From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

At 19, a kid would have started pulling their weight around the house. But not Gerard. No, he was still the same old clueless kid, and Janet was fuming.

Edna, Janet's best friend and confidant, was trying to smooth things over, "Janet, some kids just mature later than others. You know, Gerry will come around eventually."

That was supposed to comfort Janet, but it only twisted the knife. When exactly would "eventually" come? When would Gerard grow up and start acting responsibly? The thought left Janet with a heavy heart. She grabbed Edna's hand and let out a heavy sigh, "I've given up on expecting anything. Now, all I hope for is that someday you'll give me a grandchild. Jonah's only got Gerry, and that boy doesn't seem to realize that life's not all fun and games."

Edna blushed at the mention of childbirth, "Janet…"

"What's there to blush about? I'm practically family."

Edna said, "Janet, having a baby is all about consensual love. Jonah only has Carole in his heart. in fact, as long as I can see that Jonah can live a happy life, I will be very satisfied."

"Carole, that bitch, doesn't deserve it," Janet said viciously.

Edna sighed and tried to speak in Carole's favor but Janet acted as if she read her mind, "Edna you don't have to speak for her. I know very well in my heart what kind of person Carole is."

Edna tried to change the subject. "You know, Janet, the plum blossoms in the garden are in full bloom. Why don't we go have a look?"

"Sure." Janet agreed, welcoming the distraction.

The garden was a sight to behold, with crimson plum blossoms set against the pure white snow, a stunning contrast that took her breath away.

Over at Cloudcrest, a small diner, Gerard's spirits were lifted thanks to the pep talk from Nanson. Nanson was worried Gerard might do something drastic, so he walked him back to his hotel and they exchanged contact info, "Gerry, I live just around the corner, and I've sent you my address on messaging. If you're ever feeling down, hit me up for a drink, or just come over for a home-cooked meal."

"Thank you, Mr. Yeager," Gerard said with a deep bow of gratitude.

"No need for formalities," Nanson replied, patting Gerard on the shoulder, "Everyone hits a rough patch. Now, head on inside."

Gerard walked back into the hotel, and Nanson watched him until he was safely inside before leaving. Nanson muttered Gerard's name under his breath, feeling an odd sense of familiarity as if Gerard was a long-lost relative. Was it just his imagination?

The Lindsay family was quick to act. Only four hours later, they arrived in Cloudcrest. It was nine in the evening when the butler, accompanied by several bodyguards, arrived at Gerard's hotel.

Gerard frowned, and who could it be at this hour? It was highly unusual for hotel staff to disturb guests so late. He quickly hacked into the hotel's security system and checked the corridor cameras. As he suspected, it wasn't a hotel employee at the door, but the butler.

The butler's presence meant only one thing Grandma knew he was in Cloudcrest. Which meant his mother had to be in Cloudcrest too. The realization filled him with joy, and his trip wasn't in vain after all.

Restoring his computer to its original state, Gerard opened the door, "Gerard." the butler greeted him with a respectful bow.

"What brings you here?" Gerard feigned surprise.

"Janet is quite upset. She requests your return," the butler explained.

"Why would she be upset?" Gerard played dumb.

The butler's gaze held a trace of complexity, "Please, Gerard."

"Hang on, I need to pack up my things," Gerard said.

"No need," the butler motioned to the bodyguards, "they can take care of it." © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"I'll just grab my phone and laptop," said Gerard, heading back inside. When he returned, he had both in his hands. His laptop was notably sleek and light.

"Can you tell me why Grandma suddenly wants me back?" Gerard asked a hint of anxiety in his voice.