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

In the sprawling suburb of Cloudcrest, where teenagers' dreams revolved around the hallowed halls of its 256 high schools, Philip was a legend. Not only did he routinely snatch the title of valedictorian at his school, but his academic prowess was also unmatched across the entire district.

But even the all-time greats hit rough patches, and everyone knew the most recent finals were a beast. Still, our boy genius Philip really aced it. His brilliance was undeniable.

Waldron slammed his hand down on the table. "Mark my words, the title of top scholar in this town is going to be Anthea's, no doubt about it." he declared, confidence oozing out of him like syrup on hotcakes. "Anthea's light-years ahead of Philip."

Bain rolled his eyes at Waldron's bravado. "Daydreamers, all of you," he muttered dismissively.

Undeterred, Waldron shot back, "The only daydreamer here is you, my friend."

Bain couldn't be bothered to argue further. After all, the truth would reveal itself soon enough, come the day of the SATs.

Later that evening, after school had let out, Anthea strolled down Main Street with her best friends, Tanya and Lizzie, heading towards Yeager's Delicacies, the local hotspot that Anthea's family owned. The diner was buzzing with activity as they approached, and outside, a line of eager customers stretched down the block.

"Holy smokes, Annie. Your family's joint is popping." Lizzie exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder, "It's even busier than the rave reviews online."

Anthea, beaming with pride, linked arms with her friends, "Well, there's been a major online discount campaign lately. Come on, let's cut through the crowd."

As they neared the entrance, the enticing aroma of freshly baked pies and sizzling burgers filled the air. But suddenly, Lizzie's steps faltered as her gaze landed on a middle-aged couple in line ahead of them. The man had his arm lovingly wrapped around the woman's waist, and despite her mature appearance, she was dressed to the nines, punctuating their intimacy with a peck on his cheek.

"What are you looking at, Lizzie?" Anthea said, turning around with a puzzled look. When Lizzie didn't respond, Tanya waved a hand in front of her face, "Hello, Lizzie?"

Snapping out of her daze, Lizzie managed a weak smile, "Nothing, it's nothing. Let's just go in and eat."

Still, Anthea couldn't shake her concern, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Lizzie insisted, brushing off Anthea's worries.

As they were greeted by Carole, the warmth of the diner enveloped them. "Annie, take your friends upstairs, and just text me your order," Carole said, her eyes twinkling with delight at the sight of the teenagers.

"Thanks, Carole," Tanya and Lizzie chimed in, their mouths watering in anticipation.

The second floor was a cozy nook reserved for family and friends. As they settled in, Tanya gushed, "Annie, your mother is stunning."

Anthea puffed out her chest, grinning, "Of course. How else do you think I got my looks?"

Dinner was halfway through when Lizzie suddenly dropped her fork, "Annie, Tanya, I just remembered I have something urgent to take care of. I gotta go. Enjoy your meal." Before they could even respond, she had bolted out the door with her backpack in tow.

Downstairs, Lizzie cast one last glance at the couple, still wrapped in their embrace. She snapped a few photos on her phone, a storm of emotions brewing within her, and then turned away.

She walked back to her family's grocery store. The store, a three-story building with each floor dedicated to different wares, was the heart of Lizzie's world. Her mother, Gina, was the soul, usually found tending to the aisles and chatting with the locals.

As Lizzie entered, Gina was busy checking inventory. "Back so soon?" she asked cheerfully. "I thought you were dining out with your friends tonight?" This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

Lizzie brushed past the question, her voice strained, "Mom, where's Dad?"

Gina paused, then answered, "He's out restocking supplies."

"And since when?"

"He left this morning, honey. What's the matter?"

Words failed Lizzie as she hesitated, the images on her phone burning in her pocket, "Maybe you should call him, just to check in?"

Gina laughed softly, "Oh, sweetheart, there's no need to fret. He's not a child. He'll be back once he's done. You're acting rather strange today. Everything alright?"