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.

her, Gerard said, his voice steady. “Do you have a picture of her?”

are no pictures!” Janet sighed again, I’ve always known you 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 her life; how can you bear

eighteen–year cycles does a woman have

Jonah; it was time Jonah settled things with

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

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 a violent cough.

was usually such a sensible boy.

from wrong when it

his mother than accept Edna

she was trying

walked over to pat her

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

Gerard’s hand, lamented that she didn’t have long to live. She didn’t want to see her son and grandson left alone

Why couldn’t this father and son

and I don’t like

Janet asked, puzzled.

“Just because.”

trying to win over Janet and

able to

just as strong as his dislike for the Fletchers!

continued, “I just want to see my mom,

had Gerard longed so much to see