From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

"Alright, Ann!” replied Anthea, “I'm hitting the pavement with you for a run tomorrow!"

Anthea nodded, "Once we get to school, I'll jot down that home remedy for you."

"Got it."

The first class in the morning was literature class with Waldron.

Waldron stood at the podium, clutching the essays from last week's exam, "Our class is just brilliant! Out of the 36 regular classes in our grade, we scored third from last! Pure genius!"

His tone was dripping with sarcasm. The look on his face would have fooled anyone into thinking they'd placed third from the top.

"My goodness! Our classroom behavior is top-notch and our grades are still stellar! You bunch of whiz kids are just a teacher's dream!"

The students sat as still as statues, muffling their laughter, not daring to make a sound.

Waldron tapped the chalkboard, "Let's hand back these papers."

The papers were handed back in ascending order of scores.

"Anthea, A+."

When Waldron got to Anthea's paper, a genuine smile crept onto his face.

This girl was a promising one, if only she'd apply herself a bit more.

Anthea stood up and walked to the front to collect her paper.

The class's eyes followed her.

How did she do it? Top of the class! How impressive!

Holding Anthea's paper, Waldron asked, "Anthea, do you know where you went wrong?"

"Fill-in-the-blanks from the reading?" Anthea guessed.

Knowing where she'd messed up was a good sign.

Waldron unfolded Anthea's paper, for once not using sarcasm, "Anthea, you wouldn't have lost these easy questions. Be careful in the next exam. Your performance in other subjects surpasses that in literature. Do you get something against me?"

The class inhaled sharply at the totals.

Those scores could give the elite class a run for their money!

Anthea was nothing but sincere, "I'm sorry. I'll do better next time."

Waldron patted Anthea's shoulder, "I believe in you! Let's aim for a better performance on the midterms to make our class proud!"

The honor roll of the midterm rankings was posted for the whole campus to see.

Usually, the elite class hogged all the spots.

But this time, it could be their turn!

Anthea nodded.

Waldron handed her the paper and continued, "The rest of you should take a leaf out of Anthea's book. No more slacking off. We're in senior year! Can't we put a little steam in our stride?"

"Yes, sir!" The students responded enthusiastically.

Waldron nodded, satisfied.

Time flew. Before she knew it, Saturday arrived.

At 5:30 a.m., Anthea was out the door for her run, with Tanya already decked out in her sports gear, waiting, "Ann."

Anthea jogged over.

After their run, Tanya asked Anthea to grab lunch with her.

Anthea replied, "I've got plans at noon. How about dinner? Let's call up Lizzie and hit up the kebab place."

"Sounds good!" Tanya agreed.

At eleven in the morning, Anthea arrived at Comfort Cafe on time.

She texted the other party, "I'm here. Where are you?"

"Third floor, room L9," came the prompt reply.

"Be right there," Anthea typed as she entered the cafe.

Meanwhile, in room L9 on the third floor...

The room was tastefully decorated with a vintage vibe and classical carvings everywhere you looked, with the gentle breeze tinkling through bead curtains full of a serene atmosphere.

Daniel paced excitedly. He was about to meet his hero!

The excitement was killing him!

"Sherman, how do I look? Am I handsome today? Is my hair cool?"

Sherman was the picture of calm, sitting by the window, fiddling with his cross, surrounded by the curling smoke of burning sandalwood which made him look like a monk in meditation.

When Sherman didn't respond, Daniel turned to his sister and asked, "Mamie, am I looking sharp?" NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

Mamie chuckled, "Handsome! You’re the handsomest!"

"That's what I thought!" But then Daniel second-guessed himself, "No, this won't do. What if my master isn't as handsome, or as well-dressed as me, and feels inferior?"

Mamie rolled her eyes, "Daniel, just chill. They'll be here any minute."