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

Hancock never really saw Felton and Gemma as family.

If he were just an ordinary Joe with no claim to fame, Felton and Gemma probably wouldn’t give him the time of day.

But in their world, everyone had an angle.

*Ann, meet your uncle!” Carole chirped, introducing Anthea to Hancock.

Anthea, phone in hand, stood up to greet him with a casual, “Hello, uncle.”

To Hancock, Anthea was just a kid, barely worth a second glance. He nodded absentmindedly in her direction.

Anthea, unfazed, returned to her scrolling.

Soon enough, Saul showed up with his wife and kids in tow.

Saul and his wife Vanessa were the intellectual types, modest, and not much for small talk. But when they spoke, it was all dripped with flattery.

As for the rest, they might as well have been invisible.

Elaine, ever the hostess, chimed in, “Looks like everyone’s here. Shall we start the dinner?”

“Just a minute,” said Hancock, glancing at Elaine. “Irvin’s not here yet.”

Elaine caught on immediately, “Oh, right! How could I forget? We’ve got one more VIP guest on the way!”

About ten minutes later, the so–called VIP arrived.

He was a middle–aged man, maybe 50, short and stout, tipping the scales at around 300 pounds. His neck seemed swallowed up by his shoulders, and he wore a chunky gold chain that looked almost comical.

At the dinner table, Hancock made the introductions, “This is Irvin, a patient and a good friend of mine. Irvin, meet the family. We’re all pretty laid back here, grab a seat anywhere!” Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Anthea frowned slightly. Why did it seem like Irvin kept wandering over to Carole? It was unsettling.

Anthea shot him a look that could cut glass.

Irvin, catching her gaze, broke out in a cold sweat and quickly looked away, reaching for his drink to mask his discomfort.

It was a strange feeling.

Despite Anthea being just a teenager, her look struck a chord of fear in him.

Irvin gulped down his drink, trying to shake off the fear.

11:05

When Elaine mentioned karaoke after dinner, Anthea tugged at Carole’s sleeve, whispering, “Mom, I’ve got stuff to do. Let’s head out after we eat.”

Carole nodded in agreement, “Sure, we can leave once we’re done.”

So, right after the meal, Carole made their excuses.

Elaine, not one to let go easily, held Carole’s hand saying, “Don’t rush off. Come with me, I need. to talk to you.”

“Alright,” Carole agreed.

They retreated to the family den, where Carole was surprised to find Felton, Gemma, and Saul, along with Susan, all waiting.

What on earth could they want to discuss? Carole felt a surge of unease.

“Have a seat,” Elaine gestured toward a chair.

“I’m fine standing,” Carole replied, uneasily.

Elaine gave her a look. After all these years, Carole still didn’t quite fit the mold. “Fine, stand if you want.” she sneered.

Then Elaine got straight to the point, “We brought you here to ask what you think of Irvin?”