Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Roseanne had that glint in her eye as she laid it out straight, "There's a fine line between a scuffle and looking for trouble. Sure, we threw some punches, but let's not forget who threw the first metaphorical stone. The administration might side with Edna, but the school board? That's a whole different ballpark."

"Normally, you'd trace the root of the problem to understand the consequences. So go ahead, tell the dean you got hit. Naturally, they'll ask why. What then? Gonna say, 'Because they didn't play by the rules, pushed us around, spewed insults, and trampled on our dignity, so we hit back?""novelbin

"Or, 'Because they kicked us when we were down, ganged up for a laugh, and got what was coming because they went too far?""

"All of the above screams you were asking for it! If we're talking expulsion, let's make it a party. We can all pack our bags and hit the road. It'll be a blast!"

Roseanne finished with a chuckle.

The rest were gobsmacked.

Is that even an option?

And more shockingly, she seemed... thrilled?

Mamie was quick to agree, "Oh, getting expelled sounds grand. I'd just go back home, take over the family estate, and collect rents for my Duke." Scales was less enthused, "If I'm expelled, guess I'll try for a civil service exam."

Their lunacy was undeniable, but if you can't beat 'em...

Join 'em!

Slater: "?"

Sybil: "??"

Hertha: "..."

Arkle scratched his head, glancing at Carlson, only to catch him smirking.

Blinking in disbelief, he took another look-sure enough, Carlson was grinning ear to ear.

Roseanne rallied on, "Weren't we headed to the dean's office? Let's go. Saves them the trouble of calling us in one by one."

With that, she headed downstairs, Mamie and Scales right behind her.

"Hey, you coming? Hurry up, or we'll miss them before lunch break."

Slater and Hertha, the recipients of the beatdown, exchanged looks.

Sybil was completely lost.

Weren't they the aggressors?

How come they seemed more justified?

There had to be a catch!

Slater stammered, "What makes you think

Sam can pin the blame on us

Got any proof? I could just as well say you started it!" Content Belongs to

Roseanne seemed to have anticipated this, smiling slyly, "There's a camera."

Slater: "?"

Since when did the lab have surveillance?!

Mamie clarified, "We installed it. Just to catch sneaks like you."

Slater: ""

Roseanne added, "One playback of

the

and everything's c

clear, No need for expla

really."

Swallowing hard, Slater bluffed, "You know what... suddenly remembered I've got things to do! You're off the

for today! But watch yourself around me next time!"

With his threat in the air, he bolted faster than a scared rabbit.

Roseanne turned to Hertha, "How about you? Coming?"

"I... I've got things too!"

And with that, she was gone.

Sybil blurted out, "Why's everyone running?! Bunch of cowards!"

After her piece, she too disappeared.

---

Packing up, the trio took one last look around the lab.

It was hard to let go.

But circumstances forced their hand.

"Roseanne, which professor did you give the keys to?"

"Didn't. Still got them."

Mamie was incredulous, "What if they ask-"

"I'll say I handed them to Mr. Reynolds."

Her tone carried an unspoken reliance and trust in Mr. Reynolds, even she might not have fully realized.