Chapter Text
2008
Water…
It was everywhere. The cold water filled her ears and nose, filled her lungs so much that she found it harder to breathe by the minute.
She tried desperately to swim to the surface, to do something to save herself. But she couldn't. It seemed as if all her strength had left her.
The last thing she saw in her mind was the face of her mother who must have been very worried about why she hadn’t come home yet.
She remotely heard something cut through the water, saw someone's blurry silhouette. And then, there was only darkness…
***
Kara was walking around the town, just memorizing the surroundings. She and her family had moved to Dublin only two days ago because of her mother’s work. So far, Kara had loved being here. It was peaceful, beautiful and the air was clean.
They had finished unpacking their things, and she asked to go for a walk before dinner. And here she was.
As Kara was about to turn around and go home, she noticed a girl walking along the cliff. Even though she was a bit far away, Kara still noticed that the girl was beautiful and had such dark hair.
One minute Kara watched the girl calmly move along the cliff, and the next, she was horrified to see the dark-haired girl trip over a small rock without noticing it and fall over the edge into the cold waters of the salty sea.
Without a second thought, Kara ran after her.
***
Lena opened her eyes and started coughing up the salty Irish Sea water, trying to regain her breath and get the necessary oxygen back into her lungs.
A warm hand stroked her back, and an angelic voice kept telling her that she was okay, she was safe now.
Lena began to cry at the realization that she could have died today at the young age of 14. The next minute, she felt strong arms around her, and she rested her face against the chest of her savior as she continued to cry. The person continued to stroke her damp hair and to whisper sweet words of comfort in her ear. After a while, the warmth of the stranger’s body, the gentle scent of lavender emanating from them soothed her, and her tears stopped.
Lena pulled away slightly to wipe away her tears and finally looked up to see the face of her savior. When she met the deep blue eyes looking at her with concern, her heart almost stopped. Her savior turned out to be a girl. Probably the same age as her. A very very beautiful girl with blond hair and soft features. And how kind and bright her eyes were! Lena had never seen such a unique eye color in her life.
The girl said something to her, but it was as if Lena was in a trance and couldn’t make out the words.
“God, what am I going to do now?” The blond muttered in despair.
“Excuse me?” Lena finally regained the ability to speak like a normal person. Useless gay. She thought to herself.
“Oh, thank God. I was so worried something might have been wrong.” Sighed her savior. “How are you feeling? Aren’t you in pain?”
“I’m… I’m fine, I think. Just a little cold.” Lena was shivering in the cold wind. Lena was sure she was about to catch the flu.
“Okay, wait a minute.” The girl stood up and picked up her jacket, which was lying next to her. She must have taken it off when she jumped into the water following me.
“Here, this will warm you up a bit.” The girl threw the jacket over Lena’s shoulders and smiled. Hell, even her smile was beautiful.
“Thank you very much. What about you? You must be freezing, sorry. Here.” She wanted to take off the jacket, but the girl wouldn’t let her.
“No, don’t worry about me. I’m not afraid of the cold, and I’m actually warmer than most people. It’s okay. You need it more. Are you sure you’re all right? You almost drowned…” A crinkle appeared between the girl’s eyebrows.
“I was so scared and thought it was the end. But you saved me. You literally saved me! I hadn’t said that before. Thank you so much. I never would have made it without you. Thank you. You must be my guardian angel.” Lena smiled slightly at the girl.
The blonde chuckled. “It’s nothing, really. I was just exploring the area and saw you trip and fall off a cliff into the water. I was a fair distance away from you, but I ran as fast as I could. I was so afraid I wouldn't make it in time.”
Lena was so grateful to this person that the next minute she threw herself into her arms and hugged her tightly. “I will forever be indebted to you.”
“Don’t be silly. I just did what any decent person would do.” They broke their embrace and Lena instantly felt the loss of contact.
“Still, you’re my real hero now.” Lena smiled broadly. And then she realized she didn’t know her savior’s name. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Kara. Kara Zor-El.” Kara smiled and held out her hand.
“Lena Walsh.” Lena shook Kara’s hand and was surprised to find it warm.
“Lena, is it okay if I walk you home? I don’t want to leave you alone after what happened.” Asked Kara softly.
“Honestly, I would be very happy. I don’t want to be alone right now either. Thank you, Kara.”
Kara rose to her feet and took Lena's hands, helping her to stand up as well. Lena's legs were still a little shaky. Apparently, she wasn’t feeling as well as she thought she was. The events of the last few minutes were weighing on her and Lena felt tired.
“Can you show me the way?” Asked Kara.
Lena nodded. She decided to be brave and took Kara's warm hand in her own before going home. She wanted to feel Kara's touch to make sure she was indeed alive.
“Is it okay if I hold your hand? I just...” Lena trailed off.
“Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to explain anything to me. Come on. Let’s get you home.”
The way to Lena's house was filled with silence. Lena felt very comfortable in Kara's presence; she felt safe around the blonde, even though they had only met a few minutes ago. Perhaps it was because Kara had saved her. But Lena felt as if she had known Kara all her life.
***
As they approached the house, Lena noticed her mother sitting on the porch, shaking her hands nervously. Lena let go of Kara's hand and ran towards her mother.
Hearing the footsteps, Aoife raised her head sharply.
“My God, a Stór!” Exclaimed Aoife and rushed towards Lena, clutching the girl's body tightly to her. “I was so worried when you didn't come home on time.” Feeling that her daughter's clothes were soaked through, Aoife pulled away and gasped. “What happened? Why are you all wet? Are you hurt?” With anxiety in her voice, Aoife asked questions.
Tears came to Lena's eyes as she remembered what had happened. “I’m sorry, mama. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“Shh, my darling, shh. It’s okay. I’m not mad and I’m very glad you’re safe.” Aoife kissed her daughter’s forehead.
“I was walking home and accidentally tripped and then I don’t know how but I ended up in the water. I almost drowned, mom. I thought I was going to die, but then Kara saved me.” With tears in her eyes, Lena turned towards Kara and pointed at her.
Only at that moment did Aoife notice the girl standing quietly to the side. The girl was no older than her beloved daughter; they were probably the same age. Kara was beautiful with her blond hair and slim figure. But Aoife was surprised at how kind her eyes were. They radiated warmth and gentleness. When the realization that she could have lost her only child today settled in, Aoife felt warm tears start running down her cheeks. Aoife smiled gratefully at Kara and extended her hand towards her, her other arm still clutching her daughter to her chest. Kara placed her hand in the soft one of Lena's mother. “Thank you so much, Kara. I don't even know how to repay you now.”
“Please don't. I'm just glad Lena came home safe and sound. It’s no big deal.” Kara gave her a soft smile.
Lena, finally calming down, pulled away from her mother to wipe the tears from her face. This gave Aoife a chance to pull Kara closer and hold her in a tight embrace. “Thank you. Lena is my world and you saved her.”
Kara just hugged the woman back. She was warm and smelled nice, almost like Kara's mother.
“My God, you're all wet too. And without a jacket.” Aoife exclaimed.
“She gave her jacket to me.” Said Lena with a small smile on her lips.
“Girls, quickly go inside. You need to take a warm shower and change into dry clothes. I'll make you some warm tea.”
“Oh, that's all right.” Kara brushed it off. “My parents already waiting for me at home and they're probably worried too, thinking I got lost. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I don't want to cause you any trouble.”
“Nonsense. I won't let you go home in your current state, Kara. There are usually cold winds blowing in the evenings. You'll catch a cold for sure. You saved my daughter, which means you're like a daughter to me now. Come inside. We'll call your parents and I'll ask them to pick you up. It will be dark soon.” Insisted Aoife.
Lena walked over to Kara and took her by the tips of her fingers. “Please stay, Kara. I don't want anything to happen to you.” Pleaded Lena quietly, seemingly vulnerable at that moment.
Looking into those deep green eyes, Kara felt her resolve fade. “Okay. As long as it doesn't cause you too much trouble.” Said Kara and looked at Aoife.
“Of course not, sweetheart. It’s only me and Lena.” Aoife smiled warmly at the blonde. She noticed how her daughter looked at Kara and smiled to herself. Suddenly it hit her. “Are you the daughter of Alura and John Zor-El by any chance? Because they only moved into town two days ago with their daughter, and I've never seen you in our town before.”
“Yes, they’re my parents.” Kara smiled in surprise. “How do you know them, Miss Walsh?”
“Please, call me Aoife. I saw your parents at the market today. Such wonderful and kind people. I'm not surprised that you’re their daughter. You look a lot like your mother.”
“Thank you.” Kara responded shyly.
“Well, we’ll talk later. Let's go inside.” Aoife took Lena's hand and went into the house. Kara followed closely behind.
***
Lena and Kara were sitting at the table in dry clothes (Kara had to borrow some of Lena’s, although the raven-haired girl was a little shorter than her), drinking tea and having a quiet conversation. It turned out they had a lot of things in common.
Since both of Kara’s parents were scientists, she loved science just as much. Lena immediately noticed how smart Kara was. Lena didn’t even try to hide her delight at having met a nerd like herself. No matter what Lena said, Kara immediately understood her and picked up on the conversation. The more Lena interacted with her, the more she realized how much she already liked Kara. Lena was happy just to be herself and not be embarrassed to say what she thought. She felt that Kara was not the kind of person who judged someone. The girl was the personification of the sun.
Aoife cooked dinner and quietly watched the girls. She spoke to Kara's parents, telling them what had happened. They were so worried that they asked permission to come immediately.
Aoife was surprised at how openly Lena communicated with Kara. Lena had always been friendly but a little reserved. She usually spent her free time either with Aoife or with science books, learning something new. Her only best friend was Sam. A good girl who went to school with Lena. Somehow, Kara immediately found her place in Lena's heart. Aoife noticed the way Lena was looking at Kara at that moment and realized how it could turn out. Lena had long ago admitted to her mother that she was only attracted to girls. Aoife fully supported her daughter in every way. It was only important to her that Lena met a good person who would love her with all their heart. And something told Aoife that Lena had already found the right person.
In this short time, Aoife had grown very fond of Kara. The girl was very intelligent, caring, kind, smiling, and pure. Just like her Lena. They were perfect for each other.
Lena was telling Kara how she and Sam had met and become friends when she heard the sound of a car in their yard.
After a few seconds, there was a knock at the door, and Aoife went to open it. A beautiful married couple entered the house. Aoife and Kara's parents greeted each other warmly. Lena immediately noticed that her mother was right. Kara looked like her mother, but she had inherited the color of her eyes from her father.
Alura, seeing her daughter safe and sound, breathed a sigh of relief and opened her arms for a hug. Kara ran towards her mother with inhuman speed and fell into her arms with noticeable force. John chuckled and walked over to them, hugging them both. Lena could see how much they loved their daughter and her heart warmed.
“We were so worried about you. You don't know the town well yet and you could easily get lost. And you forgot your phone at home. We were ready to go looking for you when Aoife called.” Said Alura with only love in her voice.
“I'm sorry.” Answered Kara shyly, rubbing the back of her neck.
“That's alright. We’re very proud of you, young lady. We're glad everything worked out.” Said John and smiled at Lena.
Alura looked in her direction as well. “You must be Lena. I have to say, you look a lot like your mother, just as beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Lena smiled. “Your daughter is very brave. She's the only reason I'm alive and at home right now.”
“Yes, Lena and I will always be grateful to Kara for what she has done.” Aoife said and put her arm on her daughter’s slender shoulders. “I wanted to invite you to join us for dinner, what do you say? My daughter and I would be very happy for the company.”
The Zor-El family looked at each other. “We would love to, thank you.” Smiling at Lena, Kara replied.
***
The dinner was held in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Everyone talked and laughed a lot.
However, dinner came to an end and Lena watched sadly as Zor-Els began to pack up for home. Alura and John thanked Aoife and Lena for their hospitality, expressing the desire to continue their friendship, as they did not know anyone in the town. Aoife was happy to agree.
Lena stood and tried to work up the courage to invite Kara to spend the day together. In her musings, she didn’t notice Kara approaching her.
“Is everything okay?” The crinkle between her eyebrows looked very cute. “You seem nervous.”
“Yeah, everything is good. I… I just…” Lena ducked her head in embarrassment.
Kara put her hand on Lena’s forearm. “Hey, I think after everything we’ve been through today, I can proudly say we’re friends. And that means you can tell me anything. Don’t be afraid.”
Lena’s heart melted at Kara’s softness. She looked at her mother who nodded encouragingly at her. “I wanted to ask you something. Would you like to hang out tomorrow? I can show you around, introduce you to the town. Let’s take a walk together to some of my favorite places. I'm sure you'll like them too.” Lena asked with a pouty face.
Kara looked back at her parents, silently asking permission. John and Alura smiled at them and gave an approving nod.
Kara quickly wrote her phone number on a piece of paper she found on the table and handed it to Lena. “Please write me all the details and I will be ready tomorrow. You’re my first friend here. I would love to spend time with you.” Kara hugged Lena tightly. “I'm so glad you're safe.” She murmured in Lena’s ear and pulled away.
In a wave of euphoria from Kara's embrace, Lena rose on her tiptoes and kissed Kara's warm cheek. “Kara Zor-El, you’re my hero.” At that, Kara blushed heavily and their parents laughed.
***
Later, when Lena was already lying in bed, her mother came into her room. She sat down on Lena's bed and tucked dark strands of hair behind Lena's ears, just looking at her.
“What is it?” Lena asked.
“Nothing, love, I was just really scared today. You're all I've got, sweetheart.” Almost crying, Aoife said.
“I'm sorry, mom. I'll be more careful, I promise.”
“Okay. I believe you.”
“We're lucky Kara was there.” Said Lena with a dreamy expression on her face.
Aoife grinned. “Speaking of Kara. I saw the way you looked at her today all throughout the dinner.”
“And how was that?”
“Like she was hanging stars in the sky.” Aoife laughed, making Lena blush profusely.
“I like her a lot, mom. And I'll be happy to just be her friend if that's the only way I can keep her in my life.” Whispered Lena, looking unsure.
Her mother immediately softened. “I don't know Kara very well, a Stór, but I can tell you've found your person.”
“How do you know?” Wondered Lena.
“Let's call it mother's intuition.” Aoife smiled.
“I hope you're right.” Sighed the girl.
“I'm always right.” Aoife joked, making her daughter laugh, and kissed Lena gently on the forehead. “Sleep, a Stór. It's been a hard day. I love you.”
“I love you more, mommy.”
Aoife turned off the lamp on the bedside table and walked out, closing the door of the room behind her.
Lena turned on her side and looked out the window at the night sky. Even though she had experienced something terrible today, she wasn’t scared at all. Lena fell asleep with a smile on her lips, thinking of the blue eyes and the warm smile.