From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 270

Tanya and Anthea exchanged a glance, Tanya nudging Anthea with her elbow, "Hey Annie, check out Lizzie, what’s up with her?”

Anthea shook her head, craned her neck to look at Lizzie, and gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder, “Lizzie, you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine, Annie, don’t worry about me,” Lizzie replied, shaking her head and reaching out to take the tray from the cafeteria lady.

But in a moment of distraction, the tray slipped from her grasp, threatening to crash to the floor.

In the nick of time, Anthea's hand shot out and snagged the tray mid-fall.

Rock steady.

Not a drop of soup spilled.

Tanya, standing to the side, was practically starry-eyed with admiration, "Annie, you're amazing."

They all knew Anthea had skills.

But every time Anthea sprang into action, it was a sight to behold.

“And that’s why you’re our rock star,” Anthea said, handing the tray back to Lizzie, “You’ve gotta tell us if something’s up, Lizzie.”

Lizzie nodded, her mind heavy with thoughts she wasn’t sure how to express.

After all, the person in question was her father. For now, she could only hide it, keep it to herself, and deal with it on her own.

Lizzie tried to comfort herself with the words of that self-help guru she liked.

Ignorance was bliss.

If Gina was happy now, why should she be the one to shatter that happiness?

Tanya piped up, “Lizzie, did you get dumped or something?”

Lizzie looked up at Tanya, “It’s just some family stuff. Not a big deal but not exactly small either. It’s just kind of a headache.”

Tanya wrapped an arm around Lizzie’s, “You’re too young to be stressing over family drama. Let the adults handle their own business.”

The trio settled down at the dining table to eat.

Lizzie turned to Tanya, hesitating before speaking, “Tanya, how are your parents’ relationship?”

“They’re good.” Tanya nodded emphatically, “Dad’s a bit of an introvert, not much of a socializer, so Mom’s the boss at home. They squabble sometimes, but it’s always Mom giving Dad an earful, and he just takes it.”

Lizzie suddenly felt a pang of envy.