Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

38.

'I'm glad you're back in school.' Said Jack. 'Otherwise I am. I don't like being sick.' Replied Clara. 'What did you have? Asked Jack. 'A fever and a headache. I even fainted.' Told Clara. 'Geez what a week you've had.'

'Tell me about it. That's why I wasn't able to work on our presentation either.' Said Clara. 'Doesn't matter. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing.' Replied Jack. 'Do you think so? Asked Clara. 'Yes of course. School is important but taking care of yourself is even more so.' Found Jack. 'I should indeed do that more often. I'm not very good at that.' Told Clara.

'Really not? Why not? Asked Jack. 'I'm not used to it. I used to have to take care of myself a lot but not in the way of giving yourself a day off.' Told Clara. 'Is that because of your time at the orphanage?' Asked Jack cautiously. Clara lowered her eyes. 'Sorry. I read the article. I hope you don't mind?' Quickly Jack looked at her.

'No. I think the whole school read the article.' Replied Clara. 'I'm sure they didn't. I'm a big Marvel fan and my mom showed it to me. I recognized you right away when I read it. I feel really bad for you what you've been through.' Said Jack. Clara looked him straight in the eye and she could see he was sincere with her. 'Thanks. That means a lot to me.'

'Why did you bring all this information out anyway? If I had to be in your shoes I would never share something like this.' Said Jack. Clara rolled her eyes. 'I didn't bring this out and I have no idea who did. Some of the things in the article aren't true either.' She replied.

'Oh how annoying. That person must know a lot about you, otherwise why would it be posted.' Said Jack. Clara shrugged her shoulders. 'When I was two years old I ended up in the orphanage after my parents died. Since then I've lived in several foster homes. Anyone could write something like that about me.'

'How many foster homes have you lived in?' Asked Jack. 'Too many. Let's keep it at that.' Said Clara. She didn't like to talk about this subject. Her foster homes had always disappointed her, damaged her confidence and made her feel like nothing. After yet another foster home, she didn't want to go through that pain again and, in consultation with Mr. Smith, decided to stay at the orphanage. In retrospect, she regretted that choice.

"Hey, are you okay? Asked Jack worriedly. Clara nodded quickly. 'Yes. Yes, I'm fine.' She said. 'I lived in a foster home for a while, too.' Jack told her. 'Really? Surprised, she looked at the boy. Jack nodded. 'Before my parents split up, they often had fights and it got out of hand. I then lived in a foster home for two months.'

'And did you like it there?' Asked Clara. 'At first I did and it felt like a safe place but after a few weeks that changed and they treated me differently. I was glad when I could go home again.' Said Jack. 'And are you enjoying your time at home now?' Asked Clara curiously. Jack nodded. 'I live with my mother now with my little brother and sister. It's going better than ever at the moment.'

'That's nice to hear.' Clara smiled. 'And are you having a better time now?' Asked Jack. 'Better than ever.' Replied Clara. 'That's nice to hear, too.' Said Jack. The conversation fell silent. 'Shall we continue working on the assignment? I'm afraid if we don't continue working now we won't get it done in time.' Said Clara. 'Oh yes the assignment.' Jack had forgotten all about the assignment.

Clara and Jack continued with the assignment and before they knew it the bell rang. Clara grabbed her things and she then walked to her locker. She was glad that this school day was over.

Clara grabbed her things from her locker. "Hey Clara. Clara looked aside and in front of her was Jax, the boy who had shown her the way on her first day of school. 'Hi.' She greeted him shyly. 'How's it going? Asked Jax. 'Fine and with you?'

'Good. I was wondering if you might like to go to the school dance with me?' He looked at her hopefully. 'Me? Clara pointed at her self in surprise. Jax nodded. 'I don't think I'll be going to the prom.' Said Clara. 'Why not? Everyone else is going.' Said Jax. 'Parties aren't really my thing. Sorry.' Clara closed her locker and she walked away. Disappointed, Jax looked after her.