Birthday Surprise
By Thomas Mc
Chapter 7
As Jonathan pulled into the school parking lot many of the students milling around outside turned to look at the very unique car Kristen and Jonathan were arriving in. Several of the guys grinned and gave the thumbs up. Jonathan grinned back at them then he commented. "You know, half of my friends have dreamed of owning this particular car." He looked over at Kristen. "Even I dreamed of having one of these but not even Dad could afford one." He chuckled. "How's that for irony. Superman can't afford to own a Superman Special Edition Mustang." He shook his head. "Uncle James has done so well off his software company that he can afford a car like this but he still works at the Daily Planet as the staff photographer." He pulled into an empty spot and cut the engine. "Here we are." He announced unnecessarily with a grin.
Jonathan jumped out of the car and sprinted around to her side then opened her door with an exaggerated flourish. He held out his hand to her. "May I assist you, my lady?" He asked with a smile and a sparkle in his eye.
Kristen took his hand and allowed him to assist her out of the car. It was like holding onto a steel rail wrapped in soft warm leather. She marveled at the subtle show of Jonathan's incredible super strength as she stood up.
Jonathan closed the car door and offered her his elbow. "Shall we?"
She took the offered elbow and replied. "We shall."
The car bleeped twice then Jonathan dropped the keys into his pocket as they started walking toward the main school building. Several others that were headed into the building waved at Jonathan or called out greetings to him in passing. She was sure that she caught many of them looking her over trying to see who he was bringing to the Prom.
As they stepped through the doorway into what was usually the main assembly hall together Kristen gazed around at the great room. Everywhere she looked she saw glittering glass and bright sparkling colors that were made to stand out even more by the generally subdued lighting in the great hall. The place had been decorated to look like a fairytale ball room including hundreds of tiny sparkling fairies in every corner and open wall space in the room. At the far end of the room a live band was currently playing one of Kristen's favorite romantic ballads. She felt the fantasy atmosphere wash over her as they stepped onto the runway-like ramp that extended from the front door into the room.
They paused a moment at the top of the ramp just inside the doorway and it seemed to Kristen that everyone in the room noticed them. She was sure it was her imagination but she couldn't help feeling a bit self-conscious. She quietly tried to assure herself that it was Jonathan that drew everyone's attention. She was just some anonymous high school junior whereas Jonathan was a 'Senior' and the most popular boy in the school. She was sure however that she saw expressions of surprise on the faces of several of the people that she saw looking their way.
Jonathan reached up with his free hand and patted the hand that she had on his elbow. She looked up into his face and he smiled back. She was suddenly very aware of the difference in their sizes. Even with her ridiculously high heels, he was still a head taller than her. She began to feel even more nervous as she wondered just how ridiculous they must look together.
Jonathan cocked his head and his smile seemed to outshine the whole room. "Remember Kristen, you're here with me because I asked you." His head cocked the other way and his smile defied logic by getting even brighter. "And I asked you because I wanted to be with you tonight." Then he patted her hand again and started forward.
Kristen felt a warm glow suffuse her body as she let his words play through her mind. He said he wanted to be with her. Superboy wanted to be with her!
As they walked down the short ramp into the great hall Kristen caught sight of Beverly, the school's head cheerleader, staring at them and giving her the once over, looking very puzzled. Then Beverly turned to Steve, the school football team's quarterback and apparently her date, and dragged him into the crowd.
Kristen heard her name called and looked over to see Stephanie from the music shop approaching with a boy she didn't recognize in tow. Stephanie walked up to Kristen, smiling. "Hi, Kristen. I see you made it." She turned to Jonathan. "Hello, Jonathan." She pulled the boy with her a bit forward. "This is my date, Justin Wyatt." She leaned in and spoke in a lower conspiratorial voice. "Don't tell anyone but he goes to that other school that we shall not name."
Kristen knew that Stephanie was interested in a boy from their school's principal rival but she had never met him. "I'll never tell." Kristen responded with a grin and an equally conspiratorial voice.
Jonathan grinned. "Your secret's safe with me, Justin." He took the boy's hesitantly outstretched hand. "Jonathan Kent." He gestured toward Kristen. "And this is my girl friend and date Kristen Mathers." He turned his smile back on Stephanie. "Won't you two like to join us?" Kristen felt a warmth rising inside her – 'Jonathan said Girlfriend!'
Stephanie blushed and grinned nodding her head. "Sure." Justin responded for them both.
Jonathan led them over to the area near the refreshment bar where most of the kids seemed to congregate. The romantic song ended and the band launched into a currently popular Rock'n'Roll tune.
They each picked out their favorite beverage and settled into a convenient open space where they could talk and get acquainted. It soon developed that Jonathan and Justin had very similar interests, including musical tastes. They also both loved the same types of movies. Kristen learned that Jonathan loved science fiction, fantasy, spectacular special effects and action. A movie that included any two or more of those elements was a guaranteed hit in his opinion. Justin apparently felt the same way. Stephanie and Kristen exchanged amused looks as the boys talked excitedly about the latest hot movies.
After several minutes Beverly wandered by dragging Steve with her. She stopped right in front of Kristen and turned to look at Jonathan. "Hello, Jonathan, Who's your 'little' friend?"
Kristen bristled at the way she had subtly emphasized the word 'little'. Beverly stood a little straighter to drive home how much she towered over her. Kristen responded trying to enhance the confidence in her voice. "My name is Kristen."
"Kristen is a junior at this school and my date." Jonathan responded then, turned dismissively away from Beverly to take Kristen's hand and smiling at her, he inquired. "Would you care to dance?"
At a mute nod from her, Jonathan drew Kristen out toward the center of the room just as the band began to play one of the more popular romantic love ballads. Kristen caught a glance of the surprised and frustrated look on Beverly's face and the amused grin on Stephanie's face before they became surrounded, lost among the other dancing couples.
Jonathan drew her close and wrapped his arms around her then began to sway to the gentle rhythm of the music. Kristen sighed, put her arms around his neck, and laid her head against his chest with his chin barely touching the top of her head. 'This feels so good,' she thought as she reveled in the feel of his arms around her. It was almost a shock when the song ended and Jonathan pulled back from her. She looked up into his eyes to see him smiling back at her.
The band launched into a pop favorite and with a grin Jonathan, still holding on to her, began moving to the faster beat, taking her right along with him swinging her around and spinning her occasionally. It was a heady feeling being guided through the dance by his irresistibly strong arms.
Jonathan was thinking how graceful Kristen looked and felt, as she easily followed his lead, while they were dancing to one of his favorite pop songs. He was still feeling the warm glow he had gotten from holding her close and swaying to the music on the previous song as well.
The song ended and, predictably, the band moved into a driving Rock'n'Roll favorite. They separated, dancing energetically to the driving beat though he kept contact with her hands as much as possible. Jonathan was mesmerized by her movements as she danced. They were so sensual and sexy.
Kristen noticed that Jonathan was trying to maintain contact with her hands, and the way his eyes followed her as she danced to the rock beat made her feel tingly all over. Then the music was over and Jonathan pulled her into a gentle hug. Another slow song began and they were again swaying to the music as the warmth of his body against hers spread through her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was thinking that she could easily lose herself in the feel of his arms wrapped around her like this. The song ended and she looked up into Jonathan's smiling face. Then with barely a moment's warning his lips met hers in a warm gentle kiss that sent shivers down her spine and made her toes curl.
The next song had already started as the kiss reluctantly ended. "That was great." Jonathan said softly then a little louder. "Come on, let's go get something to drink." He let go with one arm, the other remained around her back, and led her toward the refreshments bar.
As they threaded their way through the other couples Kristen found herself wondering if Jonathan had been referring to the dancing or the kiss as being great. She hoped that he had been referring to both.
Just when they reached the bar they were joined by Stephanie and Justin, who were holding hands and smiling. Stephanie's grin widened as she spoke. "I caught a couple of glimpses of you two out there dancing. You both look very good together."
"Thank-you." Jonathan responded as he snagged three sodas and handed them to the others before he continued speaking. "Kristen is an excellent dancer and a pleasure to be with." He grabbed a soda for himself.
"Kristen, hi." A voice called out and everyone turned to see Molly Winston and Erica Underwood approaching with their prom dates in tow. It was Molly that had called out. Molly introduced her date, Eddie Coogan, who was a halfback on the Junior Varsity football team. Erica introduced her date, Otto Heitzler, who turned out to be in Jonathan's physics class. Soon they were all acquainted and talking about the Prom and how things were going so far.
Kristen touched Jonathan's arm to draw his attention. "I have to go powder my nose. I'll be right back." Stephanie jumped in. "Hold up, I'll come too." Erica spoke up. "I'll go with you." Finally Molly chimed in. "I need to go, too." The four girls all headed off together.
The four boys all watched in a bemused state as their dates walked away. Justin was the first to comment. "Why do they always head to the restroom in packs?" Jonathan responded. "I don't know." He shook his head adding. "It's a girl thing." Otto shrugged as he spoke his thought. "Must be genetic." And finally Eddie added his opinion. "I think it's so that they can make fun of us without our knowing about it."
The four boys looked at each other sharing a grin over the peculiarities of the mysterious opposite sex. Soon they were discussing the relative merits of various high school football teams.
~ o ~
In the restroom, minutes later, the girls were in fact discussing their dates. Stephanie was commenting. "Kristen, you sure had a dazed look on your face a little while ago when you came back from dancing." Molly added. "Yea, I noticed that as you walked past Eddie and me out there on the dance floor."
Kristen smiled and the slightly dazed look under discussion returned. "Yea, he kissed me . . . right there on the dance floor." She blushed as the other three giggled.
"Good kisser, hu?" Erica commented with a hint of mischief in her eye and a hint of envy in her voice.
Kristen's grin widened as she replied. "I could get used to it." With a deeper blush, she continued. "I need to get back to Jonathan."
Erica and Stephanie giggled in response but Molly frowned at her image in the mirror. "Damn, where'd that come from?" She wet a paper napkin and tried rubbing at a stain she had just discovered on the collar of her blouse.
Erica jumped in as she grabbed Molly's hand. "No, Molly, you dab at it. If you wipe at it you will only spread the stain." She took the paper towed and fit word to deed. "Kristen, you and Stephanie go ahead. Molly and I will be out in a few minutes."
Kristen and Stephanie had just exited the restroom when Stephanie stopped dead looking up the hall they were in. "What the heck are they doing?"
Kristen looked up the hallway to see three boys at the other end of the hall doing something at the school's trophy case. At that point the three boys turned toward them. It was the three Johnson brothers. Without a word, Stephanie and Kristen made a dash for the door to the great hall. The three boys took out after them.
Just as they passed through the great hall doors the Johnson boys caught up to them and quickly blocked their way. The oldest and the youngest boys had pulled out knives. The third boy was holding a short length of pipe. "You've interfered with us too many times." The oldest boy ground out, apparently addressing his remark at Stephanie. All three waved their weapon threateningly as they moved in on the girls.
Continued in Part 8
( rev 130514 )
Disclaimer: This story is based on the television series "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman." The recognizable characters and settings in this story are the property of D.C. Comics, Warner Bros., December 3rd Productions, and anyone else with a legal right to them, and I have no claim on them whatsoever, nor am I profiting by their use. The story, however, is a product of my own imagination. No infringement on copyrights is intended. This story is presented merely for the enjoyment of fans.
