Juggling Act (Super Lana 38)
DJ Dubois
February 2008
Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the CW. All other characters are my original creations and are fictitious.
Chapter 1
[Talon—Two Months following "Spring Delivery"]
The Talon bustled with business on that mid-Spring afternoon. Classes at Smallville High had been more difficult than usual. In addition, the local farmers needed breaks from their planting and numerous other chores. Cash flowed through the tills of the café and flower shop.
In the midst of this scene, Lana surveyed the situation. In the month since her return, she felt better about herself and being able to contribute again albeit with fewer hours than before. She had to admit that she felt torn between her roles as co-manager and new mother. Accordingly, with Martha's help, she tried to balance the two priorities with mixed success. I wish I could do more but even with Kryptonian stamina, there's only so much I can do!
Miranda tapped her on the arm. "Lunch time, Boss."
Lana glanced at the clock. "Oh. Can you run the place for an hour?"
Her lieutenant quirked an eyebrow at her.
"Sorry. Too much on my mind," Lana apologized before rushing off for the back room. After hanging up her apron, she took off in a super speed flash for the farm.
I wish she'd learn to relax! Miranda rubbed her temples, trying to relieve a headache. Speaking of which, Miri, you might take your own advice! She grabbed the coffee pot and made her way around the dining area.
****
[Kent Farm]
Martha took an apple pie out of the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool. She had a productive morning and afternoon to that point around the house cleaning and baking despite the welcome diversion resting in his carrier on the counter. She smiled while checking on Ryan. "You are so good for Grandma. You know that?"
He didn't respond as he was fast asleep.
She sipped on a cup of coffee and mused over the previous two months. Granted, she'd let her own work go ever so slightly. However, she knew that Lana needed some time at the Talon for her own good. Besides, if she could be the good grandmother, what was wrong with that? Let Jonathan deal with it if he has to. I don't care. Clark's still stressing over Ryan. I know he's trying. He just needs to relax.
As she thought the words, she felt the breeze kick up and heard the door open. Turning, she saw Lana come to a halt right in front of Ryan. "Hi, Lana. How's the restaurant?"
"Busy as usual," the younger woman noted while carefully checking her sleeping son over. "You do really great with him, Mom. I wish I could do the same."
"You do, Lana. Give yourself some credit, okay?" Martha assured her.
As if feeling his mother's presence, Ryan opened his eyes.
"Had a good nap, did we?" Lana asked warmly while picking him up. "And how's Mommy's little guy doing today?" Feeling the telepathic need, she patted his back until he burped. "Better, huh? Are you being good for Grandma?"
"He's slept for most of the time since you left," Martha reported. "You might want to check his diaper though before you go back."
"Well, seems as if Grandma knows something, huh?" Lana asked her son. "Come on; let's feed and change you. Then Mommy can eat." She rocked him in her arms for a minute before taking him upstairs.
Martha admired the scene. Lana's definitely taken to being a mother. I hope she can give herself time to adjust to everything.