From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 329

"Huh?" Kearney and George were both stunned.

"Janet did what?"

"What's going on here?"

They were the tightest of buds.

Gerard couldn't keep it to himself any longer. He spilled the beans, telling them everything from start to finish.

Hearing this, the trio was livid!

"Your grandma is way out of line!"

"Has she lost her mind because she's old? Going so hard on her own grandson!"

"Gerard, didn't you try to explain?"

Gerard just smiled and remained silent. Janet never gave him a chance to explain from the get-go.

Right then, Healy's mom, Sadie, came over with a bottle of arnica oil, "Gerry, this arnica oil is great for reducing swelling. Give it a try."

"Thanks, Aunt Sadie." Gerard took the bottle of arnica oil from Sadie's hands.

Sadie sighed, seeing how well-behaved and smart Gerard usually was, she couldn't fathom why Janet would be so harsh. The poor kid, with no mother to defend him. It was heartbreaking!

"You're welcome," Sadie continued. "You're as welcome here as if you were in your own home. Whatever you want to eat or drink, just let me know."

Gerard's eyes suddenly reddened, and his nose tingled. He hadn't cried when Janet slapped him. He hadn't cried when Janet was kicking him out, but now, he could hardly hold back. Seeing Sadie, he was reminded of his own mom. If his mom were here, would she feel heartbroken...

"Aunt Sadie, can I give you a hug?" Gerard's voice was choked.

Sadie wrapped her arms around Gerard, "Sweetheart, are you missing your mom?"

"Yeah." Gerard made a sound, barely audible through his nasal cavity.

Held in Sadie's embrace, Gerard felt as if he was being hugged by his own mom. If only he and Healy were really brothers. Then he would have a mom too.

Thinking about how the kid had grown up without a mother, and the ordeal he went through today, Sadie's eyes also began to tear up, "If you ever miss having a mom, just come over with Healy to my place. You boys are all like brothers, around the same age. If you don't mind, you can think of me as your mother."

Gerard finally broke down and cried.

Sadie gently patted Gerard's back.

The other three in the room also had teary eyes.

After a moment, Gerard pulled away from Sadie and bowed, "Aunt Sadie, thank you."

Sadie wiped her tears away, smiling, "No need to be formal with me. You boys go on up and chat. If you need anything, just let me know."

With that, Sadie turned and went downstairs, leaving the space to the kids.

"Gerard, what are you planning to do now?" Healy asked.

Gerard turned to look out the window, "I'm thinking of heading to Cloudcrest." After all, things had completely fallen apart, and he had nothing left to lose. Kearney panicked, "But will you ever come back?"

Gerard shook his head. He didn't know. Right now, all he wanted was to replace his mother. He hadn't had time to think about anything else.

George chimed in, "Gerard, exams are just around the corner. Why don't you wait until after the exams to go to Cloudcrest? In the meantime, you can stay at my place." Healy said, "No need for that, Gerard can stay with me. It'll be fine."

Kearney added, "Or my place too!"

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Healy went to open it. It wasn't anyone else but Sadie.

"Mom, what's up?"

Sadie glanced into the room, speaking softly, "Gerry's family butler is here. He said the old lady has realized her mistake and now feels terrible for misunderstanding Gerry. She's sent the butler to ask him to come back home."

Continuing, Sadie added, "The butler mentioned that the old lady deeply regrets hitting Gerry and for driving him away without understanding the situation. She's ready to apologize if Gerry is willing to return home."

Hearing this, Healy nodded, "Alright, Mom, I'll let Gerard know."

Sadie nodded back, "I'll leave you boys to it then."