Chapter 82 [Luthor Mansion]
Clark collected his thoughts during that drive over to the mansion. The fall broke Fear's hold over him at least where falls were concerned. He leaned back in the seat.
Now Nerves where a certain pink wearing brunette barista was concerned…well…that was a different matter….
She parked beside the mansion. Relax, Clark. I don't bite…much. Impishness raised an eyebrow and spread Sauciness' smirk across her face.
He rolled his eyes. I am trying.
I know you are. Relax, Clark. We'll get you flying yet. She got out of her side. Professor Dubois?
Yes? Dubois and Jennifer both answered.
Lana? Dubois added.
Guess we just found out that he can do the telepathic thing too. Clark walked up to the mansion door. He waited for Lana to join him there. He knocked.
The butler opened it. He straightened his posture. "Ah, Mr. Kent and Miss Lang! Please do come in. Master Lex and the others are in the sitting room. Follow me please." He led them to the right and into the parlor.
"Thanks, Carter. Maybe we can get some more coffee for us?" Lex raised an eyebrow. "Hey, Clark! Good to see you up and around. Feeling better?"
"Much better. Thanks, Lex." Clark looked at Peter, Gwen, Jasmine and Jennifer sitting on the couch. "Where are Mr. and Dr. Dubois?"
"He's upstairs with Dr. Tuishiama working on a handout for their workshop tomorrow. I'd recommend that to the entire high school myself." Lex sipped on his coffee. "Man's a fiend for research."
"But he's a librarian, right?" Clark scratched his head. "Dr. Tuishiama and you, Professor, are the profs."
"So's he, Clark. He stopped using his title when he dropped off the radar." Lex took the new pot from Carter. He poured two cups of coffee and handed one to each newcomer. "He has a two masters and a Ph D. Lana's mother saw him break open research sources that hadn't been used in 400 years."
"He'll be doing my research methods classes at Greenwich State from now on," Jennifer chimed in. "We just need to help him and the Big Kid manage the situation. Not that big of a deal." She sipped from her cup. Nice to see you two have been practicing. We all need some I think. Clark, you and I need to work on the flying too at some point.
We do? Clark cleared his throat.
It'll be all right. You can do it. You just need to clear your head of distractions and focus on what you're doing. With practice the rest will come to you. Jennifer took another draught from her cup.
Easy for you to say. Clark focused on his cup.
I've had plenty of crash landings in my time too. I just keep practicing. Ask Dr. LaFontaine. She'll tell you about some of my pratfalls and faces full of mud in the New York woods. Have confidence, Clark. You'll be all right. Jennifer shrugged and bit into her gingerbread.
"Mr. Parker, maybe after the wedding, Pete and I can work with you on taking pictures?" Clark proposed.
"I was going to talk with you about that. Do me a favor? When we're here with friends and not in school or the lab, you two can call us Peter and Gwen. We just need to keep things professional where schoolwork's concerned," Peter requested.
"Sounds great, Peter." Lana nodded. "I heard you're going to be speaking with the Journalism class tomorrow?"
"Right after lunch. I've got some of the science classes in the morning." Peter confirmed.
"Ever think about sitting in on that class for real, Peter?" Lex took a mouthful of coffee. "I know you know about the different parts of the newspaper. But maybe a review of different articles and writing wouldn't hurt? You'll be the expert on photos of course. Still it could help."
"Mrs. Donnelly used to be a reporter with the Dallas Morning News," Lana chimed in. "She would have a different perspective."
"Definitely, Lana. Thank you." Peter made a mental note to himself to ask Donnelly about that.
"I'll be glad you're back in class with us tomorrow, Clark. Mr. Sanders has me observing. I'll let you know when I need help. That okay?" Gwen noted.
"That's great. Just let me know and I'll help anyway I can," Clark agreed.
Gwen nodded. "Thanks!" She checked her watch. "Mmm! Sorry! Jasmine wanted to go to the bridal shop in twenty minutes. Excuse me, Everyone." She got up. "Sorry, Mr. P. Be back."
"Have fun. Can't wait to see you in it." Peter grinned at the mental image.
"Oh brother!" Gwen kissed him on the cheek. "Just you wait. I'll make sure you'll love what you see." She grinned and then hustled toward the stairs.
"Lots of details but we've got everything under control." Lex shrugged. "Jasmine's stock purchase goes through tomorrow. She's sure staying busy."
Peter nodded. Jonah's going to have a fit! Maybe I should turn my phone off tomorrow at the high school!
Dread wasn't about to let up either…..
