Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Norris' face had turned a deep shade of red, anger evident in every line of his body. "Mr. Baker, my daughter Roseanne is an exceptional child. Whatever you've been saying about her today, wherever you heard it from, I'd appreciate it if you'd keep it to yourself from now on!"

"Because it's all nonsense! Slander, even! This is not the behavior expected of a role model."

With those words, Norris stormed off, his departure radiating fury.

Helen rolled her eyes, "Pfft, done the deed but can't handle the talk? 'Exceptional child', my foot! Ruining the school's reputation, shameless..."

Remember how proud Norris used to be.

Having a daughter who was top of her class, swept awards in competitions like they were going out of fashion. The pride of the entire grade, if not the whole school.

Every parents' meeting, Roseanne was all he could talk about, beaming with pride.

And what did it amount to?

So what if she got into Kingswell University? In the end, she's just another rich man's plaything!

Ugh-

Halfway through the conversation, Roseanne ducked behind a display window, unable to bear the thought of her father's face as he endured the insults and slander. He was a man who cherished his reputation, upright and honest!

Nor could she bear to think how heartbroken Norris would be if he found out she was there and had heard everything. So, she hid.

...

over the test papers and answer sheets to the

as he reached the

"Dad!"

are you

replied, "Just wandering around and

like it's going to rain soon. Don't

got onto the rear seat of his

Norris gathered strength and pedaled hard, propelling

"Dad, I'm sorry..."

What are

to see you and mom for

so much pressure and all those

"What are you talking about? You're here now... That's what

should have gone in to see. Your picture is still up in

Roseanne was surprised. "Really?"

there too. Remember the first time you entered the physics competition, and Dasked if you

did I say?

said, 'I couldn't

Was I that

high school! Relying on your good grades,

"Oh, now I'm embarrassed..."

"Ha ha ha!"

back, as expected,