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Country Girl - Chapter 1
🕑 Added 2023-03-27 20:24:54 +0000 UTCRating: Mature, Non-ABO.
Description: Kara Danvers has spent her whole life on the family farm, and she's immediately enthralled by Lena Luthor, the beautiful girl sent there to reform between semesters. Kara has no idea of Lena’s celebrity status, or the life she's trying to escape. All she knows is that she wants to befriend this intriguing stranger. [Another March Madness winner. More to come this week].
Tags: This is slow burn with eventual smut. I know, it's me, so how could that be? This has been sitting in my WIPs folder for like five years. It's 188 pages and 86,450 words in total pre-edits. This first chapter is around 4,000 words. I haven't posted it until now because... well, I don't know why. I couldn't make myself look at it again. I know that's a weird excuse, but a common problem with me and writing. I like to write stuff, read it once, and toss it into the void for you to read - or just leave it sitting there. If you like the start, let me know and I'll force myself to delve back into it. I actually have some other pieces like this - same problem.
Other tags: Dork Kara. Kara POV. It's hinted that Kara's neurodivergent (and you're welcome to interpret it however you will). Gay awakening (Kara). Problems with drug use (brief - Lena). College summer life, Farm AU.
The bright morning sun illuminated the Danvers’ farmlands and turned the dew that clung to the grass into diamonds. The fields sparkled in a way that always delighted Kara, and she stilled in her rush to breathe deeply, savoring the fresh warm air before the shriek of chickens snapped her out of her sleepy haze.
“I’m coming,” Kara whispered under her breath, tightening her hands on the bucket of feed she clutched.
The chickens swarmed towards her with an accusatory squawk before she could even open the gate to their pen.
“I know I’m late, but you don’t have to take that tone,” Kara murmured fondly and scattered a handful of seed to move them away from the gate.
Her sister Alex followed her down the path and slipped on a pair of work gloves.
“Do you know you sound insane?” Alex asked in a gruff, tired tone. “They don’t care. Just feed them, so I can collect the eggs.”
Kara rolled her eyes and cooed at the chickens if only to irritate Alex while she doled out the seed.
“Just because you pretend you don’t get attached doesn’t mean I have to do the same,” Kara muttered over her shoulder. “You know she cares, isn’t that right?” She directed her question to the closest hen with pillowy golden feathers that puffed up as she clucked. “See, even they know you’re a big softie, Alex.”
“Shut up and get out of my way,” Alex grumbled and swept a hand through her short, messy hair before she bent down to check the coup for eggs.
“How do you feel about this girl that’s coming to stay here?” Alex asked.
The question was offhanded enough that Kara could have believed Alex was indifferent, but there was a tightness to her posture that made Kara doubt it.
“Well, I—I don’t know,” Kara stuttered. “I guess it’s a little weird, but it could be fun, right? Having someone else help out over summer. We could use more friends.”
“Speak for yourself. I have plenty of friends.” Alex retorted, furrowing her brows and pressing her lips tightly together in a way that made Kara laugh.
“Yeah, right, the animals don’t count,” Kara teased in return, and narrowly avoided the slap Alex aimed at her shoulder.
“Girls, hurry up!” Their mother Eliza called from the porch. “Our guest is arriving.”
Kara and Alex both stood up, their attention shifting from each other to the car that hurried down the long stretch of road.
As the vehicle neared the house, Kara spilled the rest of the feed and dashed out through gate, leaving Alex to trail behind her.
“Her name is Lena,” Eliza reminded them as they all walked out to where the stately-looking car was kicking up dust.
The driver exited first, handling the luggage and rolling it out to Eliza. They spoke to each other, no doubt about the girl, and then the driver opened the back door.
Lena’s reluctance was clear. It took her a long time to get out of the car, and when she finally did, she stood in the driveway and brooded. She took in Eliza first with her judging, cold eyes, and then moved on to scrutinizing Alex and Kara. Her clothes were inappropriate for farm work — a fitted black dress and heeled boots, fashionable but not practical. The light dust on the breeze would easily dirty her if she waited there any longer.
Coughing and miserable, Lena still hung back and waited even when Alex aggressively seized her largest bag.
“I guess you’re not the type who likes to lift a finger,” Alex said, skipping all of the pleasantries. “I’m Alex. That’s Kara.”
“Alex,” Eliza scolded and gestured for Kara to help with all of Lena’s things. “Lena is our guest, and from all that I’ve heard about her, she’s very hard working and
excited to be here. Right, Lena? Your mother told me you wanted to come.”
If Kara had to guess, that wasn’t what excitement looked like on Lena’s face.
Lena stared dully at the ground and crossed her arms, and it gave Kara the chance to study her up close: she was fair-skinned, beautiful, and angry with naturally pouting lips and a blush on high cheekbones. She restrained her long black hair in a ponytail, and it lashed against her shoulders as she shook her head.
“My mother never asks me what I want,” Lena admitted. “But it doesn’t matter. I have nowhere else I can go. Thank you for allowing me to stay here.”
As if to prove Alex wrong, Lena picked up two of her heaviest bags and carried them towards the farmhouse without glancing back.
Alex sped up, getting in front of her as they made it to the door.
Kara grabbed the remaining bag and hesitated near Eliza as the car drove off. She wanted to comment on how upset Lena seemed, but then thought better of it.
“It’ll be an adjustment, but I’m sure Lena will feel welcome and at home in no time,” Eliza said softly, her smile light as she placed a hand on Kara’s shoulder in comfort.
Kara blinked up at her, startled that Eliza had understood what was on her mind.
“I guess I just expected she’d be happier.” Kara trailed off, her shoulder lifting in a shrug of dismay. “But you’re right, this must be so different from what she’s used to in the city.”
Eliza hummed low in her throat and took her hand back. “I know I don’t have to say this, but treat her with compassion, Kara, and tell Alex I want to speak to her.”
Kara’s lips twisted in a cringe because she knew that her sister was about to get chewed out for being so moody. She hurried into the house, up the stairs, and all but fell into the room because Alex opened the door just as Kara tried to shoulder into it. She stumbled over her feet and crashed onto her knees, dropping the bag and herself at Lena’s polished heels with a grunt.
Kara pushed herself up from the heap of embarrassment she had become and squinted at Lena as she brushed the hair from her eyes. She forced out a laugh that did nothing to change the blush on her cheeks and motioned to the bag that had slid partially under the bed. “Sorry about that. Here’s your last bag.”
Alex snorted behind her, her eyes boring challengingly into Lena as she sneered, “Too bad she didn’t bring something to store the stuff she brought. There’s nowhere to put it all.”
Kara’s head whipped towards her sister and she frowned at the aggressive stance she took.
“Mom wants to talk to you,” Kara blurted suddenly, and watched the way Alex’s grin faltered and the spark in her eyes dimmed.
“Great,” Alex sighed, her head falling forward until her chin tucked against her chest. She moved reluctantly, as though her feet were stuck to the floor, and then slammed the door behind her.
“Don’t worry about Alex. She’ll warm up to you,” Kara earnestly stated, her hands falling to her hips as she gazed at Lena. “I cleared out three of my drawers for you to use. There’s also plenty of space in the closet if you want to unpack.”
Kara moved around the room to show Lena the small spaces she had carved out for her, and smiled warmly as she offered, “I can help you if you want.”
Lena pushed all of her bags under the twin sized mattress on her side of the room, except for one smaller case that she opened.
“I don’t plan to unpack,” Lena replied politely enough but without returning any of Kara’s warmth. “Your mother isn’t going to want me to stay for long, and if it was up to your sister, I think I’d already be on my way back to the city.”
As Lena pulled several books from her bag and stacked them on her bed, Kara thought nothing of it, but the items that Lena handled next gave her pause.
If Kara hadn’t been staring so intently, she would have missed it – but she noticed the unmistakable white powder in plastic bags, the packets of cigarettes that Lena hid away beneath a make-up pouch.
“So, it’s Kara, right?” Lena asked with minimal interest. “Do you like the small town life?”
“Oh, uh—yeah, it’s you know, quiet. I mean—peaceful. Well—sort of. It can get pretty loud during the day, but it’s nice,” Kara sputtered.
She was conflicted already by what she had seen and what she should do about it.
If she kept it to herself, it would be condoning the drugs, and if she told Alex, it would be like dousing Lena in gasoline and handing her sister a box of matches.
“Do you miss the city already?” Kara asked, her eyes darting around the room as she grasped for anything better to say.
Kara’s mind was still fixated on the bags of powder, and though there was no logical reason, it crushed her a little inside. She had only just found out that they would be hosting Lena all summer. Some irrational part of Kara had latched onto the idea of becoming Lena’s friend despite knowing nothing about her, and now here Lena was, hiding things in her bedroom.
Kara couldn’t bring herself to ask why Lena had brought it. Instead, she shifted from foot to foot, an anxious habit she had never outgrown, and then tried again, “You must really love it there, the city, but give it a few days, and I bet you’ll love it here, too. We have so many animals, and we get fresh eggs, and milk, and we grow all our own vegetables—”
Lena’s eyes brightened at Kara’s enthusiasm and she wandered over to a wide window that faced the back of the house.
“Sounds like you’re very self-sustaining, and it seems like this place isn’t as far out in the country as I first assumed.”
There was a new development in the area, along with a few other older farmhouses, and the small township was located down a winding road and within walking distance.
“Any chance you want to accompany me on a walk into town?” Lena asked. “I need to change my clothes first, but I’ll be quick about it.” She stooped to rummage in one of her bags, tugging out a pair of stylish skinny jeans and a white tee.
Kara waved her in the direction of the bathroom and Lena came out moments later in the more relaxed outfit.
“I’ll just let my mom know we’re heading into town before we go,” Kara said and vanished down the stairs so fast she practically flew.
Eliza was in the kitchen and Alex was nowhere to be seen.
“Lena wants to head into town, so I was wondering if maybe I could go with her?” Kara asked hopefully, pressing her fingers into the counter. “I can show her around and get to know her better.”
Eliza tipped her head to the side as she considered it, then exhaled softly, “I suppose showing her around won’t hurt.”
Kara’s enthusiasm for things could be infectious, and Eliza reeled her back by stating firmly, “But I expect you both to be back by midafternoon to help Alex on the farm.”
“We will, we’ll be back by then,” Kara promised.
She found Lena by the stairs and ushered her out the door. Her excitement was short lived, because the wind from earlier that had been raising the dust now kicked up a notch. They made it halfway down the road when a storm drifted in over the fields. Splattering the dirt with rain, the clouds burst with a loud rip and crackle.
Lena crossed her arms over her chest, getting drenched through to her skin before Kara could direct her to shelter beneath an empty fruit stand where they could just about stand shoulder to shoulder.
A few trucks drove down the street and one of them stopped after noticing their desperation.
James Olsen drove his truck up on the shoulder. His sister Kelly rolled down the passenger side window to shout at Kara.
“Well, aren’t you lucky we were just on our way to your place?” Kelly laughed. “Hop in. Fortunately we have some beach towels from our recent trip to the shore still in the back.”
Lena shivered and tried to shake the water off of her, looking uncertain as Kara opened the door to the truck and gestured for her to get inside.
“We were actually just going into town,” Lena asserted.
“You’re going into town?” James asked as Kara climbed in, though his eyes were on Lena as he spoke. His grin was lazy as he turned in his seat, his wrist resting on the steering wheel. “Who’s this?” He asked, entirely too interested for Kara’s liking.
“A friend,” Kara stated, the word so forceful it rocked James out of his leering. “Lena.”
He laughed, a booming sound inside the vehicle, and revved the engine once Kelly had pointed out the beach towels.
Kara handed a towel to Lena first before grabbing one for herself. Clumps of sand stuck to it and she decided she would rather be soaked than mucky. She dropped it back in place and nudged Lena gently, “This is Kelly, and that’s James. They’re friends of ours.”
“We’ll drop you off in town.” Kelly intoned, and gave James a pointed look when she caught him eyeing Lena up in the rearview mirror. “Won’t we?” She prompted, and James laughed again.
“Yeah, you got it,” James agreed.
Lena’s guard went even further up as she sat beside Kara, stony faced and quiet while she trembled underneath a beach towel. Her thin shirt stuck to her frame and her ponytail streamed water down her back.
“Hey, aren’t you the Lena Luthor?” James curiously piped up. “With your brother’s notoriety, and all of the constant news coverage about your family, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of big fans around here.”
“Just what I always wanted – admirers from a small town in the middle of absolutely nowhere,” Lena sarcastically remarked and rolled her eyes towards the window, where they stayed focused on the roads and corn fields. She leaned into Kara’s warmth when the truck went around a turn, and even if they had only just met, it felt strangely comfortable.
“I teach middle school,” James announced, canting his head towards a building they passed on their drive. “My students are obsessed with your brother’s reality TV show, and if memory serves me correctly, you were even in a few episodes. I read an article about your family reaching mega fame.”
Lena’s shoulders fell and she pressed herself into Kara’s side, like she was ready to exit the truck as soon as it pulled up at the curbside.
“I had no idea you knew so much about reality television,” Kelly chuckled at her brother and then glanced at Kara, amused and possibly even a little frustrated with how James spoke to Lena. She seemed intent on interrupting the conversation.
“Is that what you want do, Lena?” Kelly asked. “Become a reality TV star?”
“An engineer,” Lena whispered so quietly that she sounded uncertain about it.
“Really?” James voice held a note of disbelief. “Wow, that’s so surprising.” He laughed louder and ignored the way Kelly glared at him in reproach.
“Don’t listen to him. The most he can make is a mess,” Kelly interjected quickly, but not fast enough if Lena’s slumped shoulders were any indication.
“An engineer?” Kara repeated, not oblivious to the tension, but eager to overcome it. “That’s so cool.”
The mood in the truck felt bumpier than the road, but Kara channeled her optimism to plough through. “What kind of things do you make? I bet I can find something on the farm for you to tinker with if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty.”
Before Lena could answer, Kara pointed out the window and inclined her head, “Oh hey, we’re here. You can drop us off now.”
“You sure?” James found Kara’s gaze in the rearview mirror. “I can pull up to the diner, or—”
“Here’s great,” Kara insisted, leaving no room for James to say anything else as she opened the door the second he rolled to a stop. “Thank you.”
She hopped out of the truck and waited for Lena to follow before she waved goodbye to Kelly. “I figured we could walk through town and get some fresh air. I hope you don’t mind?”
Lena shrugged noncommittally and strolled along with her arms woven over her chest. The rainwater drenched her shirt and left it sheer. It made her withdraw even more into herself as they passed by the different small shops on the main road.
“Can we go in there?” Lena asked when she spotted a clothing store that sold mostly men’s hunting and outdoor wear.
With her mind clearly made up before Kara could even agree, Lena went inside and disappeared between the racks of heavy camouflage and neon coats. The jean jackets caught her eye and Lena picked up two different options, checking the tags for the sizing. The coats would be too big on her, but she walked up to the counter and paid for them both.
The cashier, Mike Matthews, peered at her curiously as he rang up the purchase.
“I don’t recognize you and I know almost everybody in this small town,” Mike commented. “Are you visiting someone?”
“I’m friends with Kara Danvers,” Lena told him, and motioned to Kara, where she waited over by the door.
Lena took the jackets from Mike and slipped one onto her shoulders, then handed the other to Kara and ushered her out of the store.
“Oh, thank you,” Kara said in confusion and pulled the jacket on. She made a mental note to repay Lena later.
“People ask a lot of questions around here,” Lena muttered under her breath.
Kara shrugged. “Yeah, that’s the thing about small towns, everybody knows everybody. Which I guess is code for people being prone to gossip. You get used to it after a while but it can be pretty annoying.” She laughed, a strained sound that tapered away as she coughed.
“Anyway, we have a mall, and there’s an ice cream place that makes the best rocky road ever, and if you like Chinese food, you’ll love The Golden Dragon, and—”
Kara faltered, seeing the look Lena directed her way. “And I’m rambling again. I’m sorry, we can go anywhere you want. I know there’s not much, but I hope this is a little fun for you.”
Lena seemed more content now that she could pull the jacket around her, even if it swallowed up her small shoulders.
In the end, they walked through the town, not committing to any destination as Lena took in all of the sights and the people.
“Take me to your favorite place,” Lena suggested when they came to the welcome sign, where all that was left to see was the town hall and fire station.
Kara led them back towards the mall, then detoured down a path that took them to an old looking store that had a bell above the door. It jangled when Kara pushed her way in, and the scent of freshly baked goods wafted out to surround them.
“Kara!” The woman behind the counter called. “I haven’t seen you in days, I was starting to get worried.”
“Oh I’m fine,” Kara blushed, and pushed her glasses bashfully up her nose as she stepped closer to the counter in the small cafe. There were only five tables and a row of seats near the big window, and despite how small and empty it seemed, it was easy to imagine it full during the morning rush. “Do you have any of the sticky buns left?”
“You’re in luck. I’ve still got three,” The woman gushed. “Do you want them to go?” She asked, eyeing Lena curiously.
“Yes, please, and uh — I had better grab a slice of pecan pie, too, or Alex will kill me.” Kara grinned.
There was a jovial bounce in her step as she paid for the baked goods. The moment they were back outside, Kara handed one of the sticky buns to Lena and ravenously bit into her own.
“Trust me, these are worth the calories and you’re gonna need the energy if we’re walking back to the farm,” Kara mumbled around a mouthful.
Lena licked the frosting off her fingers first and bit into the bun. “You don’t have to convince me to indulge in sweets. I might be from a culture of eating disorders, plastic surgery and spinning classes, but I love pastries.”
Finding a low stone wall to sit on, Lena perched on top of it and picked at the cinnamon spirals of her treat.
“So are you always like this with complete strangers?” Lena asked. “I assumed you were a bit simple at first, but you’re just genuinely kind, aren’t you?”
“Simple?” Kara repeated, her eyebrows knitting together as she paused mid bite. She laughed a second later, an awkward sound that carried no humor and a twinge of hurt as she slumped onto the wall next to Lena and scuffed the heel of her boots against the rough surface. She chewed her lower lip and let a heavy silence fall around them with the raindrops.
Kara shifted to look at Lena. Her curious eyes lacked any judgment but she was guarded as she confided, “I suppose I think of strangers as friends I just don’t know yet, and no—I don’t mean I instantly trust everyone I meet, but I try to treat them the way I want to be treated. If that makes me weird, I don’t care.”
Lena opened her mouth in surprise and consideration, then set the rest of her cinnamon bun down in its paper wrapper.
“I didn’t mean to insult you,” Lena clarified. “You’re just – well, different. Not everyone has that perspective.”
Rolling her shoulders in a weak shrug, Lena glanced back down the road and idly ripped at the tall grass.
“I don’t have many friends, anyway, so maybe I just speak from a place lacking in experience,” Lena admitted. “Do you want the rest of my cinnamon roll?” She held it out to Kara, who eyed it before eagerly snatching it up.
“It’s fine,” Kara said, taking a bite of the sticky bun. “I get it, sort of. You’re not the first person to think I’m different and I’m sure you won’t be the last. I think I’ve just been—”
Kara pressed her lips together, a self-silencing technique that only lasted a few seconds before words tumbled out of her, uncontrolled, “I mean it’s not like we get many new people in town and I know I don’t know you, but I have been looking forward to meeting you all week. So, what I’m trying to say is that I’d like to be your friend.”
“Oh,” Lena breathed out, cinching her brows together as if Kara baffled her. “Sure. We can be friends.”
Kara grinned. “Great, I’m really glad.”
Lena Luthor was a paradox to Kara, different from anyone she had ever met – rebellious, yet reserved. Too quiet to be considered friendly, but still kind in her own way, and smart enough not to engage with James.
It seemed like Kara was making slow but good progress in getting to know her, and she made even more during their long walk back to the farm.
They determined that they both liked the same ice cream flavors when they stopped for a cone with scoops of rocky road and chocolate peanut butter.
Lena shared a few stories about the city where she lived, the clubs she visited, and weekend parties on her college campus. By the time they reached the posts that dotted the landscape around the farm, Kara felt like she knew a lot more about Lena.
Eliza seemed happy when they walked through the door with a face covered in flour from a cake she had baked for their return. She smiled when she saw Kara and Lena were getting along.
Kara’s excitement over having a new friend reached a high when Lena hurried upstairs to change so that they could both help Alex.
It wasn’t until Kara went into the bathroom to change her own clothes that her mood slipped.
When she was about to hurry back into the room, she saw Lena hunched over and snorting a line of white powder from the top of her night table. As Kara stepped out of the bathroom, Lena straightened up and concealed the table from view.
“I’m all ready to help muck out the stables,” Lena grinned, her smile bright and wide. Her eyes became darker as her pupils dilated. “Let’s get a move on before your sister develops an even worse opinion of me.”
Comments
More soon! ☺️ Thank you! 💙
Please stay safe and don't accept candy or "candy" from strangers. 👀 It's very cool you were able to relate to Kara! And don't worry about pressing enter, etc. I do it all of the time. Thank you!
Haha, yeah, Lena's not accustomed to dealing with nice people. But also Kara's just... Kara.
It's awesome you can relate to her! I really wasn't sure how everyone would feel about slow burn because all of my updates are the very opposite of that, but I'm really delighted you're excited for it. Thank *you*!
This is certainly going to be an interesting story. Looking forward to the next chapter
Gah! My fat thumb always presses send too soon! I am really enjoying this one so far. Kara reminds me of myself, albeit a far kinder version lol. The chapter reminded me of the time I almost accepted sweeties from a stranger in a club, until someone pointed out they were drugs! Lol
I’m not fully sure why, but this made me burst out laughing: “So are you always like this with complete strangers?” Lena asked. “I assumed you were a bit simple at first, but you’re just genuinely kind, aren’t you?”
This is so exciting! I grew up in a tiny little country town so I can relate to Kara a lot. I really love this is a slow burn and I cannot wait to see how this unfolds. Great work! Thank you for sharing.
Yeah, it's going to take her a little bit of time! Lena's about 21, but her family is holding a lot over her (including money for college) to ensure she doesn't make a mess of her life over the summer and cause them a media storm of problems. James is about 22-23 (graduated and working), so they're in the same age range, but he's still kinda an ass in this one. Kara's actually 20 turning 21. There's sort of a pecking order on the farm when it comes to work and responsibility, so I think she comes off as immature asking Eliza if she can go out. But Eliza is also her boss, and it's more about work than needing permission, if that makes sense. As a general rule, I'd never write main characters younger than their 20s in the mature+ category. Alex does find out in the next part. 👀 Thank you and I'm looking forward to sharing more!
Rocket
I’m so STOKED for this oh man! Lena showing up and while not totally a city brat it looks like she’s going to take some time getting used to the pace of Midvale. How old are they in this one? I was picking up maybe late high school vibes but some how I don’t think James is THAT creepy to be eyeing up a high schooler. But poor Kara just wanting a friend and they’re off to a rocky start. I hope Lena’s addiction doesn’t get to be too much of a problem either for her or if/when Alex finds out 👀👀 gosh I’m so excited for this and to think you’ve already gotten a whole novel’s worth of words for it!! If you decide to share I just know it’s gunna be just fantastic
Lena is struggling with some things, but Kara is there to support her through it.
“Kara’s mind was still fixated on the bags of powder, and though there was no logical reason, it crushed her a little inside.” Same Kara, same. It’s not logical. She’s a fictional character, but I still just want Lena to happy and healthy and while the drugs aren’t necessarily antithetical to that, they don’t bode well
Yeah, and it's just been sitting there. I don't know why I'm like this. Thank you! Will be posting more.
Thank you for the input. Yeah, Lena's a little perplexed by her but also still receptive to her thoughts.
Thank you! I hope the overall story is one you'll enjoy. 💙
Thank you!! ☺️
If you enjoy it, then that'll be cool. It's different from other things I've written and I figured it'd be better to offer it up than to leave it alone forever. Maybe. 😂 Thank you.
Thank you! ☺️ I'll post more soon. I read through a bit more of it because of everyone's responses.
Already 80k words?! I'm hooked on the first 4,000. Would like to see where this is going.
I look forward to reading more of this and seeing where you take it. I'm glad Lena didn't just dismiss Kara.
Love it! I'm excited to see what you do with this universe! Thanks for sharing ;)
Love it!!
You wrote a whole novel and I’m looking forward to reading more. Anything you write is enjoyable so I’m eager to see this slow burn play out (sooner :) )
Loving this already! Can't wait to see where it goes.
