Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

32.

"Are these enough balloons? Asked Clara. 'More than enough.' Said Colin. Clara threw the last balloon on the ground. 'Is the cake ready yet?' Inquiringly, Clara looked at Colin. 'The cake is in the fridge.' Colin replied. 'It should be on the table. Then she can blow out the candles when she comes walking into the kitchen.' Said Clara.

Today was Scarlett's birthday and the whole of the Jost household was occupied with it. Colin, Clara and Rose were up early decorating the house. Clara in particular was busy. It had to be Scarlett's best birthday ever.

'Rose, would you go and see if Mummy is coming down yet?' Colin asked. 'And if she comes give a shout.' Said Clara. 'Okay.' Rose ran out of the kitchen and Colin grabbed the cake from the fridge. Clara grabbed some candles from a box and she set them down on the cake. 'How many candles shall we do?' She asked. "Ten? Suggested Colin. Clara grabbed two more candles and she poked them on the cake.

'She's coming, she's coming!' Rose came running down the stairs. 'Stop her. We still have to light the candles.' Cried Colin. Clara handed Colin a lighter and he lit the candles. 'Hurry up! I can't stop her now.' Sounded Rose's voice. Colin lit the candles.

'Come on! Called Colin. Rose ran into the kitchen followed by Scarlett, 'Happy birthday!' Shouted Colin, Clara and Rose in chorus. 'Awh thanks sweeties.' Scarlett gave everyone a hug. 'You have to blow out the candles.' Giggled Rose. Scarlett looked at the cake. 'Hmm yummy apple pie!' Said Scarlett. She blew out the candles. 'Now you have to make a wish.' Shouted Rose. Scarlett closed her eyes. 'What did you wish for? Asked Rose. 'Don't say, or your wish won't come true.' Said Clara.

'Shall we move on to the presents then.' Suggested Colin. 'Yes! Cried Rose enthusiastically. Scarlett sat down on a chair. 'Clara, you may be the first to give your present.' Said Colin. 'Okay, I'll go and get it.' Said Clara. She walked into the living room and she picked up her painting that she had made for Scarlett. 'Eyes closed! Clara walked back into the kitchen. Scarlett closed her eyes.

Clara put the painting on the table. 'Look at it.' She said cheerfully. Scarlett opened her eyes and her mouth fell open. 'Wow. It's beautiful. Did you make that yourself? Questioningly, she looked at Clara. Clara nodded. 'I took almost a month to make it.'

'I really like it! This painting will get a nice spot.' Scarlett hugged Clara. 'Now my present!' Rose got her painting and she handed it to Scarlett, 'Another beautiful painting. Thank you baby.' Gratefully, Scarlett looked at the painting. 'Clara helped me with it.' Said Rose cheerfully. 'How sweet of Clara. Thank you so much for the beautiful paintings. They will both get a nice spot in my study.' Promised Scarlett.

Scarlett unwrapped the other presents and then the family had breakfast together. After breakfast, Colin took Rose to school and then drove on to work. Clara had today off from school. All her teachers were sick and school couldn't arrange a substitute.

'Shall we go and have lunch together somewhere?' Asked Scarlett, 'Yes, is good. I did all my homework yesterday so I have plenty of time.' Replied Clara. 'Great. I know another nice lunchroom where we can have lunch.' Said Scarlett. Clara grabbed her phone and she saw that she had received a message. Curious, Clara opened her phone.

Unknown
Happy birthday to Scarlett!

"Who is it? Asked Scarlett curiously. 'Oh no one in particular.' Replied Clara. Scarlett looked at her inquiringly but she decided to leave it at that. When she was Clara's age she also stopped telling her parents everything.

"Shall we go then? Suggested Scarlett. 'Is good.' Clara put on her coat and shoes and they left in the direction of the city. In the car, Scarlett and Clara sang several songs and before they knew it, they had arrived at downtown New York. Scarlett parked the car and they got out.

They walked to the little restaurant and on the way some journalists came running up to them with cameras. 'Ignore.' Said Scarlett. She grabbed Clara's hand and without looking back at the journalists she walked past them.

'Scarlett, is that your daughter?'

'Scarlett, look into the camera!'

'Clara Johansson, can we ask you some questions?'

'Clara, smile at the camera!'

Clara had a flashback to the day when they met Scarlett and Colin in London. Then, too, paparazzi walked behind them and dozens of pictures were taken. Then, too, Scarlett had held her hand and had dragged Clara along. The same anxious feeling that Clara had then in England she got now too. The journalists didn't take her into account at all. All they wanted was a good picture of her.

They arrived at the lunchroom. The journalists left happily and Scarlett and Clara could sit at a table in peace. It was very quiet in the lunchroom. "Are you all right? Asked Scarlett worriedly as they sat at the table. Clara nodded. 'Are you sure? You look pale as a ghost.' Concerned, Scarlett looked at her.

'I'm all right. I was thinking back to that time in England when paparazzi came after us too.' Said Clara. 'I do remember that. It's only been a month but it seems so much longer.' Replied Scarlett. Clara nodded. 'Funny actually that you told Diego then that you were my mother.'

'Did I say that? Asked Scarlett, 'Yes. You tried to help me and then said you were my mother hoping Diego would go away.' Helped her remember Scarlett. 'Oh yes, I remember. What a rotten kid that Diego was.' Said Scarlett, 'Yes say that again. I'm glad to be rid of him.'