Sorry for the wait (this thing called real life took over, horrid, I know). Hope you enjoy, and thanks for the sweet reviews!

Jerome was sitting in the common room, lazily doing homework. Or at least that's what he made it look like he was doing. In reality, he was observing the girl across from him. Her brown eyes were sparkling as she read her novel, completely absorbed. That was the only reason he dared to stare so openly. Jerome Clarke had been crushing on Mara Jaffray since year 7, since the fated day they were assigned as partners for that Science project.

As he let his mind wander, however, Jerome kept coming back to the blonde haired beauty queen that had so recently captured his attention. What as there to say about Amber Millington? She had so thoroughly surprised him, and he found himself almost looking forward to their next meeting.

As if on cue, Amber walking into the room. She was alone, which Jerome wondered at. Hadn't she been on a date with Alfie? His best mate, however, was no where to be seen. Jerome continued to look at her, and was immediately concerned with the fact that her eyes and nose were redder than usual. Had Amber been... crying? What was wrong? He thought in a panicked tone. Wait. Was he seriously worried about this girl he'd just barely made friends with? Jerome, he chided himself. Stay aloof. Don't let anyone in who could hurt you.

Amber was doing her best to keep her chin up and not betray her tears to the others. She walked quickly to girl's corridor upstairs, not sure who to talk to. She stepped towards Patricia, Joy, and KT's room, but she thought again. She wasn't terribly close to any of them. It was at times like this that Amber missed both Nina and her old friendship with Mara. Amber sighed and turned around to go back to her room. Maybe she could call Nina. As she turned however, she saw an unexpected face. Jerome stood leaning up against the entrance to the corridor. "Hey." He said nervously, uncertain what to say. Jerome had inexplicably felt the urge to go help her, but was now regretting it.

"Hi." Amber replied, suddenly wanting nothing more than to just break down into tears and explain everything to him.

"Look, I'm not the greatest at this whole 'comforting' thing. But, uh, you looked upset and I just hope it's not because of me."

She smiled a little. "Not everything's centered on you."

Jerome grinned back. "Well, considering it's Jerome Clarke, here, you never know. I do have my way with the ladies." He wiggled his eyebrows goofily. Amber rolled her eyes and laughed. "Seriously though. Nothing's bothering you?"

"Me and Alfie broke up." She had a hard time getting the words out of her mouth, found it hard to believe that it was really true.

"Oh, um, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I broke up with him." Again, the words stuck coming out. The enormity of what Amber had done hit her full on, but she also found herself a bit relieved. To be honest, she'd agreed to date Alfie half as a joke, but it had escalated so quickly, and she had just loved the fact that he loved her. Adored her, worshipped her practically.

"Oh." Jerome looked even more confused now. Then, slowly and quietly, "Why? You guys always seemed so... I don't know, happy."

Amber sighed. "That's just it. We were 'happy' all the time. Never serious or sad together. It's not that I neccessarily regret breaking up with him, it's just that I'm really scared I just broke up our friendship too." Tears welled back up in her eyes. So much for not crying.

"Hey, hey. Don't cry." Jerome stood there awkwardly, unsure what to do. "I mean Alfie bounces back, right? That's the best thing about him, he doesn't let things keep him down for long!" I'll just leave out the fact that I've listened to him rave about her since we all arrived at the school as preteens.

"Yeah." Amber said dejectedly, not convinced.

She needs something to take her mind of this... "So, um, I was talking to Mara earlier. We were discussing some new research into the genetic signals used in tomatoes. Fascinating chemistry, really." He blurted out, mentioning the first thing that came to mind.

Amber wasn't interested in fruit biology, but she was interested in chemistry. And not the same kind Jerome had just mentioned. She smiled, given new energy. "So. Mara. How long have you liked her?"

Jerome, usually a slick liar, stuttered. "Whaat. Mara?! Pfffffttt."

"Oh come on." Amber decided this was perfect, she would extend this olive branch to seal their friendship. "I could help you, you know. I am the love guru."

Jerome nearly choked in laughter. "Haha, I don't know if I need help from the 'love guru', but... I could use some advice from a girl."

"Yes. I am a girl."

Again, his infectious laugh. "I never would have guessed."

"Whatever. But seriously, I'll help you. Deal?" Amber extended a hand.

"Where I come from, a deal involves payment." Jerome eyed her hand suspiciously. "I don't want to owe you anything, Millington."

"Fine. Your payment will be... Friendship!" She exclaimed happily, Alfie problems forgotten. "In return, we have to be friends."

He smiled back at her. "Deal." And they shook. Thus began 'Operation: Let's-get-off-our-butts-and-get-Jerome-a-girlfrien d-(specifically Mara)'. Credit: Operation was named by Amber. Parentheses added by Jerome.

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"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1