Things You Don't Know About
Lena felt like she couldn’t breath. Kara’s hand was still in the air by her face the syrup she’d wiped away shimmered on her thumb. Kara looked panicked like she hadn’t realized what she’d done until it was to late.
“Kara.” Her voice sounded low and raspy even to her own ears.
“I’m sorry...” Kara apologized. “I... I have to.... bathroom.” She stood quickly. Lena heard Kara’s knee hit the table but the blonde didn’t even flinch.
Lena took a long drink of her water. What am I doing. Why am I here with her like this. She’s too good for me. Too innocent. I’m a mess... a disaster waiting to happen. I should leave....
Lena frowned at her half eaten breakfast. She slapped a twenty on the table and left while Kara was still in the bathroom. She didn’t get far though before she felt a hand grab her wrist.
“I’m sorry.... I... I made things weird I didn’t mean to... Let me take you home at least?” Kara’s voice was soft, as if she were scared that if she said anything to loudly it would scare Lena away again. “I promised you a ride home.”
Lena nodded.
Kara looked relieved. She handed Lena a helmet and put on her own.
When they reached Lena’s building they didn’t talk. Lena got off the bike, handed the helmet back to Kara and walked a little unsteadily towards the door. She waved and disappeared inside.
She set her purse down on the kitchen island before she noticed the pink fabric sticking out. I forgot to give her the sweater back.
Lena sighed and poured herself a glass of wine. I should probably let her know I still have it.
Lena pulled out her phone. She stared at it for a few minutes then put it away again without sending a text. Tomorrow.
She pulled the sweater out of her bag and walked with it to her bedroom.
Lena finished her glass, changed into a pair of flannel pajamas and laid down for the night. She nuzzled into the soft material that she’d place on the pillow next to her. I can pretend tonight that this evening went a lot differently.... just for tonight.
When Lena wakes the next morning she feels refreshed. Her sleep had been more fulfilling than she’d expected. She wondered briefly if it had anything to do with the sweater that was most definitely still on her pillow. Better let her know I still have it.
When Lena picks up her phone to text Kara she’s surprised to see quite a few texts from the blonde.
Kara “Sunshine” Danvers: I’m sorry again.
Kara “Sunshine” Danvers: You’re probably alseep by now. But I just... I hope you aren’t mad at me.
Kara “Sunshine” Danvers: I think I forgot my sweater again.
Kara “Sunshine” Danvers: Do you want me to come get it.
Kara “Sunshine” Danvers: I meant during the day tomorrow or would it be today? Well which ever. Just let me know. I understand if you’d rather not see me though.
Lena smiled at the messages. I have a very full day ahead of me today. Lots of meetings with a lot of stuffy old men that want to tell me how I should run my company. But even I need a lunch break, so if you’d like to come get your sweater for real this time you could come to my office around 1?
Lena nodded satisfied with her text. With her coffee and the sweater folded and in her bag Lena felt ready to tackle her day.
As it turned out it didn’t matter how prepared for her day Lena had been because by the third meeting which ran far longer than she’d hoped she had a terrible headache and consequently forgot about Kara’s visit until the woman was standing in front of her with more food than seemed possible for two people to eat.
“You uh.... didn’t text me back when i asked what you wanted so I got a few things” Kara admitted sheepishly. “If it’s a bad time I can just leave this here and grab my sweater and go?”
“No. No please sit, stay and eat with me. I’m sorry I forgot. It’s been a tedious morning and I have a bit of a headache.”
Kara sat down although it was clear to Lena she was nervous about being there. “I um wanted to apologize.... again. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. and don’t say you weren’t uncomfortable because you wouldn’t have tried to run off if you weren’t. You’re a really important friend.”
Lena tried not to think about the way the word ‘Friend’ made her feel. “you’re a very important friend to me as well Kara. I think we can move on from last night if you’d rather not talk about it as it seems you’re rather uncomfortable with it yourself.” I can’t blame you. I can’t imagine you meant for your actions to seem so flirty. Lena thought with a sigh. “Now why don’t we sit here together and enjoy all of this wonderful food you’ve brought.”
“yeah. okay” Kara smiled and relaxed a little although Lena could tell she was still on edge.
“Before I forget again,” Lena pulled the sweater from the drawer it had been in all morning. “Here’s this back” although I liked having the excuse to keep seeing you.
“Thanks.” Kara smiled and tucked the sweater in her bag. “I’m sorry I forgot it again.” She laughed a little.
“It’s quite alright. I’ve been enjoying the excuse to see you.” What are you doing why did you say that?!
Kara looked surprised by the confession and blurted “Do you want to come over tonight?”
Lena willed herself to stay calm. “Tonight?”
“It’s.... we have a game night. My sister and a few other friends. I... do you want to come? I’d like you to come.” Kara blushed.
“What time should I be there?”
Kara’s smile lit up the entire room. “We usually start around 6 or so, so that we can play more than just one game.”
Lena bit her lip. I have a conference call at 6. “I’ll be there. If you’re sure you ant me and your friends won’t mind.”
“My friends owe me so even if they did mind, which they won’t, I’d just tell them to suck it up.” Kara nodded her head as if that were the end of that. “Now we should probably eat before this all gets cold.”
Lena laughed and the rest of their lunch together was much less tense.
When Kara left Lena called Jess in to let her know she needed to reschedule her conference call and when five o’clock rolled around Lena shut down her work station and packed up for the day. When is the last time I left work this early? She wondered as she called her driver. Honestly despite the headache from that morning Lena was sure that that day had been the best one she’d had in a long time and at that moment she allowed herself to hope that perhaps her life was finally headed in a good direction.