Chapter 210
Sarah gazed at Anthea in astonishment, “But I’m already 20 this year!”
Anthea’s smile was gentle, “Sarah, you’re only two years older than me. I’m just finishing up my junior year in high school, and I’ve got the SATS next year. If you go back and brush up on your high school courses now, you can join the senior class next year, take the SATS the year after, and you’ll only be a year behind me. At 20, your life is just beginning.”
Sure, education isn’t the only way to go. But for Sarah, it seemed like the right path.
And nowadays, qualifications matter no matter where you work!
Anthea’s serious tone made Sarah waver, “Ann, do you really think I can do it?”
Anthea nodded, “Sarah, if you’re willing to learn, I’ll help you with your studies.”
After a pause, Anthea asked, “By the way, Sarah, what was your dream when you were in school?”
It took a long time for Sarah to answer, “I used to dream of becoming a lawyer”
“Then work hard towards that goal! Get into a good law school! Become an outstanding lawyer! Sarah, you’re 20 now, you’ll be 22 at the SATS, and 26 when you graduate college. If you pursue a master’s, add another two or three years, and you won’t even be 30 by the time you’re done! At 30, do you want to live the life you desire, or do you want to be a housewife, preoccupied every day with the mundane?”
“Ann, don’t you find my dream a bit laughable, a bit unrealistic?” Sarah’s eyes betrayed a hint of self mockery.
Anthea took Sarah’s hands firmly. “It’s not laughable, nor is it unrealistic. The only laughable people are those without dreams.”
Her words struck Sarah like a wake–up call. She clung to Anthea’s hands, “Ann, I’ll listen to you.”
“That’s great, really glad to hear you’ve thought it out,” Anthea said with relief.
Once Sarah had made up her mind, she felt a weight from her shoulders.
After a five–hour flight, the two arrived in Cloudcrest
Nanson Yeager had been waiting outside the airport, knowing Antheas flight schedule. The moment he saw Anthea and Sarah, he rushed over, “Ann! Sarahl Over here!”
Anthea scurried toward him, dragging her suitcase, “Uncle Nanson!”
Sarah followed suit, calling out, “Nanson!”
Nanson took over their luggage, “Let’s head home.”
༈ ༀ ཟ རྫ རྦ ་
Nanson dropped Sarah off first, then drove home.
Carole had taken the day off work and prepared a feast at home, awaiting Anthea’s return.
A week apart felt like a year to the mother and daughter When Anthea arrived, she enveloped Carole in a big hug. “Mom! I’ve missed you
so much!”
“I’ve missed you too, honey!”
After dinner, Anthea presented the gifts she had bought for Carole and Nanson. They scolded her for spending money carelessly, but were clearly delighted.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )