Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

25.

It was three weeks later. By now it was November and you could tell that winter was starting to come. It was getting colder in New York and there was more rain than usual.

The door to Clara's room was thrown open. "What are you doing? Rose walked in. 'Rose, what are you doing?' startled Clara jumped up and she ran to the door to shut it. 'What are you doing? Asked Rose. 'I'm working on Scarlett's birthday present.' Answered Clara.

'So what are you making? Asked Rose. 'Come and see.' Clara walked over to her easel and Rose followed her. Clara had started a painting for Scarlett. It was a portrait of her as Natasha Romanoff. 'Wow that is so good! Exclaimed Rose. 'Stt softly. Mom mustn't know yet.' Said Clara. 'Sorry.' Giggled Rose. 'But you like him, then?' Asked Clara. Rose nodded. 'Can I make something like that too?' She asked. 'Sure.'

Clara grabbed her painting from the easel and she put it on her desk. She grabbed a new painting canvas and she put it on the easel. 'What do you want to make? Clara asked. Rose shrugged her shoulders. 'Something easy. I'm not as good as you.'

'But you can become. Just paint what you think of.' Said Clara. Rose picked up a brush and she began to paint a house.

Smiling, Clara watched. She had missed Rose terribly these past few weeks. Three weeks back Rose had gone to her father's house to spend two weeks there. Although Clara wished Rose well, she had missed the girl immensely. It had been quieter in the house. Scarlett had also been away for a week because of filming for a new film in which she had a small role so Clara had been alone with Colin all week.

She didn't mind that very much. Colin was very nice to her and she noticed that he always tried to put her at ease. They had been to the cinema together. Clara had been allowed to choose the movie and to Colin's great surprise she chose the latest Marvel movie. Colin was kind of happy about it. He was used to going to kids movies with Rose so he certainly didn't complain when Clara chose a Marvel movie.

Despite everything, she still found it awkward at times. No matter how nice Colin was she remained distant with him. Between her and Scarlett things were getting better though. She trusted Scarlett ninety-nine percent. Scarlett was so sweet to her. She couldn't imagine life without Scarlett.

"Girls, what are you doing? Suddenly Scarlett's voice sounded. Clara was startled out of her thoughts. Quickly hide the paintings! She grabbed the painting from her desk and she put it under her bed. 'Put mine under there too.' Rose slid her painting under Clara's bed as well.

The door opened and Scarlett walked in. 'Hey, here you are. Rose, your friend Alicia is at the door.' Said Scarlett, "Really? Scarlett nodded. Rose immediately ran downstairs. Laughing, Scarlett and Clara looked after her.

'And what are you all up to?' Asked Scarlett curiously. 'I was painting. I was just about to clean up.' Said Clara. 'Oh. May I see the result of your painting?' Scarlett asked, 'Not now.' Clara gave her a wink. 'You're keeping it exciting this way, though.' Said Scarlett. Clara chuckled. 'You can see it when it's finished.' She promised her. 'Sounds like a deal.'

'Have you finished your homework for tomorrow yet?' Scarlett asked. Clara shook her head. 'I don't understand anything about math.' She sighed. 'What did we agree on that?' Strictly, Scarlett looked at her. 'Would you like to help me with math?' Clara asked. 'Of course. You should really learn to ask when you need help with something Claar.' Said Scarlett.

'Yes I know. I actually want to ask you something else.' Said Clara softly. 'Should we sit down for a minute?' Asked Scarlett, 'If you want.' Clara plopped down on her bed and Scarlett sat down next to her. 'Tell me about it.' Curious, Scarlett looked at the girl.

'I think I want to go to a real school after all. Having classes online is easy but I also want to see a bit more of the country. I want to make real friends and I don't want to be afraid anymore.' Told Clara. 'Do you think you want to or are you sure?' Asked Scarlett. Clara smiled weakly. 'I'm sure. Last month was nice to be able to settle down but if I want to overcome my fears I will really have to face them.' She explained.

'I am so proud of you Clarie. I know this is a big step for you but we are going to look for a school that suits you.' Said Scarlett, 'Thanks mom. It really means a lot to me that you always stand behind my choices.' Clara bent down and she gave Scarlett a hug. 'Always sweetheart.'