the eras of us ⎹ Lana Parrilla & Jennifer Morrison

Chapter 23

The sound of a closing door and footsteps stirred Lana from her half-drowsy state. The room wasn't brightly lit, but she blinked a few times to adjust her eyes. A cascade of blonde hair caught her attention, and she realized that she and Jen were still nestled together on the sofa.

"Hey," a quiet voice interrupted her thoughts, pulling her gaze upward. It was Jen's sister, whose name she vaguely recalled as Julia.

"Hey," Lana replied softly, clearing her throat as she carefully sat up, mindful not to disturb the sleeping blonde. "I, um, sorry about intruding. Jen had a bad migraine, and I came over to help her."

Julia nodded understandingly, her smile genuine. "I'm glad she could rest. Migraines can be really tough on her."

"Mommy?"

The sudden voice made Lana notice the little girl standing next to Julia. With long blonde hair and adorable green eyes, she was a miniature version of Jen. Lana couldn't help but smile warmly at her, which prompted a shy giggle from the little one as she hid behind her mother's legs.

"Is Auntie Jen okay, Mommy?" the little girl inquired, her voice filled with concern.

"Oh, she's fine, sweetheart," Julia reassured her daughter. "Now, say hello to our guest."

The girl nodded and mumbled a timid "Hello," blushing slightly.

"Hello, my name is Lana," the brunette introduced herself, her smile soft and welcoming. "And what's your name, little princess?"

"Summer."

"Summer," Lana repeated, her smile growing. "That's such a lovely name."

Observing the interaction between Lana and Summer, Julia couldn't help but smile affectionately. However, Lana noticed a hint of something else in her eyes whenever their gazes met.

"I'm feeling tired, Mommy," Summer announced, her gaze shifting between Lana and her mother.

Julia glanced down at her daughter and then back at Lana. "It's still early, sweetie. Would you like to take a nap?"

Summer nodded, her gaze returning to Lana. She began sharing her adventures at Disneyland and meeting various princesses, and the brunette couldn't stop noticing how her gestures and expressions mirrored those of Jen.

"I'll put her down for a nap real quick," Julia informed Lana. "Feel free to make yourself some coffee in the kitchen. And if you need anything else, just let me know."

"I know where everything is," Lana replied with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry."

"Okay, I'll be right back," Julia said before she and Summer headed upstairs, leaving the brunette alone in the living room.

Holding back a loud yawn, Lana decided to get up from the couch and headed to the kitchen. She found everything she needed to make a cup of coffee, and soon the rich aroma filled the air, adding to the somehow comforting morning ambiance. The sun's rays already shone through the window, casting a warm glow in the room, and Lana couldn't help but smile as she took her first sip of the hot caffeine.

"I'm not really a coffee person," Julia's voice suddenly filled the room. "I prefer tea, very different from my sister's taste."

The brunette chuckled. "Yeah, she's obsessed with coffee."

Julia hummed in amusement and moved around the kitchen to pour herself a cup of tea. "I hope my sister is feeling better when she wakes up," she eventually sighed.

"I'm sure. I mean, she's resting really peacefully right now."

"That's good."

An uncomfortable silence enveloped the two women, and for a few long minutes, neither of them spoke.