"We talked about this last night, Smallville. Skyler needs to go to kindergarten like all the other kids do."

"But, Lois, I just don't think he's ready."

"He's five-years-old. He's ready."

"You know what I mean. He's stronger than other kids, and he's got a huge secret to carry. His dad is Superman."

"For the hundredth time, Skyler can keep a secret, and didn't you go to kindergarten?"

"Yeah, but that was different."

"How?"

"It just was."

"He's going to do fine."

"Why can't we just homeschool him?"

"Reason number one, the point of kindergarten is interaction and play with other children. It builds language development and social skills. ABCs, numbers, and colors are all secondary in kindergarten. Reason number two, we both work for a living."

"You've got an answer for everything. You must have done your research."

"I'm prepared for anything you try to dish out."

"Who came up with kindergarten anyway?"

"Glad you asked. This old German guy, whose name is hard to pronounce, that's why kindergarten is a German word. It means children's garden."

"It was a rhetorical question, but thanks anyway."

"You're welcome." Then she yelled, "Skyler Jonathan Kent, haven't you finished getting ready yet? You're going to be late!"

A little boy with light brown hair and sky blue eyes came running into the kitchen. "Sorry, Mommy. I want to look my best. I want my teacher to like me."

"She will, sweetheart," Lois assured him.

"I just got to get my shoes on," he said, running back out.

"He's so excited, Clark. He couldn't sleep last night. Do you want to be the one that tells him he can't go?"

"No," he muttered.

"Okay, I'm ready to go," Skyler called from the living room. "Don't forget my Spider-Man lunchbox!"

Clark picked it up and gave it to Lois. "A Spider-Man lunchbox packed by Superman."

"Don't be sore, honey. Nobody wants their dad on their lunchbox." She kissed his cheek. "See you at work."

"Shouldn't I go along, as a parent, so I can be a part of his first day of school?"

"You already were a part of it. You operated the camera, and you packed his lunch. I know you. You'll get there and then won't leave him there. I'm the tough one emotionally. Plus, you never know when an emergency might pop up."

Lois went into the living room, and Clark followed. "Tell Daddy bye," she said.

"Bye, Daddy."

"Bye, son," Clark said, his voice cracking with emotion.

sss

Lois pulled up to the big brick building with "Metropolis Elementary" written across it in big white letters. She asked for directions to Mrs. Ferguson's classroom.

It was a nice classroom. It had lots of windows to let the sunshine in. It was colorfully decorated and most of the kids were already there, laughing and playing. Mrs. Ferguson was on the young side with carrot-colored hair and freckles. She looked friendly.

"Okay, Skyler. I'll see you after school. Daddy and I will pick you up right at 3:00."

Skyler wrapped his arms around her. She ruffled his hair. "I'll miss you too. Now go play with the other kids."

He looked up at her and whispered, "I changed my mind. I want to go to Grandma's like always."

"I know it's a little scary at first. but you'll like it here," Lois said.

He shook his head and clung to her tighter. "If Mommy doesn't leave soon, Uncle Perry is going to yell at her."

Lois tried to pry him off her, but it was pointless. Only Superman was strong enough for the job.

Mrs. Ferguson came over. "Hi, you must be Skyler."

He looked at her suspiciously and nodded slowly.

"We're going to have all kinds of fun. We're going to sing songs, finger paint, play on the swings. Everyone is really nice and wants to be your friend."

He thought about it for a bit and then let go.

"Come on," Mrs. Ferguson said, "and I'll show you all the cool colors of playdough we have. Tell your mom goodbye."

"Bye, Mommy," he said.

"Bye, baby."

She left the classroom. She waited a couple of minutes and peeked through the door, ready to take him out if he still looked upset. However, he looked like he was already having fun as he made a long, green snake out of the play dough. Her eyes filled up with tears. Her little boy was growing up.