Chapter 11

Clark was back after Perry White gave him his new assignment. It had been difficult to concentrate when talking to his boss, since he knew how close he was to his nephew. He remembered the conversation that had taken place a few hours before between Richard and Perry. But the chief hadn't given him any advice, nor had he tried to get any information from him regarding Lois. No, Perry had been all business as he gave Clark information on a lead he wanted him to follow. In a way, he was thankful to be out of the obituaries so fast, he needed some action and that's what he'd gotten.

Just as he was walking over to his desk, he heard his phone ring.

"Kent." He answered quickly.

"Hi." It was Lois.

"Hi, Lois, everything ok?"

"Yeah, yeah… I'm fine. And Jason is fine, too, so don't worry."

"Ok, then…" Clark waited for Lois to complete the question.

"It's Richard." She said, "I know you guys talked about… you know."

"Oh, right." Clark began, "I was going to tell you, but then I had to go on an errand and…"

"An errand?" She interrupted.

"Yeah, you know… I heard a call and I…"

"Oh, right." She said.

"Yeah." He played with the phone's cord. "And then I just got here when Perry called me. He gave me an assignment!" He thought sounded too cheerful, like a child who had been given a new toy. He heard Lois smile on the other end.

"I miss that." She said. "I know I should go back to work, I just… I was so confused, but I think I have it all figured out."

"Really?" His voice had a glimpse of terror in it. He knew what that meant, Lois had decided. She knew who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, Richard or… himself. Or probably none… or both? No, that couldn't be. Curiosity filled him.

"Yes. And I want to talk to you about that. It's important for Jason." She said. Seeing that she got no response, she added. "Don't you think?"

"Yes. Yes. I agree. He's in the middle and we should be careful how we handle this."

"I think that, too." She agreed, then: "How did Richard take it?"

"I don't know." It was clear he didn't know about the conversation she had had with Richard earlier. "At first he was fine. Then he got angry and then… fine again. So, I'm not sure."

"When he called me to tell me, he sounded a little upset with me."

"He did?" So, that's what he had wondered if I'd heard, Clark thought. "And what happened?"

"He, uhm…" It was clear there was something she wanted to say but didn't dare, "We'll talk tonight. I'll talk with Richard when he gets home and then I'd like to talk to you… that is, if you are available."

"Sure." Clark was hopeful; he wanted to be with Lois forever and it looked like he would soon find out if his wish would come true or not. "Should I come by around ten again?'

"Can you come earlier? That way Jason will still be awake and you can see him."

He smiled. "I'd like that."

"Great. So anytime after seven is fine. I'll tell Richard."

"Okay." But he didn't sound so sure he agreed with that last part.

An awkward silence followed, but Lois was quick to end it. "I'll see you tonight. Bye, Clark." And she hung up.

"Bye." Clark Kent leaned back and closed his eyes, anxious to know what his future would be like.

To be continued…