From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 167

“Shut up!” Janet snapped, her voice harsh with disdain. “That woman doesn’t deserve to be called ‘mom! She’s not fit to be a mother”

“Is it possible… my mom isn’t really dead?” Gerard turned to face Janet, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

“I told you, she’s not your mother” Janet blurted out, perhaps realizing her volume had risen too much. She softened her tone, “Gerry, the really is dead.”

“is my mom really dead?” Gerard suddenly looked up, his gaze piercing as be locked eyes with Janet

That look, it was too intense for an eighteen–year–old.

It was as if he was trying to see night through her.

Feeling guilty, Janet couldn’t hold his stare. “She’s dead,” she insisted.

What was the point of a woman like Carole still being alive?

If at peace!

Better off gone, better off

Never before had Janet wished as fervently for someone like Carole to succumb to some terminal Illness and pass away.

It was clear from the look on Gerard’s face that he was not satisfied.

see her, Gerard said, his voice steady. “Do

were a good kid. That kind of woman has no right to be your mother! Only Ms. Fletcher has that right. She’s from a good family, a perfect match for your dad. She’s waited for your dad half

eighteen–year cycles does a

to Jonah; it was time

to be my mother!” Gerard’s tone was flat. “Grandma, anyone can become

into you, child!” Janet was becoming agitated, “You’ve been raised by Ms. Fletcher since you were a tot! How can you say such things about her!” Her words were accompanied by

usually such a sensible boy.

right from wrong when it truly mattered?

rather acknowledge a flirty woman as his

she was trying to expel her

sighed and walked over to pat her

Gerard coming to her aid softened Janet’s heart. Regardless of everything, this boy still cared for

that she didn’t have long to live. She didn’t want to

couldn’t this father and son accept her?

“I don’t like her, and I don’t like her

not?” Janet asked,

“Just because.”

over Janet

able to accept

for Edna was just as strong as his dislike for

see my mom, just once. Is

longed so much to see his