Derek and Clara sifted through the old box, uncovering more secrets about their families' past. Among the documents and letters, they found an old photograph that caught their attention.
The picture showed a group of people, all gathered together, smiling and happy. Clara's eyes scanned the faces, and suddenly, she gasped.
"Look," she said, pointing to a woman in the back row. "That's the woman from the bookstore."
Derek's eyes narrowed. "Let's go ask her some questions."
At the bookstore, they found a different person behind the counter. Clara described the woman, but the bookseller shook his head.
"I'm sorry, I don't know who you're talking about."
Derek's expression turned frustrated. "Thanks for nothing," he said, turning to leave.
Josie escorted Clara home, and as soon as they arrived, Clara's grandmother called her.
"Clara, I'm always here for you," her grandmother said, her voice warm and comforting. "Don't feel left out or worried. Everything will be fine."
After the call, Clara asked her grandmother to call Josie's father, Mr. Quin.
"Grandma, can you please call Mr. Quin and let him know Josie will be sleeping over tonight?" Clara asked.
Her grandmother smiled. "Of course, dear. I'll call Mr. Quin right away."
Josie grinned, knowing she was welcome to stay over whenever she wanted.
As they settled into Clara's room, Josie couldn't help but tease Clara about Derek.
"That boy, Derek, is so handsome," Josie said, wiggling her eyebrows. "I can see you're falling for him."
Clara rolled her eyes. "Stop it, Josie. I'm just trying to figure out my family's secrets. I don't have time for romance."
Josie chuckled. "You're not fooling me, Clara. But seriously, how are you feeling? Your powers still not awakening?"
Clara sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. "I'm draining, Josie. Every time I try to use my powers, I feel like I'm sucking the life out of myself. I'm the worst supernatural ever."
Josie's expression turned serious. "You don't have to feel that way, Clara. I'm here for you, and anyone who tries to hurt you will have to go through me first."
Clara smiled weakly, feeling a surge of gratitude toward her friend.
Josie's grin returned. "And admit it, you think Derek is handsome."
Clara's face flushed. "Oh, stop it, Josie. I don't think he's handsome like that."
Josie laughed. "Sure, sure, Clara. Keep telling yourself that."
As the night wore on, Josie and Clara chatted, sharing secrets and laughter. Despite the challenges Clara faced, she felt grateful for her friend's unwavering support.