Chapter 68 [Smallville—Kent Farm]

Clark stopped the truck in front of the house. He glanced back toward the feed sacks and potting soil in the back. Sure glad the tractor supply had everything we needed! He got out and lowered the tailgate. After a quick look around, he emptied the truck. Barely a heartbeat later, he'd stacked the bags by the stairs inside. Wonder what Mom's going to grow this year? He sucked in a deep breath.

"How did it go, Clark?" Martha came down the walk toward him. While he'd gone to the store, she'd worked on crafts for the following month's display.

He grinned at her. "They sure did have everything. Got three bags of feed and two of the potting soil. They'll be getting those seeds in next week. I stopped at Cranston's just in case. They'll be getting their starter plants in about two weeks."

"That's about right. Thanks though for checking. I can't wait to start the flower beds again. Just need to get rid of the chill." She heard a car coming up the driveway. "Wonder who that is?"

A brown Nissan parked beside the truck. Mr. Reynolds climbed out. "Good morning, Mrs. Kent! Greetings, Mr. Kent! I hope this is not a bad time?"

Clark stifled a response. He could see her head shake ever so slightly at him. "I just got back running errands for Mom, Mr. Reynolds. What's going on?" He put his hand out.

Approval lit up Reynolds' face. He shook Clark's hand. "That is always a good thing, Mr. Kent. I would only take a few minutes of your time. We had something come up this morning."

"Really? Is everyone all right? I was about to put on some fresh coffee. Would you like some?" she offered.

"That would be delightful! Thank you, Mrs. Kent." Reynolds followed them into the house. As they did, he removed his shoes by the door.

"It'll be a few minutes to perk. I hope that's all right, Mr. Reynolds." She started filling the decanter in the sink.

"Nothing good is rushed. That would be most satisfactory. Thank you." Reynolds looked around at the living room and kitchen. "This is a beautiful home, Mrs. Kent."

"Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. We try to balance everything but make it look nice. I'm just getting everything together for the craft fair next month. Sorry I can't let you sit on the couch." She started the coffee.

"I have heard of your flair in that regard." Reynolds considered the patchwork quilt stretched across the couch. He also saw a knitted afghan. "These are exquisite. Surely you'll do quite well in Granville."

"There's always stiff competition but thank you." She set out a plate of pastries on the table. "Coffee will be ready in a few minutes. Is everything all right?"

"I wish it could be better. I know Mr. Kent was looking forward to working with Dr. Connors. He had everything set up to work with the students." Reynolds shook his head. "Apparently he has a health condition that acted up last week. In addition, his wife and son needed him back in New York. Quite a shame."

"Oh wow. I'm sorry too, Mr. Reynolds." Disappointment sagged on Clark's mood. "Dr. Connors seemed really great. Lex got all of those reptiles together." He sighed. "I know how much you want the service and…." Then Inspiration sparked an idea. "Wait. Why can't I still help just in a different way?"

"Clark, what do you mean?" She raised an eyebrow while setting the mugs of coffee on the table. She put the milk and sugar out for them.

"Yes, Mr. Kent. Do go on." Interest quirked an eyebrow.

"Well Miss Stacy is still here. Right? She may not be able to do the biochemistry research at LexCorp. Why can't she still help the science classes? I can be her assistant if she needs it? Maybe I can do some astronomy workshops for kids around Smallville? I know these aren't the best ideas but…." Clark gulped from his coffee.

"They sound great to me, Clark. You know a lot about constellations. If we're careful, we can take your telescope to a good place?" She looked toward Reynolds.

Reynolds nodded. "Mr. Kent, I am impressed. Those are quite splendid ideas! I am sure I can arrange for something at Butterfield Park. Mrs. Kent, I have heard that you volunteer with our local 4H group? I would like to tie that in."

"As long as there aren't too many kids, I'd be delighted, Mr. Reynolds. I just want to be able to give everyone my full attention," she accepted albeit with conditions.

"Thank you both. We shall be in touch. Mr. Kent, I will see you on Monday." Reynolds finished the coffee in his mug. Then he wiped his mouth off. "Mr. Henderson will be speaking to you then. I appreciate your hospitality. Have a great weekend." He put his shoes on back at the door. Then he walked toward the car.

Clark frowned. "It's too bad about Dr. Connors. I know Mr. Parker and Miss Stacy were looking forward to working with him. I hope he's all right."

"Whatever was in that lab, I hope Lex has it contained. I'm proud of you, Clark. I know it isn't easy talking to Mr. Reynolds. You really put your best foot forward. You and Miss Stacy can do some great things for those science students," she told him.

He gulped from his coffee. I hope so!

Matters would have to settle down eventually….