Chapter Text
Lillian frowned as she felt something licking her face. She gradually looked up and chuckled. The kitten was up and seemed to be doing its darnedest to get her attention.
Probably hungry.
Lillian murmured as she started to fall back to sleep, “You’re lucky you’re so cute.”
The kitten meowed and proceeded to lick her so more.
Lillian smiled and said, “Alright, I’m up. I’m up. I will get you some food.”
As Lillian started to become more awake, she noticed her other senses. She felt arms around her and something pressing up against her shoulder. Lillian looked down to see that Kara was holding her. Lillian looked up baffled to see Kara’s head resting on her shoulder. That immediately woke Lillian right up causing her to move quickly. However, she didn’t pay attention that her legs were still wrapped in blankets so when she tried to get out of bed, she instantly tripped and fell causing Lillian to fall flat on her bottom. The kitten looked down at her from the bed shaking his head.
Lillian sighed.
It’s bad when even the kitten thinks I am a mess.
Lillian shook her head as she untangled herself and gradually started to get back up. Unfortunately, she made a bit of noise because, by the time she was finished getting up from the floor, Kara was wide awake and staring at Lillian curiously.
Kara asked, “Are you okay? I didn’t push you off the bed, did I?”
Lillian chuckled nervously and said, “No, it was all on me. You took me off guard, and I overreacted just a bit.”
Kara frowned and asked, “How so?”
Lillian looked down blushing and said, “You had your arms wrapped around me cuddling when I woke up this morning.”
Kara stared at Lillian mortified and said, “I am so sorry! I hope that I didn’t make you uncomfortable.” Kara frowned while looking down and said, “What am I saying? Of course I did or you wouldn’t have fallen off the bed.”
Lillian shook her head and quickly grabbed Kara’s hand while sitting down.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I was just startled is all. I didn’t expect it to feel so… nice.”
Kara looked up at her startled and asked, “Really?”
Lillian nodded and said, “Really.”
Lillian and Kara stared at each other blushing for a minute before they heard a loud meow. They looked over to see that the kitten was meowing and rubbing his head against Kara’s arm. Kara chuckled as she picked up the kitten and snuggled with him.
Lillian smiled and said, “Don’t worry my little alarm clock. We won’t forget to feed you.”
Kara smiled while she started to get up out of bed with the kitten and said, “Well, we can’t have that Mittens.”
Lillian smirked and asked, “Don’t you mean The Fantastic Mr. Mittens?”
Kara chuckled while raising an eyebrow and said, “Yeah, I don’t see myself saying such a mouthful each time. Do you?”
Lillian chuckled and said, “No. I think Mittens is just perfect.”
Kara smiled at the kitten while patting his head and asked, “Do you hear that Mittens? You have a new nickname.”
Mittens purred in contentment while rubbing up against Kara’s hand.
Kara smiled while looking at Lillian and said, “I think he likes it.”
Lillian smiled while petting Mittens and said, “Now that we got you a more appropriate name, let’s get ready so we can all have breakfast.”
Lillian looked up at Kara and asked, “Did you check out the walk-in closet? It looks like it has clothes tailored for both of us.”
Kara looked up startled and asked, “Really?”
Lillian nodded and said, “I am quite impressed with whoever Bruce got as a stylist. They have really good options that match my normal style. I am probably going to sneak some of the stuff with me when we leave.”
Kara smirked and said, “Why Ms. Luthor, I never took you as someone that would live so dangerously close to the edge.”
Lillian smirked and said, “There is more to me than meets the eye, Kara.” As Lillian walked toward the closet, she turned to Kara and said, “You know that you can call me Lillian by the way.”
Kara looked at Lillian startled.
Lillian chuckled and said, “Don’t look so surprised. We have seen each other naked. I think we are passed the point of being formal.”
Kara looked down, blushed, and said, softly, “Okay.”
Lillian smiled.
She looks so cute as she blushes. I wish this side of her came out more than the sad persona that she has had for months.
As Lillian walked into the closet, she said, “I think the stuff that would interest you would be towards the back.”
Kara quickly followed Lillian inside with the kitten and went to where Lillian instructed. She stared at the clothing surprised.
As Kara looked through the clothes, she let out a low whistle and said, “I don’t know if I should be impressed or creeped out that Bruce knows my personal style so well.”
Lillian chuckled while looking through clothing and said, “I’m choosing to be impressed. This is the same guy who used his tech to create a personal shopper AI. I wouldn’t be surprised if it arranged for all the clothes we have here.”
Kara smirked as she ruffled through the clothes and said, “The Alfred AI was genius on his part. Didn’t think that so many people would like the whole British butler schtick.”
Lillian held up a dress to herself while looking in the mirror and mused, “I am more surprised that Alfred approved to have his image and voice used like that. He has always been such a private person.”
Kara chuckled and said, “You know Alfred is a big old softie when it comes to Bruce and his kids. It probably helped that the AI has generated Wayne Enterprises over $15 billion this year so far. They are projecting that it will make $50 billion before the end of the year.”
Lillian smirked and said, “I am glad that I invested early in the project.” As Lillian chose an outfit, she turned to Kara and said, “If you like, I can use the bathroom in here and you can use the one in the bedroom.”
Kara looked at Lillian startled and asked, “Wait? There is a bathroom in the closet?”
Lillian nodded and pointed to a door in the back of the closet. Kara went to the back of the closet and opened the door. She raised an eyebrow and was surprised at what was before her: a bathroom with a bathtub, toilet, and sink. It was much smaller than the ensuite bathroom for the room which also had a shower and a hot tube.
Kara mused while scratching her head, “Bruce really didn’t spare anything when it came to this place.”
Lillian smirked and said, “And this is just the lodging accommodations. I must admit that I am a little excited to see the rest of the island.”
Kara smiled while selecting her clothes and said, “I am too. Especially the botanical garden. I heard that Bruce had it personally designed by the famous horticulturist Pamela Isley.
As Kara headed towards the front of the closet, she stopped at something that caught her eye.
Kara looked up at Lillian and asked, “Did you realize that Bruce had stuff made for the kitten as well”
Lillian looked at Kara shocked and asked, “What?”
Kara waved her over to where she was staring at. Lillian came over, looked down, and was stunned. There was an array of of fashion items for the kitten including shirts, pants, shoes, hats, leashes, collars, and sunglasses.
Kara let out a low whistle and said, “I never thought there would be so many items catered towards a cat.”
Lillian gradually picked up a collar and turned it over. It was purple and covered in glitter. It had a circular gold ID tag with The Fantastic Mr. Mittens written on it.
Lillian chuckled and said, “I used to mock people that would dress their pets in these outfits, but now that we have Mittens…..” Lillian looked over at the kitten and smiled. He was trying to swat at a purple beanie in his size. Lillian continued, “I now see the appeal.”
Kara chuckled and asked, “Is there anything in particular that you want to dress him in?”
Lillian smiled while she looked down at a plain purple collar with a silver ID tag and handed it to Kara.
“I think we should let him wear this and the beanie he seems fascinated with.”
Kara nodded and said, “I agree he would look cute in those along with this.”
Kara bent down and picked up a purple shirt that had “I love my Mommy in bold black letters.”
Lillian chuckled and said, “He would look so cute in that.”
Kara smiled and said, “Cool. Well, I get myself and this little guy ready and will meet you by the bedroom door.”
Lillian smiled and said, “That sounds perfect.”
Ten minutes later, Lillian came out of the bathroom in the walk-in closet. She is wearing a white dress that has roses all over the bottom. She did a little twirl in front of the wall-length mirror and smiled.
It is nice to not always be in business wear. I forgot how cute I looked in sundresses.
Lillian spotted a matching rose purse and giddily grabbed it before exiting the closet. She was so absorbed in trying to stuff essentials into the purses she got startled when Kara exclaimed, “You look so pretty!”
Lillian looked up at Kara. Before she could say anything, she felt her face start to heavily blush. Kara was wearing a pink halter top which put her twelve-pack abs on display. She was wearing khaki shorts and brown hiking boots. Kara finished her look by having her hair in a pretty French braid. Lillian started to nervously bite her lips.
She looks like that mountain woman from the romance book I have been reading recently. She is a ringer for the main character.
As Lillian looked her up and down once more, she felt her face grow a little hotter. She had been having dreams about running away with the character, traveling the world, and having many adventures.
Lillian started to fan herself.
It is like my fantasy come to life.
Kara chuckled nervously while holding the kitten and said, “I didn’t mean to startle you. It is just that dress looks nice on you is all.”
Lillian laughed nervously and said, “Thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself.”
Kara blushed and said, “I don’t know about that. This is what I usually wear when going out walking or hiking.”
Lillian raised an eyebrow and asked, “Really?”
Kara looked down at herself nervously and asked, “Ummm… yeah… I have always been a fan of the great outdoors and clothing like this makes it easy to roam around. Do you not like it?”
Lillian blushed nervously while shaking her head and said, “No, it is nothing like that. It is just that every time I see you, you tend to be covered up and in muted colors. What you are wearing now makes you look dashing.”
Kara blushed while rubbing the back of her head and said, “Thanks! I have never been told I looked dashing before.”
Lillian blushed harder while looking away and said, “I am surprised you haven’t been told that sooner.”
Kara and Lillian stood awkwardly by the bedroom door until the kitten suddenly purred loudly.
Lillian looked over to see the kitten in Kara’s hand and smiled.
He looks so adorable all decked out in purple with his collar, shirt, and beanie.
Lillian went over to the kitten and patted him on the head.
“I am sorry we kept you waiting Mittens. We are going to get you your food now.”
Kara chuckled while scratching the kitten’s chin which caused him to purr.
As they walked out of the room, Kara said, “I am curious to see what Bruce got for our little one here.”
Lillian chuckled and said, “Knowing him, it will be more decadent than Fancy Feast.”
Once they got to the kitchen, the duo was startled to see that there were several silver cloches on the table.
“I don’t know if I should be impressed or creeped out that they came in and out with the food without either of us knowing,” said Kara as she gradually sat down at the table with Mittens.
Lillian chuckled as she sat down across from Kara and said, “I am going to choose to be impressed. I’m actually looking forward to the feast that Bruce had prepared for us.”
Mittens jumped from Kara’s hand and started attacking the cloche to the left of Kara
Kara chuckled and said, “Seems like Mittens already sensed which cloche is for him.”
Lillian smirked and said, “I am not surprised. Mittens is very perspective.”
Lillian opened the cloche Mittens was scratching and was surprised to see salmon cut up into bite-sized pieces. Mittens eyes widen and instantly dived into the food eagerly.
Kara chuckled and said, “Didn’t have to tell Mittens twice about the food.”
Lillian chuckled and said, “At least we know he has a healthy appetite.”
Lillian eyed the cloche before her for a second before opening it. She smiled at the spread before her: a cup of coffee, two pieces of toast, scrambled eggs, sausage links, and a stack of pancakes with bowls of honey and maple syrup off to the side.
Kara smiled and said, “I take it you like your breakfast options this morning.”
Lillian looked up to Kara, smiled, and said, “Very much so. Did you like what you got?”
Kara looked down at her spread of orange juice, a waffle with two sunny side-up eggs for eyes, and a slice of bacon as a smile on top of the waffle. Next to it was a bowl of syrup.
Kara smiled and said, “I am impressed that he not only got the food down but also the way I like it spread out on the plate. I know it can look a little bit silly having it placed on the plate like this.”
Lillian chuckled and said, “Nonsense. Everyone has a certain way to eat their food. I can’t begin eating without drinking my coffee first. I remember that when Lena was little, she didn’t want any of her food to be on the same plate for fear of touching and Lex would perform skits with his food for fifteen minutes before eating it.”
Kara chuckled and said, “That kind of gives an insight into their current behavior.”
Lillian raised an eyebrow and asked, “How so?”
Kara looked up thoughtfully and said, “Well, Lena is very peculiar about how things are handled and Lex has always been the out-of-the-box thinker.”
Lillian looked up thoughtfully and said, “I never thought about it that way before.”
Kara smiled and said, “Yeah, you can tell a lot about a person based on what they eat and what they wear.”
Lillian raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is that so? Then, what does my food and clothing choice say about me?”
Kara looked up thoughtfully and said, “It suggests that you are warm and approachable which is kind of surprising.”
Lillian frowned and asked, “Why is that?”
Kara chuckled while rubbing the back of her neck and said, “Honestly, I always used to find you very intimidating.”
Lillian looked at Kara surprised and asked, “Really?”
Kara nodded and said, “Before Vegas, I would always see you dressed in neutral color suits drinking coffee and eating a rice cake at most.”
“Oh,” said Lillian as she looked down to poke at her pancakes.
Kara looked at her worriedly and said, “I didn’t mean anything by that. It is just that it is nice to see you eat more and dress more comfortably. You look happier.”
Lillian stared at her curiously for a moment before saying, “You are more observant than I give you credit for.”
Kara chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of her neck and asked, “Really?”
Lillian sighed while leaning back in her chair and sighed. When she was with Lionel she always tried to look like the perfect wife so she changed her clothing style and food habits to fit the part of the wife of a power-hungry businessman. Lillian shook her head.
Why did it take me until after the divorce to realize how much of my individuality I gave away to be the perfect wife?
Lillian looked up to Kara hesitantly and asked, “What you see before you is the true me. Before I got married, I used to eat and dress like this all the time. I wish I didn’t hide so many aspects of myself while I was married to Lionel.”
Kara gently grabbed Lillian’s hand and rubbed soothing circles.
“I am glad that you can be yourself now.”
Lillian blushed while looking away and said, “Thanks.”
They awkwardly held hands for a minute before the doorbell rang. Startled, Lillian quickly let go of Kara’s hand which caused Kara to frown.
As Lillian quickly got up, she said, “I’ll go answer the door.”
Lillian laughs nervously as she goes to the door.
Kara probably thinks I am crazy getting spooked like that.
As Lillian gets to the door, she looks through the peephole and sees that it is Jess on the other side.
Lillian smiled as she answered the door and said, “Welcome Jess.”
As Jess walked through the door, Lillian was a little startled by her appearance. Jess had her hair down instead of in a bun like she usually does and was wearing a plain yellow sundress.
As Lillian motioned for Jess to follow her to the kitchen, Lillian said, “You look very lovely this morning Jess.”
Jess smiled and said, “Thank you, Ms. Luthor. I was surprised that Mr. Wayne had clothes in my style and size.”
Lillian chuckled and said, “That’s Bruce for you.”
As the duo entered the kitchen, Kara smiled and said, “Hey Jess. I hope you have a good night's sleep and a wonderful breakfast this morning.”
Jess nodded as she sat down at the table and said, “I had the best night's sleep in ages. The bed was so soft that I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. And the breakfast was perfection. It had all of my favorites of a fruit bowl, milk, French toast with strawberry syrup and boiled eggs.” Jess looked over and saw the kitten fast asleep on the table next to its food bowl. Jess smiled and said, “I see that I am not the only one who had a good breakfast.”
Kara chuckled and said, “Mittens went to town when he saw all that salmon. I never knew a kitten’s eyes could get so big.”
Jess chuckled and said, “That’s so cute. Mittens is like me when I see those cheesy breads at Noonan’s. Nothing can get in my way when they have those for their daily specials.”
Kara chuckled and said, “That’s the same with me and dumplings. I would inhale them if I could.”
Lillian chuckled and said, “That would be an interesting sight.”
Jess chuckled and said, “It is. You should have seen Kara at the dumpling contest that Noonan’s threw last year. Seeing you stuff 100 of those dumplings down in half an hour was a sight to behold.”
Lillian smirked and said, “Oh really? I wish I was there to witness it.”
Kara blushed while looking down and said, “It was nothing really. It was just a small contest after all.”
Jess raised an eyebrow and asked, “Small? You won a lifetime supply of dumplings from Noonan’s in addition to the $10,000.”
Kara blushed harder while twiddling her thumbs and said, “Which I donated to charity.”
Lillian smiled and said, “You shouldn’t downplay your accomplishments. That is quite an achievement.”
Kara looked up at Lillian shyly and asked, “You really think so?”
Lillian nodded and said, “Of course. I can’t think of anyone that could do it.”
Kara looked up at Lillian blushing and said, “Thanks!”
Lillian looked up at Kara blushing and said, “You’re welcome.”
As the two women stared at each other awkwardly for a moment, Jess shook her head and chuckled internally.
Look at them acting shy in front of each other.
Jess decided to take pity on both women in front of her and cleared her throat to get their attention. Both women were startled out of their gaze as they turned to Jess to see her handing them folders.
Jess said, “In the folders, you will see more details about the activities for today. At 11:00, you will go to the botanical gardens, followed by a catered picnic in the middle of the botanical garden at 12:00. After that, you will have a little time to venture off to do other things on the island until you have to be at the cheese and wine tasting at 3:00. Once you are finished with that, the pilot should know if at that time if we will be taking off or being delayed by the weather. If we are delayed, we will have dinner together at a restaurant on the island followed by stargazing.”
Lillian nodded and said, “That sounds like a solid plan. Although I do hope we are able to leave this evening.”
Jess chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of her neck and said, “We shall see. You know how fickle the weather can be.”
Hopefully, Lex won’t delay us any further.
Suddenly, a phone rang. Jess quickly took out her phone and looked at who was calling. She sighed and shook her head.
Speak of the devil.
She looked up at Lillian and Kara sheepishly and said, “Sorry. I need to take this real quick.”
Lillian waved her hand, nodded, and said, “You don’t need to apologize.”
Kara nodded and said, “Don’t worry about us. Just take your call.”
Jess nodded nervously as she quickly got up and went outside.
Jess took a deep breath and said, “Hey Lex. Is this about the next stage in the plan?”
Lex was silent a moment before he asked, “The plan?”
Jess frowned while looking at the phone for a moment. She shook her head and said, “Yes, the plan about detouring to the island. You haven’t detailed whether I am supposed to keep a certain couple entertained for one night or two.”
Lex was silent for a moment before he said, “I am sorry for the lapse there. I will be calling later about that. I have a more pressing matter to discuss with you.”
Jess sighed while rubbing her forehead and said, “Let me guess. Lena found out what you are doing and is in a panic now because her mother and best friend are still not there.”
Lex sighed and said, “No, at least I don’t think so.”
Jess narrowed her eyes and asked, “Did something else happen?”
Lex was silent for a moment and said, “Clark has always said that I automatically jump to conspiracy theories when something is wrong, so maybe I’m seeing things.”
Jess softly groaned while rubbing her forehead and asked, “What is it that you think that is wrong?”
Lex sighed and said, “Well, it could be nothing….”
Jess rolled her eyes and said, “I have known you for many years. Clark is right about you being paranoid. However, I have seen the conspiracy theories that you have had over the last couple of years. Usually, there is some truth to it.”
“Wish my husband was here to hear you say that,” muttered Lex.
Jess sighed and said, “Clark is a stickler for the truth and only the truth which is why you make a good team. You notice when things are not right and he can zero in and discover the truth behind the matter. It is like the Thompson case. Everyone thought they were a normal family, but you thought they were weird because they had a 1950s nuclear family vibe to them.”
Lex groaned and said, “They all had a freaky smile even the kids. No one looks that happy all the time.”
Jess nodded and said, “I get that but most wouldn’t have jumped to thinking that they were aliens trying to imitate human beings.”
“The creepy 50’s attire and smiles screamed otherwise,” muttered Lex.
“Which is why I am glad that Clark humored you and looked into it. Would have never thought that the parents were the serial killers Olive and Brolin McDonnell and the two kids were children of some of the people they killed,” mused Jess.
“I knew they were strange but I never would have thought of them being responsible for over 100 murders.”
Jess sighed and said, “Hopefully, your next conspiracy theory won’t lead to something as tragic.”
Lex was silent for a moment.
Jess groaned and said, “Shit! What happened?”
Lex was silent for a moment and asked, “When was the last time you heard from Lena?”
Jess looked up confused for a moment before thinking about the question.
“Ummm, it would have been two days now. She was wondering why her mom never called her back and I told her that she got wasted, but that she was okay though.”
“Does she normally go that long without speaking to you?”
Jess looked up thoughtfully for a moment before frowning and said, “No, it’s not. With the wedding preparations, I have been getting multiple calls each hour. However, while trying to keep up with the chaos surrounding Kara and Ms. Luthor, I didn’t notice that Lena had gone radio silent. Did something happen?”
Lex sighed and said, “That is what I am trying to figure out.”
Jess raised an eyebrow and asked, “How do you not know? You are more ingrained in the wedding preparations than I am.”
Lex huffed and said, “I know that, but she has been acting more unhinged than usual.”
Jess rolled her eyes and asked, “How exactly?”
Lex said, “Well, for starters, she set her wedding dress on fire because she said it was hideous, canceled the caterers because she thought the food was disgusting, and picked a fight with everyone in the bridal party.”
Jess nodded and asked, “Are you really surprised that Lena would be a bridezilla on top of everything else.”
Lex chuckled and said, “Tell me how you really feel.”
Jess rolled her eyes and said, “After everything I have been through on this trip, she doesn’t pay me enough to mince words.”
Lex laughed and said, “Touché. I was prepared for Lena to be a batshit crazy bride, but I thought that there would be some method to the madness.”
Jess frowned and asked, “How so?”
Lex sighed and said, “Well, she refuses to find another dress or caterer even though the wedding is less than a couple of days away. Then the way she went after Sam was brutal on another level….”
Jess raised an eyebrow and asked, “Isn’t Sam her best friend?”
“You mean former best friend. At least I can’t imagine them being friends after Lena telling Sam she didn’t want her mistake baby to be in the bridal party.”
Jess looked up surprised and said, “Woah.”
Lex sighed and said, “Exactly. I had to jump in to prevent Sam from tackling Lena. Sam left with Ruby shortly after on the first flight out of Ireland.”
Jess rubbed the back of her head and said, “I can’t believe that Lena would say something like that. She loves Ruby and dotes on her constantly. She was so excited about finding her a flower girl dress that was similar to the wedding dress.”
Lex said, “I know. The reigning thought amongst the rest of the bridal party is that Lena may have had some falling out with Andrea since no one has seen Andrea or her family the last two days.”
Jess narrowed her eyes and asked, “Do you agree with their assessment?”
Lex sighed and said, “I honestly did until a couple of hours ago when she started asking weird questions about Kara.”
Jess sighed, shook her head, and said, “Let me guess, she wants to know where Kara is so that she can be with her now instead of Andrea. I can’t believe the nerve of her and this crap she put everyone through if that was going to be the case….”
“I don’t think that is quite it.”
Jess looked up perplexed and asked, “You don’t?”
“At first, I thought it was going in that direction. She had been checking her phone constantly wondering why Kara hadn’t answered any of her phone calls and messages the last couple of hours.”
Jess muttered and said, “I knew she was going to be pissed when Kara and her mother didn’t arrive when they were supposed to.”
Lex sighed and said, “Don’t be so dramatic. I told Lena yesterday that she would probably have issues with getting in touch with Kara and Mom because of the phone outage with their carriers.”
Jess raised an eyebrow and asked, “Really?”
Lex huffed and said, “Well, it isn’t far off from the truth. AT&T and T-Mobile don’t provide service on Bruce’s island as of yet. He is currently hoping to change that in the next two weeks.”
Jess frowned and said, “Okay, if what you say is true, I don’t see why any of this causes you concern about Lena.”
Lex said warily, “i see you missed the part that I told her about Kara and Mom yesterday.”
Jess rolled her eyes and said, “And…..”
“Even knowing that she wouldn’t reach them, she called anyway. When I told her we had this conversation before, she balked at me saying she doesn’t remember ever discussing it. What makes it weirder is that she was solely focused on Kara not being there. Didn’t ask about Mom even though she had been wanting her to be there. Now she doesn’t even care.”
Jess frowned and said, “Well, it has always been weird about the announcement of Lena marrying Andrea. Maybe, she is having second thoughts and realizes she is meant to be with Kara.”
Lex sighed and said, “I know people think that, but I have seen the way Lena and Andrea are with each other. They are truly in love.”
Jess raised an eyebrow and said, “Yet she is hyper-focusing on Kara.”
“I know which is why one of the members of the bridal party called her out on it and asked her why should Kara deem her worthy after breaking her heart with the wedding announcement.”
Jess shook her head and said, “Let me guess, she gave some type of sappy response about not wanting to hurt her.”
“Nope, she went into another wild direction.”
Jess raised her eyebrow and asked, “Really?”
“Really? She freaked the fuck out that Kara knew about her marriage to Andrea and was wondering who told her.”
Jess stared at the phone perplexed. She remembered the day that Kara found out about Andrea. It was the same day that Jess and everyone else at L-Corp found out. Lena had asked Jess to gather the L-Corp employees in the conference room so she could make a special announcement. She scheduled it right after her lunch with Kara. Jess was a little bit giddy because she thought it would be the big announcement, her proposing to Kara. However, things didn’t go the way they thought it would.
Jess thought that she was watching a car crash in slow motion. Lena showing off Andrea and the ring Andrea got her in contrast to seeing Kara’s heartbreaking before her very eyes. Lena was so absorbed in the news that she didn’t see Kara break into tears and run out of the room. Jess tried to go after her, but she had bolted like the wind.
When Jess went back to the conference room, it was eerily quiet. Lena was irritated that everyone gave their soft congrats and fled to their offices. Lena was especially peeved that Kara left without saying anything. Jess remembered just staring at Lena wondering if she was really that obtuse. She thought about saying something, She considered herself close to Lena, but Lena was also her boss.
Winn was mad at her for not saying anything to Lena. A part of Jess felt ashamed because she was like the rest of the employees of L-Corp. Everyone kept their heads in the sand about this new development with Lena and Andrea and didn’t want to risk their jobs to find out more. However, that didn’t prevent people from gossiping about the issue behind Lena’s back. The general consensus was that Lena was marrying Andrea to become co-CEO of Obsidian North and was hoping that Kara would be an understanding side piece. Jess didn’t want to believe that Lena could be so cold, but sometimes she wondered.
Jess scratched her head in thought.
I wonder if I had said something back then, would it have stopped the craziness that is happening now?
Jess shook her head, sighed, and said, “You’re right. I definitely didn’t see that coming.”
Lex said, “If I am not mistaken, Lena made this announcement while Kara was in the room in front of her right?”
Jess nodded and said, “Yeah. It was a sad sight to behold.”
Lex sighed and said, “I could only imagine. Clark, Alex, and I found Kara a blubbering mess the next day in her apartment. It took us several hours to understand exactly what happened through all the wailing.”
Jess sighed and said, “Given everything, I am not sure why she is playing dumb about the whole thing.”
Lex asked, “What makes you think she is playing dumb?”
Jess raised an eyebrow and said, “I take it that at this point your theory comes in.”
Lex muttered and said, “You don’t have to mock me.”
Jess rolled her eyes and said, “Just tell me.”
Lex was silent for a minute before saying, “I think that the Lena that we have been dealing with the last couple of days is a clone.”
Jess sighed while rubbing her head and asked, “A clone you say?”
Lex sighed and said, “Just hear me out.”
Jess rolled her eyes and said, “Fine.”
“Lena has been acting more unhinged than usual. I know more people would chalk her behavioral shift to the wedding, but I can’t imagine her saying the stuff she said especially about Sam and Kara.”
Jess sighed and said, “While I admit that her behavior is odd….”
“Yes,” said Lex warily.
“…I am not sure if clone is the correct thing. It is a little too far out there. However….”
“What?” asked Lex curiously.
Jess looked up thoughtfully and said, “Remember in the news there was an expose about CEO’s being blackmailed into giving their company over.”
Lex sighed and said, “Yeah, they tried to blackmail father, but he quickly went to the FBI which fortunately helped in his case.”
Jess said, “Well, Lena was contacted last week that she might be a potential target especially since she is marrying into the Rojas family.”
Lex huffed which caused Jess to chuckle and said, “You were really hoping for the sci-fi spin huh?”
Lex sighed and said, “Well, kind of. However, your thought would make more sense although I don’t see why she couldn’t give us a clue though.”
Jess looked up thoughtfully and said, “Depending on what they have on her, she may not want to risk her safety or others. May also explain why she is being more unhinged to force people away so they are not at risk.”
Lex huffed and said, “I hate how that all makes sense. How do we test your theory out?”
“Well, Lena has a protocol for this type of thing. We have coded questions that I can ask to see if she is okay or not.”
Lex said warily, “Only my sister would have a plan for if she is being black….”
Lex suddenly yelped.
Jess frowned and asked, “Lex, is everything okay?”
Lex chuckled nervously and said, “I am fine. Lena just suddenly appeared in the room out of nowhere. Lex paused and said, “Lena, you need a bell to announce when you are coming into a room.”
Lex chuckled for a couple of seconds before nervously petering out. The call went silent for a couple of seconds. Jess looked down to see if the call was still going and it was.
Jess asked nervously, “Lex, are you still there?”
Lex whispered, “Yeah, I’m still here.”
Jess frowned and asked, “What is happening?”
Lex whispered and said, “I am not sure. Lena has just been staring at me for a couple of minutes now. It is kind of eerie because she hasn’t even blinked yet. She kind of reminds me of the twin girls from The Shining.”
“You know that is a horror movie right,” said Jess nervously.
Lex whispered, “Well, it certainly feels like one right now.”
Suddenly, Lex yelped and said, “Hey, give that back.
Then the phone line went dead.
Jess tried to call back several times, but it went straight to voicemail. Jess tried calling Lena and the same thing happened. Jess frowned as she headed back inside the villa and sat down at the kitchen table.
Lillian looked up at Jess with concern and asked, “Is everything okay?”
Jess looked up startled for a moment and asked, “What?”
Lillian said, “You just look worried dear is all. Did something happen?”
Jess looked down at her phone and said, “There is a possible situation brewing, but I will get to the bottom of it.”
Lillian frowned and said, “I hope that it doesn’t have to do with the wedding.”
Kara frowned and said, “Or with the spectacle that we’ve caused at the hotel.”
Jess gave a forced smile, shook her head, and said, “It is nothing for you to worry about. I just need to verify something at work. Sometimes, this employee embellishes their story so you don’t know if the situation is severe or not.”
Lillian frowned and said, “Well, I do hope that everything turns out okay.”
Jess chuckled nervously and said, “Everything will be fine. Why don’t you guys head out to the botanical gardens and I can watch the kitten for you while you are out.”
Kara frowned and asked, “Are you sure you want to watch the kitten? It sounds like you may have a lot on your plate.”
Jess chuckled and said, “Honestly, I don’t mind babysitting. I think hanging with the kitten will be the highlight of my day after all of this.”
Kara and Lillian both look at each other warily.
Jess got up and cuddled the kitten and said, “I promise you we will be fine. We entertained each other while you were both incapacitated before. I am sure we will have another good time today.”
Lillian looked at Jess warily for a moment before sighing and said, “If you say so.”
Lillian turned to Kara hesitantly and asked, “Are you ready to go on our date…. I mean activity in the gardens.”
Kara blushed and said, “Sure.”
Kara and Lillian both looked at Jess hesitantly before they headed out. Jess waited five minutes to make sure they didn’t come back before dialing on her phone again.
The phone rang several times before she heard a click.
“Hello,” said Jess.
“Hey, honey. Is everything going on okay over there?” asked Winn.
“Well…..”
Winn sighed and said, “Don’t tell me that Lillian and Kara got themselves into more trouble.”
“No, no. Nothing like that. However, I do need a little favor.”
Winn sighed and said, “I hope that it is not illegal as the last thing that you asked me.”
Jess chuckled nervously and said, “Possibly.”
Winn groaned and said, “Jess….”
Jess sighed and said, “I wouldn’t be asking you this if I didn’t think there was potential danger going on.”
“What do you mean potential danger?” asked Winn worriedly.
Jess rubbed the back of her neck and said, “A source has let me know that things at Lena’s wedding aren’t going too well and that there are nefarious players involved.”
Winn was silent for a moment before asking, “This source wouldn’t be Lex wouldn’t it.”
Jess said hesitantly, “Maybe….”
Winn groaned and said, “You have got to be kidding me.”
Jess sighed and said, “I know that Lex has a hyper imagination. However, a lot of the things that he has crazy theories on do lead to something.”
Winn was silent for a moment before asking, “What does Clark have to say about this? He is usually able to determine if Lex’s ideas are out there or if there is some merit to it.”
Jess said hesitantly, “Well, Clark is in the middle of a war-torn country reporting so…”
“You want me to check the validity of it this time,” said Winn.
“I know that it may be nothing, but I rather not walking in on a possible hostile situation.”
Winn sighed and said, “I want you to be safe. What do you need me to do.”
Jess gave a sigh of relief and said, “We should reach Ireland tomorrow or the next day. I was wondering if you had agents in the DEO stationed in Ireland that could check out the area to see what is going on.”
Winn started chuckling.
Jess stared at the moment the phone for a minute frowning before asking, “What’s so funny?”
After a couple of moments, Winn said, “I am sorry about that. It is just that Alex and J’onn are already in Ireland. They believe that Kara is going to try to beg Lena to take her back. They were hoping to catch Kara before she makes a fool of herself.”
“Wow,” said Jess startled.
Winn sighed and said, “Yeah. I was trying to convince them to come back because as much as I agree with them, forcing Kara to come back is not the answer. However, if there is something dangerous going on, this will give them something to look into instead of thinking all the ways they can kill Lena and hide the body.”
Jess raised an eyebrow and said, “That graphic huh.”
“They have come up with 150 so far. Each one is getting more creatively bloodier than the last.”
Jess rubbed the back of her head and said, “I know that they are mad, but please tell them to be civil when interacting with her.”
Winn sighed and said, “Very well. What should Alex and J’onn be looking for.”
Jess looked up thoughtfully and said, “Things that don’t seem right for a wedding. The main focus should be on Lena and if she has been compromised in any way. Lex thinks that a clone has taken her place and that would explain the odd behavior. However, I think there is a good chance that she is being blackmailed. The FBI never caught the anonymous group that has been targeting CEOs for the last couple of months.”
“Okay. I will let them know. Do Kara and Lillian know what is going on?”
Jess sighed and said, “No.”
Winn groaned and said, “Jess…”
Jess rubbed the back of her neck and said, “I know. I know. However, I rather have my ducks in the row before telling them they need to panic or not. There is still a small possibility that there is nothing going on.”
Winn sighed and said, “I see where you are coming from. When were you guys supposed to leave?”
“Well, Lex told me either tonight or tomorrow night. I was trying to probe on the plans he had for us, but his call cut off and he hasn’t been answering since.”
“Okay, I should have something from Alex or J’onn to report back to you before tomorrow afternoon.”
Jess smiled and said, “Have I ever told you how wonderful you are?”
Winn chuckled and said, “Every day.”
Jess beamed and said, “Well, I mean. I got so lucky when I met you.”
“I feel even luckier. Let me get started here and put the two worry warts to good use.”
Jess chuckled, and said, “Okay. I will talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
Jess sighed as she looked down at Mittens. He was currently rubbing up against her hand. Jess picked him up squeezed him against her chest and kissed his head.
Jess looked down at Mittens and asked, “Do you think I am being overly cautious?”
Mittens looked up at her, purred, and rubbed up against her hand.
Jess chuckled and said, “If only I could be as oblivious to the world as you.”