Beauty Under the Lens

CHAPTER 21

Amanda's POV

The sounds of a pen writing on paper, the flipping of pages, the thump of books as they make contact with the wooden shelves when you pull out or put a book back in, all welcomed me as I entered the library. This is the most peaceful place I could think of. I can focus better here because seeing other students studying also motivates me. At least it will force me to actually study. Maybe if I studied elsewhere, my mind would wander off to different places.

We have a long quiz tomorrow before our intramurals from Wednesday to Friday. We have teachers who give short quizzes after each lesson so that they can record more while our Reading and Analysis teacher loves giving long quizzes. About three or four lessons before a quiz.

I prefer short quizzes because the information is still fresh in my mind. But we have gotten used to Sir Gonzalez. He was also our teacher last semester for Communication and FSPL. So, we are aware that he prefers long quizzes.

I am clutching my stomach because it's my time of the month. Period cramps suck. Women who don't experience this are so lucky. Especially those boys who don’t experience period monthly.

I scanned the room to find a seat. I found an empty one next to the meeting room door. My eyes wandered around the people inside. The meeting room has glass windows so you can see who's inside. Asher was inside the meeting room. I hesitated because of that. Is it a good idea to study here? Maybe it's fine because he seems occupied.

"We shouldn't just narrate what happened during our intramurals. We should give a story and meaning to what happens there. The essence of teamwork, unity, and the talents that each student will exhibit. Because that's what the event is all about. Who we are and what we learn beyond the curriculum."

The door was slightly ajar so I could hear what was being said inside the room.

"We'll also be interviewing students, teachers, or even the owners since it's the Oakwoods' founding anniversary as well."

My mind couldn't retain what I was reading because my attention was divided between what was being said in the meeting room and my notes. I stood up to move to another spot. Maybe at the far end.

After grabbing my bag, I looked again at the glass windows. Asher was looking directly at me. I tightened my grip on my bag. I hurriedly packed my notes when he suddenly said something to the person speaking in front. The girl who was talking earlier looked in my direction. She grinned at Asher and shrugged, teasingly but he seemed to indulge her eventually.

I ran away from my spot. I planned to run out of the library, but he might catch up easily. So, I went to the shelves. With so many sections in the library, it's impossible for him to find me right away. I walked backward, keeping an eye on where Asher might go. He looked around and disappeared from my view. That's when I finally breathed easy. Maybe he went out to look for me there. I took a step back, doubting if he could still see my head.

I stepped back until I hit something hard. I froze because I thought it wasn't a wall.

"Not so good at hiding, ha?"

I looked up. It’s Cedric. I let out a breath of relief. I thought it was Asher.

"Asher is such a terrible seeker. Good thing you're hiding from him," Cedric chuckled. "So, studying for the long quiz?"

I put some distance between us. I nodded.

"Yup."

"We already had a long quiz earlier. We don't have a subject with Sir Gonzales tomorrow. Do you want me to give you the answers?" he offered.

I shook my head. "No," I reject. "Getting a perfect score may be ideal but it's not fulfilling when I know I didn't work hard for it."

"Wow," he sighed. "A lot of students would've jumped at my offer right now, but you... damn."

We walked away from the References section.

"Why? Have you given someone else the answers before?" I inquired.

"Yeah," Cedric answered casually. "Zed."

I widened my eyes at him. "No wonder he always gets a perfect score even though it seems like he doesn't always know the answers when asked."

Cedric chuckled. "Yeah, we do that all the time. If your section’s ahead, he gives the answers. If we're ahead, I'll give him the answers. If it's on the same time, well, good luck to us."

I clicked my tongue. "You shouldn't be doing that, it's cheating. You can help each other while studying. It's unfair to students who work hard."

"You don't like people who do that?" his voice teasing.

"Yeah, I don't."

He licked his lips. "I'll stop doing it then. I might get rejected by you. I will study hard, so you don't get turned off by me."

I just shook my head at him.

We found a spot. I sat down and opened my notes. I started memorizing.

"Don't include that part," Cedric interjected.

I glared at him for giving that information away. He gave me a peace sign and an apologetic smile.

"Don't you have any practice or somewhere to go?" I asked him.

He clasped his chest. "Wow, do you want me out of your sight so badly?"

"Not really," I denied.

"I promise, I won't say anything more. I'll just accompany you while you study."

I let him do what he wanted and focused on studying again. But every minute, I lost concentration because I felt uncomfortable, being watched by him.

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "D-do you not... want to read something?"

He smirked. "I like reading you more. Books are boring."

"I-I'm just not c-comfortable," my cheeks burned even more when he grinned.

"Okay, I'll just find something in the shelves," he stood up from his seat. "You look cute by the way."

I closed my eyes tightly as he turned his back to me and searched for a book.

"Pst!"

I looked around the library. I spotted Zyna. She smiled and walked over to my seat.

"So? Did you like the look I did for you? Or should I change it?"

I tried different looks on Zyna. There was a part of the coronation night where they would wear national costumes representing Asian countries. Zyna was assigned to India. Since there are many makeup styles, we tried different ones that would suit her face.

"Yeah, the one from yesterday was the best, let's stick with that as the final look."

We thought of an Indian bridal makeup look for her. At first, I tried putting a pink palette on her eyes. But when we tried a darker color palette like brown and black combination yesterday, it suited her better because she looked more elegant.

"So, what's going on between you and Cedric?" she raised her eyebrows. "You! I didn't know you two are together. I thought it was Asher. But he's with Aria. That's right, you should have a backup."

"Zyna, Cedric and I are not together, definitely not with Asher either. Our relationship is because we're classmates and in-laws, so we should get along. I wouldn't make Cedric my second option if ever. I'm not like that."

Zyna slapped my arm. "Come on, don't be so serious. I was just kidding."

Cedric came back and had a look of surprise on his face when he saw Zyna. "Oh, Zyna, you're here."

I wasn't surprised that they knew each other. Besides being in the same grade level, Cedric is known throughout the school, so it's impossible for Zyna not to know him while Zyna is quite friendly. She has a large friend circle. But even with their large friend circle, I still felt pity for Zyna. She's scared to tell her friends about her financial situation. Even though they're many, it seems like they only gather for fun.

I'm glad I have Astrid, Elara, Jasper, and Axel. I don't need more. I just need people who are true.

"You! Are you trying to make a move on Amanda?" Zyna narrowed her eyes at him. "That's why you didn't have any relationships in the past."

"What now," Cedric sat in front of us. "And stop disturbing her, she couldn't study because of you."

"Fine! You just want to be alone with her. Okay, I'll leave you two now, okay?" She shook her head and left the library.

It's already five o'clock, so the library needs to be closed. Cedric and I were still together even though I told him to go home, and his parents might worry.

"Don't worry about me, I'll accompany you home," he kept insisting.

I didn't want to bother Astrid or anyone else. I'll just stay overnight and go home the next day. Astrid went home earlier. Even though she said I could just contact their driver if I need a ride, I didn't want to bother her. I can go home by myself.

"So, it's true? Aria and Asher are really engaged?"

"They really suit each other."

"How sweet, he looks like he’s going to escort her home."

"But wasn't it just a few days ago when Asher was with Amanda? Are they playing with the siblings?"

"Are you insane? Why would Asher go for Amanda when she's so unattractive? He's handsome, why would he go for someone below his level?"

"You have a point. Maybe she's just forcing herself on Asher. She's desperate."

"She's not attractive, yet she's trying to meddle."

In front of our school gate, Asher was standing outside their van as if waiting for someone. Aria's friends were excited and pushed her towards Asher. Aria blushed and smiled at Asher. I felt a bitter sensation creeping into my system. I really can't understand where it's coming from. It's impossible to call it like or love. It's too much for someone as young as me to feel.

"I'm going home, Cedric," I waved at him and started walking towards the tricycle station.

"I insist, I'll take you home." he still insisted.

"I'll busted you if you still insist," I threatened.

He grinned. "You got me there. Well played, Amanda."

"No biggie, I just study hard," I boasted. "Okay, goodbye for real now. I'm getting tired of your face."

"Ouch," he held his chest dramatically.

I got home with a heavy sigh and a heavy heart. I spent the past few days without any interaction with Asher. I'm sure it gets easier in the next days. We're just going back to how things used to be.

Times when we didn't care about each other.