They didn’t belong, and everyone knew it.

Vivian spotted them immediately and whispered something to a group of girls. Their perfectly styled hair bounced as they turned toward Emma and broke into quiet giggles.

“Who invited them?” said Chelsea, her nose wrinkling.

“Probably some mix-up at the charity board,” Vivian sneered. “I guess goodwill season started early.”

Emma tried to shrink into the shadows, her cheeks flushed. But Rachel gave her hand a small squeeze. “Hold your chin up, sweetheart. We came to celebrate, and you look lovely.”

Emma nodded. But inside, she wanted to disappear.

At the buffet table, the mocking continued.

“Oh my gosh, is that… polyester?” a boy joked as Emma passed by. The kids burst out laughing.