From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 205

At that moment, the shrill ring of a phone cut through the silence.

Gerard set down his half-eaten bagel and picked up the call.

Whatever was said on the other end, Gerard simply replied "Alright" before hanging up, turning to George, "Hey man, where's your laptop? I need to borrow it for a sec."

"Sure thing, I'll grab it for you."

In a flash, George returned with his laptop and handed it over to Gerard.

Taking the laptop, Gerard plopped down by the floor-to-ceiling window, his fingers rapidly dancing across the keyboard.

Kearney, curious as ever, muttered, "What do you reckon Gerard's up to? All cloak and dagger, isn't he?"

"Who knows?" Healy shrugged helplessly.

It wasn't unusual for Gerard to be all secretive; they never pried too much into each other's business.

About ten minutes later, Gerard returned, laptop in one hand and resuming his attack on the doughnut with the other.

The others chatted amongst themselves, careful not to disturb Gerard.

After breakfast, they shouldered their backpacks and headed their separate ways.

Just as Gerard got home, he bumped into Edna.

"Gerry, where were you last night? Your grandma mentioned you didn't come home," Edna inquired, a tinge of concern in her voice.

"Thanks for worrying, Edna," Gerard replied coolly.

Edna continued, "Gerry, you're at an age where curiosity peaks. But try not to stay out all night; it really worries your grandma and me."

A trace of impatience flickered across Gerard's face as he thought, “Did Edna really see herself as the hostess in my house now?”

Right then, Janet's voice chimed in from inside, "Gerry, come here."

"Coming," Gerard responded and headed inside.

Janet was sitting on the couch, looking a bit under the weather, "Where were you last night?"

"Grandma, I crashed at a friend's place." replied Gerard.

"Which friend's house?"