From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 16

“Carole’s daughter is a real beauty, just like her!” one of the neighbors remarked.

“Pretty, sure, but it’s a shame she’s born on the wrong side of the blanket,” another chimed in, shaking disapprovingly.

“I’ll never understand Carole. With her looks, she could’ve married anyone. Why become the “other woman‘? At last, she got nothing out of it and ended up living in a basement.”

“Well if you play with fire, you’ll end up in the cellar, right? Nobody forced her to wreck someone else’s home.”

*Karma!”

Before long. Carole arrived at the rotisserie, where she worked, with Anthea in tow.

The owner was a robust woman in her forties named Harriet.

Upon hearing Carole wanted to quit, Harriet was none too pleased. “It’s our busiest season, and you’re quitting out of the blue. Where can I find someone on such short notice?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I just….” Carole stammered, feeling guilty.

“I run a business, not a charity. I’d have to shut down if all my staff up and left like you. If your want to quit, you’ve got to give me a month’s notice. You leave now, and I’m docking a month’s pay!”

Carole quickly backtracked,

thousand dollars, was

forward, addressing Harriet. “Ma’am, my mom’s not well and needs some rest. How about I take over her shifts for a month? Give you

“No offense, darling, but this isn’t a job for someone

maybe we should just

try!

me.”

girl’s determination, Harriet relented. “Fine, I’ll give you a chance for your guts and devotion. But let me be clear. If you can’t handle it, you’re out. No

“Thank you, ma’am.”

6:30 pm for your shift,” Harriet added before

leaving the rotisserie, Anthea took her mother to a local pharmacy.

at a pharmacy?”

Mom. Rest alone won’t do it. Your

11:19

Chapter 16

the living room urgently. “Sir, ma’am, the Christensens will be

Daly was shocked.