Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

62.

'We all have our highs and lows. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease a few years ago.' Told Ashley. 'Do you know what that is? Scarlett asked Clara. Clara shook her head.

'If you get bitten by a tick there is a chance that the tick is carrying a disease. Ticks bite into people's skin and because they are often very small, this is sometimes not noticed. After a few days, by sucking blood, the ticks swell to a brown or gray ball about the size of a pea. The longer the tick is in the skin, the greater the chance that the tick will transmit disease. I'm unfortunately one of the people who got sick from this.'

'Does it still bother you a lot?' Asked Chris interestedly. 'Fortunately not a lot anymore but I did struggle with my health for a long time because of it.' Said Ashley. 'You see everyone has something?' Scarlett looked at her daughter who was silently listening to the stories.

'What makes you insecure Scarlett?' Asked Florence. 'Wondering if I'm a good mother, paparazzi, combining work and family.' Scarlett listed a whole list. 'But why are you afraid of not being a good mother. You're the best I've ever had.' Said Clara. Scarlett got a smile on her face. 'For an actor, it's not easy to combine work and family. Especially when Rose was just born I found it very difficult. You have to work but at the same time you also have a child to take care of.' She explained.

'No worries. I think you're a really good mother.' Said Clara. 'Ah Clara.' Scarlett hugged the girl. 'And you Florence? Everyone has told a story now. Do you have anything that makes you imperfect?' Asked Elizabeth. 'So much. I can be quite homesick when I'm in America and I'm afraid of how I come across in an interview sometimes.'

'Homesickness is also very annoying yes. You see we all have something too Claar? Nobody is perfect. Everyone has their struggles even though sometimes it doesn't seem that way.' Said Scarlett 'Sorry to have ruined your evening. If I had known this would never have happened.' Said Clara. 'It's no big deal. It's just nice that you know now that we're not perfect either.' Replied Elizabeth.

'And we can now go into 2022 without worry. I'm glad you shared with us how you feel.' Said Ashley. 'So am I.' Smiled Clara. 'Group hug.' Shouted Chris. Everyone got up and they ended up in a group hug. 'Shall we go downstairs now? Poor Hailee is alone among the men.' Chuckled Florence. 'Good plan. It's a quarter to twelve by now.' Said Elizabeth.

They all walked downstairs. Behind them walked Chris and Ashley. Chris grabbed Ashley her wrist and surprised, the woman turned around. 'Hey Ashley. I just wanted to say that I thought it was clever of you to share your story with us just now. I know we don't know each other very well yet but it does me a lot that you dared to share it.' Said Chris.

'Thanks Chris. I found your story impressive too. If you want to talk more about it you can always come to me.' She smiled. 'That's sweet. Let's get downstairs before everyone else misses us.' Said Chris. 'Good plan.' Nodded Ashley.

They walked into the living room. 'Everything okay? Colin asked Clara. 'Yes, sorry. I needed a moment with the ladies and Chris.' She said. Colin chuckled. 'It's okay. I'm glad you're doing well.

'May I have your attention for a moment.' Called Scarlett. Hailee turned off the music and everyone looked at Scarlett, 'Dear friends, it is almost 2022. A new year where we'll all hopefully have many new adventures. 2021 was not always an easy year. Annoying things happened but also beautiful things. For example, Colin and I were able to welcome Clara into our family, Black Widow was finally released and many more great things. I am so grateful to all of you for having you in my life. I couldn't have wished for better friends. Let's make 2022 a great year!' Said Scarlett.

'What a wonderful speech.' Shouted Chris and everyone clapped. 'Guys, it's almost twelve o'clock. We're going to count down.' Said Colin.

'10.'

'9.'

'8.'

'7.'

'6.'

'5.'

'4.'

'3.'

'2.'

'1.'

'Happy new year!' Shouted everyone in chorus. Clara was embraced by Hailee who stood next to her. 'Happy new year.' Clara let go of Hailee and she walked over to Scarlett. 'Happy new year dear.' Scarlett gave Clara a hug.