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(11 A.M. - Sacramento State)

"Lauren?!" A girly, high pitched voice squealed the name and Lauren let out a startled gasp and she almost tripped over her own feet. Turning around, she saw Mandy, looking beautiful clad in a white wool, thick button-over jacket and colourful scarf and low rise jeans making her way over through the crowd.

Lauren felt odd. Wearing a tight navy blue knit Hollister sweatershirt, three puka shell necklaces and slightly baggy, ratty hemmed stone washed jeans and gray Vans, she looked the complete opposite of Mandy. Holding on to the strap of her khaki bookbag she had flung over her shoulder, she made her way towards Mandy.

"Hey!" Mandy said excitedly when she was finally face to face with Lauren. "I knew I'd see you here one day! How are you?" Lauren was in Mandy's embrace before she realized it. She realized then why she and Zeek were perfect for each other.

"I'm fine, thanks. And yourself?" Lauren hugged Mandy back before pulling away.

"Oh, you know, just finishing up 2nd seimester classes. I can't wait for Spring break. Zeek said he wants to take me to the beach or a lake or something, just to get out of the city."

"Isn't Spring break in April?"

"Well, yeah, but who says I can't take it early?" Winking, Mandy laughed. "Hey, do you want to go out to lunch after this class, Lauren? My treat." Mandy gave a hopeful smile.

Lauren smiled. "Sure, Mandy. I'll meet you over by the art building or what class do you have?"

"I'm taking a business class right now. That's right next to the art building. Meet me by the access road right behind the buildings, okay?" When Lauren nodded, Mandy continued, "I'll see you later, Lauren. It was really nice seeing you."

Lauren let out a bemused laugh and waved. "See ya' later, Mandy." Running a hand through her messy hair, Lauren made her way to her next class.

**

Mr. Shuklian was droning on and on and on about art and paintbrush techniques. For the final at the end of the month, they were to paint an eleven by seventeen watercolour using the wet-on-wet or dry technique.

Lauren had jotted down that much, but was now lazily daydreaming since she knew Shuklian had no reason to call on her. Her thoughts drifted back to the night before, her thoughts of Trent.

Lord, that man was irritating. But utterly intriguing. And that bugged her to no end. She would show up at his show Wednesday, and make him take her somewhere. Or make him go with her somewhere. She just had to talk to with him, had to know more about him.

And those scars... Where had they come from?

Her eyes narrowed in concentration and Lauren looked down at her notebook. She tapped her pencil against the metal rings, ignored the annoyed looks she was getting from other students.

I have no idea what to do about this, she thought. I'm confused. Every other guy I've been with was blesssedly normal and didn't have sudden, violent mood swings. How come the one that I actually want to know all about is freaking weird?

Lauren remained in her concentrated state, until she heard, "Miss Thompson? Lauren?" And finally, an irritated sound, "Miss THOMPSON?"

Lauren snapped out of her thoughts. "Huh? What? Oh, yes Mr. Shuklian?"

"I asked if you knew what kind of technique you are going to use?" Mr. Shuklian placed his hands on his fleshy hips covered by poop-brown slacks.

"Uhm..." Lauren stared at the students in front of her, who were turned around giving her mocking glances. She felt like she was in middle school all over again and wanted to roll her eyes so badly that they started to itch. "Wet on wet."

Mr. Shuklian raised one bushy white eyebrow and reached up to balance his old, wire rimmed glasses. "Okay, now... Mariane, what about you?" He moved to the next student.

Lauren let out a breath and went back to daydreaming.

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