If Claire hadn't said they couldn't carry anything else, Valeria would have kept going without a second thought. Claire just couldn't wrap her head around Valeria's insane shopping stamina. By the time they finished picking things out, they were so hungry it felt like their stomachs were about to cave in. They decided on barbecue for
dinner.
At the restaurant, they didn't even have to grill the meat themselves. The staff did all the work right at their table. It was so relaxing, they just focused on eating and chatting. They left feeling stuffed and happy.
"I told you, every time I eat with the James family, I end up with indigestion," Claire said, leaning back in her chair. "Honestly, it's better if we just keep our distance from each other. If they ever need help and it's within the law, I'll help. But beyond that, I don't really know what else they expect from me."
She hadn't told Valeria yet, but deep down, Claire didn't think she'd been switched at birth by accident. She was starting to believe someone had done it on purpose. She already had a suspect in mind, but she needed more proof. If she was right, then someone would have to pay for what happened.
"You're not wrong, but I don't think your adoptive mom is going to let this go," Valeria said, shaking her head.
Valeria was right. The next day, Octavia called Claire and asked to meet up somewhere outside.
When they met, Octavia handed Claire a medical report. It was Cindy's. The paper said Cindy had been diagnosed with depression.
“Claire, this is about Cindy's health. I had to come to you," Octavia said, looking worried.
"What do you want me to do? I'm not a psychologist," Claire replied, her tone flat. She didn't care whether the report was real or fake. Either way, it felt like none of her business.
"You're not a psychologist, no," Octavia said after a pause, “but Cindy's depression might be because of you."
Claire raised her eyebrows. "I haven't lived with the James family in ages. I moved out. How could I possibly be the reason? What, am I hurting her with my mind from a distance?"
Octavia let out a tired sigh. "Cindy keeps getting in her own head about things. At school, people always compare the two of you. She feels like she can't match you, especially with grades. After you got into winter camp she's been crying every day, failed her finals, and can't sleep at night. It's really sad. Cindy was raised by your grandma. Even your grandma would be heartbroken to see her like this. Claire, please help her. I'm honestly scared that one day Cindy might do something to
herself." Octavia wiped her eyes with a tissue.
Claire could tell right away Octavia was trying to guilt-trip her. She pulled a tissue from the box and handed it to Octavia, just going
through the motions. "Don't worry,
Cindy's
omart." out. Honestly, I think you guys are putting way too much pressure on her. If you just cared about her being happy and healthy instead of obsessing over grades, and maybe switched her into a class that fits her better, wouldn't that solve everything?"
chef figure things.
"Cindy really likes you. She wants to be in your class. And we just want to make sure we're treating you both fairly. You're in the top class. If Cindy gets put in another class, she might think we don't love her as much. She's actually a lot more competitive than you. She doesn't have your calm attitude."
Claire touched her nose. "What makes you think I'm so calm?"
Octavia gave her a gentle look. “I raised you, Claire. I know you. At least you don't spend all your time comparing yourself to Cindy. Even when you and York broke off the engagement, you didn't care."
Honestly, Octavia had expected Claire to make a scene. But Claire had just let it go, and all of Octavia's pep talks had turned out to be pointless.