Chapter 105 [Kent Farm—Fifteen Minutes Later]

Lex pulled up beside the farmhouse. He had made some small talk on the way up from the airport. Still, he let Peter have some time with his own thoughts. He could see himself in the times before the talks with his father…

…the ones where Lionel waxed not so poetic about Disappointment's burden…

"It's like Mr. Kent said, Peter. Your aunt will be all right. You'll see." Lex shrugged.

"I didn't want to just sit around and brood, Lex. I know there's more I can do but…." Peter started.

Lex set the parking brake. "Look. Nobody would blame Gwen or you if you did that for a couple of days. That's a normal impulse. But you didn't. Your aunt will see that you have a strategy. You're still looking at two or three potential routes."

"Three?"

Lex nodded. "Journalism, science teacher or LexCorp researcher. Trust me. You're a very talented guy and not just because of your abilities. Just consider that. Okay?" He watched Jonathan pull up. "Here they are. Just relax and have a nice afternoon. Gwen and Clark will be back here for dinner. Maybe Lana and Jasmine as well if I can get them away from the meet and greet."

"Okay, Boss." Peter tried a joke but it kind of died for him as it crossed his lips.

"Boss. I like that." Lex chuckled. "Better, Peter. Remember relax and have a great visit." He pulled the passenger door closed. Then he took off back up the dirt driveway.

"He drives fast." May shook her head.

"We've been telling him that for a while now." Jonathan shook his head. "Come on inside. Peter, you too."

"He didn't want to leave Gwen or the others waiting too long, I guess." Peter kissed his aunt on the cheek. "I am glad to see you."

"As I am you." May looked her nephew over. "You're looking good. You haven't been sick? You know how frail you can be."

"No, Aunt May. I am fine. The Kents, Mr. Luthor and everyone is watching out for us." Peter ushered her up the sidewalk.

"Land sakes, May! I told you as much." Anna shook her head. "This is some farm, Mr. Kent."

"Thank you. It has been in my family for three generations. My wife, son and I love it here." Jonathan looked about them.

"Wait until you see the inside, Aunt May." Peter held his hand out. "It's really cozy."

"Really?" May had to concede a nod. While he liked and respected others' homes and décor, Hyperbole wasn't a usual quality coming out of Peter's mouth in that regard. "This must be something indeed! My goodness!" She followed her nephew up the walk and into the house.

Martha looked up from the table. She had set coffee cups on saucers and plates in their places. A pot of coffee brewed on the counter. The tea kettle whistled on the stove. A cherry pie sat on the counter. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Parker! Mrs. Watson! I'm Martha Kent. Welcome to Smallville! Did you have a good flight?"

"The flight went very well. Thank you." Anna looked about. "Peter, you were right! This is some home. I love the afghans and these embroideries!"

"Thanks." Martha smiled. Pride warmed her heart. "I made them myself."

"Really? These are simply marvelous!" May walked about the living room. Her eyes drank in the various projects. Admiration elicited a headshake. "Quite splendid! I knit but not like this."

"They've seen the mittens and scarf you made for me last Christmas, Aunt May. I was thinking of doing a Feature article on Mrs. Kent's blue ribbons," Peter noted.

"We're regulars at the Kansas State Fair and the Lowell County Fair as well." Martha cut the pie. "Peter says you both like cherry pie? This came out of the oven a half an hour ago. It's still a little warm."

"Oh my! Pie too?" May smiled. "Peter, you scamp! You told them we like this?"

"We want you to feel welcome. It's really no trouble." Martha brought the pieces over to the table. "Dinner will be ready in a couple of hours. This is just a snack."

"My! Thank you!" May nodded to Anna. "It's a wonder that Peter is still trim. With all of this good cooking."

"We treat people right out here," Jonathan bit into his pie piece. "Did I hear you say you wanted to do a feature on us?"

"Just on the blue ribbon quality goods around the farm. There are your stock and this pie too. Sorry, Clark, Mr. Luthor and the others like to brag." Peter put a forkful in his mouth. "Mmm! Mrs. Kent, this is great! Thank you."

"You're welcome, Peter. Gwen and you have introduced us to some recipes from back east. The best part is that we swap ideas and learn from each other." Martha squeezed Jonathan's hand. "The rest is hard work and elbow grease."

"Well put, Martha. I think, Peter, you should write something on that. It might inspire something in your generation." Anna exchanged looks with May.

"Peter, we need to talk about that." May sighed. "I appreciate the welcome. Is there something going on that I need to know about?"

"Like what, Aunt May? Gwen and I are observing at the schools. We're at Mr. Luthor's. I mentoring a student at the local high school on journalism." Peter smelled a lecture brewing in his aunt's head.

"Betty and that nice Mr. Robertson talked to us on the flight." May drank her coffee. "They told us about how the fellowship fell through. Then you're fired from the Bugle? Peter!"

"Now, Aunt May…." Peter sucked in a deep breath. When it came to standoffs, he'd rather deal with Octavius, the Dark Rider, Thanos or just about anyone else rather than the slender elderly woman to his left. "That is hardly Gwen's or my fault."

"We were just talking about that, May, before you landed." Jonathan cleared his throat. "They were set to do the internships. Everything was set up to start. Then their mentor got sick and had to go home. Peter and Gwen are still on track with the other parts of their internships."

"I suppose. Peter, you know how your uncle wanted you to pursue your science!" May reminded him with an edge to her voice. "It was a nice thing you did for that young lady but…"

"That's how I was fired, Aunt May. Jonah crossed the line with Chloe. He wanted her to do a story that neither she nor I were comfortable with. She refused. I did as well. He told me not to go back there. It was a matter of integrity for us. He had her in tears. She was so upset. Then he accused me of ignoring the Bugle sale." Peter rubbed the back of his neck. "I know I have been with the Bugle for a long time. I did not want to leave. There were things though that Uncle Ben and you would not have tolerated. Mr. Luthor wants to talk to you. Gwen and I have opportunities. I actually have an interview on Wednesday in Metropolis."

"An interview? There? Goodness, Peter!" Anna sipped her coffee. "Did you just happen to get an interview at the Daily Planet or something?"

"That is what happened. They noticed the article and know about my photos. They want to interview me for a permanent staff position. Gwen and I can transfer our credits to Metropolis University. Their programs are great. Mr. Luthor has left the door open for other research opportunities as well. Gwen could teach science." Peter gulped down a mouthful of coffee.

"Peter, what about New York and your friends? You'd be so far away!" May shook her head. "It sounds so nice but I don't want you to move."

"You could come with us. Gwen and I have been looking into senior activities. Let's just talk to her and Mr. Luthor." Peter shrugged. "Sorry to overwhelm you. I just wanted you to know we've been planning."

"That's nice." May nodded. She sipped on her coffee. Still, Disappointment budded within her psyche.

Nothing was ever easy….