"Is everything okay?" Kara asked bending down and hugging Elle who looked upset.

"There was an incident in the playground." The teacher said.

"What kind of incident?" Kara asked looking up at the teacher.

"Some of the boys got a bit rough in a game of Tag and Elle took a bit of a tumble." The teacher explained. "She seems to have escaped without any scrapes, but it upset her a little."

"You okay?" Kara asked pulling back and looking at her daughter who silently nodded.

"As I said we couldn't see any injuries." The teacher said. "We would have called if it was anything serious."

"You sure you're okay?" Kara asked Elle, worried with how subdued she was. Once again Elle silently nodded. "Come on then, lets go play with Krypto."

-00-

"You okay?" Kara pressed as she walked with Elle and Krypto through the park. When Elle silently nodded Kara pressed. "Did something else happen at school?" This time Elle nodded. Stopping, Kara turned to face Elle and asked. "What happened?"

"After I fell Mikey was getting told off and he tried to blame me. Then he said I must be making it up cos I wasn't even bleeding. Then he called me a freak."

Kara immediately lifted Elle into her arms and hugged her. "Do you want to know a secret?" Kara asked.

"No." Elle said confusing Kara who was momentarily speechless.

Eventually she asked. "Why?"

"Ms Smith says secrets are bad."

"Sometimes they are." Kara agreed. "But sometimes we keep secrets to protect people. And sometimes we keep them to make people happy. Like not telling you what you are getting for your birthday."

"But Auntie Alex says I'm really bad at keeping secrets." Elle pointed out not liking idea of having the responsibility of keeping a secret.

"Well Alex already knows this one." Kara said. Not giving Elle a chance to argue further she went on. "When I was at school people used to call me a freak. And your uncle Carter used to be called a freak as well."

"Really?" Elle asked perking up.

"Really." Kara smiled.

"Why?" Elle asked.

"Some people are scared of things that are different and when they're scared they can be mean. The best thing to do is smile and ignore them."

"And then they stop?"

"Not always. But sometimes." Kara said.

"Is there something wrong with me?" Elle asked.

"No of course not." Kara said. "Why would you ask that?"

"I've never needed a band aid. All the other kids have."

"Some kids are lucky, some are more careful than others." Kara said. "But I am happy you don't need band aids all the time because I never want you to get hurt." She then asked. "Do you want me to stay at home tonight?"

"Instead of Alex? No. She's going to help me with my family tree project." She reminded Kara. "And Grandma Cat said you were going to an important fun...funfair tonight."

"Function." Kara corrected. "But nothing is more important than you."

-00-

"Where's Kara?" Cat asked when she saw Adam approach alone.

"She'll be here soon. A thing came up."

"A thing with Alex?"

"Yes."

"Then who is looking after Elle?" Cat asked.

"Carter, until Alex is free." Adam explained as a familiar figure joined them.

"Hi Lena."

"Adam. I'd ask where Kara was but my buzzing newsfeed told me." Lena smiled.

"Is she okay?" Adam asked.

"She's fine. The Downtown carpark not so much though. Alex looked like she was not having a good day."

"I'm sure Carter will stay with Elle." Cat said.

"That's what I'm afraid of. I can't afford his rates." Adam complained.

"I thought he didn't charge Kara?" Lena said.

"He doesn't. But when I ask I get premium rates."

-00-

"Sorry I'm late." Kara said rushing over to Adam.

"Everything okay?"

"It's fine, now."

"And Alex?"

"A little bruised, especially her ego. But she's fine. Elle said she'd take care of her. And Carter is staying until we get back. But I may just text to make sure."

"And upset Alex?" Adam asked.

"You're right. No more checking up. For thirty minutes anyway."

"Last time she warned she would turn off her phone if you kept calling." Adam reminded her.

"I know." Kara said.

"Have a little faith."

"I do. I'm just worried about her especially after well you know." She said as her phone buzzed. "Sorry I have to go."

-00-

"What's wrong?" Kara asked when she returned thirty minutes later and saw Adam frowning at his phone.

"Nothing."

"You were frowning. Is Elle okay?"

"She's fine."

"How do you know?"

"Carter told me."

"Okay, but why the frown?"

"Kara, are you staying around this time?" Cat asked as she approached, saving Adam from having to answer.

"I hope so." She replied as Cat stepped up to her and removed a small metal shard from Kara's hair.

"At least try to look professional."

"Sorry." Kara said as Cat walked past. Kare then turned to Adam and asked.

"Did she seem..."

"More crabby than normal?" Adam finished for her. "Yes. You remember that mom is at that ceremony next week where she is handing out a big award?"

"Yes, and the recipient is her former mentor."

"Yes, but no. That's what she thought. But tonight it was announced that Lois has won it."

"Really? That's great for Lois." Kara said. "But maybe we should avoid your mom for awhile."

"Or send in Elle." Adam suggested.

-00-

"Hey Carter." Kara smiled as she and Adam returned home.

"Hi Kara, Adam."

"Everything okay?" Kara asked.

"Yes and no." Carter said. "Elle is fine. But she and Alex are sleeping in the lounge."

"Why?" Adam asked.

"They fell to sleep in front of a movie. I didn't want to wake them."

"Thanks for staying tonight." Kara said.

"Of course."

"The car is waiting outside to take you back to mom's." Adam said as Carter packed his bag.

"One more thing. When you go into the lounge you may want your camera ready." Carter said cryptically before hugging Kara goodbye and leaving.

"Should we have warned him about your mom's mood?" Kara asked.

"He's a genius he'll figure it out." Adam said as he and Kara walked to the lounge. As they opened the door they saw Alex and Elle lying asleep on the couch. What stood out were all the Band Aids on Alex.

"Why is Alex covered in My Little Pony band aids?" Adam asked as he took a picture.

"No idea, although I'm assuming Elle was practising her first aid skills again." Kara whispered back.

"Where did the My Little Pony band aids come from anyway?"

"I bought Elle some this afternoon so she could feel more normal." Kara explained.

"None of that statement makes sense." Adam complained as Kara asked.

"How do you want to do this?"

"I'll take the little one, you take the big one?" Adam suggested.

"Okay." Kara agreed as Adam walked towards the couch and scooped Elle up in his arms before carrying her over to Kara who kissed her forehead.

"Good luck." Adam whispered before he carried Elle off to bed. When they had gone Kara moved over to the couch and perched on the side.

"Hey." Kara said stroking Alex's head.

"Five more minutes." Alex mumbled.

"Want me to carry you to your bed too?" Kara asked amused.

"I like the couch."

"Your bruised ribs won't." Kara pointed out as Alex finally opened her eyes.

"Where's my hot water bottle?"

"If you mean Elle, she set a good example and went to bed." Kara explained. "Come on let's get you up."

"I don't want to go home."

"You're staying here." Kara said tugging Alex to her feet. "Elle even put out your favourite teddy bear."

-TBC...

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing.