Smallville Style By rkn Rated: PG-13 Submitted: June 2007 This story is not set in the 1990s as "Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman" is, but will end in the modern day 2007. For purposes of being realistic in terms of travel, in this story the 51st State of New Troy exists between Missouri and Illinois, making travel to Kansas City a 6 hour drive on I-70. Smallville is 4 hours south west of Kansas City. I realize that this is a big change from viewing Metropolis as an East Coast City, but I also don't see any DCFS sending children literally half-way across the country for any reason. Even a 10 hour drive would be stretching it, but I don't think that Metropolis should be right next door either. I always thought that Lucy seemed much younger than Lois, and that her whole attitude was so very different from Lois' that it was almost as if they had grown up in different homes giving them different outlooks on life. In my story there is an eight year age difference. I have quoted heavily from the script where my story meets up with Season One. This is not in any way an attempt to plagiarize, but meant as the sincerest form of admiration. I don't think that the original script could be much improved on and I don't want to make the story less by not using it. I am just looking at the story from a different angle. Special thanks to my beta reader for his help in developing this story and pointing out inconsistencies and unfinished thought processes. It is a much better story due to his patient assistance. ************************************************************* Alisha Taylor walked down the Metropolis, New Troy sidewalk, sipping her latte, a frown wrinkling her forehead. She stopped at the Daily Planet vendor to get a paper, digging in her purse for change and handing it to the clerk without looking up. "You look worried, Alisha. Anything I can help with?" That got her attention. She looked at the balding clerk, "Do I know you?" "Of course you do. I'm Mike." "That's right! Mike, how are you?" "Tremendous as always, but you look worried. Is it one of your cases?" While Mike certainly was familiar to her, she couldn't remember ever discussing her job as a social worker with him. "Mike, you know I can't discuss my cases." "Alisha, maybe you need to think about your childhood and what made all the difference for you." Not only did the guy know what she did for a living, he knew of her early childhood as a foster kid. He certainly had a better memory than she did! She still couldn't place exactly where she knew him from. "You mean Smallville and the Georges." "I'm certain that you can think of someone like the Georges that could make a real difference in Lo- to the persons involved in this case." "Hmmm." It was a great idea but was it even possible? "Well, I'd better go. I don't want to be late. Mrs. Bailey will be upset. She likes to make sure everyone knows she's in charge." "Maybe that is because work is the only place where she feels like she has control of her environment." "You know Mrs. Bailey?" "I know about everyone. It's my job." "Working at a newsstand? How...oh, look at the time. I'd better rush." Still nursing her latte, Alisha continued her walk to Metropolis Department of Children and Family Services. The case she was working on was a familiar story, but somehow the children- two girls- really got to her. Maybe it reminded her of her own situation, a little. How had Mike known she had been a foster child? She rarely mentioned it, even to her friends. She considered the Georges her parents and Smallville her hometown. Her past was just that, the past. Still, she related to these girls and it was bothering her a lot more than her cases usually did. She'd seen a lot, both as a child in the system and now as a social worker. Her parents had been very surprised when she chose social work as her career. They figured that she would want to get as far away from her past as possible. But, as she explained to them, they had made such a difference in her life, and she felt that she could understand the children in these situations like no one else could, because she'd been there. And maybe she could make a difference in their lives too. The Georges had come to Metropolis and taken her home to Smallville when she was 10 years old. She barely remembered her "real" parents, as she was only 5 when she landed in "the system", along with her older sister, Tracy. Tracy was more aware of the bad situation that they were living in and even at 9 was already in with the "bad crowd"; pre-teens experimenting with drugs and sex. Alisha couldn't blame her. It was the lifestyle that their mom and her string of boyfriends participated in and it was all that Tracy and Alisha had known. One night one of those boyfriends got too rough with their mother. A neighbor called the police. The sisters were handed over to Metropolis DCFS and they were told the next day that their mother had suffered a cranial hemorrhage from repeated blows to the head. That didn't make sense to a young Alisha, who just asked when her mommy would come and get them over and over until Tracy bluntly explained that "Mom is dead. She's not coming back." The girls began a tour of the foster homes that Metropolis had to offer. Alisha considered herself fairly lucky. While none of the places she lived in was "home", she wasn't mistreated, though she missed her sister. Unfortunately, things did not work out as well for Tracy. She had ended up with one of those families that appeared so nice and perfect when the DCFS interviewed them, but it turned out that the "dad" had a young girl fetish and Tracy was a prime target. His wife did not believe the stories that Tracy told about her husband and Tracy turned to drugs for escape. After that, Tracy did not seem to care what was done to her. When DCFS came to investigate due to a complaint from another young teen, Tracy backed up her foster parents that the idea was preposterous and her "dad" was a great father. She had her friends and her dealer and she didn't want to lose them. Tracy moved in with her boyfriend and his family when she turned 17 and continued to lead the life that she was brought up in, doing whatever it took to feed her drug addiction. Alisha shook her head. How had she gotten so fortunate? When she was 10, the Georges came to visit her at her current foster home, the Bentons. Mr. and Mrs. Benton weren't her parents, and they had told her up front that they didn't plan to make the situation permanent, as they hoped to have children of their own one day, but they were nice to her and she liked her school. But the Georges wanted her to come live with them and be a real family. They told her about the town they lived in (Smallville- who thought that one up!) and the dairy that they owned providing goat milk and cheese to the Smallville community with the extra brought into Kansas City once a week to be sold in some of the restaurants and smaller grocery and health food stores. Alisha was sure it had to be a dream. She could hardly wait. There was no contest to her adoption. Her father was in no shape to take care of children and was glad to finally wash his hands of her. When the adoption was made final, Alisha traveled to Smallville to live with her new family. The Georges had a bedroom just for her, and, sure enough, a farm with lots of baby goats, cats, and dogs to play with. Most of all, the Georges really loved her and the citizens of Smallville opened their hearts to her. Everyone knew her name and treated her like she had lived there all her life. Malts at Maisie's, the weekly farmer's market, the Corn Festival...Alisha fit right in Smallville. She was home. Alisha's frown reappeared as the case she was working on came back to her. Of course, the situation wasn't really that similar to her own. Lois and Lucy Lane weren't even orphans. Lois' grades were plummeting, but as far as she could tell, the young teen knew better than to seek solace in drugs, likely because she faced an addiction every day in the form of her mother's alcoholism. But the hardness in Lois' face and her mistrust of everyone she met reminded Alisha of Tracy before circumstances separated them. Lucy was the same age as Alisha had been, 5 years old. Their situation had been brought to the attention of the DCFS when a ticket agent reported to the police that a young girl had purchased two bus tickets for her and "her poor, sick auntie" with rolled up one dollar bills, and assorted coins- a piggy bank raid. The agent had seen no sign of "auntie" and was suspicious. The police woman that came to the scene found Lois and Lucy curled up together on the bench awaiting the bus. Lois tried to convince the officer that the agent had misunderstood and she and her sister were traveling to visit her aunt, who was very ill and really, really needed their help. Not believing a word, the officer took them to the police station. They put each girl in an interrogation room. Lois stubbornly refused to offer any information to the police, but Lucy proudly recited her address and phone number, declaring that she had learned it in school. A phone call brought Mrs. Ellen Lane to the police station, laughingly stating that she and Lois had had a disagreement about Lois wanting to go out with her friends and Lois was just trying to get back at her. The argument sounded reasonable enough, but the skilled officer noticed a little unsteadiness in Ellen Lane's walk, the way that Lois rolled her eyes in disbelief at Mrs. Lane's explanation and the muttered "like anyone would be friends with me when I have a mother like *you*". Something was up here. He explained to Mrs. Lane that DCFS would have to follow up, but he released Lois and Lucy into her care. When DCFS followed up, Ellen Lane tried to hide her intoxicated state, but the stress of her situation had obviously caused her to seek solace in a bottle of vodka and under Alisha's questioning she degenerated into the weepy state of drunkenness. Sobbing, she explained to Alisha that her husband had started seeing other women around the time that he discovered that his pregnant wife was expecting another girl. He'd stuck around for two more years, but, while they had never legally separated, Sam Lane spent his time dabbling in ridiculous research and was currently incommunicado in the jungles of Africa studying some plant that was supposed to expand your brain or something. "You'd think his brain could expand to see that he has two children that need him, even if they are not the precious sons that he wanted." Many tissues later, Alisha had the whole story, how Ellen had slapped Lucy for whining about not having any dinner. Ellen had instructed Lois to make Mac & Cheese, but "that stupid girl burnt it, just like she always burns everything. She never learns!" Lois waited until Ellen had drifted off before bundling up her sister and trying to leave Metropolis with no plan other than to find somewhere better for her sister to live. Alisha was able to get Ellen to agree to go to a treatment center for alcoholism. The girls would finish the school year the end of next month, and summer would be an ideal time for Ellen to begin the program. The DCFS staff would find somewhere where the girls could stay for the summer and they wouldn't have to worry about changing schools. Until then, Ellen would meet with a counselor on a regular basis. Alisha's heart ached for Lois, knowing that the anger and attitude she displayed were just her way of trying to protect her heart. She had seen how Lois tried to shield Lucy from the reality of their situation. No wonder the poor girl's schoolwork was suffering if she was trying to be the mother to Lucy that Ellen couldn't be. There was simply no time left to study. If something wasn't done soon, Lois could fall farther and farther behind in school, which would affect her ability to go to college and make a better life for herself. Alisha laughed to herself. What Lois needed was a good dose of Smallville. She needed to learn that not everyone in her life would disappoint and reject her. Alisha shook her head. It would probably never happen. Alisha worked in New Troy, not Kansas where Smallville resided. Her cell phone shrilled and she almost dropped her coffee and the paper. Flipping it open without checking the caller ID she apologized, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Bailey, but I was up late with a case last night and I just can't seem to get moving this morning, but I'm almost there I promise." "Alisha, it's mom." "Oh, Mom, I'm sorry. I thought you were my boss calling to bawl me out for being late. How are things in Smallville?" "Great as always. I was calling to let you know that your dad and I will be in Kansas City this weekend. We were hoping you could come visit. The Kents are coming too. Our project combining our cheese with their herbs and vegetables has been a great hit. We're so excited to be invited to serve our cheese to all the big wigs in Kansas City! It's a great way to promote the agriculture industry." "That's great Mom! If I'm not on call this weekend, I'd love to see you guys. And it is always great to see the Kents. They're just so—Smallville." "They're the salt of the earth all right. And you remember Clark, right? He is 15 now, can you believe it. He's such a great kid. The Kents have really done a good job with him." Alisha remembered Clark. She had been almost 11 when she heard about the baby left on the Kent's doorstep. Smallville was just shocked that anyone would abandon his or her child like that. They felt that the parents had to be out-of-towners just coming through Smallville. Smallville residents were sure that if the mother had been from Smallville she would know that we would have all pitched in to help in her time of need. Alisha remembered a long ago day when she had seen a younger Martha Kent holding baby Clark close to her chest and looking down at him with amazement and love in her eyes. "Why is she crying, Mom? Doesn't she like babies?" Chelsea George looked down at Alisha and Alisha saw the tears in her mom's eyes too. "No, sweetie. Martha is just happy, and a little sad too. See, sometimes some women can't have babies of their own for whatever reason, but that doesn't mean that she doesn't want a baby. In fact, Martha has wanted a baby as long as I've known her, which is a long time, since we started kindergarten together." "So why is she sad, too? You said she wants a baby. And God sent her one." "Well, yes, He did, but, unfortunately, the DCFS needs to find out if the baby's mother wants him back. Martha may not be able to keep baby Clark." "That's just wrong! Martha would be a great mom. If Clark's mom loved him, she wouldn't have abandoned him, just left him. . ." Alisha began to cry too. Chelsea George knew Alisha wasn't just talking about Clark. "Sweetheart, sometimes mommies and daddies just can't keep their children. Sometimes the best thing that they can do is give them to someone else to love." "Like you love me." "Just like that. I know your mom loved you too, in her own way. She was just sick." "That's why the social worker took me and Tracy away. She helped us." "That's right. We all need help sometimes." That day Alisha decided two things. One, that when she was a mom, she would love her children just like Don and Chelsea George loved her and Martha loved baby Clark and, secondly, that Alisha would be a helper and help kids find good homes like she had. Adult Alisha sighed. Life wasn't always as black and white as it looked back then. Some cases were clear cut, but others were harder. Sometimes the parents needed help just as much as the children. "Sure I remember Clark. I remember how happy Martha was the day she and Jonathan found out that Clark was theirs for keeps." "Well, it helped that he ended up in Smallville. The second his feet touched Smallville soil, he belonged. I don't think the social worker wanted to take on Maisie, the Senior Center, or Martha's dad, Mayor Clark. He was thinking about running for state representative at the time. I don't think she wanted to be on Mr. Clark's bad list. Mr. Clark died of an aneurysm about three months later." "I remember that." "Yeah, but I was so thankful that he got to see Martha truly happy and I think he even decided that Jonathan was okay. He had a different future in mind for Martha than the one she chose. He always encouraged her in the arts and sciences. I think he resented that marrying Jonathan put an end to that future, and then when they couldn't have kids, I know he blamed Jonathan, even though the doctors Martha consulted thought that the problem might be with her. Actually, Clark brought a lot of healing to that family and to Smallville. He's really special." "Well, I can say from experience that Smallville is a great place to grow up. I can never thank you guys enough for taking me in. I love you, Mom." "Oh, I love you too sweetie. You have been such a blessing to your dad and me. You're the very best." "So why didn't Jonathan and Martha adopt again? Were they still hoping for kids of their own?" "I don't think so. I don't know why. They have a lot of love to give." "It's not like Clark is such a handful they couldn't handle another child." "Well, I'd better help dad milk the goats before he comes looking for me. And I've probably made you really late. I hope your boss won't be too upset." "I don't care if she is. It was great to talk to you. Tell Dad hi for me, and I'll see you this weekend if I can. I'll let you know." "Sure thing, sweetie. Love you." "Love you too. Bye." Alisha flipped her phone shut, took a deep breath for confidence and entered the DCFS offices. Unbelievable! Mrs. Bailey wasn't in her office, so she couldn't be upset at Alisha for being "late". Technically, she only owed them 40 hours a week and since she had been up half the night...But Mrs. Bailey liked to be sure Alisha was in her office bright and early. Mrs. Bailey was such a grump. Mike's statement that work was the only place that Mrs. Bailey felt in control might be true. Maybe she should try to be a little more patient. Right now she needed to find somewhere the Lane girls could be taken care of while Ellen was in the treatment center. Alisha really did not want to see the girls split up, but finding a home that would take both might be difficult. She really wanted to pack them both up and take them to her parents, which just wasn't an option. She started flipping through the files in the cabinet by her desk. She came across a flyer from an agency that provided summer vacations for children from large cities. The agency had several camps, but it was the other option that caught her attention. The fund also had families in neighboring states that would host children for the summer giving them the opportunity to experience a different lifestyle than the "city-life" they were accustomed to. If she could find a family in this program that would have room for both girls, it would be a great opportunity for them. If she could find a family from a small town similar to Smallville, it would be even better. After ensuring that she was not on call for the weekend, Alisha had asked Ellen if she could take the girls with her to Kansas City. She told Ellen that it would be a good opportunity for the girls to see a different city. They would need to leave early and be home very late, but it would give Ellen the opportunity to go to her counseling session and not have the responsibility of caring for the girls for the day. It might not be exactly what Mrs. Bailey might have in mind as an outing, but Alisha really wanted the girls to meet her parents and to see what a family life could be. As Alisha drove Lois was uncommunicative but Lucy chatted away. At least by listening to her, Alisha knew that the girls were physically doing okay. In Kansas City, Alisha found the room her parents were staying in. She introduced her parents and then suggested that the girls lay down on one of the beds and watch TV. Alisha knew that Lucy would likely fall asleep, but hopefully TV would keep Lois busy for a while. She went back into the living area of the suite. "You didn't mention you were bringing company, Alisha." "No, Dad, I didn't. But these girls need some Smallville, and this may be as close as I can get them." "What do you mean?" her mom asked. "They, especially Lois, need to be loved, really loved, just like you guys and all of Smallville did for me. That's why I brought them." Lucy came into the room. "Ms. Taylor, Lois is watching boring TV. I want cartoons and she won't let me." Alisha could hear the History Channel in the background. History? Most teenagers would have been looking for MTV or a movie channel. "Well, we will just have to find some other way to keep you busy. Hey, why don't you ask my mom about her baby goats?" Lucy's eyes flew to Chelsea. "Real ones? Real baby goats?" "Lots and lots of baby goats. Too many. I need help just to keep them all fed." "I'll help you." "Well, they're at my home in Smallville." "Aw. I bet they're cute." "We have some kittens right now too. They like the extra milk and keep the mice out of the feed." "I love kittens! Lois says maybe I can have a kitten one day when she's big enough to adopt me. But she can't right now." Alisha's heart broke. Lois was already planning to take Lucy from her mother as soon as she could. Doubtless, Lois would work herself into the ground, waiting tables and cleaning bathrooms to make sure that Lucy had it all. It was not the life any girl should have to look forward to. Alisha met her mom's eyes. Chelsea read the unspoken message there; please, help me help these girls. The local foods presentation was the next day, so the Georges and the Kents were getting together to explore Kansas City before the hard work began. Alisha gave Martha a hug and shook Jonathan's hand. She gave Clark a quick hug too, and his ears turned bright red. Jonathan had to tease his son. "Alisha, you've made Clark's day. He had a crush on you the year you were prom queen." "Dad! That was 10 years ago. I was only 5. I though she was a fairy princess." "I felt like a fairy princess. Smallville is so great. I really miss it." "Why don't you come back?" asked Jonathan. "Boone County already has great social workers. And I want to be somewhere I can really make a difference. I hope I am." "Alisha, whatever you can do is enough. I think the children you help must know that you really care." Martha said. "Thanks, Martha." "Hey, we had better get going if we want to see the Plaza the sights?" "Yea!" cried Lucy, excited, but not really knowing why. "Can I just stay here and watch TV?" "No, Lois, I'm sorry, "Alisha said. "I'm sure you would like some time to yourself, but I promised your mom I would keep you with me at all times." "Hey, Lois, it'll be fun," said Clark. "There's a great Chinese place. Maybe we can eat lunch there and get some fortune cookies." A look of interest crossed Lois' face. "Chinese, really? I had some once. It was great. I like spicy foods." "Cool. With all of us we can get lots of different things and share. Can we eat Chinese, Dad?" Jonathan looked around, and seeing that no one objected, said, "Sure, Clark. That sounds like a good plan." ***** It was a warm day, and the group had great fun touring the Plaza. Lucy kept her hand in someone else's all day as she ran from place to place. She is going to sleep all the way back to Metropolis, thought Alisha. Lois didn't say much, but she responded politely when spoken to, so Alisha assumed she was enjoying herself more than she let on. They ordered a lot of food for lunch. Alisha knew that this whole trip was expensive for the Kents and the Georges, but they didn't seem to be worrying about it so she guessed she shouldn't either. Jonathan joked about how much Clark ate and was he sure that two entrees were enough. Clark grinned back good naturedly as he helped Lucy with her fortune cookie. "A horse is like a member of the family? How is that a fortune?" Lois questioned of her fortune. "I don't know about a horse, but Zoe thinks she's member of our family," Don laughed. "She thinks she needs to live in the house." Chelsea laughed and explained to Lois, "Zoe was born late one night during one of our coldest Smallville winters. I hadn't intended for any of the girls to kid that month, but Kati surprised me, the bugger. Poor little Zoe was so cold. I just had to bring her in the house. She couldn't manage to keep herself warm, and if I left her with the does, she would get squished when they cuddled up for warmth." Don laughed, "Zoe spent a month in our kitchen before I finally put my foot down and made Chelsea put her outside." "Put your foot down! Who was it who let her watch TV with them on the couch, huh?" "Goats in the house?" Lois wrinkled her nose. "It's no biggie, Lois," chimed in Clark. "It's not an everyday thing, but sometimes an animal needs help and we'll bring young ones into the house. We had an early calf in our kitchen for a week one time. Sure, he smelled a little different, but we just didn't have the heart to leave him outside. Kinda like me, I guess." "You're a cow or you smell?" Wait, was Lois actually teasing Clark? This was the girl that barely said a word all the way to Kansas City, wasn't it? "No, I mean, I ended up on Mom and Dad's doorstep and they took me in." "Their doorstep?" "Yep. They found me there and they adopted me." "So you don't even know who your real parents are?" "Not a clue" "Doesn't that bother you?" "Yeah, sometimes, but Mom and Dad are the greatest. I can't imagine better parents." Wow. Lois thought. I can't imagine not knowing who my parents were. Actually, it would drive me insane! I'd have to know, if it took every minute of every day, I would find out. How could Clark be so accepting? At least I know who my parents are, even if they're not here, I know where my brown eyes come from. That I'm quick to jump to conclusions, even wrong conclusions, like my mom, and I'm built like dad's side of the family. Clark couldn't possibly be for real. She looked around at the Kents and the Georges. These people were on something. No one could be that happy and…loving. But Lucy was eating it up. She was now hanging over the railing of the bridge with Jonathan's arm around her waist to keep her from leaning over too far. Alisha was handing her bread to feed the swans. Yep, unreal. ***** When Lucy's five-year-old legs had tired out, she had ridden around on Clark's shoulders. Alisha had a feeling that Lucy's legs recovered long before she asked Clark to put her down so she could touch the water in the fountain. Clark quickly dug in his jeans to produce a coin for her to throw and even offered Lois one. For a moment, Alisha thought that Lois would scoff at the idea of making a wish and refuse, but she surprised Alisha by taking the coin. Maybe "Smallville" was already rubbing off on her. ***** Martha and Chelsea sat on the bench watching the children and their husbands. "What's with Lois and Lucy, Chelsea? Does Alisha usually bring "work" home?" "No, I don't think so. These girls seem to have struck a chord with her. I think that something about their situation reminds her of her life before Smallville. Actually, she said as much. She said those girls needed a good dose of Smallville. That's why she brought them." "They need to be loved." "All children need to be loved." "Yeah, but don't you look into Lois' eyes and just see that she needs someone to hug her?" "Lois? Lucy,yes. But then she is affectionate. I can't really read Lois at all." Alisha came over to sit with them after surrendering the last of the bread to Lucy. "Are you guys talking about me again?" "Yes and no. Mostly your mom and I were talking about Lois and Lucy." "I'd like to find somewhere that they can stay for the summer, maybe in a small town where they might get to feel some of that unquestioning acceptance that Smallville gave me." Martha's face lit up. "You mean like a summer program for city kids?" Alisha nodded. "I'm planning to start looking at some of the host families on Monday to see if anyone has requested kids with Lois and Lucy's age and sex. If I can't get them in the same home, at least I may be able to get them into the same town. It looks like a really great program. They had sent some literature to us some time ago, but I hadn't really looked into it until now." "I'm spilling the beans here, but, Chelsea you know that I'm on the city council. Last year one of the other ladies just talked and talked about the little boy that her niece in Virginia had hosted. The whole town had gotten involved and both the townspeople and the boy had a really great time. We talked about it and decided that Smallville should participate in a program like this with one of the cities around here. Several of the committee members have signed up to be hosts this summer and if everything goes as well as we hope, we want to ask others in the community to sign up to host next year. There's going to be an article in the Smallville Post on Monday," Martha spoke excitedly. "That's a wonderful idea." "I can't believe it." said Chelsea and Alisha at the same time. Martha and Chelsea looked at Alisha. "As soon as I met these girls I wanted to get them to Smallville, but it seemed like an impossible wish. Martha, what you're telling me is that it is a possibility. You've made my day!" ***** "So, what's your favorite subject in school?" Clark and Lois had ended up together with the adult women talking at the bench and the men held captive by Lucy's young charms. "I'm not good at school." "I'm sure you're exaggerating. But that's not what I asked you, anyway. What do you like?" Lois glanced sideways at the handsome teen. Why was he asking? Why did he care? She decided to answer anyway. It didn't matter. She'd never see him again. Why did her heart hurt a little at the thought? "English, I guess. History too." "You like to read?" "I like information. I want to know what's going on. Who is doing what? Why?" "Sounds like you would be a good reporter." "Like on the news?" "Well, maybe not on TV, but they get their stories from someone. There's radio. Like talk-radio." "All they do is go round and round and argue." "Or newspapers." "Like the New York Times?" "Or the Daily Planet." "What's your favorite subject?" "Football." "That is NOT a subject!" "No, and it's not really my favorite either. But Smallville thinks it is." Clark surprised himself that he would admit this aloud. "Who made that name up? It is so not original." "You'd have to ask my dad. He's the Smallville history buff. Actually, I like English and History too. I do really well in Science. Math is okay. I don't really like math. Geography- I love geography. I want to travel the world when I get out of school. I want to see what's out there." "Travel where?" "China, Borneo, Japan, Australia...everywhere." "Wow. I haven't thought of anything like that." "Well, you're still young. You have a long time to think about what you want to do when you graduate." "I'm 13! Besides, I know what I'm going to do when I graduate. I'm going to get a job and take my sister somewhere safe." "Won't she be a teenager herself by then?" "She'll be 10." "You're talking graduating from high school! Lois, what about college?" "What about my sister?" Clark frowned, stuffing his hands in his pocket. "Are things that bad?" The old Lois was back, "Why do you care? Nobody cares about me except Lucy. We'll take care of each other." "Alisha cares." "It's her job. Besides aren't you in love with her or something?" Clark blushed. "My dad was just teasing me. Alisha is 10 years older than me. Besides, there's someone else." "Someone else?" "Yeah. Lana. Lana Lang. Her dad is the mayor, like my grandpa used to be. She's really pretty. A cheerleader too." "And blonde, I bet." "Y-e-s. What do you have against blondes?" "Nothing. Just my dad seems to prefer blondes. Like Mrs. Bellecanto." "Who? Now who made that name up?" "Who cares? I don't want to talk about it anymore." Lois walked away to stand with her sister watching the swans swim lazily on the lake. "Can we stay here, Lois? Can we stay here forever?" Lucy asked, her brown eyes pleading. "Someday, Lucy. I'll bring you back here and we'll watch the swans all day." There were hugs all around (which Lois bore stiffly) when Alisha announced that they needed to leave. Tired from not taking a nap, Lucy cried that she wanted to stay with Clark and the "goat lady", as she dubbed Chelsea. As Clark handed her over to Alisha, Lois thought for a second that she saw the sheen of tears in Clark's eyes. Clark stuck out his hand to Lois. "Lois Lane. I hope we see each other again. Have fun with all your classes." Lois took his hand and shook it. She didn't want this time to end. The Kents and the Georges seemed to be genuinely nice people. After all, they had adopted Alisha- Ms. Taylor- and Clark and the two seemed to really love their parents, even though Alisha laughingly told her dad that she was never coming home again if he didn't stop asking her to bring him son-in-law. Well, then again. Maybe they weren't so nice. Don George had a great daughter yet he still wanted a son. Just like her dad. Lois stared out the window in silence all the way back to Metropolis. As Alisha predicted, Lucy was asleep almost as soon as they left Kansas City. Alisha tried to engage Lois in conversation for a while, but after a few monosyllabic answers, she gave up and left Lois in peace. ***** "I heard what Alisha said, Mom, about looking for a Smallville home for Lois and Lucy," Clark said "You did?" queried Martha. "What are you talking about?" asked Jonathan. Martha reminded him about the program that Smallville was participating in and told him that Alisha wanted to get Lois and Lucy into their program or at least one like it. "Why aren't you and dad hosting anyone?" Clark asked. "Us?" asked Jonathan. "You know we can't. You know why we can't." "Because of me. Because of my...abilities." There was a tone of resentment in Clark's voice. He hated that his differences could keep his parents from being free to open their home to another child. "It's not your abilities or *you*. It's that we don't know how some small-minded people might react if they found out about what you can do. And if you heard your mom's conversation from where you were standing, your hearing is getting even more acute." "But Alisha said it was just for a few weeks. Didn't you like Lois and Lucy?" "That's beside the point. If someone found out about you, they might want to take you away from us and—" "Dissect me like a frog. I know. But they're just little girls. I can hide my abilities at home just like I do at school. No one there suspects me. And even if they saw something, who would believe them?" Jonathan shook his head. "It's just too dangerous." "Mom, what do you think?" "I can see your father's point, Clark-" "But, Mom-" "I can see yours as well, Clark. And it is just for a few weeks. Our application to host might still be accepted for this summer. If Clark thinks that he can keep up the pretense at home. . .?" "How long is a few weeks? That's something that we really need to know." Jonathan stated practically. "Jonathan! Does that mean you might agree?" "You know I can't resist you, Martha Clark Kent. I never could. And that Lucy is really a sweet girl. She really took to Clark too." "Yes, Lucy's sweet, but did you see her eyes, Jonathan? Did you see Lois' eyes? She's really hurting. Alisha couldn't tell us anything about her situation, but I know her mom needs personal time this summer and she didn't mention a father." "I don't think Lois has anyone to take care of her. She told me that she plans to adopt Lucy when she turns eighteen" said Clark. "Clark, what about college? How can she go to college and care for a young child." "I think Lois realized a long time ago that college is not going to happen for her." "Oh, that's awful. Jonathan-" "Martha, a few weeks, is not going to solve the Lane family problems." "No, but maybe we can help her. Somehow. Even if it is just giving her the love that Alisha says she needs. Smallville style." ***** Clark was very quiet the rest of the way home. His mind kept going back to Lois. She had been amazingly easy for him to talk to. Not that he had revealed anything about his abilities, but admitting that Smallville only saw the Clark Kent that he let them see, not who he really was? He didn't even express those feelings to his parents, because he knew that it would pain them. They didn't hate that he had these powers, but they hated the fact that his powers made him feel different and alone. Lois was so brave. He hoped that her future would not turn out the way she envisioned, but the point was that at thirteen she had already made plans for the future and she seemed so unafraid to face that future, even one that was certainly not ideal. He didn't even think about his own future very often. His powers were continuing to develop and he couldn't help wondering when, or if, they would stop. Would new abilities keep popping up his whole life? How long would his life be? He seemed to age normally, but if nothing could hurt him, and his powers kept him extremely healthy, would he even die, ever? He remembered hearing a song on a TV show that said, "No One Wants to Live Forever". Not that he wanted to die, but a life stretching endlessly into the future was scary too. With all his physical strength, Clark worried that he was not as strong of a person emotionally as he should be, as he wanted to be. ***** Alisha was at home flipping TV channels when her cell phone rang. It was Sunday evening. Her mom had called earlier to say that the presentation had gone beautifully and they were headed home. They would call when they arrived. The digits on the screen confirmed it was a Smallville number, but not one she was familiar with. "Hello." "Alisha, it's Martha." "Martha? Is something wrong?" "No, no, not at all. Your mom gave me your number. I was calling about the summer program we were talking about." Martha gave her the contact information for the program. "Thanks so much, Martha. Do you know of any of the hosts that might have requested two girls?" "Clark knows someone." "He does?" "Us, actually. Clark thinks the girls should stay with us. He...uh, he heard me talking about it to Jonathan on the way home." "Really? I know you're very busy. You didn't mention that you were one of the hosts." "We are busy, but Clark can lend a hand. He was great with Lucy, you saw them, and he said that he would be happy to tutor Lois and help her catch up in school." "That would be great. She's already about a semester behind. Last year she missed a lot of classes or didn't pass. Her mind just isn't in it." "From the little she said to Clark, it seems she's a lot more worried about her sister than herself." "I noticed that she seemed to really take to Clark. I've never got her to carry on a real conversation with me. I guess as an adult, I'm ‘the enemy'." "Lois has had a hard way to go, hasn't she?" "Yes, she has." Alisha sighed. "If you're serious about this Martha, I'll be happy to talk to you about it. Tomorrow morning I'll start seeing what I can do to make this happen." "Actually, I will need to send in the application to be a host, but since I have already been working with the foundation to set the program up in Smallville I'm hoping that we'll be accepted quickly. And I want these girls, Alisha. I really do. You're right. They need some love and we will love them as long as we have them." They said their good-byes and Alisha hung up the phone. Interesting! The Kents? She thought back to the conversation with her mom about why the Kents never adopted another child. Of course, it was only for the summer, but they had a lot of love to give. Her phone rang again. Her dad was calling to say they were home and her mom was out feeding the goats. Zoe was on the front porch when they got home and Grandma's rose bush was a little the worse for wear. Alisha laughed knowing that her dad loved the spoiled goat just as much as her mom. He just liked to complain. She hung up again and started getting ready for bed. Tomorrow was bound to be an interesting day. ***** Alisha was more than on time to work the next day. She hung up from her call to the contact at the foundation. She hastily called Martha Kent. "Martha! Mrs. Crane says she can't see any issue with getting you set up as a host for this summer." "Really! Susan is a wonderful lady." Susan Crane had formerly been a social worker in the Smallville area but was now working as a liaison between the foundation and host families. "She's the best. She's my inspiration. Anyway, she says she can come over to do a formal inspection anytime you're available. You and Jonathan both need to be there, but she doesn't need Clark to be there unless he wants to" Martha laughed. "I'll call Susan and set something up. Then what?" "Well, after Mrs. Crane gives you the official okay, I think the rest will fall into place. I've already told Mrs. Crane that you have met the girls and she indicated that she would make sure that you would get matched." "Well, we'll be crossing our fingers." ***** "Smallville, Ms. Taylor! Why would we want to go to Smallville?" Lois scoffed. "Is that where the goats live?" Lucy asked. "Yes, Lucy. But, actually, you'll be staying with the Kents. You remember Clark and his mom and dad. They don't have goats, but they do have some cows and chickens." Alisha explained. "Lois, it wasn't that long ago you were at the bus station, heading out of Metropolis with no idea where you were going. Now you have a destination. And a plan. Clark thinks that he and Lana can help you catch up on some of your schoolwork. I've talked to your school and they are going to put some work together for you to take with you. Lucy seems to think it sounds like fun. What do you say?" "Does it matter?" "Lois, please. Give this a chance. I guarantee you, there is no place like Smallville, and the Kents are such great people." "When do we leave?" Lois asked resignedly. So, she would be seeing Clark Kent again. Lois was aware that she had some sort of feeling- a crush- on Clark Kent. Stupid, stupid Lois! He has blonde Lana, why would he look twice at you? He thinks you're just some little kid, like, like Lucy! ***** Jonathan and Clark carried the girls' belongings into the house from the car. Martha went ahead and started showing them around the house- the kitchen and living room- and up the stairs. "I put you both in the same room. I hope that's okay. We have only three bedrooms." Lois had decided to be polite. "It's fine Mrs. Kent. I really prefer to be with Lucy anyway." "Great! And, Lois, you and Lucy can call me Martha. We don't stand on ceremony here in Smallville. We expect children to be respectful, but as long as you're under the Kent roof, you're family." Really, maybe it was something in the water, Lois thought. Or maybe these people had been taken over by aliens, or they were robots or something! "I want to see outside! Ms. Taylor said you had chickens." "Well, Jonathan and Clark can show you around, Lucy. I think Jonathan said we had a new calf this morning. And Mrs. George, Chelsea, brought over one of their kittens yesterday. She thought you might enjoy playing with it while you were here." "Really, a kitten of my own?" "He'll have to stay here, of course, but while you're staying with us, he can be yours." "Lois, my own kitten! Just like you said." Lois was very happy to see her sister so excited. She wished for a second that the situation was permanent and Lucy could stay with the Kents forever. Lucy deserved a home like this. She was so little and she just didn't understand Mom at all. "Lois, it's almost lunchtime. Do you want to help me get lunch started, or go with Jonathan, Clark, and Lucy?" While Lois was sure that she would be of no help in the kitchen, she had decided that she should avoid being around Clark as much as possible. Every time she was around him she felt like her face was on fire. And he was so nice to Lucy. He was always nice to her, too, but he never looked at her the way she looked at him when he wasn't watching. "I really can't cook, Mrs. Kent. But I'll help set the table or something." "It's Martha. Maybe I can show you some simple recipes while you are here." "Mac & Cheese is simple and I still burn that." Clark had come up behind them. "Don't worry Lois. My mom will have you slaving in the kitchen in no time. She's the best cook and a good teacher too. She taught me and I have to, I mean get to, cook dinner on Wednesdays. So look out for my special tatertot casserole coming your way in three days." "You make it sound like an upcoming movie." Lois giggled. Why was she giggling? Stupid! "It would be a comedy if it was a movie, Lois." Jonathan interrupted. "Who's going to come help me check the stock before lunch?" "Me! Me! Martha said you would show me the kitten." "I sure will. Pesky fellow probably would like a snack. Why don't you ask Martha to give you some leftover turkey?" Lucy collected the turkey just before Clark swung her up to sit on his shoulders, and she squealed in delight. "Mom showed me the schoolwork you're supposed to get done this summer, Lois. Remember, Lana and I will help you with anything you need. She'll be here Monday night for dinner. Her parents aren't going to be home that evening, so I suggested that she come here instead of staying home by herself. I think you'll like each other." "I just noticed you're wearing glasses," Lois said to Clark. "Yeah. Actually, I've had them for a while, I just forgot them at home when we went to Kansas City. Lana wants me to get contacts, but I just can't stand the thought of putting stuff in my eyes." Clark gave an exaggerated shiver. "Well, I like them. They make you look...scholarly." Clark groaned, "That bad, huh." "I think they really fit your personality. And if you don't like them, I read about a surgery in one of my dad's medical journals that can correct your vision. It's done with lasers." "I don't want lasers any where near my eyes!" "Come on, Clark," urged Lucy. "I want to see the kitten." ***** Lana was blonde and beautiful, just like Lois knew she would be. Clark's eyes had a special gleam in them when he looked at Lana, which was almost constantly. Lana was telling the Kents about her activities with the Smallville High cheerleading squad. She was very proud of the fact that she had only been on varsity team for a year yet she was one of the best on the squad. After dinner, Clark and Lana had gone out on the porch. Martha, Lois and Lucy were working on folding the laundry. The laundry load had certainly increased since the household had expanded by two people. Jonathan had gone out to the barn to tinker with his tractors. "Lois, why don't you go ask Clark and Lana if they want some ice cream? I'm hungry for some and we can get out the ice cream maker and I'll show you how to make homemade ice cream." "That sounds like fun! I'll go see." Lois could see Clark and Lana through the screen door. Before she reached to open it, Lois saw Clark giving Lana a quick kiss on the lips. Lana made some sort of protest, but Lois thought that she actually looked pleased. Lois pushed the screen open and Clark jumped. Lois couldn't meet Clark's eyes and she didn't want to look at Lana's perfect face either, so she looked over their heads when she said, "Martha is going to make ice cream and wanted to know if you guys want some." "Sure!" said Clark jumping up. "I'll help." ***** At first Lois had determined that she wasn't going to ask Clark and Lana for help with anything, but there was some stuff, especially in math, that she needed help with. She decided that she could put up with Lana. She did want to get caught up in school so she would be able to graduate on time. No one would let her adopt Lucy if she was still in high school, even if she would be 18 by the time she graduated. Life settled into a routine. The Kents really didn't ask too much of Lois and Lucy, though they expected them to pitch in if they saw something that needed to be done. Lois was trying to learn to cook, and she only set the kitchen on fire once when she left a hand towel too close to the stove. She apologized profusely, but Martha assured her that everyone had done that. Well, judging by the faces made (and Lucy's overly honest comments) Lois knew that her culinary skills needed more work, but she could make a good tuna salad sandwich and if Martha and Clark were helping Jonathan, it was something that she could make and bring to them. ***** Lois had finally decided, after being in Smallville, that the residents weren't Stepford wives. For some reason, the people just accepted and stood by each other, as if untouched by the greed of Metropolis. Some would think that they stayed in Smallville because they didn't know any better, but Lois was amazed by how many had moved away as college students, but returned to Smallville to raise their families. Lois missed the noise and busyness of Metropolis, but she admitted to herself that Smallville had charms of its own, and you just couldn't see stars like this in Metropolis. Clark had shaken her awake one night, bundling Lucy in a quilt and hurrying them outside to stand with his parents as they watched a meteor shower. The blue-green and yellow streaks against the black sky were breathtaking. No, you didn't see things like that in Metropolis. But despite herself, she missed her mother. Even though Ellen wasn't a bit like Martha, Ellen loved her children in her own way, and Lois knew that. ***** Alisha came in early August to let the girls know that Ellen was home from the treatment center and anxious to be reunited with her children. Lois knew this time was coming and had steeled herself to accept it, but she still felt a sense of loss. Lucy wanted to know why she had to go home if she wanted to stay there. Alisha explained that Ellen loved the girls and really wanted them with her. "Your mom is feeling much, much better, Lucy. Things will be different now." They stayed another few days, but wanted to be back to Metropolis to start school. Clark gave Lucy a stuffed cat that resembled the growing kitten. "You can take this one home with you," he told Lucy. Lois' heart beat with anticipation as she opened his gift to her. Oh, my! It was a hand tooled leather-bound journal. Clark blushed at his parents' compliments on the craftsmanship. "I knew Lois liked to write and I thought that this would be the perfect place for her to keep her thoughts." Lois' throat ached with tears as Martha held her tight and said, "Lois, if you ever need anything, even just someone to talk to, please call me. We love you so much and we are going to miss you around here. I've never had a daughter, but if I did I would want her to be just like you." Lois choked on a laugh, "Me? I'm nothing special. Just Lois." "Lois, you care about things. You love your sister and you are fiercely loyal to her. You are very strong emotionally, and you care about the people around you, even if you try not to show it. You are a good person and don't let anyone tell you different." Jonathan hugged them both. "You guys are honorary Kents now, you know. Don't forget to call or write." "You've got my e-mail," put in Clark. ***** The trip back to Metropolis was as silent as the trip to Smallville had been, but instead of the angry, sullen silence, this one was calm. Alisha knew in her heart that Smallville had been the right choice for Lois and Lucy. The reunion with Ellen was tearful and Ellen promised over and over that she was going to be a better mother. Alisha believed that she was sincere in her promises and hoped that Ellen Lane would be able to keep them. ***** Lois did stay in touch with the Kents. She called Martha for cooking advice on occasion, but Ellen was doing wonderfully and when Lois cooked it was because she asked if she could so that she wouldn't forget everything that Martha had taught her. Ellen was very surprised at how good those dinners tasted. When Lois started high school she e-mailed Clark about her teachers and the activities she was involved in. She even joined the cheerleading squad until she twisted her ankle. The time off the squad helped her to realize that she had only joined because Lana was a cheerleader, not because she really enjoyed the activity. She did enjoy the debate team, and Clark gave her some good thoughts to expound on. Clark was keeping busy with football and helping out on the farm. Then came the e-mail that Lana had broken up with him. Clark did not say why, but Lois could tell that it was hurting him. Though Lois could never understand what Clark saw in Lana, she still hurt for her friend. Clark wrote that he had decided to ask Rachel Harris to go to the prom with him instead. He already had the limousine and tux reserved and he knew that Rachel wasn't going with anyone. Lois couldn't remember ever meeting Rachel, but Clark seemed to think that Rachel would be open to going as "just friends". Lana is the world's biggest fool, thought Lois. Clark was excited about starting his senior year. He was already taking some college classes through Kansas State where he hoped to go to college. He hadn't decided on a major, but he still liked English, so was leaning toward something in that area, teaching and/or writing. , he wrote. Clark stayed very busy in his senior year. Lana had apologized for breaking his heart and begged Clark to take her back. Clark decided to date her again, but Lois wondered if Lana only wanted him back because he was now first string quarterback as the former quarterback had graduated a year earlier. As head cheerleader, it was important to Lana to be seen with the right people and she was determined that Clark was the "right people." Lois had been to a few school outings on "sort of" dates. She was 16, and willowy with big brown eyes and she certainly could turn boy's heads. But as she no longer felt the pressure to adopt her younger sister, she spent a lot of time studying, determined to get good grades and a scholarship to Metropolis University. Clark's parting gift to her was filled with her ideas and hopes of what could be. She was so proud of her mother, and Lucy was a very happy second-grader. Lois almost felt like she could relax from worrying. Alisha checked on them periodically. As Lois had once told Clark, it was her job, but Lois could see now that she and Lucy were more than just a job to Alisha. Alisha even confided that she had met someone, maybe the son-in-law that her dad had been wanting. Lois was very happy for her. From the picture Alisha showed her, Lois knew that Ben was no model, but he had kind, laughing eyes and Lois knew that was what Alisha was interested in. When football season ended, so did Clark's relationship with Lana. Lana had decided that she needed to date "older men", specifically the former Smallville quarterback who was now a hot-topic in the Metropolis Star's college sports section. Clark didn't seem nearly as hurt this time, but he did seem a little distracted. He told her that he had been offered a football scholarship to Met. U., but that he had accepted a journalism scholarship to Kansas State. His next e-mail surprised her, but sent a delicious thrill through her. While Lois' crush on Clark was not as strong as it had been, she still was excited at the opportunity to go on a "date" with Clark. And she would love to see Martha and Jonathan in person again. Ellen was not enthusiastic about the plan. Not knowing the Kents, she was hesitant to let her "little girl" travel such a distance alone with a teenage boy. Lois called Alisha and asked her to talk to Ellen. Lois realized that her mom actually had a point, but Ellen didn't know Clark like she did. Alisha put Ellen's fears to rest deciding that she and Ben were overdue for a visit to Smallville and she would take care of transporting Lois. It was a long distance for Clark to travel alone. Lois e-mailed him about the change in plans. Typically, Clark was not offended, but he did say that he would miss seeing Lucy and meeting Ellen Lane. ***** Getting her hair done in a Smallville salon was an experience. She hadn't realized how those beauticians liked to talk about everyone and everything going on in Smallville. But the gossip did not hold the maliciousness that Lois so often felt in Metropolis. When the ladies learned that she was going with Clark to his prom, they regaled her with stories of his childhood and his appearance in Smallville. Over and over she was told of acts of kindness, rescued pets, and even a mad dash to pull a toddler out of the way of a car going much too fast for Smallville streets. Clark had a real following among the citizens of Smallville. "That boy is going to do something really special with his life, save the world from destruction or mediate world peace. He's no ordinary boy, that Clark Kent. And doesn't he look so distinguished in those glasses! It's a really good look for him." Lois felt very proud to be on his arm as they entered the prom and had their picture taken. She knew that she would always treasure that picture and that moment. They danced and browsed at the snack table. Clark introduced her to Rachel and her date as well as several other classmates. Clark stopped Lois from filling her cup from one bowl, "I just saw Ted spike the punch. You don't want to drink that." Setting her cup down, he whirled her into a dance, then tripped over his feet knocking into the card table with the punch on it. He managed not to spill the entire bowl, but it brought the table to the attention of the chaperones and the now near empty punch bowl was replaced with a new one. "Clark, man, I'd just spiked that last one. You're such a klutz." Klutz was not a word that Lois would ever use to describe Clark Kent and she suspected that Clark had intended to cause the small upset. She continued to dance with Clark, enjoying being close to him when he suddenly said, "Um. Lois, I really need to go- go do- something." And he hurriedly left. Was Clark Kent blushing? If he needed to pee, he should just say so! Actually, she would take the opportunity to visit the ladies herself. She followed Clark out the door. But Clark wasn't headed to the restrooms. He went the other direction, turning the corner in the hall. Curious, Lois followed him. When she reached the corner, Clark was nowhere to be seen. Where had he disappeared to? Unfamiliar with Smallville High, she wandered until she found herself near one of the emergency exits. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open, in time to hear the crunching sound of metal as if there had been two cars hitting each other, but she hadn't heard any squeal of tires. She rounded the corner to see Clark grabbing a boy out of a car whose door was hanging crazily on its hinges. He pushed the boy up against the car holding him with one hand as the boy struggled clumsily to free himself. As she got closer, she could hear a girl sobbing. "Rachel, are you okay?" "Oh, Clark. I feel so stupid, I thought he liked me." "Rachel, I think he does like you. He's just little drunk right now. Ted spiked the punch. Or maybe Pete had some of the ‘spike' before it got to the punch." "My dad's going to kill me." "Are you okay? I mean really okay, don't just say so." "Yes, I'm fine. He just scared me. He's not usually like this." "Then maybe we can keep this between us?" He gave the boy a little shake, "Right, Pete." "Yeah, sure Clark. Sorry, Rachel," the boy muttered. "I hope you really are, Pete. The only reason I'm not taking you to Rachel's dad is because you are a little soused and I know that you are usually a nice guy. Rachel, can you and Lois take our limo home? I don't think that Pete should drive himself home. I'll drive him there." Besides, thought Clark, I'm going to have to fix this door before Pete or his dad notices the damage I did to it. Either I'm getting even stronger, or I pulled on it harder than I thought. Just when I think I'm getting the hang of these powers, they change on me! "But how will you get home, Clark?" Rachel asked. "Don't worry about me, Rachel. It's a nice night for a walk anyway. Can you find Lois and just tell her that you needed someone to drive Pete home?" "Sure, Clark, and thank you. I'm not sure how far he would have taken it. . ." "Don't worry about it, Rachel. You're my friend. I'm glad I was here to help." Clark put his arm around Pete and started leading him back to the main entrance of the school, hoping some cold water on his face would sober him up before Clark took him home. Rachel trailed behind as she headed towards the gymnasium to find Lois. Lois furtively ran toward the now abandoned car, touching the twisted door, and the broken locking mechanism. Had that been the sound she heard? Was Clark so angry that he had done this? Maybe he cared more for Rachel than he let on, but the way he had acted towards Pete all night did not lend itself to that theory. Well, she'd better get back to the gym before Rachel realized that she wasn't there. ***** She was standing next to the dance floor by the time Rachel entered the gym. "Lois? My date is not feeling so well; a little too much of the punch Ted spiked. He needs to go home. Clark thought that he would be a better help than I would be. Clark's really strong and Pete is a pretty big guy." "I'm sorry. I'm sure that's not how you were expecting your senior prom to turn out," Lois said sympathetically. Rachel would assume that Lois was referring to her date not feeling well, not the fact that Clark had to put a stop to Pete's drunken behavior. "Clark wanted to know if we could take the limo home. He'll drive Pete home in his car. I'm sorry about this, Lois. Pete was just really not himself. I'm sure this isn't how you expected the night to turn out either." "It's not a problem, Rachel. Forgive me for prying, but does Pete drink very often?" "No, I don't think so. I've never seen him like- uh, drink like this before." "Rachel, I know that you don't know me, except through Clark, and you have no reason to listen to me, but please be sure that this is an isolated incident. My mother is an alcoholic. And a high percentage of teens that drink become alcoholics. You don't want to get involved with someone like that." "Thanks, Lois. I'm not sure after seeing Pete like this that we're going to keep dating, but I promise you I will talk to him about this." While Clark seemed to think Pete was a nice guy, Clark always tried to see the best in everyone. Lois hoped that Rachel would take her advice to heart. She did not talk about her mother's alcoholism often, but Lois knew that Rachel would not judge her for her mother's problems. Another Smallville tradition. ***** Clark was in the kitchen making breakfast when Lois came down the next morning. Neither Martha nor Jonathan was around. She wasn't sure if that was because they had already eaten or because they were still asleep. Lois got a glass out of the cupboard and pulled the milk out of the fridge. "Lois, I'm so sorry I couldn't bring you home, but Rachel-" Clark began. "Don't worry about it Clark. Rachel is your friend. I expect you to help her out. She said you are really strong and could handle Pete better than she could." Lois poured herself a glass of milk and took a drink. Clark blushed, "I'm just average strong, Lois, for a football jock." Remembering the twisted car door she thought, "methinks he doth protest too much", but didn't say anything about it. Could Clark have been so furious that he had an adrenaline rush of superhuman strength? It just didn't mesh with the Clark that she knew, or thought she knew. Could there be a part of him that she didn't know? One seriously in need of anger management therapy? And why had he gone outside anyway? For a moment she wondered if she really knew Clark Kent at all, but then she shook her head thinking of the ladies at the salon yesterday morning and Maisie declaring, "With Clark Kent, what you see is what you get." ***** She hugged the Kents, thanking Martha for her help in getting ready and Clark for the wonderful evening. After Ben was pointing the car in the direction of Metropolis, Alisha turned to Lois. "I have some news. *We* have news." "Really?" "Yes. Ben asked Dad if he could marry me. And Dad said yes!" "What did you say?' Ben answered for her, "She said, "It's about time." Lois laughed. "Alisha, aren't you glad that Martha and Clark arranged all this?" "I sure am. But I wanted to tell you, because I'm hoping that you will stand up with me? We're getting married before school starts in Metropolis in the fall." Ben taught math at a Metropolis High School, though not the one Lois attended. "Of course I will! I'm so happy for you. But why me?" "Mrs. Bailey would really lecture me about getting too involved in my cases, if she heard this, but I sort of think of you as the little sister I never had. And I don't even know where my real sister is. Last I heard she was in Kansas City, but that's been a few years. I tried to keep in touch, but her phone got disconnected and I never got her new number." "That's really terrible, Alisha. I hope that Lucy and I are always close." "Tracy just didn't have the blessings that I did. Life with the Georges formed me into a much different person than I would be if my mother had raised me. Tracy's never known any other life." "I'm very blessed to have you in my life. I can't believe now that I was just going to take Lucy and get on a bus. There are so many weirdoes out there! Anything could have happened to us. Thank you for caring. I will be forever thankful that you got ‘involved' in our case." "So will I." ***** To Lois' complete shock, her father was there when she got home. He said he was taking a break from his "breast blossoming formula" and was going to be helping out another scientist in his lab, which was located, of all places, in Metropolis. "So you'll be looking for an apartment?" "No, princess, I'll be staying here. It is still my house." Legally, maybe, but Lois knew her mom paid the mortgage. Sam's work paid so sporadically and since he and Ellen weren't divorced, they had never been able to count on child support or alimony. All her father's money went into more of his research. Oh, this couldn't be good. Would her dad be able to stay faithful to her mother? And how would Ellen handle it if he left again? For a moment she longed for the serenity and security of Smallville. But Lois knew that she was a stronger person than she had been three years ago, and her mother was doing great. She allowed herself to believe that things would be fine. She finished her sophomore year with some of the best grades in her class. Excitedly, she showed her parents the results. "Lois, that is wonderful," Ellen said delightedly. "Why is your science grade the lowest, Lois? You'll never get into a good pre-med program with a score like that." "Pre-med? Dad, why would I be worried about pre-med.?" "You need a good pre-med program to get into the finest medical schools. Any daughter of mine should be able to attend Yale or Harvard." "But, Dad, I've always enjoyed writing, I was thinking-" "The medical field is the way to go, Lois", Sam said. "Do you know how lacking the medical field is in doctors? People are living longer these days, and soon there are not going to be enough doctors to treat everyone. You'll be able to name any price for services and get it too, if you have a degree from a really good school." "But-" "Maybe you should listen to your father, Lois. It does sound like there is a need for doctors. I know that there is a nursing shortage as well. It could be a great future for you." Lois decided that arguing with her parents was not going to help. Why couldn't her dad just be happy for her? She had the highest score of her classmates in creative writing. And she had excellent grades in English. ***** Alisha and Ben had asked to take both Lois and Lucy with them to attend Smallville's baccalaureate and graduation. They wanted to start talking to Maisie about catering the wedding and getting the flower arrangements set up with the local florist shop. Her dress and Lois' were from Metropolis, but everything else was going to be from Smallville. Clark was the salutatorian for his class. Lois' heart swelled with pride as he gave his speech thanking the citizens of Smallville for providing a firm foundation for the class to go out into the world from. "You are looking at future doctors, lawyers, teachers, and even some farmers that know who they are and know that no matter how far we go in life, we can always come back to Smallville and know that we are home. Ladies and gentleman, please enjoy this 40th graduation of Smallville High." When the graduation concluded, the room erupted in cheers and whistles as the mortarboards went flying into the air. Clark made his way to his parents and accepted their hugs and offered his mom his handkerchief to dry her tears. They ran into the Georges and Lanes as they both tried to exit the auditorium at the same time. "Lois! And Lucy. I'm so glad you guys could come." "Well, Clark, it's not every day that you graduate from high school. How does it feel?" Lois queried. "Super, but if I never had to give another speech as long as I live, it will be too soon." "Why? You did a great job, Clark," protested Alisha. "Thanks, Alisha. I hope my point got across anyway." "It got across to me. You know my heart will always belong to Smallville." "I thought your heart belonged to me now, sweetheart," teased Ben. Alisha poked at him. "Of course, it does, silly. Lucky for you, there's room enough in my heart for you and Smallville." "I guess you guys are excited about your wedding," commented Clark. "Yeah. I can't wait to show my parents and my brother, Paul, around Smallville," Ben said excitedly. "We're flying out of Metropolis the day we get back to attend Paul's graduation. Paul's planning to attend Met. U. this fall, so we'll be seeing a lot more of him," Alisha said. Rachel came running up, "Clark! Congratulations, graduate!" "Thanks, Rachel. You too." "Hey, Alisha, can I steal Lois for a minute for some girl talk?" Rachel asked. "Actually, a lot of us are headed over to Maisie's. I'll make sure she gets back to your house, Alisha, if she can come with us," Clark pleaded. "That's fine with me, Clark, if Lois wants to." "Sure, Alisha. I can soak up some Smallville social life while I'm here." "Clark, don't keep her out too late. We have a long drive back to Metropolis tomorrow," reminded Ben. ***** "Lois, I just wanted to thank you for telling me about your mom. I talked to Pete and found out that he had been drinking with his friends pretty regularly. I looked up teens and alcoholism on the Internet and showed him the studies. He had a long talk with his parents and the school counselor, and I think he's going to be okay. I probably won't ever date him, but still, he's a friend, and-" "And Smallville takes care of its own." "And we suddenly had a group session in the auditorium with a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) spokesperson. I think a lot of the kids really took it to heart. The Smallville Post reported on her visit and included some statistics. It woke a lot of the parents up. I think that the kids at next year's prom will find alcohol a little harder to get a hold of." "I'm glad, Rachel." "You know, Pete was more than just drunk that night. He was a little...amorous too." "Clark didn't mention it." "He wouldn't. My reputation, you know. I'm just glad he came when he did. I don't know how far Pete would have taken it, but I don't want my first time to be like that." Lois blushed, but she said, "Martha says you never forget your first time or whom you were with, so you need to be sure he's the one you want to remember the rest of your life." "Wow. My parents just told me that I shouldn't let any guy pressure me into anything I wasn't ready for. I hadn't thought about having that guy's face in my head the rest of my life. I'll remember that." "I haven't really dated anyone yet, but some of the girls in my class have and I know some of them got too serious too fast and regretted it. I don't want to regret anything I do in my life, much less something as special as that." ***** Alisha and Lois spent a few hours the next morning with Maisie and the florist. Chelsea and Don were keeping Lucy and Ben entertained at the farm. As a result of the wedding planning taking longer than expected, they were late leaving Smallville, and Alisha dropped them off at the house in a hurry. Ellen would be home from work later. Lois unlocked the door and re-set the alarm. She told Lucy to hurry and get her pajamas on and get to bed. They both had school in the morning. Lois headed to her parents' bedroom to use their bathroom as she got ready for bed herself. She flipped on the light and shrieked when a responding groan came from the bed. "Mom? What's wrong? Why are you home?" "He's left us again, Lois. He just up and left. Some young lady doctor has convinced him that she can help him fix his stupid breast enhancing pill!" "I'm sorry, Mom. But aren't you supposed to be at work? "I, uh, I called in sick. Aren't you home early?" "No, Mom. Actually we are a little late. It's almost midnight." "Oh. Well, can you hurry up? The light is hurting my eyes." Lois met her own eyes in the mirror. Her heart was beating so fast. Fear. All of the sudden she felt like the rug was ripped out from under her. She hadn't seen any evidence that Ellen had been drinking, but it just reminded her so much of the way things had gotten started when her father left 5 years ago. For a minute she wanted to call Martha. But she knew they went to bed early down on the farm. She could call Alisha, but she was a social worker and Lois was afraid that the law would require that Alisha report Lois' fears. And, Lois reminded herself, she really had no facts to base her suspicions on. Lois would have to investigate this on her own. ***** The last week of school was over. Finals were completed and the end-of-the-year parties were over. Ellen had returned to work, and Lois would be spending her summer keeping an eye on Lucy. She was looking forward to her junior year. After all, it was all downhill from here, and then on to journalism school at Met. U. Maybe she would even apply for the summer internship at the Daily Planet next summer. It would be a great experience. Spending more time at home made it easy to find the bottle of vodka in the top of her mom's closet. "Oh, Mom." Should she try to talk to her mom? Maybe she just kept the bottle as a reminder or something. Didn't some alcoholics keep their last bottle of liquor just to remind themselves of how long it had been since they had a drink? "Mom, I was wondering. How are your AA meetings going?" "They're fine, Lois. Just fine. I don't answer to you. I'm your mother, not the other way around." "I'm just trying to be supportive. How long have you been sober now, Mom? Is it two and a half years?" "Something like that." Yes, something was definitely wrong. The next weekend, Lois came back from a double date with her friend Linda King, her boyfriend, and his best friend to find Lucy crying in the kitchen eating cereal out of the box. Lois threw her purse on the table and gathered her in her arms. "Lucy, what's wrong? Where's mom?" "I don't know. She just left with some guy from her work, and I'm so hungry, Lois." "What guy from work? Did she get called in? Why didn't she phone me to come home?" "I don't think she was going to work. She wasn't wearing her uniform." What was going on! In all the time that her father had run around on her mother, Ellen had never shown interest in another man. "Lucy, how about I fix you some of my Smallville tuna sandwiches? That will fill you up, and then you need to get to bed. It's after 10:00." Lois stayed up waiting for her mother to come home. It was 2:00 when the key turned in the lock. Her mom stumbled through the door and started heading for her bedroom. Lois rushed to re-set the alarm. The last thing she wanted was to have the police calling. She followed her mother into the room. "Mom?" "Lois," Ellen slurred, "I didn't think you'd be up." "Are you drunk?" "No, I'm not drunk. I don't get drunk anymore." "You're drunk, Mom. You left Lucy home alone. She is too young to be left by herself. How long have you been drinking?" "I told you, I'm not-" "Stuff it, Mother. I don't believe you. You've been doing so great. Why do you let dad do this to you?" "It's not my fault, Lois. I've never been enough for your dad. Never." "Mom. We can't do this again. I'm trying to get into college and Lucy isn't so young anymore. She's going to figure it out this time." Lois left the room. She had to talk to someone. She dialed a familiar number on her cell phone. "Martha?" "Lois, what's wrong?" "Martha, I know it's the middle of the night-" "Lois, I told you to call if you ever needed me, and I meant it." "Mom?" Lois heard in the background. "Clark, go back to bed." "Is Lois okay?" "Let me talk to her, Clark. Just go back to bed." "Oh, I'm sorry. I've woken up Clark too. How'd he know it was me anyway?" "Uh, maybe he picked up the phone when it rang. Lois, what's going on?" "Martha, I've been suspicious for weeks, but tonight my mom left Lucy alone and went out drinking with some guy from her work." "Oh, Lois, I'm so sorry." "I just can't do this, Martha. I let myself have dreams and make plans and I want to go to college, Martha!" "You need to call Alisha." "No, I can't take a chance that I'll get separated from Lucy." "Call Alisha." "It can wait until morning." "Okay, but I'm calling Mrs. Crane tomorrow to talk to her about your situation." "If you think that's the best thing." "It is, Lois." "Thanks, Martha." "Sure, sweetie. Bye." Lois held onto the phone not wanting to hang up. She could feel Martha's love through the phone line and the calm that accompanied it. "Mom, is Lois okay?" Lois heard Clark's voice ask. Martha must have forgotten to hit the disconnect on her end. "Her mom is drinking again." "How could she-? Mom, I can be up there in no time. Does Lois need someone to stay with her?" What was Clark talking about? It took hours to get from Smallville to Metropolis. "And how would you explain how you got to Metropolis so fast? She heard you earlier." Lois hit the end button. If she continued to listen, she would be guilty of eavesdropping on the nicest people she knew. What had Clark meant he could get here so quickly? Wait. What am I doing? Keep on the subject, Lois. You're distancing. Your mother, remember your drunk mother? ***** Alisha called Lois. After staying up worrying most of the night, Lois had finally fallen into an exhausted sleep about 6:00. "Alisha," she mumbled sleepily. "Oh, Lois, did I wake you up?" "Yeah, what time is it?" "It's about 12:00. I was getting worried. Mrs. Crane called me. She passed on what you had told Martha. Is Lucy there?" Lois threw off the covers and padded over to her door and stuck her head out. Lucy was settled in front of the TV watching Justice League with a box of pop tarts. "Yeah, Alisha, she's watching TV." "Martha wants you to come to Smallville." "I can't, Alisha. I need to stay with Lucy." "Let me worry about Lucy. You are 17. In New Troy that means that if you leave your parents' home you are legally an adult and you can do what you want. Go to Smallville, Lois. You can finish high school there." "I won't leave Lucy, and I don't want her fostered to anyone I don't know." "Lois." "No, Alisha. You said I'm an adult. And I'm deciding to stay here. I have to be here for Lucy." "But, Lois-" "Look, Alisha, I know you want to help. But. . .wait, mom's waking up. I'm going to take her in some coffee." "Lois-" "Bye, Alisha. I promise, we'll talk later." Lois hung up the phone and headed into her parent's...no, her mother's bedroom. Ellen was in tears. "Oh, Lois, I'm so sorry. I'm a horrible mother. I don't deserve you. No wonder your father left me." "Mother, you deserve just as much as anyone else. But drinking is something you do to yourself. It's not healthy, and you need to think of Lucy." "Lucy, my little baby, so little. . ." "Mother, do you want to do something good for Lucy?" "Of course, I do. She's my baby." "Then tell Alisha you want to sign her over to the Kents." "What are you talking about?" "It doesn't have to be forever, but Lucy needs a stable home. She can get that in Smallville." "But she's my baby." "Mother, you need to look at this reasonably. You're sick. You can't care for Lucy. And I shouldn't have to, either. I don't want to spend the rest of my life in a dead-end job trying to make ends meet to pay the rent and take care of Lucy. I want to go to college." "Right, pre-med." "No, not- Mother, you're not focusing. Lucy, remember?" ***** Alisha came to the Lane's home that afternoon. Providentially, one of Lucy's friends had called her to come over and Lois agreed, anxious to get her out the door. Lois, Ellen, and Alisha sat in the kitchen where Lois placed some strong coffee in front of her mother as she said, "Alisha, help me convince her." "Lois has a great idea, Ellen. Grant the Kents temporary custody until you can get back on your feet again." "But she's my baby." "Ellen, Ellen! Look at me. Do you love Lucy?" Alisha questioned. "Yes, why are you yelling, my head is killing me." "That's because you have a hangover, which is exactly the point. If you love Lucy, you don't want her to see you like this." "No." "Then give the Kents custody." "I don't even know the Kents. Smallville sounds like some kind of cult mentality." "What if the Kents came here and met you, Ellen?" "I just don't know. What kind of mother am I if I give away my own child?" "I happen to think that sometimes that is the best gift that a parent can give their children." "You don't resent your parents?" "No, I don't." "And neither does Clark", chimed in Lois. "Clark thinks the Kents are the best thing that ever happened to him." Ellen nodded, seeming deep in thought. "I'll think about it. I'm going to go lay down." Ellen placed her mug in the sink and left the room. "Do you think she'll change her mind once the hangover wears off, Alisha?" "I don't know Lois, but we can hope not. Your mom does love you, Lois. But addictions are a hard thing to overcome, whether it's drugs or gambling or sex or alcohol. We have to hope she'll do the right thing." "Is it the right thing? What if Lucy doesn't understand? What if she does resent Mother?" "Lucy loves Smallville. And she'll have a sister that can explain it to her." ***** Ellen had switched shifts so that she was off the next day to meet the Kents. Lois was very worried that her mother would refuse to consider letting Lucy go when she was sobered up. Except that she still wasn't completely sober when the Kents arrived. I guess that bottle in the closet wasn't just a memory, thought Lois. "Mrs. Lane? Jonathan Kent. This is my wife, Martha, and our son, Clark." "Clark, Lois, Alisha's taking me to the Fudge Castle, want to come?" spoke Lucy excitedly. Clark glanced to Alisha, who nodded. "Sure, Lucy. Chocolate sounds like just the thing," Lois agreed. "It is nice to finally meet you. My girls talk about their visit to Smallville all the time." "That is what we're here to talk about, Mrs. Lane," spoke up Martha. "Lois called me-" "Lois called to tell you that her mother is a lousy drunk. She's-" "Lois called me because she was frightened for Lucy and for herself." "I've always provided for the girls. My husband is worthless in that department." "Lois knows that you have been a good provider, Mrs. Lane," said Jonathan. "We understand that it has been hard on you trying to raise two girls by yourself, and you have done an admirable job." "Except when Sam leaves me and I fall apart. I was doing so well, too, and the girls, as well. It is just not fair that Sam left me to be with that floozy." "We wondered if it might be less stressful for you if Lucy lived with us for a while. Just while you get your feet under you again," Martha said gently. "Maybe I do need to concentrate on me right now." "You could come to visit Lois and Lucy as often as you wanted. Or we can bring them to visit you," Martha offered. "You see, Ellen. We are suffering from pre-empty nest syndrome. Clark will be heading off to Kansas City to get ready for college in just a few weeks. It's been 18 years since it was just Martha and I. We are going to rattle around in that old farmhouse," explained Jonathan. "I'll talk to Alisha when they get back," Ellen agreed. ***** "Mrs. Lane, let me help you." Ellen was in her element as hostess and had offered everyone lemonade and was headed to the kitchen to fill some glasses. "Why, Clark, thank you." "I wondered if you might want to ask me anything. I guarantee my parents think the world of your daughters, and we know that you are a big part of their lives." "Lois says that you don't resent your biological parents for giving you to the Kents." "Not at all, Mrs. Lane. I admit, sometimes I wonder who they are, why I was . . .abandoned. But I couldn't imagine any better parents than the Kents." "Do you think Lois and Lucy hate me?" "No, Mrs. Lane. I know they don't. Lois has told me how proud she was of how you were doing." "And then I blew it." "We all face set backs in life, Mrs. Lane. But I believe that you have the strength inside you to push through this and come out the other side a better, stronger person. Adversity makes us stronger, and our experiences can be used to help others." ***** "It was nice to meet the Kents, Lois. They are just as nice as you had said." "So does that mean you are willing to consider-?" Lois asked hopefully. "I just don't see why I need to legally give the Kents custody." "The Kents need medical power of attorney and the legal ability to make any decisions affecting Lucy. Smallville is far enough from Metropolis that there might not be time enough in an emergency to consult you," explained Alisha. "If you get your lawyer to draw up papers giving the Kents limited custody, I will sign them," Ellen said, resignedly. "Why don't we put a time limit on it? Lucy will start school in August and we don't want to pull her out during the year. Why don't we plan to re-evaluate the situation again next July? Until then, Lois and Lucy will live with the Kents in Smallville." "I'm agreeable to that. Alisha, can you help me get back in that program again? I think I need to remember the things that I learned there that I have let slip away." "I'll call them right away," said Alisha, squeezing Ellen's hand. ***** Alisha drove the Lanes to Smallville. The Kents had insisted that Ellen come and see where the girls would be living while she took some time for herself. Ellen took note that there were several pictures of her girls scattered among the many pictures of Clark on the walls in the house. "Come see my room, Mom," said Lucy excitedly tugging on her hand. Lucy was thrilled to be back in Smallville. Alisha had explained that Ellen was going away for a while and that the Kents were going to take care of her until Ellen got back. "It's a nice room, Lucy." "The girls can sleep together in here, or, if she wants, Lois can take Clark's room after he leaves next month." "I don't want to take Clark's room, Martha. He'll need it when he comes back to visit," Lois said quickly. "I don't mind, Lois," Clark offered. "And there's a great desk in there for writing at. It looks out over the back pasture and you can see the waterfowl come in and land on the pond." But Lois knew that she would feel very uncomfortable invading Clark's room, even if spending time there would make her feel closer to him. She again pushed away those thoughts of Clark that sometimes crept back into her heart. Clark was the nicest guy ever and she was ungrateful to wish for more than friendship with him. Besides, anything more would be terribly awkward when they were living in the same house. Lois hugged her mother as she and Alisha prepared to head back to Smallville. "I'm proud of you, Mother. This is the right thing to do." ***** The next few weeks Martha stayed busy trying to think of every possible thing that Clark would need. "I'm just in Kansas City, Mom. It's not the other side of the world. And I'm sure if I need extra sheets and towels, there is at least one store that I can purchase them at." "Don't try to convince your mother, Clark. Her little bird is ready to fly the nest and make one of his own. She wants to make sure it is well padded. Meanwhile, I can use all the help from you I can get. I still want to get that section in the back pasture re-fenced before you leave." Jonathan kept Clark pretty busy. Lois and Lucy tried to help out by doing some of the easier farm chores, putting out feed and collecting eggs, helping Martha in the kitchen and manning the booth at the Farmers Market. Lois wouldn't want to do this the rest of her life, although she knew that Martha and Jonathan really loved it, but she decided to enjoy it. This life would give her another perspective from which to look at things. It would make her a better writer. There was no way that she and Lucy could possibly replace Clark on the farm, but they did what they knew how to do and Martha and Jonathan let them know that they appreciated it. Martha had told Lois to go get Jonathan and Clark from the barn. Jonathan was trying to get his favorite tractor running and couldn't hear Martha calling over the noise. Both men had their heads hung over the tractor engrossed in what they were looking at. "Thanks for all the help with the fencing, Clark. Sometimes I feel like I take too much advantage of you, but it would have taken me and three men all week to do what you got done yesterday." "Come on, Dad. You and Mom have done so much for me. Most people would have just left me lying where I was, if they had the bravery to even look. If my strength gives me the opportunity to help you out, I am happy to do it." "Speaking of, do you see anything I'm missing? Can you take a look in the gears?" Clark pulled down his glasses. He must be nearsighted, though Lois. "No, I don't see anything, Dad. Try her again." Lois interrupted, "Actually, you two grease monkeys, Martha wants you to come in for lunch." Clark jumped, "Lois! I didn't hear you come in." "That's because it is so noisy in here with that tractor running," Lois said. There was something odd about that conversation, but she really couldn't put her finger on anything. Obviously, Jonathan was a little prone to exaggeration when it came to his son. Lois knew he was really proud of anything that Clark did. ***** Clark was all smiles as he drove away heading to Kansas City, the back of his pick-up filled with everything (and more) than he would need to make his dorm room home. Martha held tightly onto Lucy as she tried to hide her tears until Clark was gone. Jonathan came and put his arm around her. "Now, now, Martha." "I'm not crying, Jonathan. I am so proud of our son, and I'm so happy that he has this opportunity, but he's been my baby for 18 years, the child we hoped and dreamed for and it is just so hard to watch him go out into the world." "He'll be fine. He's Clark." ***** The workload was heavier on Jonathan and Martha, but they actually seemed to relish in staying busy. Clark had made Lois promise to tell him if they worked too hard. He could always come home on a weekend if they had a big project. He had called his parents and e-mailed to Lois that he was moved into his dorm and was getting to know other students on campus. He was planning to come home right before classes started to attend Alisha and Ben's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding. Ben choked up a little on the vows, which endeared him to the hearts of women of all ages in Smallville. Alisha spoke her vows clearly with confidence. Lois knew that Alisha was very sure of her choice. Ben would never grace the cover of GQ, but he was generous, loving, and very supportive of Alisha's work. Now his brother Paul, who was standing up with him, might actually make it into GQ. Paul was not at all disappointed to be escorting Lois down the aisle. "They say, you know, that the best man gets first pick of all the bridesmaids." "Really? I was told that the maid of honor gets the cutest groomsman. Unfortunately, I think he fell asleep on me." She glanced at Chelsea's youngest nephew who had been the ring bearer curled up on the church pew fast asleep. Paul laughed good-naturedly. "Since your first choice is asleep, I hope that means you'll be willing to dance with me at the reception?" "I'll look forward to it." Lois and Paul joined the happy couple out on the dance floor on the second dance. Then they split up to begin pulling others from the crowd to join them. Lois pulled Jonathan onto the dance floor as he complained that he only knew how to two-step. Still he managed not to step on her toes. Clark joined them, dancing with Martha. On the next dance, Jonathan took Martha in his arms. Lois could see that Jonathan could dance just fine. She and Clark headed back to the table for a breather. Clark smiled fondly at his parents before turning to Lois, who was also watching the Kents. "What?" Lois glanced at him, before looking back at the couple. "Do you think that you and I will ever find someone to love like that?" "I'm sure you will, Lois. I mean, look at Alisha and Ben. I think that they'll be really happy together." "What about you, Clark?" "Oh, by the time I've traveled the world, I'll probably be so old and travel worn nobody will look twice at me." Lois laughed, picturing Clark as a bent over old man with a backpack weighing him down as he struggled to climb a mountain. "Or maybe you'll find some exotic princess on your travels and decide to stay." Jonathan claimed Lucy for a dance, and Paul came over and extended his hand to Lois, "Unless you and Clark?" he asked glancing from her to Clark. "No, go ahead. I think I'll go see if I can get a dance with the bride," Clark assured him. "So, you're from Metropolis, right?" "I guess. Smallville's home too, though. I'm hoping to go to Met. U. when I graduate." "I'm starting there next week. Hey, we'll have to hook up when you get there. I'll know my way around by then and I can show where the best hangouts are." "That would be great." She smiled over Paul's shoulder at Martha as Martha kept an eye on Jonathan and Lucy and Lois and Paul. Clark was standing behind his mother with his hand resting on her shoulder. Paul twirled her around and dipped her suddenly. Lois laughed as Paul brought her back up to a standing position in time to see another guest stumble into the cake table. Clark stepped forward and placed a steadying hand on the side of the table and the crowd breathed a sigh of relief as the table settled firmly on four legs without toppling the cake. Hadn't he just been standing by Martha, though? She knew he had before Paul dipped her. As the song finished, she saw Martha pull Clark into the hall, and she did not look pleased. Lois excused herself to go see what was wrong. Before she rounded the corner of the hallway, she heard Martha hiss, "Clark, that was very foolish!" "Mom, I couldn't let Alisha's cake get ruined! They hadn't even cut it yet." "You'd risk your secret for a cake! Clark, you need to be careful, especially now that you aren't living in Smallville anymore. I doubt Kansas City will be as accepting of your explanations for how you happened to be at the "right place at the right time" as the people of Smallville are. I know you're an adult now, and you are old enough to think for yourself, but you are still my son, and I'm scared for you." "Mom, no one is going to dissect me. I haven't even been able to hurt myself since I was 15." "I'm not worried about anyone dissecting you. I'm worried about what people would try to make you do, if they knew about your abilities." "No one's going to find out, Mom. I'm always careful. Just now, no one saw anything. They were all focused on the cake." "Just, please, be careful, son. For your old mom." "You're not old, Mom. Now come dance with me." Lois shot down the hall, hoping to make it back into the reception before Clark finished hugging his mother and turned the corner. What secret? Dissection!? And what abilities was Martha referring to? Was there more to Clark Kent than "what you see is what you get"? The more formal dancing was over. Alisha wanted to have some country dancing at her wedding, and Lois helped Alisha change into a white calico dress and remove the veil, leaving only the tiara in her hair. Her full length wedding gown would be too much to work around with the lively steps of a country dance. Martha had presented Lois with a burgundy calico dress and some cowboy boots. Lois had wrinkled her nose at them, but Martha laughed and insisted. "We'll show you how we dance in Smallville, Lois." The room erupted in whoops when they returned. Ties were loosened or even cast aside. Ladies took off their heels and joined the men in forming a line. Clark grabbed Lois' hand. "Here, let me teach you. It's really easy." Clark was patient as she tried to copy his moves. By the end of the first song, she was finding some rhythm. "Remember the last time we danced together?" "Sure, it was at your prom. You ran out on me." "Oops. I'd forgotten about that or I wouldn't have brought it up. I was just going to say that I really enjoyed going to the prom with you. I keep our picture in my wallet. I'm sorry we didn't get to spend the whole evening together." "It turned out to be a good thing, for both Rachel and Pete. I didn't really mind, and I got to know Rachel a little. She is really nice." "Pete's nice, too. We were best friends, once a long time ago." "Really? What happened?" "Life. Changes. By the time we started high school, he had a different set of friends. Pete played basketball. I played football. Pete dated the class president. I dated Lana-" " and got dumped...twice!" "Don't remind me. But Lana's a good person and she was always a good friend to me. Like you are, Lois." "Me?" "Yeah. You're a good friend. You and Lucy are part of my family now. I hope you'll keep e-mailing me." "Of course I will. But you're probably going to be too busy with school and activities to have much time for e-mailing." "I will make time for my friends." "Speaking of Lana, I don't see her." "Didn't you hear? Lana's decided at the last minute to attend K. State instead of Met U. She's busy moving in this weekend." "Did the football player dump her?" Clark laughed, "Actually, he did. I doubt that had anything to do with it, though. She probably just decided she wanted to be closer to Smallville." Or closer to Clark, thought Lois. Clark is so naïve. ***** ***** As Lois and Lucy climbed the steps of the farmhouse after the bus dropped them off, they could hear voices coming from the kitchen. "I flew! I mean, I've floated before, but-" "I don't understand, Clark. You could have been genetically enhanced to be stronger and faster, but flight?" Lucy bounded into the house, letting the screen door close behind her with a bang. "Clark!" she cried, running into his arms. "Hey, Lucy. Goodness, what is Mom feeding you? You're getting big." Lois entered the house. "Clark! It's so great to see you. I thought you said you wouldn't be able to get away before mid-terms?" "Lois," said Martha, "is the bus early, or have I lost track of that much time?" "It was a half-day today. Teacher conference." "That's right. I'd forgotten." Lois turned to Clark, "I didn't see your truck. How'd you get here?" "I took the bus-" "I picked him up-" said Clark and Jonathan simultaneously. "-at the bus station," finished Martha. "Right. At the bus station to surprise Martha," agreed Jonathan. Lucy laughed, "Were you surprised, Martha?" "I sure was! Clark scared me to death, sneaking up behind me while I was making lunch for Jonathan. Speaking of lunch, Lois, can you finish up those tuna sandwiches? I need to sit down for minute." "Sure, Martha. I'm going to add in some more tuna and mayo since your guest list just jumped from 2 to 5. So, you rode the bus in, Clark. I thought you guys were saying something about flying when we came in. I wondered if you mailed yourself home and came in with the mail to the Smallville Post Office." Lucy giggled, "Clark wouldn't fit in a letter, Lois." "Well, some of him might stick out, that's for sure." ***** Lois had trouble falling to sleep that night. If Clark had come by bus, why had he been talking about flying? And wasn't it odd that he did not bring a thing with him? Yes, he had left some clothes in Smallville, and there was sure to be a spare toothbrush lying around, and she supposed he could borrow Jonathan's razor and aftershave, but it seemed terribly inconvenient when he could have packed an overnight bag more easily. And he had specifically said that he could not come home before mid-terms. She finally pushed the thoughts from her mind. The Kents had been more than generous to her and Lucy. She felt very guilty for even wondering about some of the unexplained things that happened in the Kent home. ***** Martha fixed a huge breakfast with pancakes and steak and eggs. Clark ate more than his fair share. "Mom, I missed your cooking so much. Half the time I just grab something and go." "Clark, you need to make sure you eat right. And breakfast is the most important meal of the day," Martha scolded. "I will. Dad, can you, uh, drive me back the bus station after breakfast?" "Clark," said Lucy, "you just got here. Do you have to leave already?" "No, problem, Clark, I'd be happy to," Jonathan answered. "Hardly seems like the time spent on the bus was worth it. Or the money for the ticket," Lois said. Clark hugged all those around the table that he could reach. "Of course it was. I got to see my family. That will do me better than hours of studying." "Can I come with you, Jonathan?" asked Lucy. "Lucy, I need you to stay home and watch that calf that was born the other day. He lets himself get too hungry because he gets busy playing and forgets to eat, and then he gets all silly trying to nurse because he's hungry," Jonathan let Lucy down easily. "I'll make sure he eats his breakfast," Lucy assured. Lois didn't ask to accompany Clark and Jonathan to the bus station. Jonathan seemed to want to spend some time alone with his son. "Martha, why don't you go with Clark and Jonathan, and I'll get this cleaned up." "Why, thank you, Lois. I think I will." ***** Clark did come home after midterms and for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was great to see him and the house rang with joy and laughter. Clark drove Lucy and Lois to Metropolis to see Ellen so that the Lanes could celebrate Christmas together. They dropped by to see Alisha and Ben, who had stayed in Metropolis over the holiday because Paul was spending the break with them. "Don't forget to look me up next year, Lois," Paul reminded her. "Met. U. is a great school, and there is so much to do. There's a waiting list to work on the school newspaper, but I should get in this fall. Next fall at the latest. I'll introduce you to all the journalism students, so you know who to hang with so you can get in even quicker. Alisha said you're the editor for the Smallville Scholar. That will help, too. We'll have great fun." "I'd love that, Paul. I appreciate it. My friend, Linda, is starting there this fall- we're the same age, but she's a year ahead of me- but you'll have been there longer and I'm sure I'll need all the help that I can get." ***** Lois went to the prom with Pete Ross' younger bother, Joe. She had thought about asking Clark, but she knew that coming home took time out of Clark's studies and bus fare cost money, so when Joe asked her she said yes. He worked on the Smallville Scholar with her, and she knew he was a nice guy. Ellen had sent money so that Lois could buy the best dress that Smallville couture had to offer. The prom went smoothly and Lois noted that the punch did not get spiked this year. Lois traveled to Metropolis to see Linda graduate and spend some time with her mother. Ellen had gone to the treatment center and she now faithfully attended AA meetings and met with a counselor. She was beginning to see that she couldn't let Sam's rejection make her feel unworthy, and that she should not feel guilty about letting Lois and Lucy stay with the Kents. She was now working as a nurse in the treatment center, which constantly kept her in an environment where she was encouraged to avoid alcohol and she could see the affects that it had on alcoholics and their families. "But, I'm still weak, Lois. I come home at night to this empty house and I am still tempted. I know that may lessen with time, but I have decided to let Lucy stay with the Kents at least another year. She seems to be doing really well in school and I don't want to disrupt that, especially when I'm still not sure I can stay strong." "Oh, Mom. I'm so happy with the progress you've made." "I am too. I guess I'll always feel a little guilty and a little jealous, too, that Martha Kent is raising my children, but I am thankful that she is such a good role model for you girls." "Do you want me to come back to Metropolis?" "No, Lois. Stay in Smallville with your sister. At least with you around to remind her, I know she won't forget me." "She won't forget you, Mom. We have pictures of you and Dad in our room and some nights Lucy and I lay there and talk about things we used to do when we lived here. We had good times, Mom, lots of good times and those are the times that I remember. And when I get home, I'm going to tell her how you are helping other sick people. I know she will be as proud of you as I am." Ellen pulled Lois in for a jug, "Thank you, Lois. I'm so blessed to have a daughter like you." ***** "Lois! It's Alisha." "Alisha, how you doing?" "I'm great! I had to call you before my mom tells all of Smallville and you hear it from someone else. I'm pregnant!" "Alisha, that's great." "It gets better. Mr. Gramm retired last year-" "Dry old Mr. Gramm." "- and Ben has been hired to replace him! And they decided that Smallville schools are getting large enough that they need a part-time counselor in addition to the one that they have, so I have a job too. We're coming home to Smallville, Lois!" "So you can raise your family in Smallville, like you always wanted. That's wonderful. So when are you due?" Alisha laughed. "In 36 weeks. We have been hoping to move to Smallville since Ben applied last spring. Once we were pretty sure he was getting hired, well, and then I just couldn't wait to tell everyone." "Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll get to tell the Kents before your mom gets to Maisie's." ***** Lois achieved her goal of a summer internship at the Daily Planet. ***** Lois' senior year flew by. She was again editor of the Smallville Scholar and she was part of the homecoming and prom committees. She had excused herself to anyone asking to escort her by explaining that she was too busy with the organizing. She didn't want her mom to feel like she needed to send money for a dress. Lois planned to wear what she had worn when she went to Clark's senior prom two years ago. She was busy checking that everything was going smoothly when someone covered her eyes with their hands. "Guess who?" a familiar voice asked. "Clark!" she exclaimed giving him a hug. "What are you doing here?" "I decided to come myself and make sure you had fun at your senior prom. So quit organizing and dance with me. I still owe you an uninterrupted dance you know." They danced to two songs. It was the perfect end to the prom. Lois knew that she had done a good job and her fellow students had enjoyed themselves. And it was always wonderful to be held in Clark Kent's arms. She still felt some of the attraction to him that she always had, but after five years, it was obvious that Clark was oblivious to her feelings and Lois wasn't sure how to change that. If she showed Clark how she felt and he rejected her, would it make life awkward in the Kent household? It would be better to try to change the way she felt, she decided. ***** Clark and Ellen Lane both came to Smallville for graduation. Lois was valedictorian, and she had been working for weeks on her closing speech for the graduation. The Kent family waited anxiously as the graduates went one by one to receive their diplomas. "George Kunce...Sherri Lammers...Lois Lane-Kent. . ." Martha gasped as tears filled her eyes. "Did you know about this, Ellen?" "Yes, Lois asked and I told her it was her last name and she should do what she wanted." "Two years ago, another Smallville High graduate stood in this spot and told you that the class would go out into the world and be stronger for having grown up in this community. I certainly know how he felt. Actually, I know exactly what he felt. Both Clark and I were not born in Smallville, but the Kents took us into their home and you took us into your hearts. I don't know what the future holds for this graduating class, but know that their bodies are strong, from the hard work and the good food that is put out on a regular basis. Their minds are strong from a good education and the support of this community. And their hearts are strong. I challenge you, the class of 1999, to take what you have here and share it. Whether you are staying in Smallville, or seeking your future elsewhere, the spirit of Smallville will go with you. Use it to make a difference, no matter how big or how small." Martha let Ellen kiss and hug her newly graduated daughter before pulling Lois into her arms, "When did you do this?" Lois laughed, "Actually, I've been Lois Lane-Kent for a month now. Mom said that it didn't bother her. I checked with Clark to see if he thought it would bother you guys. I could have asked you, but I really wanted to surprise you. Clark helped me figure out what I needed to do legally and I drove over to the next county to get the paperwork filled out and my license changed. I knew if I changed it in Smallville, everyone would know about it within the hour! Are you happy?" "I'm thrilled! Jonathan?" "I'm speechless. What made you decide to do this?" Jonathan asked. "I want both of my families to always be a part of me. Now every time I see my name in print, I'll remember who I was and who I am now. I'm really not just Lois Lane any more. Too much Smallville has rubbed off on me." "Oh, Lois that is so sweet," said Martha giving her another squeeze. ***** Later that evening Lois joined Martha on the porch where she had been resting after feeding her family and cleaning up. "You're not upset are you?" "Of course not. I'm so proud of you. I think of you as my daughter anyway." "You do?" "Yes. In fact, I didn't know about the name change, but I had already had this cleaned and wrapped for you." She handed Lois a small, flat package. "Open it." Lois opened the package carefully and lifted the lid. "Oh, Martha." Her voice trembled. Martha lifted the pearls from the velvet and fastened them around Lois' neck. "These were my mothers. Her mother gave them to her on her wedding day. I wore them when I married Jonathan." Lois moved to remove the necklace. "Martha, they're lovely, but I can't take them. You should save these for Clark's wife." Martha stilled her hands. "Lois, my mom wanted them to go to my daughter. You may not be the child of my loins, but you are the child of my heart just like Clark is. You've probably read the poem about how adopted children are not their parents' by birth, but by choice. That's how I feel about Clark and you and Lucy. I thought I could never be happier than the day Clark came into our lives and I became a mother, but having you and Lucy has made me feel even more fulfilled." "If you're sure, but if you change your mind. . ." "If it makes you feel better, you can always loan them to Clark's wife on their wedding day." "I will, Martha. They can be her something old." Lois' heart twinged thinking of some woman marrying Clark. Please, don't let it be Lana, she thought. ***** Lois and Ellen both started college at Met. U that fall. Ellen was going to add some business and psychology to her nursing degree. She seemed to have found a real purpose working in the treatment center and she wanted to move into a management position. "I've loved nursing for 20 years, but I'm not as young as I used to be and I want to help people in a different way. Maybe sharing my experiences will be helpful to someone else." ***** Lois ran into Paul when she stopped by to see if she would work on the college newspaper. No openings for freshmen, but her credentials looked good, so she should try again next year. "I warned you," said Paul. "They're heartless." "You did. I didn't really expect to get accepted, but I was hoping." "Hey, it's your first year. You need to relax and enjoy it. Besides, I remember telling you I knew all the best places to hang out. Let's go get a coffee." ***** After that, Lois spent a good deal of her free time with Paul. She enjoyed hanging out with him and his friends and hearing about their plans for the future. She remembered when she was afraid to even dream about attending college and now she couldn't wait to be finished and out there joining the workforce. The months at the Daily Planet had shown her that reporting was in her blood. She had no doubt what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Paul and Lois went to the games and cheered the Metropolis Tigers to victory. They attended lectures together. After several weeks, Paul started asking her to attend off-campus events with him. It was after one of these nights that Paul gave Lois her first "real" kiss, as he left her at the door of the Lane's home. After he left, Lois leaned against the door, touching her lips. She had enjoyed the feel of Paul's lips on hers. It was chaste, as far as kisses go, but a lot more than a friendly peck on the lips. From that night, what had been a fairly casual relationship became more intimate. They spent a lot of time holding hands and sharing quick kisses during school activities, and their off-campus dates were becoming more romantic. And Lois learned to respond to Paul's kisses, wanting to share with him the feelings she experienced as his lips caressed hers. The break of the holidays cooled their relationship a little. Paul flew home to be with his family, and Lois and Ellen traveled to Smallville to spend Christmas with Lucy and the Kents. They stopped in Kansas City on the way to pick up Clark. He and Lois spent the rest of the trip comparing their respective colleges and classes schedules. ***** "So, what's this I hear about you and my brother-in-law, Lois?" Alisha teased. As Smallville tradition dictated, the town was gathered in the church for the Christmas Eve service. Lois blushed. "We're dating. It's not that serious, Alisha," she paused tantalizingly, "- yet." "Yet! But you think-." "I think there could be something there. But, Alisha, I don't want to push it. I still have three and a half years of college and I'll need to get established in my career at a paper and Paul is going to be busy doing the same thing. But I do enjoy being with him. We're just taking it slow." "Still, it would be cool if we were really sisters one day." ***** School had been back in session for a week before Paul called her to ask her about attending a basketball game with him. He held out his hand to her when they met in front of the arena and she took it eagerly, lacing her fingers through his. By then end of the evening, she felt like they were back where they had been in November. She agreed to attend a play with him off campus the next Friday. His kiss when he delivered her to her door that Friday held more passion than any of their other kisses to date. Lois hesitated when she felt the tip of Paul's tongue at her lips, but she parted her lips with a sigh and allowed him entrance. In that moment she didn't care about the future. Being here in Paul's arms was exhilarating and her conscious thoughts were a little muddled. Almost before she was ready, Paul separated them with a groan. "I need to stop before your mother comes out here and throws cold water on us." Lois giggled and gave him a swift peck before unlocking the door and going in. ***** Lois spent hours getting ready for her Valentine's Day date with Paul. She had already had a manicure and pedicure the day before and she now filled the tub with warm water and added some bubbles. She sighed as she slid down into the warmth and let the water caress her body. It was almost...erotic. She had purchased the perfect dress for the evening. It was a deep red strapless, fitted dress with a short jacket to keep the February evening chill at bay. She was so excited to be spending her first Valentine's Day with a real boyfriend. The chocolate and red roses that had already arrived at her home told her that Paul was going all out. He hadn't mentioned exactly where they were going, but he told her that he had reservations to a very nice restaurant. When the water cooled, she dried herself with a towel and then began to rub in the scented lotion that she had chosen especially for this evening. As she ran her hands over her body, she felt an unfamiliar thrill run through her. She flushed as she realized that she was becoming aroused, which had more to do with the anticipation of the romantic evening ahead than anything she was doing. She stilled her wandering hands and plugged in the blow dryer to start preparing her wet hair for the French roll that she had perfected after days of working at it. An hour later Lois met her carefully shadowed eyes in the mirror as she fastened Martha's pearls around her neck. Everything was going perfectly. She applied her make up slowly, enjoying the chance to take all the time she wanted rather than hurrying to beat the clock to make it to class on time. Speaking of time, Lois glanced at the clock she had been avoiding. Well, she had plenty of time, but she should begin dressing if she wanted to be ready when Paul arrived. Victoria's Secret had provided her with the undergarments she needed for the red dress. It was far more "adult" than anything that she had ever worn in Smallville, though the short jacket gave an air of modesty to the ensemble. The look in Paul's eyes when he saw her told her that she had chosen well. He greeted her with a kiss that was just the right preamble to the evening. When they parted, he handed Lois a florist box. "I know I already sent you roses, but your mom said that this would look great with your dress." Lois exclaimed over the wrist corsage as she slipped it onto her arm. Paul turned and offered her his arm. "Shall we go?" Chez Louie was everything that Lois had heard. The room was full of other couples but the candlelit table for two in the back of the restaurant was very intimate and the low light in the restaurant made them forget the other couples. Only the faint clink of glasses and muted laughter occasionally made it through to their table. Lois didn't have any idea what they talked about. The meal finished with Paul and Lois slowly feeding each other chocolate cheesecake with raspberry drizzle. The waiter collected the check and Paul's credit card and left the table. Paul reached across the table and took Lois' hand in his. "Lois. I don't want this night to end." "Mmm. Neither do I," she said dreamily. "So come back to my apartment. My roommate is staying at his girlfriend's tonight." Lois' eyes flew to meet Paul's. She saw a spark of desire in them and knew that Paul wasn't asking her over to talk. The curl of desire that she had been aware of all evening washed over her and she nodded. "Okay." Lois had been to Paul's apartment many times to study or watch TV, but the whole atmosphere was different tonight. Paul took her coat from her and hung it up by the door as she entered. "Just a second." He hurried into the living area and she heard the sound of a match striking and candlelight flickered around the apartment. Paul turned to her and said, "One more thing." In the kitchen he produced a box of chocolate covered strawberries out of the fridge. "Ooh, I love those," cooed Lois. Paul took her hand and led her to the sofa. "Then you should try one." He extended a strawberry to her and her lips closed around it. She laughed as juice dribbled down her chin and she caught it with her hand. "Another?" Lois nodded. Lois closed her eyes as Paul placed another strawberry at her lips and she accepted it. She felt Paul's lips touch hers as he took the other half of the strawberry from her lips. The curl of desire in her abdomen tightened. She opened her eyes and met his. "More, please." The small box of strawberries didn't last long. Lois laughed as Paul's tongue chased the last of the juice down her chin to her throat. The mood became even more intimate as his mouth strayed on her neck and his tongue touched to her pulse. Lois' arms around Paul's neck began to play with the hair that curled at his collar. Paul's own hand, that had been resting on her waist, began to move upwards to slip the short jacket from her shoulders. Lois released him to shed the jacket before moving even closer to him and returning her mouth to his. Paul's hands caressed her shoulders and back. Lois shivered as one finger began to trace the line of her dress where it rested on her breast. When Paul's hand moved to cover her entire breast a few minutes later a soft moan escaped her and Paul chuckled. Paul's other hand moved from her back to her neck where he began to play with her pearls. Suddenly through Lois' befuddled brain came Martha's words to her, "You never forget your first time or who you were with, so you need to be sure he's the one you want to remember the rest of your life." And Rachel's small-town way of putting it, "that guy's face in my head the rest of my life. Lois' hand went to his on her breast and she moved it back down to her waist. Despite the way her body was responding to his touch, Lois' doubts persisted. Was Paul the one? Paul's hand had once again drifted to her breast and his mouth left hers to caress her shoulder. Lois placed her hand between them and lightly pushed him away. "Paul-" Paul's motion stopped and he looked into her eyes. "Paul, I'm sorry, I'm just not sure about this." Paul reached to take both of her hand in his. "Lois, are you a virgin?" Lois blushed as she nodded. "Yes." "I thought you might be. Either that or you are very, very shy, but you have spent the last two years in Podunkville. Lois, I really care about you. I'll be gentle, I promise." "You only have one first time, Paul. As much as I care for you-" "I care about you too, Lois." "-I don't love you. At least not yet. But I think I could. I'm just not ready to take this step without there being more than physical attraction and "like" between us." Paul sighed and dropped her hands as he turned from her. "Lois, I've been very patient with you because I didn't want to ruin our friendship, but I have been sexually active since I was a teenager, and I'm not saying this to pressure you, but I don't want to wait any longer. I need more from a relationship. Did you...misunderstand my meaning when I invited you over tonight? I thought I had made it pretty clear." "You did. And I thought I did...I'm sorry, I guess I led you on." Paul chuckled, "Yeah, you did a little. That dress. . ." Lois blushed. "I just wanted to look nice for you." "You did. You do. Especially right now, when you look thoroughly kissed." "I'm so sorry." "So am I. Believe me. Well, I guess I should take you home." He helped her with her coat and out the door. ***** His kiss at her door was more of a quick peck. "Look, I'll call you sometime and we'll go to a game or something." "Okay," Lois whispered, before turning to go into the house. Surprisingly, Paul did call and ask her to go to a game with him, but there was no hand holding and their interaction was strained and awkward. Lois was not surprised when he didn't call about the next game or school activity. Apparently sex, or the lack thereof, could ruin a perfectly good relationship. And she had enjoyed being with Paul. She had enjoyed kissing him. Though it had not gone "that" far, he was still her first in a lot of ways, and she only regretted that the relationship happened too early in their lives. Perhaps if he had been graduated and she was near the end of her studies. . . Still, she knew she had done the right thing when she bumped into her friend, Linda King, during finals. "Lois! Long time no see. How is that two people can attend the same school and hardly ever bump into each other?" "It's great to see you! How are you finals going?" "Oh, so-so. Guess what? I'm seeing someone." "Really? Who?" "His name's Paul. Actually, I think you know him. He said you guys used to hang out last fall." "Yes, we did. He's a great guy." "Well, anyway. We both have jobs in Metropolis for the summer. My lease was a nine-month one and runs out the end of this month, so we're planning to move into together then. It's not really serious, we both want to get established in our careers before we settle down, but it'll be like roommates with benefits. We usually end up spending the night at one or the other of our places anyway." "That's...nice." "It works for us. Are you dating any one right now?" "No, no. I decided that I should concentrate on my studies. There is a lot of competition in our field, especially for jobs in Metropolis, which is where I'd like to work after school, hopefully at the Daily Planet. If I'm aiming that high, I really need to keep my grades up and maybe try to get a few stories published." "Sounds like a good plan, and you can play the field while you're at it. Lots of cute guys not really looking to get serious yet that'll be happy to escort you to school activities. Hey, what are y