CHAPTER 21

Clark stands in the middle of the driveway as he watches Lex's Porsche take off down the road. He remains there until it disappears from his sight. He turns around and makes his way back to the house; electing not to go inside but to sit down on the top step of the porch. He can't stop thinking about the disappointment on Lex's face. If he had only let me tell him my secret, then he would understand why I was hesitant to make love to him again, closing his eyes and laying back on the porch with a sigh.

"Clark?"

He opens his eyes and look up to see his mother standing over him. "Are you okay sweetie?"

He sits up as she takes a seat next to him. "Okay I guess," shrugging his shoulders. "It's been a long day."

"I know," resting her hand over his. After a moment she says, "I was just wondering why you came back so soon. Didn't you say you and Lex were going to get something to eat?"

"He said he wasn't hungry," a wistful expression on his face.

She takes a deep breath, then says what's on her mind. "I know we said we'd talk later, but..."

"I know what you're about to say," turning to look at her. Then he takes a deep breath of his own. "I'm gay, Mom."

"I know," she replies; her hand reaching out to touch his face.

"How did you know?" he asks her.

"Does it really matter?" she responds.

"I guess not," turning his head away and staring out into the distance. "It's just that I always felt different. I never fit in. Even when I was with Lana, I always felt like there was something missing. We didn't make sense together and I could never figure it out."

She stays quiet while he continues to speak. "I don't know why - but for some reason, Lex and I make sense. I know we still have trust issues to deal with because of what he's done in the past, but I just can't help but feel that he's the one I'm destined to be with." He looks over at her again. "You're awfully quiet for a mother who just found out her only child is gay," looking curiously at her.

"You were expressing your feelings and I didn't want to interfere with that," she says with a small smile on her face.

"I appreciate that," giving her the same smile back. "So how do you feel about..."

"You being gay?"

"Yes," nodding his head.

"Well," taking another deep breath as she stands up and walks over to stand at the railing; her hands resting on top. "I confess that I took it really hard when I realized it," not turning around.

He gets up and walks over to where she was and stands next to her. "What about Dad?"

"It wasn't easy for me either," says Jonathan as he comes out onto the porch and stands on the other side of Clark. "You do know it's going to take us a while to let it sink in, don't you?" turning to look directly at his son.

"I know," Clark says.

"We also want you to know that we love you and just want you to be happy - and if Lex is the one that makes you happy, then that's all that matters," smiling at his son.

"Thanks, Dad," his eyes tearing up as his father wraps his arms around both Clark and his wife in a big hug. They stand there for a while, then finally break apart.

"How about we have some dinner?" Martha speaking up. "I just took out the meatloaf."

"That sounds good," smiling at his mother. "Let's go," opening the screen door and stepping inside the house.

His parents exchange glances. "I think we both know it's not going to be easy for him," Jonathan finally says. "Not everybody will accept it."

"I know," she replies. "I also know that Clark is a strong man. He can handle anything."

"I know that too, but my concern is his emotional well-being," Jonathan replies. "He tends to react first, then ask questions later."

"He's still young, so it's not surprising he reacts that way."

Clark pokes his head through the opened door. "So are we going to eat or what?"

"Eat," says Martha with a smile. Clark holds the door open for them and they walk inside.

After dinner

Clark climbs the stairs to the loft and stands by the window; just staring out into space. Of all the times for Lex to do the right thing, heaving a sigh. Out of the corner of his eye he happens to notice a blanket neatly folded on the couch. He walks over and sits down next to it; his fingers caressing the still soft red fabric. The sight of it always reminds him of that long ago day when his life changed forever...

He was standing at the railing staring out at the water, but not really seeing it. Then he hears a sudden screeching of tires and turns around to see a silver car barreling towards him at top speed. Clark's blue eyes lock briefly with the unknown drivers gray eyes just before the car crashes into him; causing both him and the car to crash through the railing and into the cold water.

He immediately swims over to the rapidly sinking car and tears off the door; pulling the unconscious man out and swimming up to the surface. He lays him down on the ground and checks for signs of breathing. When he doesn't find any, he immediately presses his lips to the unknown man's lips and begins to administer CPR; also pressing down on his chest.

"Come on, don't die on me!" continuing to press down until the driver spits out water; coughing a little as he slowly opens his eyes and stares up at Clark.

"I could have sworn I hit you," still a little dazed as he partially sits up.

"If you did, I'd be...I'd be dead," turning his head to look up at the gaping hole in the railing on the bridge. Then he looks back at him. "I'm Clark," helping him up to his feet. "Clark Kent."

He just smiles back at him. "Lex. Lex Luthor," holding his hand out.

Clark hesitates for a moment, then takes his hand in his and shakes it. They stand there gazing at each other for a moment before their fingers slowly pull apart. "So..." giving himself a mental shake. "Are you okay?" putting his hands inside his pockets.

"Considering I'd be dead if it weren't for you, I'm great," he replies.

Clark gulps thickly at the intense gaze that Lex is giving him; confused by the feelings it invokes in him. "We better call the police," pulling out his cell phone, only to discover that it's water logged.

"They're already on their way," Lex tells him.

"How would they know?" a confused look on his face.

"I'm a Luthor," he replies. "I have all the latest toys," winking at him. Sure enough, they hear the police siren. "I'm sure the tow truck will be here shortly." A few minutes later, Lex is busy talking with the policeman while Clark is using a borrowed cell phone to let his parents know he's alright. After hanging up, he walks over to where Lex is and gives his statement. He takes a blanket from another police officer and wraps it around him; sitting down on one of the rocks and waiting for his father.

His father arrives about ten minutes later. "Clark," he calls out. He looks up to see his father running towards him. "Son, are you alright?" stooping down in front of him and resting his hands on Clark's arm and cheek.

"I'm okay," reassuring him.

"Who's the maniac who was driving that car?" turning his attention to the officer.

"That would be me."

He turns his head at the voice and stares at Lex as he comes over to them. "Lex Luthor," extending his hand.

He just glares at him; not taking his hand but instead taking his jacket off. "Jonathan Kent," laying his jacket over Clark's shoulders. "This is my son."

"Thanks for saving my life," smiling at Clark.

"I'm sure you would have done the same thing," standing up with some minor assistance from his father.

"You have an extraordinary boy there, Mr. Kent. If there's any way I can repay you..."

Jonathan walks right up to him and cuts him off. "You could drive slower," then abruptly walks away with Clark.

As they walk away, Clark looks back when his father isn't looking and catches Lex staring back at him. They exchange glances one more time before Lex's attention is drawn to the river where his car is being lifted out of the water. As he gets into the truck and buckles his seatbelt, he can't help thinking about the man he just saved; confused by how good it felt when he had his lips on Lex's. He gives himself a mental shake and puts it out of his mind. ..

To Be Continued...