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Home
Dead-tired Lena pulled into the driveway of the Danvers house in Midvale. It was already midnight and everything was dark and quiet.
Leaning back in her seat, Lena let out a sigh, "Home at last", she whispered, looking at the house for a moment, smiling.
Then she got out of the car and made her way to the front door. After retrieving her key, she quietly unlocked the door and proceeded to shrug off her coat and take off her shoes in the dark. She didn't want to wake anyone, so she sneaked upstairs to her room.
She groped her way to the bedside table and switched on the small lamp. Lena smiled. A small plate of cookies and a glass of Scotch were sitting there, accompanied by a note in Kara's handwriting.
Welcome home, busy bee! :) Get some sleep. We have lots of plans for tomorrow! :)
"Thank you", Lena breathed, taking a cookie and the Scotch over to the window that overlooked the garden.
Sitting down on the windowsill, she took in the magical scene. Everything was covered in snow and lights were shining on the trees, lighting up the night with their warm glow. Overcome by gratitude and happiness, tears started to fall from Lena's eyes as she remembered the very first time she'd spent the holidays here with her new family. Now it seemed foolish how anxious she had felt back then. But this had passed almost the minute she had entered the house because everyone had made her feel so comfortable right away. Smiling, Lena let out an involuntary sob and sniffled.
"Are you ok, sweetie?"
Lena spun around but knew who had spoken before she saw the figure standing in the doorway, illuminated by the glow from the lamp on the bedside table. Only one person ever called her 'sweetie'.
"Eliza", Lena whispered, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
"You didn't", Eliza whispered back, "I was reading and heard you drive up."
Lena exhaled, "Oh, good", and wiped her eyes.
"Sweetie, what's up? Eliza asked, concern in her voice. "Did the meeting go sideways?"
Lena sniggered softly, "No, not at all."
"What then has you so emotional?"
Lena remained silent for a bit, relishing the warmth flooding her heart and soul. Then she motioned for Eliza to close the door.
"I'm just so happy and grateful, Eliza", she said, stepping closer to the older woman. "I mean, I know I have been part of this family for some years now, but it never ceases to amaze me how fortunate I am."
"Oh, Lena", Eliza smiled gently.
"And tonight was just another moment", Lena went on. "The fact that you gave me a key and said that I can come whenever I like …", she trailed off, overcome by emotions.
"Eliza embraced Lena who immediately sank into the hug, relaxing.
"It just feels like", Lena whispered, pulling away to lock eyes with Eliza. "Like I'm even more home now", she said, "if that makes sense."
Eliza smiled, "Good! Because, sweetie, you might not be a Danvers by name but you are most certainly in our hearts. And you'll always be at home here."
Lena smiled, happy tears running down her cheeks.
Eliza wiped them away, "We love you."
Lena embraced Eliza, holding her tight, "I love you, too."
