Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

20.

"Clarie, you're home! Pleased, Rose hugged her sister. Surprised, Clara allowed the embrace. She hadn't expected Rose to be so happy to see her. 'I made three drawings for you.' Told Rose. 'Would you like to see them? Questioningly, she looked at Clara.

'Clara is going to take a shower first otherwise she will catch a cold later.' Scarlett replied before Clara could say anything. 'Okay.' Rose hopped into the living room and Scarlett walked behind her daughter. On the couch, Chris sat drinking a cup of coffee.

'Hey, I thought I heard you guys. Did you find Clara? He asked. Scarlett nodded. 'She was in an alley.' She told him. 'Poor kid. I'm glad you found her.' Said Chris. 'Otherwise I am. Thank you so much for looking after Rose. You helped me out a lot today.'

'Hey, I'll do anything for you and your family Scar.' Smiled Chris. 'Thank you Chris. You owe me.' Replied Scarlett, 'I'll remember that. I'm going to head home now. 'Bye Rosie. I had a great time!' Chris gave Rose a hug. 'I had a great time with you too Chris.' Rose let go of Chris and she sat down on the sofa.

'I'll walk you to the door.' Said Scarlett as she looked at Rose. Chris and Scarlett walked to the front door. 'Are you okay? Chris asked as they stood at the front door. Scarlett shrugged her shoulders. 'I don't know.' She then said. 'It's natural for you to lose it for a while. You've been looking for Clara for four hours. Take a bath and crawl into bed.' Said Chris.

'Maybe you're right.' Replied Scarlett, 'I'm always right.' Said Chris. 'Opinions are divided on that.' Scarlett chuckled. Chris laughed. 'I'm proud of you Scar. I know how much effort you put into Clara and Rose. You're a good mother.'

'Thank you Chris.' Scarlett gave him a hug. 'I really have to go now. Will you send me a message if there's anything?' Concerned, he looked at Scarlett. 'Will do.' Scarlett promised him. 'Great. Good night Scarlett.' Chris said goodbye and he left in the direction of his own house.

Scarlett closed the door. 'Is Clara in trouble mom? Startled, Scarlett turned around. Behind her stood Rose. Scarlett went through her crouch. 'Of course not darling. What makes you think so? Asked Scarlett, 'Because Clara said one time that she didn't have a mom and dad.' Said Rose.

'Rosie, I explained it to you once, didn't I?' Scarlett asked her daughter. Rose nodded. 'But I thought maybe she didn't want you as a mommy anymore. Chris said that when you run away you are usually sad or angry about something.' Said the girl. Scarlett sighed. 'Don't worry dear. Everything is going to be fine with Clara. Now go get your pajamas on quickly. Tomorrow you have to go back to school.'

'Okay.' Rose ran up the stairs to the top and at that moment the front door opened. Colin came running in with soaking wet clothes. 'Colin! Scarlett hugged her husband and she gave him a kiss. 'Hey Scar. Everything okay with Clara?' He asked immediately. Scarlett nodded. 'She's in her room. She just showered ' She said 'I could use a shower too. I'm so cold.' Said Colin.

'I see. I'm going to check on Rose. I just sent her upstairs to put on her pyjamas.' Said Scarlett, 'Is good. I'm going to take a hot shower.' Colin replied. Scarlett smiled and she walked over to Rose to her room. Rose was already in bed.

'Good night sweetheart.' Scarlett gave Rose a kiss. 'Good night mom.' Said Rose. Scarlett turned off the lamp and she walked out of Rose's room. Gently she closed the door and then she walked on to Clara's room. She knocked on the door. "In! Sounded the voice of Clara.

Scarlett opened the door. Clara was sitting on her bed. 'Hey, are you okay?' Scarlett sat down next to Clara on the bed. 'Yes I am. It's warmer in here than it is outside.' Clara smiled weakly. 'That's definitely true.' Replied Scarlett. The conversation fell silent.

'Scarlett?'

'Yes? Questioningly, Scarlett looked at the girl. 'You didn't really want to leave me in the city, did you?' Asked Clara. 'No of course not.' Replied Scarlett, 'Thankfully.' Relieved, Clara took a breath. 'I'm glad you're home.' Said Scarlett. Clara smiled. 'So am I. I didn't like it alone on the street.'

'That's what I thought. I was so worried about you.' Said Scarlett, 'You've said that a hundred times now.' Clara chuckled. 'That's because I really mean it. I'm glad you're home Claar. If there's anything or you need help with anything you can always come to me or Colin.' Said Scarlett, 'I know that. Next time I will come to you.' Promised Clara. 'Promise? Asked Scarlett, 'Promise.'