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

The valedictorian was from their class.

Not only that, but their very own Anthea was nothing more than a class clown in comparison.

Bain's voice dripped with sarcasm, and Waldron replied with a chuckle, "Don't worry, even without your well-wishes, our class champ Yeager will top the charts! And he'll definitely outscore your buddy Philip!" Bain couldn't help but laugh, lifting his cup of tea, "I'll be watching closely."

The top student of the year was theirs, and without copying anyone, could Anthea really outdo him?

That seemed like a fairy tale!

"I'll be watching alright," Waldron wasn't intimidated by Bain.

Bain put down his textbook, "Just hope, Mr. Waldron, you won't be too embarrassed to show your face!"

"Whoever hides, is the loser!"

Bain nodded, "Glad to hear you say that."

Waldron was smug now, but wait till the final exam scores came out. Bain wondered how he'd face anyone then.

Bain squinted his eyes.

When school was out for the day.

Nobody wanted to leave.

Everyone spontaneously stayed back in the classroom, walking up to Anthea one by one to thank her.

Though Anthea had only been with them for a semester, her place in their hearts was undoubtedly on par with Mr. Waldron, their class advisor.

Anthea had helped them immensely throughout the term.

"Boss Yeager, it's almost graduation. I hate to see you go."

"Boss Yeager, don't forget us after you graduate.”

The atmosphere grew increasingly sentimental.

Anthea stood up with a smile, "All good things come to an end, but rest assured, I'll always remember you all, and our time in senior year, class 7. Here's to acing our exams and getting into our dream colleges."

Then, Anthea and everyone gathered for a group photo.

It wasn't just class 7 that lingered.

Students from other classes were also saying their goodbyes, knowing well that after today, it would be hard for the group to gather again.

Nearly an hour later, everyone finally left the classroom.

Lizzie was outside, waiting for Anthea and Tanya. Seeing them approach, she ran over excitedly, "Annie, Tanya."

Anthea smiled, "Lizzie, have you been waiting long?"

Lizzie shook her head, "No, my class just ended too."

The trio walked and talked together.

Suddenly, the conversation shifted to crushes.

Tanya shared her crush with Lizzie.

Lizzie said, "I have a crush too, and we've promised to attend the same university."

Tanya, surprised, said, "Really? What's the story? Who made the first move?"

Lizzie shook her head, "Neither of us. We've known each other since we were kids, but at fifteen, his parents moved to Capital City for work. The day he left, we promised to meet again at Capital University!" "I'm so jealous, Lizzie! You never mentioned this before," Tanya said, admiringly.

Lizzie said, “We're like best buds; he has no clue I like him. But if I get into Capital University, I'm going to make sure he knows!"

Just then, Tanya pointed at a group of guys, "Annie, Lizzie, look, that's Abbott!"

"Which one? Where? Is he cute?" Lizzie asked curiously, looking in the direction Tanya pointed.

Tanya, blushing, said, "The tall, slim one with fair skin."

Anthea squinted, "They all seem tall and slim, none of them looks particularly tan..."

Tanya, more embarrassed, said, "The one with glasses."

Lizzie, "The guy in the middle of the group?"

"Yeah," Tanya nodded.

Lizzie patted Tanya's shoulder, "Nice choice, Tanya! He kinda looks like my celeb crush..."

"Which celeb?" Tanya asked curiously.