Chapter 11
Eliza watched from the shadows as Kara flew out of the apartment. She had heard Kara shouting for Alex and went to investigate; she hadn't meant to overhear their conversation. She stepped into Kara's room and saw Alex sitting on the edge of the bed holding her head in her hands.
"Alex" Eliza said softly. Alex raised her head and looked back at Eliza.
"Mom" Alex answered as she wiped the tears from her face "sorry, I didn't mean to wake you; Kara had to..."
"I heard everything Alex" Eliza interrupted as she sat beside her.
Alex's mind raced as she tried to think of a cover story but nothing came to mind. "She hates me" Alex said before breaking down. Eliza held her tight "sshh...everything's going to be ok" she soothed.
Alex couldn't hold her emotions back any longer as the comfort of her mother's embrace broke down her walls, releasing the flood of tears she tried so hard to hold back.
Kara hovered outside of James living room window. She had already scanned his apartment to make sure Lucy hadn't slept over. She tapped lightly on the window repeatedly. Eventually, James appeared in the living room wearing light blue pyjama bottoms. Kara watched as he quickly pulled on a white t-shirt and made his way over to the window.
"Kara is everything ok" He asked as he pulled open the window and stepped aside for Kara to enter.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know where else to go"
"Is Alex ok?"
"She's fine" Kara hesitated before sinking into the sofa "She told me what really happened the night Astra died. It wasn't Hank who killed her...it was Alex and they lied to me."
"Kara I'm sorry." James replied as he pulled up a chair opposite Kara. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I don't know; I'm still trying to get my head around it." James sat silent and listened to Kara explain what had happened the night her aunt was killed. "If I had more time with Astra I know I could have got through to her or if I had gone to face her instead of Non this would never have happened"
"You can't blame yourself for your aunt's decision Kara. Your aunt was given multiple chances and each time she chose to stand by Non. Both you and your mother tried to reason with her but you can't save someone who didn't want saving. Astra chose her own path; don't let this ruin your relationship with Alex. She loves you; I've never seen a sister's bond as strong as the one you two share"
"I still can't understand why Alex lied to me"
"From what you've told me, it sounds like it was Hank that lied and I think he done it to protect you both. Alex would never hurt you; I can't imagine the decision she made to take Astra's life was an easy one." James sat forward and held Kara's hand. "You almost lost your sister Kara; don't waste your second chance with her on what ifs; we both know life's too short"
"Your right"
James smiled "You see talking does help"
"You're a good listener" Kara stared back at James before forcing her-self to stand "I should go"
"You sure you're ok?"
"I will be." Kara smiled before leaving the apartment and heading home.
The sun was starting to rise by the time Kara got home. She saw Alex sitting at the dining table twirling her mobile in her hand. "Alex"
Alex quickly stood and looked at Kara. Before Alex could say anything Kara rushed over to her and hugged her tightly.
"I'm so sorry Kara"
"I'm sorry too"
Alex pulled away slightly "You shouldn't apologise; you've done nothing wrong."
"I shouldn't have left you" Kara began but noticed Alex's bag beside the door "Are you leaving?"
"I know it will take time for you to forgive me, if you forgive me. So I thought I'd give you some space.
"I hate time and space" Kara replied as she hugged Alex once more. "You're not going anywhere. We'll get through this like we always do"
The end