Next of Kin - SuperCorp

Part 37 - Epilogue

Act I Caïssa

Coming in through the glass slider wearing a one piece bathing suit and with a towel wrapped around her waist, Kara made her way to the kitchen in Lena's house. In a wheelchair, Lena sat at the cutout portion of her kitchen island. She was slicing pieces of melon up and putting them in a bowl.

"Hey, let me do that," Kara said hurrying to assist.

"Kara, I can do this," Lena replied, gripping the knife tighter and shooting the blonde a warning look. "I'm quite capable you know."

"I know, but you could cut yourself."

"Only if someone distracts me."

Grinning and with her hands on her hips, Kara replied, "Oh, do you find me...distracting?"

Lena allowed her gaze to travel up and down Kara's form, giving special attention to the fit upper arms that were clearly exposed. Placing the knife on the table, she replied, "Yes, rather. You're a household accident waiting to happen. I thought you had to head into work this morning."

"I do," Kara agreed, leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on Lena's lips. "First I have someone to distract."

Pulling back suddenly, Lena said, "Kara, don't. Kalia's here."

Shaking her head, Kara said, "She's in her room reading. I can hear her. Relax. I'm being careful." Opening the fridge, Kara rummaged through it for a moment before coming out with some leftover chicken and pizza. "How long is she going to live here, anyway?"

"Until I don't need a nurse. Honestly, we've gone over this."

"You don't need a nurse. You've got me," Kara said around bites of pizza.

"Do you have a Doctorate of Nursing?"

Chewing thoughtfully on some pizza, Kara asked, "Is that a real thing?"

Lena nodded.

"Huh. No, I do not. However—"

"You just want to play doctor."

Kara smiled. "Guilty as charged. What is she actually doing here besides being grossly overpaid? She's making a ton, isn't she?"

"I expect more in a month than you make in a year, yes," Lena affirmed.

Dropping her pizza bone into the box, Kara said, "You're kidding me! Why is the board making you have a nurse?"

Lena shrugged. "It's in my contract. Until I'm cleared to go back to work, I need to have a nurse on hand full time. Oh, don't look so upset, Kara. So long as you're living here, you're eating for free."

A piece of chicken in hand, Kara pointed with it and said, "That's true. I bet you spend more on my food in a month than she makes in a month."

Nodding, Lena said, "Speaking of which, what do you want for dinner?"

"Ummm, Thai? You like Thai."

"Will you be home for lunch?"

Chewing the last of the chicken off the bone, Kara shook her head. Swallowing she said, "Probably not. I have a friend in town, and I haven't seen her in like a year. That is, unless you want me home for lunch. Do you?"

"No, it's fine. Go out with your friend. Have dinner with her if you like. I'll be fine."

"You're sure?" Kara grabbed the last piece of pizza from the box, taking several large bites.

"I'm so far behind on work, I could work every night for the rest of the year and still not catch up. Just let me know if you'll miss dinner, and I'll call Jess and see if she can meet me here."