Hey Lena, we're all having X-mas dinner at my place tomorrow at 7. Would you like to join us? Would love to see you. Love, Kara
Lena stared at the message for a solid 30 seconds before she snapped out of her stupor. She couldn't believe Kara had just invited her, Lena Luthor, to join herself and her family and friends for their Christmas celebration. This is why she sent a hesitant message back:
Hello Kara, wow, I don't know what to say? are you sure you want me to come? I wouldn't want to intrude or anything. Love, Lena
As soon as she'd hit 'send', Lena deliberately placed the phone face down on her desk, picked up her Scotch and turned her back on the device to gaze out of the window again. She didn't want to be tempted to stare at her phone, anxiously waiting for Kara's reply. However, Lena didn't have to wait long before her phone beeped again and saved her from any tormenting thoughts.
Of course I'm sure, Lena! Everyone would love to see you. So will you come?
When Lena read Kara's message her heart started beating fast with joy and nerves to equal measure. This was too good to be true and yet she knew that Kara meant every word she said. Still, Lena was torn between desperately wanting to join Kara and her family for the festivities and her fear of not fitting in and, thus, destroying everyone's happiness. Then, while she was still wrestling with herself, Kara sent another message.
Plus, you are part of the family so we wouldn't be complete without you here ;)
Lena stared at the screen of her phone and felt tears stinging her eyes as she read Kara's message over and over again to make sure she hadn't misread or misinterpreted it. But there was nothing to misunderstand. Kara was really serious and wanted Lena there with them. She had even called her 'family' – something that Lena hadn't felt she'd had for most of her life. Did she even know what 'family' was anymore and how one was supposed to behave and act in a normal family?
Lena? Are you ok?
Another beep from her phone jerked her out of her contemplations. Kara was apparently getting worried because the CEO hadn't responded to her messages yet. Moved by her friend's behavior but still slightly apprehensive, Lena typed a response.
I'm fine, Kara. And I'd love to come tomorrow! Thanks so much for inviting me! Looking forward to it. Love, Lena
She watched as Kara read her message and typed a reply which made her phone ping a second later.
Great! Can't wait! XO, K
Lena sat for several long moments gazing at Kara's last message. The young CEO could feel her heart racing in her chest from happiness and fear to equal parts. She was overjoyed that she would be spending Christmas with Kara, her favorite person, and that she would also get to see the others who she had come to like very much too. And then, as she was thinking about Kara and the others, Lena could feel her usually calm and collected composure crack.
To be continued…