CAPTURE THIS (Updating regularly)

Chapter 6

"Ah, that's perfect, Safe-ear!" Mrs Beckett exclaimed suddenly. 

Saf rolled his eyes at the mispronunciation of his name. "I'm sorry, miss?" 

"That face you made. That is exactly the kind of look Miss Havisham would have in the chapter I was talking about. What did you make of the chapter?" 

Saf seemed to be at a loss for words. He was gaping at the woman like she had grown another head, whilst she nodded encouragingly, trying to coax some words outs of his open mouth. 

"Saf and I were just discussing that chapter before the lesson, Mrs Beckett. Chapter 12 was one of Saf's favourites, wasn't it?" Amber felt she needed to intervene because Saf didn't seem to have a clue about what the woman was talking about. Amber knew that he just needed some prompting. 

"Right..." He answered slowly, clearly formulating a coherent sentence in his head. "She raised Estella to 'break their hearts' and it was a shocking moment for me."

Mrs Beckett's face broke out into a pleased smile, showing off her little yellow teeth. "Such honesty! But I think that's the odd thing. You wouldn't put it past Miss Havisham to turn her adopted daughter into her own little puppet and yet, we're still surprised. In fact, in groups, I'd like you to find me evidence of moments that contradict the idea that she would do such a thing. Off you go." 

The class exploded into chatter and Amber took the opportunity to talk to Saf. 

"Sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot there," she told him, feeling slightly guilty. 

A grin stretched across his face. "Well, gee, Ambs, I was trying to pay attention. I was desperate to hear Mrs Beckett's riveting opinion of the novel." 

Amber rolled her eyes at his sarcasm. 

Saf's smile slowly slid of his face as he watched her concernedly. She threw him a questioning glance. 

"I never did ask," he began somewhat hesitantly, "are you okay? All that stuff with Ann and Prince Charming must be a lot to handle." 

Amber felt a lump rise to her throat at his concern. It took her a moment to gain some composure before she opened her mouth to speak. "Thanks for asking, but I'm alright, Saf." 

He nodded and abruptly went back to his usual carefree ways. "Gosh, Amber, no need to get all choked up! I'm not asking you out on a date or anything." 

Amber rolled her eyes again, internally thanking him for dropping the matter. 

English passed quickly and Amber found herself forgetting to worry about Ann and Alex. Having Saf for company was a great distraction. She dreaded the moment the clock would hit four. 

The bell rang, indicating the end of the day.

"So you're going home first?" Saf asked Amber as they crammed their books into their bags. 

Amber nodded. "Yeah, I don't want to hang around anywhere until six. I'll meet you and Zora at the gallery and we can go see Matty together." 

Saf nodded. He shifted uncomfortably on the spot and stared down at the floor, making no attempt to say goodbye. 

"What is it?" Amber asked him, frowning at his jet black hair which tumbled over his face. 

He glanced up at her hesitantly. "What are you going to about the whole Prince Charming situation?"

Amber decided to focus on the funny side. "Prince Charming? Is that what we're calling him now?"

She hoped evading his question would be enough but he watched her expectantly.