Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

71.

"Rose! Happy, Clara fell into her sister's arms. 'I missed you so much.' She said. 'Let go of me. You're crushing me.' Giggled Rose. 'Sorry.' Quickly Clara let go of the girl. Smiling, Colin looked at the two girls. He had just picked Rose up from her father's house and Clara in particular was very happy about that.

The last two weeks it had been very quiet in the house and now that was about to change with the arrival of Rose. I missed you too, Clara. And you too Colin! Said Rose. She walked over to Colin and she gave him a hug. 'I've missed you too Rosie. Next week Scar is coming home and then our little family will be complete again.' He smiled.

'That's still a whole week away.' Mumbled Clara. 'That's only seven more nights of sleep.' Rose managed to tell her. 'It's already getting there. Scarlett will be home next week.' Said Colin. 'Thank goodness for that. I miss mom.' Said Rose. 'So do I.' Said Clara. 'I know. We can call her in a little while.' Colin tried to cheer the girls up. Clara and Rose didn't respond very enthusiastically.

'Naja I'm just going to cook dinner and then I have to leave for a meeting.' Said Colin. 'What no! I'm meeting Jack tonight.' Said Clara. 'Sorry, but then you'll have to cancel that. I really have to go and Rose can't stay at home alone.' Said Colin. 'Why not? She's seven already.' Cried Clara. 'I don't want to stay home alone in the dark.' Interfered Rose. 'That won't happen either. Clara is staying with you.' Said Colin. Strictly he looked at Clara.

'What are you interfering with? You can't decide for me where I'm going.' Cried Clara. 'I'm your father and I'll decide that you stay home with Rose tonight. Done now Clara. You stay home.'

'You're not me father. I decide where I go.' Exclaimed Clara furiously. 'Clara, you stay home.' Said Colin. 'You can't decide that for me.' She shouted. Clara ran angrily to her room.

'Why is she so angry?' Asked Rose to Colin. 'I don't know. Since Scarlett left she's been acting different. I think she missed you and Scarlett a lot.' Said he to the girl. 'But then why doesn't she want to look after me?' Asked Rose. 'I don't know either Rosie but I promise you Clara isn't going anywhere tonight. She'll just stay with you.'

Meanwhile, Clara had arrived at her room. She grabbed her phone from her pocket and she looked at the last received message from her stalker.

Unknown
At 8pm in the park next to school. Come alone.

Today was the day. She had arranged to meet the stalker in the little park next to the school and no one was to know about it. It had to be a secret. As soon as Colin found out he would call the police and that was the last thing she wanted.

She wanted the stalker to stop stalking and leave her alone. That was all she longed for. She didn't want to have any more fears. When it was all worked out with the stalker, she could start living her own life. Clara looked at the clock. It was five thirty. It was still over two and a half hours before she was going to meet the stalker.

There was a knock on the door. "Get out! Shouted Clara. 'It's me Rose.' Sounded a girl's voice. Clara walked to the door and she opened it. 'Are you angry? Asked Rose. 'No.' Answered Clara. She sat down on her bed and Rose followed her lead.

'Then why won't you look after me?' Asked Rose. 'Sorry. I would really like to babysit you but I have an assignment for school that I have to finish on time.' Explained Clara. 'You just want to go see Jack.' Said Rose. 'Not at all. I just want that assignment finished.' Lied Clara.

'Okay.' Rose didn't believe any of it. 'Really Rosie.' Tried Clara to get through. Rose didn't respond. 'You know what why don't we have movie night? Is there a movie you want to watch?' Clara asked. Immediately Rose got a smile on her face. 'I want to watch Encanto.'

'What's that movie?' Asked Clara curiously. 'A new movie on Disney plus. I watched it with Dad last week.' She told. 'Oh nice. After dinner we'll watch it together.' She promised Rose. 'You're the best sister in the whole world.' Rose gave the girl a hug.

Somewhere deep inside Clara felt very guilty towards the girl. She hoped Rose would fall asleep halfway through the movie so she could leave. She had to go to the appointment. If she didn't go now the stalking would never stop.

'Girls, we're going to eat! Called Colin. 'Yay! Spaghetti.' Rose let go of Clara and they ran out of the room. Smiling, Clara looked after the girl. If anyone loved spaghetti it was Rose!