Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne met up with her friends, and they headed off to the trendy diner downtown.

It was noon, and the place was reasonably busy, but they only had to wait behind two groups before being seated.

Mamie had been itching with curiosity the whole trip, barely able to contain her gossip-loving soul. As they waited for their food, she couldn't help herself and blurted out, "Roseanne, did you know that handsome guy who gave you the bouquet of roses? They were pretty nice, he's got good taste."

Roseanne nodded, her tone even, "I know him. He's my ex-boyfriend."

"...What?" Mamie was taken aback by this revelation, immediately silencing herself, not daring to probe further.

Scales, however, shot her an intrigued look.

After their meal, they headed to Madeleine's office.

With no classes in the afternoon, Madeleine planned to take them to the lab.

Mamie gasped, "Already?!"

She had thought it would take at least a year of study before they'd be allowed to touch the research projects, yet here they were, diving into the "deep end" right away!

Scales was less surprised but still found it unexpected.

Only Roseanne knew how long Madeleine's project had been delayed and how desperately she hoped for a breakthrough.

By the time they left, it was already dark outside.

When Roseanne got home it was nine o'clock. She hadn't had dinner and was too exhausted to even think about cooking. She just collapsed on the couch, her eyelids fighting a losing battle with gravity. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Roseanne mustered her energy to answer it, "Mr. Reynolds?"

the university, and Mr. Olson mentioned Professor Payne

"Yeah."

"Just got back?"

"Mhm."

"Haven't had dinner?"

"I'm so hungry!"

chuckled, "Hold on

his place, quickly

still warm, make do with this," he said, handing it over with a

Roseanne blinked, "Is this..."

but if it was homemade, why the

family brought

this. You should

already eaten. This

"Oh..." Roseanne was tempted.

so tired today, didn't want takeout, and definitely

was like an

thank you, Mr. Reynolds! I'll clean

container inside, opened it, and was greeted by the steam

had three layers; the first was filled with fluffy,

was all meat dishes, including BBQ ribs, beef

with bell peppers.

layer was divided in two, one side with

of meat and vegetables, the

...

Reynolds Mansion, the lights were