His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 8

**Chapter 8**

**Claire’s POV**

“Come on!” Naomi exclaimed, her grip on my arm firm yet playful as she pulled me toward a cluster of girls gathered around the drinks table, laughter and chatter swirling in the air like confetti.

“I want you to meet some people… They’re actually pretty cool,” she added, her enthusiasm infectious, but my stomach twisted into knots. Meeting new people always felt like stepping onto a stage, where every flaw was magnified, and judgment hung thick in the air.

Yet, as I glanced at Naomi’s bright smile, I couldn’t bring myself to say no. She seemed genuinely excited to include me, and that warmth nudged me forward.

“Girls!” Naomi called out, her voice ringing like a bell as we approached the group.

“This is Claire… the friend I was telling you about!”

As four pairs of eyes turned toward me, I felt like I was on display. Each girl was stunning, with flawless skin, lustrous hair, and an effortless grace that made me feel like a wilted flower beside a vibrant bouquet of roses.

“Hey,” I managed to utter, giving a small wave, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Oh, you’re the new girl!” A blonde with striking blue eyes beamed at me, her smile wide and welcoming. “I’m Madison. I run the drama club…”

“Sophie,” chimed in a redhead with intricate braids. “I’m in the student council…”

The introductions continued, with Emma from the art club and Jessica from the debate team each offering their names and a quick smile. They seemed friendly enough, asking about my hometown and how I was adjusting to the new school.

For a few precious moments, I began to relax, the tension in my shoulders easing. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad after all. Maybe I could actually make friends here.

But then, Jessica tilted her head, her gaze sharpening as she scrutinized my face as if it were a specimen under a microscope.

“You know…” she said, her tone sweet yet laced with an underlying edge, “those freckles are really… ugly. Have you ever thought about using concealer? There are some great products that could really help tone them down…”

A wave of embarrassment washed over me, and my hand instinctively moved to cover my cheeks, the spots feeling like glaring flaws under her judgmental gaze.

“Excuse me?” Naomi’s voice shot up an octave, a clear indication of her disbelief.

Jessica shrugged, her smile remaining plastered on her face, a mask of faux concern. “I’m just saying, a little makeup could do wonders. I mean, we’re trying to help her fit in, right?…”

“Her freckles are beautiful,” Naomi shot back, stepping protectively closer to me, her eyes blazing with indignation. “And she doesn’t need to change anything about herself to fit in anywhere…”

“Relax, I was just—”

“No.” Naomi’s voice was firm, unwavering. “You were being a bitch. There’s a difference.”

Gasps erupted from the other girls, and I could see Jessica’s perfect composure begin to crack as her face flushed with anger.

“How dare you call me—”

“What I call you depends on how you act,” Naomi retorted, her tone sharp and unyielding. “And right now, you’re acting like a jealous, insecure mean girl who tears others down to feel better about herself…”

I had never experienced someone defending me like this before—not even Lily and Jane. Back home, when people pointed out my freckles or teased me about my braces, they would comfort me but never confront anyone.

Yet here was Naomi, a girl I barely knew, standing up for me against her own friends.

Jessica’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. “I… I wasn’t—”

“Save it.” Naomi grabbed my hand, her grip reassuring. “Come on, Claire. Let’s go get some ice cream… let’s get away from this toxic energy.”

She led me away from the group, leaving Jessica standing there with her mouth agape and the other girls looking visibly uncomfortable.

“Naomi, you didn’t have to…” I began, my heart swelling with gratitude.

“Don’t.” She halted and turned to face me, her expression serious. “Don’t you dare thank me for standing up for you. That’s what friends do, Claire… Real friends don’t let people talk trash about each other.”

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