From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel 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 was 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 worried. "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.

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

"Got it," Kearney 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 turn of his head, Gerard caught the cigarette between his lips.