Banded Reunion

Part 18

Kara let out a puff of smoke as she sat on the balcony outside her apartment that night. Okay, so she knew she shouldn't be smoking. Again. But one of the annoying habits she and her mom have in common are smoking when they are stressed. Or maybe she just needed the release. It was her life after all, and she wasn't damaging her heart by going out getting wasted every night or doing every illegal drug in existence. A little smoke would not kill her.

She heard loud knocks on the front door and quickly put out the cigarette, smashing it with her heel, before making her way inside.

Her mom and Daniella were already seated at the coffee table, chatting aimlessly about who knows what.

"How did you get in here?" Okay, it wasn't the initial greeting she had planned out in her head, but it would have to do.

"You left the door unlocked, and I always know you keep the spare key under the mat. It's a very cliche yet expected move." Sarah said with the roll of her eyes, a smile playing on the corner of her lips. "Now come and give us a hug."

She reluctantly walked over and gave each of her moms a hug. A short and quick hug nonetheless. Another thing that hasn't changed was Kara's tolerance for physical closeness. She just was never big on hugs.

"I thought we were meeting all together in New York." Confusion was evident in Kara's tone, but she refrained from making her true annoyed nature be known. She did not like people just dropping in without calling. She never has.

"We do all still live in LA Kara-bear. Plus this way we can extend the holidays!" Daniella was either oblivious to Kara's did comfortable or she was simply just too excited about the holidays to care. It made a smile threaten to appear on the Kara's lips. Her step mom had that effect on people.

"Is Cole with you?"

"He's at the sitter's house. We wanted to surprise you in a nice and quiet manner before things became chaotic."

"Good point."

Let the fun begin.

Dash got out of LAX, luggage in hand, with a genuine smile. The weather already felt better than it did in New York. He loved the Big Apple but it could get nasty in the winter time.

Getting into the taxi, he debated on dropping his things off first with his parents, but ultimately decided against it as the cab drove to the requested address. With bags in his hands, he gave the front door a knock before walking in. They never did leave the door unlocked. Or they sensed he was coming. Whatever the reason, he was grateful.

"Mom, dad, I'm home!" He shouted gleefully, shutting the front door behind him.

"Dash!"

He was greeted by the warm faces of Steve and Cindy Roth, and the tight hugs of said people. Still, he was thrilled. Leo's parents were like his second parents.

"Hi sweetie, oh it is so good to see you!"

"Leo, Dash is here!" Steve called out. Leo and Emma appeared from the staircase.

"Dash!" Leo exclaimed with a wide grin as he made his way down the stairs in a haste.

"My brother from another mother." Dash had Leo in a hug within seconds. They separated once Emma cleared her throat.

"You want some love too Emms?" He teased, eyes lighting up in amusement as he moved to hug the brunette.

"Don't let me get in the way of your bromance. Or is there something you guys aren't telling me?" She raised an eyebrow in mockery.

"Oh hush you." Leo rolled his eyes as he pressed a kiss to Emma's cheek.

"Yeah, you should really lighten up." Dash being Dash, grinned before kissing the girl's other cheek. He just loved messing with her.

"You must be starving. Let me get you a play of leftovers." Dash was never one to turn down free food. Especially from Cindy. So he nodded as she hurried to the kitchen. "thank you Mrs. Roth."

"Oh, she only likes to be called Cindy." Emma smirked remembering their first interaction two days ago.

"I go by either."

"Mama Roth likes me better." Dash couldn't help but brag, sticking his tongue out in a playful manner as he followed Leo's parents towards the food.

"He's full of it."

"Some things never change." She joked with the shake of her head. He pressed a kiss to her forehead before beginning to walk towards the kitchen.

Emma was about to follow but then felt her phone start buzzing. Her mom's number flashed before her eyes. At least she didn't have a contact picture of Caroline blurring her vision as well. Her breath caught in her throat as her fingers hovered over the answer button and the ignore button. Green or red. Talk or Disregard. Maybe if she let it ring long enough the call would end. It would be like it never existed.

Leo's head popped out from the corner as his searching eyes found her. "Hey Em you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine." The answer was quick, maybe too quick, but he bought it nonetheless.

"I think Dash is going to clear out the kitchen before the night is over." Wanting to lighten things up, he moved on to making fun of his best friend.

She flashed a faux smile as she clicked the ignore button. Hastily shoving her phone back into her pocket before she finally joined Leo and the others.

She was always okay.