For the first time...

But Vespera was determined to keep her distance from Alaric. As they struggled, Vespera's bag fell to the ground, spilling its contents. Before she could pick them up, a gust of wind blew one of the pages away. Vespera quickly gathered her things and was about to chase after the loose page when Alaric grabbed her arm. "Are you crazy? Don't run into the street!"

Vespera lost her balance and fell against Alaric's chest. She tried to push him away and go after the page, but he held her tight. They watched helplessly as several cars ran over the paper before the wind carried it away again. Vespera realized she'd never find that page now.

Furious, Vespera shoved Alaric away. "Mr. Strider! Don't you have anything better to do? If you're so bored, go bother someone else! Leave me alone!"

"I'm bothering you?" Alaric laughed in disbelief. He was trying to help, and this was the thanks he got? Talk about no good deed going unpunished.

Vespera's eyes welled up with angry tears as she watched the