Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Owen casually remarked, "It's the outstanding students that make you wonder just how far they can go."

And indeed, she exceeded his expectations by miles.

...

Stepping out of the examination hall, Roseanne immediately received a message from Leda.

A week ago, they had agreed to celebrate after their interviews, planning to meet at their favorite French bistro.

Roseanne opened her maps app, ready to hail a ride.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind her.

"Roseanne? It is you!"

Hertha had also come for the second round of interviews that afternoon.

She had arrived early to get accustomed to the environment, hoping it would ease her nerves. She hadn't expected to bump into Roseanne.

"What's this..." Hertha Sherwood looked her up and down.

"Interviews," Roseanne replied calmly.

"You passed the written exam?!" Her surprise almost made her voice crack.

"Yes."

"How many points?"

"412."

were the top

slightly taken aback. "Was

the act. What's the point of pretending?" Hertha sneered, her voice dripping

scored only 392, barely making it to the interviews, and

felt wronged; she genuinely hadn't paid attention

received the message about her interview schedule,

scores from

you don't believe it, just forget

it

got places to be," she said, too exhausted to explain further. What Hertha thought of her

with Murray Sherwood, pleasing

the crow; fall out of

Hertha

back, her

You've finished the interview,

"Yes."

"Were the questions hard? What did they ask?

want me

it's not that serious. Besides, the questions they

nodded, "Since you know everyone gets different questions, you should understand there's no

eyes with her, enunciating each word, "we're in competition,

Hertha was at a