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.

"So, how long

"I'm

Roseanne said calmly, nodding at him before signaling for Scales and Mamie to follow

his expression not one of triumph but rather

up his work before

to Edna's office was ajar, and as he approached,

apply for the higher

It was Sybil Moore.

just handed out to anyone? You've been exceptionally granted a college scholarship, which, though not as high as the

below the national one... And why should Carlson get

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

really need to spell

a coaxing

make our family

give you bragging rights."

this year. Next year,

the auntie talk; it's not

only say