish. Well accurately a bitch! Pardon my language.

Love is sometimes tough to have and bitter to live with.

“Now, go apologize sweet thing,” he said.

I could hardly refuse his offer not because of the way he asked but of the way he explained everything to me. How could they hide that from me? I know nothing but to go apologize.

Abigail and our mom were staring at each other when I walked back into the kitchen, and the silence intensified when I hugged them.

“I’m sorry, mom,” I said looking at mom and then at my sister. “I’m sorry, Abigail.”

“It’s all good dear,” mom said caressing my hair. It reminded me of one thing, we all shared the same hair. I never noticed it before. Even if I had, the thought had never occurred to me.

“I’m sorry,” I repeated not being able to control my tears from falling.

Mom looked at me with concern written across her face.

“I don’t know what your dad said, but it has affected you,” mom said.

“True,” Abigail agreed walking close to me.

She lowered her head to kiss my forehead. A shiver went through my spine cause that kiss wasn’t expected.

She’s a few inches taller than me, we look like twins from a distance. Tears started cascading down my cheeks as her lips touched my forehead.

“Well, he talked about what happened on my fourth birthday..” As the words escaped my mouth their expressions changed. Reminiscing that past might have brought forth memories that ought to not be remembered. I captured their expressions and it told me many stories.

Mom was the first to speak.

“What did he tell you exactly?”

I quickly answered.

“Everything that ought to be said mom.”

Abigail glanced at me and my dad, who had followed me from my room, was standing at the door, silently watching the scene play out.

“And what’s that exactly?” she asked.

“That you two love me more than what your cold behavior implies,” I said smiling.

‘’Is that so dad?” Abigail asked.

Mom looked at Dad, who was smiling at us. After a long time, our family is united, and guess who’s the reason? Well I’m not going to get the credit for it. Shouldn’t I say something good about myself? All this time I’ve been preaching ill will towards my mind.

“Well, aren’t we going to have breakfast?” dad asked breaking the silence.

Mom looked at each of us and nodded before we sat down at our table and mom and Abigail held hands as we thanked God for our meal. Dad stayed quiet, allowing us to pray. He never held hands with us when we pray.

While we were eating, we didn’t talk much but I saw glances between mother and Abigail. Abigail was making faces at her making Mom throw daggers from her eyes at her. She didn’t seem fazed though. I could tell because of her constant giggling. It was making me suspicious.

“What’s with you both?” I asked Abigail.

“Nothing!” mom said instantly.

Even if Abigail opened her mouth to respond she couldn’t say it as she wanted since Mom was quicker. So I repeated the question.

“Didn’t I just tell you it was nothing?” Mom asked.

Abigail rolled her eyes and I narrowed mine in suspicion. Something’s going on with them.

“Guess I wouldn’t have to tell it anyway.” I stood up and then my sister screamed. My eyes darted to her immediately. “Please share what’s with you guys,” I smirked.

She turned to look at mom and got a nod as a response.

“We were wondering how your friend in Sri Lanka is doing?” Abigail asked while shifting her head towards me.

“He’s fine. We talk almost every day,” I said smiling. I wasn’t blushing but my cheeks got hotter.

“Almost every day or every day?” Abigail asked closing her mouth with one hand.

I gave her a sheepish look.

“Okay, fine. Every day.”

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My mom and Abigail rolled their eyes, but they were both smiling with amusement.

“Oh, we knew that already.”

I cocked my head to the side.

“How so?”

Abigail looked at me, a slight smirk on her face.

“Just an observation.”

My eyes narrowed as I finished eating breakfast.

“And what kind of observation are you talking about?” I asked.

“Like stalking, hacking etc.”

My eyes widened in shock, and Abigail, seeing the look on my face, tried to backpedal, not looking at me in the process. Mom did the same. Abigail was covering her mouth, but a few words escaped.

“Oops!”

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at her in suspicion. I felt like I was a detective interrogating a guilty criminal.

“What do you mean by that?”

“It’s an oops, I didn’t know,” Abigail grumbled.

I raised both my hands in surrender to which Abigail had an amused yet confused expression on her face. Mom watched us, cracking up from laughter.

“So, is Pathum the only one you talk to, or do you have any other friends?” she asked, wiping her mouth.

“He isn’t.”

Mom nodded.

“Okay. Well, I’m glad you have some new friends sweetie.”

I smiled, a faint blush still on my cheeks.

“I know, and thank you, mom.”

“But what’s there to talk about with a stranger like him?” mom said raising her brows.

“He’s not a stranger; he’s my bestie,” I said and it took me a few seconds to understand that they stopped moving and looked at me.

I wished I had better control over my mouth.

“We have some talking to do, Scarlet,” Mom said, grabbing the plates and leaving us in an awkward silence. She returned with a huge smile in Abigail’s direction.

“Didn't I tell you she was talking to a guy, Abigail?”

“Well it's not like I didn't guess it. It was me who said that even though afterwards I took back my words.”

“Oh dear Lord, I’m the winner!” mom laughed loudly while dad and I exchanged confused glances before Dad got up and left abruptly.

“Can anyone please explain what's going on?” I asked after he was gone.

Their smiles faded for a moment before brightening up again.

“Well it's about your bestie sweetie.”

I gave her a really confused look.

“What's with him?”

Mom smiled shyly.

“We were arguing about his status in your life and we guessed it right.”

“Technically it was me,” Abigail said, dancing around the room.

“But I deduced it with proof,” Mom added as she crossed her arms and raised her head.

I laughed in disbelief.

“So that's why you’ve been giggling?” I asked with my hands on my hips.

“Yes, my Lady,” Abigail lowered her head and bowed.

I leaped right onto her before mom grabbed me, touched my cheek, and ordered me to tell them everything, which I did. I talked about the pictures and the way Pathum reacts to them, about his insecurity and also plunging into the bestie conversation and how grateful I was to have him as such.

Their faces glowed with every positive note I told about him. They were listening to me like kids who were told to be silent in return for candy. When I was done, Mom spoke up first.

“Lucky you!”

Meanwhile, Abigail was jumping up and down in her seat, bursting with excitement. Why are they so strange? They behave like kids, I haven't snagged a glimpse of this demeanor from them since my fourth birthday I guess

“Ooooo, did ya video chat with him?” Abigail asked me suddenly, to which I just shook my head saying,

“Not yet. I‘d thought about it but I’ve never gotten the chance to ask him. Maybe soon it’ll come true.”

“Show me the pictures of him. I haven't gotten a good idea of what he looks like,” Abigail declared.

I took my phone to open the Photo app. My mom and sister had interesting reactions to him earlier. Her eyes lit up with joy when she saw them.

“Aw! He’s cute. No wonder you love him so much,” Abigail laughed.

I smirked and nodded happily.

“I told ya. He’s my bestie! And I love him.”

Mom raised an unimpressed eyebrow at me. She didn’t believe me when I say that I’m just friends with Pathum. She thinks that more is going on.

“Just the bestie, huh?”

I rolled my eyes before pocketing my phone.

“OMG, yes, but he’s a very special person to me.” Those beautiful words escaped my mouth, and I’m glad I spoke right about him.

Glancing at the clock, I saw it was 9 am. There was still enough heat from the sun to be exposed. So why not go get some vitamin D?

Walking outside, I captured a few snapshots of the sun and lovely flowers and a picture of me and Mazie. Those will soon be delivered to Sri Lanka. After walking a couple feet, I entered the house, and went into my room to text him.

Scarlet: Hey Pathum, I have a serious burden to solve, and I need a quick remedy.

Pathum: I’ll be at your service ma’am. What’s bothering you?

Scarlet: Well nothing’s bothering me but I still think I need a solution to my problem.

Pathum: If something isn’t bothering you then what’s your fear?

Scarlet: I’m scared that you’ll deny it.

Pathum: Deny what? Scarlet, be specific, I’m not going to judge you; I’m not a monster.

Scarlet: I know that you’re not, but you are a brat.

Pathum: Exactly so tell me.

Scarlet: What do you want to know specifically?

Pathum: Are you going to tell me or not?

Scarlet: NOPE! I’m not going to say anything. So what are you going to do about it?

Pathum: Scarlet, don’t test my patience.

Scarlet: Oops!

Pathum: Don’t you dare say that stupid word again.

Scarlet: OOPS!

Pathum: Oh please don’t do that. My anger is rising from its ashes.

Scarlet: How angry are you?

Pathum : You can light a candle from my butt, because it’s on fire.

Scarlet: OMG!! Stop. I’ll be good.

Pathum: Ok. So back to the topic. Tell me what’s bothering you or what are you scared of?

Scarlet: Well, never mind.

Pathum: Tell me darling.

Scarlet: Are you sure?

Pathum: 100%

Scarlet: How many candles can we light up from your butt?

Pathum: Enough to take you to Mars.

Scarlet: So you butt is a pumping machine that pumps air for balloons?

Pathum: What’s wrong with you? Is your hormone level higher than usual? I don't understand girls.

Scarlet: You devil. Hehe

Pathum: What’s with your butt?

Scarlet: Nothing. Why?

Pathum: Because I feel strange talking to you. This butt topic is weird.

Scarlet: Isn’t it your favorite thing?

Pathum: Oh my goodness. Watch your mouth, brat!

Scarlet: Hehehe!

Pathum: Okay. Back to the original topic. Seriously, tell me what’s wrong?

Scarlet: Everything’s fine sweetie. I just wanted to ask you whether you’re up for a video call or not. It doesn’t have to be today, it could be any day that you’re comfortable.

Pathum: Is that why you were scared? You’re so innocent.

Scarlet: I’m not so innocent.

Pathum: Of course you aren’t but we don’t need to go there. Nevertheless you’re innocent in some ways.

Scarlet: Weren’t you saying I’m not earlier and now you say I am.

Pathum: Forget it. I never thought about this video call thing. It must be exciting.

Scarlet: Okay! So why not try it out?

Pathum: Good idea but..

Scarlet: Here comes the butt again.

Pathum: I look horrible on video chat.

Scarlet: Oh, boy, here we go with this lying crap again. Stop that, will you?

Pathum: But…

Scarlet: There’s no but to it. You’re perfect the way you are. You said the same about your photos and guess what those pictures you were fantastic. You were so handsome. So for God’s sake, please stop belittling yourself.

Pathum: Aww sweetie! Thank you so much for your kind words.

Scarlet: Stop thanking me and accept what I’m saying.

Pathum: Okay sweetie.

Scarlet : NO! Say you’re handsome, or I won’t talk to you.

Pathum: I’m bloody ugly.

I don’t understand why does he blame himself like this? Whatever it was, I’m not going to let him do this anymore.

So I didn’t respond to him but after fifteen minutes I got another text from him.

Pathum: I’m a handsome king.

But even after reading the text, I still didn’t respond.

Pathum: OKAY SWEETIE I’M THE MOST HANDSOME MAN ON THIS PLANET. HAPPY NOW?

I was unable to control my laughter after reading his text in all caps, but I took a deep breath, and waited for another one.

Pathum: Come on man, get out of that butt right now.

I cracked up laughing so loud Mazie woke from her slumber and glared at me.

Scarlet: BRAT!

Pathum: HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

Scarlet: OMG I can’t stop laughing. You’re too much sweetie.

Pathum: And you’re too innocent.

Scarlet: Aww!

Pathum: Wow, are we going to video call or not, ma’am?

Scarlet: OMG! I almost forgot, so who’s going to start the call?

Pathum: Oh God just now? I need time to prepare.

Scarlet: What do you have to do?

Pathum: Seriously? I need time sweetie, I’m not good at this stuff.

Scarlet: Okay. Take all the time you need.

Pathum: Do you really need to take the call today?

Scarlet: No. We can postpone it if you’re busy.

Pathum: No sweetie, I’m not; I’m just so scared, I‘m shaking.

Scarlet: Aww just calm down.

Pathum: I don't know how. I can't even type. My hands are quivering so bad. How stupid of me to think that I could even talk. I'm so ashamed.

Scarlet: Sweetie, stop blaming yourself and calm down.

Pathum: My mom’s here too, so I'm nervous to make the call.

Scarlet: Can you leave your room? Or we could wait until she leaves for hers.

Pathum: We have a single room. Either I move outside or we just call anyway.

Scarlet: Omg so what are you going to do?

Pathum: I guess I have to call you anyway.

Scarlet: Are you ready for it?

Pathum: I’m not.

Scarlet: Well we can talk about something else. Don’t worry about the call.

Pathum: No, sweetie. You were so excited to talk so we would definitely talk tonight and why not right now?

Scarlet: It's your call sweetie.

Pathum: Let's do it now.

Scarlet: Are you sure?

Pathum: 100%

He says he's a hundred percent ready but he doesn't act like so. It's very cute of him to behave like that. Anyway I clicked on the video call button and it started to ring.

My heart started to beat faster with every ring and it rang like ten times before cancelling. It wasn't an astonishment. He said his mom was in the room and that he was scared. So what more could I expect from him?

A second later he sent a message saying how sorry he felt for not answering.

And this time before I clicked on the icon my phone rang, he was the first to take the call. Now it's my turn to be amazed. I don't know why but it took five seconds to shake me out of my thoughts so that I could answer the call.

I took a deep breath when I got a glimpse of him. But it wasn’t clear due to poor connectivity.

But still, I got so excited that I started squealing. I’m sure he’s excited, too, and he looks like he still needs time to get ready. Awwww…. Isn’t he cute? So, I didn't ask any questions but kept smiling. For some reason I couldn't seem to hide my smile just looking at this boy.

On the other side of the camera, he was hiding his face in embarrassment. I don't know why but he doesn't look like he relishes in taking video calls. Oh God, is he trying to get rid of me?

I said “Hi” while he managed to smile but yet hid his face. Oh my God, why is he so shy? I cannot ask any questions because it would put him in an uncomfortable zone. He still has to open his mouth. Now I know how he looks but still I’m eager to listen to his voice. But boy he doesn't speak.

OMG sweetie, why aren't you speaking? I thought.

The thought turned into words which flew out of my mouth. I shut my mouth with one hand but it was too late. He heard it.

Why did I said that?

My cheeks got hot; I could see from the camera that they’re redder and this also means he gets to see my blush. Quickly I turned my phone in my mom’s direction who looked confused, and after observing for a few moments she realised what's going on.

“Oh my God, he’s cute, but why isn’t he speaking?” she whispered.

He started to murmur which made us giggle and after a moment of silence…

“Hi,” he said bashfully.

My mom squealed and grabbed my phone from me, gushing over him.

“Hi dear. How are you?”

“I- umm I- I’m fine,” he replied before hiding his face.

We laughed at his stuttering. He’s cute, his looks cute as well as he behaves cute.

Nevertheless I love his Sri Lankan accent. I haven’t heard one before and here I am, witnessing a sweet moment.

“Are you going to keep hiding your face Pathum?” I asked.

His smile got even wider when I said his name. I don't think I said it wrong cause all he offered me was his beautiful smile. He didn't say a word but shook his head and murmured. I love his shyness. It must be the first time he’s talking to a girl. Maybe that or maybe he’s scared by what he sees on his screen.

Mom left, so it was me and him. And all he managed to say was, “Hey, how are you doing?”

“I'm good, what about you sweetie?” at the mention of the word sweetie his smile widened, but he made sure the camera wasn’t focused on him.

The image wasn’t clear but by the look of it was a female and judging by what he said earlier, I assumed it was his mother. He then redirected the phone back to him, but all I could see was the roof. He still wasn’t showing his face.

For the next five minutes all that we did was stare at each other. I cannot believe this is the same person who chats with me every day. But when it comes to talking with the mouth, it’s too slow compared to how much fast he is at typing. I cannot put the blame on him because even I had no idea what to ask him.

We stared at each other until the call ended suddenly.

But soon my phone flooded with messages. They were apologies for his behavior. I had to put a stop to them immediately.

Scarlet: Stop blaming yourself sweetie. Take it easy now that it’s over.

Pathum: I’m going to do a voice call because I have to tell you something important. Please answer.