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.

...

the test papers and answer sheets to

he reached the

"Dad!"

What are you doing

replied, "Just wandering around and ended

to rain soon. Don't listen to your mom,

the rear

two, three-" Norris gathered strength and

"Dad, I'm sorry..."

are

to see you and mom for

so much pressure and all those

talking about? You're here

in to see. Your picture is

Roseanne was surprised. "Really?"

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

replied, "What did

said, 'I couldn't

I that

Relying on your good grades,

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

"Ha ha ha!"

way back, as expected,