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.

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

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

How many eighteen–year cycles does a woman

to Jonah; it

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

by Ms. Fletcher since you were a tot! How can you say such things about her!” Her words

usually such a

couldn’t he see right from wrong when it truly

acknowledge a flirty woman as his mother than accept

if she was trying to expel her very lungs.

over to pat her back.

heart. Regardless of everything, this boy still cared

She didn’t want to see

good woman. Why couldn’t this father

don’t like her, and

Janet

“Just because.”

had spent years trying to win over Janet and Gerard with her kindness and care.

been able to accept her easily.

just as strong

want to see my mom, just

had Gerard longed so much to