Scarlet’s POV

Oh, wow, he’s from Sri Lanka. I remembered it as a country in the Indian Ocean. My geography knowledge is off the charts. I should do some more research to expand my comprehension of the country now that I have a friend from that side of the world. So I searched in Google and there were pictures of a tear-drop-looking country hence maybe that is why they are known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. It is definitely a beautiful country judging by the pictures.

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 them many times and never get bored. He’s either good at comments or maybe my book is actually good. Shouldn't I say something good about myself? But is there a point in it? Yes, there is a point in it. Stop disregarding yourself and give yourself some credit scarlet.

There’s a point in it, Scarlet, you must give yourself some credit for what you go through. If I’m only to blame myself then it will always be a blaming game. Maybe I’m good at writing, but I shouldn't be flattered by a single comment but at the end of the day that comment makes more sense than blaming or disregarding myself for the achievements I get.

He seems like a nice guy, but I shouldn't jump into conclusions. I just met him once and it hasn't been a long conversation. But I can assume that out of the many I have met online, he already has a special place in my heart. Oh God, what did I just declare? He looks good and talks well. So I can assume without any harm that he’s indeed a good guy. I can sense that he’s different and behaves better than most guys I meet.

I went and did my chores before logging into Wattpad from my phone, and there he was. I got hearts in my eyes at the sight of him; he really is so cute. And he have 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 is surrounded by many friends? I do not know that, maybe he is or maybe he is not, that don't matter at all, what matters is staying true to yourself.

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

“Hey, why do you look so happy today? Did you dream about him last night? And do you care to share it with us?” she asked, touching my hand and shaking it, unfortunately I was so lost in my day dreaming, I didn’t feel it until she shook me quite strongly.

She’s always worried when I’m happy. I have a sister who is very concerned about my happiness, mostly trying her best to take it out and away. Maybe she would like to know the reason behind my happiness, but I cannot say it outright. I just met him and who knows whether he dislikes me or not even though he was sweet at the first impression doesn't mean he’s sweet or likes me. Well that was far too much to think but well it is what it is. I just met him, even though I felt more of him yet I Know nothing of him, just yet.

My eyes met hers. I saw concern or rather would I say jealousy. She’s always worried about me when I am in a good mood but never concerned about me when I am in a bad mood. Does every sibling look like this or is it just that my sister’s very different? I hope this is the universal behaviour of siblings because otherwise, I wouldn't be able to handle the bitter truth that my sister dislikes me. Well for a fact she is not a bad person but she becomes evil whenever someone pays some attention to me, like can I not have a life? Anyway, she read my eyes and jumped into conclusions like she always would do. But I decided to change the subject matter.

“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,” I told her while also ignoring her comment and trying to make my way out of it before Mom interrupted us to make sure that we kept talking about us rather than me.

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

“What now?” Abigail and I asked at the same time. We weren’t grasping the words she uttered.

Mom rolled her eyes before repeating herself.

“The coronavirus. It’s 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 ain't gotta worry about this virus, Mom. God will protect us,” I said. I believed that with all my heart.

“True!” Abigail agreed, smiling at me.

“If we do as our health care tells us to do, we’ll all be well,” Mom said.

We both nodded. 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 the greatness of His grace.

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

Mom’s expression fell.

“John wasn't at church last night so how could you be happy this morning?” she asked, making a joke.

“Well, why is John the only reason for my happiness? Why can’t it be someone else?” I asked, smiling and blushing.

“If it’s not John, then who is it then?” Mom lowered her voice and looked around trying to act like there was someone around.

“Oh, stop it Mom,” I giggled, failing not to laugh at her behaviour.

“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 very moment those words escaped my lips, Mom had a frown on her face while my sister was grinning and jumping up and down, excited.

“Show us.” Abigail grabbed my hand. I never saw this side of my sister.

Is she trying to mock me or snatch him away?

So I told them about the conversation I had last night and exchanged the information we know about the region he lived in. Once we had our lunch it was almost time for dinner. Dinner already? My stomach growled for more food even if it was a few hours since I ate. Apart from having a shower and bathing Mazie, I didn't had many things to do in mean time.

But once I was alone, my thoughts drifted back to the Sri Lankan I met. I explored some 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. He said that himself. So why should I bother thinking? I looked at the information and it’s wonderful to have the chance to be able to talk to someone from that far. Miles away but felt like he was here with me. He is one good looking cutie. Oh I shouldn’t think too much about him.

Soon, we heard more news about the coronavirus. It’s spreading throughout Europe, causing the death toll and hospitalizations to rise. All that the media has to show is the careless behaviour of people and the suffering of victims. But I wasn’t frightened. I truly believe He will protect us. I believe it from the bottom of my heart.

If only people can have some faith and behave, maybe then God would’ve protected them. I felt bad for even thinking such thoughts but wasn't I right? People never listen to the good things until it’s too late, until we cannot reverse the deeds. But when it is too late there will only remain regrets rather than lessons. When it was time for dinner, we sat in our living room waiting till my mom called us, it was me and my dad while my sister was in her room.

“What are you daydreaming about?” My dad asked, looking at me through his spectacles.

“It’s almost night.” I remarked, with a slight grin on my face.

He rolled his eyes and stretched out on the sofa, I wanted to tell him but yet I was a bit nervous. However, I still managed to speak,

“Well, it’s my new friend.”

“Mmm.” Was his only response.

“Dad?” I raised both my hands.

“Your new friend or your new crush?” he asked and I immediately blushed and got crushed by his outright questioning. It was sudden and I failed to hide my feelings or my expressions etched on my face revealing and proving indeed what he said was true, but no this new boy I met is only a friend he is nothing more than that. I believe that is the truth. God knows above everyone that he is only a friend, he might have impressed me by 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,” said trying to hold my poker face,

“Okay you say so , so shall it be.”

“Dad, don’t do this.”

“I ain’t doing nothing, sweetheart.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’m just happy someone is genuinely interested in your character more than your butt.” I blushed once again at the mention of the topic.

“Oh, please don't do that again.” Covering my face with my hands, I let go a scream.

“Are you still in denial that you got a big butt?” He looked at me, adjusting his spectacles. I couldn't face him, I looked away.

“Stop giving her hope Steve. She doesn't have a big butt,” my mom said as she joined us.

“You’re just jealous of her,” Dad said.

It was strange; we rarely had days where we’d have fun banter. But it felt good even though we ain't gonna experience it all day.

“No, I’m not,” mom said as she crossed her arms and stood in front dad like a statue.

“Yes, you are,” dad stated.

Mom refused to give up the topic and meanwhile I was wondering why does mom always say something bad about me? Why can't she be funny? So do I believe that I got a big butt? Well I can't deny what I see in front of my mirror can I? NOT to mention how many guys have gotten into trouble just having a peek at my buns. Oh what am I EVEN SAYING.

“WHAT ARE YOU SMILING AT?!” Mom asked, breaking the silence.

“Nothing,” I replied.

“What’cha talkin’ about huh?” Abigail joined us. 

“About her big butt!” Dad said quite loudly. Causing me to giggle and her to crack up.

“She ain’t got no big butt,” she snorted, my mom and sister never agreed with dad or me. They often say I just have nothing, that I’m a simple lass who looks overweight, and I feel they’re right.

When I look at myself in the mirror, all I see is a chubby girl. On the contrary, 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 is the world a stage and we’re puppets in it? I don't think we are. Just some of us make ourselves puppets in this game.

Dad repeated that I had the best butt in the family and accused both my mom and sister of being covetous. Mom and Abigail as always refused to accept the truth or the fact. I don't know if I’m in good shape but sometimes when they say certain things I think I’m just 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 jealous, dad is stating facts here,” I said stopping their worthless argument.

“That's what you wish, but wishes don't always come true,” Abigail said with a smirk on her face.

Mom clearly didn't get Abigail’s notion, so she proceeded to go along with it.

“It's time for dinner guys.” She arose from her seat and walked into the kitchen area.

“Did I get you to start thinking, darling?” Abigail asked me, winking. Her green eyes never left mine.

“Whatever.” I looked away.

Still smirking, Abigail shook her head. My face started turning red and I glared at her, about to lose my temper.

“What's your problem anyway?” I asked.

“That mine is better than yours.” She winked again.

“So what?”

Honestly, what’s the point she’s trying to make here? That she looks better than me and she’s the centre of attention? What’s so good when your butt can't take a break?

“So you can step down to earth from your dream world darling,” she said.

I hated this person next to me, yes I know she’s my sister but she’s something else. Why is she trying to bully or mock me and make herself look better? Why is she doing this? Is it hatred? Or covetousness? Whatever it is she’s consumed by it, she lets it ruin everything that belongs to her.

And one day she’ll come to the realisation that she had lost sight of the moon while connecting the patterns of the stars. I don't comprehend to what end that it’ll take her but indisputably somewhere terrible because she has lost a portion of my love for her and if she continues, I’ll have no love. 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.

The choice is yours Abigail.

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 never came across our faith. 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 monster moments. I know dad’s a good person but he hasn't always been like that. Even though he’s fine now, he’s shown monstrous episodes in the past, some of which includes slapping my sister. I know 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. I won't let any man do anything painful to her.

She’s my sister at the end of the day. It doesn’t mean I’m against my dad, or I don't know maybe I am. Even though he was so friendly today he doesn’t always stay in this mood. I felt horrible at the thought that I would be against my dad.

“I’m sorry dad.”

We finished eating and it was time for bed but it was too early to sleep and I wasn't feeling sleepy. I looked at my phone and there were no new notifications or messages that excited me. I held my phone and laid in bed staring at the ceiling.

And that's when my phone beeped. A new message. My frown turned into a smile at the sight of his name.

“Thank God.”

***
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