Hi. Here's the next chapter. It's not a 'too exciting' chapter, I'm afraid, but still, the story is working its way up to it.

Back and Different

Chapter 6: A Phone Call, a Few Secrets and Cousins

10:18am Wednesday

Pete tapped the bench idly, waiting for his coffee. The Talon was surprisingly uncrowded; Pete easily found a seat at the counter. He was determined that today he was going to catch up with Chloe or Clark or both. He'd been in Smallville two days and hadn't caught a glimpse of either of them. He made a mental note to ring before going to the farm, just to check that the Kent's were in.

"Here you go." The stunning blonde woman behind the counter smiled and handed Pete a steaming mug of fresh coffee. Pete thanked her and she bustled over to another costumer who was impatient and complaining about a flight he needed to catch. The woman didn't seem very happy and took the costumers order with an annoyed grimace.

"Clark, I think I'm aware that the party is in three days okay? Don't worry, I'll get it."

Pete immediately perked up at the word 'Clark' and swivelled his eyes around to locate the person who had spoken it. His gaze landed on the young woman he had sat next to on Monday, the one whose friend he'd spilt coffee on. She was strolling down the stairs that led to the apartment above the Talon, phone between her ear and shoulder, fumbling with the handbag she was holding. But what Pete wanted to know was if she was talking to the Clark he knew?

"Look Clark, I'm sure everything's gonna be fine. Okay, I know this is off the subject, but I was wondering…well if you're sure I would love to have dinner with you again. I'll just tell Chloe I'm working on a story. You know, I still cannot believe that top reporter Chloe Sullivan hasn't figured out yet that Clark Kent and Lois Lane are together…you're right, she probably has, she's just pretending she doesn't know, like when she found out your secret."

Pete stopped listening after that, the bits of the conversation between Clark and this Lois Lane churning in his mind. Okay, he thought, so Clark's supposedly, from what I've heard, secretly dating Lois Lane, who seems to be this woman I saw on Monday. And that both she and Chloe know about Clark's secret? How long have I been away?

Lois snapped her phone shut and lent casually against the counter, "Hey Kara!"

The blonde woman who had served Pete his coffee turned around and grinned. "Hi Lois, what can I get you?"

"Oh well, coffee, more coffee and a chocolate muffin. Hey, how was Minnesota?" The way Lois said Minnesota was curious to Pete. He knew eavesdropping was wrong but obviously these women knew Clark and Chloe, and those were the two people Pete had been trying to get into contact with.

Kara started making Lois's coffee but shouted over her shoulder to answer Lois question, "I didn't find much. I'll brief you about it later. And you guys will have to tell me about your little adventure as well."

"I wasn't personally there, but it sounded like there was something to tell. I don't know much about it myself." Lois shuffled onto a vacated seat at the counter. Kara placed the coffee and muffin in front of her and lent her elbows on the bench.

"I know slacking on the job isn't encouraged, but I'm in need of a break and it's not that busy. So, apart from the obvious, what's been happening here while I've been away?"

"Well, I just got off the phone from your annoying cousin, who will not stop harassing me about getting ready for the party. You have to get him to chill and relax."

Kara is Clark's cousin? From which side of the family? Pete wondered.

Kara laughed. "Believe me, I've tried. What about your cousin, anything new with her?"

"Well Jimmy got her this gorgeous necklace for her birthday, and she keeps blowing me of for work." Lois explained.

"Well, as long as Chloe busy enough that she doesn't figure out anything about her party, I think you'll survive." Kara chuckled.

What is it with people's cousins coming? Pete bewildered, so now Lois is Chloe's cousin?

"Yeah. I guess. Look I gotta run, but I'm glad I saw you. I'll catch up with you tonight okay? Remember, 6:00 sharp." Lois reminded Kara before snatching up her muffin and coffee and leaving her seat.

"Oh hey Lana. Kara's back in town if you want to say hi. She's just busy serving people coffee. Sorry I can't stay and chat I gotta go. Bye." Pete turned around as he heard Lois's voice greet Lana. Lois exited the Talon and Lana made her way over to Pete.

"Hello again." Lana seated herself in the chair next to Pete, placing her handbag on the counter and shrugging off her coat.

"Kara! Hi."

"Hey Lana. Wow, two visitors in less than five minutes. I must be pretty popular." Kara smirked.

"Ah Kara. This is Clark's old friend Pete. He's come back into town. And Pete this is Kara, Clark's cousin."

"Hi, nice to meet you." Kara nodded in greeting.

"Same to you." Pete smiled.

"Want anything Lana?" Kara asked.

"Uh no, I'm fine thanks."

Kara was called over by either another annoyed costumer or by a friend, Pete wasn't sure and Lana faced him with eager eyes.

"Now, I didn't stop at the Talon for a coffee. I actually came in here because I saw your car parked outside. I'm not supposed to tell you, but I was so excited when Lex told me I just had to tell you. You got the job!" Lana squealed, almost jumping up in her seat. Pete stared with a shocked expression.

"Really?"

"Yes. Of course, Lex will have to tell you officially and whatever but I was just so excited."

"Wow. This is great. Thanks Lana." Pete grinned.

"What do you mean?" Lana said, mock offence in her tone, "I had nothing to do with this. It was all you. Swear."

"Okay. This is awesome. Now the only thing I have to do is catch up with Clark and Chloe."

"You haven't done that yet?" Lana said astonished. "I'm sure they'll be eager to see you again. I'm not sure if they know you're here or not, I haven't spoken to Clark or Chloe in the last few days. But I'm sure it will be a nice surprise."

"Well if you see either of them, tell them I'm here." Pete said.

"Okay. But I'm sure Kara will beat me to the punch. So don't worry, somehow or another, they'll figure out you're here."

"I just can't wait to see them after all these years." Pete mused, smiling.

"As I said, I'm sure they'll feel the same."