Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne's eyes filled with tears she could no longer hold back, and with a rush of emotion, she threw herself into Madeleine's arms. "Ms. Payne..."

Madeleine patted Roseanne's back with her dry, soft palms, and Madeleine's heart softened. "There, there. You're all grown up and still a crybaby. You'll make us both a laughing stock." Owen quietly observed the heartfelt reunion from a distance, silently stepping out to the balcony to give them space to talk once they had embraced and made up.

After years apart, Madeleine was eager to catch up with Roseanne but deliberately steered clear of any mention of her love life.

The fact that Roseanne could say, "I was wrong," was proof enough that the path she had chosen, or rather the person she had chosen, was a mistake. Why reopen old wounds? Roseanne mumbled, "I've rented a place near campus and started studying again. I plan to apply for your graduate program by the end of this year..."

Madeleine's eyes sparkled with an immense joy. "Really? Are you serious?" She even asked twice to be sure.

"Yeah," Roseanne nodded, ashamed to meet Madeleine's gaze. She had once forsaken the path laid out for her, and she wished to start anew.

Madeleine sighed, "Great! That's how it should be! Don't you dare fool me! You've committed to applying for my graduate program. It seems I didn't save this year's spot for nothing..." Roseanne was stunned. She had suspected that Madeleine might have saved her a spot, but hearing it confirmed still felt unreal.

Roseanne wondered, 'Roseanne. Oh, Roseanne, what have you done to deserve this?'

"Ms. Payne, getting in is not a sure thing. You..." she tried to temper expectations.

Madeleine cut her off. "If you're determined, failure isn't an option. I know your capabilities better than anyone. Unless you deliberately perform poorly to tease me!"

"How could I..." Roseanne couldn't help but smile through her tears.

Madeleine smiled. "It's getting late. Owen, Oh? Where did Owen go?"

"Ms. Payne." Owen stepped in from the balcony.

"It's about time for lunch. Today, you and Anne should stay. I'll cook!"

At the mention of Madeleine cooking, Roseanne's face pled, and Owen's expression turned complex.

"Um, maybe I should cook instead." It wasn't that Roseanne wasn't grateful, but with Madeleine in the kitchen, she feared for its survival.

Madeleine cleared her throat awkwardly, aware of her culinary reputation yet unwilling to lose face before her students, so she vaguely conceded, "Ahem, right, I'm still recuperating. It's best if I don't cook." Quickly tying an apron, Roseanne took charge of the kitchen.

Owen rolled up his sleeves and followed. "I'll help."

Madeleine watched them with a deepening smile.

The fridge was full of fresh ingredients. Aiming to cook something light for the convalescing Madeleine, Roseanne got to work.

Owen asked, "What do you need me to do?"

Glancing at the vegetables, Roseanne replied, "Can you wash these?"

Owen agreed, "Shouldn't be too hard."

Roseanne made room for him. His movements were clumsy but earnest, ensuring he washed away every bit of dirt.

Roseanne casually asked, "Any dietary restrictions?"

Owen answered casually, "None."

Roseanne kept asking, "And your taste preference?"

Owen said without hesitation, "Anything's fine."

"You're easy to please," she muttered.

Owen was unlike Murray, who had picky taste and endless demands.