Lois leaned back in her chair, tapping her pen against the desk in time to the music she was being forced to listen to whilst on hold. She shifted the phone to a more comfortable position against her shoulder and surveyed her surroundings. There were so many people here she hardly knew now, there seemed to be a new face every week. Why didn't she just retire? At age 49 God knew she deserved a rest but she just couldn't give it up. The thought of exchanging the hustle and bustle of the newsroom, with its intrigue and excitement, for the peace and quiet of Kansas baking cookies and apple pie…she suppressed a shudder. Lois Lane that was not. And yet without Clarke as her trusty sidekick, the Planet just wasn't the same. She missed him. It had been a little over six months since his disappearance and she still caught the occasional pitying glance from her co-workers. Ha! They were more careful now though after she'd ripped the last one to shreds. Pity her would they? Not if she had anything to say about it. She looked at her watch and decided to give up, slamming down the phone she picked up her purse and headed for the elevator. Her baby was coming home, and nothing was going to keep her here late tonight.
Jason Kent looked at the beautiful girl beside him as she gazed out of the window of the taxi. His heart skipped a beat when she turned to him, brushing back her long blonde hair and revealing piercing blue eyes filled with worry. He reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Everything is going to be fine. Don't worry so much. She's going to love you."
Erica White wished she had his confidence but for his sake, managed a tremulous smile "I'm sure you're right it's just…well you know."
Jason sighed and nodded. His mother was certainly going to be surprised by his guest, but you can't help who you love, and she more than anyone knew that. She loved him, she would understand he was sure of it. Almost.
"It's going to be fine." He said again, but was unsure whether he was trying more to convince himself than her.
The taxi pulled to a stop outside the home he had known for most of his life "Well, I guess it's now or never. Ready?"
They paid the driver and walked hand in hand toward the house. As the door swung open he took a deep breath and braced himself "Hello honey." She kissed his cheek and gave him a quick hug turning curiously toward his companion.
"Hello mother. This is Erica," Lois smiled and held out her hand to the girl "my fiancé."