Chapter 10

Richard went back to his office and did absolutely nothing. He couldn't work, he couldn't concentrate. Eventually his uncle Perry came to ask if everything was fine.

"I'll survive." Answered Richard.

"What do you mean you'll survive? What's wrong?" Perry frowned, "What's gotten into you? Is it Lois? Has she given you the ultimatum?"

"No. Not yet. But it's coming, I can feel it." He took a pencil from his desk and started playing with it. "I just…"

"What?"

Richard suddenly realized that whatever they were saying, was probably being heard by Clark Kent. Boy, did that change things!

"I just found out about Clark and Lois. They sort of gave me an idea of what their relationship was like… before he left."

"Oh, they did?" Perry said, now sounding surprised.

"You were right. They had a thing going on."

"So it was serious?"

"Very."

Richard looked over Perry's shoulder and spotted Clark looking at him. Right then, the reporter looked away, trying to pretend he wasn't listening. It was too late, of course.

"So, is Jason…?" All Richard had to do was nod and Perry White gasped. "I never thought Kent had it in him. I guess anything can happen, uh?"

"You have no idea. That man is full of surprises." Richard said, referring to the little secret he had been invited to join.

"And what are you going to do?" Perry asked, knowing it was not his place to meddle, but asking anyway.

"I don't know. I want to wait to see how things will turn out. But I have a very strong feeling it will not end well for me." He shrugged, "Just by thinking like that I already lost the battle." He thought about it before saying, "Maybe it's for the best."

"I don't know what to say, Richard." His uncle said and turned to leave, "Hang in there, if you need anything let me know. If you need me to talk to Clark, let me know that, too."

"No." Richard said quickly, "That's not necessary. Thanks, uncle Perry."

Perry nodded and left, leaving Richard again alone with his thoughts.

When he looked back at Clark's desk, he saw that he was gone. Probably out saving the world. He used his time alone… truly alone, to call Lois. He wasn't even sure what he would say, but he was sure he needed to talk to her.

"Hello." Her voice echoed on the other end.

"Lois. It's me."

"Richard. Everything okay?"

For a moment, he didn't speak, but Lois didn't pressure him. "I don't know."

"Is it Jason?" He understood why the only reason she could think of his call would be their son. No, her son. Clark's son.

"No. It's not about Jason. It's about Clark."

Now it was her time to be quiet. He remembered the conversation from the night before. It hadn't gone well. "Listen, Richard…"

"I know the truth now."

"What truth? What are you talking about?" She sounded startled.

"About Clark." He continued, "He told me… a few minutes ago."

"Uhm, what did he tell you exactly?" Her tone was careful and Richard understood her loyalty to him.

"He told me he is… Superman." The last word he said quietly. Even if he was in his office, he doubted its privacy suddenly.

"When?" She asked, her voice strange.

"I just told you, a few minutes ago."

She took her time. "You can't tell anyone Richard." She started, "I told him to tell you for Jason's sake. We didn't want you to be scared or angry, thinking that we lied to you."

"How considerate." That had come out harsh. "Sorry. I guess, I am grateful that you decided to include me."

"Well, you are Jason's father."

"No, I'm not." He said quickly in a monotone.

"You are, Richard. Whatever happens, you will always be Jason's dad."

He frowned. "Whatever happens?"

"I-" Her voice cracked.

"Tell me you love him, Lois. Tell me it's true."

"Richard…"

"I asked you once and I'm doing it again." He said, holding the receiver weakly. "Are you in love with him? Just tell me."

"Don't do this over the phone." She pleaded, "We can talk when you come home."

"Why?" He asked, trying to remain calm, "You will shut me out again, like you did last night."

"No!" She said, "I was… confused yesterday, but things are clearer now."

Clearer?

"Fine." He snapped. "Have it your way, Lois. But in a way, you've already answered my question."

He hung up, with no warning and no good-bye. Devastated, Richard passed his hands through his hair. When he looked up, he turned to Clark's desk and saw him as he was arriving at his desk, sitting himself clumsily.

"Did you hear that?" He said in a normal tone, knowing Clark surely heard him. But the man was moving his mouse around, clicking away like he hadn't heard a thing. "Clark!" Richard said louder, but not loud enough to gain the attention of anyone outside his office. Clark jerked his head up, looked at him straight in the eye for a few seconds, then turned around to see if anyone else was looking at him. "Did you hear me on the phone?"

He saw Clark frown and then hesitated before he shook his head. At least it looked like he hadn't heard, that was a good thing. Richard sighed and relaxed, Clark still looking at him from the other side of the glass. After a moment, Perry came out of his own office and barked the name Kent.

To be continued…