From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 162

What now?

Emerging from the bathroom, Sarah caught her reflection in the mirror. Pale, almost ghostlike.

Maybe she should ask Anthea for help? Yeah, that was it. Anthea would know what to do.

After a quick word with her folks, Sarah headed over to the Yeagers'.

Carole was on her way out to the diner.

"Sarah, hello!" Carole exclaimed, bustling to get her a glass of water.

Sarah nodded, "Don't let me keep you, Carole. I just need a quick word with Ann. Is she around?"

"In her room. Go on up! I've gotta go!"

"Take care, Carole."

Anthea's door was ajar.

She sat on the floor in a black tank top, her delicate collarbones on display, her fair skin looking even more porcelain against the dark fabric, without a single flaw.

Engrossed in her work, a lock of hair mischievously fell across her well-defined features. She was so focused she didn't even notice Sarah walk in.

Scattered around her were a bunch of gadgets, tools, and whatnot. Off to the side laid a piece of clothing that didn't quite look like your regular attire.

"Ann," Sarah knocked.

Anthea finally looked up, surprised. "Sarah, what brings you here?"

"I need to talk to you about something..." Sarah's usual vivacity was nowhere in sight.

Anthea eyed her friend with concern, "You don't look so good, Sarah. What's up?"

"It's nothing," Sarah replied, still fuming over the Browns' latest antics.

"Let me have a look." Anthea reached for Sarah's wrist.

After a brief moment, Anthea looked up with a complicated expression.

"What's wrong, Ann?" Sarah asked, confused.

Hesitating, Anthea finally said, "Sarah, you might be pregnant."

So as the clock struck their usual meeting time, Janet waited at the door for Edna.

Jonah Lindsay was unwell and busy with his own affairs.

Gerard Lindsay had school.

Loneliness is the bane of old age, and Janet's daily chats with Edna were her brightest moments.

Hearing a car engine outside, Janet's face lit up. "Edna's here."

"All these years, Miss Edna's been the only one to keep you company daily," Delia chimed in.

Janet smiled warmly, "Indeed, out of all my children and in-laws, she's the most considerate." Edna was clearly her favorite.

Delia hesitated before speaking, "Madam, there's something I'm not sure I should mention."

"Delia, after all these years with us, there's nothing you can't say. Out with it." When Delia had started working for them, she was only twenty. Now, her grandson was three.

To Janet, Delia was more than just a servant.

Delia continued, "I just think, after waiting on Jonah all these years, shouldn't he give Edna some sort of commitment? She's given him her best eighteen years. How many 'best years' does a woman have? What do you think, Madam?"