The life of a newbie in Hollywood and Scarlett Johansson. Will life ever be easy for them?
I'm working on another book right now, the story of Switch, as referenced in this book. Would anyone like to read about that made up story too?
Me: Okay...so we have your toothbrush, face wash, the makeup you wanted. We've got a new laptop, blanket and your hair stuff. Jessica: And the backpack. Me: Hell, let's not forget that. Would you like anything else just for now? We can always come back out if you think of other stuff.
We wander around the store with a shopping cart as Jessica drags herself along with me. People are staring, and the paparazzi have done nothing but follow us since the story came out.
Jessica: I think I have everything for now. Me: Oh, these too!
I grab the huge bar of chocolate from the shelf and the candy I love, and Jessica laughs a little, knowing that I've only picked it up because it's her favourite.
We pay for her stuff and put it in the trunk, then hop into the car.
Me: Everything okay? Jessica: Not really. Me: Yeah, yeah I know. I'm sorry.
I turn up the music in the car slightly and tap my hands against the wheel.
Jessica: How did you get over losing people? Me: Um...I don't think I ever really have. You never really get over it, you just learn to live with it. You forget about the bad things and the good things keep you going. Everything you do, you do for them. At least that's what I do. Jessica: I think I'm okay, I think. I just...I'm confused, about a lot of stuff. And now this? I don't have anyone now. Me: You have us. You know we've always been your family away from your Mom and Dad. Jessica: Can I stay with you guys permanently? Me: Let's just see what happens first. I don't want to say yes and then everything come crashing down. But if we can, then of course. And I think Rose would burst if you could.
We drive a little further and she starts loosening up a little, mumbling away to the music.
Jessica: How do you cope with those guys?
She tilts her head to the wing mirror, pointing out the paparazzi tailing us.
Me: I don't really, but after a while you sort of just forget they're there. You just learn to block them out. I've tried to keep them away from you and the kids the last day or so but I hope you understand that it's tough. Jessica: Yeah, I understand. It's okay, you and Scarlett have done more than enough for me already. Me: You're a good kid, Jess. They raised you to be a good kid, and you are. We've done nothing we wouldn't do for Rose or Cosmo. You're family, you have been since you met Rose, you know that.
We pull into the driveway and the gate closes behind. She jumps out of the car and grabs the bags from the back, then follows me into the house just as Scarlett's coming down the stairs.
Scarlett: Oh! Jess, come with me! We have something to show you!
She holds her hand out and Jessica takes it as I tilt my head in confusion and follow them upstairs. As we reach one of the rooms, Scarlett's hand hovers over the door handle.
Scarlett: So this used to be where we kept a load of the clothes that we'd change in and out of our dressing room as the year goes on, but Rose and I figured it'd have a much better use for you.
She opens the door and inside has been kitted out perfectly for a teenage girl to sleep in. There's a huge bed, and Scarlett turned the huge storage closet into a dressing room.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
