Adopted by Scarlett Johansson

73.

I'm off to Jack for a school assignment. I'll be home as soon as I can. Love you.

Ashley read the text aloud. 'At least she does say love you.' Chris tried to cheer everyone up. Four pairs of eyes gave him a scathing look and quickly Chris shut up.

'But why would she still be walking the streets in the evening? This is really nothing for Clara.' Said Scarlett worriedly. 'She just wants good grades for school.' Answered Ashley. 'But she didn't tell me anything about an assignment with Jack.' Mumbled Scarlett.

'I can drive over there if you want? I know where he lives.' Said Chris. 'Yeah and give der a big punishment.' Said Rose. 'How so? Immediately everyone looked at Rose. 'Because Colin said she couldn't go but she sneaked out anyway when I was asleep.'

'How sneaky. I'm going to pick her up right now.' Said Scarlett, 'I'll drive.' Chris already had his car keys in his hand. 'I want to come too.' Cried Elizabeth. 'Then I'll stay with Rose.' Said Ashley. 'Thanks Ash.' ' Scarlett thanked her. 'No problem.' Smiled Ashley. 'Shall we finish watching Encanto then? It was just so exciting.' Said Rose. 'Can we? Ashley looked at Scarlett.

'After the movie you go straight to bed.' Scarlett looked at her daughter sternly. 'Yes mom.' Rose answered bravely. 'Good. Do I get another kiss?' Scarlett asked. Quickly Rose gave her a kiss and then she pulled Ashley over to the couch so they could watch the movie together.

Scarlett, Chris and Elizabeth left in the direction of Jack's house. Scarlett was uneasy about it. Something wasn't right. According to Elizabeth, Clara had also been restless the weekend she was with her because all she did was look at her phone tense. Something was wrong.

After a long drive, they arrived at Jack's house. Scarlett immediately stormed out of the car and she ran to the front door. She rang the bell and not much later Jack answered it. "Where is Clara? Scarlett asked immediately. "Clara? Jack looked at her in surprise. 'Yes. She's with you right?' Hopeful Scarlett looked at him.

'No. I last spoke to Clara at school this afternoon.' Said Jack. 'What? Scarlett could have fallen through the floor. 'Do you have any idea where she might be?' Asked Elizabeth. Jack thought for a moment but then shook his head. 'Sorry.'

'Doesn't matter. Thanks in any case. Should she call you would you please let us know?' Scarlett asked, 'Will do. I'll take a ride around the neighborhood in a bit. Maybe I'll find her somewhere.' Said Jack. 'If you would like to do that very much. We can use all the help we can get.' Said Chris. 'I'm going to go and get my bike. You guys go ahead and search.' Said Jack.

Chris, Elizabeth and Scarlett hurried to the car. Elizabeth, meanwhile, typed in Clara's phone number hoping she would pick up. Chris got behind the wheel. 'Where are we going now? Chris asked. 'I don't know. Where could she be going?' Asked Scarlett aloud. All three were thinking but none of them knew.

'I'm such a bad mother.' Scarlett sighed, 'Well no. There's nothing you can do about this.' Said Chris immediately. 'Yes there is. There's something going on that she doesn't want to tell me. I saw it on New Year's Eve. We're three weeks in now. There's a reason she ran away.' Scarlett exclaimed in frustration.

'And we're going to find out what that reason is now.' Said Chris in a calm tone. 'Lizzie, is Clara answering her phone?' Asked Chris. Elizabeth shook her head. 'I get the voicemail right away.' She said. 'Hmm call Ashley if she wants to look in Claar's room. Maybe there's something in there that can help us.' Thought Chris. 'You look like a detective.' Chuckled Elizabeth.

'Lizzie, we don't have time for jokes. Call Ash.' Replied Chris irritably. 'I was already busy.' Elizabeth held the phone to her ear. It took a while but after a while it was answered by Ashley.

'Hey, what's up? Asked Ashley. Her voice sounded concerned. 'Hey. Can you walk over to Clara's room and see if you can find something we can use? Maybe a bill or something.' Said Elizabeth. 'Sure. Just a second.'

Ashley walked to Clara her room followed by Rose who couldn't contain her curiosity. 'I feel like a thief.' Said Ashley as she flipped through Clara's diary. 'It's about her safety Ash. You have to.' Said Elizabeth. 'I know. Rose have you found anything yet?' Ashley looked at Rose who had opened the closet. 'Nope.' Answered Rose.

Ashley sighed and she opened one of the desk drawers. In the drawer was a small bill with an address on it. 'I think I have something. It's an address.' Said Ashley. 'What, what is the address?' Asked Elizabeth. Ashley mentioned the address and she then took a picture of it.

'Thanks Ash. I'm going to hang up.' Said Elizabeth. 'Is good. Will you keep me posted?' Asked Ashley. 'Will do. Thank you so much.' Elizabeth thanked her sister and then she hung up.