Chapter 37: Texting I

(Third POV)

Lara just got back home about 30 minutes ago from university. After changing her clothes, she decided to lie on her bed and reminisce the sweet moment between her and Steven earlier. It was not everyday that that happens between them. Continuing the could have been kiss in her imagination, she was disrupted by her cellphone ringing.

She looked at the name of the caller. ANDY. Irately, she answered the phone. "You really have impeccable timing. Do you hold a grudge against me or something?"

"What did I do?" Andy asked from the other line.

"Ugh. Never mind. Anyway, why are you calling?"

"Michelle's not replying to my text. I've been waiting like, for half an hour now. So… hehe."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Can you like text her and see if she'll reply?"

"Why? Did you text her something strange that's why she isn't replying to you? What did you text her?"

"I just said, 'It was raining crazy earlier. Hope you got home safe. See you tomorrow!' I think it was short and sweet. But I think I phrased it wrong. I should have asked if she's home already. Now, I can't like send another one because she might think that I like her or something."

"Don't you? I don't know why you're going about this the round-about way. Also, your text is ok, as a friend even, she would reply to that. Maybe she's just not that into you. Haha!"

"No way. I think she's quite receptive. Maybe she just hasn't seen it yet, or she's not holding her phone. Anyway, just send her a message and see if she'll reply. I'll send her phone number now. Let's see if she'll reply to you."

"Grrr! Why am I even friends with you? You're such a nokia!" (Nokia- user friendly haha! Don't know if you guys can relate!)

Andy laughed. "Ok, call me back after you send her a message."

Lara opened the text from Andy and saved Michelle's number. Gosh, it's the first time she's even doing this kind of stuff. Normally, scratch that. Always, it's other people who wants to be friends with her and trying to get her number, not the other way around.

She shook her head as she typed her message. Gods, the things she does in the name of friendship. After sending the text, she called Andy back after 5 minutes.

"I already sent the text about 5 minutes ago. No reply yet. Was I snubbed?" Lara informed pouting.

Andy chuckled happily, "I doubt. Hehe, so maybe she just hasn't seen my message. Thanks Lara, you're the best. When you receive a reply from her, you better call me again!"

Lara did an eyeroll even when Andy can't see it. "Fine. Bye."

"Don't worry, I will tell Steven nice things about you. I'll even set you up on my birthday as compensation!"

"You better do!" Lara replied.

"Ok, bye!"

--

(Michelle POV)

Today was like a roller-coaster of emotions. It didn't start that great, what with me seeing Steve with Lara, but everything else that followed was like a story out of a fairytale book.

My heart was feeling full as I turned on my cellphone.

I saw 2 missed calls from my mother, 1 missed call from Mr. Matt, and 3 messages. One from my mother where in it was Anthony's number, one from Andy, and another from an unknown number.

I opened the text from Andy.

[It was raining crazy earlier. Hope you got home safe. See you tomorrow!]

The message was received at 5:30 pm. It's been 4 hours since then and there's no follow up text from him. Although that was sweet of him, it doesn't seem like he's eagerly waiting for my reply. Oh well. Nonchalantly, I replied. 'Sorry for the late reply, just saw your text now. Yes, I'm home and I hope you are too. Thanks, see you tomorrow!'

Then I opened the one from the unknown number.

[Had fun earlier with you in Arcadia! I got your number from Andy. Save mine! - Lara]

I smiled. Lara was such a sweetheart. I would loathe to ruin our newfound friendship by coming in between her and Steve. Whatever happens between them will happen so it's better to just keep my arms crossed and let them be.

The message was received at 6:02 pm. Quickly, I typed my reply, 'So sorry for the late reply, just read your message now. Yeah, me too. I also had fun. Thank you for inviting me. Goodnight and see you tomorrow!'

Then I opened the message from my mom with Anthony's number. I immediately saved his number. Then, I squealed and shook my body in excitement. Wahh!!! I got Anthony's number! I'm so SO HAPPY!

After the high, I started thinking. Now that I have it, what should I do with it? Should I send him a text? What would he think of me if I do? Ugh! Just go through with it, Michelle! At least then he would have your number too. Perhaps he would even text you of his own accord at times? If not, at least then, you can text him and pretend it's about English. Ah! Don't let this opportunity go!

After I was done convincing myself, I took a deep breath. This is it. I started typing. Reread what I typed. Deleted it, retyped again. This continued for about 10 minutes, until I was satisfied and pressed send.

I wrote, 'Good evening Anthony. Sorry for texting you this late. Ah, I got your number from my mother. I hope you don't mind. I just really wanted to thank you for earlier. You were really a great help. Hope you're home safe. See you tomorrow! Goodnight!'

Was it too much? Initially, I even included that he should take a warm bath, and the words sweet dreams, but then, I thought that it's too obvious…

I paced my room as I waited for his reply. Finally, my phone vibrated. That was fast!

--

TBC