From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Gina let out a sigh before speaking, “Lizzie, honey, I know things are different now compared to back in my day. Whatever is going on, you have to talk to us, okay?”

Lizzie nodded, her eyes welling up as she wrapped her arms around Gina, “Mom…”

“What’s the matter, pumpkin?” Gina was taken aback, “Lizzie, has someone been picking on you at school? If anyone’s giving you a hard time, you have to tell me…”

Sniffing, Lizzie said, “I’m okay, Mom. It’s just I watched this horror movie online last night, and it’s still freaking me out a bit.”

fasi las

Gina chuckled and said, “You’re a big girl now, still getting scared over a

She paused, then continued, “Lizzie, I know you’ll have you own little.

run into any problems, feel free to talk to me about it, okay?”

“Sure, Mom.” Lizzie nodded again.

silly movie. It’s all make–believe.”

But if you ever

“Alright, go freshen up and let’s have breakfast,” Gina said, patting Lizzie’s shoulder.

Lizzie went to wash her face.

Halfway through breakfast, Malcolm finally rolled out of bed.

ber, if

Gina promptly handed him a toothbrush with paste and ran the water for him to wash his face, tending to him with meticulous care.

Once cleaned up, Malcolm walked into the kitchen and glanced into the pot, “What’s for breakfast today?”

“We’ve got some oatmeal, and I picked up some donuts,” Gina replied, “I’ve already dished out your oatmeal, and it’s on the table.”

Malcolm frowned, “Donuts again?” They had been on a donut streak for a month now.

Gina untied her apron, smiling. “Well, what are you in the mood for? I’ll go and get it.”

Malcolm considered for a moment, “How about grabbing a bagel and a couple of those sausage biscuits? “Okay,” Gina nodded, “Just wait here.”

Normally, this would seem like a routine exchange.

But now, Lizzie was seething with anger.

She felt like Gina’s love was being thrown away.

Ever since she saw Malcolm with that mistress, she couldn’t stand to see Malcolm taking Gina for

granted.

Gina was so good to him. How could he treat her like this?

“Don’t indulge him if he doesn’t appreciate it, Mom.” Lizzie blocked Gina’s way.

“What’s gotten into you?” Gina said, helpless.

Lizzie took a deep breath.

10:24

Malcolm walked out of the kitchen, hands on Lizzie’s shoulders, and said with a smile, “What’s wrong, my dear? Why are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong lately? Tell me, and I’ll fix it right away.”

He was still the same reasonable and approachable father, but all Lizzie could see was his hypocrisy. Thick, blatant hypocrisy.

“It’s nothing.” Lizzie shrugged off Malcolm’s hands, “I’m off to school.”

Malcolm watched Lizzie retreating back, shaking his hear

helplessly.

Lizzie was growing up, developing her own thoughts and feelings.

Although Malcolm found it odd, he didn’t dwell on it.

It was natural for kids to have their little secrets and their moods. Parents shouldn’t pry too much into their children’s private lives.

Distracted, Lizzie walked to the school gate.

Yesterday, it was her waiting for Tanya and Anthea.

Today, it was them waiting for her.

“Lizzie.” Tanya waved.

“Annie, Tanya,” Lizzie trotted over.

“You okay from last night?” Tanya asked, “You left before we finished eating. Annie’s mom even gave us each a big goody bag. Oh, and this is yours.”

Tanya handed Lizzie a tote bag.

Lizzie looked up at Anthea, “Please thank your mom for me.”

“It’s nothing,” Anthea replied, noticing Lizzie’s appearance, “You didn’t sleep well last night, did you?”

Lizzie looked particularly drained. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Anthea, with her knowledge of natural remedies, could tell something was off.

“Yeah,” Lizzie nodded, “had nightmares all night.”

Anthea reached into her backpack and handed Lizzie a small dark bottle, “This is a natural sleep aid, with no side effects. Give it a try.”

כ

“Thank you, Annie,” Lizzie took the bottle with both hands.

Anthea smiled lightly, “No need to thank me.”

Throughout the day, Lizzie was out of sorts, especially noticeable as she stood in the cafeteria line at lunch, frowning and sighing, clearly preoccupied with her thoughts.