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"I will," I promise. "Thank you... Lucas."
Chapter 4
Sarah
The campus is alive with activity - students lounging on the grass, discussing their latest assignments, while others hurry to their next class. It's a perfect day, the kind that makes you believe anything is possible.
As I make my way across the quad, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I fish it out, smiling when I see Jenna's name on the screen.
"Hey, Jen.”
"Sarah! How's my favorite overachiever?" Jenna's cheerful voice comes through the speaker. "I was just thinking about you. How's that independent study project going?"
I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. "It's going well, actually. I've been making good progress on the Flipped Classroom Model research."
"That's the one where you flip the traditional classroom structure, right? Homework in class, lectures at home?" Jenna asks, genuinely interested.
"That's right," I confirm, warming to the topic. "I'm focusing on how it can benefit students with learning differences, likeADHD or dyslexia. Dr. Morgan's been incredibly helpful with his insights."
There's a pause on the other end of the line. "Dr. Morgan, huh?" Jenna's tone is teasing now. "You two have been spending a lot of time together lately."
I feel my cheeks warm, grateful Jenna can't see me. "It's not like that, Jen. He's my professor and advisor. It's strictly professional."
"Uh-huh," Jenna says, clearly unconvinced. "You know, as a member of the Whispering Pines pack, I happen to know a thing or two about Dr. Morgan."
My steps falter. "What do you mean?"
Jenna's voice lowers conspiratorially. "Well, for one, he's highly respected in the pack. Ryan speaks very highly of him. Did you know he's been instrumental in bridging the gap between shifters and humans in academia?"
I didn't know that, actually. "Really?" I ask, intrigued despite myself.
"Oh yeah," Jenna continues. "He's been a strong advocate for inclusivity and understanding. It's part of why he's so valued in the pack. Not to mention, he's quite the eligible bachelor."
"Jenna!" I exclaim, feeling my face flush even more.
She laughs. "What? I'm just stating facts. Look, Sarah, I know you've had... difficulties with shifters in the past. But not all of them are like Mark. Dr. Morgan, Lucas, he's one of the good ones."
I sigh, conflicted. "I know that, Jen. I do. It's just... complicated."
"I understand," Jenna says, her tone softening. "Just... keep an open mind, okay? And if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."
"Thanks, Jen," I say, grateful for her friendship. "I appreciate that."
"Anytime, sweetie. Now, tell me more about this Flipped Classroom thing. I want all the details!"
As I launch into an explanation of my research, I can't help but feel a warmth in my chest. Jenna's words about Dr. Morgan echo in my mind, adding another layer to the complex feelings I'm developing for him. Maybe, just maybe, it's time to start letting go of my fears and trust my instincts again.
As I finish explaining the intricacies of the Flipped Classroom Model, I hear Jenna stifle a yawn.
"Oh, Jen, I'm sorry," I laugh. "I didn't mean to bore you with all the technical details."
"No, no," she insists, though I can hear the amusement in her voice. "It's fascinating, really. I just had a late night with Ryan."
I smile, happy for my friend's joy. "Alright, I'll let you go. Thanks for calling, Jen. It means a lot."
"Anytime, Sarah. Take care, and remember what I said about Dr. Morgan, okay?"
We say our goodbyes, and I slip my phone back into my pocket. Jenna's parting words linger in my mind as I continue my walk across campus. Dr. Morgan... Lucas. The man who's slowly but surely changing my perception of shifters.
