From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea ) novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169 

Gerard had just stepped out the front door when he bumped into Jonah, returning from the office, “Hey, Gerry” 

“Dad.” Gerard halted in his tracks 

“Where are you off to? Need a lift?” Jonah’s demeanor was as genteel as ever, his eyes smiling gently. 

“No, I’m good” Gerard said, looking at Jonah as if he had a world to tell him. But when the words reached his lips, all that came out a single, “Dad…” 

“What’s up, son?” Jonah could tell there was something bothering his son. 

Gerard’s gaze fell on Jonah, and smiled, “It’s nothing. I’m going to head off now.” 

Jonah was still womed. “If something’s up, you gotta talk to me.” 

Gerard nodded. 

The midday sun was blazing, but Gerard didn’t feel the heat. Instead, a chill ran through him. 

Half an hour later, a motorcycle tore along the winding mountain road at breakneck speed. 

Taking the hairpin bends with a graceful drift, the friction between the tires and the asphalt kicked up plumes of blue smoke. 

“Holy smokes! Gerry’s lost it!” Healy cursed as his cigarette dropped out of his mouth, his eyes wide at the sight. 

“What’s gotten into Gerard?” a heavyset boy next to him wondered aloud. 

was 

Another skinny kid slapped the heavier one’s back, “He’s gotta be missing his mom again! Keamey, Healy, watch your words when we talk to him, alright?” 

“Got it” Kearney a 

and Healy nodded. 

With a screech, a sleek motorcycle pulled up before them. 

The matching helmet came off, revealing a young, vibrant face with sharp features. 

It was Gerard 

“Catch this.” Healy said, tossing a cigarette to Gerard. 

With a slight tum of his head, Gerard caught the cigarette between his lips 

He just held it there, unlit, and proposed to the trio, “Up for a ride?” 

“Let’s do it 

The three nodded, donned their helmets, and mounted their bikes 

The ride was fast and furious, adrenaline pumping through their veins as they chased each other down. 

An hour later, four motorcycles were parked on a grassy roadside. 

The four young g men lay on the grass, hands behind their heads, silently staring up at the clear blue sky. 

After a while, Gerard broke the silence, “guys, what do you guys make of my grandma?” 

The three exchanged glances, each seeing confusion in the others‘ eyes 

Kearney said, “She’s alright, pretty warm and welcoming!” 

“How to put it,” George started, hesitantly, maybe it’s just me, but I feel like your grandma doesn’t really like us hanging out.” 

George came from the most modest background in the group. Every time they visited, he felt Janet’s gaze was off, as if she thought he was a bad influence on Gerard.