From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Debra expressed her surprise, “Still in school, huh? I’m gonna speak my mind, honey, don’t you take it the wrong way! What’s the point of a girl burying her nose in books all day? At- the end of the day, you’re just gonna end up married off. Look at me, I didn’t even finish elementary, and do I seem any worse for wear? And there’s Sarah, only a couple years older than you, about to tie the knot! And she’s marrying up, let me tell you! She’ll be living the high life, just sipping on lemonade and feasting on apple pie at our place!”

Debra’s comfortable life was all thanks to a good marriage, so in her eyes, a girl didn’t need a fancy education. And Sarah was just lucky to get hitched into their family!

Without their support, Sarah would’ve been nothing but poor her whole life.

Debra continued, “We just hired a college grad at the company, a designer! A girl, too. And she’s making what, fifty grand a year?”

It wasn’t about the fifty grand a year. It was about this college graduate working for someone who didn’t even finish elementary school.

Debra was brimming with pride. So what if she didn’t finish elementary school? She was still the boss! College grads were working for her.

Anthea smiled slightly, “A mind filled with knowledge radiates a special kind of grace. Debra, with all due respect, your view’s a bit narrow. The higher you stand, the further you see. Your own perspective defines how you carry yourself.”

Debra’s worldview was limited.

wever having mixed with truly successful people, she couldn’t see the value in education.

She thought she had reached the pinnacle of success, unaware that there are always greater heights to be reached.

“What are you talking about?,” Debra said, looking at Anthea puzzled.

Anthea just smilet’s probably the difference between those who value education

and those who don’t.”

Debra got that one. It was a jab at her lack of culture.

Sassy little thing, wasn’t she? Daring to speak to an elder like that, utterly disrespectful.

However, Debra saw herself as an upstanding person and was not willing to descend to Anthea’s level.

Anybody else would have put her in her place.

Debra gave Anthea a look, her eyes rolling slightly, “Honey, I’ve been through more than you’ve had hot dinners. School’s not all that for girls. How about this? I can set you up

I with a nice guy. My nephew’s a catch owns a car, a house, and the family runs a big

–

supermarket! Marry Into that and you’re set for life!”

Debra’s nephew was alright, except for his penchant for one–upmanship,

When Lacy got herself an attractive girlfriend, he wanted someone even prettier than

Sarah.

If he couldn’t find someone who outshone Sarah, he wouldn’t settle down.

Debra was about to become a mother–in–law, with her nephew pushing forty and still playing bachelor, she was getting worried for him.

Anthea might not come from much, but she was fairly easy on the eyes.

She could just about match up to her nephew.

Just had a bit of an attitude. But that could be ironed out after the wedding, or Debra herself would step in! She’d have Anthea toeing the line in no time.

Carole frowned slightly, cutting Debra off, “Thanks for the offer, but Ann’s going to college next year. Studies come first, we can’t have her getting distracted now!”

Carole was always the patient type, hardly ever lost her cool. But she’d had enough this

time!

Anthea was her pride and joy. Others might tease her, but she’d be damned if anyone dared to drag Anthea’s name through the dirt!

Debra’s face cooled, her smile forced, “I guess I didn’t think that through. Ann’s a looker, and I bet her grades are up there too! Next year, she’ll surely get into a top university!”

Despite her words, she thought to herself, “Top university? With Anthea’s brains, no way!

was some kind of treasure? I had thought highly of Anthea to even consider introducing her to my nephew. As if Anthea was in any position. to be choosy! Serve her right for marrying a nobody and living hand to mouth!”

Did Carole really think her daught

Anthea furrowed her brow as well. If this was Debra’s idea of propriety, could Sarah truly find happiness in that marriage?

11Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.