Chapter 8 [Kent Farm—After School]

Clark sped down the state road from town. Exhilaration lightened his spirits. He and Lana exchanged short heartbeat-long glances and smiles toward each other in their history class. Her words and tone lightened back up toward him. Forgiveness was possible.

He could actually have (yet another) shot...odds be damned…

He skidded to a stop in back of the barn. As he did so, he noticed an unfamiliar cobalt blue truck by the house. Who's that? He hustled up the walk. He stuck his head in the door. "Mom? Dad?"

Jonathan looked toward him. "Hey, Son! Come on in! We've got company." He motioned for Clark to join them.

"Your day go all right at school?" Martha poured Clark a mug of coffee as well.

"Everything's great, Mom. Thanks." Clark sized up the tall gaunt man sitting in the guest chair. From the minister's traditional dark collar and coat in addition to the thinning blonde hair, he recognized the other man. "Reverend Thomas?"

"Clark! Well I'll be!" Thomas grinned. He stood and strode over to Clark. His extended hand sought a handshake. "Good to see you."

"And you, Sir. How's everything for you?" Clark shook the offered hand. The Reverend's manner eased Query and Suspicion about the planned activities.

"I stay busy. Never stop helping people. Always looking to serve others." Thomas looked Clark over. "You seem to get taller every time I see you. Blessed be!"

"Clean living and lots of chores, I guess." Clark smiled. He couldn't help but feel at ease around the visitor. "Actually we were just talking about you at school today."

"Oh? I hope it was something good." Thomas led Clark back toward the table.

"Apparently Lana Lang and Mr. Reynolds talked with one of your parishioners. You need volunteers?" Clark sat down. His eyes met his parents'.

"We were just talking about that very thing, Clark." Jonathan took a draught from his mug.

"What were you thinking about, Clark?" She sliced at a pie. "Bring this over to Reverend Thomas please."

"Sure, Mom." Clark's mouth watered at her blueberry pie. He brought the piece to the table. "Here it is, Reverend."

"Thank you, Clark." Thomas sampled his treat. "Mmm! Martha, this is wonderful! Thank you. So, Clark, what would interest you?"

Clark shrugged. "I wanted to help folks do some star gazing. I noticed that was one of the ideas on your flyer."

"It is indeed! Are you into astronomy?" Thomas took another bite from his pie.

"It's my hobby. I've got a telescope out in the barn. I love to look at the night sky. I figured some folklore and stories would be great." Clark accepted a piece of pie from her. "Thanks, Mom."

"That would be precisely what we had in mind. Would that be all right, Jonathan? Martha?" Thomas glanced at the two parents.

"I think it's a great idea. There's a lot Clark can offer everyone," she agreed.

"Where would you have these sessions?" Jonathan stiffened. He knew the recently harvested cornfields would tempt the group.

"Mr. Reynolds said he'd help with arrangements if it's okay with Mom and you, Dad. He spoke to me about it this morning." Clark savored the first bite of pie. "Mom, this is great. I could have just this for dinner."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm sure you could. Just don't ruin your dinner, Clark. We've got roast. Reverend Thomas, you're welcome to stay. It'll be ready in about an hour or so."

"Thanks, Martha. I'd like that. I'll talk to Mr. Reynolds tomorrow. I'm sure the town would let us use the park for those sessions." Thomas heard his phone buzz at him. "Who could that be? Excuse me." He took his cell phone out. "Peter Ross?"

"He wants to talk to you about this service thing too, Sir. It's something really good for this weekend. He was talking to Lana and me about it today." Clark took a mouthful of coffee.

"Well then! I will take this then." Thomas answered the call. "Good afternoon, this is Reverend Thomas."

"Hi, Reverend. My name's Pete Ross. Sorry to bug you. I can call back…" Pete started.

"Nonsense, Pete! It's been far too long. Your Mom and Dad all right?" Thomas replied.

"Yes, Sir. I try to get into Wichita once a month or more to see Mom. Dad's still running the farm out here. I was wondering if you're open for an idea for that service stuff your church is doing?" Pete offered. He leaned back in the booth's seat. His eyes glanced at Chloe whose fingers danced across her laptop's keyboard.

"Of course. What did you have in mind, Pete? Clark tells me you have been talking about this at school today." Thomas rubbed his chin. He glanced at the others at the table with him.

"Well my friend from Wichita's coming to visit this weekend. Her name's Samantha Cooper." Pete noticed Chloe making a circular motion with her hand to keep the conversation going. "She's really great with the violin."

"Samantha…?" Thomas sat straight up in his chair. "This wouldn't happen to be the same young lady who plays with the Wichita Symphony is it? My word! Of course the church would be interested! When is she coming?"

"She'll be here on Friday afternoon. Lana volunteered the Talon's theater if that works. Samantha cleared it with her conductor," Pete clarified.

"That would be perfect. Perhaps you might have Miss Cooper call or send me an email? I would be delighted to settle arrangements. Is Miss Lang available? I know the Talon gets busy," Thomas agreed.

"Yeah the line just broke. Just a sec!" Pete walked up to the counter. There he saw Lana and another waitress cleaning everything. "Lana, Reverend Thomas wanted to talk about Sam's deal."

"Reverend Thomas?" Lana accepted the phone. "Thanks, Pete." I hope there aren't any problems! "Talon Café, this is Lana speaking."

"Good afternoon, Lana, this is Reverend Thomas. I trust you are well. I have been meaning to get back in there for another gingerbread latte," Thomas replied.

"Sure thing! We'd love to make one for you." Lana relaxed slightly. Her eyes remained on the door for potential customers. "Did Pete tell you about what we discussed?"

"He did indeed! Your offer is very generous. Whenever Miss Cooper can perform, we would like to use the theater. I just advised Pete to have her call or email me so we can settle on details. Should I call Lex Luthor?" Thomas accepted. His smile grew wider with each heartbeat.

"I'll talk to him tonight. Maybe you can ask Clark to meet me there around 8? We just need to make sure Lex is in the loop on this. I'm sure he'll be great with it." Lana noticed a murder of Crows congregating in front of the counter. "Sorry but I have customers."

"I understand. It is very nice to speak to you again, Lana. Take care and I'll see you this weekend. If Lex has any questions, he can call me. Thank you. Have a good day." Thomas waited for her to hand the phone back to Pete.

"That sounded good. I hope?" Pete presumed.

"It's better than good. I am looking forward to this weekend, Pete. I'll await Miss Cooper's call or email. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. You take care. Give my best to your parents. Take care." Thomas disconnected the call. "Now that is very good news."

"Glad that's going to work out." Clark grinned. "I've never heard her play. Pete says she's really good."

"That, Clark, is what we call a gross understatement." Thomas chuckled. "I have heard her play with the symphony. She's quite talented. The Lord does deliver." He sipped on his coffee. "As He did by inspiring your help as well. And to share one of your mother's splendid meals as well? This is a truly blessed afternoon. By the way, Lana wanted you to meet her at Lex Luthor's estate later to speak with him. I can drop you off on my way home."

"That would be great, Reverend. Thank you." She shook her head at Resentment's narrowing of Jonathan's eyes at the mention of Lex in that regard.

"It is my pleasure. Whatever I can do to help." Thomas raised his mug to them.

One good turn merited another it seemed….