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

Not a single teacher disliked a star student.

Right now, the way the math teacher looked at Anthea was like a parched traveler who had just spotted an oasis.

"Anthea, you can go back to your seat. From now on, if you want to take a nap during my class, you can."

"Thank you." replied Anthea.

As Anthea made her way back to her desk, the teacher continued, "If any of you can be as brilliant as Anthea here, solving complex problems in your sleep, then you can do whatever you like in my class too! I'll turn a blind eye even if you start daydreaming about space! But if you can't, then pay attention! I believe that one day, you'll all be just as amazing!"

The students sat as silent as mice, their curiosity piqued. How had Anthea suddenly become so formidable?

When lunchtime arrived, Anthea invited Tanya to join her in the cafeteria, "I've got a friend I want you to meet."

Tanya hesitated, then nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Given her weight, would Anthea's friend accept her?

It turned out that Tanya's worries were unfounded.

Lizzie didn't show the slightest bit of disdain toward Tanya, and the three girls chatted and laughed their way to the cafeteria.

The place was bustling, and they had to line up to get their food. Just as it was almost their turn, two girls approached, led by one with long flowing hair and a makeup job that could only be described as a work of art. She had customized her school skirt to a daringly short length.

"Out of the way, lard bucket!" she barked.

Tanya shivered at the sight of her, about to step aside.

Anthea glanced up, took a step forward, and stood by Tanya's side. "What's the problem here?"

"I'm talking to this tub of lard, not you! Move aside if you know what's good for you and don't block my way!"

"Ann, it's okay, I'll just let them through," Tanya murmured, tugging at Anthea's sleeve, the very picture of someone accustomed to being bullied.

"Don't be scared! I'm here, and they won't dare touch you!"Anthea comforted her.

The long-haired girl was brimmed with scorn, clearly not taking Anthea seriously.

"Move now, or don't blame me for what happens next!" she said, flexing her arms threateningly.

"Well, I'd love to see what you've got," Anthea replied, her gaze never leaving the girl's face.

The girl twisted her face with anger as she raised her hand to strike Anthea, but in the next instant, her hair was firmly grasped.

Anthea held the girl's hair with one hand and lifted her chin with the other, her eyes gleaming with a devil-may-care light. "Apologize to my deskmate," she commanded, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting a gentle glow on her porcelain skin.

The commotion drew a crowd of onlookers.

"Whoa, who is she? So badass!"

"I know her, that's Anthea from senior Class 7!"

"Whoa, I've heard of her. Wasn't she supposed to be, like, not that pretty?"

"She's gorgeous!"

"Totally crushing on her!"

The long-haired girl was petrified. Anthea might have been smiling, but there was not a hint of humor in those eyes, and the pain at her scalp was excruciating.

If she'd known Anthea was this fierce, she would never have messed with Tanya!

When did this girl even get such a strong protector?

"Apologize!" Anthea said again.

With a sharp gasp of pain, the girl stammered, "I... I'm sorry."

"To whom? Louder, I can't hear you!"

The girl, clutching at the pain, raised her voice, "I'm sorry, Tanya. I won't ever do it again, please forgive me."

"Tanya," Anthea turned to her desk mate, "Can you forgive her?"

Tanya, completely stunned by the unfolding events, nodded dumbly.

Could it be that her deskmate was this formidable?

Only then did Anthea slowly let go of the girl's hair. "Next time you mess with Tanya, I'll make sure you leave here bald, you believe that?"

The girl, pale as a ghost, bolted as soon as Anthea let her go.