CAPTURE THIS (Updating regularly)

Chapter 7

Matty sighed. "You're obviously torn up about it. I knew Lindsey was the one after a week of knowing her..." 

He trailed off and they all fell silent at the sound of her name. 

Matty cleared his throat pointedly. "So, are you going to talk him?"

Amber took a sip of her coke. "Well, I spoke to him after school."

Saf and Zora's head whipped around to stare at her - she hadn't mentioned what had happened to them yet. 

"And...?" Zora asked expectantly. 

Amber shrugged, trying to keep her tone casual as she rolled the can on between her palms. "He asked to see me on Wednesday in the woods after I get my stitches taken out." 

The room felt silent again. 

"Isn't that illegal?" Zora questioned hesitantly, breaking the silence.

Amber frowned down at her can thoughtfully. She honestly had no idea about what the laws where. Perhaps there was some kind of loophole in the law that would allow them to at least talk. She couldn't imagine never speaking to Alex again. 

Saf seemed to sense her discomfort and changed the subject. 

"So, my mum started ranting when I got home to get the car. I think she thinks I have a girlfriend," Saf told them, rolling his eyes at the latter sentence. 

Zora giggled. "Her good little Saf with a girl? Never!"

Saf nudged her with his elbow playfully. "Whatever, you know that if I wanted a girlfriend, you'd be falling at my feet." 

Zora nodded sarcastically. "Right, because I'm so desperate for you. You say the words and I'm yours." 

Amber and Matty exchanged an amused look as they watched the pair bicker. There was no denying that there was chemistry between the two, but due to his religious beliefs, Saf made it clear that he wasn't going to find himself a girlfriend. Saf was a Muslim and in their very first year at the secondary school, he explained to both Amber and Zora that he wasn't allowed to date and that the first woman he'd be with is his wife. Amber and Zora teased him about it occasionally when a girl would show some interest him, which happened a number of times over their time together at school, but Saf was never bothered. He'd just politely explain to the person and would take their response, whether it was understanding or particularly harsh. 

If Amber ever asked Zora about even considering ever dating Saf - which she had done multiple times over the years that they had been friends - she would roll her eyes and scoff. "Saf? No, I don't think so," she'd reply amusedly. 

Once the pair had stopped quarrelling, Saf suggested that they play some Call of Duty and the others agreed. It was one of their favourite pass times when they were at Matty's house. He had a massive television and surround sound system. It was a gaming experience unlike that any of them had ever experienced. The trio were often grateful they had one friend who had moved out of their parents' to start their own independent life. It was much easier spending time in Matty's flat together rather than at their parents' homes, with constant interruptions - not that Amber didn't like Saf and Zora's families. But it was nice not to be watched over. 

The night was spent playing on Matty's PS3  and gossiping about people they knew. It began to darken outside and Saf suggested that they leave together so that he could drop Zora and Amber off at their houses. 

Amber caught Matty's glum expression Saf and Zora rose from their seats and began clearing out the packaging from all the junk food they had eaten. She could see the thoughts of Lindsey drifting into his mind his face flashed looks of sadness.