Chapter 95 [After Dinner—Loft]

Clark stared at Nocturne's starry blackness. Luna sat darkened. A bit of cool briskness rustled everything about himself. His eyes regarded each star's twinkle and nature. He did so across the sky. Finally he stopped at Rao. I wish I understood more. Why can't people just understand? Peter didn't mean for those things to happen.

"Hey, Son. You seemed down at dinner." Jonathan stood right at the top of the stairs. "Got a minute?"

"Huh? Sorry, Dad. I just can't believe what's going on with Peter and Gwen. They work hard. It's just like everything keeps collapsing around them."

"I know. Clark, life unfortunately isn't fair. We all have trials. It's at times like those that we find out our inner strength. We lean on faith. We find out who our friends really are." Jonathan shook his head.

"I know they appreciated Mom making dinner like that," Clark observed.

"Your mother's one of the most supportive people on Earth. She was glad to give them that. You did that too today. I'm proud of you." Jonathan rubbed him on the arm.

"Guess it what makes a community or family. Right?" Clark offered his father a smile.

"You just said a mouthful. They'll have other opportunities. The question is do they take the right ones? Your Mom and I had a hard time in the beginning with your Granddad Clark. We couldn't have kids. Look at us now. We have a great farm and you. When they're meant to have something, it'll come along. We can support them. They help too. Peter told me in private that he saw you at school yesterday. He's keeping your secret."

"He…did?" Clark narrowed his eyes. "I didn't see him in the hall and…" His eyes went wide. "Wait. Yeah I think I did see him. He took cover close by."

"You sure?" Jonathan cleared his throat. From keeping a big Secret, he knew when someone else had one too.

"Yeah. I just need to figure some more things out. It's just a dumb thing that popped into my head is all. Right now, he and Gwen need our support. Pete's talking to Sam about next weekend. Maybe we can really make that wedding special," Clark deflected.

"Now you're talking. Lex and your mother were talking about that just now. We'll make sure they have a day to remember. I just hope their guests remember that too," Jonathan agreed.

"Yeah me too." Clark stumbled. "I can't believe this."

"Easy there!" Jonathan caught him by the arm. "What's going on?"

"I would've thought I'd be all right by now." Clark slumped onto the couch. "That creep didn't use any fire or blasts. This is almost like what happened with Professor Dubois."

"I hope her situation isn't affecting you, Clark. I told you that telepathy was a bad idea," Jonathan dismissed.

"Dad, it's part of what she and I are. I have to be able to deal with this. This isn't her fault." Clark forced himself to his feet. "This is like the other new abilities. I just have to practice and master it." He headed down the stairs.

It's going to be all right, Clark. I know you can do this. Lana cheered over their shared link.

Thanks. Clark reached the bottom. Euphoria countered Pain's draining malaise. He managed to walk normally.

"You look better." Jonathan regarded him with a bit of surprise.

"Lana's helping." Clark smirked a 'gotcha' at his father. Then he headed for the house.

Telepathy and now people figuring out Clark's secret? I really don't like this! Jonathan ground his teeth. He followed his son toward the house wondering what to do next.