Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

24.

It was the next day and early Clara was downstairs making breakfast for Colin, Scarlett and Rose. This afternoon Rose was being picked up by her father. She was to stay there for two weeks. Clara was very bummed about it. Rose had become very important to her in a short time and it hurt her to miss her sister for two weeks. Fortunately, it was only two weeks and she allowed Rose some time with her father.

'Hey good morning.' Scarlett walked into the kitchen. Sleepily she rubbed her eyes. 'Good morning!' Said Clara. 'How are you?' Scarlett gave her a kiss and then she sat down at the table. 'I didn't sleep a wink last night.' Said Clara. 'Hmm annoying. Is that because of yesterday?' Asked Scarlett. Clara nodded.

'Are you very sad about your blouse?' Asked Scarlett, 'A little. I especially hate that everyone thinks Mary-Kate is a shoplifter.' Said Clara. 'That's annoying too. I gave Mary-Kate a call last night and I'm trying to sort some things out through my manager so please try to let it go. It happened and there's nothing we can do about it anymore.' Said Scarlett.

'Isn't Mary-Kate sad about it?' Asked Clara. 'She feels bad but she knows she didn't do it. Come here.' Scarlett patted her lap. 'Should I sit on your lap?' Clara giggled. Scarlett nodded. Clara sat down on her lap.

'You know Clara when you are famous there are a lot of people who think something of you. One journalist will write something nice about you and another will make up crazy stories that aren't true. What is happening to Mary-Kate now is very unpleasant but the journalists don't know what really happened. The important thing is that the people close to you know what happened and believe you.'

'Do you ever get hate? Asked Clara. 'Yes, sometimes I do.' Replied Scarlett, 'What do you do then? Don't you find that annoying?' Questioningly, Clara looked at her. 'Of course I find that annoying but unfortunately there are always people who don't like me. I don't even look at them anymore.' Said Scarlett.

'I wish everyone knew how sweet you are. I'm so grateful for everything.' Said Clara. 'I have to you, my family and friends more than enough people who like me the way I am.' Scarlett gave Clara a hug. 'I love you Claar.' Said Scarlett, 'I love you too Mom.'

Right after Clara said the word Mom she realized what she said. 'Sorry... I didn't mean to...' Clara wanted to say something more but Scarlett interrupted her. 'It's okay. You can call me whatever you want.' Scarlett smiled, "Really, are you sure you don't mind? Asked Clara uncertainly. 'Of course not dear. Shall we go and get some breakfast? I've worked up an appetite.' Said Scarlett, 'Shouldn't we wait for Colin and Rose?' Asked Clara.

'They'll be asleep for now.' Said Scarlett, 'In that case, I did get an appetite.' Replied Clara. 'We can make pancakes.' Suggested Scarlett. 'I had already put some food on the table but I won't say no to pancakes.' Said Clara. 'That's what I thought, come and we'll make pancakes together.' Scarlett walked over to the sink and she grabbed the ingredients she needed.

Scarlett and Clara got busy and after a while Colin walked into the kitchen. 'Do I smell pancakes?' Cheerfully he sat down at the table. 'Yup. Just grab one.' Clara pointed to the pancakes that were on the table. 'Ugh yummy!'

'I want a pancake too!' Rose came running into the kitchen. 'Ha dear good morning! Did you sleep well?' Scarlett asked Rose. She put a pancake on Rose's plate. 'Yes you did. What time is daddy coming to get me?' Asked Rose.

'In an hour.' Replied Scarlett, 'Wow. I still have to pack up my stuff.' Rose ran to her room. 'Rose, just wait a minute.' Called Scarlett but Rose was already gone. Scarlett sighed. 'Let her be Scar.' Said Colin. Scarlett sat down at the table.

'I don't like her going away for so long.' Said Scarlett to Colin. 'I know that dear but Rose has a right to see her father too. Before you know it the two weeks will be over and besides we still have Clara.' Colin looked at Clara and he smiled at her.

'You're right Col.' Scarlett got up from the table and she put her plate on the counter. 'What are you going to do? Colin asked. 'Just to see if Rose needs any help packing her bag.' Scarlett walked upstairs. 'Is Scarlett all right?' Inquiringly, Clara looked at Colin.

'Yes she is, don't worry. She always has a hard time when she has to say goodbye to Rose.' Told Colin. 'Ah okay.' Clara took a bite of her pancake. She hoped Scarlett felt better soon.