CAPTURE THIS (Updating regularly)

Chapter 7

Saf picked Amber up from her house, saving Amber the humiliating journey of taking the bus to go and see Matty. Zora was already sitting in the front seat. 

"I thought you didn't want to go home before coming to see us?" Amber asked Saf curiously as he helped her into the back. 

"I didn't but I figured you'd need a ride," he answered casually as he placed her crutches beside her. 

Amber felt her heart swell with adoration for her friend. "Aw Saf, that's so considerate. Thank you." 

Saf said nothing, only responding to her with a sheepish smile and avoiding eye contact. When he walked around the car to get into the driver's seat, his face was tinged with red. 

"Look at him blush!" Zora pointed out, cackling with laughter. 

Amber couldn't help but feel embarrassed too. "Oh shut up, Zora. He was being nice." 

"Wow, Saf did a nice thing. Shocking." Saf answered sarcastically as he backed out of Amber's driveway. 

Amber laughed whilst Zora rolled her eyes. 

"So, does anyone have a plan as to what we're going to do with Matty?" Zora asked. 

They sat in silence for a moment. None of them had any idea what they were going to do when they saw Matty but seeing him felt like the right thing to do. They generally flocked to each other's houses in a time of crisis. On the anniversary of Mrs Riley's death, Amber would go visit her mother's grave, spend time with Ann and make sure that Mr Riley was coping okay and then the others would come over and they'd sit in her room watching movies to take her mind off of it all. Ann would occasionally join them. 

"I think we should pick up some pizza and hang out at Matty's place - if he's cool with that," Saf suggested. 

Amber nodded. "And extra spicy wings. He loves those." 

Zora took out her phone and started browsing their local takeaway places. "Guys, do you think it was a good thing that he broke up with her? I would never say this to Matty but she was acting crazy after he got back from Spain. Maybe they need to take a break." 

Saf shook his head. "No way. Those two were perfect together." 

Zora laughed. "Look at you, Saf. Who would have thought you'd be a romantic?"

Saf's dark cheeks reddened some more. "All I'm saying is that Matty just needs to stick it out." 

Amber watched them bicker from the back seat. Zora and Saf didn't often bicker but when they did, it was always amusing. 

When they arrived at the gallery, Matty was closing up.

"Wow, I didn't know all of you were turning up," he told them, through Saf's open window. 

"Well, this is officially a kidnapping," Saf told him. "We can either take you willingly or unwillingly?"

Matty laughed. "What? You skinny twigs trying to get me in this car? I'd like to see you try." 

He had a point, thought Amber, Matty was incredibly well built and despite Saf being the stronger one of Zora and Amber, he certainly couldn't take on Amber. He was taller than Matty but certainly didn't have biceps that could compete. 

Matty got into the back with Amber. She waited apprehensively for him to snap at her for telling the others. 

"Hey, Ambs," he greeted her with a smile. 

Amber's eyes widened as she heard his cheery tone. "You're in a better mood than you were this morning." 

Matty threw her an apologetic look. "I've had some time to think. I'm sorry I got so mad this morning."