CHAPTER 8
LL: I'm waiting.
TB: You really are an impatient woman, Lois. I don't know how Clark puts up with you.
LL: I don't know how he does either, but he loves it. I keep him on his toes.
TB: So you have a thing for toes? (teasing tone)
LL: I didn't say that.
TB: It was implied (chuckles).
LL: What about you, Kal?
TB: What about me?
LL: What do you have a thing for? I bet I can guess.
TB: I'm sure you can't.
LL: Wanna bet?
TB: No.
LL: Why not?
TB: Because I want it to be a very pleasant surprise for her.
LL: Your co-worker?
TB: Yes.
LL: Alright. So back on the subject at hand. What's taking you so long?
TB: (sighs) There are some things that I don't like to rush, Lois.
LL: Such as? (sounds intrigued)
TB: Intimacy, for example.
LL: I agree with you.
TB: You do?
LL: Of course I do. I know I can be impulsive at times, but not usually when it comes to the matters of the heart.
TB: So what you said earlier about being impulsive with Clark was just an act? (sounds curious)
LL: (sounds defensive) I only said I would do that because I think that Clark needs to look outside his wheel house once in a while.
TB: Wheelhouse?
LL: The wheelhouse where he settled for bland vanilla instead of something a bit more-
TB: Exotic? (interrupts)
LL: I'm not sure if exotic is the right word, but you're in the ballpark.
TB: So what flavor are you, Lois?
LL: I haven't really thought about it all that much.
TB: If it helps, I know exactly what flavor you would be.
LL: So what flavor does The Blur think I am? (sipping coffee)
TB: Wild Cherry.
LL: (does spit take) Wild Cherry?
TB: Absolutely. Wild Cherry is tart yet sweet at the same time – and that's exactly what you are, Lois. Now that I think about it, my co-worker is also a Wild Cherry kind of gal (smile in voice).
LL: I bet she is (sounds amused).
TB: (changes subject) So let's get back to what we were talking about before we got distracted by ice cream.
LL: Okay.
TB: So you would be okay with it if Clark told you that he needed to go slow before becoming intimate?
LL: Yes.
TB: Thank you, Lois (sounds emotional).
LL: For what? (sounds curious)
TB: For understanding me better than my ex-girlfriend ever did.
LL: That's what I'm here for Cl...Kal…one save at a time (smile in voice). Besides, I should really be thanking you.
TB: I don't understand. Why should you be thanking me?
LL: For finally trusting me.
TB: (long pause) Lois, are you still there?
LL: (clears throat) I don't know what to say.
TB: This coming from the woman who rambles on and on-
LL: Very funny (sarcastic tone).
TB: Lois, one of the reasons why I feel I can confide in you is because I've never felt pressure from you to reveal my true identity.
LL: I've learned the hard way that people keep secrets for a reason – even from the people you're closest to.
TB: Sometimes we keep them to protect the ones we love.
LL: I know that Clark keeps secrets from me and I trust him enough to know he'll tell me when he's ready to.
TB: I'm sure it would mean a lot to him if you told him that.
LL: I have a feeling he knows already.
TB: (smile in voice) Can I tell you something that's extremely personal?
LL: I'm listening.
TB: When I'm finally intimate with a woman, I want…need…to take my time because-
LL: (interrupts) Wait a minute. Are you saying that you've never been with a woman before? (sounds surprised)
TB: I have, but it's complicated. You see, I've never been with a woman when I had my powers.
LL: How did you lose your powers?
TB: It's a long story, Lois, but I promise I'll tell you about it one day.
LL: I'm going to hold you to that.
TB: I have no doubt you will (chuckles).
LL: That's right, Kal (chuckles with him).
TB: I suppose now you're wondering why I've been hesitant about it.
LL: It has crossed my mind.
TB: (clears throat) The reason why is because I'm afraid that I might get carried away while we're being intimate. That's why I need to go slow at first…you know…to make sure that I don't hurt her.
LL: (hesitates before speaking) Do you want to know what I think?
TB: Okay.
LL: I think you're over thinking it. I'm sure that you would never do anything to hurt her.
TB: You really think so?
LL: I really do – but I'm also sure that if you shared your concerns with her, she would understand and be patient with you.
TB: You're probably right.
LL: I know I'm right (chuckles).
TB: (laughs)
LL: So do you want to talk about something else?
TB: Sure. What do you want to talk about?
LL: Hmm… (pauses) I think we should talk about the fact that you still haven't told me the name of your co-worker.
TB: Are you sure about that?
LL: I'm positive. I would remember if you had.
TB: I believe you.
LL: So tell me her name (sipping coffee again).
TB: It's Amber.
LL: (does another spit take) What did you just say?
TB: (to self) I knew it! I knew she knew that I was The Blur.
LL: Did you just say her name is Amber?
TB: Yes.
LL: (mutters under breath) He knows that I know that he's Clark. Son of a b*tch!
TB: Lois?
LL: (to self) He's going to pay dearly for bringing that up. I don't care if he is The Blur with superpowers.
TB: Lois? Are you still there.
LL: I'm still here (still mumbling to self).
TB: Is everything okay?
LL: Fine and dandy. It's just that you took me by surprise.
TB: I did? (sounds curious)
LL: Forgive me for saying this, but that sounds like a stripper name to me (smirks).
TB: It's funny you mention that because she worked one night as a stripper.
LL: Really? (sounds leery)
TB: I'll never forget that night because she wore blue hot pants and a red, white, and blue sparkly bra with deep cleavage.
LL: Sounds like you liked it.
TB: I'm a man. Of course I liked it - but I loved the lap dance she gave me even better.
LL: How much better?
TB: Old Glory never looked as good as it did that night.
LL: (slight pause) I don't know what to say.
TB: Come here, boy (sound of barking).
LL: Huh?
TB: Sorry about that. My dog just came into the living room and he wants to play.
LL: So how is Shelby?
TB: Shelby? Who the heck is Shelby (sounds nervous)
LL: Did I say Shelby? My bad. That's the name of Clark's dog. I guess I got the two of you mixed up. Sometimes when I'm talking to you, I could swear I'm talking to Clark.
TB: (to self) She's upping the ante. Well, two can play at that game.
LL: So what's your dog's name anyway?
TB: His name is Krypto (laughs inwardly)
LL: (mutters to self) That was Shelby's original name.
TB: What did you say?
LL: (out loud) That's an interesting name, Kal. I bet you picked that name because you're so cryptic – right? (says in a teasing tone).
TB: No, Lois (laughs). It comes from the name Krypton.
LL: Isn't there a chemical element called krypton?
TB: Yes, but that's not where I got the name.
LL: So where did you get it?
TB: Lois, I'd rather tell you in person.
TO BE CONTINUED...
