Stop the World (Supergirl)

Chapter 4

Two parcels awaited Kara at the post office on Monday morning, one small and lumpy, the other larger and heavier. A glance at the hand-written labels on each parcel told Kara who they were from. The sun was doing its best to shine, and Lena had promised to take Kara for a longer walk, but as Joe handed over the parcels and a grin spread across Kara's face, Lena knew she'd have to wait a little longer for the walk.

"I have to get these back to hotel. I can't believe they're here!" Kara said as they walked along the cobblestone street, avoiding the puddles which Caoimhe happily ran straight through. "I thought we might be waiting weeks."

"Luthorsport may look remote, but it isn't that far from Galway and from there there's the express train to Dublin," Lena said. "Besides, I think it's going to take more than total war for the illustrious Royal Mail to grind to a halt at the London end."

Kara struggled not to skip back to the hotel, and Caoimhe picked up on Kara's excitement, bounding along beside her. When they returned to the hotel, Kara leapt up the stairs to her room two at a time, while Lena took Caoimhe and went to see Mary.

"Alex! It came! Out stuff came!" Kara said, flinging the door open, as excited as a child on Christmas morning.

Alex was propped up in bed with the wireless crackling away for company. "The parcels?"

"One from H, one from Miss Kane," Kara said, climbing onto Alex's bed and passing her the smaller parcel. Alex fumbled with the string on her parcel, while Kara tore the larger one open with ease. "Oh, Kate I could kiss you," Kara grinned, scanning over the letter that sat on top of the two smaller, albeit still fairly large, parcels wrapped neatly in brown paper. "This one's yours," Kara said, handing one to Alex.

"You take this then," Alex said, giving up on the parcel from H. Kara took it and pulled off the string and brown paper. Inside were passports, Irish currency in notes and coins, and a pair of glasses.

"My glasses!" Kara exclaimed, putting on the tortoiseshell-rimmed glasses.

Alex chuckled. "Trust H to send the essentials."

Kara put the money and passports aside, then tore open the parcel from Kate. "My stuff!"

"Our stuff," Alex said, finally getting her parcel undone. Alex sorted through her pile of clothes, all rolled up as tightly as possible, a quick glance told her that Kara's was more-or-less identical. "What does Kate's note say?"

"Mostly that we owe her, but if we need anything else, just let her know. Also a packing list," Kara read, "You each have one nightgown, two pairs of tights, two pairs of socks, two sets of underwear, two blouses, one skirt, one pair of trousers, one jumper, one cardigan, one dress, one scarf, one pair of gloves. Apologies for no evening wear, coats, hats, or shoes. I'm sending a parcel, not a whole bloody trunk. Also I have it on fairly good authority that they do have shops in Ireland. Stay safe, much love, &etcetera."

Looking over their personal belongings spread over her bed, Alex felt an anxiety lift that she didn't realise she'd been harbouring. They were safe here. They could stay, at least for a little while. The world would survive without them. H would know that Miss Kane sent them a parcel of their belongings. As Kara collected up their clothing, hanging what would fit in the small cupboard, and piling the rest into the chest of draws, Alex noticed a letter tucked into her passport.

"Kara, look at this," Alex said, unfolding the paper. "Alex and Kara, I will buy you what time I can, but know that it won't be forever. It can't be - your absence will be noticed. Take care of yourselves; you are important assets to this team, this country and our war efforts. H."