Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

57.

'You guys are back! I was so worried.' Melanie put her arms around Clara and stiffened, Clara remained still. 'Sorry mom but Colin and I have just decided in the car that we are going home.' Said Scarlett. Melanie let go of Clara. 'I understand that dear. Shall I help pack the bags?'

'Yes please.' Replied Scarlett, 'Clara, you're back!' Rose came running and she flew into Clara's arms. 'I missed you so much.' Said Rose. She hugged the girl. 'I you too.' Replied Clara. 'You can never run away again you know.' Said Rose. Clara smiled weakly.

'We're going to pack our bags Rosie. We're going home.' Said Scarlett, "Already? Asked Rose disappointed. Scarlett nodded. 'Shall I help you since my suitcase is already packed?' Questioningly, Clara looked at the girl. 'Yes please.' Rose and Clara walked upstairs.

'Everything okay Scarlett? Melanie looked at her daughter. 'Yes.' Scarlett sat down on one of the lawn chairs. 'How did she react when she saw you?' Melanie asked. 'Angry, panicky. It seemed like she was completely someone else. She was so upset. She bit me.' Scarlett told her mother. She showed her hand where Clara's tooth print was.

'I think it will give you all peace of mind when you get home later. It has been two long days and I think for Clara a long month. She was so nervous about the weekend wasn't she? Questioningly, Melanie looked at her daughter. Scarlett nodded. 'She was very much looking forward to it.'

'Yes and that makes sense. It's not nothing. I will visit you in a few weeks' time with Karsten. Then she'll be in her own environment and perhaps more at ease.' Said Melanie. 'Good idea. Call by then.'

'We're ready to go.' Colin approached with his and Scarlett's suitcase. Behind him walked Clara and Rose. 'Top. Have you said goodbye to everyone yet?' Asked Scarlett. All three of them nodded. 'Okay. I'm just going to say bye. You guys go ahead and get in the car.'

'Bye Grandma.' Rose walked over to her grandma and she gave her a hug. 'Bye Rosie. Until next time.' Said Melanie. Melanie also said hello to Colin and Clara and then the three of them walked to the car. Colin put all the suitcases in the trunk and the two girls got into the car in advance.

After a few minutes, Scarlett was also ready to leave and she got into the car. "We can go. Said Scarlett. Colin started the engine. 'On to home.' Shouted Rose.

*

It was quite a few hours later when the Jost family finally pulled into the driveway of their own home. Rose had fallen asleep halfway through the drive and Clara was also having trouble keeping her eyes open. Colin first got all the suitcases out of the car and then he took Rose to her bed.

Clara walked to her own room. Everything was still there as she had left it. Her bed, her desk, her picture frame on the shelf above her desk. Clara looked at the picture. It was a picture with her, Rose, Scarlett and Colin. The picture had been taken on one of the first days she lived here.

"Clara, are you going to bed? Scarlett walked into the bedroom and she saw the girl staring at the photo. 'That picture seems like ages ago.' Said Scarlett smiling. Clara nodded. 'Are you going to put on your pajamas? It's already late.' Said Scarlett. Clara nodded.

Scarlett turned and she walked out of the room. Clara closed the door and she put on her pajamas. Then she walked to the door and she opened it. "Good night. She called out. Clara crawled into bed and Scarlett walked into the bedroom.

'Sleep tight sweetheart. Try to get some sleep.' She said. 'Mom, can I ask you something?' Cautiously Clara looked at Scarlett who at the word Mom immediately got a smile on her face. 'Of course. What is it dear?'

'Why did you tell Jessica that I act like a little kid sometimes?' Hurt Clara looked at Scarlett, 'You heard us talking didn't you?' Scarlett sat down on the edge of the bed. Clara nodded. 'I didn't mean it in a negative way and I don't think you're a little kid at all.' Replied Scarlett, 'But why did you say that?'

'Listen. You're really sweet but because you didn't get much love in the past and are insecure you sometimes need some affirmation. That's not a bad thing. I completely understand that when you're around a large group of strangers people like to stay with me. Jessica kept on rambling so much that I wanted to get rid of it and just gave a quick answer. I didn't know you were listening in. Sorry.

'It's okay. I'm far too tired to think about it any further.' Clara yawned. 'Get some sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.' Said Scarlett, 'Thanks for doing all this for me.' Said Clara. 'No problem dear. Good night.' Scarlett gave Clara a kiss and she turned the light switch. Then she walked softly out of the room and closed the door behind.