CHAPTER 1

Four Years Earlier – 2008

I can't believe I finally graduated from High School. It felt like it took an eternity to finish. The classwork was never a problem for me. If anything I had to slow down when doing my tests so that I wouldn't be sitting there with nothing to do. Even my chores don't take me that long anymore. I can feed and milk the cows, clean the stalls, and run the irrigation on the crops inside of 15 minutes. I never was able to have much of a social life during school. I could have had a bunch of dates, but I was always on alert and nervous that people would figure out I was different. Because of this I was seen as shy and awkward. There was one girl though that I always wanted to notice me. Her name was Lana Lang. She lived just down the county road from me. Before I could run fast I would try and sit next to her on the bus. Unfortunately, the times I was able to I was so tongue-tied and nervous that I couldn't say anything. Sports were out of the question too. My Dad, who was a starting Quarterback at Smallville High said that it wouldn't be fair to the other kids if I played. In hindsight I think he was more afraid that I would hurt someone by accident. One stiff arm or lowered shoulder and I could have knocked a kick out of the stadium and then not only would he be hurt, but then my secret would be out. My Mom was always sympathetic though. She would give me a big hug when I got home and always had either fresh cookies or apple pie waiting for me when I got home. My parents do love me. Of that I have no doubt. But there are times when I catch them watching me do the incredible things I do, and I can't help but wonder if there is some small bit of fear behind their smiles. I am going to miss them when I leave. It will be hard on them. I was their miracle, never being able to have their own child, and then finding me in the middle of the great meteor shower that I am guessing is what I came here in. This fall during the harvest is going to be rough not having me to do the brunt of the work. That's why I am getting things ready for them so they have less to worry about.

"Clark, what are you doing out here Son. Come on in for some breakfast. Your mom just made pancakes, eggs, and bacon." My father said as he walked up behind me.

"I'm just thinking Dad. I do love the way the sun looks as it rises up over the east fields." I said.

"What's on your mind Son? Ever since graduation it seems like you've been a million miles away."

Closing my eyes and then slowly turning toward him I reply, "Why am I here Dad? Why do I have to be cursed with these abilities?"

My dad wraps me in a big hug and pulls me closer. "You aren't cursed son. You have an amazing gift. As for why you are here…I don't know. All I know is that your mother and I love you very much and will always love you. Gifts or no gifts. ships in the cellar, no ship in the cellar. You are our son, our greatest gift."

"Dad, I have to leave." I said, not letting go of him.

"I know Son. I've always known this day would come. Your gifts shouldn't be left stuck here on a farm in Kansas."

"It's not that Dad. I need to know what I am. I have to look for it. Maybe with time I will figure it out."

"I understand Son. I would love for you to stay, but the time for me being able to tell you what you can and can't do is over. You're a man now. If that's what you decide, I will support you. We will miss you Son." My father said with sadness in his voice. "Come on, let's go have breakfast. We need to tell your mother what you've decided."

As we turn to walk back to the old white farm house I look over at my dad, "Dad, what should I do if I am in a situation where I have to use my gifts in front of people, like when I was younger and the bus went off the bridge into the river?"

My Dad stops and looks me in the eye, "People are afraid of what they don't understand. That's why we have sheltered you here on the farm to protect you like any parent would. But you're not just anyone. One day you're going to have to make a choice. You have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be Clark. Whoever that man is, good character or bad, is going to change the world."

"Thank you Dad. I don't know if I will ever be back. But know that you and mom are with me in my heart wherever I go."

"I know Son. We love you too. We will be here waiting for you when you get back. And if you do have to make that hard choice someday, we know that you will make the right choice. After all, you are a Kent." he smiles at me and puts his arm on my shoulder. "Don't forget to write us if you can. You know, you were really good in your journalism elective this year. Maybe you could write some stories and send them in freelance about your travels. First-hand accounts are always well received. Just make sure to be careful while you are out there. The world can be a dark place. All it needs is an example to strive for."

"I know Dad. I will write when I can. Keep an eye on the internet and the papers. You'll know if I have to use my abilities." I said.

"They aren't just abilities. They are gifts. Never forget that. Use them if you must, but remember how we raised you when you do."

"Okay Dad. Let's head in, mom just set the table. Hopefully I will be able to make it through breakfast and be able to tell her that I am leaving."

"You'll be fine Son. I'll be right there with you."

It was a great breakfast as usual. My mom cooked up a feast for us. When I told her that I was leaving it was almost as if she had already known. Maybe that's why she cooked so much food. Her being a mom, I'm sure she wanted to make sure I had a full belly to travel on. Mom always knew just what I was thinking. I couldn't ever lie to her, she always saw through it.

After breakfast I told my parents I was going to fix some things around the farm before I left. I finished up around lunch, but in that short time I overhauled the old red tractor, checked and fixed the perimeter fence (all five miles), stacked all the new hay in the barn, painted the barn, fixed a couple of holes in the roof, and built a new chicken coop. All the while, my parents sat on the porch and watched with smiles, and holding back tears. Once I came in I went up and took a shower, not knowing when I'd get another chance. In my room my mom had laid out some of my clothes for me. I quickly packed my old camping back pack that I used to use when Dad would take me hunting. The last thing I grabbed was a picture of the three of us from my graduation. They were so proud of me. I have to make them proud of the man I become, whatever that is.

Slowly walking down the stairs I take in all of the pictures from when I was a kid. Me and dad sitting on the tractor, the one of me getting a ribbon at the science fair, a simple picture my dad took of mom waving to me while I rode the school bus away for the first time, and then lastly one of both of them holding me when I was only a toddler. They told me that it was taken only a few weeks after they found me and the paperwork for the adoption was complete.

When I make it to the kitchen my parents are sitting at the table waiting for me. "It's time." I said.

They both got us and came to give me a hug. Mom reached over to the counter and handed me a brown paper bag. "Here is some meatloaf, chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and some of your favorite apple pie Clark. I don't want my baby starving out there in the real world. You better eat young man." She said with a sad smile.

"I will mom, even though no one else's cooking can come close to yours." I said as I hugged her.

"Remember what I said Son. Make the right choices, even when they are the hard ones. If you do, you will be a great man." My dad said as he reached his hand out to shake mine.

Pulling him in for a hug , "I will Dad. You both have taught me well." I replied.

Slowly we walk out the porch and then down the long drive to the county road. When we reached it we stopped. "Where are you going first Clark?" My mom asked.

"I think I am going to head east first. Maybe find a job that will get me over to Europe. May just do a lap around the planet." I chuckled at the last sentence.

"Be careful Son. We love you and will be here when you find whatever it is you are looking for." My dad said.

With one last hug I step away from my parents into the road. "I love you. Goodbye." As the last word finished I turned and ran down the road faster than any car could ever travel. I was nothing but a blur of red and blue given my choices of clothes. Even at this speed I could still feel the tear slide down my cheek. I don't know where I am going. For some reason I keep feeling pulled North. East is what I told my parents I was going to do. Someday I will go North, if I don't already figure out what I am before then.

TO BE CONTINUED