Chapter 30 [Next Afternoon—Sullivan Household]

Lana turned onto the Sullivans' street from the main road. An enormous yawn escaped from her mouth. Drowsiness sagged across her arms and legs. Getting through tonight's going to be a challenge. She'd pushed herself through the school day. Now she had to survive four hours at the Talon. At least I'm packed. She glanced into the rearview mirror.

Clark's truck turned into the street right behind her.

At least he's here with me. She turned into the Sullivans' driveway and parked there. She took a few gulps from her coffee cup. Caffeine jolted her senses awake. Let's get this over with. Chloe's at the Torch. She saw him get out of the truck and walk up to her. "Thanks again, Clark."

"You know it's no problem." He smiled. "You going to be okay tonight?"

"We all have long days, Clark. I'm packed at least. I don't want Sam to have to wait for me." She let them into the house. "Follow me." She ushered them upstairs and into her room. "I tried to have everything set."

He surveyed the room. The bed stood ready for its next occupant. The bookcases sat empty. Boxes and trash bags lined the far wall. The closet had nary a thing hanging in there. "Wow. You were busy yesterday."

"I don't want to stretch this out, Clark. As I told your parents last night, it's kind of for the best." She hefted a garbage bag. "Let's get this stuff downstairs." She started for the stairs.

Yeah. He hefted a box and followed her out to her truck. There he found her talking to Mr. Sullivan. "Hi, Mr. Sullivan! Good to see you."

"Hi, Clark. Thanks for helping Lana. Everything all right?" Mr. Sullivan managed a smile. While his mindset remained split about Lana's move, he appreciated Clark's help in moving Sam's things.

"I'm great. I'm glad Sam's got a new place and people to be around. Hopefully she'll still be able to do stuff with the Symphony. Chloe and you are great. You know?" Clark made an effort with that awkward response. He meant it of course. With Lana standing there and helping her to move from that house to the farm however, it came out that way though.

"We try, Clark. Hey I'll dazzle her with my humor. I can't be her Dad. Maybe though I can be a friend. That'd be great. Let me give you a hand with this stuff." Mr. Sullivan walked in ahead of them.

"That's cool." Clark motioned toward the open door.

She grinned. "He's being surprisingly great. Maybe he understands. I hope so. I hate to hurt Chloe but…"

"I get it. Come on." Clark led her back toward the bedroom and the rest of the load in question.

For another hour, the trio loaded Lana's boxes and bags into the truck and blazer. Then they checked everything to make sure Lana had her things.

"Mr. Sullivan, thank you." Lana took the key from her keychain. She set in his hand.

"You're welcome, Lana. Thank you. You're welcome any time." Mr. Sullivan accepted the key. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry but I have some other things to do. See you soon?"

"I'll be around. Take care." She watched Mr. Sullivan walk back into the house and close the door behind him.

Clark put his hand on her shoulder. "You did your best, Lana. Everyone did. Chloe will be okay. Mr. Sullivan will get another job. Come on. You have to get to the Talon. I hope you don't mind. Mom opened your comforter and sheets bag. She made your bed. It's all set for you."

She nodded. "Your Mom's amazing, Clark." She leaned close and kissed his cheek. "And so are you." She let her eyes sparkle into his. "Sorry but I have my shift. See you later."

"I'll be waiting." He grinned. "Want me to put your stuff in your room or wait until you get home?"

"I trust you, Clark. Thanks." She watched him get into the truck and drive off. Hard to believe that's it! Unreal! Now that shift….

Transition had reached another level….