Shattered Trust

Ch.27: Shaken, not Broken

The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the park as Claire and her friends, Madison, Emily, and Sarah, strolled along the familiar paths. It was their last walk together before Marie Li's arrival, a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company before life changed in ways they could only imagine.

Claire walked at a slower pace than usual, one hand resting on her swollen belly. The weeks had flown by, and now, with just days left until her due date, every moment felt significant. Her friends chatted around her, their voices a comforting background as she soaked in the peacefulness of the evening.

"Hard to believe this is the last time we'll be here before you become a mom," Madison said, her tone filled with nostalgia.

"I know," Claire replied, her voice soft. "It's kind of surreal."

Emily grinned. "We're going to miss these walks, but soon we'll be pushing a stroller along this path."

Sarah squeezed Claire's arm affectionately. "We'll be right here with you, every step of the way."

They continued their walk, laughing and reminiscing about their high school years, when suddenly, their peaceful moment was interrupted by a voice Claire wished she didn't recognize.

"Well, look who it is."

The group turned to see Samantha standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and a smug expression on her face. Claire's heart sank, her mood immediately shifting as she saw the girl who had tormented her for so long.

"What do you want, Samantha?" Madison asked, her tone sharp and protective.

Samantha sauntered closer, her eyes fixed on Claire's belly. "Just out for a walk, like you. But I couldn't help but notice how much Claire here has... grown."

Claire stiffened, trying to ignore the rising tension. "We were just leaving."

But Samantha wasn't done. "You know, Claire, I've been thinking. Are you sure you're ready for this? I mean, you're still just a kid yourself. What makes you think you can handle a baby?"

Claire felt a surge of anger, but before she could respond, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen, forcing her to gasp. She clutched her belly, her friends immediately surrounding her with concern.

"Claire, are you okay?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with worry.

Claire nodded, but the pain didn't subside. Instead, it intensified, making her knees buckle slightly. "I-I think it's just Braxton Hicks," she said, trying to convince herself more than anyone else.

Samantha's smirk only grew wider. "Looks like even your baby knows you're not ready."

Madison shot her a furious glare. "Get lost, Samantha. You've done enough damage."

Ignoring them, Samantha continued, her words dripping with malice. "I wouldn't be surprised if Liam gets tired of playing house with you. He deserves someone who isn't so... fragile."

The words hit Claire like a punch to the gut, but before she could respond, another wave of pain washed over her, stronger this time. Her breathing became labored, and she knew something wasn't right.

"Claire, you need to sit down," Emily urged, guiding her to a nearby bench.

Claire lowered herself onto the bench, her hands gripping the edge as she tried to breathe through the pain. Her heart raced with fear, knowing it wasn't time yet for Marie Li to arrive.

Samantha took a step closer, her voice still taunting. "What's wrong, Claire? Can't handle a little pressure?"

But before she could say more, Claire's friends rallied around her, forming a protective barrier between her and Samantha.