Pathum’s POV

I thought Louisiana was a country in Europe but to my surprise, it was in the United States. Isn't that marvellous? Because my guessing failed. It’s wonderful that America has such a different culture all within that globalised world.

I’m ashamed of my lack of expertise in geography. I was kind of good during my O/Levels. But it’s disappointing to see I failed to recognise Louisiana, of course I forgive myself it isn’t that big of a deal. But I’m surprised to find Louisiana is in America. Because their culture looks totally different.

Anyway, this friend I met is a kind girl, and it was nice to talk with her. And the fact she’s a girl and texted me amazes me. Maybe because I haven’t had girls text me. I mean of course she wasn't the first one I talked to but she has an awesome aura around her. She’s decent and above all innocent. It was my first impression of her since I saw her.

The first thing I did once I got out of bed and washed my face was log into Wattpad so that I could 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: “It’s fine. You just got to know me, so of course you don’t know about the time zone. Anyway, good morning.”

Pathum: “Yeah! Now I know a little bit about the time zone.”

Scarlet: “Is that so? That's interesting. Do you like studying time and other topics related to it? Or do you just do it for fun?”

Pathum: “Neither sweetie.”

Scarlet: “So since you known about time zone , what's the difference in our time zones?”

Pathum: “10 hours and 30 minutes.”

Scarlet: “Wow. That‘s a huge time difference.”

Pathum: “Yeah, it really is.”

Scarlet: “Wait, how do you know it’s exactly 10 hours and 30 minutes?”

Pathum: “Because I’m a witch! Haha!”

(I checked the time zone in my clock and then  web searched for the time in Louisiana. It was just a simple act. But this cute girl is being adorable here)

Scarlet: “No, you’re a wizard!”

Pathum: “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, favourite book, favourite colour etc..”

Scarlet: “It might come as a surprise to you but I don’t have any favorite book or film, but I do have a favourite 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: “Haha nice! So tell me about your favorite book and stuff.”

Pathum: “I do have a favourites list; Sherlock Holmes is my favourite novel but A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle is also super-amazing. And I don’t have a favourite film, but I recently watched Little Women. It was so beautiful. It reminded me of you. But hey, before I go further, I want to clarify something. What’s with this country girl thing? I’m neither American nor 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. What’s that all about?”

Scarlet: “Oh, don’t worry I’ll explain about country life. So as you know down South is where country people live, and there are many states that are like us and there are also states that aren’t. We’re closer to animals and nature than city people. They live in a fancy world of skyscrapers and luxurious items. We, on the other hand, like mud and farming; we ain’t scared to go into the mud. We also like 4-wheel vehicles, and being around horses. So, yes country people are different from city people, sweetie. We listen to God in the midst of all the craziness.

And we use technology but know our limits. Also we don’t party much, I mean we do but we don’t do fancy dancing. We live by the grace of the Lord and we respect Him and believe He’ll take care of us. We love God and He loves us. Yes, we’re also 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. There’s no Netflix in our lives. We feed our animals, pray to God, do our chores, and live by the name of God. That's how our day goes. Something totally 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 indeed 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 or something? 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. I like how you talk. But it’s not that we hate city people, sweetie; we don’t like their behavior. Most of them do things that weren’t supposed to be done regarding the preaching of the Lord. They’re beyond the limit God has set upon us. They do things which are unnecessary and live by bad will. Thankfully, not all city people are like that but a majority share the same habits. But sweetie, there’s no hatred between any of 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 to have differences and similarities. 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. Like most of our females wear frocks like yours. They don’t usually wear shorts unlike foreigners, 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: “Goodbye friend! Have a good night.”

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 looked at it before, I decided to look at it further to get to know her a bit more.

I love her long blonde hair and sky blue eyes. They’re unlike my not-so-good-looking brown eyes. She’s pretty. Oh, God, why did I repeat it? Well, she is but the first thing that grabs my attention is her innocence. I cannot comprehend what it is but I believe it wholeheartedly. The way she poses for pictures and her manner of speaking prove my statements.

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 still focus on them because I now have more free time.

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 drifted to Scarlet. She’s not like all other girls I’ve seen on Wattpad. She’s talkative but in a good way. And above all, innocent. She’s simply innocent at its best. Oftentimes repetition becomes irritating but admiring this girl will never become annoying to me.

A little while later, my mom entered the room and I failed to hide my smile. She shook her head at me.

“You should be studying, not daydreaming,” she scolded with a frown on her face.

I flushed in embarrassment.

“Who the hell is daydreaming?”

She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at me sternly.

“Watch your tongue with me, boy.”

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 friends, because it’s them whom I should spit venom to. Not my dear mom, but it’s too late for it. Fed up with myself, I got up from the chair.

“You don’t have to go, you study while I leave,” she said, turning away but I was quick  to hug her immediately.

She 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;

“Aww, sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry I was rude, mom,” I said, the tears continuing to build up.

She only smiled gently.

“It’s okay, son. I still love you.” she kissed my forehead and caressed my hair.

I shook my head, the tears still pooling out of my eyes and going down my face. Some were getting in my mouth, and I choked on them.

“No, it isn’t. I hate that I don’t have control over my words sometimes; it’s the worst.”

“Then, learn to control it, or it will eventually control you,” she said but I didn’t let her go.

“Umm..”  tried to say but was stuttering. I dislike it more than I can say. She looked at me and touched my face.

“Seriously, son, what’s wrong?”

“Well…..” I was still stuttering and avoided her gaze.

“Please tell me. What’s going on with you?” she asked concerned.

I grabbed my phone with a shaking hand to open Wattpad and went to Scarlet’s profile. The entire time, I was shaking with nervousness. I was struggling not to drop my phone.

“I made a friend on the writing platform,” I managed to say.

Mom’s eyes lit up with excitement and she bounced on the balls of her feet.

“Oh, who’s the lucky boy?” she asked.

I looked at her in wonder and scratched my head. Red coloured my cheeks.

“Well, here’s the thing; it’s not a boy…… but a girl.”

Realisation dawned on her and she nodded.

“Oh, okay, then, who is she? Where does she live?”

“She’s from America.”

Mom squealed in joy and tried to look at my phone.

“America? How exciting! Now you have to show me,” she said.

Blushing horribly, I showed her Scarlet’s profile picture but since Mom wasn’t satisfied with the micro picture, I showed her the face reveal book and with every picture I saw a growing sense of delight in her eyes. She was more excited than me. I was so nervous I dropped my phone on the table so that my mom wouldn’t notice that I was shaking. I don’t know why but I’m trembling and stuttering for no reason.

Of course my mom noticed and gave me a concerned look, putting her hand on my shoulder to try to steady me. She narrowed her eyes at me.

“Why are you shaking?”

“No reason,” I lied.

Her eyes narrowed further.

“Are you hiding something else from me, Pathum?” She caressed my hair.

“No, I’m not,” I said loudly, which might have hurt her feelings judging by the frown on her face.

She didn't seem to believe me but she nodded in response.

“Ok….. well, then. Study well son.” She left with that.

I took a Physics question and meddled with it. And 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. And since it's already afternoon for me, it’s just early morning for her, so I was not expecting her to text me back yet. Of course, she didn’t. Then a sudden thought came to my mind and I agreed upon that thought. I think it’s time I tell somebody about her. Opening my WhatsApp, I clicked on my friend Manoj and sent him the screenshots of mine and Scarlet’s conversation.

But I chose not to send her face reveal book because I didn't want anyone to see more of her than what they have already seen. I don't know why but I don’t trust anybody. But yes I know the face reveal is public and that I need to be okay with it.

Oh, why am I bothered about her stuff? I should mind my own business.

An hour later I got a message from Manoj and it was uneasy.

“You’re a flirt, aren’t you?”

Pathum: What the hell? No, I am not. What do you mean by that?

Manoj: Well you called her sweetie, didn’t you man?

Pathum: She was the first who called me sweetie and that's why I replied to her with that.

Manoj: Calm down, calm down, I’m not going to steal her.

Pathum: I am calm, brother.

Manoj: Where does she live?

Pathum: In America, the state of Louisiana.

Manoj: Oh,  that’s great! So was she the only one who was flirting?

Pathum: I said it once and 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, man. Trust me she texted me and I felt like telling you, why can't you believe that? Huh?

Manoj: Calm down fella, it’s fine to flirt with a girl. It’s not a crime.

Pathum: Oh, for freak’s sake, I would never show you anything ever again.

And that was it. We talked about a few topics and eventually the discussion came to a natural end. It was always the case with me, whenever I start a conversation it would come to an end. Oh, yes I KNOW every conversation comes to an end but at least some last for hours but the case with me was it only lasted for five minutes and we’re out of things to talk and there’s awkward silence and then either I or he goes offline. It's funny that the situation is different when it comes to Scarlet.

We never run out of topics, we talk and talk and it is a never ending journey. I wonder where we will go with our relationship? Somewhere good I believe. Even though it has only been a few days since I met her, I feel more comfortable around her than most of my friends. That's odd because she’s a girl, but I hope it’s not a big 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 belong will leave.

I spent the afternoon studying biology, even though I did manage to study a few pages, I wasn’t able to answer the questions properly. I loathe it damn so much, why can't I EVER get good grades? Maybe because I’m not focused? Is that so? I think I’m well focused and I don't think there is any room for further improvement. I am so stubborn and stupid. So what? Oh nothing Pathum, you can do whatever you want.
Shut the freak up Pathum.

My afternoon was spent scolding myself and staring at my biology papers and notes. Even though I was getting nothing done other than staring at them, I still kept staring. I don't understand why can’t God help me? To help I have to give myself to Him, oh is that so?

Once the evening came I bathed and was ready to text Scarlet. We talked every single day for the past week. She would text me by 6: 30 p.m in her area it's around 8 or nine A.M. And like usual we talked starting from 6 pm and her messages were delayed but I responded to them without asking why, I don't know but she seems to be having a problem with which she is uncomfortable sharing. I don't know if I got to do something with it or not.

That's when I got this 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. I hate it, and I’m sorry.”

And that was the last message I got from her. What happened?! Did I say something wrong? I guessed I messed up.

Shit! 

I waited until midnight, but she never replied to any of my messages. I don’t know what I did to her but she seemed rather upset. But all of a sudden what did I do wrong?

I guess I’ll never know. Right when I got the feeling that I made a friend here she goes saying she can't talk to me anymore. Life is so funny.

***

Thank you for reading !
Do vote and comment!
So what do you think is the issue did Pathum said something wrong or why is she disturbed? Any guesses ?!