9-10-01
6:55 A.M.-
Lois Lane awoke not feeling like she wanted to get out of bed. She felt hungry and felt a tingling to get up and go to the bathroom, but did not want to leave the comfort of her husband's arms. They were less than a month away from their five-year anniversary, but they were still in love as much as the day they got married if not more. She was happy. She had everything she wanted. A wonderful husband, wonderful job, and a wonderful home, yet something seemed missing. She and Clark had been trying to get pregnant since almost a year after they got married. It was then that Dr. Klein told them that Superman would never be able to conceive a child with an Earth woman, that they weren't compatible. She was reminded of the time they told Dr. Klein about Superman's true identity. They had invited him over for dinner…
"Lois," Clark called to his wife in the kitchen from the dining room where he was setting the table. The door bell rang and Clark didn't need his super hearing or vision to know who was there. He continued, "Dr. Klein's here."
Lois walked into the dining room carrying the meat. "I'll get it, Darling."
She wiped her hands on the apron she was wearing before taking it off and tossing it in the laundry room on her way to the front door. She checked herself in the mirror before opening the door. She fixed her hair and noticed a picture taken of her and Clark and their adoptive son Justin. They had almost been married a year and have been adoptive parents almost half a year. The past eleven months had brought a lot of change, but for the better. She smiled and answered the door. "Dr. Klein, hi," she greeted the scientist. "Please come in."
Dr. Klein walked in, "I have to say, Ms. Lane, when you and Superman invited me over to join you two and Mr. Kent for dinner, well, I was quite shocked.
Lois smiled, "Well, it was Superman's idea."
Dr. Klein nodded, "Superman said he had something to tell me and that here was the safest place to do it."
"Well, dinner's ready and Clark just finished setting the table," she told him, leading into the dining room to join Clark.
Clark stood from finishing the last place setting, "Hi, Dr. Klein. Thanks for joining us."
"Why don't we sit down?" Lois suggested.
Dr. Klein only noticed three place settings and asked, "Will Superman not be joining us?"
"Actually," Lois said, pulling a chair out for him, and with Clark continuing by saying, "Lois and I wanted to talk to you."
Dr. Klein sat down, "Alright."
Lois and Clark sat down and they all started eating. "You see, Dr. Klein," Clark started, handing him the bowl of potatoes, and Lois continuing, "Clark and I are trying to get pregnant. We've been trying for a bout six months now."
Dr. Klein nodded like he understood, and then quickly turned his head and looked at Lois wide-eyed. "Lois, you and- and Superman!" He then turned to look at Clark, "And you know? I knew you two were friends, but… All those reports about Superman and Lois having an affair weren't entirely bogus!"
Clark laughed out loud, "Well, I guess not."
Dr. Klein sighed and sat back, "I can't believe you're cool with it. I don't know any man who would sit back and let their girl be with the Man of Steel. I would want to feel like I have to compete with him. I mean, come on, he's Superman! There is no competition."
"Dr. Klein!" Lois cut into his rambling and he turned to look at her still in shock. She turned to Clark, "Maybe we should just tell him."
Clark nodded, "You're right." He stood up, "Dr. Klein, there's something you should know." He took off his glasses and spun out of his "Clark Kent" clothes and into his Superman suit. Bernard Klein sat there in shock, looking at the man he thought he knew, well, as well as much as anyone knew him.
Lois smiled at remembering that day. She remembered how apprehensions both she and Clark had been in asking if he could continue working on them being able to conceive a child. Since then they had also asked Lois' father if he and Dr. Klein could work together on helping them conceive. They were now approaching four years of hard work with no results. Along with the lack of results, they had to take baby Justin back to the future to be with his parents later that year making them even more determined for results. They knew they had children in the future. They just didn't know how or when.
Lois sighed and looked lovingly into the face of her loving husband. He was the strongest man alive yet so very gentle and tender. She could have stayed in bed all day long if her body wasn't screaming at her to relieve herself. She finally was able to tear herself from Clark's arms and get to the bathroom. After relieving herself, she washed her hands and prepared her toothbrush to brush her teeth. As she was brushing her teeth, though, she started to get nauseous. Before she knew it, she was down on the floor in front of the toilet throwing up. When she lifted her head she noticed her husband beside her on the floor and gasped.
He placed his hand on her back and rubbed softly, "I'm sorry," he told her. "I didn't mean to scare you. Are you alright?"
She nodded, "I was just brushing my teeth and I got really nauseous."
Clark looked confused and then his eyes lit up. He remembered reading something about that in a book recently. "Lois," he wondered, "when was your last menstruation?"
Lois looked at him in confusion, "I don't know. I'd have to say at least a month. I know I usually keep track of that, but… I've completely spaced it out." Clark looked at her with a gleam in her eyes and Lois shook her head at him, "Oh, Clark. Do you really think?"
"Why not?" he asked. "After all we've been through, I think it's about time we get some results."
Lois sighed, "You're right. I just don't want to get my hopes up."
"We should go see Dr. Klein and your father right away," Clark said, standing up, offering her his hand.
Lois smiled and took his hand, standing up, "Can we at least get ready for the day first?"
Clark drew in a deep breath. He knew Lois was right but was so anxious to get down there and find out of they were going to have a baby. "Sure," he nodded. "Care to join me for a shower?"
Lois blushed, "Never miss an opportunity, do you?"
"Can you blame me?"
Lois shrugged and Clark stepped closer to her, starting to undress her. Clark slipped the straps of her nightie off her shoulders and pushed it onto the floor. She stood there in front of him in a pair of panties only. Even though they had been married almost five years, Lois still loved being able to be this open with him. She had never been this comfortable being this open with any of the guys she had been with before. For some reason, she was able to do anything and to just be herself when she was with Clark. Even before they were married, she was able to be herself around him. She smiled. It must be because she's in love with him.
Clark stood in front of her and lowered his boxers before turning to open the shower door and turn on the water. He turned back to her and leaned down to take her panties off. He slowly pushed them from her hips and down to the floor. Before coming up, he placed a tiny feather-like kiss on her tummy just above her pubic hair line. He was going to make sure that child was loved as soon as possible, assuming there was a child growing inside of his wife's stomach. He stood in front of her and took her hand, leading her into the shower.
Lois and Clark managed to somehow get their shower done, but for some reason they still weren't able to keep their hands off each other. They ended up making love again on their bed before actually getting dressed. Both Clark and Lois were equally excited that they could have possibly conceived a child, but Lois was a little nervous. She had never been late before, but then she could have calculated wrongly. She didn't want to get her hopes up, but she could tell Clark was actually already planning as if she was pregnant. She knew he was going to be extremely upset if they found out she wasn't, though. She hoped for Clark's sake she was.
Clark had super sped through getting dressed and cooking so Lois could have a well-balanced breakfast. Lois walked into the kitchen, her long hair pulled up into a loose bun on the back of her head.
Clark smiled, "Why don't you wear your hair down more often?"
Lois looked at him and arched a brow, "Because I'll keep tucking it behind my ear and I won't get any work done."
Clark just laughed, "I could tuck it back for you."
Lois laughed as well, "You're acting like a puppy dog again."
"Again?" Clark pondered pulling out her chair for her at the kitchen table. "When was I acting like a puppy dog before?"
Lois sat down and smiled up at him, "When haven't you acted like a puppy dog when it comes to you catering to me?"
"Making you happy makes me happy," he told her.
Lois remembered the last time he had told her that and smiled to herself, "And I appreciate it, Clark, I really do."
"But," he interjected.
Lois laughed again, "No but. I really do."
Clark sat down beside her, "Eat up dear. If you're pregnant, we need to make sure you're properly nutritioned."
"Nutritioned, Mr. Kent?" Lois smiled softly at him.
Clark smirked at her, "Just eat, Ms. Lane."
8:25 A.M.-
Later, when Lois pulled the 2001 Jeep Cherokee Laredo over to the curb, she sat behind the wheel, afraid to get out.
"Lois?" Clark probed into her silence.
She took a deep breath, "I don't want to go in, Clark."
Clark nodded, "Ok, then. We'll just stay here. Or we could go into work early. I'm sure Perry wouldn't mind."
Lois sighed, "No. Daddy knows we're coming. He came in early just for us. We have to go in."
"But you're scared," Clark noted.
Lois finally looked at him, letting him see the fear in her eyes and not just hearing it in her voice. "Aren't you?" she wondered.
Clark took a deep breath, "I'm not supposed to be scared."
Lois pursed her lips, "I'm not talking to Superman. I'm talking to my husband."
"I'm talking as your husband," he confirmed. "I'm supposed to be brave and strong for you."
"Stop it, Clark," she gave him a serious look. "Being pregnant is just as important to you as it is to me, so don't tell me you're not afraid.
Clark turned toward her and took her hand in his, "Ok, Lois. You're right, but I'm not so sure scared is the right word. I'm extremely apprehensive, but if we're not, it doesn't change anything. We'll just continue trying."
Lois sighed, "I don't know how much longer I can take the let down."
Clark knew this was probably more of a let down every time to her emotionally because of the physical let down. He sighed and went to pull her into his arms, but hung his head dejectedly and sighed heavily.
Lois looked at him and sighed. She had known his secret for more than six years, so she'd learned the tale-tell signs leading him to having to rush off to save the day. She simply asked, "Do you want me to wait for you?"
Clark kissed her forehead, "No. You go ahead. I'll just catch up with you at the Planet."
Lois nodded and returned the kiss he gave her before watching him hop out of the Jeep running off to save the day yet again. Lois took a deep breath and got out of the Jeep herself. She locked the door activating the alarm and walked into S.T.A.R. Labs.
Sam Lane looked up as Lois walked into Dr. Klein's lab.
"Awe, pumpkin," he hugged her. "Good morning, sweetie.
She hugged her father, "Hi, daddy. Hi, Dr. Klein."
"Good morning, Lois. Um, will Clark not be joining us today?"
Lois sighed, "No, he had an emergency, but he said we should go on without him."
Bernard nodded and Sam asked, "Why did you need us to come in early, pumpkin? Could it wait until nine?"
"Actually, it probably could," she told them, "but we didn't want to, and I'm hoping that it's a good thing we're not going to."
"What are you talking about, Lois?" Dr. Klein inquired.
She looked from Dr. Klein then to her father, "I believe I've skipped my period."
Dr. Klein and Sam exchanged a look before bursting into cheers mixed with some congratulations before Lois yelled at them to be quiet. "Now, now. We don't know for sure," she added. "I usually keep closer track, but I believe I have missed it."
Both Sam and Bernard nodded and Sam stated, "Well, we'll have to give you a pregnancy test."
Bernard continued to nod as he pulled a needle out of a drawer and commenced to sterilize it, "Yes, Lois. Could you please roll up your sleeve, please."
Lois did as she was asked and Dr. Klein wrapped a rubber band around her arm before finding a vein and sticking the needle in it.
Lois watched the blood fill up the needle and felt a little queasy. She looked up at her father, and before passing out, saying, "I think I'm getting light headed."
Lois awoke sometime later to find herself on the couch in Dr. Klein's office. She started to sit up and was instantly joined by her husband helping her sit up.
"Clark," She spoke his name softly, feeling a little disoriented.
Clark wrapped his arm around her, "Are you alright? Your dad said you passed out."
Lois remembered Dr. Klein drawing her blood and feeling light headed and nodded, "I don't know what happened, Clark. Dr. Klein had just started the test and the next thing I knew I was waking up in here."
Clark tucked a fallen strand of hair behind her ear, "Are you feeling alright now?" Do you need a glass of water or some fresh air, or anything?"
Lois smiled warmly, "No, Clark. Have they told you the results?"
"No," Clark shook his head, "I had to make sure you were ok first."
Lois caressed his cheek before leaning closer to kiss him. "Thank you, so much, Clark," she whispered. "I love you."
Clark tucked the strand of hair behind her ear again, "I love you, Lois."
"So," she patted his knee, "Let's go see what the results are."
Clark smiled and stood, offering her his hand to help her stand. Lois took his hand and stood up, keeping hold of his hand as they walked out of the office and down the hall to the lab. Lois looked at her watch, noticing the time, "Clark, it's almost ten o'clock. Did you call Perry?"
Clark nodded, "Don't worry. I told Perry that you were having some blood work done and passed out."
"You told him I was having blood work done?" she repeated. "Great, now he's going to think I'm dying."
Clark laughed, "No he's not… I told him you weren't feeling yourself this morning, so we'd be in a little later than usual."
Lois smiled and laughed at him softly as they turned the corner and walked into the lab.
Both Dr. Klein and Sam stood when they walked through the door.
"Lois," Sam placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, "how are you feeling?
Lois sighed, almost forcing her smile. She took a deep breath and looked to Clark, asking her dad and Dr. Klein, "Do we have any results?"
Dr. Klein looked at Sam, "Why don't you tell them, Dr. Lane?"
Sam nodded and gestured to a chair, "Lois, can you please sit down?"
Lois sighed and sat down disconsolately, "Tell us quickly, Daddy."
Sam nodded and crouched down to look her in the face, "Lois, honey, I hope you're prepared to cut back on your workload."
Lois furrowed her brow, "Why would I want to do that? If I'm not pregnant, why would it matter?"
Clark crouched down by Lois as well, "Uh, honey, I don't think that's what he's saying."
Lois looked at Clark, "If that's not what he's saying, then what is this p-oh-tato/po-ta-to game?"
"Lois," Clark said calmly and clearly, "I think he's saying you're pregnant, honey."
Lois sat staring at Clark for a moment and then turned to face her father. Sam nodded and Lois turned to Dr. Klein.
"It's true, Ms. Lane," Dr. Klein verified.
Lois turned back to look at Clark, "It appears I'm," she swallows, "pregnant, Clark."
Clark smiled brightly, "I know! Aren't you happy?"
Lois took a deep breath, "I'm pregnant." She swallowed, "I'm really pregnant."
Clark looked up at his father-in-law and his doctor, "I think she just needs a moment for it to set in." He looked back at Lois and took her hands in his, "Lois, we're going to have a baby."
She turned to look at him and slowly smiled, "I know. I can't believe it, but I know."
Clark threw his arms around Lois, hugging her warmly, "Oh, Lois, I'm so happy!"
Lois hugged her husband, still in quite a shock, "I know."
"Lois," her father placed a hand on her knee. "Are you alright?"
Lois looked up at her father and raised her eyebrows, "I'm pregnant."
Clark suppressed a worried look and stood up, helping Lois to her feet, "Thank you, Dr. Kline. Sam. I think Lois needs to let this sink in a little. I'm going to take her to get some fresh air and head off to work."
Sam nodded, "I understand. Just make sure you take it easy, Pumpkin."
Lois nodded and Clark said, "Thank you. We'll see you later."
Sam and Dr. Klein said goodbye and continued to celebrate their success, popping out a bottle of champagne and toasting. Clark walked with Lois outside and toward the Jeep.
"Lois, are you sure you're alright?" Clark asked, walking slowly, leading her along the way.
Lois took a deep breath and nodded, "I think so… I just can't believe this… We've been trying for so long… I just thought that when it happened I would have been more prepared for it."
Clark stopped and turned to face her, "Lois, we've been planning for four years now. How could you not be prepared enough?"
Lois sighed, "I don't know… I just… I'm completely excited, but I'm even more nervous now than I was before. Clark, what if I'm not a good mother?"
Clark pulled her into his arms, "Lois, you're going to be the most wonderful mother any kid could ever ask for. This is going to be a huge adjustment for all of us, but I don't think it's going to be that hard on us…" He pulled her back to look at her, still keeping her in his arms, "I mean, that year we had Baby Justin with us, you were the best mom you could be, and you didn't even have nine months to prepare for it."
Lois looked at her husband and sighed softly, "You're right. Oh, Clark, I miss Baby Justin so much."
Clark smiled, "So do I, but we both know our grandson and his wife are taking very good care of him."
Lois laid her head on his chest, "I just wish we could go visit him."
Clark held her tightly against him, hoping his strength would make her feel better, "I'd like that too, but unfortunately, I don't believe H.G. Wells has a cell phone. Even if he did, I don't believe it would work in different times."
Lois laughed, "You're probably right."
Clark looked down at her, "I'm glad you're feeling better."
Lois smiled up at him, "I'm sorry, Clark. I guess I was just really expecting it to be a false alarm."
Clark leaned down and brushed his lips across hers and whispered, "Its going to be ok, Lois."
Lois smiled against his lips, "Thank you, Clark."
He kissed her again before hugging her and telling her, "I love you, Lois."
Lois looked into his eyes, "I love you, Clark. They kissed each other one more time before pulling apart and walking hand in hand to the Jeep.
About twenty minutes later they would out of the elevator into the newsroom. Clark had his arms wrapped around Lois from behind with his hands resting on her tummy as they walked in and waddled down the ramp toward their desks.
Perry noticed them coming in and yelled from his desk, "Lois. Clark. Get in her!"
Lois looked back at him and gave him an 'eek' look, and he released his hold on her as they walked into his office not even touching each other. Perry didn't even look up when he told them, "Shut the door." Clark and Lois exchanged a confused look and Clark shut the door. Only then did Perry look up at them and ask, "What do you think this is?"
Lois sat down slowly, "I beg your pardon, Perry."
Perry looked up at them, "This is your work place, not a place so that you can call in saying you're not feeling well so you can stay home and play your little married games."
Clark shook his head, "No, Perry. We weren't playing hookie."
"We had a doctor's appointment," Lois added.
"Oh, really?" Perry nodded.
Clark looked at Lois, "Should we tell him?" Lois nodded and Clark continued, sitting on the arm of the chair Lois was sitting on and placed his hands on her shoulders, nodding toward Perry, "Lois is pregnant, Chief."
Perry dropped his pen simultaneously with his jaw.
Lois smiled, "Cat got your tongue, Chief?"
Perry stood and gave a cheer, "Oh, you two! I couldn't be happier than if the king himself walked through that door." He walked around his desk and Lois and Clark stood up. Perry wrapped his arms around Lois.
"Thanks, Perry," Lois muffled into his shoulder.
Perry pulled away from him and hugged Clark before stepping back. "Well, when?" he asked.
Lois looked at Clark, "Actually, we don't know. Eight months from now?"
Perry nodded, "So just barely. Oh, I can't contain it. I'm so happy for you. I would love it if you'd allow me the honors of telling everyone."
Lois and Clark looked at each other and both shrugged their shoulders.
"Hot dog!" Perry stomped his foot before heading to the door. He opened it and walked out into the newsroom followed by Lois and Clark. "Listen up, everyone," Perry yelled above the steady buzz of the newsroom. Once everyone quieted, Perry brought Lois and Clark in front of him, his hands on both of their shoulders. "This is one of the proudest moments of my life," he told them. "Lois and Clark just told me that they're gonna have a baby!"
The entire newsroom broke out in a roar of excitement and congratulations. More than half of the newsroom came up to congratulate them personally.
A half hour later, they were actually able to sit down and get to working on the story Perry had assigned them last Friday. They found themselves at a dead end and went to call for Jimmy but realized that he hadn't been in the sea of congratulations.
Clark rolled his chair back by Perry's office door, "Hey, Chief. Where's Jimmy?"
"Ah, Clark," Perry said, sitting back in his chair, "He's up in New York City with the travel department."
Clark nodded, "When did he leave?"
"Uh," Perry thought a moment, "they left this morning around eight."
Clark nodded and slid back in by his wife, "Jimmy's in New York."
"Lucky him," Lois sighed.
Clark regarded her with a loving gaze, "I think you need a day or two away. What do you say we fly Air Superman and get a cottage away from everything? No phones, no fax machines, no computers, just you and me, enjoying you being pregnant."
Lois smiled at her thoughtful husband, "I'd like that. You're always so thoughtful."
Clark tucked the hair that keeps falling behind her ear and smiled, "You always keep me thinking."
He caressed her cheek for a moment and then asked, "So, when would you like to go?"
"When would Superman have the time?" Lois wondered.
Clark shrugged his shoulders, "Well, the world has been pretty calm these past few days. I'm sure we could go anytime."
Lois nodded and then looked down at her stomach, "Clark, I think I need to get a doctor's appointment. I'd like to know how far along I am."
Clark nodded, "How soon do you think Dr. Tracy could work you in?"
Lois shrugged, "I could call her." Lois picked up the phone and dialed a number. "Yes, this is Lois Kent, I need to make an appointment to see Dr. Tracy."Through the phone, the nurse responded, "Yes, Mrs. Kent. Actually, Dr. Tracy had a cancellation this afternoon. Would you like to take it?"
Clark nodded in approval and Lois smiled, "Yes. That would be just fine. What time?"
"One forty-five," the nurse read off of her screen.
"That will do just fine," Lois said. "Thank you," and hung up.
"Well, that was convenient," Clark noted.
Lois turned toward him, "Oh, Clark, I'm so excited."
Clark took her in his arms, "I know, just think, in about eight months, we'll be holding our little baby in our arms."
Lois sighed contently, "Oh, Clark. This is a dream come true. It really is."
Clark kissed his wife's forehead and smiled, "Well deserved too."
Lois smiled and kissed him softly before sitting up straight, "Why don't we go get lunch before heading over to see Dr. Tracy?"
Clark nodded smiling, "Sounds like a plan."
They both stood up and called into Perry's office, "Chief."
They shared a smile and Lois turned into Perry's office, "Chief, Clark and I are going to get something to eat and then I have another doctor's appointment at one thirty, so we'll be back around two thirty."
Perry nodded no looking up from his desk, "Yeah, you two have fun."
Clark took Lois' hand and walked with her to the elevator, getting more congratulations along the way.
Once in the elevator, Clark took Lois in his arms, "You know, we could just go home for lunch, and then I could whip you up something at-" lowers his voice to a whisper- "super speed-" raising his voice back to normal, "and you can eat on the way to Dr. Tracy's."
Lois played with the S on his chest through his shirt, "As tempting as that sounds, I'm starving, and I could really go for some Chinese right now."
Clark laughed, "Really? Cravings starting in already?"
"Actually," she recalled, "I have been craving it for quite a while now. I've just been suppressing it because I haven't known why I was."
The elevator doors opened to the parking garage. Clark let her go and she took his hand to lead him to the Jeep. Clark opened the door to the passenger side for her.
"Thank you, honey," she smiled as she sat down on the seat. Clark leaned inside and kissed her full on the mouth. When he pulled back, Lois was left breathless. All she could do was smile warmly. Clark smiled and stood up straight, closing the door and walking around to get in the drivers' side. He started the vehicle and pulled out of the parking lot.
Once on the road and stopped at a stoplight, he turned to her and asked, "Since you've been craving it for the longest, what would you say to authentic Chinese?"
Lois inhaled deeply, imagining she can smell the aroma coming from an actual Chinese restaurant kitchen. She then sighed, longing for that authentic Chinese flavor.
Clark smiled, "Should I take that as a yes?"
"Clark," Lois turned in her seat to face him, "we can't go zipping all over the world every time I get a craving."
Clark shook his head and started driving again, "Lois, honey, I'm able to do that for you and our child, so I really want to do it. I like being able to do it for you."
Lois pursed her lips. How could she say no to that? She smiled and replied, "Ok, let's go to China."
Clark smiled and turned onto the road their house is on and then over in front of their brownstone. Clark quickly got out and ran around to help Lois out. He took her hand and they walked inside.
Inside, Clark shut the door, and then spun around into the Superman outfit.
Lois took a deep breath and then let it escape her lips slowly, marveling at the wonder that is her husband. "I don't know that I will ever get over that. You impress me every single time."
Superman smiled and stepped closer to Lois, taking her in his arms. "Shall we go, Mrs. Kent?" Superman asked his wife.
Lois smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Ready when you are, Superman."
Superman cradled Lois in his arms and they flew out the back door.
Two hours later they sat in Dr. Tracy's office waiting room. They had checked in and were waiting for the nurse to come get them. Lois felt like the kung pao chicken she had had was going to come back up at any moment. She sat with her feet up under her, resting her head on Clark's chest. Clark was rubbing her back tenderly.
Lois looked up at him, "Remind me not to go flying with Superman after eating Chinese again until after I'm not pregnant anymore."
"I'm sorry, honey," Clark said, trying to console her. "I wish I had known."
Lois moaned softly, "And they say pregnancy is a breeze."
"Well, Lois, you have to remember, this isn't going to be your average pregnancy," Clark noted.
Lois looked up at Clark, "Clark, nothing about us is average."
"See what I mean?" Clark expounded, "We don't know what to expect."
After he said that, the nurse opened the door and called for "Lois Kent." Clark stood and helped Lois to her feet to walk with the nurse back to the physicians' area.
The nurse stopped by the bathroom, "Lois, you can go in here. We just need a urine sample." Lois nodded and the nurse continued, "And Mr. Kent, you can come with me."
Clark asked Lois, "Are you going to be ok?"
Lois smiled and leaned against the door frame to the bathroom, "Of course, I'll be alright. If I need to, I'll just throw up."
Clark gave her a look like he believed her and nodded, "If you need me, I'll just be down the hall."
The nurse regarded him strangely, "She's just going to be in the bathroom, Mr. Kent. She's not going anywhere."
"Neither will I," Clark told Lois, lightly drawing the top half of the S which would look like he's crossing his heart to the nurse.
"Come on," the nurse told him, trying to urge him down the hall.
Clark followed the nurse into a little examining room with an examining table, a doctor's chair, another chair, and what he assumed was the sonogram system. On one wall was a row of cabinets and a sink.
"You can have a seat in here, Mr. Kent," the nurse told him before shutting the door with him in the room.
Clark walked around the room and looked at all the plaques and certificates Dr. Tracy had accumulated over the years. He then saw a poster of the growth of the fetus through different months of pregnancy. He looked at the first month, noticing that the baby isn't much bigger than even a pea. He thought about his little infant inside his wife's stomach and smiled. Only now had it really sank in that she was actually pregnant. He knew, but he was only now really realizing it. Up until now he had been trying to get Lois to realize it, he'd forgotten entirely about himself.
Clark was so involved with his thoughts that he didn't even notice he was floating. The door started to open and his super reflexes kicked into gear and he drifted down to the floor.
He saw Lois walk in and he sighed, "Are you alright?"
Lois shut the door and smiled, "I'm just fine. You know that I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
Clark stepped closer to her and pulled her into his arms, "I know, darling, but I just can't help it. I want to take care of you more now than ever before because I want to help you take care of our child."
Lois smiled, "I understand, Clark, but I'm fully capable of taking care of myself, and women have been having babies since the beginning of time. I believe I can handle it."
Clark laughed, "I have no doubt that you can, Lois. I just want to help."
Lois laid her head on his chest, "Oh, Clark. I know we've been married for practically five years now, and it's not that I'm not comfortable with letting you help me, I just really don't think I know how to let people help me. You know how much I fought Perry when he made us partners." She sighed, "I guess I need to be a little more willing to let you help me. I mean, look how well Perry teaming us up turned out," she shrugged. "I don't think we'd be this far along if he hadn't. Who knows?" Lois laughed shortly, "I still may not have figured out your secret."
Clark laughed and asked, "Lois?"
Lois took a deep breath, "Yes?"
He kissed her forehead tenderly, "You're rambling."
Lois laughed lightly, "Sorry."
Clark hugged her warmly, "Honestly, I'm incredibly surprised you didn't figure it out sooner."
They heard a knock at the door and turned to face the door as the door opened and the doctor walked in. When she saw Lois wrapped in her husband's arms, she smiled, "Oh, that's so cute." Lois bowed her head and blushed. "Oh, come on now, Lois," Dr. Tracy laughed, "It's just that I've never met your husband." She offered her hand to him. "Hello, Mr. Kent. I'm Dr. Emily Tracy. I've heard so much about you."
Clark took her hand and shook it, looking down at Lois, "Oh, really?"
Lois looked up at Clark and blushed even redder.
Dr. Tracy laughed, "Don't worry, Mr. Kent. It's all been good. I assure you."
Clark laughed lightly, "Oh, I'm sure. I'm just wondering how good."
Lois blushed even more and Dr. Tracy continued. Don't worry. She's not the only woman who boasts about her husband's attributes."
Clark looked back at Lois looking rather impressed. Lois shook her head and stepped back. This conversation had gone on long enough, and she had been blushing for far too long. "So," she asked, "shall we do this, Emily?"
Dr. Tracy nodded, "Sure, why don't you sit up on the table and raise your shirt and lower your pants?"
Lois did as she was told and Clark laid her jacket on the chair and walked around to the opposite side of the exam table from where Dr. Tracy was getting the sonogram ready.
Clark looked down at his wife, "You're very beautiful, darling.
Lois smiled up at her adoring husband as he placed a hand on her tummy just above her pants and caressed softly.
Dr. Tracy turned to face Lois, "Ok, Lois, this may be a little cold."
Lois nodded and Clark removed his hand from her tummy.
Dr. Tracy smiled and squeezed some jelly onto her stomach. Lois shivered slightly and smiled up at Clark. Dr. Tracy put the tube of jelly down on the table and placed the sonogram tool on her stomach where Clark's hand had been to search for their growing fetus. Dr. Tracy looked up at Lois and Clark, "So, you've been trying to get pregnant for four years now?"
Lois nodded, "More than four and a half years, yes."
Dr. Tracy nodded, "Well, I'm glad you didn't get discouraged. Would you like to see the fruits of your persistence?"
Clark looked in shock at the doctor, "You mean we can actually see him or her?"
"Yes," Dr. Tracy said, turning the monitor so they could both see. "Lois," Dr. Tracy wondered, "I'm surprised you haven't come to see me before now."
Lois looked at Dr. Tracy confused, "Why?"
Dr. Tracy indicated to the area that showed the estimated age of gestation, "It says you're less than a week away from the end of your first trimester. I'm also surprised you're not showing more. From what the screen is showing, your baby is slightly larger than average at this stage."
Both Lois and Clark looked at her in shock. They couldn't believe their ears.
"So, what you're saying is," Clark asked for clarification, "Lois is almost four months pregnant?"
Dr. Tracy smiled and nodded happily, "Precisely."
"Four months?" Lois repeated.
"A-huh," Dr. Tracy continued, "would you like to know when your little one will be born?"
Lois raised her eyebrows, "Yes, please."
"Your estimated due date is March 28th," Dr. Tracy told her.
Clark finally spoke up, "So, can you tell if the baby is a girl or a boy on that thing?"
Dr. Tracy smiled and shook her head, "No. Unfortunately, whereas your baby is larger than average, we still can't tell-" and then she suddenly she stopped mid-sentence. "Actually, I could tell you now if you'd like to know," Dr. Tracy said, sounding just as shocked as they had been through the whole appointment.
Lois and Clark looked at each other, and Clark shrugged his shoulders, "Why not? We've already found out so much today, what's a little more?"
Lois looked at Dr. Tracy and nodded, "Yes, Emily. We'd like to know."
Dr. Tracy used the mouse to point out the fetus' genital region, "It looks like you're going to have a boy."
Lois looked up at Clark who was looking at the screen with bright eyes. He looked down at Lois.
Lois smiled, "We're having a boy, Clark."
He nodded, "We're having a boy."
They smiled at each other and Dr. Tracy asked, "Would you like a copy of this?"
Clark asked, "You can record it?"
"Actually, I already have," Tracy said, taking a compact disc out of the computer connected to the sonogram system and putting it in a jewel case for them. "Here you go."
Clark took the CD from her and Dr. Tracy put the sonogram away, cleaning up Lois' tummy. "So, you can make an appointment for four weeks from now with the secretary, and I'll write you up a prescription for some prenatal vitamins and leave it with the secretary and you can pick it up on your way out."
"Thank you," Lois said as Dr. Tracy left the room. Before Lois could cover her tummy, Clark had his hand on it again caressing lightly. Lois placed her hand on his and he smiled up her.
"Can you believe it?" Clark asked his wife. "We're having a boy."
Lois smiled at him, "I can't believe it. I can't even believe I'm pregnant. It's all a little surreal to me."
Clark nodded and looked back down at her tummy, "You're right." He leaned forward and kissed her tummy, "Hello, little one."
Lois smiled at her husband talking to their unborn son and ran her hand through Clark's hair. She sat up and covered her tummy, asking Clark, "Do you think we should get back to work?"
Clark helped Lois off the table and to her feet and laughed, "Yeah, Perry'll probably jump for joy when he hears we're having a boy."
Lois smiled and picked up her jacket, "Well, this might be the closest thing to a grandchild he'll ever have."
Clark nodded and opened the door for his wife, "I know. I figured that's why he was so excited when we told him we're pregnant."
Lois took his hand and walked with him to the receptionists' desk.
The receptionist stood and handed Lois a card. Lois opened the card to a mini calendar. At the top of the calendar were the words KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS. The receptionist sat back down and pulled up the appointment program on the computer. Lois picked up a pen and leaned forward and told the receptionist, "Emily told me to make an appointment for a month from now."
The receptionist nodded and pulled up next month's schedule and noted, "Emily is out of the office on Monday and Tuesday the eight and ninth. She has an eight thirty, one or three on Wednesday, nothing on Thursday, and Friday she has the entire afternoon open.
Lois looked at the calendar. "Let's go with Friday at four thirty?" Lois asked the receptionist.
The receptionist nodded and added it to the computer as Lois added it to her calendar. The reception smiled up at Lois, "Ok, you're scheduled with Emily at four thirty on the twelfth of October"
"Thank you," Lois said as she took Clark's hand and walked out of the office into the hospital wing and waked toward the elevator.
Once stopped at the elevator, Clark took his wife in his arms. "Are you happy, my love?" Clark asked her.
Lois sighed contently, resting her head on his chest, "Couldn't be happier, my love."
Clark kissed the top of Lois' head, "Life's good."
"I haven't been this happy since the day we got married," Lois said, smiling up at him.
Clark leaned down and kissed her as the elevator doors opened.
They started to walk in and Clark's super hearing kicked in.
Clark sighed, "I'll meet you back at the Planet."
Lois sighed as well, kissing him goodbye, "I love you."
Clark said, "I love you," before loosening his tie and running off.
Lois walked into the elevator by herself and leaned against the wall before the doors closed.
3:35 P.M.-
Lois entered the newsroom and walked down the ramp toward her desk. Perry was standing by the door to his office reading something very intently, but as soon as he saw Lois, he stepped back into his office and called to her, "Lois, could I please see you in here."
Lois dropped her briefcase at her desk continuing on past it and Clark's desk and into Perry's office. Perry remained silent as he shut the door and walked behind his desk.
"Perry, if this is about Clark and me being gone all day for doctor's appointments," Lois started only to be silenced by his somber face. She sat down and asked quietly, "What is it, Perry?"
Perry sighed and sat down, placing the sheet of paper he had been reading on the desk in front of him. I just got this through my fax from an informant in the NIA," he informed her, sitting back in his chair. "It seems," he continued, "that they've heard unsubstantiated rumors of a terrorist plot to attack US soil."
Lois suppressed a gasp, "That's not possible, Perry. There's no way they could get past our armed forces. There's no way they'd get past Superman.
Perry nodded, "I'm assuming that's why he sent it to me. He knows you and Clark work here at the Planet, and you could get a message to Superman."
Lois nodded, "Would you like me to give the fax to Superman?"
Perry shrugged and nodded, "Uh, yeah. Sure."
Lois stood up and Perry handed the sheet of paper to her across the desk. "Just don't let anyone else out there see it," Perry warned. "I don't' want to start a mass panic."
Lois nodded, "I understand, Perry. I'll get it directly to Superman."
Perry nodded, "Thank you, Lois."
Lois smiled and left the room. She sighed and sat down at her desk, taking her cell phone out of her brief case, speed dialing Clark's number, immediately receiving his voice mail, "Hi, you've reached Clark Kent's voice mail. I'm unable to answer the phone right now. If you'd like to, please leave your name and number with a brief message and I'll return your call as soon as I am able to. Thank you for calling."
Lois waited for the beep and then said, "Honey, I need to speak with Superman. It's rather emergent. I love you."
Lois hung up the phone and logged into her computer. Just as she did, she felt a light breeze and turned to see Superman standing by her desk.
"Ms. Kent," he greeted her warmly. She couldn't help but feel that warmth all throughout her body. "I got your message. What's wrong?" he asked.
Lois looked around and then just decided to hand him the fax Perry had given her to give him. Superman looked back up at her after speed reading the fax, "That's not a lot to go on," he noted.
Lois nodded in agreement, "You're right."
Superman nodded, "I supposed I could go speak with them. See if they could provide me with more information."
Lois nodded, "Sounds like a plan."
Before Superman left, he told her, "Clark told me to tell you that he'll be out later than he expected, and that he loves you."
Lois smiled, "Thank you, Superman. Um, if you see Clark, tell him I love him and we miss him."
"We?" Superman wondered, smiling slightly.
Lois smiled in return, "Clark and I found out today that we're going to have a baby."
Superman smiled brightly, a gleam twinkling in his eyes, "Well, congratulations, Lois. I know how long and hard you've been trying."
Lois smiled, blushing a little bit, "Thank you, Superman."
Superman nodded, "I'll catch up with you later."
"Thank you," Lois said as Superman flew out of the room.
Lois sighed blissfully and turned back to her computer to work on the story she and Clark had been working on.
Lois had decided to work well into the evening, not really wanting to go home to an empty house alone. The only time she took a break was to go downstairs to the café for dinner. She didn't even tell Perry she was having a boy though. She decided she didn't want to tell Perry without Clark around.
She walked through the front door of the brownstone just before ten o'clock. She didn't stay long downstairs and didn't even turn on the light when going into the kitchen for a glass of water, using only the light from the fridge's ice/water dispenser. She went upstairs and went straight to bed.
She wondered if Clark was having any luck with the terrorist plot lead. She lay her head down on her pillow and pulled the blanket under her arms and rested her hands on her tummy. She smiled and sighed pleasantly. "Hello, little one," she said, talking to the fetus growing inside her stomach. She didn't know if he could hear her, but she continued talking anyway. "Your daddy's out saving the world so you have a safe place to live when you're born," she told him. "But until then, I'll take care of you right here." Lois yawned and snuggled into her pillow, mumbling, "Good night, baby boy. I love you." She yawned again before drifting off to sleep.
-10:04 P.M.-