Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Madeleine turned to Roseanne. "You have a good memory. There was a book in this series about genetic testing, right? I can't find it."

Roseanne didn't have a photographic memory but had a knack for remembering the important stuff. She had flipped through the book Madeleine talked about at the library a few days ago. Her gaze shifted to the bookshelf, scanning until her eyes lit up. "Ms. Payne, is this the one you're looking for?"

Madeleine glanced at the cover. "Yes, yes, that's the one! You've got eagle eyes. I've been searching for ages, and it was right under my nose...'

"Carlisle, come here. This book, along with these primary research papers, should be enough for now. Take them with you, and I'll see if I can dig up anything else later."

"Thank you, Professor."

Carlisle reached out to take them. He had been scrambling to gather enough resources for his graduate thesis. Hearing Madeleine had the original texts, he had come over first thing in the morning.

It was then that Madeleine remembered to introduce them. "Anne was my student, and she'll return as one soon."

Carlisle paused, taking a moment to catch on. "Oh, planning to be your postgrad?"

Madeleine laughed, then turned to Roseanne. "This is Carlisle, a second-year master's student gearing up for his PhD. He's been reviewing lately, too. You two could keep each other company." Roseanne nodded slightly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Roseanne."

Realizing Roseanne was also Madeleine's student, Carlisle took out his phone, offering to exchange contact information. "It'd be great to hit the library together. Maybe we can discuss our projects and help each other out."

After a brief chat, Carlisle had to leave for class.

Roseanne remembered the muffins on the table and grabbed a plate from the kitchen to serve them up.

Madeleine's eyes sparkled at the sight. "It's been ages since I've had this. Did you go out of your way to buy it?"

The bakery downtown was famous for its hard-to-get muffins.

Roseanne replied without mentioning the nearly hour-long queue she endured. "I just happened to pass by, so I picked it up." Madeleine said with a happy smile, "You, my dear, that's so sweet. That place is too far, and you must have waited a long line." Roseanne playfully hugged Madeleine's arm. "It's no trouble at all. It was quick."

Madeleine gently tapped her on the

head.

no more sweet

I've got a few assignments for you. Why don't you give them a try?"

"You didn't invite me over just to watch me do homework, did you?" She playfully pouted.

Madeleine urged, "Less chatter, more study. I'm just looking out for you."

Roseanne nodded. "Got it, starting now."

Seeing her walk away with such energy, Madeleine smiled contentedly.

Roseanne spent the day at Madeleine's house, preparing a hearty dinner in the evening before cleaning up and heading home.

That night, while reviewing her notes, her phone buzzed.

Carlisle: [Heading to the library tomorrow? Want to go together?]

After a moment of thought, Roseanne replied: [Sure, see you tomorrow.]

The following morning, Roseanne saw Carlisle waiting at the library entrance when arriving.

"Have you had breakfast? Brought

you something." Passing by the

dining hall on his way from the

portion. ,net

dorm, Carlisle had grabbed an extra

With a quick thank you, Roseanne finished the breakfast sandwich and coffee in no time, and they headed into the library together.

Carlisle had snagged a spot on the

second floor. As the elevator doors opened and Roseanne was about to stepon, someone rushed past,

beating her to it.

It was Millie and her roommate.