Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Then came the summer of his tenth year...

"You've got to be kidding!" Roseanne blurted out.

In the photo, Scales had lost the charm of his younger years, looking more like a chubby little black bear than a boy.

Yes, not only was he chubby, but he also had this deep tan.

His eyes were barely visible, squished by the chubby cheeks, and given it was summer, he was dressed

in a tank top and shorts, showcasing his plump and sturdy limbs.

Roseanne cleared her throat and sternly told Corley, "Don't look. It's not nice to pry into people's pasts like that."

"Aren't you looking too?"

"That was unintentional. And I've stopped now."

But Corley argued, "It's out in the open, isn't it meant to be seen? Wow! Is that little chubster Scales?! Man, he looks like a balloon ready

Roseanne: "... You're terrible."

pop!"

Corley shot back, "And you're not? Then stop laughing."

Roseanne quickly pressed her lips together, trying to contain herself, but she couldn't hold back.

Thinking about how disciplined Scales is now, never touching soda, and to find out he had such a bitter

past as a chubby kid, her lips curved upwards uncontrollably.

No wonder he's so strict with himself; he's been through the chubby phase.

Seeing Roseanne struggling to contain her laughter, Corley couldn't help but smirk and joined in the laughter.

Suddenly-

"What's so funny?" Owen Reynolds' calm voice sounded from behind them.

Roseanne's smile vanished, "Prof... Professor, what brings you here?"

Corley turned to face the newcomer.

Owen Reynolds glanced over them, his gaze pausing on Roseanne's barely contained mirth, softened his tone slightly, "Is there something amusing I might be privy to?"

Before Roseanne could speak, Corley was quick to say, "Sorry, it's an inside joke amongst us."

Owen Reynolds didn't even glance at him, his attention fixed on Roseanne, inquiring, "Is that so?"

Roseanne immediately shot Corley a look, "It's no big secret, really... Professor, take a look."

Owen Reynolds gracefully stepped forward, positioning himself between the two.

Corley: "..."

Roseanne pointed to the photo, "Guess who this is, Professor?"

Owen Reynolds barely glanced at it, "You do realize if Scales finds out about this..." Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

Mamie: "Roseanne, there you are-I've been looking all over What's everyone huddled

around? Let me see fitne

Then...

"HAHAHAHAHA..." Mamie couldn't straighten up from laughter, "Caley, why didn't you tell me you used to be adittle chunk? Even chubbier than me! Look at you!"

She gestured with her hands, trying to indicate just how large.

Late to the scene and failing to prevent the inevitable, Scales: "..." Game over!

...

With Scales leading the way, the group made it back to the main house without further ado.

At that moment, Laird and Helga were seeing off their guests.

Lamont and the grandmother had left shortly after the cake cutting.

"Ah, Scales is back?" Laird greeted his son with a smile.

But...

Why did his son look so sour?

He didn't

well on it, simple

"Arrange for a driver to take

belongs to en.kikistorov friends home later..." Conte

Corley: "No need, I'll take Roseanne."

Laird was taken aback, "You?"

"Yes, any problem?"

"Isn't Kingswell University a bit out of the way for you? Or am I mistaken?"

Corley: "..."

Owen Reynolds: "I'm on the way," offering his keys, then to Roseanne, "Let's go."