Mack hadn't meant to avoid Clark the last few days. In truth, she had actually been fairly busy at work, dealing with several charity events for her boss, but she couldn't complain. She didn't know how Clark felt about the kiss, but she knew she felt guilty. It wasn't fair to put him in that position when he was going through so much with Lois. Then again, she wasn't completely avoiding him. Mack had answered a few of his text messages, keeping her answers brief and to the point. Whenever he asked to come over and talk, she had mentioned how busy she was and how she really didn't have time. She knew her avoidance must have been getting bad when her phone rang and she checked the caller ID to see his mother's name pop up. Holding back a groan, she answered the phone, holding it between her cheek and shoulder as she continued her work on her laptop.

"Hi Mama Kent."

"Mackenzie Jennings, what is going on over there?" The older woman sounded irate and Mack cringed at the use of her full name. It had been years since she'd heard it in that mom tone, and she immediately closed her laptop to give Martha her full attention.

"What do you mean, ma'am?"

"I mean between my son and you. He mentioned that something had happened the other night, but refused to speak any more on it. Did you have a fight?" Mack chewed her lip, wanting to have someone to confide in but knowing that his parents may not know about his second life.

"It's...a long story. Mostly to do with his...erm, extracurricular activities." There was silence at the other end and Mack wanted to kick herself. Now it sounded almost like Clark was involved in something illegal.

"So, you know. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised." There was a resignation in Martha's voice that worried Mack. "When did he tell you about himself?"

"Um, he didn't. I kinda figured it out." Mack swallowed convulsively. "But, I would never tell anyone! I understand his need for secrecy." There was some sound on the other end and Mack waited less than patiently.

"That makes sense. I'm glad he can trust you. Is that why you've been avoiding each other?" Now it was Mack's turn to be confused, and her silence must have clued Martha in. "Dear, I'm old, not stupid. It's clear the two of you haven't seen each other, if what little Clark told me is any indication. Now, are you avoiding him because of that?"

"No, no. Of course not. Super powers or not, he's still my friend." Mack's answer was quick, and she realized that no matter what she would always be there for him. Whether he chose to date her or Lois or anyone else, she'd support him.

"Then why exactly are the two of you becoming strangers?" There was a note to Martha's tone that led Mack to believe the older woman was sick of asking that question and so Mack decided to come clean.

"He kissed me." There was silence at the other end of the line for a few moments and Mack squeezed her eyes shut. "And I...well, I kissed him back."

"That's wonderful, dear! I just knew the two of you would get together." There was so much genuine joy in Martha's tone that it floored Mack, and she wondered just how long the older woman had been rooting for this.

"No, Mama Kent, it's not that simple. He's still with Lois." More silence, and Mack cursed the fact that the Kents didn't live closer so they could have this conversation in person.

"Oh, well, I suppose that does explain quite a bit. Well, I'm sure the two fo you can work everything out." Mack nodded and hummed her agreement, ears perking up at the sound of a knock at her door. Knowing Clark may have just heard this entire conversation, she was less than surprised when she answered the door to see him there, nervous look on his face as he fidgeted with his hands. Stepping to one side, she nodded him in.

"Hey, I've got to go, Mama Kent. I'll let you know what happens, okay?" Saying their goodbyes, Mack finally hung up, turning to face Clark.

"Mack, I'm really sorry about the other night. I didn't mean to put you in an awkward position." Mack couldn't help but chuckle, gesturing for him to take a seat on the couch.

"Clark, I was more worried about you. I know you're this goody-two-shoes kinda guy and this was…"

"Unexpected." He finished for her, nodding. Mack nodded as well, doing her best to give a smile.

"Let's just chalk it up to the excitement of the night and forget it happened, yeah?" There was a flicker of doubt on his face and she shrugged. "Just to keep things simple."

"Yeah, I guess. If that's what you want." In truth, Mack couldn't help but wish she didn't have to worry about Lois or put Clark in this position.

"I do. I just want things to go back to the way they were." Clark nodded yet again and this time both of them smiled. If things could be that simple, Mack thought, then staying his friend and supporting both parts of his life would be significantly easier. Leaning over, she gave him a tight hug. "Alright, so dinner here tonight. You can catch me up on everything I missed with you." He nodded, and she moved to the kitchen to get dinner started. In spite of her busy work, Mack couldn't help but think about Martha's reaction to their kiss. It had been unexpected and strange, but also filled Mack with a warm feeling of acceptance. It was too bad it wouldn't happen, if only to make the older woman happy. Mack pushed all thoughts of the kiss away as they sat down to dinner, focusing instead on what stories Clark had to share.