Calls/Texts between iPhone/Android

I have a problem that I cannot find anything online on how to help. So here is my issue. My friend uses an iPhone X13. I use a Samsung A32 5G. Recently I started having an issue where her calls & text messages were not coming to me. (Please read all the way through). I thought it was an issue on my end. I started troubleshooting my phone. Also...her niece and friend of mine who also uses an iPhone can call & text me whenever. HOWEVER, after a of trial and error and me looking everywhere online and calling my service provider... I did a factory reset...and even got a new sim card. I made sure i didn't block her. So i blocked and unblocked her. I made sure my Do Not Disturb was not on. No matter what, I couldn't solve the issue. My friend and I are on separate carriers. I'm with MetroPCS & she is with Verizon.

So I proceeded to follow guides online about changing settings on messenger as it may be the culprit. I turned it off...nothing, I turned it on and made sure SMS was selected...nothing. I rebooted my phone...nothing. I even landed myself in this IOS Community.

The odd thing though is that sometimes I can receive calls, texts and picture messages from her. But it is random. It's like the phone is alive and decides on its own what I can receive, creepy.

What on earth is the deal? I'm stuck. I've also tried other things with my carrier. He says there is no reason that he can think of that would cause this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 😊!