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

he reached the

"Dad!"

What are you

"Just wandering around and ended up

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

Roseanne got onto the rear seat

two, three-" Norris gathered strength and pedaled hard, propelling the bicycle

"Dad, I'm sorry..."

What are you apologizing

to see you and mom for so many

so much pressure and all

talking about?

in to see. Your picture is still up in

Roseanne was surprised. "Really?"

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

did I say?

said, 'I couldn't care

I

school! Relying

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

"Ha ha ha!"

as expected, it started