The Gift

Chapter 4

Andrea stares down at the floor, dropping all pretence of nonchalance as Kara finishes explaining. Her heart aches, breaks , for the woman she's known since boarding school, unease settling deep in the pit of her stomach. She'd known Lena's life was difficult, but Andrea can't even imagine feeling so alone and miserable at Christmas each year.

Andrea can feel tears stinging the corners of her eyes and, unwilling to be so vulnerable around Kara, walks towards the window. She wraps her arms around herself, silently watching as inky darkness seeps across the sky. She's aware of Kara awkwardly hovering somewhere behind her, and catches her fidgeting with her glasses her peripheral, but Andrea has absolutely no idea what to say to her.

The sky is almost black by the time their tense silence is broken, time passing too quickly for their thoughts to keep up. Kara sighs heavily, the weight of the world on her shoulders as she steps closer.

"It's impossible," Kara murmurs, blue eyes shining with emotion as she gazes out at the city. "She's terrified of us and I don't blame her, but how do we fulfill the wish if Lena is too scared to enjoy herself?" Kara glances at Andrea, surprised to see a crack in the usually stoic features.

"She doesn't seem all that scared of your mother," Andrea notes, briefly glancing towards her. "If anything, Lena believes she's safest with her." Kara sucks her bottom lip into her mouth, nodding slowly.

"I guess she's kinda latched on to the only parent in the room," Kara murmurs. "Eliza has a history of comforting strays," she chuckles, dryly. "You should have seen Lena when my sister tried to help her, though. She kicked and punched her way out of that one." Andrea blows out a huff of laughter, shaking her head in amusement.

"That's our girl." Andrea pulls a face, "if she'd rather be around your mom then I won't fight you. Not that I'd win, anway," she adds, rolling her eyes. Kara grins weakly, nodding her approval.

They both turn when they hear movement behind them, Alex wincing apologetically as she and Nia head out of the bedroom. They're walking in a manner, all tip-toes and exaggerated movements, that tells Kara Lena has fallen asleep. Andrea awkwardly clears her throat and grabs her purse.

"I should get going," Andrea murmurs. "I'd like to see Lena tomorrow, if that's alright with you." Kara has a feeling that Andrea would turn up even if she said no, not that she would, but she nods again anyway.

"Of course, drop by whenever you'd like," Kara says. She feels bad for her. Kara may not know much about Andrea's relationship with Lena, but she knows how far back it goes, and Kara can only imagine how awful she feels right now. "I can bring he-."

"I'll need to drop by your office tomorrow," Alex interrupts. "There's an NDA with your name on it." Andrea raises a brow, impressed with her audacity.

"I'm more than happy for you to drop it off, but I'll need some time to read through it," Andrea states, firmly. Alex frowns, ready to argue, but is cut off before she can even form a single word. "Unless, of course, you'd prefer I have my lawyers read it for me."

"I'll drop it off tomorrow," Alex relents, grinding her back teeth into dust. "Do you need a ride home?" she asks after a pointed look from Kara.

"That won't be necessary, my driver is downstairs."

"Wait, you left him there all evening?" Nia balks, eyebrows almost disappearing into her hairline.

"That is his job," Andrea snarks, "but don't worry, I cracked a window." Her gaze sweeps the room before settling back on Nia, "I'll still expect you at work tomorrow, I think there's enough people here for Lena." With that, Andrea stalks from the apartment, head held high.