III

When Lois arrived, The Talon was already open. She quickly greeted everybody around and went right to her sub. Today would be her day to open de Talon and nobody had the right to do different, even if she was a little late. That wouldn't be such a big deal in a regular day, but a little argument at that moment would be just perfect to get her mind off of Clark.

Cindy, who gave you the order to come and open the Talon? I think I told you I would do that today! There were some things I had to check before opening!

Sorry Lois, but Martha called me and asked me to do it. She said you would be late because of some story you and Clark were working on together.

The angry face immediately faded as Lois heard those words. For a moment she had completely forgotten about Martha, but now she became very concerned. "Oh, crap! How can an innocent joke turn into such a problem like that?" – she thought to herself.

So tell me Lois, what is that story about?

"Ok, it wasn't such an innocent joke, but why did Martha have to show up?"

Hey, Lois, are you listening? Ok, I see it's personal stuff, but did you at least finish it?

"Well, when you think about the sight, it's kind of worth the trouble."

Why are you smiling? Lois, you're freaking me out here. Hello!!!

Huh? Oh, sorry. I just got a little lost in my thoughts. What were you saying?

I asked you if you and Clark finished the story.

Unfortunately, I think we're just getting started. Look, Cindy, I gotta take a shower, had no time to do that at the Kents'. I'll go up to my place and be back in a minute.

Look, I almost forgot. There's a man waiting for you there.

Who is the guy?

I don't know, but he said you should be expecting him. I think he's a friend from the base or something, because he's wearing a military uniform.

What? I'm not expecting anyone, especially from the base! Oh, God! It may be something about my father! I'm going there.

Lois couldn't believe her eyes the moment she opened the door; it was Mark Bennington, her best friend and nearest thing to a boyfriend she came to have during teen years in the base. Her amazement didn't come only from her not having seen him in years, but what could bring him there like that?

Mark, what are you doing here?

Well, hi Lois. I missed you too.

Oh sorry, I'm so stupid. – She walked to him and hugged him tight, for a long time, until she began to speak again – I'm just surprised with you presence here. Is anything wrong or you're here just to visit?

Actually, I came to charge a debt you have with me.

A debt? What are you talking about? If I owe you any money, you've certainly spent more than what I'm supposed to give you just with the trip to get here.

I'm not talking about money. I'm talking about a promise you made to me, right before you left the academy to finish high school amongst civilians. That promise kept me going all these years, standing the pain, the effort, the suffering, just because I knew this day would come. And here I am. Do you remember now?

Oh, yes… - Lois looked for the couch, not knowing exactly where she was – Yes, I do… - she said, almost too softly to be heard. She sat slowly; the whole room seemed blurry as she remembered those days…