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

The dim light cast a soft glow on her face, giving it an ethereal quality.

Unexpectedly, Gerard found himself standing opposite a girl about his age.

He had always pictured young girls as delicate and frail.

Yet here was a girl with the reflexes of a seasoned athlete, which was quite the eye-opener.

It took a moment for Gerard to regain his composure and retract his hand.

Just then, Sarah came running over and asked, "Ann, what's going on?"

Anthea glanced back at Sarah and assured her, "It’s all good."

Turning to Gerard, she inquired, "You alright?"

"I'm fine," Gerard responded with a slight shake of his head.

"Good to hear," Anthea said with a gentle smile. Once she knew Gerard was fine, she walked away with Sarah.

As Gerard watched their retreating figures, he felt a momentary daze.

This was a complete stranger, yet he felt an inexplicable connection to her. It was as if they had known each other for ages. A very strange sensation indeed.

Was it just his imagination?

Lost in thought, Gerard remained staring until they vanished into the crowd. He was jolted back to reality by a slap on the shoulder.

"Gerard! What are you gazing at?" Healy had come over.

Gerard snapped out of it, "Huh? Oh, it's nothing!"

Curiosity piqued, Healy looked in the direction Gerard had been staring but saw nothing noteworthy and let it go.

"Let's roll, Gerard! Time for some drinks!"

Gerard followed Healy, his mind preoccupied. The boys drank more than their fair share, their teenage bravado overtaking their better judgment.

Being 18 and strictly raised, they couldn't possibly return home in such a state.

Fortunately, George's parents were out of town, so they decided to crash at his place. With the weekend ahead, there was no worry about school the next day.

They arrived at George's, took a casual shower, and crammed into one bed, quickly succumbing to a deep sleep.

When Gerard awoke, he noticed the snow had stopped outside, and the sunlight was piercing through the window.

The room was filled with a symphony of snores, each more sonorous than the last.

Gerard looked at his phone and saw it was already half-past ten. George was up, but Kearney and Healy were still asleep.

Rubbing his temples, Gerard got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. He was well-acquainted with George's house after many visits.

After freshening up, George walked in, removing his cap and announcing, "Gerard, I grabbed some breakfast. Are Kearney and Healy still out?"

Gerard nodded. NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.

"I'll go wake them up." George set the food on the table and grumbled, "Man, can they sleep! They've been out since 11 last night. What are they, hibernating bears?"

Throwing open the windows, George let in the chilly breeze, jolting the others awake with shivers. "Damn, it's freezing! What's the rush this early, mom?"

George laughed, "Look again, Healy. And, for your information, it's nearly eleven in the morning!"

Finally, Healy came to his senses.

George tossed clean clothes at them. "Get up, guys! Gerard's waiting to have breakfast with you!"

Reluctantly, they got dressed.

Kearney asked while dressing, "Did you get my favorite bacon sandwich?"

"Got 'em," George nodded, "Hurry up, or it'll be lunchtime."

Among the four friends, George was the caregiver, always keeping things in check and looking after the others.

Healy was the mentor, not the best academically but with a knack for life skills.

Kearney was the easygoing one, following the lead of his friends without a second thought.

Gerard was the quiet one, a man of few words, but when he spoke, it counted.

The boys made quick work of their morning routines, and in less than ten minutes, they emerged refreshed in the living room, ready to tackle breakfast.