Chapter Text
Autumn. Autumn was the most beautiful season in Adora's opinion. Autumn was the time for everything to be just right. Autumn felt mature, the calm before the storm of winter, and after the birth of spring. Autumn described everything Adora felt, so it was only natural; it was her favorite season, and it was here as she traveled to a new point in her life. The roads, signs, and buildings seemed to blend together as they drove past. The car wasn't moving particularly fast, but being so lost in her mind Adora wasn't focused on anything. Things were blurring together. Everything was so new. So she went over what she did know.
Fact; she was driving to her new 'home'.
Fact; she was in a new town and knew no one.
Fact; she just lost everything in her life, even though it wasn't a good life, it was familiar.
A tumbling roll of thunder brought Adora back to reality. It was irritating. Reality wasn't where she wanted to be. Reality was cruel, unrelentless as it was unforgiving. In reality, she had nothing. In her memories, she had something tangible, a family. The pitter-patter of rain soon caught her focus as she watched the raindrops race one another down her window. Outside she saw the sign 'Welcome to Etheria!'. Etheria, a small unknown town in the middle of Wyoming. It was quaint, tucked away like its own little world. Thunder rumbled overhead again with a flash of hot white lighting zipping through the sky. Why did it always rain on the worst days?
"Adora, listen. I know it's been rough these past couple of months, but this family is nice. It's small, but they will give you everything you need."
Adora turned to meet the women's eyes in the rearview mirror. The women had bright fluffy orange hair and light brown skin. She was usually kind and comforting, but she looked genuinely lost looking at Adora. Adora's mouth thinned as she racked her brain for a response. Nothing came. She couldn't be bothered to humor her with even a faux smile.
"Come now, Adora. Speak to me."
Suddenly Adora felt something. A flash of simmering heat raced through her body, jolting her brain to life with the sudden sensation of unbridling and unknown anger. She didn't know why she was so angry, but Adora hadn't felt much in weeks so latching onto the only emotion she had felt in awhile her response was sharp, "About what? What do you want to talk about, Starla?".
Flinching at the outburst, Starla's eyes drifted away from the mirror and back to the road. Guilt settled with the dying anger. Another emotion, Adora, was getting lucky. But soon it passed as well, leaving Adora feeling as numb and empty as before.
"I just wanted to make sure.." Starla trailed off. Probably understanding that whatever she was going to say would hold no value. Not in this conversation. Not with Adora, not now.
Adora turned her attention back to the window as they kept driving. More rain began to drop from the sky as she phased back into her mind, into her old familiar memories.
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The pair rounded the last corner and pulled into a gated area. Starla left for a moment to open the gate. Soon they drove down a long driveway that curved leading to the large house that was tucked away in the forested area. Adora was taken back; the place looked almost mystical. The house was large but not quite a mansion. A colossal window was on the left side that seemed to let in as much light as possible. The brown roof had multiple peaks. The front lawn looked natural but well maintained. A large tree with vibrant red and deep orange leaves curled around the outside of the house, almost framing it as the house dipped into its forestry surroundings effortlessly. Pulling in front of the house, she felt suddenly overwhelmed. What was this? This was a joke; it had to be. No one with money that these people seemingly had would want Adora. Adora was a broken child who just turned 15. No one wanted a broken child. If they did want her, it couldn't be for anything good, right? It had to be for something else, but they already had money, so it couldn't be for the check, right? It was too much. Her anxiety was spiking, and her heart rate kept climbing. Too much too fast.
Starla noticed Adora panicking rather quickly; she knew the signs of the anxious girl on the verge of a breakdown, she had seen it plenty before. Adora's leg began to bounce sporadically as she picked the skin on her thumbs fingernail. She would rub her fingers together as they grew clammy and wipe them on her pants with shaky hands. Unbuckling her seatbelt, Starla turned over the console of her car and placed a warming hand on the girl's shoulder.
"It's okay. You're okay. I promise they are nice people, Adora." Starla's voice didn't waver as she spoke with quiet yet confident reassurance. She began to rub a familiar and soothing pattern on Adora's shoulder that helped ground her. Taking in a deep breath and shakily exhaling, Adora repeated this for a few rounds before her leg stopped vibrating. She gave a small yet noticeable grateful smile to Starla. Starla reciprocated the smile in kind before unlocking her door and getting out of the car. Adora began to unbuckle her seatbelt she saw the house's front door open with two figures walking outside. The first notable figure was the short gangly older woman who walked with her broom. She was white and had surprisingly long wild looking white hair. She wore a long purple dress, and on her face, she had funny large thick-lensed glasses. It was an odd combination, yet it worked for the old women, much like the house. The other figure was a taller stunning younger woman. Her skin was a light mocha brown that looked practically radiant with vibrant deep brown hair that was in a long braid that started high on her head. She was wearing a v-neck light blue shirt and pants with a brown belt to finish the outfit. The girl was well built with her broad shoulders and long legs.
Adora felt herself push the seat belt strap away from her chest as she watched the pair approach Starla. The three began to talk, and soon the tall brunette looked over Starla's shoulder and spotted Adora, who was attempting to shrink into herself still nervous. The girl gave a kind smile and made her way towards the car door. Adora mentally prepared herself because even though this girl looked kind enough, it didn't change the fact Adora was horrible at social interaction. She couldn't ruin this; she couldn't disappoint everyone a second time.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you finally, Adora, I'm Mara" Mara's voice was full of kindness and authenticity. It made Adora feel somewhat better.
"Hey," Adora's voice cracked as she pushed the word out of her; she felt embarrassed immediately. Adora didn't know what to say or do. She didn't want to ruin this, but she was so awkward. 'Why do I have to be as awkward' was a question she repeatedly asked herself, especially in these kinds of situations.
"Want me to help you grab your things and show you around?" Mara's smile never faltered. Her kind tone didn't ebb away. With a solemn nod of Adora's head, Mara's smile grew as she backed away from the door opening and held out her hand, "Alright then, let's get your things and get you settled."
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Inside of the house was just as mesmerizing as the outside. It looked modern but in a simplistic type of manner. It was cozy yet open. Mara has led Adora through the hallway and into the living room. The kitchen was spacious and off to the right side of the living room. It was large with an island bar. The living room was large and well lit with the large window Adora noticed from up the driveway. Decorations of old looking javelins and swords hung on the wall with pictures of Mara and the elderly women. They looked happy. Content. Could Adora have that? Soon the pair made their way up the stairs located directly in front of the front door. The girls came to another short hallway.
"Okay over here is our bathroom," Mara said gesturing to the only door of the left side of the hallway, "This is my room," Mara pointed to a brown oak door that was decorated with stars and constellations, the name Mara written in cursive in the middle that was at the end of the hall, "and this is your room".
Mara pushed over the door to reveal a spacious room. The room had a large queen size bed pushed into the far right corner of the room. There was a simple nightstand next to the bed with a cute little lamp on top. A desk was on the very left of the door that had a cup of pens and pencils, and directly across from the entrance was a large bay window with the small throw pillows on the cushions. It was still rather basic, but it was much more than Adora was accustomed to. She found herself overwhelmed again, the phrase 'you don't deserve this' echoed in her mind.
"I know it's kinda bare right now, but I figured me and you could go and get stuff you like over the weekend and decorate your room with stuff you like," Mara spoke as she pulled Adora's light suitcase into the room. Adora was stunned, she hugged herself as tears threatened to spill over. Mara noticed and began to comfort the younger girl by placing her hand on Adora's shoulder. "Hey, hey, I know. It's okay. New place, new people. It can be overbearing, but it's alright." Mara began to rub a familiar pattern on Adora's arm. She began to take deep, quavery breaths.
"M' sorry, I'm just not used to people being like you," Adora mumbled out. Mara knew how the younger girl felt; she knew all too well.
"That's okay. You have nothing to be sorry about. You'll adapt; we aren't sending you away."
"Thank you," Adora felt exhausted as she mumbled the words out. After a while of calming down Adora, the two girls just began to sit and talk. Mara talked about her interests. She liked learning about world history. Ancient cultures and mythology were her passion. Mara also liked weapons, a lot apparently. She had begun her collection when she saw a golden dagger at a flea market with Razz, her grandma, when she was 10. After much convincing, Mara was allowed to get it and hadn't stopped since. Razz adopted Mara when she was seven years old after her parents died in a car crash. This new school year would be Mara's senior year, so she was excited to talk about that with Adora, who would be starting her freshman year. Talking with Mara felt like they had known each other for years. Talking came so quickly; it felt so good, so effortless. Adora needed effortless. Soon the conversation was interrupted by Starla knocking on the door, Razz followed close behind.
"Hey kid, It's time for me to head back now," Starla opened her arms as Adora bounced off her bed and gave Starla a crushing hug. "Call me if you ever need anything? Okay? Or even if you just walk to talk. I'm here."
"I know, thanks, Starla," Adora said as tears formed in the corner of her eyes. After a long hug, Starla pulled away and wiped a tear of her own. The group walked back downstairs, and with a final hug by the front door, Starla started off down the road.
"Come now, dearie, let's start on supper." Razz smiled as she placed a hand on the lower back of Adora and began to push her towards the kitchen.
"I- wait- I'm not very good in the kitchen" Adora began to reason as she realized Razz was going to make Adora assist her.
"Nonsense! You cut the potatoes, dearie. You start peeling the carrots," Razz stated as she set her broom on the fridge door looking for a pot under the island cabinets. Both Mara and Adora shared a confused look.
Mara leaned in and whispered into Adora's ear, "I think she meant to cut the carrots and peel the potatoes" Mara smirked as laughter began to bubble up in Adora's chest.
"Yeah, but who was she even talking to?" Adora gave a small laugh as she whispered.
"I'm not sure" Mara was trying to contain her laughter as her voice jumped an octave in amusement. Soon the girls were giggling and began to prep dinner. Razz gave a smile as she helped Adora peel the potatoes. The flow of the kitchen was fluent and natural. It felt warm and pleasant. Even though these feelings were foreign, they were familiar. It was strange in the best way possible. Without realizing it, Adora had felt a long lost emotion, one that had always been fleeting. Happiness. Dinner tasted terrific, and Adora managed to keep all her fingers attached to her body so she'd say it was successful. Razz had brought out a blueberry pie that tasted spectacular. Adora wasn't sure she had ever had something so heartwarming, as strange as it was to describe food as heartwarming. When dinner was over, Mara had asked if Adora wanted to hang out in her room and talk more. Everything here was unlike all her past experiences. Unlike her past' home'. Mara and Razz were so welcoming, so patient, so giving. It was a blessing. It was more than Adora ever dared ask for. This was her home. A real home. So she would gladly and enthusiastically agree to hang out with Mara.
Walking into Mara's room, Adora settled on sitting on the beanbag chair that was in the corner near an overfilled bookshelf. Looking over the titles, most of them had something to do with space, constellations, or mythology.
"Man, you really do love the stars and stuff, huh?" Adora gazed up as she spoke, looking at the ceiling that had an archer constellation painted on it. "What's the one painted on your ceiling?"
"It's Sagittarius, the archer." Mara said as she looked up as well, "it has a couple of stories, but my favorite is the centaur Chiron who got nervous and turned himself into a horse to avoid his jealous wife."
Adora turned back to Mara with a comical look of confusion, "I'm sorry, what?"
Mara laughed wholeheartedly, "I'm serious! The Greeks had a funny way of dealing with their issues, I guess."
"Oh yeah, I mean, I could think of a few non-horse related ways to escape a jealous wife," Adora giggled as she gazed around the room more. Noticing a picture frame on the nightstand, Adora cocked her head and squinted to get a better look, "Who is that?.
Mara followed Adora's line of sight and grabbed the picture frame, "Ah, this is Hope, she's my- uh- good friend" Adora immediately noticed the growing blush forming on Mara's face. Looking back and forth from the picture to Mara, she let the cogs in her head work as she suddenly understood.
"Oh! Oh, you like her? She's your crush?" Adora said, bouncing. Mara looked away from Adora, causing Adora to bounce more. "Oh, you so like her!" Mara's face grew more flush as she looked at her wall like it was the most exciting thing in the room. Suddenly Adora felt much more aware of herself and settled down instantly. It was a force of habit, not to let herself get overly excited. Forcing her body to remain still. Her previous family had instilled that in her. They found it annoying, so she learned not to do it. Self-preservation habits were hard to break.
Mara noticed the shift in behavior, so she decided to try and get Adora out of her head again, "Yeah. She is. My crush- I mean. I've liked her for a while now, but confessing to her is a bit difficult" Mara opened up as she gave a sheepish smile.
"Why is it so hard?" Adora's curiosity peaked when it came to relationships. She never really had a crush before; she wasn't even sure what one felt like. Actually, to be completely transparent, Adora didn't even know girls could like other girls. Adora had only heard girls talking about boys. Then again, Adora didn't talk to girls that much. She wanted to play with the boys because they were doing all the fun stuff. So all that kind of thing was interesting when Adora did see it. Lord knows she didn't see love in her old household.
"Well, Hope is kinda uh- analytical? She likes to look at stuff head-on, and it's kind of hard to know if she feels the same. Like, Once I brought her flowers, and she asked me what their purpose was," Mara deadpanned causing Adora to laugh. "I can't tell if she feels the same but, I dunno, it's kind of charming, in a way," Mara brushed her thumb over the frame as she smiled to herself. She looked content and happy as she seemingly got lost in her own mind. A sudden thought popped into Adora's head. It was something she had meant to ask for a while.
"Hey Mara, I have a question," Adora sat up and pulled her legs into her chest as she began to rub her shins anxiously.
Mara looked at the girl and set down the photo, giving Adora her full attention, "What's up?"
"I just wanted to know why. Like, why am I here?" Adora felt so small like this question was going to drag her away from this happy home suddenly.
"Well, I guess it's because Razz saw something special. And I've always wanted a little sister."
"Saw something special" Adora slowly met Mara's eyes.
"Yeah, she is into helping people find their way. She wanted to help a kid and found you. She said you were special, like me," Mara gave a kind smile, "It's as simple as we wanted you."
Adora felt her heart flutter. She didn't know how badly she wanted to hear those words, to hear someone want her for her. "Okay," was all Adora managed to squeak out. Mara got up from her bed and gave Adora a tight hug. Adora released a breath she didn't know she was holding.
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Adora was now lying on her bed in her new room. The curtains were drawn back, painting the room in the pale soft moonlight. She didn't even know how exhausted she was until she lay down and let her body sink into the new mattress. She listened to the soft, comforting sounds of water droplets hit her window as her mind wandered. Autumn was indeed the most beautiful season. It was calming, easy. It was the season she found her new family, the time her life changed like the leaves.