From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Baldie barely managed to comprehend the first sentence. However, he found the next one a bit more challenging.

The French woman was speaking way too fast, and with Baldie’s nerves getting the better of him, he could only make out something about fish and garlic.

“Sorry, could you please repeat that?” he asked.

“Of course,” replied the French woman with a smile, slowing down her speech.

Baldie still struggled to understand, scratching his head. “You mean you like fish?”

The woman quickly waved her hands. “Oh no, no! We don’t like fish. Some of us are allergic to fish and garlic! Allergic!”

The more nervous he got, the more confused he was, especially with Harriet and Lauren standing by him. Baldie could not get what the woman meant, and his face flushed with anxiety.

“I’m sorry. I still can’t quite get it…” Baldie stuttered.

The woman continued, “It’s okay. Don’t be nervous. Anyone else here speaks French?”

Though not understanding French herself, Harriet could see something was off and nudged Baldie’s arm. “Baldie, what’s going on?”

Baldie turned back, his face red with embarrassment. “Mom, does anyone else here speak.

French?”

“You can’t understand?” Harriet looked at Baldie with surprise.

Baldie scratched his head. “They have a lot of requests. I’m afraid I’ll get it wrong…”

As Harriet had been boasting about Baldie’s proficiency to Lauren, this sudden turn of events was a big blow to her pride.

Then, Baldie looked up at Harriet as if struck by a sudden thought. “I heard Anthea’s French isn’t bad. Why don’t we let her try?”

Harriet’s eyes filled with contempt at the suggestion. “Her?”

Baldie nodded, knowing Anthea didn’t speak French, but he wanted her to try.

Anthea had bragged just that evening about her French not being half poor.

He was curious to see what she meant by saying “not bad.”

Lauren said, “Then I’ll go fetch Anthea:”

Before Harriet could react, Lauren had run off to find Anthea. Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Soon after, Lauren returned with Anthea.

11:18

Seeing Anthea arrive gave Baldle a sigh of relief. He finally didn’t have to worry about embarrassing himself.

Anthea would be the one to do that.

At least he could manage a few simple exchanges with foreigners. Could Anthea?

With Anthea there, he would still be the star pupil In Lauren and Harriet’s eyes.

Seeing Anthea come over, Harriet said with disbelief, “Lauren, you called her over?”

Anthea approached the customers with a smile. “May I help you with anything?”

When she spoke, the eyes of the middle–aged woman and the other customers at the table lit up. Her accent was stunning!

Just like her presence, it was captivating.

The woman covered her mouth, “Oh my! Are you a local, or have you lived abroad?”

Anthea smiled. “I’m a local, but I’ve visited France before. It’s a very welcoming country.”

Expats always loved to hear praise for their homeland.

The woman’s smile deepened as she gave Anthea her order.

Anthea noted each request.

Harriet and Baldie were speechless.