The Insider

Chapter 12: A Night to Remember

Remi walked out of Ms. Rachael Lee's office, feeling a sense of clarity and purpose. She had been seeing her therapist for a few weeks now, and it had been incredibly helpful in sorting out her thoughts and emotions.

As she walked down the street, Remi's mind began to wander. She thought about Avery's advice to ask Asher out, and she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. Why not? she thought to herself. It's just a movie night.

Remi quickened her pace, her heart beating slightly faster as she turned the corner onto Asher's street. She spotted him walking towards her, his eyes fixed on his phone.

"Hey, Asher," Remi said, trying to sound casual.

Asher looked up, a hint of surprise on his face. "Remi. What's up?"

Remi took a deep breath, trying to channel Avery's confidence. "Not much. I was just wondering if you'd like to hang out tonight? Maybe watch a movie at my place?"

Asher's expression changed from surprise to curiosity. "Uh, sure. That sounds...fun."

Remi's heart skipped a beat as Asher smiled and pulled out his phone. "What's your number? I'll text you later."

Remi's hands shook slightly as she recited her number, trying to play it cool. As Asher walked away, Remi couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness.

She quickly pulled out her phone and texted Avery. "OMG, Avery! I did it! I asked Asher out and he said yes!!"

Avery's response came quickly. "Haha, nice job, Remi! But don't get too excited. You're not exactly his type. Anyway, how's Ethan doing? Still pining after you?"

Remi rolled her eyes, laughing. "Shut up, Avery! And yeah, Ethan's still being his usual adorable self."

That night, Remi and Asher settled in to watch a movie together. They chose a classic rom-com, and Remi couldn't help but feel a little nervous as they sat down on the couch together.

As the movie started, Remi and Asher began to chat, exchanging jokes and laughter. Remi found herself feeling more and more at ease around Asher, and she was surprised by how much they had in common.

"I love this movie," Remi said, snuggling into the couch. "I've seen it like five times."

Asher grinned. "Yeah, it's a classic. I've seen it with my sister like three times."

Remi's eyes lit up. "You have a sister?"

Asher nodded. "Yeah, her name is Mia. She's a freshman at UCLA."

Remi's eyes widened. "No way! I have a friend who goes to UCLA."

Asher raised an eyebrow. "Really? What's your friend's name?"

Remi thought for a moment before responding. "Her name is Sophia."

Asher's eyes lit up. "I know Sophia! She's on the soccer team with my sister."

Remi's jaw dropped. "What? That's crazy!"

As they continued watching the movie, Remi and Asher's conversation flowed easily. They talked about everything from their favorite TV shows to their childhood memories.

"I'm so glad we're watching this movie," Remi said, giggling. "It's one of my favorites."

Asher smiled. "Yeah, it's a great choice. I love the romance in it."

Remi's heart skipped a beat at the mention of romance. She couldn't help but wonder if Asher was feeling the same way.

As the movie finally ended, Remi and Asher sat in silence for a moment, watching the credits roll.

"Thanks for coming over tonight, Asher," Remi said, breaking the silence. "I had a really great time."

Asher smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, me too, Remi. I'll see you around."

As Remi walked Asher to the door, he excused himself to use the bathroom. Remi nodded, pointing him in the direction of the bathroom.

As Asher walked down the hallway, he noticed Remi's room door was slightly ajar. He pushed it open, and what he saw shocked him.

On Remi's desk, there was a large stack of papers, each one filled with drawings and sketches of Asher. There were pictures of him playing soccer, pictures of him with his friends, and even pictures of him alone, looking thoughtful.

Asher's eyes widened as he took in the sheer number of drawings. He couldn't believe that Remi had been paying so much attention to him.

He quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of the drawings, his mind racing with questions.

Right beside her collection he saw a flash drive inserted in a laptop and clicked on the only thing on it he was shocked, he brought out his phone and recorded it before he left her house finally.