Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

47.

'We can do two things now. Either we drive by Jack's house and go ask him why he didn't show up or I'll take you home.' Said Chris. 'To Jack's house? I don't know if I dare do that though.' Said Clara. 'You don't have to say anything. I'll do the talking.' Told Chris. 'And then? Asked Clara. 'Maybe there's a good reason. We'd better stop by and ask for the reason than to have to wait a whole weekend now to run into him at school.'

'Okay. I have his address.' Clara would rather not go but she knew that delaying only made the situation more difficult. Chris started the car and they drove towards Jack's house. All the way, Clara stared out the window and thought of scenarios of what could happen. She hoped so much that it was a misunderstanding.

After ten minutes they arrived at Jack's house. Chris parked the car in front of the house. "Are you going to stay in the car or come with me? He asked Clara. 'I'll stay in the car.' Said Clara. 'Okay, is good.' Answered Chris. 'Chris, please don't make a fool of me hey.' Clara looked at him pleadingly. Chris chuckled. 'Of course not. I'll be right back.' Chris got out of the car and he walked to the front door.

He pressed the bell and a few seconds later the door was opened by a woman. Chris guessed it was Jack's mother. 'Hello, I've come to see Jack.' Said Chris. 'I'll just call him over.' Said the woman. She closed the door and patiently Chris waited.

After a few minutes the door opened and a boy stood in the doorway. When he recognized Chris his mouth fell open. 'Hi, I'm Chris.' Chris introduced himself. Jack shook his hand. 'My name is Jack.' He replied. 'I know that. You see, I have a very sad girl in my car who has been waiting for you for three quarters of an hour. After all, she was your date for the school dance.' Said Chris. 'What Clara? Surprised, Jack looked at the car.

'You really hurt her.' Said Chris softly. 'Huh but Clara was the one who had cancelled. She sent me a message saying she wasn't feeling well.' Replied Jack. 'What, Clara didn't send that. Let's see.' Said Chris. Jack pulled his phone out of his pocket and he showed Chris the message. 'That's not Clara's number. Someone played a prank on you guys.' Concluded Chris.

'How mean. Who does something like that?' Asked Jack. 'I have an idea though. I'm going to go and get Clara.' Chris walked to the car and he opened the door. 'Will you come and get Claar? It wasn't Jack's fault. Someone sent him a message from you. Jack thought you had cancelled and that's why he didn't come.' Explained Chris. 'Really? Surprised, Clara looked at Chris. Chris nodded.

Clara got out of the car and she and Chris walked over to Jack. 'Sorry Clara. I really thought it was you.' Said Jack. 'Doesn't matter. You couldn't have known. If you had sent a message like that to me I would have believed it too.' She replied. Jack smiled weakly. 'You do look beautiful.'

'Do you? I smell like beer and all my braid is tangled.' Said Clara. 'That doesn't matter. You still look picture perfect.' Complimented Jack on her. Clara blushed. 'Okay, but just centrally. Could Jax have done this?' Questioningly, Chris looked at the pair of them. 'Could easily have. Ever since Clara rejected him he's been trying to make up things to bother Clara every time.'

Clara nodded but deep down she didn't think it was Jax. It was her stalker. The stalker had sent her another message at the prom so it didn't surprise her if it was behind it.

'Okay. I'm going to take you home Claar. We have a lot to tell Colin and Scarlett.' Chris put his hand down on Clara's shoulder and smiled encouragingly at her. Clara and Chris said goodbye to Jack and Chris took Clara home.

After a short drive, they arrived at Jost's house. "Should I come inside with you? Asked Chris. 'If you like please.' Answered Clara. Clara opened the door and they walked in. In the living room Scarlett and Colin were watching television.

'Hey, you're back early.' Said Scarlett in surprise. Clara ignored her comment and she dropped into Scarlett's arms. 'The school party wasn't as successful as hoped.' Chris walked into the living room. 'What happened? You smell like beer?" said Scarlett to Clara.

Chris and Clara told the story together and when they finished Scarlett was startled and put her hand in front of her mouth. 'How dare that Jax do such a thing. If I get my hands on him, he won't have a birthday for a while.' Said Scarlett 'Hoho don't be so aggressive Scar.' Said Colin laughing.

'And there's something else I have to tell you.' Nervously Clara looked at Colin and Scarlett, 'What is it dear?' Asked Scarlett, 'Do you guys remember the day I had the project?' Asked Clara. Colin and Scarlett nodded. 'Of course. You were so happy with your enough.' Replied Colin.

'Yes that day yes. I smoked on the sly then. Maddie asked if I would go outside with her and before I knew it she was putting a fag in my hands.' Told Clara. 'Oh Claar. Smoking is not good for you.' Said Scarlett, 'I know that but it was accidental. I had to cough right away and then Jack came and got me.' Replied Clara softly.

'Hey something like that can happen. We're just glad you're telling us honestly.' Said Colin. 'Aren't you guys upset?' Cautiously Clara looked at Scarlett and Colin. 'Of course not. We're glad you're home safe and daring to tell us. That's the most important thing to us.' Scarlett gave Clara a hug. 'Group hug! Shouted Chris. He ran over to Scarlett and Clara and hugged the two.

'You smell like beer.' Scarlett freed herself from Chris's arms. 'So does she.' Chris pointed at Clara. 'But that's my kid. I always hug that one.' Said Scarlett, 'Well Chris, you know how high up you are too.' Chuckled Colin and everyone burst into laughter.