Survivors

Chapter 24: First Crushes and Facing Her Fear

"Why is everyone here?" Kara asked, abruptly standing up in the middle of a game of chess with Alex and moving down the stairs.

"So much for surprises." the older sister mumbled, picking up the pieces and board since the game was definitely over. She was losing anyway, again.

Kara reached the door before Eliza and Jeremiah, opening it and seeing her personal special forces team and personal shrink as Alex called her.

"What is wrong? Are we under attack? Does Astra know where I am?" she asked in rapid succession.

"No," Connolly answered, really wishing she wouldn't always jump to that conclusion, "we have unfinished business from last weekend. We didn't get to finish your birthday party. Hawk even baked a couple cakes."

Kara stood still, not even moving when Jeremiah's hand was placed on her shoulder.

"You didn't think we would let you two go without a party, did you?" he asked. "We thought of a surprise party but since you have the whole super hearing thing and probably don't need any surprises right now, we just decided to have everyone over. Surprise."

"But, her...our birthday has already..."

"Nobody says parties have to be on the day of your birthday. I baked two big cakes. We are going to eat them no matter what so get into the spirit. Got some cool gifts too. If you don't want them I will take them." Hawk told her, picking up Clark who half ran and half stumbled over to his giant play partner.

"Awk! Awk play?"

"Your dam...dang right we are going to play kid. I have had a long week of kicking butt and taking names. I need some play time."

Kara moved back into the living room, quietly watching everyone setting up for a party as if nothing happened the weekend before. Alex was greeting everyone, presents were laid out in the living room. Alex even put a paper party hat on her head.

"You okay?" Eliza asked the girl, noting that she had not moved.

"I don't understand. I ruined everything. I...I..."

"You didn't ruin anything, Kara." Eliza told her. "Sometimes things get broken and they can be fixed. This was one of those things we could fix. You both deserve a party after the year you both have had. We have a lot to celebrate. We have all gone through a lot and come out of it together. Everyone is here because they care about you. So lets have a party. Have a little fun? I bet Clark would love to help you both unwrap presents. He loves the paper more than the toys I think."

The party this time was successful. Kara moved carefully towards her cake this time and looked once more at Dante who had spent at least a couple hours a day with her over the past three days. He gave her a wink and she blew very gently, the candles being extinguished without an arctic blast.

Gifts were passed out, iPads from the parents, Clark gave Alex a rock, and Ty gave the gift Kara and Alex loved but Kara was most excited about, large headphones called Beats that would make it easier to focus on music and drown out outside sounds. At least Kara thought it was her favorite gift until she received her gift from Dante.

"It actually isn't a gift, since technically it belongs to you, but I think it is something you need." he explained.

Kara pulled the top of the box off and saw one of Kal's red blankets. Under it was the blue flight suit she often practiced in. The suit had buttons on the inside on each shoulder, large flat buttons that attached the bunched ends of the blanket inside securely.

"The buttons are very secure. It was not easy folding that blanket into a perfect end of a cape but it should hold. It won't tear but if it is caught on something that will not give, it will snap off. I realize it is a bit long but I think you will grow into it. A few more inches in height and it will be off the ground." Dante told her.