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...