Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The words didn't just sting Slater; they slapped Edna and the rest of them right across the face.

"So, you're the older graduate student, huh?" Edna finally gave Roseanne a proper look, smirking with disdain. "Got a sharp tongue, I see. Wonder if your smarts measure up." Slater chimed in: "Seriously! Who gets into grad school pushing thirty? Either a few screws loose or just not much upstairs. Has the bar really gotten that low for academia?" Roseanne, unfazed, replied calmly, "Whether my brain's wired right isn't your concern, but you- you're definitely sick."

Out of nowhere, Scales joined the fray: "Rabies, to be exact. Biting anyone in reach."

Turning to Edna, he added, "If I were the owner, I'd put down a rabid dog like that pronto. Save myself the trouble of getting bitten later."

A chill ran down Edna's spine.

Slater exploded on the spot-

"Who are you calling a rabid dog?! You're the sick dogs!"

Roseanne retorted, "The one barking is usually the dog. Ms. Payne, let's not waste our time with these roadblocks."

Madeleine, who had been fuming, suddenly felt her anger dissipate.

"Alright."

The group of four made to leave when Edna suddenly piped up: "The department's funding has been officially approved. You've failed to produce any noteworthy papers for years. If I were you, I'd gracefully step aside for someone more capable." Madeleine stiffened.

truly need them, not to those resting on

for you to judge. Academic achievements will prove who truly

forward to

Roseanne and her

"With Carlson around, you're

***

next day, at the opening ceremony, students

Mamie, and Scales

usual drill unfolded: speeches from university leaders, followed by faculty heads, and then a

was about

a buzz

from the back of

college's section, followed by

hushed whispers-

that really Carlson who just

"Absolutely sure!"

he be swamped with work? Why attend the opening

just here for