Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne just never thought that the cousin Leda mentioned-the one they hardly ever talk to and kind of drifted apart from-would actually care so much about her.

True, Owen might come off as detached and aloof, but Roseanne knew better. It wasn't a lack of care, but a lack of time that kept his affections from being voiced. Deep down, his heart was softer than most...

"If something like today happens again, feel free to hit me up anytime."

He paused, glancing sideways with a meaningful look, "Alcohol stimulates the nervous system, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting, or even shock and unconsciousness in severe cases. So, it's wise to drink less. Don't you think?"

Roseanne blushed, her cheeks and the tips of her ears turning a soft pink, knowing he was hinting at her. She cleared her throat, defending herself, "Though alcohol has its downsides, it can also offer a temporary escape from troubles. Letting loose occasionally could be a way to vent, right?"

Owen chuckled, not expecting her to not only counter but to throw his question back at him.

"There are plenty of ways to vent. Does it have to be through drinking?"

"Cough... Well, to each their own. Maybe some people prefer it?"

Owen stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, "Do you like it?"

Caught off guard by his intense gaze, Roseanne instinctively looked away, shaking her head, "No."

Even when Murray had hurt her deeply in the past, she never resorted to drinking her sorrows away. She knew running wasn't a solution.

And she feared the loss of control, the drunken disarray.

her mom worries about Leda leading you

Roseanne was puzzled.

feel like drinking someday, you can call

call you for cleaning up my mess?" she couldn't help

"That, and

blinked, "You? Drink with

picture Owen with a

he raised an

Roseanne shook

"We'll see about that."

was tender, enveloping her in a warmth that

Mercedes sped past them, its harsh horn

happed back to reality,

sky,

to rain, we should

Owen's response,

go,

back."

the Mercedes, Murray watched the pair through his rearview mirror, gripping

white.

Roseanne seemed different.