His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 202

Chapter 202

Chapter 202

Claire’s POV

Dinner that night was quiet at first, the kind of quiet that comes before something big.

Mom had made roast chicken with rosemary potatoes and green beans-her go-to meal when she wanted everything to feel safe and familiar.

The smell filled the house, warm and comforting, but my stomach was too knotted to enjoy it much. Elijah sat beside me, close enough that our knees touched under the table, a silent support I clung to.

We ate for a few minutes, small talk about school and the upcoming game filling the air.

Mom asked Elijah about practice. Ethan talked about a project he was handling with the council. I picked at my food, the folder from Dr. Adrian sitting on the counter like a shadow waiting to be acknowledged.

Finally, I set my fork down. “Mom, Ethan… I need to talk to you about something.”

Both of them looked up immediately. Mom’s fork paused halfway to her mouth. Ethan wiped his hands on his napkin, giving me his full attention.

“Of course,” Mom said softly. “What is it, honey?”

I glanced at Elijah. He nodded, hand brushing mine under the table.

“Dr. Adrian came to school today,” I began. “He’s worried about my last episode-the one with the fireworks. He doesn’t think the current treatment is enough anymore.”

Mom’s face paled. Ethan leaned forward.

I explained everything-the ablation procedure, how it worked, the catheter through the vein, mapping the heart, burning away the bad electrical paths.

I told them the success rate, ninety percent for my condition. The quick recovery-days in hospital, a week or two at home. No more restrictions long-term.

They listened without interrupting, Mom’s hand pressed to her mouth, Ethan’s expression growing more serious with every detail.

When I finished, silence settled over the table.

Mom spoke first, voice thick with tears. “Surgery on your heart.”

“It’s not open-heart,” I said quickly. “Minimally invasive. No cutting the chest open.”

Ethan picked up one of the pamphlets I had brought to the table, scanning it carefully. “High success rate,” he said quietly. “But risks are there. Bleeding, infection, stroke-rare, but possible.”

I nodded. “I know. I’m scared of those too.”

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Mom reached across, taking my hand. “How long have you been thinking about this?”

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“Since he mentioned it today,” I admitted. “But the idea’s been in the back of my mind for a while. I’m tired, Mom. Tired of being careful all the time. Tired of wondering if the next loud noise or excited moment will put me on the ground. I want to live without that fear.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks. “You deserve that. More than anyone.”

Ethan set the pamphlet down. “We’ll get a second opinion if you want. Best hospital, best doctor. Money’s not

an issue.”

Mom nodded. “And recovery-we’ll make it as easy as possible. Home nurses if you need them. I’ll take time

off work.”

Ethan looked thoughtful. “We can set up the downstairs guest room as your recovery space. No stairs for the first week. I’ll install one of those medical beds if it helps-adjustable, everything you need. Monitors, whatever Dr. Adrian recommends. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

I felt my eyes burn. “You don’t have to do all that.”

“We want to,” Mom said firmly. “You’re our daughter. We’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you heal properly.”

Elijah’s hand squeezed mine tighter. He hadn’t said much, but his presence grounded me.

Ethan looked at him, then back at me. “This is a big decision. Take time if you need it.”

“I’ve thought about it all day,” I said. “I want to do it. I want to be fixed.”

Mom cried harder then, pulling me into a hug across the table. “My brave girl.”

Ethan stood and came around, hugging us both. “We’ll call Dr. Adrian tomorrow. Get it scheduled.”

The rest of dinner passed in softer tones-plans, questions, reassurances. Mom worried about pain management. Ethan talked logistics. Elijah promised to drive me to every appointment,

By the time we cleared the table, it felt real. Scheduled. Supported.

Mom hugged me again at the sink. “I’m scared,” she whispered. “But I’m so proud of you for choosing this.”

I hugged her back. “Thank you for letting me.”

Ethan ruffled my hair like I was little again. “Get some rest. Big things ahead.”

They headed upstairs early, leaving Elijah and me in the kitchen.

He dried the last plate, then turned to me. “Outside?”

I nodded.

We grabbed coats and the thick blanket from the porch, slipping out the back door. The night was clear and

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cold, stars scattered across the sky like someone had spilled diamonds.

We sat on the deck steps, blanket wrapped around us both.

“Look,” he said quietly, pointing up.

The Milky Way stretched faint but visible, a river of light.

I leaned against his shoulder. “It’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful,” he said, kissing my temple.

I smiled. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s always true.”

We sat in silence for a while, just breathing.

“I told them,” I said finally.

“I heard,” he replied. “They took it well.”

“Better than well,” I said. “Ethan wants to turn the house into a recovery center.”

He chuckled. “That’s Dad.”

I grew quiet. “I’m still scared.”

“I know.” He pulled me closer. “But you’re doing it anyway. That’s courage.”

I looked up at the stars. “Do you think it’ll work?”

“I think you deserve it to,” he said. “And that’s enough.”

A shooting star streaked across the sky.

“Wish,” he whispered.

I closed my eyes.

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