The Post- Legacy Chronicles- Shattered Trust (Pt.2)

[Livewire]

While Lois had been dealing with her wretched imposer, Clark had been dealing with one of a pleasanter sort…….


Clark’s eyes were greeted by the sight of a golden- haired girl with blue eyes; she wore a costume similar to the one, which, not long ago, he had been proud to wear. Now, he felt only ashamed, as if it were a curse.


For a moment, they were silent; Clark, because he didn’t know what to say to the girl he had such affection for, only to have caused her so much pain; Kara because she was trying to find some way to break the barrier that had come between them ever since they had returned from Apocalypse. Of course, he talked to her, but it wasn’t the same. Their conversations of yore had been filled with laughter and secrets they only shared between themselves; things not even Ma and Pa knew about. She was one of the few people he could talk to about his heroic exploits, and he was the only person who knew what she was going through. Oh, the Kents were wonderful, and she loved them dearly, but they didn’t understand how it felt to be the last of your race and to lose your family; Clark understood completely.


Kara sighed. How she yearned for those days. She saw how depressed Clark was and she hated to see him this way. She wanted to make him smile; lately, she had seen so little of that. After what seemed an eternity, but was in actuality a few minutes, Kara said, “Duh ! It’s obvious you’d be here after I saw all your suits and ‘regular’ clothes were in your closets at your apartment. Apparently, you’ve been wearing that for some time- and I can tell it’s the only thing you’ve been wearing , too."


Kara put a hand to her nose and grimaced. Then she realized that maybe a little bit of levity wasn’t such a good idea.


However, her idea wasn’t a failure. Clark smiled ruefully, looking at the offending garments of blue and red. “I guess I could use a change. Am I really that bad?”


“Nah. I’m sure no one else would notice. I just have a really good nose. What are you doing here? I’ve been looking for you.”


Clark became alarmed. “Why? Is anyone in danger? Are Ma and Pa-


“No, no, nothing like that. It’s just we- Ma, and Pa, and I- have been so worried. You’ve only been home to see us once since- well, you know.”


Yes, he knew all to well.

“I just came here to think and reminisce; I also came here to feed my animals. They’re one of the few creatures, who don’t hold any animosity towards me,” he said, in a wave of self- pity he tried not to drown in too often, but sometimes managed to anyhow.


“I’ll help you,” Kara volunteered.


“Are you sure? I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. With your arm out of the sling, I don’t want you to strain it. Has it been bothering you? If it hurts or anything I could-


“Clark, would you stop doing this to yourself? It’s fine. I’m superhuman. I heal easily.”


He began to secretly use his X- ray vision on her arm, making sure that she wasn’t just giving him a satisfactory response for his benefit. “Good,” he said softly, upon seeing that everything had mended correctly. Aloud, he said “Kara, I’m so sorry. I never, ever, wanted to hurt you. How could I have tried to..to.. if only there was some way I could erase all that happened- if you only knew how much I cared for you. I-


“Hush, Clark.” Kara put a white- gloved hand to his mouth. “Don’t say any more. You’ve apologized a hundred times already. It wasn’t your fault. What more can I do to convince you of that? Yes, I was upset and confused at first, but I understand now.”


They began to feed the alien pets. “What were you thinking about?” Kara ventured to ask.


“Everything. How in the past three weeks, my life has changed drastically. Do you know I can’t walk or fly anywhere in Metropolis without somebody calling me a name? Once someone even spit at me! I try to save people, but usually they’re afraid of me getting anywhere near them. One woman and her small son were unaware they were about to be hit by a car and- Clark’s voice became filled with emotion- all the time they were in my arms, they were yelling and screaming, asking me not to hurt them, and the woman begging me to at least let her son go. When they realized I had rescued them, they just ran away. I’ll never forget that. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two people so afraid of me.”


“They’re ignorant of the facts, Clark. They’ll come around, just like everyone else will.”


Clark began to stroke one of his many ice- bound pets. "General Hardcastle seems to have every politician in Washington in the palm of his hand. The government’s restricted me from even entering the Capitol. ‘For the President’s safety’ they said.”


“That’s so stupid!” Kara exclaimed, throwing down the pail of food she had been holding with such vehemence, she had sent the recipient of the morsels into hiding.

“Why bother putting a restriction at all. If you’re such the villain they claim you to be, you wouldn’t adhere to it anyway; but you are obeying it. Can’t they see you were used? Why are they so blind? You‘re still saving people; you’re still catching the real criminals. Just the other day, I heard you stopped a tornado from injuring anyone. Why would you do all these things if….oh, why are people so narrow- minded and…


Her tirade came to a halt, she not knowing what else to say. Her frustration was at an all time high. If only she could make them understand….


Clark put a hand upon her shoulder. “Kara, I wish it were that simple; I do all these good things and it makes up for all the bad. Sadly, it isn’t. It hasn’t even been a month yet. These things take time.”


“Come home, Clark. Talk with Ma and Pa. Then after a few days there, you’ll feel all nice and refreshed. Then you can go back to Metropolis. Lana’s in Rome now, but she was in Metropolis just a few days ago. She wanted to visit you, but you weren’t there. Everyone’s been asking for you- Jimmy, Mr. White, Lois-


“Lois?!”

Upon hearing her name, the despondence that had accumulated over him like a cloud over the past few weeks disappeared, and in the black eyes shone a light that seemed to spontaneously flicker into a flame.


“Yeah, Lois. She left, like, five hundred messages on your answering machine.”


Clark was shocked. All along, he had thought Lois didn’t care a whit about his mild- mannered alter- ego; however, this proved otherwise. She wanted to see him , not the hero with the amazing abilities. To him, he was Clark Kent. Superman was a façade he put on because he had to- for the safety of humankind. Now, even that reason was being challenged.


Kara brushed her hands together. “There. All the animals are fed and cozy. Let’s go home. Stay in this cave any longer and you’ll become like Batman.”


Clark laughed. “Now I wouldn’t want that.”

Kara had hoped for maybe another smile, but- a laugh! Her happiness was overflowing. She hugged him impulsively. He hugged her in return. He was growing to love this ‘kid sister’ of his more and more everyday.


“Oh, Clark, it feels so good to hear you laugh. I was beginning to think I’d never hear it again.”

“I was beginning to think I never could again. I should have known when you entered, you’d brighten up my day.”


Clark didn’t tell her that his day also became a little brighter at the mention of a certain woman, who’s name started with an ‘L’.

[Batgirl_2005]

I can't believe no one responded to this! Well I'm going to... :p I read it and absolutely loved it! Post more! :D

[Coran]

I must appologize for not replying sooner. I became busy with my own story. I must compliment you on the way this story is going. You have me very interested. Keep up the good work!

[Kal-el]

Please do post more. It is nice to see a Superman centered story amongst all the Batman stories. I've been working on my own post-Legacy story that I hope to have posted soon. I really like what you're doing livewire! Keep it up!

[Livewire]

Wow, guys!! Thanks for the feedback. Batgirl2005 and Kal-el, I'd like to welcome you to my story. It's nice to know I have new readers. Coran, thanks for taking time out from your story to read mine. I was following your story "VENGEANCE", and I must say you know how to keep your readers enthralled. :) Hopefully, I'll have more of my story up by Thursday or sooner.

[Batgirl]

Hey Sparky! Keep it up! It's finals week and I'm in a bit of a bind for time! But I finally caught up on this. Great job and please continue! (Any chance a certian pointy eared hero and his crew will appear? Just thought I'd ask...)

[Livewire]

Thanks, Batgirl! Sorry, but there won't be cameos by the Bat crew.( I'm saving that for another story. :) ) Here it is Thusday and I have more, just as I promised:

*******************

Lois awoke the next morning from slumber that had been filled with tossing and turning. She sat up. “Ugh, I just had the most horrible nightmare. Lex was at my apartment trying to coerce me into joining- Lois gasped, her mind comprehending it hadn’t been a dream. “Ohh.” She fell back onto the pillows. “What gall! He actually thought I was that desperate. Never in a million years will I ever be that desperate!”



Lois rushed into work a tad bit late, forcing her to eat breakfast on the way to work. She entered the building with a thermos of coffee in one hand, and a cheese danish in the other. She saw a fellow co- worker, Ron Troupe, at his desk.

“Hi, Ron. Boy, what a morning. First I- hey, you’re cleaning out your desk. I didn’t think I’d ever see that. Are you moving to a new one, or did you just decide to get tidy all of the sudden?”

Ron didn’t answer. His face was downcast. It dawned on Lois what he was doing.

“No, it can’t be that you’re….you’re not leaving?”

“Lois, I have to. I’ve known about it for the past three days. Perry wanted to give me time to gather my things and to tell everyone. But I didn’t want to. It’s better this way.”


Ron sorted through his files. Lois dared to ask the question that was plaguing her.



“Did Perry – I mean are you-



“No, Lois, I wasn’t fired. I’m leaving of my own accord. Don’t look at me like that. I know we all agreed to let a chunk be taken out of our paychecks, but some of us are tired of burning holes in our pockets.”

He picked up his briefcase.

“Well, so long for now. There’s an opening at the Metropolis Sun for a sports columnist. Jeff and Patty told me the pay is good. Maybe I’ll head on over there.”


Lois cringed at the thought of a fellow colleague working for Luthor.

“Working for him?! But Ron-

“Now don’t start on me, Lois. We all know you think he’s a maniac, but he’s never been convicted of anything. I hate to leave, Lois, but I have to.”



Lois looked at him with her hands on her hips. “Well, no one’s exactly twisting your arm.”




“It’s nothing against Perry or the Planet . These are hard times. I have to do what I have to do to provide for my family. You seem to be forgetting this is only temporary.”
Ron headed towards the exit. “So long for now, Lois. I told Perry I’d like to come back when the Planet's back on its feet, if he’ll have me. I wish it didn’t have to be this way. This was a great place to work, and I’ll miss all the opinionated arguments we had. You’re great at those, Lois. When you see him, tell Clark I hope his family troubles are straightened out.”

Clark? Lois slumped in her chair. She was beginning to wonder if he’d ever return. She looked around in disbelief- so many empty desks. In the last few weeks, she had known people had left for better pay. What she hadn’t known was that it had been so many.


She bore no grudges against anyone who had left. She couldn’t really blame them. Like Ron, most of them had families. She being single, it was easier for her to stick to the aforementioned agreement. Though, for some reason, it still seemed like they were betraying Perry and the Planet , especially if they went to work for Luthor. She shook her head. No one else saw it that way, and not all of them went to work for the Planet's fierce competitor. Still, she could take this matter in a much better fashion if it hadn’t been Lex even a few were running to.




Lois gave a bitter little laugh.

“I can’t believe this is happening. One day you’re on top of the world, the next you find yourself falling fast.”

At the sight of Lois, Jimmy walked towards her desk. “Hey, Lois. I guess you heard about Ron and Angela.”

She almost choked on her bit of danish. “A- Angela, too?”

“Uh- oh. Me and my big mouth. No one was reading her gossip columns, or watching her on T.V anymore. Who needs gossip when there are enough real things going on in Metropolis?”


Lois sat in a daze. She wasn’t particularly fond of Angela, but she had become used to her. Sure they had their squabbles; however, she didn’t mind them as much as she used to. Without them, work would become stale and mundane.


Jimmy let out a heavy sigh. “I wish the Chief would let me do more around here. “


Lois couldn’t believe her ears. “What are you talking about, Jimmy? You’ve been just as busy as I have. Your camera hasn’t even been able to collect dust.”



Jimmy leaned back in the chair of an unoccupied desk. “I know. Isn’t it grand? Still, I’m only doing the small stuff- snapping shots of your basic criminals- muggers, car thieves, etc., and I’m still Perry’s errand boy. Granted, he’s been letting me take a lot more pictures and most of them end up being in the paper, but I’m looking for bigger things. Hopefully, with so few photographers around, I’ll start getting the juicy stuff.”



Lois gave him a playful jab. “There’s just no pleasing you, is there, kid?”


Lois sipped some of her coffee. “Can I ask you a question?”


“Sure.”


“Jimmy,”she began wistfully, “you could probably get a better job over at The Metropolis Sun and with much better pay. That’s where mostly everyone else has gone. How come you’re still here?”

“Please! Me work for that bum? No way! I’ve worked with you and Clark on enough of your stories to see what type of guy he is. Besides, who would be here to tag along with you? Nope. I’m staying right here. I ain’t going no where.”



Lois gave him a pat on the back. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.” She grinned, glad to find some company loyalty around.



She headed over to Perry’s office. She imagined he needed some cheering up even more than she did. She knocked softly. “Come in”, he replied tiredly. Entering, she found him absorbed in a newspaper, his chin in his hand.


She hit her fist into the palm of her other hand.


“Listen, Chief, I know we’ve suffered some setbacks, but we’re still in the game. We’re going to get through this, just wait and see. I’ll write some editorials and try to convince everyone Superman’s being given a raw deal. I know I need some facts, so I’ll start doing some snooping around over at LexCorp. You may think it’s too risky, but that’s the price I’m willing to pay in order to cure people’s misbegotten fears. I know I can nail Luthor and his-



“Lois,” Perry interrupted, “have you seen today’s Sun ?”


“No.”

“Look.”

Perry held up the newspaper in front of her face.

“No!” she exclaimed, falling into a chair that happened to be conveniently nearby. “H- he can’t do this!”



“He can and he did,” said Perry in a stoic and unfazed tone. He had been in the business for too long to know there was nothing to dirty or underhanded for Luthor’s taste.


She read the headline over and over again in pure disgust. Of course, he could do this- he was Lex Luthor. He could twist and manipulate anything into whatever was best for him and his image.



Her eyes gazed at the headline and picture below it:


THE VIOLENT MAN OF STEAL OUT OF CONTROL!!


Underneath was a picture of Lex being pummeled in the face by Superman!
“Perry, that not how it happened. I know it. There’s an explanation behind this. If only I knew his side.”


Then it hit her. Clark! He’d want to clear Superman’s name just as much as she did. Maybe his family troubles were over.


Then an idea popped into her head.

“Um, Chief, can you go a day without me. I realize now isn’t a good time, especially with our dwindling staff; but, if all goes well, I think I’ll return with a valued employee.”

Perry smiled. “As hard as it is to believe, I still have a bustling news room- it’s just gotten smaller. We’re spread out too thin tomorrow, but I suppose I can give you the day after off. Remember, I need you back here the next day at 7:00 AM sharp. I don’t like my ace reporter being gone for too long.”


Perry walked to the door. “I need to get some more coffee. By the way, who are you going to try to bring back with you?” He tried to hide the grin that, despite all efforts, managed to escape.

Lois ran to her desk, picking up her coat and handbag. “Perry, I don’t have time for games. You know very well of whom I’m speaking. Let’s just say I have a friend whom I haven’t seen in a while. I need to hurry and schedule a plane to a certain small town in Kansas.”
***********************


Pleaaase post your comments. It makes me sooo happy. :D

[Panther]

Honestly - i thought the build up to the shocking head line was going to be something slanderous about Lois. With al that's happened, soemthing like 'Supes hits Lex' seems kinda like old news. Slandering Lois after turning him down is SOOO Lex's style. But yeah - this is nasty too. I hope Lois finds Clark soon.

later,

[Livewire]

Well, Panther, I didn't want to turn this into a 'Lois trys to clear her name' story, since it's about Superman. And it's only been three weeks. You know Lex. He keeps files on people that are a mile long, and then gradually let's whatever he wants leak out to the public. Besides, this hurts Lois even more. He's playing on the feelings she still has for Superman.


I'm glad you still think this is nasty, though. So long, for now. I'll post soon.

[Caped Crusader]

I think this fanfic is great like it is. Keep it up,Livewire. I can't wait to see what happens next. :D

[Kal-el]

Please do post more soon livewire. I'm enjoying the story very much. Great job!

[Batgirl]

YES!!!!!!!!! SO SPARKY!!!! Keep it up girl! That is so cool! And Lex using old pictures to reinstate fear... how sneaky and underhanded... same old Lex. As for the camoes in another story... hm... any story we'll see around???

[Livewire]

Batgirl, in response to your question, all I can say is: umm, only if anyone wants me to post another one.~gulps nervously~ Well, here's some more of the story at hand..


***************




Kara sat high in the boughs of a cottonwood tree, rapturously munching on a red, crisp apple she had retrieved from the cellar. A whimsical breeze sent her flaxen locks into a disheveled arrangement atop her head. The breeze carried with it all the odors she had come to regard as ‘homey smells’- the scent of roses from Ma’s garden, the aroma of the baked goodies she knew awaited her wafting through the open windows, and the honeysuckle’s winsome redolence. Charming vistas her eyes scanned from their lofty perch- sun ripened fields of wheat, the prairies wherein grew the sunflowers she adored picking, the cows that dotted the plains, grazing contentedly on assorted grasses, and the rippling pond that provided a place for geese and ducks to congregate. She sighed gleefully. This is the life , she thought, her whole being enshrouded with joy. Where did she get the idea that Smallville was dull? It was the most perfect place on earth!



Clark had only been home two days and his outlook on things had changed dramatically. No longer did his existence seem so dire, no longer did he feel so forlorn. True, he wasn’t quite back to his old self; Kara hadn’t expected that to happen in two months, let alone two days. There was something deep down that was bothering him that, even after the many times she had prodded and interrogated, he wouldn’t give say what that something was. She realized there were still too many feelings and issues to be resolved; but the way his spirits had lifted and improved was marvelous to behold.

*******

Clark and ‘Pa’ were in the field, mending a fence one of the cows had broken. Clark’s voice intervened amid the clankings and bangings of the hammers. “Pa, it amazes me how hard you work even when I’m around. Rest awhile.”



Jonathan Kent took a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his dirty palms. His eyes twinkled with mirth. “If I rested every time you and Kara wanted me to, this old man would never get any exercise,” he replied. “But,” he continued with a chuckle, “if you insist.”


“I do,” Clark reiterated. “I’ll finish it from here. I noticed this entire fence is in need of repair.”


Jonathan scratched his head. “How’d you figure that, son.” He then rolled his eyes. “Of course! Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have that sight of yours.”



Clark grabbed a handful of nails, gave two quick glances to the right and left, saw that no one was around, and began to work at such an incredible rapidity that it made poor Jonathan’s head spin.


One minute later:

“Done. I think that fence will remain pretty sturdy from now on.”


Jonathan stared at the renovated structure, wonderment creasing his brow.


“Honestly, Clark, even after seeing you go at that speed so often, I’m still in awe.”



“I noticed the barn roof needed some fixing as well. I’ll just head on over there and-


“Just a second, Clark,” said Jonathan, becoming solemn. “That can wait. We need to talk first.”

“Talk? Pa, everyone in this family has made it their duty to take me aside and start a conversation. Why do you think I feel so much better? I can’t think of anything more to talk about.”


“I can. You never did answer mine and your mother’s question. Even Kara asked it a few times and you wormed your way out of answering some how. We have to get this out in the open, Clark. Why have you only been to see us once? Why did you crawl inside yourself when you needed your family most?”



Clark, whose back had been towards Jonathan, slowly turned around, and all the agony and sorrow that had been buried within his soul sprang to the surface of his features.


“I…couldn’t.”


“Why?”



“I…I was ashamed.” He looked away, not wanting to meet his father’s eyes. “I didn’t want to visit unless I had to. That’s why I stayed away.”



Jonathan walked over to where he stood with a perplexed expression. “Clark, I don’t understand.”


“I saw yours and Ma’s faces when I brought Kara home with injuries. They became filled with even more agitation when I told you who was to blame for them.”


“Clark, obviously we were stunned when you told us how it had happened; but we talked, and after you told us how you had been brainwashed, we said how you weren’t responsible for what you had done. Your mother and I thought everything had been straightened out. If we gave you any indication that-



“No, Pa. You’ve all given me support, showering me with the same love and affection as before. It’s nothing you, Ma, Kara, or anyone else has done. It’s what I’ve done. I have to get through this on my own.”



Clark laid his hand on the fence, his head bent, trying to hide his culminating vexation.” I let everyone down who believed in me. If only there was some way to erase what I’ve done,” he said, channeling all his anguish into a fist and striking the wooden barrier with such a blow, that, had he not renovated moments ago, it could not have sustained.



“I’ve betrayed everyone,” he continued, “especially you and Ma. I went against all the values and principles you’ve instilled in me. I don’t know how things can ever be the same.”



Jonathan let a sigh escape from his lips, relieved that Clark was finally confronting his inner emotions. Now, at last, they could be resolved.


“Son,” he began, placing a work - hardened hand on his Clark’s back, “how could we be ashamed of you? How can you think you betrayed us? That wasn’t our boy fighting against the military. You weren’t in control of your actions- your mind wasn’t your own. It was being commanded by that wicked, despicable, despot…”


Jonathan couldn’t go on, for he became overwhelmed with indignation and grief at the knowledge that a person whom he loved as his own flesh and blood had been used, and he had been powerless to prevent such an occurrence from happening.


Clark lifted his previously crouched head; he felt the burden that had been weighing atop his soul slowly rising. It was dawning on him what everyone had been telling him.

“Pa, I think I realize what you’re trying to say.”


“Well, that’s nice to hear, because it’s only what we’ve been telling you numerous times- Clark, it wasn’t your fault . If we’re not ashamed of you, than you shouldn’t be.”



They exchanged knowing smiles; the older glad that matters were being resolved, and the younger pleased that he was starting to perceive he wasn’t to blame for this hideous mess. Pa, Ma, and Kara’s attitudes had never changed towards him. Lois certainly still cared for his super hero counter-part - she had risked her career and her life to free him from the military holding cell. His attitude was the one that had changed- and the citizens of Metropolis. There had to be some way to win back their trust. Yet, everyone was still afraid of him, even after all the good he was doing presently. Clark knew it would be a tedious task.



Clark picked up the idle hammer and extra nails from the ground. “You don’t know how much I want to believe I’m not culpable for all that has occurred,” he stated, his happy moment becoming tinged with a hint of skepticism. “but it’s going to take time for all the guilt I feel to completely vanish.”


“I know, son,” Jonathan replied. “At least we made some head-way.”


They walked into the house, drawn to it by the enticing smells and scents of Martha’s baking that had drifted out to them through the screen door. “Mmm.. I can almost taste your ma’s apple pie right now. Let’s go and tell her the good news. I’m sure she’ll be just as delighted as I am when we tell her you’re beginning to understand what we’ve been telling you all along.”


************

“Dad, if you could see your little girl now.”


Lois sat in an uncomfortable position, the reluctant occupant of a six- wheeled vehicle. Her disposition was not very cheery at the moment.

She conversed with herself, trying to keep her mind away from the situation she had somehow gotten herself into.


“Your city bred daughter- the savvy, Pulitzer- prize winning, renowned reporter in this.. this ..predicament.” She glowered at her surroundings. “ Only for you, Superman, only for you….”


*****************

Kara sat motionless, not wanting to disturb the meadowlark that had taken a cessation from its flight to alight on a branch. Only a few inches from where she was, it chirped merrily, unaware that it was being spied upon by eyes the shade of the sky it had just been soaring.


“Kara, come over to the barn this instant, young lady.”

When Martha Kent called her in that tone, it was usually because she hadn’t done something right- or maybe she hadn’t done something.


“Yikes!” she exclaimed, jumping down from her leafy elevation and startling the bewildered bird so greatly that it immediately fled. “The hen house! I forgot to clean out the hen house!”

The meadowlark was swiftly disregarded, as she hastily ran to the barn, her long, citrine hair glistening in the sunshine, blazing an illuminated trail behind her.

[Panther]

I wish I could fly....

That said - great post! You've totally nailed Supes character and his feelings of guilt. THIS is what they should have done after 'Legacy'. The only thing I didn't agree was I always thought of Supergirl as being overeager to be part of the action and get out of Smallville.

I started giggling when you described Loius - I have a feeling I know what her 'predictament' is - I can't wait to see if I'm right!

later

[Livewire]

~Jumps up and down with joy~ :D Thank you so much, Panther, for your compliments! I'm very glad to be a part of the fanfic center where so many talented writers abound. As to the reason why I made Kara enjoying Smallville so much, it's because she's so happy that Clark is becoming happier just by being there. (Plus, with all that happened to her in "Legacy", she's learned to enjoy the simpler things in life and to not take them for granted!) Of course, she still loves being Supergirl, but she's earned a little vacation, dont you think? ;)


See you around! -L- :)

[Batgirl]

Hm... what could Lois have possibly done now???

[Caped Crusader]

I'm enjoying this story a lot,Livewire! :D You really bring these characters to life. I'll be waiting- impatiently I might add- for your next post. :)

BTW, I think Clark fixing the fence with his super-speed was a cool touch. :cool:

[Panther]

As to the reason why I made Kara enjoying Smallville so much, it's because she's so happy that Clark is becoming happier just by being there. (Plus, with all that happened to her in "Legacy", she's learned to enjoy the simpler things in life and to not take them for granted!) Of course, she still loves being Supergirl, but she's earned a little vacation, dont you think?

I guess ther's nothing like a brush with death to make one appreciate the smaller things in life. :)


Keep it up!

later,

[Livewire]

Thank you CC, Batgirl, and Panther for your responses. I see I'm not getting quite as many as I was in the beginning, but that's o.k. I don't want anyone to feel they have to respond. I just value everyone's opinions and comments so highly. I'm glad people are even reading my story. Besides, maybe my other responders will come back soon.(HINT: Maybe when I put up my next chapter? :D ) I'll try to put more up on Thursday- and if it's not up, than I didn't try!(Okay,okay, I really will try. :) ) -L-

[Batgirl_2005]

~pounces~ sorry.... I have no idea what I'm doing these days... I've been so out of it lately (like... I answered 2+2=5 the other day in math class.. literally...)

But I really can't wait to read more! it's awesome!!! keep it up!!!

~holds up a little flag that says LIVEWIRE!!! on it~ WOO HOO!!!!

[Livewire]

Thank you, Batgirl2005 for responding(and waving that flag! :D )
Since I want to be known as a keeper of my word, so here is the next chapter. This chapter isn't as serious as the ones before it, as you'll soon find out........





*******
Arriving from the barn, Martha had entered the kitchen, where Jonathan and Clark awaited her return. They regaled her with the splendid news she had been longing to hear. She was told of the conversation they’d had in the field. Martha’s face lit up, as a flood of elation swept over her. It had harrowed her soul to see her beloved son experiencing such pain and sorrow- pain and sorrow she had tried so hard to alleviate. Now, he stood before her; the listlessness that had been upon him had vanished and was replaced by a renewed faith and hope. He uttered the statement she had longed for him to speak for the past three weeks: “Everything will be all right, Ma.”



Oh, how good it was to hear those six words!


Martha embraced her boy, her eyes sparkling with tears of ecstasy. How light and unburdened her heart was! She knew that it would be a long road until everything would be normal for Clark again, but with his new found revelation that he shouldn’t feel responsible for what Darkseid had done to him, at least it would be an easier one.

The three were presently at the table, enjoying the savory, fruit-filled pastry that had been taken from its resting-place to be arranged on three plain, white, stoneware dishes. They talked…and talked…and talked! About what had already been said and what had not, why things hadn’t been said, and why feelings had never been shared. Everything that hadn’t been spoken before was finally out in the open.


***********

Kara stopped in the middle of her grimy work to peek her head out of the barn door, intent on listening to what was being conversed with her extraordinary hearing. A huge smile spread across her face. This was why she had wanted to bring Clark here; everything was going as planned. “Yesss!!!,” she exclaimed, leaping so high into the air that if she hadn’t stopped herself in time, she would have, literally, gone through the roof! “Whew! That was close,” she said, as she planted her feet back onto firm ground, remembering what she had to do. She looked around scowlingly. She had finished cleaning the hen house and was now in the middle of cleaning out the stalls. Well, I told Ma not to treat me any differently just because of all that’s taken place because of that Darkseid creep- and I see she readily took my advise , she thought drolly. Then Kara began to giggle. But, I don’t mind. I’m glad I’m doing the things I’ve always done . She crinkled her nose. Even so, chores will always be on my ‘What I really dislike doing’ list .

**********

The Kents started to talk about Kara; however, their subject was so engrossed in her grubby job, and so pleased was she with what she had already heard, that she was no longer straining her ears to overhear what was being said. Martha’s thoughts drifted back to the conversation she’d had with the blonde- haired maiden after she had found the hen house in such a deplorable condition. She hoped her moral- laden little lecture about the importance of everyone doing his or her certain chores at the specified time hadn’t gone in one superior acoustical ear and out the other. Nevertheless, she realized it probably had. With a glimpse at the clock, she shook her head. “Look at that- afternoon, and some of her chores still weren’t done. I don’t mind her dilly-dallying as long as she gets those out of the way first. Really, I wish she was as eager to do her chores as she is at using her super powers.”



Jonathan pushed his empty plate away from him, his appetite for his wife’s blue-ribbon winning apple pie thoroughly quenched. He leaned back in the chair. “Uh-oh. Was she flying around the farm again? I told her about that.”


“As did I, Ma,” Clark chimed in. I told her that flying without her costume on wasn’t a good idea- especially in the daytime.”



“No,” Martha replied. “She hasn’t been doing that- well, not that I know of. She did, however, float to the top of the cottonwood instead of climbing it. But I really can’t complain. She’s been restricting her power use somewhat around here lately and of that I’m very grateful. I guess what I should have said was that I wish she was as eager to do her chores as she is at wanting to use her superpowers. But then, I suppose she would be a stranger and not our Kara!”


She laughed gaily; it was such a bubbly, enchanting laugh, brimming with blitheness, that it sounded as if it were coming from a young girl instead of a gray-haired, middle-aged woman. She hadn’t laughed like that for some time and it felt wonderful to be able to again.


Clark was inundated with a feeling of inexplicable warmth and light-heartedness. He had always loved his mother’s laugh and he was glad to hear that it had come back. How foolish and selfish he had been! Why hadn’t he realized earlier that when he had been depressed and dejected, he had been putting his family through the same things?



Martha suddenly slapped her hand to her forehead. “Oh my goodness! I completely forgot! Laura Lang asked me to bring a few pies and some of my jams to the bizarre tomorrow. Oh, and we cut and ate come of the apple pie! Oh, well, it doesn’t matter. I guess I can easily have a few more done, and there are plenty of jams in the pantry.”


“How’d you get roped into doing this anyway?” Jonathan queried. “You told her last week you wouldn’t be able to.”


“I did; but yesterday, she was practically begging me to help her out. She told me my pies are the best and how she needed somebody to bring some eatables. With her being the chairwoman of the affair, and such a good friend of mine, I had to relent.”


“I see why you’re doing this, Ma,” Clark said teasingly. “Mrs. Lang said your pies are the best. So, basically, she reeled you in with flattery.” And with that, the two male Kents went into peels of unconstrained laughter.



Martha glared at them, trying to look serious, but finding that impossibly hard to do with the grin that was creeping upon her own lips. Clark’s sense of humor had returned! How could she be anything but pleased?


“Are you two quite finished?” she asked as their laughter died down.


“Yes,” Clark answered. “Sorry, Ma, but I just couldn’t resist.”



“I see. Well, even if flattery weren’t involved, I would have done so anyway, as hard as that may be to believe. Besides, I could have been done by now if I hadn’t had so many interruptions. I had to put the cows out to pasture while you two were gone- another chore that Kara had forgotten- where was that child’s mind today? And then Eliza Ross came by- and you know what a talker she is. Honestly, I’m beginning to wonder what else this day will bring.”


********

Martha should have replaced her ‘what’ with ‘who’, for at this very moment, a Miss Lane was on her way to pay the Kents, Clark in particular, a visit.
**********

Lois squirmed restlessly. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Her back ached from leaning against metal cages, and her shoes were filled with bits of hay and straw. “You know what really bugs me?” she said to herself, although even that had lost the ability to help her cope with the circumstances. “What bugs me is that there’s a plane destined for Metropolis that I have to be on in five hours, and I could be at the Kents, talking to Clark- but where am I instead? Sitting in the back of this stupid truck, buried in hay, with feathers all around me!!”


She ran her fingers through her silky, ebony hair. “Okay, Lane. Calm down. Maybe we’re almost there,” she said, a glimmer of hope coming into her lavender eyes.



“Excuse me,” said Lois to her accommodating driver and his passenger through the small, rear window she had opened. “How much farther is Smallville?”



“Well, lemme think,” said the burly driver in a Mid-western drawl. “At least twenty-five minutes. Woulda been there sooner if one a these blasted tires hadn’t gotten flat earlier.”


“Tell me about it,” Lois mumbled, recalling the fiasco, naturally without any fondness whatsoever. “Twenty-five minutes- okay, I can handle that.”


“Yup, we should be there soon as long as the other tire holds out,” piped in the lank, sandy-haired man sitting in the passenger seat; he spoke in the same Mid-western drawl as the driver.


“What?!” exclaimed disgusted Lois.


“I agree with what the lady just said,” responded the burly man. “What other tire? I told ya while we were on the side of the road to check for any more flat ones.”


“I did, Bill.”


“And?”


“There tweren’t any.”


“So what other tire are ya talkin’ about?” asked the driver, becoming exasperated.


“The new one I put on,” said the lank man. “It didn’t look to spiffy.”


“Why didn’t ya tell me, Sam? I coulda gotten a brand new one before we started heading to Topeka. Ya know how far that is.”


“I may know how ta put ‘em on , but yer the tire expert; yer the one that owns an auto repair shop. I thought I musta been mistaken.”



It continued on like this, back and forth….back and forth….until Lois began to ‘tire’ of their incessant chatter so much, that she slammed the window shut.




She sat cross-legged, holding on for dear life as she and her poultry companions traveled over bumps and potholes in the road. She closed her eyes. I wonder if I'll look back at this disastrous day and laugh, she pondered. I’m sure there must be some humor in it, but right now, I can’t seem to find any.

[Panther]

Very cute :D Hilaroius dialogue - reminded me of the episode Unity with the bus ride Kara was stuck on with the couple behind her having that /very/ intense intellectual (;)) debate over rutabagas(sp)!

Later,

[peterparker05]

You are such an awesome writer Livewire and you seem to have a great handle on the Superman universe. Feel free to stop by the Death of Superman story string on the Batman/Superman message board, we could use your golden touch again. Plus we sorted out that whole Parasite thing.

[witness]

I'm sorry! I whine about not having lots of posts after every chapter and then I forget that giving feedback to other writers is just as important! Truly am sorry for not replying sooner.

Couple of things that I liked: I loved the line Supergirl said about Superman staying in the Fortress of Solitude too long and becoming Batman. That was a great joke there. I also loved you having to make Lois so desperate that she would ride in the back of a truck with chickens!! lol!!! This is shaping up to be a nice story and I can't wait to read more! :)

[The Game]

I'm not the biggest Superman fan, but this story is really tight. Keep up the good work Livewire! :)

[Livewire]

Wow! Thanks everyone for the feedback!!


*Panther- Lol! I had forgotten all about that scene in “Unity”. Goodness, it’s been so long since I’ve seen that ep that even though I’m not too fond of it, I feel like watching it now.

*pp05- Great to see that you’re browsing around the fanfic center. There are so many great writers around here that I hope to someday attain to their high level. (But thanks for the compliments!)

*witness- You came back!! I’m so pleased, but there’s no need to apologize. I’m just so happy you’re still enjoying my story.

*thegame8866- I can’t believe that you, the Bat-fan that you are, like my Superman story. That’s a compliment in itself. Thanks for responding. :)


Here’s the next part, and if you’re wondering when I’m going to get back to Metropolis and Lex, it will be very soon, but I wanted to place a few chapters in Smallville, especially to Lois’ sojourn there, since this is her first visit. So please read on:

**********************


“There you are.”


Kara gasped, jumping from the hay she had been under with a start, causing the household cat, Streaky, to bound away from her with a long “meow”. She saw her ‘cousin’ standing atop the ladder. “Gosh, Clark! You startled me.”

“Sorry. I’ve been searching for you and I figured you’d be here in the hayloft. Pa told me it’s one of your favorite spots to retreat to.”

“It is.” She grinned. “You’re not the only one with a special place for solitude.” Then, a worried expression came over her face. “Did I forget to do something again?”

Clark laughed. “What have you not forgotten?”

Kara sighed. “I suppose it does seem as if I’ve been utterly lazy today, but I did gather the eggs and milk Bessie. As for the other chores…well, I’ve been daydreaming a lot. It’s been so great being home these last two days, hasn’t it been?”

“Yes, it has. You were right- coming home would make me feel better.”

“And how have your talks gone with Ma and Pa?”

“As if you didn’t know! Kara, you’re a lousy pretender.”

“Clark, how can you even-

“Don’t act all innocent with me. I have the exact same hearing capabilities as you, and I know you couldn’t resist.”


Kara looked abashed. “I suppose I did catch bits and pieces of the conversation. I couldn’t help it. Why do you have to know me so well,” she asked rhetorically. “You came up here to tell me something. Why were you looking for me?” she asked, reverting back to the original topic, as she cradled the orange-colored tabby with the white streak down its back.


“Pa and I are going into town. Do you want to come with us? We thought you’d have a fit if we didn’t ask.”


Kara cocked her head to one side in contemplation. “Nah,” she concluded after a few seconds of careful thought. “I’ll stay home this time.”


Clark was virtually dumbfounded by this unforeseen refusal. “That comes as a surprise. You love going into town. You said it was the closest you’ll get to a Metropolis in Smallville.”


“I did say that, and half of me wants to go, but the other half doesn’t feel like putting on a pair of glasses and a brown wig, pretending to be your meek, little cousin- no offense,” she promptly tacked on.

Clark shrugged. “Why would any be taken? With your indomitable spunk, I know how hard it can be for you to temper it down.”


“It sure can be,” she replied, so thankful was she he hadn’t taken her remark the wrong way. “Don’t get me wrong- I’m so glad Ma and Pa took me in, and I love being known as your cousin. It’s all the pretenses I have to put on that I dislike. I don’t feel like putting them on today. Today, I just feel like being…me. Plus, Ma might need my help around here.”


“Yeah, you’ve been a big help around here, today,” said a smiling Clark sarcastically.


“Oh, you!” exclaimed Kara, throwing pieces of hay at him.

“Hey! Come on!” Clark pleaded, putting his arms in front of him to shield himself from the torrents of hay that were being playfully projected at his form. “ I don’t feel like having pieces of hay stuck in my hair and clothes.”


Kara stopped…she looked at him… he looked at her….then they both burst out with laughter.

“I better go,” Clark stated, as he descended the latter. “Pa’s probably bewildered as to why I’m taking so long to return.


Kara picked up the copper-toned feline; it had thought it best to get away while hay had been raining down, but seeing that it was safe, it had recurred onto her lap. “Okay. Maybe I can go with you tomorrow.”



Clark, who was halfway down the latter, began to make his way back up. “Kara, I wish we could,” he said disappointedly, “ but I won’t be here tomorrow.”


She paused from rubbing the tabby’s soft fur, causing Streaky’s purrs to die down. “You…won’t?” she asked regretfully. She was unprepared for him being absent from Smallville so soon. She wanted him to go back so that he could get his life back on track, but she had thought he would stay a few days more.



“No. I’m going back to Metropolis earlier than expected. I finally realized that hiding from everyone-which was what I was doing while I was in my Fortress- wouldn’t solve anything. If, after all that’s happened, people are trying to live their lives normally, than it’s only fair that I should try, too.”



“Wow. Being in Smallville worked wonders.” She had tried to sound genuinely blissful, yet, hadn’t sufficiently accomplished the desired affect.

“Isn’t that what you wanted?” Clark asked, questioning her lack of enthusiasm.


“Yes, of course.”


“What is it Kara?” He cupped his hand under her chin. “ You don’t look or sound as happy as I’d imagined you’d be.”


“Oh, Clark, I truly am. Don’t forget that your going back to Metropolis was why I brought you here in the first place. It’s just that…I’ll miss you. It was nice having you around.”


“And I’ll miss you,” he replied, as he tousled her pale-yellow hair. “But you act as if we’ll never see each other again. You can visit me anytime you want.”

“I can?”

“You bet. And I’ll come by here often, also.”


She gave him an incredulous look.


“Really,” he reassured her. “I won’t be as I’ve been these past few weeks- I promise.”


“Good,” she said, as she wrapped her arms around him. “Now I’m extremely happy.”


Jonathan entered the barn, intent on finding Clark. At seeing the touching scene before him, he wondered if he should interrupt; but Clark and Kara had already seen him. Clark spoke first.


“Hi, Pa. I’m sorry. I was supposed to meet you five minutes ago, wasn’t I?”

Jonathan shook his head. “That’s all right. There’s no rush. I’d forgotten my car keys anyway. Come when you’re ready.” And with that, he made his way back to the truck, in even higher spirits than he had been when he entered- and they had already been very high.

“I’m coming right now.” He commenced down the latter and started to follow his father, then he turned, looking up into the loft. “Before I go, was there anything else you wanted to say?”


“No-well,” she added with a sly smirk, “I do have one thing more. I know the real reason you’re returning to Metropolis so soon.”


“I already told you my reason; but just out of curiosity, why do you think I am?”

“Two words: Lois Lane.”

“Lois?! Kara, there are more important reasons to-

“Now who’s the lousy pretender? Come on, Clark. It’s written all over your face. It’s nothing I don’t already know. I saw how you reacted when I told you she had left all those messages for you. Would you please just admit that I’m right?”


He gave in to her demand. “Okay, okay, if it will make you stop hounding me; yes, there isn’t any doubt that she’s one of the reasons, but she’s not the only one. I want to try to rebuild the trust I had for so long. I want to get back to my old life- as Superman, rescuing people- without them being afraid of me-and capturing villains- as Clark Kent-grabbing bylines, heading into the Planet every morning-


“Which would mean working with Lois,” Kara replied with a mischievous grin.

“I give up!” Clark said, throwing his hands up as he walked out of the barn.


“And Clark”?

“Yes, Miss Know-it-all?” he questioned with a smile.


She stuck her tongue at him in pure jest, then said, “As Miss Know-it-all, I want to assure you that things will be normal again. When people see all the good you’re presently doing, they’re bound to realize how much they’ve misjudged you.”


“I pray that you’re right, Kara.” And with a few, swift paces, he was gone.


Of course , I’m right , she thought. I have to be . She plopped herself onto the hay again, content to stay at home. She hadn’t felt like putting on her ‘cousin getup’. She hated repressing her real self, even if it was necessary to do so remain Supergirl.


Clark had the opposite problem. He was really Clark Kent, not Superman. However, Lois cared more for Superman than for Clark Kent; yet, she had left many messages on Clark’s answering machine. Could she actually be missing the person whom she always referred to as ‘Kent’?


As they entered town, Clark started to notice that he was actually looking forward to the prospect of going back to Metropolis- as Clark anyway. As Superman..well, that was another matter. At least he could count on Lois, one of the few people who still trusted his Kryptonian half.

**************

Little did Clark and Kara know how much this day would change. For in the end, Kara would have to put on her ‘cousin getup’ after all, and Clark’s longing to see Lois would be fulfilled sooner than expected. *************

This sure is a long twenty-five minutes. Lois was growing impatient. She was glad that the new tire had outlasted Sam’s dire prediction. By hearing some more of their idle chit-chat, she had learned their names and had found out that they were brothers, although they didn’t look at all alike.


The dark-haired woman let out an, “Oomph!” as the truck made a sharp turn, sending her reeling into the cages, which thereby sent the birds into a clucking and squawking frenzy. Of all the cars that passed by me on the road, this is the one that stops- wait..there weren’t that many cars on the road. What a day this has been.

Suddenly, the vehicle came to a halt. “We’re not moving! We must be here,” she said, almost hysterically.
She gazed around at the rural sight…wheat…a veritable sea of wheat- or what appeared to be wheat-she couldn’t discern one grain from the other. The golden stalks stretched on for what seemed to be miles, guarded by long wooden fences. Cows and horses were dotted throughout the plains. She tilted her head upward and saw a huge sign, which read in large letters: WELCOME TO SMALLVILLE!


The burly man- or Bill, as he was wont to be called- came around to the back of the truck to help her out of the confining area, and Lois was able to get a better look at him. His features were rugged, compounded by a beard and mustache of dark brown, of which his hair was the same color. He was tall, too- six feet and possibly a few inches more. He looked to be of or around the age of thirty-five. He wore jeans and a red shirt. “Here we are, miss- Smallville.” He held out his hand, and she eagerly grabbed it, anticipating the opportunity to exercise her legs; but as soon as she stood on them, they gave way. “Oh!” she cried, and she surely would have fallen had Bill not caught her. “Ya okay, miss?”


“Yes, I’m fine.” She put forth a forced laugh. “I need to get used to walking again.”


“Sorry ya had ta sit in such a turrible spot, but there twasn’t any room in the front. The fact o’ the matter is, we got so many chickens, we had ta put some between Sam and me.”


“No need to apologize. I wasn’t even an expected passenger. You and Sam didn’t even have to stop for me, but you did, and for that, I’m humbly thankful.”


“No problem at all. Happy to oblige.”


His eyes caught a glimpse of her purse, sticking above the hay. “Yer purse, miss,” he said, delivering the black object into her hands. “Ya almost left it with the chickens.”


“Thank you,” the young lady said, drawing a sigh of relief. “I would not want to leave this behind.” The handbag was carrying the reprehensible newspaper, which was her whole reason for coming to Smallville.


“I do admit I’m a tad bit confused,” she went on, as she brushed off the remnants of hay from her clothes and the purse she had been reunited with. “I heard your brother say you owned an auto repair shop, but….”


“Why do I own all these chickens?” he finished. “The repair shop is something I do on the side. I’m real into cars. But raising these here chickens with my brother is my real callin’. Do you like chickens, miss?” he asked fervently.


Lois was taken aback by this odd inquiry. “Do you mean live chickens?” she asked with complete earnestness.

Bill looked at her for a few seconds, then exploded with such a loud guffaw it made Lois wonder what she had said to make him laugh so. “’Course I mean live chickens,” was his reply when he could finally speak.


What can I say? I don’t want to hurt his feelings . “I like them,” was her response- as long as they’re far away from me.


“Good,” Bill said amiably. “Cause me and Sam got a surprise fer ya, fer being such a trooper during this long trip. Bring the lady our little gifts, Sam.”



Oh, no. What mess have I launched myself into now? Lois didn’t have a good feeling about the gifts she was about to acquire.


The tall, skinny man, with the hair of light brown, slightly younger than his brother, opened the car door, bringing with him two of the many birds they owned; one was a pure, snowy white, the other was a very light tan. “Here ya go, miss,” Sam said good-naturedly. “Nice and healthy, just like all our chickens.”


The receiver of the ‘gifts’ stood in mute shock and dismay. Her eyes widened in stunned amazement.


“Here. Take it. They won’t bite.”


Lois reached her hand to take hold of the cages, unsure of what to say. She didn’t want to offend the men who had been so kind as to give her the lift she had needed but- her?!! Owning chickens?!!! It was preposterous!!!!


“Umm.. thank you but..”


“Don’t say any more,” said Bill, as he went back into the truck. “We got plenty. And be sure ta tell everyone that those are Bill and Sam Davidson chickens. Our dad taught us everything he knows, so you can be positive that we raise the best fowls around.”

Oh, they’re ‘foul’, all right, was what she thought to herself. What she said was, “That’s very nice of you, but..”


“Nonsense! We..”


“C’m on, Bill,” his brother broke in. “We gotta get these chickens to Topeka or else we might not get the deal. We’re already runnin’ late.”

Bill started the engine. “Bye, miss. Hope ya enjoy your chickens. They’re real good layers. Fresh eggs every morning.”


They drove off, and Lois had the urge to run after them and beg them to take the loathsome creatures back, but, although it rarely happened, Lois was stupefied beyond words.



“Do I look like I’m from the country?” she asked herself after getting over her initial astonishment. She observed her garb: a peach blouse daintily tied in a knot at the base, black capris, and black flats. “All right, I may not be dressed as sophisticated as usual, but didn’t they notice it was silk?”


She stared at the rectangular sign above her. “So, this is the farm boy’s Smallville. With a name like that, I should have had some indication that there wasn’t an airport around for miles. I hope the Kent’s abode is easier to get to.” She glanced at her watch. “And I hope I get there soon.”

[The Game]

“Two words: Lois Lane.”

Hehe. That was good. I really like this story, Livewire, keep going! :)

[Panther]

First a monkey, now chickens! :D Those guys are hysterical. I hope they show up later...

I like the interaction between Kara and Clark. That was a cool point about what is the alter ego and what is reality to the two of them.

Good story - but when is Lois actaully going to /get/ to the farm?

later,

[Caped Crusader]

I really enjoyed this chapter, Livewire! The dialogue between Clark and Kara was great, and Bill and Sam are really funny characters. :D Keep up the good work! :)

[Livewire]

Hey! Thanks for the responses! I'm so pleased that my supporting characters 'Bill and Sam' were found to be amusing. I've been busy with other things lately, but I'll try to have more up by Saturday.


P.S. And Panther, in answer to your question- very, very, very, soon. (And that's all I'll say! :D )


So long for now! :) -L-


EDIT: Oops!! It's Saturday and I don't have time to put on the next chapter. Sorry! I'll get it on soon- I promise! :) -L-

[Livewire]

I'm sorry I took so long, but if you only knew how busy I've been these few weeks, you'd understand. ~takes a deep breath~ Well, here is my next chapter-hope you like it.... :)

************

Lois’ violet eyes perused the highway signs, as she mumbled under her breath, “State Road Seven, State Road Seven--- ah ha! Here it is!” she uttered triumphantly as she approached the specified road. “This is my stop.” The automobile came to a standstill. She opened the car door and confiscated her barricaded, feathered animals, expecting it to be an easy act—it wasn’t. Wanting to pry them loose, she pulled and tugged, but they were wedged tightly in the corner. “These…cages…are…stuck,” she explained to the stern man at the wheel, her face flushing with embarrassment. All the while, he was glaring at her. The hens fluttered and clucked maddeningly in distress until their keeper’s struggles desisted-thanks to the stone-faced driver. Not a word did he say as he helped release the petrified beings. “Thank you,” she stated in her most pleasant voice. “And thanks for the lift.” Without a flicker of a smile, the gentleman merely nodded, and went on his way. “Not really one of the friendly sort,” she said dryly. “Riding on the back of a truck with chickens would have been a more enjoyable ride.” She shivered. “That guy made my skin crawl. That’s it! I’m done hitchhiking. Besides, it can’t be much farther.”
******

How did Lois come to this ride? you ask. Well….
******


Tired of hitching rides from total strangers, and still sore from her last encounter with the two kindly chicken raisers with good intentions, she had decided to comb the countryside on foot. It felt good to excersise her legs after they had been in such a cramped spot. The endless grain fields had turned into endless corn fields, and Lois wondered what the state of Kansas did with all the leftovers it must surely have after all that was wanted had been harvested.


Never had she considered asking Clark for his Kansas phone number. There had been no cause to do so before. Whenever he had been away, she took advantage of the opportunity, snagging stories, no partner at her side to share the spotlight. It was the way she liked it-or so she had thought. Why, instead of asking Perry for his number, was she dragging herself smack dab in the middle of nowhere? I want to check up on his family and make sure they’re okay and I need his assistance with this Lex fiasco. I’m not one to be selfish and not admit that I need help when something is this detrimental to Superman’s reputation. No, she couldn’t even convince herself that these were the only motives. It was more than that. For three weeks, there had been no Clark to tease, no one with whom she could race for a juicy story. She had grown accustomed to their stimulating work force rivalry. Basically…Lois missed him. Ha, like I’ll ever tell him that.


The chickens were relegated to the ground; it was miracle the cage handles hadn’t grown attached to her hands, having held them for what seemed an eternity to Lois. She searched in her pants pocket for the address she had gotten from Perry before setting forth for the unknown, not imagining it would come in handy. Why obtain it-she wouldn’t ever go there. Yet, things were different, due to Superman’s rogue actions and an egotistical man she abhorred--Luthor.


“I should be at the Kents in no….time? W-where is it?” she knelt on the ground in despair, pulling out the contents of her pocket and placing them atop the black, gravel road. Several other items were missing also. “I-it’s gone,” she wailed, not caring about anything else that had been lost. “That valuable piece of paper is probably on the back of Bill and Sam’s truck.” (Could she ever think of those names separately again?) “What am I going to do? Why is everything wrong happening to me today of all days?” Ceasing her woeful talk, she became ashamed at how weak she had acted. “I need to get a hold of myself.” The remaining properties of her pocket were placed back inside; they having been returned, she stood up. “Lois Lane doesn’t give up. I go at whatever I’m after with a vengeance. I’ll just ask someone for directions. Things are bound to turn up.” (How can they get any worse?)



She finally came to a woman who was walking a dog, or rather the reverse, for the dog was so huge, it was a miracle she had any control. Lois ran after her. Another person! It was wonderful to see another human being! This may seem like an exaggeration, since she had only been walking for ten minutes, but to Lois, it was far from one. This wasn’t what she was used to. She was used to the busy, noisy, and crowded streets of Metropolis, where it was an anomaly if she didn’t brush up against a person every ten seconds . The woman turned to look over her shoulder, as the footsteps grew closer. “Anythin’ I can help ya with, ma’am? Ya look lost, if ya don’t mind me saying.”

“I….I … don’t mind at all,” she said breathlessly. “I am lost.” The dog danced around in hectic galvanization, whimpering and growling. “Stop that, Rupert! I don’t need ya acting antsy. What can I help ya with, ma’am?” Although wary of the atrocious beast, Lois went on. “The address I’m in search of must have fallen out of my purse. Please, tell me you know-- AAHH!!” The vociferation was rightfully exclaimed, the gigantic canine having leapt upon her unexpectedly, planting its wet tongue to her terror-stricken face in a friendly manner. “Rupert, git off the lady this instant!” the disgruntled owner commanded. The animal immediately obeyed. “I don’t know what got into him. Those birds ya got there musta got him excited. He never jumped on a stranger before. I pride myself on trainin’ him real well, but there’s always a first time for everything.” Lois frowned at the marks on her attire. Dirty paw prints covered her shirt; she attempted to brush them off. If there is any way to salvage this blouse, it’s beyond me. “Isn’t that nice? I was his first victim,” she responded a trifle caustically, her annoyance not entirely vanquished in her tone. “I was about to ask if you know where the Kents live?”

“The Kents? I sure do. Just hand me a piece of paper and a pen and I’ll jot it down fer ya.” The required objects were not prey to the fate of the lost items, having been stowed away in her purse, and were quickly produced.

*******
“State Road Seven? There are hundreds of roads, and it might be awhile until I find this particular one.” A strand of her midnight hair had fallen into her eyes, which she tossed aside with a wave of her hand. For a minute or two, she stood at the side of the road. Then, with resoluteness harboring in her eyes, and with her hands on her hips, she came to a decision, albeit grudgingly. “What else is there for me to do? I’m wasting time standing here confused. Come on thumb.”
*******
It is already known who she next hitched a ride with, so let us move on to the present……
*******
After the peculiar and solemn driver she had ridden with moments ago, Lois was for once glad to be alone. She trudged along. “The woman told me to go to where it dead-ends. That shouldn’t take too long.”
*****

With Smallville having the word ‘small’ in its name, she had anticipated her trek to be a short one. Yet one look at her watch told her otherwise. The road stretched on. “I didn’t know it would take this long. I should”-- whatever was about to be said remained unspoken, for she had reached the desired locale.



Never had she been on a farm before. It was so vast. There was the barn and…what was it called-she racked her brain trying to find the answer-oh, yes..the silo, where hay and grain and other ‘farm stuff’was stored. Just the thought that living, breathing animals lived here made her cringe. Yuck! Who would want to own filthy animals? Then she looked at her own ‘filthy animals’, rolled her eyes, and gave a shake of her head. Yeah, like I’m one to talk.


Her eyes fell upon the quaint house where the Kents resided. An equally quaint porch surrounded it. Nestled between trees and shrubbery, it looked so warm and inviting that Lois felt her pace quicken at the sight of it. This quickened pace was also due to the fact that she was weary and fatigued from her peregrination; hence, it was a relief to finally reach her destination.


Looking about the many acres, she came to a horrible conclusion. What if no one was home? Clark had said there had been family troubles. They could be out dealing with them. She hadn’t announced to them her visit. All she heard was the occasional grunt or moan of an animal, the assorted whistles of birds, and the wind as it rustled through the trees. Lois needn’t have fretted, however; Martha was bustling around the kitchen, frantically trying to get her pies in the oven; Kara was presently in her room, poring over a book intently with her headphones in her ears; it was no wonder she hadn’t seen or heard the approaching visitor.


The reporter timidly gave two raps at the door. So much time had elapsed since she had last seen Clark’s parents; anxiety crept upon her. But one glance at the execrable newspaper protruding from her purse gave her the courage to knock again.



Martha became aware that there was someone at the door. She sighed deeply, not really looking forward to the prospect of entertaining company, especially when she was busy at the moment. “If it’s not one thing, it’s another,” she grumbled, wiping her floury hands on a white and blue checkered cloth she kept conveniently in the kitchen for such purposes.


I don’t think I can accurately describe Martha’s surprise as she opened the door and found Lois on her doorstep. To say she was shocked is an understatement. She gasped, dropping her cloth as she put her hand to her mouth in sheer astonishment. She squinted her eyes, not quite believing Lois was before her. “Lois Lane !” were the only words she was finally able to spew.


“Hi, Mrs. Kent,” she said, smilingly. “I hope I’m not intruding. It looks as if I’ve interrupted you from something.” –the last sentence being said because she saw the many flour patches garnishing her blouse and pants.


“Goodness, I must look a sight! I was baking some pies, but I could use the break”--although she couldn’t. “Lois Lane!” she reiterated. “It is so good to see you.” And this was said wholeheartedly.


They stood in awkward silence, and then Martha put a hand to her silver-haired head. “Honestly, where have my manners gone? Please, come in, dear.” As Lois entered the house, Martha caught sight of her two ‘presents’, which had been blind to her before. Lois saw the Martha’s puzzled glance and was mortified. She hadn’t meant to bring them in, but she had grown so accustomed to carrying them, she forgot to leave them outside. Her face suddenly brightened at an ingenious plan. I’m able to kill two birds with one stone- no pun intended. “I have these two chickens and I hope you can use them.”


“How in the world did you know?” Martha questioned, taking the cages out of Lois’ hands. “A few of our chickens vanished a week ago, and we haven’t found out who-or what-is to blame. Thank you.” Wanting to ask where she had gotten them from, she resisted the temptation, realizing it wasn’t important. She smiled, and Lois smiled back, glad that her scheme had succeeded. Nevertheless, even though Martha had managed a grin, there was an air of uneasiness enveloping them that Lois found hard to ward off. Of course! Why had she not asked before?


“How are you, Mrs. Kent? I hope everyone is well and all your family troubles are behind you,” she said hastily and sincerely.


“Family troubles?” Martha asked with an empty stare. “Oh, family troubles ,”-after realizing this must be the excuse Clark had given for being away. Was that why she had come all this way? To see if everyone were all right? “Everyone in our family is doing fine. We”- how could she explain this? If only Clark were here!-“there was a relative who was… …he’s doing well, extremely well, now. That’s all that matters, right? Yes, the troubles we had been experiencing seem to be behind us, thank heavens.” Martha beamed. Nothing she had said had been a lie and she was very proud of herself.


“Oh, that is wonderful news to hear, Mrs. Kent.”


“In fact,” she resumed, “Clark is probably going to return to Metropolis very soon” –she not being told yet that he was actually returning tomorrow.


“Really? That’s great! But I was hoping”- she paused, as Martha nervously turned her head every which way. Lois had no idea what to make of this queer action. She, too, peered about the room, not having the feeblest notion of why they were doing so. “Mrs. Kent, is anything wrong?”


“Pardon? Wrong? No, no, nothing is wrong,” she assured her. “I just thought I heard something.” And, indeed, every sound that entered her ear or any movement seen out of the corner of her eye made her fidget, giving her the impression that a girl with fair tresses would bound into the room and ruin their previously unknown secret.


“I don’t hear anything. If this is a bad time I could…” she trailed off, for she didn’t know what she could do. She had traveled so far, her plane departed in three hours, and the conversation with Clark still hadn’t taken place.


“Nonsense! Don’t be absurd! It’s a pleasure to see you again.” The two cages were still in her hands, giving her the perfect opportunity to go upstairs and warn the young heroine not to be seen as such. “I’m sure these poor birds don’t want to be cooped up any longer. I’ll ask Kara to put them in their new home. She’ll be so happy to see you. Every time she comes back from Metropolis, there’s always mention of ‘Miss Lane’. Please, make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

Before Lois could respond, Martha dashed up the stairs. It may be said that chickens can’t fly, but, believe me, those chickens flew! She burst into Kara’s room, out of breath, clutching her chest, and the chickens in a state of befuddlement.



“Ma, what’s the matter?” Kara inquired with alarm, throwing her book onto the bed and taking the headphones from her ears with a fierce yank.


“Lois…Lane..is ..here!” she gasped. “I’ve been in a state of anxiety, hoping you wouldn’t come down without your glasses and a brown wig adorning your head.”


It must be admitted that the teenager was quite rude towards Martha, staring at her as if she had gone plumb crazy. And do you know what that unbelieving girl did next? She exploded into giggles. “Nice try, Ma. I may be blonde, but I’m not …umm…why are you holding two caged chickens?”


“Because Lois gave them to me. Why would I joke about such a thing? Hurry! Get on your ‘cousin’ accouterment. I told her you’d put these hens in the henhouse. I should get back downstairs. I don’t want to be impolite to our guest.” Martha exited in extreme haste, leaving behind a mystified Kara. The bedroom floor became translucent, as her X-ray vision surveyed the living room, which was directly below. She came across Lois’ upturned face examining the ceiling and walls; everything was so new to this woman from the big city. “Ma, wasn’t joking!” Kara cried, excitedly. “Why is she in poky, old Smallville, though? Oh, I’ll get an answer soon enough. Gee, wait until Clark finds out!”

*******
When Kara came downstairs, changed from a blonde to a brunette, and with the required spectacles on, she found Lois sitting at the kitchen table, hungrily munching on a piece of the apple pie that had already been delved into earlier. A glass of crisp and refreshingly cold iced tea was beside her plate. She hadn’t noticed how famished and thirsty she was, so occupied had her thoughts been with other, more important matters. Martha was busying herself around, finding it almost impossible to believe that Lois Lane was in her kitchen. She desisted from her baking actions to say regretfully, “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you something more substantial to eat, but you caught me off guard. You’re welcome to stay for dinner if you like.”


“Mrs. Kent, you have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who should apologize, visiting you without any notice. And you underestimate your apple pie. It was impeccably delicious, and more than fulfilling. I didn’t want you to go through any big hassle for me anyway.” She caught sight of the kitchen counter cluttered with flour, spices, and sliced fruit. “I wish I could help you in the baking department, but I tried my hand at baking once-and only once. I have the reversed Midas touch- whatever I try to bake doesn’t turn golden-burnt is more like it.” And the hostess and her guest shared a laugh.



“Will you stay for dinner then?” was the twice-asked question.


“I’d love to eat a home cooked meal-my dinner usually consists of whatever fast-food place is open on my way home-but my plane leaves for Metropolis in a couple of hours. I don’t see Clark or Mr. Kent around. Are they out?”


“They’re in town.” This was said by an altered Kara, who had been standing in the shadows, silently and unbeknown to the two females. They were startled at the sound of her voice, as it seemingly came from no where.


“Kara, you startled the daylights out of us! Come and greet Ms. Lane.”


“Hello, Ms. Lane.”


“Please, call me ‘Lois’, as I insisted you do last time you were in Metropolis.” They shook hands. “It’s nice to see you again. You haven’t changed a bit.”


If only that were true , she thought mournfully. And today I thought I wouldn’t have to put on this guise. I’d bear it much more cheerfully if I didn’t have to wear this wig. I like my blond hair so much better.

“I really need to speak to Clark. Do you know when he and Mr. Kent will be back?”

“They should be home soon,” Kara responded. “I’m surprised you didn’t see them on your way over here. The bus stop is right in the heart of town.”


“Uh… I didn’t take the bus?”


“How did you arrive in Smallville then?” Martha interrogated, curiosity getting the better of her.


“Mrs. Kent, it’s a long story that I’ll endeavor to make brief. I took a plane, it ran into some turbulence, I arrived at the airport late, thereby missing my bus, which left me no choice but to ..to …hitchhike.” There. The experience was out in the open- though it had been hard to divulge the fact.


“Lois Lane, I thought you had enough sense about you than to do something foolish like that,” Martha remonstrated.


“I usually do; but I’m a woman on a mission and I was determined to get here and-here I am.”


“Why didn’t you call? Clark or Jonathan would have been more than happy to pick you up.”

“I couldn’t have done that. I didn’t want to trouble you, especially when your family had been in the middle of a crisis.”


“I have another question”, Martha pursued-why do you..”- RING!!!RINNGG!! -“There goes that phone. Who on earth could that be? Hello..oh, hello Laura….. Yes, everything’s coming along splendidly…..Did you say something’s come up?…Wait… Before you start, may you hold on for a minute?” She covered the receiver. “Kara, why don’t you take Lois on a grand tour of the farm?” Turning to Lois, she said, “My husband and Clark should be back soon, so it wouldn’t take very long. I’m sure you’d enjoy it, wouldn’t you, dear?” Martha was so proud of their agricultural establishment that it had never occurred to her Lois wouldn’t be interested.


“Umm..sure.” What else can I say? And it might be fun to find some more things to tease Kent about.

Kara wasn’t particularly thrilled with this idea. Why would Lois Lane-illustrious reporter for the world famous Daily Planet - want to see a common farm? But because her ‘aunt’ wished it, the ‘niece’ did as was suggested.

*********

12 minutes later…..

….and this is the corn crop. It’s not too large this year and that is why we hope there won’t be too many nubbins in it.”


Lois gazed at her absently. “Nubbins?”


Kara looked sheepish. “Oh, yeah. Silly me. You don’t know what a ‘nubbin’ is. (You’re not missing out on much .) They’re small or imperfect pieces of corn.” Wanting to change to a more fun subject, the girl of ‘chestnut’ hair asked, “Do you want to meet Thunderbolt?”


“I’m assuming that’s a horse?”


“Yup. A very special horse and he’s the best one around. P-Uncle Jonathan gave him into my care when I arrived to live with them and I’ve treated him as my own ever since.”


They had approached the barn, and Lois was finding it extremely difficult to set foot within. Me? In a barn? She sighed. I’ve done about everything else I vowed I’d never do-one of those vows being I’d never come to Smallville, Kansas. Why not?


Kara gathered a handful of oats into her palm from a sack that lay on the ground and put them to the eager stallion’s lips. The horse was of a rich, dark brown, with a white marking in the center of its forehead. Its mane and tail were as black as night and incredibly silky; its coat gleamed. These results showed how well Kara cared for him. “Good ol’ Thunderbolt. I don’t know how’d I live in Smallville without him. He makes life here a little bit more…interesting.”


“How do you like living on a farm? I can’t imagine waking up every morning and doing all the things you have to do.”


“It does get downright dull sometimes but”-she thought of all the good it had done Clark to be in the obscure, little town-“it does have its good points.”


From its perch in the hayloft where Kara had left it, the cat, Streaky, sprang to the hay strewn ground and wrapped itself around Lois’ legs. “Hey, he likes you,” Kara declared.

“This has to be your cat that you were telling me about.” Lois reached down to pet it, and in doing so caused another cat -astrophe. She slipped on the cat’s tail, causing the animal to flee, and fell headlong into a pile of straw and hay.

“Lois, are you all right?” Kara asked, stifling a giggle.

“I’m fine.” She raised herself from the ungraceful position. “It’s just one of those days. I hope I didn’t hurt your cat.”


“Don’t worry. Streaky’s a little shaken up-but otherwise fine.”

“Great.” Lois picked hay and other articles out of her hair. “When I get home, I’m taking a nice, long shower.”

They returned to the outdoors, both thinking that was the wisest decision, before accident-prone Lois came into anymore incidents. They were about to go inside the house when Kara stopped abruptly, inquiring in a confidential tone, “So tell me-why have you come way out here? It had to be extremely important.”



“It is. But is it that hard to believe I came here first and foremost to see how everyone in your family was doing?” She lifted the miniature clock upon her wrist to her face. “Gee, if there were a way to make time stand still,” she groaned impatiently.


A dreadful notion popped into Kara’s head. What if…what if Clark had lost his job and Lois came here to tell him personally? He was so eager to return to Metropolis and his work; he’d be crushed.

“Has Clark lost his job? Or did his apartment catch fire? That would be terrible! He would”-


“Hold on a minute. None of those things happened, Kara. Lex Luthor is up to his nasty self as usual and I needed Clark’s help in nailing this sleaze bag.”


“What has that bum done this time?”

“This.” Lois retrieved the newspaper from her purse and showed it to Kara, whose eyes widened in disbelief and horror. She snatched the paper out of Lois’ hands. Clark had told her that he had punched Luthor while he had been held powerless in the military chamber. He had been in a prison uniform and inside of the red-lit cell. But this! Here, he was wearing his Superman costume, and he was outside in broad daylight!


“What?!! What trash is this?! There’s no way C-Superman would do such a thing.” She really needed to stop letting her tongue almost slip!


“My sentiments exactly. That is why it’s imperative I give Clark this information. Many changes have taken place since he’s been away and I hate to say they weren’t all for the better. If he could- Kara, what is it?”-for the girl had turned her head abruptly to one side in agitation and looked distracted. Her ears had picked up a cry for help; Clark was in town-it was only logical what she should do. With Clark out, I had a feeling I should put my ‘other’ costume on underneath- it’s a good thing I followed my instincts. “Sorry, but I have to take care of something right now . Can you tell Aunt Martha I’ll be back as soon as I finish?”


“Sure, but why….it’s no use. Look at her run. She’s half-way gone.”

Kara came to the conclusion that she was running too fast. Oops! I bet she’s watching me. I should slow down. She did so without there being any need; Lois had already gone into the house to give Martha the message. However, it couldn’t be relayed, Martha being no where in sight. The cellar was where she had retreated to, but Lois didn’t know this. Where is she? Why do members of the Kent family always disappear around me?

Her investigative nature became aroused as she walked about. She knew little about Clark’s personal life. Wandering about the first floor, she came to a room with an open door. Hmm..this looks interesting…
****

Clark and Jonathan were home, the latter in the barn checking on his animals, a task he always enjoyed doing after a town excursion, and the former making his way back to the house.


Clark was amazed at the immense quiet that met him upon his return. Where was boisterous Kara? Maybe Pa would find her in the barn. Where was Ma? She wasn’t in the kitchen. Ahh, here was an open door. He removed his glasses, placing them in his shirt pocket; now that he was at home, he could feel free to be without them. They always felt odd and out of place on the farm.


He was about to step into the room and greet the woman (or girl) he loved, when to his utter amazement and shock, there stood a female he hadn’t expected to see in his wildest dreams- and she was here of all places. Yes, she was a woman he loved, but not the one he had expected to lay eyes upon until tomorrow.

Before him stood Lois.


“Kent?!”

[Kal-el]

Excellent continuation livewire!!! I've been looking forward to your next installment, and I wasn't disappointed at all. I can't wait until the next one. Great job!

[Coran]

Yet another great chapter from a delightful writer. I can't wait to read more Livewire. Keep up the good work.

[Batgirl]

Haha... After all those remarks Lois made about Smallville, she finally gets a taste of what it's like! Haha....

[Panther]

Ditto to what Batgirl said! It's kinda funny watching the whole Kent houslehold flustered by Lois's arrival. How will Clark react? Don't keep us waiting too long!

[witness]

Clark doesn't have his glasses on! Wonder what Lois is going to do now! This is becoming a great story so far. And you haven't even had the real need for a villain either! Kudos to you! Keep up the good work!

[Caped Crusader]

"Yikes!" is right! I can't wait to see how Clark will get out of this one! This was another incredible chapter, Livewire! As Kal-el stated before, the continuation is excellent! I also enjoyed the humor; I found myself laughing out loud when Lois tripped on Streaky's tail. :D Great chapter, and hope you post your next one soon. :)

[Livewire]

Eek!! :eek: I can't believe this much time has gone by since I put in my last chapter. To all my readers, I'd like to apologize for the delay. I shall try to have my next chapter up sometime later this week.


And what a wonderful surprise to have six responses! Thank you Kalel, Coran, Batgirl, Panther, Witness, and Caped Crusader for the feedback. :) I'm glad my last chapter was enjoyed.




I'll post soon! :) -L-

[Livewire]

I’d like to extend my sincerest apologies for taking this long to put up this chapter. I didn’t want to post on my thread until I was able to post my next installment. I fell into some setbacks, but thankfully, those are all behind me. I don’t ever want to take this long again. Once again, I’d like to apologize for the long amount of time that has elapsed since my last chapter.


Well, here it finally is. I hope you like it. :)


********


“Well that’s something I never fathomed . . . Kent played football?” Lois stood holding a trophy with a bemused smile on her face.



If she had rotated a few inches more, there is no doubt she would have been face to face with a Clark stripped of his optical lenses. However, this wasn’t to be the case; Clark had dashed so speedily out of the room that there was no likelihood of his Daily Planet colleague seeing him without his disguise.

In a split second, Clark’s glasses were back onto their original spot. He traversed the hall, barely able to think straight. The other side of him that he had kept hidden from Lois all these years had almost been uncovered! The results of that discovery were results he wasn’t prepared to handle. He didn’t want to hurt her, and dropping in upon her unexpectedly without his glasses wasn’t the way in which he wanted to disclose in her what he had kept esoteric. Someday he would share with Lois the sequestered existence that had been concealed from her eyes for so long, but not until he was sure she was ready to learn the truth. But, there was also another factor -- he had to be ready for her to learn the truth also; he wasn’t yet; he was certain that if Lois was knowledgeable to the fact that Clark and Superman were one, her attitude to him would change drastically. He would be treated differently, as if he weren’t human, and the human part of his identity was something he wasn’t prepared to lose.



There were so many questions he had. Why was she here? Had something terrible happened in Metropolis? Maybe it was Perry. Had all the stress of running a newspaper combined with everything that had happened made him ill? Clark would not be able to bear it if such was the case. What an unwise decision it had been to stay away from the Planet for such a long duration!

********

Martha made her way out of the cellar, where she had been scrounging about to ensure that the bizarre was a huge success. Really! With the way Laura’s piling on the requests, you’d think she has the impression I can do 5 things at once! She climbed the stairs, her arms filled with an assortment of appetizing requirements necessary for the completion of her luscious comestibles. But before reaching the kitchen, she came upon a tall figure roaming about the hall. “Clark?”

Clark paused in his tracks as Martha approached him. How good it was to see her! Perhaps she could tell him why Lois was in Smallville.

“I thought I heard something. Are you finished talking with Lois already?”


“No, I haven’t talked to her yet,” he replied, relieving his mother of some of the numerous items she held. “Did she tell you why she’s here? Is anything wrong?”


“No. She hasn’t said her reason for visiting us. All she said was that she wanted to speak to you. What are you waiting for, dear? Why don’t you just go in there and ask Lois if anything’s wrong instead of worrying about what could be wrong? It might turn out that your worrying is for nothing. It could be that all she wanted to do was check on us and see how we were. You have been away from Metropolis for a few weeks.”

Martha’s words of wisdom did the trick. “You’re right, Ma. This stalling isn’t getting me anywhere.”


With his mind having been eased a little with this bit of philosophy, and with his scattered wits promptly collected, Clark entered the room; but for some reason, he didn’t say anything right away. He stood in silence, out of Lois’ range of view. He felt his heart beat more rapidly as soon as he laid eyes upon her. As Superman, he had seen so little of her. The shame and guilt that he had felt had made it difficult to face her at times. The same guilt that had brought him home to his family had also kept him away from the woman he held dear to his heart.



He watched as she took a compact mirror out of her purse; she proceeded to forage through her hair. He heard her say in a disgusted tone, “When I think I’ve gotten them all out, another piece of hay pops up. Will this hair of mine ever be the same?”


“It looks the same to me.”


Lois gasped. Her mirror dropped unheeded to the floor. That voice! It could only belong to one person. “Clark!” she exclaimed, after turning around and seeing her assumption was correct. Her face glowed with unbridled affection -- affection she couldn’t contain inside. What was even more confounding to her was the fact that, at that moment, she didn’t particularly care to try.


The event that took place next was unexpected to Clark . . . and Lois. Beside herself with jubilation, she cast away her usual cloak of restraint and indifference she ordinarily showed her mild-mannered colleague, and ran to him, embracing him as if they were the closest of friends.



Needless to say, Clark was staggered beyond words. Placing her raven head upon his shoulder was definitely not the welcoming he was prepared to receive from Lois Lane! Where was the sarcastic remark? Where was the condescending smirk? Why hadn’t he heard her call him “Kent”, the moniker she regularly appointed him?


“Clark,” she continued, “you’re finally back! I need to talk with you about so many things. You don’t know what I’ve gone through to get here. First, my plane arrived late, then I missed my bus, and . . . wait a minute . . . what . . . am . . . I . . . doing?” She swiftly removed her arms from around his neck and drew back, her cheeks blushing crimson. Was it actually possible? It was. The most brazen, outspoken person Clark had ever met stood before him quiet, looking extremely bashful. She cleared her throat. Clark was about to utter something when she put up her hand. “Before you say anything, let me tell you that what I just did was a one time thing.” The condescending smirk returned. “So don’t get used to it.”


There was no time for him to respond, for abruptly she changed the subject, asking, “Is it true that you played football in high school?”

“Yes. Is that so hard to believe?

“You?? On a football team?? That just strikes me as . . . odd. You’re not really the athletic type, and I always pictured you wearing glasses as a teenager; I can’t imagine you without them. (Clark was glad there weren’t any teenage pictures of him hanging about.) I have to hand it to you, Kent—after I pretty much have you all figured out, you throw me for a loop. Is there anything else I don’t know about you, oh man of mystery?” this last sentence said derisively, with an impish grin. What an understatement! Lois was unaware of how truly she spoke.



“Well, it just goes to show you that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. Take you for instance. You were delighted to see me, and I thought that would never happen. You have to admit that you missed me, didn’t you?” he goaded, in an effort to rile her.


“Missed you? I’m never gong to hear the end of this, am I? You give someone a teeny hug and it goes right to their head. What I missed was not being able to beat you for a story at every turn.” She left the room, and Clark knew that in her own way, whether she meant to or not, her answer had been, “Yes.”



********

Jonathan, upon entering through the front door, stopped at the sound of two voices floating in from the
living room. Burning with inquisitiveness, he peeked inside. Was that . . . could that be . . . Lois Lane?? Jonathan removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes, took out his handkerchief, rubbed his glasses, then put them back on, prepared to take another look. He had made no mistake; the woman was none other than the plucky, quick-witted newswoman. He was about to go in when Martha, having come to tell him about Lois, suppressed him from doing so. “Jonathan, let’s let them alone for a little bit, and while they talk, we can converse in the kitchen. I’ll try to explain everything, but I still don’t know all the details myself. Now come on—and, please, close your mouth, dear.” Her baffled husband did so, and the couple betook themselves to the kitchen, with Martha’s sole intent being to relay the day’s surprising turn of events.
********

Lois made herself comfortable in a soft, cushioned chair, deep in retrospection. What had possessed her to act the way she had acted? Hadn’t she specifically told herself that she wouldn’t let Clark know how much she had missed him? Then why on earth had she let her emotions get the best of her? And furthermore, why had she felt such emotions for….Kent?? Do I actually ……Lois stopped herself from further thoughts, tossing them aside. She couldn’t rationalize why she had done what she did, and this wasn’t the time or the place to ruminate over it. It was time to get down to business. She had come to Smallville with her solitary goal being to tell him of the woes that had befallen on Metropolis, and at last she had her chance.



“Kent, I don’t know where to begin. Things aren’t what they used to be, especially at the Planet.”


At the mention of the Daily Plant, Clark became somber. “Lois, why have you come all the way to Smallville? You said you wouldn’t come here if it was the last place on earth.”


“Hmm . . . I never realized how harsh that sounded.”


“Please tell me it isn’t Perry. Is he ill? I . . . I shouldn’t have left Metropolis. He probably”-


“Calm down, Kent. It wasn’t your fault you had family problems, and Perry isn’t sick. Tired and worn out, maybe, but that’s just about everyone else at the Planet. Perry’s even given Jimmy more responsibilities. You should see how hard that kid’s been working. What with all the crimes that are being committed regularly, there’s always some story to rush out and cover. Not that Superman hasn’t tried to. . .” she paused, as an onslaught of compassion came over her at the thought of her perpetual rescuer. “If . . .if only people would stop being so narrow-minded. After all the good he’s done for us, how can they believe that he would purposely betray us? It’s obvious to me he was used. Why can’t they give him another chance when all he wants to do is make things right again?” Her face was crestfallen. It was not often she let her disposition lapse into a dreary, depressed state. She had vowed she would try to keep an optimistic view on things, no matter what the outlook may be. This mood was especially needed at the Planet, where she had repeatedly rallied dejected and overwrought persons with words of encouragement, delivered with such zest and enthusiasm, that the persons became ashamed of themselves for falling into such a slump. They immediately cast away their apprehension and despondency, and valiantly carried on.



Clark ached to make matters aright. “If I had been aware of all of this earlier, I would have returned to work right away. Whatever troubles you’re facing, Lois, you don’t have to face them alone.” He gingerly placed his hand on her own, a gesture he wouldn’t have attempted before for fear of Lois’ scorn, but sensed it was appropriate to do so now. Strangely enough, Lois had no desire to snatch her hand away, and she could not explain why; nor could she explain the sudden flush that had accompanied his touch. Maybe it was because she . . . welcomed . . . it. To have someone whom she could confide in, someone who would understand, was a very pleasant change from the loneliness and hostility she had felt encompassed by in Metropolis. The foundation of faith and reliance Superman had worked so hard to build was dilapidated and weakened; it needed to be repaired and strengthened. She knew she could count on Clark to gladly and willingly help her in this difficult undertaking, and in a world where there remained only a few staunch and steadfast Superman advocates, his support was heartening and was something she was determined not to take for granted.



Lois quickly rose, again confused by her own feelings. Yet, she could not deny that she was filled with a renewed hope, which was why she found it easier to continue her tale. “Perry had to downsize all of our salaries due to the paper’s poor sells. The Metropolis Sun is beating us almost everyday. Unable to cope with the situation, Ron and a few others left to work for . . .for . . .” Lois put her hand to her contorted brow; it was suddenly not so easy to continue. “This may be hard to believe, but I actually had everything I was going to say to you all planned out. It turns out this is even tougher than I expected. They . . . went to work for Luthor’s paper.”


“What?!” It was all he could say. This was terrible. He never envisioned this. This malevolent maniac was intent on ruining both aspects of his life – Superman’s and Clark Kent’s. He dropped down on the sofa, feeling dazed. What Lois had said couldn’t be plausible.

Before there was a chance for all that had been told to him to sink in, Lois bombarded him with another shock. “If you thought that was bad, wait until you see this,” she said, indignation inflicting itself upon her voice. She showed him the hideous Metropolis Sun’s front page. He stared at it, trying to make sense of it all. His eyes flickered with anger and distress as he voraciously pored over the newsprint. “ ‘He came out of nowhere and struck Mr. Luthor, apparently in some kind of rage,” said the witness who wished to remain anonymous,’ ” quoted an annoyed Clark. “What ‘eyewitness’? Lois, I’m positive this situation never happened. How could everything have changed so drastically while I was away? How can anything be normal for Superman again with Luthor spreading such vicious lies?” And afflicted with pain and chagrin, he hurled down the paper, wanting to get the vindictive article far away from him. Instantly, Lois was there to recover what he had flung. “Careful, Kent. This may come in handy. If we study this long enough, we may be able to catch Luthor in his own mendacious tales.” Appropriately, the tall, Grandfather clock, which added to the room’s charm and antiquity, chimed long and clear. “The airport!” she cried in distress. “We have to get out of here!” She took a few steps before she noticed that Clark wasn’t joining her. “What are you waiting for? Come on, Kent. We have a plane to catch.” Unclasping her purse, Lois brought forth tickets. “See? I came prepared—tickets for you and me. This is one story I can't handle on my own. Think you can make it back with me, Smallville?”


Of course, he could make it. How could she think otherwise? He wanted to get to the bottom of this as much, nay, even more, than Lois did. For this ran deeper and more personally to him than she was capable of comprehending.

*******
Martha still inhabited the kitchen, wherein moments ago, she had disclosed to her befuddled spouse what little information she possessed concerning Miss Lane’s impromptu visit. But Jonathan was no longer with her; she was alone, scurrying about in a whirl of excitement. “Oh, there you are, Clark,” she said, as that particular individual, along with his audacious female comrade, stepped inside of the atmosphere that was permeated with sweet, pungent fragrances. “Can you believe all the things I'm making for the bizarre? And to make it more difficult, I had to send you’re father into town for some essentials I was sure we had.”

“You certainly are preparing a multitude of things, Ma. Well, Lois and I need to get to the airport. Has Pa left yet?”

“No, I don’t think so. You’re going to the airport, as well? Is something wrong?”


“Pressing circumstances make it necessary for me to return to Metropolis, one of them being that Lex Luthor is stirring up trouble again.” He gave no further details on what kind of trouble Luthor was stirring , deeming it unnecessary to put a new worry on Martha’s mind.


“Lex Luthor! Oh, will that fiend never learn?”

“Knowing Luthor, he probably never will,” responded Lois with a scowl.


Martha took a respite from her doings to better mull over this sudden development. “When I told Lois you would return to Metropolis soon, I didn’t realize how soon that would be,” she said in a tone tinged with disappointment. “You should hurry, then, in order to catch Jonathan,” she concluded resignedly.


Miss Lane proffered a hand. “Goodbye, Mrs. Kent. It was wonderful to see you again. I can’t thank you enough for the kindness you’ve bestowed upon me. You made me feel right at home. Are you sure Mr. Kent won’t mind--”


“Say no more. Of course, he won’t. I told him you’d need a drive to the airport, but we just weren’t sure when you were leaving. And there’s no need to thank me. It was my pleasure having you here. Come again whenever you like.” She looked askance, however, at Lois’ outstretched palm. “My goodness! There’s no reason to be so formal.” What followed was a hearty embrace, courtesy of Mrs. Kent!


It was then her son’s turn to be thus sent on his way. “Goodbye, Ma.”

“Goodbye, honey. Take care, and call us as soon as you’re able to.” Then, in a voice only his superb hearing could detect: “Things can get pretty dangerous for you – as a reporter and as Superman – so please be careful.” And wanting to reinforce this important point, she added in the same low tone, “Don’t forget all we talked about—you shouldn’t feel any guilt.”

The pearly- haired woman tore herself away, although it had been hard to do. A torrent of motherly feelings swept over her as she wished – unreasonably and unrealistically – that her boy could remain with her indefinitely.

********
“Where’s Kara?” Clark asked Martha, when a thorough search and persistent callings produced no blue – eyed maiden. “ I haven’t seen her since I’ve been back.”


“I don’t know where --oh, here she comes.” From the window, they saw the young girl wending her way through the fields.


Kara’s mood was not particularly very rosy just then. Her arms were crossed and her bottom lip was in a pout. All that way I ran and it was a false alarm—a false alarm! Can you believe it? Not that I wanted anyone to be hurt, but . . .two kids playing games to see if anyone would ‘save’ them??! Sheesh! I gave them a lecture they’ll not forget in a hurry. And I’m the person who thought I’d never give lectures. Is Clark rubbing off on me, or what?


She lifted her head and caught sight of the pick-up truck. Pa and Clark are back! I’m sure to have missed everything! That newspaper! What did Clark think when he saw that?!

So great was her hurry to get in the house that she almost bumped into Clark and Lois, who were on their way out. “Whoa, Kara. Slow down,” reprimanded Lois. “What’s your big rush?”


“I wanted to catch up with all that had transpired while I was gone.” She turned to Clark. “Did you see the”--


“Yes, I did.”

A look passed between them…a look of mutual understanding. And in Kara’s eyes, Clark saw something else . . . a look of sympathy and reassurance, as if to say, “You’ll get through this, Clark. You and Lois will figure it all out.”



“Oh, there’s Mr. Kent,” mentioned Lois, after seeing that the aforementioned gentleman was about to go inside of the vehicle without them. But before going, she had to make her farewell to Kara. “See you around,” began her unsentimental adieu, as the two shook hands. “Whenever you’re in the bustling city, feel free to stop by my place. I’d enjoy having you.” Off she went after Jonathan, and Clark and Kara were now alone; words could be spoken freely.



“What do you make of it all?” asked the girl anxiously.


“I’m not sure what to think. But whatever Luthor’s up to, it’ll soon be uncovered,” said Clark firmly.


“Tell me something I don’t know! I’ve no doubt that slimy weasel will fail in whatever dirty, rotten plan he’s scheming,” she said vehemently, with knitted brow and clenched fists. But shortly, she was sedate again and her face softened. “I wish so much that I could go back to Metropolis with you,” she lamented. “It feels so futile my staying here. I could be of such use to you there if I could get in on the fray.” She exuded impetuousness and impatience, patience being a virtue she was not always able to retain.


“Kara, how can you say such a thing? Ma and Pa need you here more than ever. Just knowing that you’re with them makes it easier for me to leave, and that’s an enormous help.”



“Oh, Clark.” If the parting between Lois and Kara had been unsentimental, the parting between these two kindred beings was exactly the opposite. Kara hugged Clark tightly, not wanting to let go. They had experienced crushing blows and terrifying lows only to come out on top. Through the harrowing crisis that had befallen them, she had stood by him, encouraged him, and comforted him, until his spirit, once bruised and broken, had returned, rejuvenated and refreshed.



The moment was suddenly broken by a woman’s voice. “Clark,” Lois said, upon reaching him. “We’re about to leave. Are you ready?”



“Wait!” Out ran Martha. “Here you go,” she said, placing a bag of goodies into Lois’ hands. “I packed enough snacks for the two of you in case you get hungry.”


Lois took the laden parcel gratefully. “How thoughtful of you, Mrs. Kent! Thank you. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”


“It was no trouble at all. And please -- be careful. I’ve heard how dangerous this Luthor fellow can be, so try not to get into any trouble.”


Lois laughed. “That’s easy enough for Clark, but you know me.”

********
After Martha’s essentials had been delivered to her, they were finally on their way to the airport, with much convincing by Jonathan to Lois that he didn’t mind doing so at all. She leaned her head back and closed her heavy eyes as the abundant fields of amber wheat and emerald – stalked corn receded into the background. To be on my way home at last. But she couldn’t deceive herself. Even with all the mishaps she had been involved in, she had to admit that she didn’t have as much of a bad time in Smallville as she had prepared for herself. Mrs. Kent had been sweet and hospitable; and during the time she had spent with Kara, she had discovered that she was rather fond of Clark’s cousin. She was young and naive, which reminded Lois a little of herself, when she had been a fresh – faced youth and the ways of the world were a path she had not yet trodden upon.



She had gained more understanding of what life on the farm consisted of -- she could never quite reconcile to look at that livelihood the same way again. Of course, she couldn’t resist giving Clark occasional teasing jabs about growing up on a farm, but it had lost some of its flavor; for Lois had learned that once light has been shed on a previously misunderstood subject, it is harder to make fun of it.


“Well, Lois, what did you think of our rustic community?” asked Jonathan.


“I think it's bigger than the name lets on," she replied remembering her trek through the vast land. Jonathan gave a laugh. "The quiet and solitude were definitely very foreign to me as an inhabitant of Metropolis," she continued. Most of the people I’ve met were extremely kind and so eager to help me when help was sorely needed. Try to find that in the big, hectic city.” No mention was made of what ‘help’ had been sorely needed. Her hitch- hiking ordeal wasn’t something she cared to chronicle to Clark. She mused over the fate of the two men who had shown considerable benevolence towards her when she desperately required it. How were they and their chickens fairing? A smile spread across her face in remembrance of the unselfish act of giving her two of their best Davidson chickens.




Their pace slowed as they were impeded by several chickens strutting across the road, squawking and cackling angrily.

With a sigh escaping her lips, Lois gave a nervous glance at her watch. Can you believe it? I’m beset by chickens on my way into Smallville and on my way out! If this keeps up, we’ll never . . . Her inward grumbling was interrupted when out of the corner of her eye, she noticed frantic movement. Turning her head towards the commotion, she gave a gasp. There, on the side of the road, were Bill and Sam, waving at her gaily! They were fixing a tire, meaning that Sam had evidently foretold the future of another flat correctly. How some of their chickens escaped, Lois never knew, but as she and her two companions drove past, she waved back, for even in her amazement at seeing them again, she did not forget her manners.


The two brothers faded into the distance, and Clark and Jonathan looked at her in both confusion and amusement. “It didn’t take long for you to make friends here, did it, Lois?” Jonathan chuckled.


“You appear to be well acquainted with them,” Clark said slyly. “Care to give us ‘the scoop’?”



Lois tried to think of some witty retort, which usually came easily for her, but could come up with nothing. “It’s a long story,” she replied wearily, “a very long story.”



TO BE CONTINUED . . .

Next stop . . . Metropolis . . . and . . . The Post – Legacy Chronicles - Shattered Trust (Pt. 3)! :)