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.

grew, "No wonder her mom worries about Leda

Roseanne was puzzled.

like drinking someday,

cleaning up my mess?" she couldn't

and then shook his head, "That, and maybe I could join

blinked, "You?

couldn't quite picture Owen with a drink

it?" he raised

Roseanne shook

"We'll see about that."

gaze was tender, enveloping her in a warmth that felt almost too easy

its harsh horn cutting through

happed back to reality,

the sky, "Looks like

to rain,

waiting for Owen's response, she turned

stood there, watching her go, a smile

back."

through his rearview

white.

Roseanne seemed different.