Everything happens for a reason. Lacie’s mother’s words drifted across her mind, floating atop the sea of white noise that had become Professor Stevens’ monologue. If Lacie hadn’t uncharacteristically dropped off, Shane never would have given her a second glance. They never would have met, never gone for coffee. Who would have thought such an embarrassing event could result in something so... wonderful? Finally, finally the lecture was over. Lacie gathered up her book and notes – she had managed to capture a couple of key points, at least – in record time and was the first one out of the classroom. Perhaps such overeagerness wasn’t exactly proper, but she didn’t care. All she could think about was seeing Shane again. “Lacie.” If the familiar voice hadn’t caught her attention, the strong hand around her upper arm certainly did. She winced as her shoulder wrenched painfully; her forward progress was stopped so suddenly her backpack slipped from her shoulders and landed on the floor with a thud.
