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

After wrapping up some business at the company, Nanson turned on his smartphone, eager to share the good news with Violet. That's when he saw the message from Gerard.

Opening the message, Nanson let out a sigh. Poor kid. Born into wealth, yet motherless from a young age.

"Gerry, I'm sure your mom would be over the moon to hear about this! She must've had her reasons for leaving you; never stop looking for her, I believe a mother and son reunion is bound to happen someday."

"Oh, and guess what? My great-niece's results are out too! She aced the science department at Cloudcrest!"

Gerard replied swiftly, "Congratulations, Mr. Yeager! Guess we'll be seeing each other in Capital City then."

"Capital City it is!"

"[Gift]"

Gerard paused at the digital gift Nanson sent. Following up, Nanson messaged, "Just a little something to celebrate you topping the arts and my great-niece excelling in the sciences."

Gerard accepted the gift. $66.6. A number filled with meaning.

"Thanks, Mr. Yeager. Next time you're in Capital City, dinner's on me."

"Sounds good."

Nanson then went on to share the joy with Violet.

...

Anthea was helping out at the diner when she walked in to a chorus of congratulations, "Annie, way to go!"

"Annie, you're a genius! Topping our city in science? How do you do it?"

Anthea, puzzled, wondered what they were on about. Top scorer? She had aced the science department? Weren't her results still pending?

Diners, overhearing the conversation, looked up in curiosity, "So this is Cloudcrest's little prodigy!"

She was indeed a sight to behold. Word spread like wildfire, and soon, every patron in the diner had their eyes on Anthea, admiration shining through.

"It's been years since Cloudcrest had a top scorer from our own city. You've really made us proud, little prodigy!"

Taking it all in, Anthea managed a thanks before heading upstairs to check her results online. Just as she booted up her laptop, her phone rang. It was her teacher, Mr. Waldron.

"Is this Anthea?"

"Yes, Mr. Waldron."

"Have you seen your scores? You scored 749! The science top scorer of Cloudcrest! I've been bombarded with calls from schools asking about your first choice, even MIT..."

Mr. Waldron was beyond excited.

For years in his teaching career, never had he seen such a scramble for a student of his. And now, he

was on the verge of being recognized as an outstanding

eln

teacher. Promotion and pay raise were on the horizon.

So, she really did it...

"Thank you, Mr. Waldron. I'm not considering schools abroad, though. I want to go to Capital University."

"Capital University? Are you sure?" Mr. Waldron asked.

"Absolutely."

Mr. Waldron nodded, "Alright then. Congratulations, Anthea! And thank you!"

Anthea smiled, "No, Mr. Waldron, I should be thanking you."

After the call, Carole came rushing up, engulfing Anthea in a hug, "Annie, you're absolutely amazing!"

The thought of being the top science student was beyond Carole's wildest dreams.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Of course!" Anthea replied with a playful arrogance, "Who else but your daughter?"

Just then, Nana burst in, breathless, "Ma'am, the local news station is downstairs, looking to interview Annie!"

The news station?!

Carole was visibly shocked, "Really?"

"Yes!" Nana nodded eagerly.

"Then let's not keep them waiting," Carole urged.

Anthea wasn't initially keen on the interview, but seeing Carole's

excitement, she didn't refuse.

Descending the stairs, they were met not just by reporters, but also the mayor, community leaders, all there to celebrate.

Cloudcrest hadn't produced a top scorer in years. Having a science top scorer was a big deal, and everyone was ecstatic, each taking turns to shake Anthea's hand and present her with scholarships.