Conclusion [Thanksgiving]

[Kent Farm]

Flurries danced through the late Fall air. Overcast darkened even Afternoon's sky. Everyone buzzed about the area to stay warm and tend to their affairs. Holidays loomed.

And Preparations finally settled….

Lana stood over the stove. Her eyes watched several pots. She stirred the heating pot of potatoes. She lifted a cover from a pan to check on the sweating green beans. She gave those a toss as well. "These are really doing great, Mrs. Kent. Thanks for showing me how to do this." She stepped aside.

"Thank you, Lana. You're such a big help. I really appreciate it." Martha opened the oven door. With her mitted hand, she slid the wire rack out to check on the turkey. Then she closed the door again. "That'll be ready in a couple of minutes." She lifted the cover off of a crock pot on the counter. She stirred a bubbling macaroni and cheese. Panko sprinkled over the top of the cooking side dish. "I can't wait to try this."

Anxiety bubbled up inside of Lana. "It's something I play around with." She set the cover on the beans. "The beans are almost done. Just need to get these mashed." She used a dish clothes to help lift the pan and drain the potatoes into a colander. Once back in the pan, she threw butter, milk and cream in with the potatoes. The spoon mashed and mixed for several minutes. "There!" She set the cover on the potatoes. "Those are done!"

"Something sure smells great!" Jonathan came down the stairs. His eyes twinkled. A smile warmed his features. "I'd say you two are rendering a feast."

"It is Thanksgiving after all, Jonathan." Martha wiped her hands on the dish towel. She glanced at the elongated table. "I'm glad those extra wooden sections fit the table."

"This is going to be the biggest Thanksgiving we've ever had, Martha." Jonathan sucked in a deep breath. "Too bad Bill Ross went out of town."

"At least we can have Lex, Luigi, Jasmine, Miranda, Pete and Samantha here for dinner. I hope Gabe's sister is all right." Martha picked the cover off of the last pan. There Gravy bubbled away. "That's done. Lana, want to check on Clark? We're almost ready. Company should be over shortly."

"Of course!" Lana took her apron off. She smoothed her blouse and slacks. "Be right back." She grabbed her coat and pulled her boots on. Then she headed out the door.

Admiration prompted a nod from Jonathan. "Lana never stops. Does she? This is amazing! Even her mother would've struggled to keep this pace."

"She wants to pull her weight, Jonathan." Martha smiled. "I think she's proving her place to Clark and us."

"Clark and she are happy. She's working, pulling honor roll and doing chores around here. More power to her." Jonathan nodded.

[Loft]

Clark leaned back against the couch cushions. His eyes combed a listing of accepted 4-H outreach efforts. After the previous month's star gazing, he wanted to find something else to do. Mr. Reynolds keeps nagging about another outreach program. Mr. Jones keeps saying to find some activity. I wish I knew what.

"You're looking a little stressed there, Clark." Lana watched him from the top stair. "It is a holiday."

"Tell that to Mr. Reynolds." Clark rolled his eyes. He set the catalog down on the table. "Just trying to burn time until…" He raised an eyebrow.

Lana rolled her eyes. "You've been up here all day actually, Clark. Dinner's almost ready. Everyone will be here in a few minutes." She smirked. "I'm sure Mr. Reynolds will love the effort."

"And you?" Clark eased himself off of the couch.

"And me?" Lana bobbed her head back and forth. Mischief spread the smirk's length to challenge Lex's. "I might be mildly impressed."

"Only mildly?" Clark drew closer.

"Impress me." Her eyes caught Candles' glow. Her Polarii drew him to her. They were guides in Frustration's darkest night.

His arms snaked around her waist. His lips pressed against hers. Amor's energies flowed back and forth between them. Candle flickered. Lights went on and off.

And they floated…albeit for a minute…but they did float…

"How's that?" He grinned at her.

Teasing sauced her tone. "It's a start, Mr. Kent. Come on." She inspected him. "You'll do." She took his hand and led him down the wooden stairs. As they reached the barn door, they saw the aforementioned guests walking up to the path toward the front door. "HI, GUYS! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

"Glad you could make it, Guys!" Clark gave an empathic wave and grin, "I'm glad Mom cooked enough for an army!"

"We bring some things of our own, Clark." Luigi held up a casserole dish. "We contribute to a rich dish. We get back more."

"I couldn't have said it better myself, Luigi." Lex nodded. He smiled at the sight of Clark and Lana walking toward them and holding hands. "I'm thankful for such good times. Come on. Let's greet Mr. and Mrs. Kent." He led them all toward the house.

"Good afternoon, Everyone! Please come in!" Jonathan opened the door. A wave of his hand beckoned guests and resident teens inside. "Everything is piping hot and ready to eat."

"That's sounds great, Mr. Kent!" Pete's mouth practically watered. "Sam brought her violin just in case."

"That would be a very nice after dinner treat." Martha stepped over to Jonathan's side. "Glad to see everyone. We're almost ready. Come in!" She saw Luigi holding the casserole dish. "Is that the stuffing, Luigi? Thank you!"

"It is my pleasure!" Luigi shrugged. "For such delights, I bring Mama's stuffing."

"And an additional cake from the restaurant's oven this morning, Mrs. Kent!" Miranda held up a sealed cake carrier.

Martha looked to Jonathan. "It may be the biggest Thanksgiving feast. Our house can handle it."

"Sure. Yeah." Jonathan nodded. He beckoned everyone inside.

The guests filed in and hung their coats up. Martha helped to find places to set offerings down on the counter. After hands were washed and table set, everyone sat down for the Grace. Then Food, Drink, Toasts and Warmth ensued.

Not even Jonathan or Pete could find a thing wrong with Lex on that day.

Clark gazed upon his friends. His eye caught his Barista Fair's. He grinned. Look at this! Isn't this great?

This, Clark, is family. This is what we're thankful for. Lana squeezed his hand.

He nodded. I'm thankful for you.

She blushed but somehow kept her composure. She managed to pass the turkey to him. Still, Happiness buoyed her heart to greater heights.

Service in all ways nurtured Happiness and Bonds. It had many different Fruits and Rewards for all….

THE END