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

Karen rolled her eyes in mock jealousy. "Well, of course, how else am I going to be your mom? Remember to stick to the plan tomorrow!"

Adah nodded in agreement, playing along.

The next day came quickly.

They had agreed to meet at the base of the hill.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Anthea arrived on time.

Karen, Adah, and Sherman were already there.

Among them, Sherman, dressed in a simple robe, stood out, holding a rosary in his hand, almost as if he could ascend to heaven at any moment. "Mrs. Christensen, Adah," Anthea jogged over, "And Mr. Christensen.”

Karen laughed, "Drop the formalities, we're all friends here! Sherman's twelve years older than you, just call him ‘big bro'." You know, like in those drama shows where everyone's calling each other ‘brother’ and ‘sister.’ Can't go wrong with that. “I'm the fifth child at home,” Sherman said lightly.

Anthea caught the implied meaning, "Sherman."

Karen glanced down the path leading down the hill, frowning, "Where's Riley? Adah. give him a call, will you?"

As if on cue, just as Adah took out her phone, it rang. It was Riley.

On the phone, Riley explained he couldn't make it. After getting Adah's call the night before, he was so excited he couldn't sleep, even sprayed on cologne in the morning. ready to impress.

But then, his advisor called him out of the blue, needing him at school for something urgent.

Reluctantly, Riley had to head back, feeling utterly down.

After hanging up, Adah said, "Riley can't make it, let's head out without him."

Karen's gaze flickered towards Sherman, "What a shame! Just like that, he can't come. Well, since Riley's caught up, let's go ahead without him.” Implying Riley's absence had nothing to do with Sherman was something she wouldn't believe.

Clever boy, keeping his cards close to his chest.

The group started their walk up the hill.

It was April, and the scenery was stunning.

The verdant greenery lifted everyone's spirits

Halfway up, Karen couldn't go any further and looked back at Anthea, "Ann, let's take a break. I'm beat." "Sure, I could use a break too," Anthea agreed, sitting down by a pine tree.

That's when Karen shot Adah a look.

Adah got the hint and stood up, stretching her arms, "The air is Sov fresh: up here, surrounded by.t birds and flowers." Swnovel.net -

Karen stood as well, “Right! We should do this more often.”

Suddenly, Adah's face turned to one of terror, "A snake! There's a snake!”

"Sherman, kill it!" Karen was scared stiff.

Sherman looked up to see a snake coiling near Anthea, hissing

But before-Sherman could react, Anthea: was quicker. She grabbed the snake firmly, showing no ) sign of fear, ner face calm. Content’belongs t6 a

She turned.to Karen and Adah, "Mrs: Christensen, Adah, don't worry,: It’s juste garter snake, nonvenemous."

Karen and Adah were speechless.

The snake was part of their plan, knowing that most girls are afraid of them.

They thought Anthea would be no different. hoping to set Sherman up for a heroic moment. But it turned out, Anthea was the hero instead.

The plot had definitely taken an unexpected turn.