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

answered, "I'm

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

leave, his expression not one of triumph but

back to the lab to finish up his work before changing his clothes and

office was ajar, and

not apply for the higher

It was Sybil Moore.

anyone? You've been exceptionally granted a college scholarship, which, though not as high as the national one,

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

his grades are top-notch. What about you?" Edna

scoffed, "Do I really need to spell out how you

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

our

give you bragging rights."

not push it this year. Next year,

the auntie talk; it's not good for your image

only