Beauty Under the Lens

CHAPTER 23

Amanda's POV

Asher and I were texting all night. We've been classmates for years and have been talking for a while, but we never exchanged numbers. Asher isn't very familiar with texting, he's more used to social media. I even had to introduce him to sim cards.

"Give me your number," he pulled out his phone from his pocket as he walked me to the tricycle terminal.

I raised an eyebrow. "You're not as obedient as they portrayed you to be. I thought you followed the rules in the handbook."

He shrugged. "We all go through rebellious phases."

"Sus," I shook my head and went to his contacts. "My number is under Globe. Are you a Globe?"

"Why?" he smirked.

I furrowed my brow. "What do you mean by why? I'm just asking if your sim card is under Globe."

"I thought it was a pick-up line," he looked amused. "And what is a sim card?"

I stifled a laugh. It was hard to keep it in. Asher Ledesma doesn't know what a sim card is? Damn!

"You don't know what a sim card is?" I pouted to hide my suppressed smile, but I couldn't contain it. "So you don't have a sim card You'll save my number and then turns out you don't even have one. We can't contact each other if you don't have a sim card."

"I can contact my parents. They call me when I'm out," he furrowed his brows.

"That's the small card you put in your cellphone. Your number is there, and that's what you load to text or call," I explained.

"I didn't do any of that. Mama gave me that phone, and I can already use it for texting and calling. I thought it was a built-in feature on phones."

Maybe his parents pay for it too. That's the only reason I see of how he can text and call without loading it himself. He doesn't even know what a sim card is.

"Hmm, okay. Now you know," I smiled. "Don't worry, I won't tell your admirers that you don't know about sim cards."

He scowled at me. He looked so grumpy.

Asher:

Got home?

Me:

Yep.

During the dinner with Astrid’s family, my phone kept buzzing. I didn't touch it because it's inappropriate and disrespectful at the table.

Astrid cleared her throat. "Are you not going to answer that, Amanda Callie?" she drank water and grinned.

I shook my head. "Let it be. It's not urgent. It can wait."

"Well, you waited for five years, he can wait too," she replied nonchalantly. Auntie Ruth's eyes switched between Astrid and me, confused, since she lacked context about our conversation.

Asher:

Are you asleep?

Why aren't you answering?

Are you comfortable at Astrid's?

Tell your friends that I'll be picking you guys up tomorrow.

Astrid rolled her eyes. She was also reading Asher's texts. We're getting ready for bed. I've already brushed my teeth and showered. I glanced at her, asking if she's okay with the arrangement.

"Come on, reply to Asher. I'll text Elara that he'll be the one picking us up tomorrow," she giggled while texting on her phone.

Me:

They said it's okay. Do you know where Elara lives?

Asher:

Yeah. I've already been there for one of our group activities.

Me:

Okay.

Asher:

Cold.

I chuckled because of his reply.

"Asus! laughing while texting?" Astrid smiled cheekily.

"Che!" I turned away from her so she couldn't see my expressions and to avoid being distracted by her reactions.

Me:

It's nothing. I really have nothing else to reply.

Asher:

Can I call?

I looked at Astrid. She raised her brows at me, her anticipation growing.

Me:

Now?

"I-I’ll just go to the… b-balcony," luckily only the night lights were on in the room, so my blushing cheeks weren't noticeable.

Asher:

Yes.

"Yiee!!! Go! The balcony is all yours!" Astrid pushed me towards the balcony. She closed the doors leading to the balcony, but I knew she left them slightly open to eavesdrop.

Before I could look back at my phone, I heard it ringing.

Asher’s calling...

I quickly swiped accept and nervously put the phone to my ear.

"H-hello?" I greeted with a shy voice. We talk personally, but I didn't expect us to reach this point of calling in the middle of the night.

"Hi," his voice was husky. He sounded sleepy.

"Why did you call?" I glanced around. Because I'm aware of Astrid's presence and I'm a bit conscious.

"Just wanted to say goodnight," he replied.

"Oh, you can text it instead." I traced the steel railing of the balcony as I talked to him.

"I want to hear your voice too," his voice was endearing. I closed my eyes tightly. Not even a day has passed since we've established what we have, and he's already breaking it.

"That’s what friends do?" I asked innocently.

He sighed on the other line. "Every friendship is different. There are no rules and standards. It's just saying goodnight."

I chuckled. He always finds ways to outsmart me.

"Stop laughing. Now say it," he said in a demanding tone, but clearly amused by my reactions.

I took a deep breath. To have peaceful nights like this. With no apprehensions of what's going to come tomorrow.

"Good night, Asher, my friend," I smiled mischievously at how deviant the word "my friend" sounded.

He barked a laugh. "No one says goodnight like that. But... I'll take it. For now."

The next day came. It was a slow morning for us. We didn't need to rush because it was intrams day. It was up to us if we would go to school, but surely some teachers would give plus grades for attendance. Also, it was the sports wear competition for the participants of Mr. and Ms. Intrams, so I also needed to attend.

Asher arrived at Astrid's place at seven-thirty a.m. Jasper, Axel, and Elara were already inside. It turns out we were the last ones to be picked up.

Astrid got in first. Asher and I were left outside their van.

He's wearing a black shirt. Even though his outfit is simple, he managed to pull off a model look.

"Good morning," he smiled at me. "The word 'my friend' is unnecessary, by the way," he added before I could respond.

I chuckled. "Good morning, Asher."

I'm wearing our school's red foundation shirt, as it's our school's 64th founding anniversary. Asher extended his hand to me. He raised an eyebrow, as if waiting to see if I would make a big deal out of it. I placed my hand over his. He helped me get into their van, even though it wasn't necessary. Asher closed the door. Astrid was by the window. They both sandwiched me between them, with Asher on one side. Astrid nudged me.

"You seem to be having a sweet morning, huh?" Astrid teased.

Jasper, Axel, and Elara made noise in the back upon hearing Astrid's comment.

"Your Aria is down!" Axel exclaimed.

"That won't make Amanda feel better. She might not like your tone towards her youngest," Elara scolded him.

"She has to accept it, Elara. Aria and Asher are never going to happen," Jasper shrugged.

"Because of the girl you like?" I turned to Asher. "One of these days, you're going to have to introduce me to her so I can see why you're so sure about her."

My friends fell silent, each clearing their throat.

Asher just gave me a lopsided grin. "Yeah, you'll meet her one of these days," he stared into my eyes. "When she's ready."

Being involved with Asher is intimidating, so I understand this girl's hesitation. Even I, who doesn't have anything romantic with Asher, receive various comments. What more for her?

"It's a good thing she understood about the engagement situation," I commented. I felt bad that I contributed to their obstacles.

"We hit a rough patch," he replied casually. "We've sorted it out. But now, she's only offering friendship."

I pursed my lips and nodded. "Ah, just like how it is between us."

"Pft!" Axel almost choked on his laughter. Jasper patted his back.

"Are you okay, Axel?" I asked in a concerned voice.

"Yeah, of course," he scratched his chest. "I should be asking you that. Are you really okay?"

I looked around at the five of them. It's as if they understand something that I don't. Asher glared at Axel.

"I-I'm fine," I skeptically replied because I became suspicious of the looks they exchanged.

Cheers greeted us wherever we went. It was loud in our gymnasium. There would be a field mass demonstration today. The five of us didn't join in because we weren't fond of dancing. So, we just watched.

Asher separated from us as he was one of the photographers for today's event. There were food stands around the gymnasium that were already crowded with students even before the program started.

"Oh, there's a Greenwich stall! Their shakes are delicious. Let's buy later," Jasper suggested.

"Guys, I'll go search for Zyna. I'll be back," I excused myself.

"Sure, we'll find you later."