From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Beulah, a fat woman, stepped out onto the porch, confusion knitting her brows. “Carole, did you guys hit it big or something? Why the sudden move?” she asked.

Carole was already notorious as the neighborhood gossip. Everyone pegged her as the

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Was Carole back to her old tricks? Where else would the money come from?

Beulah was racing her mind with possibilities.

Carole chuckled as she looked at Anthea. “It’s all thanks to Ann here. She got a real knack for the stock market and made a nice sum.

Beulah gleamed her eyes with envy. “Carole, you sure have raised a golden girl! If only my Molly had half her brains, we’d have moved out of this dump ages ago!”

Beulah turned to Anthea, continuing. “So Ann, how does this whole stock market work? Maybe you could give Molly a few tips? Help her make some money so we can get out of this hellhole sooner!”

The other neighbors quickly chimed in, “Yeah, teach our kids too!”

Anthea smiled slightly. “Trading stocks is a lot like gambling with win and lose. There are plenty who’ve lost everything. I can’t teach that, nor can I guarantee anyone will make money.”

Beulah faltered her smile instantly.

How stingy! This little bitch wouldn’t even share a little advice.

It was just making some money. What was the big deal?

She was just a love child, after all. If it wasn’t for her knack for earning, who would even bother with her? Did Anthea think she’s some kind of heiress?

With a plastered smile, Beulah pressed on, “They say close neighbors are better than distant relatives. We’ve been living side by side for years. Surely you won’t refuse to help us out! Come on, Ann, let’s all make some money together!”

If it weren’t for Anthea’s talents, she wouldn’t even give the time of day to some mistress‘ love child! What a joke!

Anthea remained calm, “Beulah, it’s not about whether I want to teach or not. I just can’t ensure that even if I taught Molly, she’d make money…”

“Why can’t Molly make money if you can? My girl is not an idiot!” Beulah was laced with sarcasm. “If you don’t want to teach, then just say it! No need for the song and dance – I can see right through it! And all that dough you’ve been flashing around? I’ll bet it didn’t come from playing the stock market. Smells a lot like dirty money, doesn’t it? Everyone in the

neighborhood knows the score with your mom…”

11:20

Anthea couldn’t help but laugh.

In her two lifetimes, she had never met someone so shameless.

Anthea was never one to take things lying down.

Raising an eyebrow, she retorted with deliberate clarity, cutting Beulah off. “Beulah, you hit the

nail on the head. I can make money! But I’d rather teach a stray cat or dog than waste my breath on your Molly!”

Anthea reveled in the discomfort of those who envied her yet couldn’t touch her.

Beulah darkened her face, speechless with rage.

After getting everything off her chest, Anthea felt utterly refreshed.

How clear–headed and invigorated!

Carole was stunned. She’d always thought of Anthea as a quiet and demure girl, never expecting her to be so fierce.

Even Beulah, notorious for her sharp tongue, was left without a comeback.

No one in the neighborhood could out–argue Beulah.

Next door. Nanson was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered, opening the car door. “Carole and Ann, let’s hit the road. Why waste breath on someone who can’t stand to see others do well?”

Anthea nodded, taking Carole’s arm and getting into the car.

As the minivan vanished down the road, Beulah spat in disgust, “What a piece of work! Disgusting bitch!”