Chapter 52 [Smallville High Cafeteria—12:30 PM]
After a listless night and a struggle to get through the morning, Lana set her tray down on a table with relief. Much as with her Plaid Knight, Morpheus had eluded her on the previous evening. She'd stared at the ceiling in consternation wondering how things were changing.
…that she was actually descended from Kryptonians and witches….
…that she actually had attributes of both….
…that both sides were deigning to involve themselves at that point after years of distant spying….
…that rifts were developing between her friends….
Why can't it be easier? She frowned while considering her chicken strips and fries. Figures that I forgot to make some tuna for lunch. She cut at a fried strip, dipped it in the honey mustard sauce and stuck it in her mouth. Just get through chemistry and Art. Once you get to the Talon, you'll be okay. She followed that with a fry chewing on it absently. She could still feel the static working across her skin. Despite the fact she kept her sweater pulled over her hand, the scar's emerald glow still attracted attention. This must be how Rudolph felt with his nose. She rolled her eyes at the memory of her favorite childhood Christmas special. Hope Clark and I don't have to go through what he did.
"Lana, are you all right?" Jasmine queried with concern. She carried an insulated bag and a thermos in her hands. "Can I join you?"
"Sure. Thanks. Sorry just dealing with my new stuff," Lana agreed while adding the apology at the end. She glanced around to make sure nobody was listening in. "Now I know how Clark feels."
"I'm sure. When new attributes appear, it isn't easy to deal with them," Jasmine concurred. She shrugged and opened her lunch. She produced a rather large chicken salad sandwich and a sealed cup from the insulated bag. In the thermos, the scent of beef broth tickled the air. "My father's men insist I eat a four course meal every minute. Would you care for some?"
Lana glanced down at the rubbery strips and dry fries. "That's really nice, Jasmine, but I couldn't!"
"It's more than I can eat. I usually end up throwing half of it out sinful as that is," the Princess assured her. She broke the sandwich in two before handing her friend the other half. Then she reached under the table and somehow produced two Styrofoam cups. Into them went some soup and an apple-smelling dessert. "And there we are!"
"Wow. Thanks!" Lana peered under the table curiously. She quirked an eyebrow at her friend. "Not to question you but where did the cups come from?" She bit into the sandwich while savoring the chicken bathing in a mix of mayo, honey mustard, celery and fresh spices.
"As I said, Lana, attributes are not easy to manage. We should be careful how we use them. As for the cups, I just pulled them out of thin air." Jasmine shrugged and spooned some soup into her mouth. "Can I borrow your napkin?"
"Sure." Lana handed over the half used paper to her friend. "Sorry it's already messed up."
"Not a problem. Thank you." Jasmine gripped the wadded paper firmly in her mind and concentrated. Then she reached back over to her friend. "There you go. With my thanks."
Lana stared incredulously as the now-silken handkerchief in her hand. Somehow she remembered to keep her composure. "Where'd you get this? I can't take some heirloom piece."
Jasmine bit into her sandwich matter of factly. When she'd swallowed the bite, she continued, "As with you, I have my own extra attribute. Let's just leave it there for now."
Lana nodded numbly while concealing the handkerchief in her pack and away from prying eyes. "Wow. No wonder you understand about us. So how does your father feel?"
"He does not know. I've been very careful. My sister, Rasniya, and I are like this. When this and certain other things came about, I knew I had to leave. Papa is a good man but one set in the old ways. If he knew, he'd confine us to the harem at best. At worst, he'd have me executed as a witch." Jasmine frowned. "It's easier to be his ambassador here, Lana. And I am thankful that Ms. Gregoire assisted my efforts to be here. Alex is always so welcoming…more like his mother than father. May the Prophet be praised for that."
Lana blinked in disbelief. "He'd execute you? Really?"
"Such are the laws and traditions of my people. In their defense, your ancestor caused enough problems centuries ago. At the time, measures came about to deal with those who would abuse your gifts." Jasmine frowned. "I would leave that tale to Mr. Dubois and Ms. Gregoire. She has asked me to allow her and Sister Clarise to speak with you themselves."
"But you know who that was?" Lana supposed.
"Yes. Again, Lana, she has asked not to say any more than that. I have promised my silence. My apologies. Still I can say that you should be careful. Clark should be more careful. I hope to finish high school here." Jasmine sighed and ran her hands through her hair in consternation. "Then I can apply for asylum and citizenship."
"You'd give up your title and family?" Lana bit into her sandwich and swallowed hard.
"To be myself, I may have to. I don't want to. My people need me too. Yet I am only the seventh in line to the throne. My brother, Mehmet, and I do not relate well. He would not object to my exile. If I go back there, I'd be forced to marry one of his viziers. I would not be allowed to use my gift and would have to surrender my rank within the court." Jasmine grimaced. "Such are the costs of duty. As with your Aunt Nell, Papa would not approve of my heart's choice. I know that."
"Maybe if you take him to meet your father, he might?" Lana countered.
"I doubt it. When that person appears, they will not meet with his approval for several reasons. Let's leave it at that. How is the sandwich?" Jasmine shifted the conversation curtly.
"It's great! Thanks again. It definitely beats these warmed up chicken strips. It's great that someone understands what I'm going through," Lana expressed.
"My pleasure," Jasmine noted allowing her friend a warm smile. "Now relax. We still have the rest of the day."
Lana rolled her eyes at that thought. Still she thought about Jasmine's revelations.
Maybe she didn't have it so bad after all…..
