Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne didn't beat around the bush. "Carlson, did you check out Lab C122?"

"C122?" Carlson paused, clearly caught off guard.

Roseanne continued, "I've looked into your current project, and it doesn't seem like you need the CPRT Analyzer."

Carlson looked down for a moment, his initial surprise fading, replaced by calmness.

When he looked up again, any sign of confusion had vanished, leaving a serene expression. "Yeah, I checked it out."

Roseanne exchanged a glance with Scales.

"I needed it, so I took it. Is there a problem?"

Roseanne pressed, "Then why have I passed by several times and never seen you using it?"

Carlson replied, "I don't use it often, but I do need it occasionally."

This response made Mamie swallow back her ready accusation "You're hoarding resources maliciously." After all, he was using it, so they couldn't really accuse him of anything. Resources at the college were meant to be shared, first-come-first-served, and they couldn't fault him on that.

asked, "So, how long

"I'm not

now," Roseanne said calmly, nodding at him before signaling for

his expression not one of triumph but

lab to finish up his work before changing his clothes and heading to the administration

and as he approached, he overheard

for the higher

It was Sybil Moore.

are just handed out to anyone? You've been exceptionally granted a college scholarship, which, though not as high as the national one, won't draw much attention. You're

that scholarship is leagues below the national one... And why should Carlson get

his grades are top-notch. What about you?" Edna was clearly losing patience. Sybil was

need to spell out

down, moving closer in a coaxing manner, "Auntie Edna, don't be

our family proud,

give you bragging rights."

ambitious, but let's not push it this year. Next year,

talk; it's not good for your image if people

I know, I only say it