Chapter Ten: Hope, Love, and Macaroni and Cheese

"What a fucking piece of shit!"

Alex slammed the laptop lid closed and pushed herself away from her dining room table.

"I am so sorry, Alex. I'm sorry I was stupid. I'm sorry I am burdening you with this, and I'm sorry I'm coming to you so late. I worried about going to the station earlier. I am terrified that he is following me. Please don't judge me too harshly. I really have no idea what I'm going to do."

Kara stood behind her sister, shifting her weight nervously and wringing her hands.

"Are you kidding? This is the most interesting thing you've ever done. You're usually so boring. You did the right thing coming here rather than going to the station. No need to freak the guy out if we can help it. As for what you're going to do, leave it up to me."

"Do you think he will make good on his threats?"

"Absolutely. We should assume that this pervert is as crazy as he sounds. Do you know who he is? Is there anyone who could hate you this much?"

"Not that I can think of, but I'm not thinking clearly. I just can't believe he was watching us. I feel so violated. Maybe the guy who grabbed me. Lena kicked his ass. Do you think he is out on bail or something?"

"I doubt it. I would have heard something, but I will check it out."

"I'm terrified, Alex."

"I know, Kar. It's going to be okay. How bad is the video? I won't watch it, but I need to know how bad this could be."

"It's bad. We thought we were alone."

"Okay. I think the best way to track this guy is using his own tech. He was stupid and sent you something electronically. We will also see what information our tech guys can track back on the feed. We will need to keep the cameras up and active for the time being. Hopefully, he didn't mask his connection very well. He doesn't strike me as the brightest bulb."

"That's what Lena said. She said it was foolish of him to send something with a digital footprint."

"Smart girl."

"She really is Alex. She's brilliant, beautiful, and loving. She is everything I have ever wanted, and I can't be with her. She makes me feel so safe. I hate this. I need her."

"You are such a sappy romantic. Only you could prove that love at first sight is real. Thank God I'm a grounded realist and impervious to the evil that is love."

"Now, who doesn't have a life?"

Kara gave her sister a jab and smiled for the first time since she and Lena parted.

"I know things seem dire, but I swear we will figure all of this out. The best way to nail this asshole is to keep the cameras up and see if we can trace the feed. If we can, we might shut him down before he does anything."

"I'm worried about Lena. I know that he directed the email at me, but he seems to be very jealous of her. He sounds like he hates her, and I'm worried he will try to hurt her."

"I'll check in with her and see if she would like some protection. If I can figure out a way for you two to be together, I will. I promise. We will not let this jerk win."

"Thanks, Alex. That makes me feel better. How do I keep this guy calm? What can I do to ensure he doesn't make good on his threat?"

"Stage a break-up. Have Lena meet you at the office and dump her. Don't explain yourself. Just tell her you changed your mind. She will need to pretend she doesn't know about the threat and you will need to act devastated."

"I think we can do that."

"Once I have a better plan drawn out, I will let you know what our next move should be."

"Can I stay here tonight?"

"Of course. Are you that freaked out?"

"He says he is watching every part of my life. What if he has cameras in my house?"

"Doubtful. Your security at the office is shit, but your home security is very sophisticated. I think he is just trying to scare you. How about you stay here tonight and then we can head over to your place tomorrow and check it out? I won't bring in a team just yet. I can do the initial assessment and bring in the guys if we find anything. There is no sense in triggering this guy with a bunch of cops."

"That sounds great, Alex. And you really will watch over Lena and make sure she is okay?"

"Absolutely. You know I am thrilled you finally have a life. I will not let this scumbag take it away."

Lena stood frozen, lost in her thoughts of Kara. She closed her eyes and imagined, just for a moment, that Kara stood close, holding her from behind. Lena smiled.

"Lena. Lena. Earth to Lena," Sam said.

Sam's words jolted Lena back to reality. The sounds of the coffeehouse were almost deafening, and the maddening crush of people seeking their first cup of coffee set her teeth on edge.

"You okay Lena?"

"I could lie and say yes, but I won't lie to you. I'm not okay. It's been almost a week since we saw each other or spoke. I wish I could get my hands on this guy. I would end him."

"I know you would. So, you staged the fake breakup. What's next?"

"We wait. Kara's sister is trying to formulate a plan."

"Do you think this guy has the balls to send the video?"

"He set up cameras in her office. He's a sick fuck. He watched us. I feel like I need a shower every time I think about it."

Sam and Lena stepped to the front of the line. Just as Lena was about to order she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned and found Alex smiling back at her.

"Lena, right?" Alex said.

"Yeah. And you're Alex. It's nice to see you again. Is Kara okay?"

"She's fine. I was wondering if you have a few moments to talk."

"Sure. Can I grab you something? Save you the trouble of waiting."

"Sure. Just a large drip coffee. Black. No room for cream."

Lena smiled. She looked down at Alex's gun and badge, and she immediately felt safer.

"Great order," Sam said.

Lena elbowed Sam and gave her a look of disapproval. She leaned in close and whispered.

"Stop flirting, weirdo."

Alex blushed a little and smiled.

"This place sets my teeth on edge. I'll go grab us a table outside."

Lena smiled.

"Same here. Why are all these people just milling around? Don't they have a job to get to?" Lena said.

Sam stared at Alex and bit her lip. Alex blushed a little more and averted her eyes. She turned and headed to the patio without another word.

The moment she was out of earshot, Lena pulled Sam in closer.

"Please don't do your usual shameless flirting thing. I really like her sister. Don't go teasing her, Sam."

"I'm not teasing. Did you see her? She's gorgeous."

Lena buried her face in her hands and let out a discontented grunt.

The Los Angeles morning was breezy and cool. The sun was out, but the chill reminded the occupants of the coffeehouse patio that winter was upon them. Blonde girls named Becky and Kiki donned their comically warm UGZ furry boots and feather down jackets the moment the temperature dipped below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lena pulled her jacket closed and shivered ever so slightly.

"Thanks for taking the time to chat, Lena. First, let me thank you once again for saving my sister. I am beyond thankful that you were there to keep her safe."

"No thanks are necessary. She means the world to me. Truthfully, I wish I could have hurt the guy more," Lena said with a sad smile.

Alex chuckled loudly.

"Same here. I wish I had been there to see you kick the guy's ass."

"So, how can I help you?"

"I hope I'm not keeping you from work."

"Nothing is more important to me than Kara," Lena said.

Alex smiled and rested a hand on Lena's arm.

"I believe you. I think you are wonderful for my sister and I am so pissed that this chickenshit little pervert is harassing the two of you."

"Do you have any leads?"

"I checked out the guy you beat up to see if he made bail, but he's still sitting in a cell."

"Is there anyone else?"

"I was going to ask you that. Can you think of anyone else that might want to hurt the two of you?"

"Well, there was this creepy patient that threw a fit the first day I went into the office. I think he asked Kara out, and she said no. It may be a longshot, but the thing that stuck out in my mind was that he called her a bitch when he blew up in the waiting room. Reading the email, it almost felt like the same voice."

"That doesn't sound like a longshot at all. I remember Kar telling me about that jerk. He was super aggressive. Do you know his name?"

"Nope, but I am sure Kara remembers. If she doesn't, Nia will. She had to kick him out of the office."

"That's super helpful. Thank you, Lena."

"I know I need to keep my distance, but I want to help any way I can. Kara means the world to me."

"I know. You mean the world to her. I want the two of you to be together and to be happy. I will do what I can to help. Let me call Kara and see if she can give me a name. I knew coming to find you would be helpful."

Alex grabbed her cell and got up from the table. She walked just out of earshot to call Kara. Sam leaned in and whispered to Lena.

"She is so beautiful. I know how serious this situation is, but I just want to kiss her pouty little mouth."

"Sam! My girlfriend is being stalked by a madman and all you can think about is sex?"

"Did you just call her your girlfriend?"

Lena smiled, but her eyes were full of sadness.

"I did. I don't know if she thinks of herself that way, but all I know is I want to marry that woman someday."

Alex returned and smiled knowingly. She clearly overheard Lena's confession. She sat back down in her seat and chugged the last of her coffee.

"Kara is in with a patient. Maggie said she will call me back."

"Thank you for coming to see me today, Alex. I feel better knowing you are on the case."

"You make us both feel very safe," Sam said.

Sam grinned at Alex.

Alex's face flushed red, and she looked out the window. She cleared her throat and rubbed the tops of her legs nervously. She turned and fixed her gaze on Lena.

"Kara also wanted me to check in with you to see if you might be interested in protection. This guy is targeting Kara, but we are both worried about the aggressive language he uses when he mentions you. I know you're a tough martial arts expert and all, so I don't want to overstep."

"Honestly, I am worried. I'd be lying if I said I felt completely safe."

"You know, I just had an idea. I think there might be a way for me to monitor you and Kara and for the two of you to be together."

"Really? How?"

"Can you take a few days off?"

"Absolutely."

Sam looked over at Lena, shocked.

"Really, Lena? I can't remember the last time you took a day off."

"To be with Kara, I would give up everything." Lena looked back at Alex. "How are you going to have Kara meet us anywhere without possibly tipping him off? We don't know if he is listening to our calls."

"You'll see. All I need to do is text Kara two words and she will know what I mean."

"What two words?"

"Swing set."

"Secret codes, an unknown villain, and two lovers fighting to be together. Talk about intrigue," Sam said. She rested her hand on Alex's.

Alex smiled. She didn't move her hand away. Instead, she looked into Sam's eyes and held her gaze.

"Looks like Kara and I aren't the only two with chemistry," Lena said.

Alex returned to reality.

"You know, you two should make me ill with how much you love each other, but it really is sweet. I guess maybe you're melting my icy heart."

Lena blushed.

"I'm glad we can help."

"Okay, go home, pack a bag with some warm clothes and meet me back here. I think I can keep the two of you safe and buy us some time to develop a game plan."

"That sounds perfect, Alex. Thank you."

Alex stood up from the table. She locked eyes with Sam in a way that surprised Lena.

"No pressure, of course, but if you want to join Lena to keep her company, there should be plenty of room," Alex said.

Sam blushed.

"I'd love to. Thank you."

"Very good."

Alex gave them a quick nod and walked out the back door of the coffeehouse and straight to her large black SUV. As she pulled away, Lena couldn't help but smile. For the first time in days, she finally felt hope.

When Alex pulled into the driveway, Lena and Sam looked at each other confused.

"This place is pretty nice for a safe house," Lena said.

The "safe house" was a large, two-story ranch-style home painted gray and trimmed in bright white. Nestled upon a hill of green grass and wildflowers, the home had the perfect view of the Santa Barbara coast.

Alex turned around to the back seat and grinned.

"Come on, you two. Let's see if Kara got the message."

Lena and Sam stepped out of the car and looked up at the big house. It was stunning. Lena grew up in a cold mansion, full of mahogany furniture and Persian rugs. Staring up at the home, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. The coastal breeze swept in and it smelled like salt water and fresh linen.

Lena and Sam followed Alex up the steps. Alex opened the door without knocking and stepped inside.

"Hello! We're here." Alex cried out.

It took Lena a minute to understand what was happening. They stepped over the threshold and Lena could just make out two figures standing, bathed in shadow at the end of the long hallway.

She squinted the sunspots from her eyes and was just able to make out Kara's smiling face as she barreled towards her.

She leaped into Lena's arms and held onto her neck. She looped her legs around Lena's waist and squeezed tight. Lena caught her and held her close. Kara pressed her hands to Lena's cheeks and kissed her passionately.

"It's you. It's really you. I didn't know you were coming with Alex."

Lena was so caught up seeing Kara, she didn't notice the smiling blonde woman standing off to the side. Kara let go and dropped to the ground. She wrapped her arms around Lena from behind.

Alex walked over to the blonde woman and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Hi Mom. I'd like to introduce you to Lena and Sam. Lena, Sam, this our mom Eliza Danvers."

Eliza smiled.

"Welcome to our home," Eliza said cheerfully. "It's lovely to meet you both."

"I hope you don't mind the extra company, Mom. I think Lena may be in danger, and I thought it would be good to have everyone under one roof to keep them safe. That, and it is unbearable to watch these two try to stay apart. They are just two dorks in love."

Sam smiled and placed a hand on Alex's shoulder.

"That is just accurate."

Alex grinned. She and Sam locked eyes for just a moment.

Kara kissed Lena's cheek and squeezed her tighter.

Eliza stepped forward and gave Lena a disarming smile.

Eliza walked over to Lena, wrapped her arms around her neck warmly, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"It's lovely to meet the woman who convinced our Kara to live," Eliza said.

Kara groaned and shook her head.

"Mom, come on. I was living."

"You were working. Be honest."

"Okay, I concede. My life didn't start until Lena gave me that first smile."

Eliza looped an arm through Lena's and guided her towards the couch. They both took a seat. Alex, Sam, and Kara joined them in the living room. Kara sat on the arm of the couch and ran a gentle hand over Lena's head.

"Kara was just filling me in on your dreadful ordeal. I'm so sorry you two are going through all of this, but I hope you see this home as a haven. Stay as long as you like and please make yourselves at home."

Eliza grabbed Sam's hand.

"I am very glad you are all here."

Lena grinned at Sam. There was something lovely and comforting about Eliza's warmth and welcoming spirit. Lena didn't have a real mother figure growing up, so Eliza's maternal affection offered a surprising solace. She wrapped her arms around Eliza and held on tight.

"Thank you so much. I am happy and thankful that we can all be together."

Kara and Alex looked on and smiled. Kara leaned in and whispered in Alex's ear.

"This stalker thinks he destroyed us, but I wouldn't trade this moment for anything."

After they cleaned up and settled in upstairs, the women helped Eliza prepare lunch. Opting for lighter conversation to start, they discussed work, where they were from, and Lena and Kara told the story of their first meeting in the coffeehouse.

"You should have seen Lena. She was such a mess. She could barely speak," Sam said.

"Kara wasn't any better. She could barely stop her knees from shaking. And that goofy smile!"

Alex grabbed Kara's arm and gave her a wink.

"When Lena sat down in my exam chair, I was a goner. I knew in my heart that there was no turning back," Kara said.

"I have never seen you smile like this, my heart. I love seeing you this happy," Eliza said.

Eliza turned to Lena.

"Kara also shared the story of your heroism. Thank you for saving her life so bravely."

"I wouldn't call it heroism. I mostly beat the crap out of the guy with a bottle of champagne and a bottle of cheap wine."

"Genius!" Alex said.

Kara wrapped her arm around Lena's and pulled her close. She looked deep into her eyes and smiled sweetly.

"You are my hero, and no one has ever made me feel safer. This jerk thinks he is winning, but I have you here with me and we are going to get him."

"Damn straight," Alex said.

After lunch, the women moved into the living room, enjoying the peaceful contentment of being away from the city. Alex and Sam were quickly moving from casual flirting to a more meaningful connection. Both couples sat close together.

"So, I guess we need to deal with this," Kara said.

She leaned her head on Lena's shoulder and took her hand softly.

"Kara, do you remember that creepy patient of yours that kept asking you out?" You know the one Nia had to throw out of your office?" Lena asked.

"Jesus. How did I forget about that guy? He was so creepy. That would totally make sense. He was so bent out of shape when I refused to go out with him."

"Lena thinks he might be a good lead. What's his name?"

"William Dey. We call him 'tall, dark, and creepy'. He was awful. Nia had to fire him, and he didn't take it well."

Alex grabbed her cell phone and stood up.

"Let me call this in right away and see if we can get a location on him. If he's our guy, he's in for a world of hurt."

"You're a cop, Alex. You can't hurt him," Kara said.

"I can't but Lena can kick his ass."

After lunch, Kara and Lena took a walk around her childhood neighborhood. They held hands and stopped at regular intervals to hold on to each other and exchange soft kisses and nuzzles.

"So, what did the code 'swing set' mean?" Lena asked.

The sparkle of love shimmered in her eyes.

"When we were kids, we would have all of our secret meetings at the swing set in the backyard. If one of us said 'swing set', we knew to meet there right away. Still works, I guess."

"I hate that all of this is happening, but it's really nice to see where you grew up and meet your mom."

"I can tell she really likes you."

"Would I sound like a big dork if I said I kind of love her?"

Kara wrapped her arms around Lena's neck and kissed her cheek.

"You're adorable, baby. You're not a dork. I'm glad you love her."

"I had a really shitty home life growing up. Being around an actual mother is oddly comforting."

"Well, she's yours anytime you need her."

Kara chuckled.

"I just want to kill whoever is doing this to you. You don't deserve this."

"We don't deserve this, baby."

They walked down to the beach and strolled along the sand. The waves crashed hard against the rocks and the air was crisp and cool.

"I'm so sorry all of this is happening Lena."

"Why are you sorry? This isn't your fault."

"I know, but Lena, I love you. I know it is way too soon to be professing our love this way, but you mean the world to me. I hope you know that you are more important than my career. If I must, I will give everything up to be with you. The only thing I have ever known for sure in my life is how bad I want this. I've wanted nothing more than to be by your side."

"It's sweet of you to say that, but your career is extremely important. You saved my life when you accepted me as a client. The work you do is so special. I'm not afraid of the dentist anymore, thanks to you. We need to protect your practice. I can be strong. I will be strong for you."

"My soft hands won you over," Kara whispered suggestively.

"They did. Your soft hands and your warm heart. I love you so much, Kara. I love you with all of my heart and I promise we will find out who is doing this so we can start our lives together the right way."

"Come on. Let's head back to the house. Mom is making macaroni and cheese, and we are playing board games tonight. I know it's probably a little low rent for someone as sophisticated as you, but it will help us get our mind off all of this."

Lena pulled Kara closer and placed a hand over Kara's heart.

"Low rent? Are you kidding? I love this. Being here with you, seeing your childhood home and spending time with your family is the happiest I think I have ever been. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with me."

"I want to share my entire life with you, Lena. Every part."

"Careful there, Dr. Danvers. I might just take you up on that."

Lena wrapped her arms around Kara's waist, and they stared off into the ocean, appreciating their quiet moment together.