Chapter 6

Late at night, around 10, Clark walked into the loft and found Lois staring out the window. He stood there, watching her for a matter of minutes. He looked down, not knowing how to begin. "Hey," he heard her say softly.

"Hey," he replied. "How long have you been up here?"

"I don't know," she said as she continued staring out the window. "I really haven't been paying attention." Her tone of voice sounded weak, exhausted. He felt his stomach turn at seeing her like this.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Do you need anything?"

She shook her head. "I'm tired. I just feel so tired. I think I've been crying all afternoon. I honestly don't know if I have anymore in me."

"Lois I'm sorry I'm so sorry."

She looked over at him for the first time. "For what?"

"If I hadn't given up my powers. I could have gone with those people and I could have helped them. Maybe...maybe they would still be here. I feel like I failed them. That I failed you." He started to shed tears once again. Lois moved from her spot and put her arms around him.

"None of this was your fault Clark." He put his arms around her and buried his head in her neck.

"I miss them Lois. It hurts." He told her, sniffing.

"I know. I know it hurts." She held him tight. "It feels like a part of me has been ripped away. And I'm never going to get it back."

For the rest of the night they continued to hold each other; giving whatever comfort that they could. The next morning Clark came downstairs and Lois was sitting at the table, drinking some coffee.

"Morning Lois," he greeted.

"Hey, good morning Smallville." She gave him a little smile.

"Not going to work today?" He asked, noticing she was still in her pajamas.

"No, I called my editor and told him I needed a day off. Family matter." Clark nodded at that. "I just need some time to collect myself."

"I understand," he nodded. He placed a hand on her shoulder and she brought her hand up to squeeze his. "Do you want me to stick around?"

"No," she said, "There's no point in both of us being a wreck today. I'll be fine. I'm just going to hang around her with your folks."

"Okay." He bent down and she raised her head to kiss him.

"Hey Clark," Lois began. "Please don't be mad, but...I want to tell you mom, everything."

"What?" Clark didn't know what to think,

"Before you say anything, please just listen." After he nodded she continued. "I know we talked last night. But, Clark, I need her right now. I need to talk to her, mother to mother. Please, I just need you to understand."

He was still afraid of what might happen if his parents, or anyone else knew the truth. But, that had always defined his life hadn't it. Always holding things back from others because he was afraid. As afraid as he was, he just didn't have the heart to deny her this. She was beginning him to support her.

He finally nodded. "I trust your judgement Lois." He took her hand in his. "And I do understand. If you are sure about this, then you know I'm with you."

She smiled, throwing her arms around him. "Thank you."

He eventually let go and then headed for the door. "I love you Lois. So much."

She smiled back at him. "I know. I love you too Clark."

Later that day, Lois found Martha in the kitchen. She was busy doing the dishes and putting them away. There was no one else around, so this seemed like a s good of a time as any to talk to her.

"Mrs. K, "she said, getting Martha to turn to her.

"Oh hi Lois. I didn't notice you there." Just then Martha noticed that something seemed to be weighing on her mind. "Is everything okay?"

"Actually, Mrs. K. There was something that I wanted to talk to you about," she told her. "Um, do you mind if we go into the living room and sit down? This is going to take some time."

Martha was confused but agreed. So, they moved to the living room and sat down on the couch. There, Lois began to tell her everything. She told her about the future, about her and Clark. She told her about how Clark gave up his powers in order to raise a family with her. She went on to explain how they ended up here. She brought up Brainiac and what they were doing to try and stop him. She finally brought up their girls, and how torn up she was about the knowledge that they are gone now.

That was when Lois broke down and started sobbing again. Martha was stunned about all this new information. All of that went away when she saw Lois falling to pieces in front of her. "Oh Lois," she said, taking Lois into her arms. She was starting to cry now too. "I'm so sorry."

Lois was sobbing and shaking in her arms, holding onto Martha like her life depended on it. It must have been a good ten minutes before she was able to pull herself together. "Clark was afraid of what might happen if we told you. Being from the future and all. But I just really needed you right now. You've always been like a mother to me."

"It's okay Lois." Martha reassured her. "I'm here for you."

"I'm sorry we lied to you," she sniffed while lifting her head to look at Martha.

"I admit that it is a lot to take in. And I understand. You both were just doing what you thought was best. You really love Clark don't you?"

"Mrs. K." Lois looked right at ther. "I love him more than I have ever loved anyone."

Martha smiled warmly at her. "I can see it." she wiped the tears from Lois' eyes. "I am so glad that Clark has you. He is lucky."

"Yeah well, I'm kinda lucky to have him too." Lois smiled a little.

"If you want to keep this from Jonathan, I promise I won't tell anyone. "Martha said, surprising Lois. "I don't like it and I think he should know. But, it's not my secret to tell. And, I'll respect your decision."

"That means a lot Mrs. K. But, I think we should tell him too. I think it's time we all got on the same page." Lois nodded. Martha nodded and smiled.

Later that night, Jonathan had come back from running errands in town. Clark had come home as well. Lois pulled Clark aside and told him about everything that happened today. As difficult as it was going to be to have this conversation, Lois made him see that they should all be on the same page. This family was always stronger that way.

"Dad," Clark called "There is something that we need to tell you."

Jonathan was setting the table when his son called. Clark walked in the kitchen, looking over at his mom as she nodded. Lois was right behind him. "What did you want to tell me son?"

Clark took a breath and exhaled. "I think we should all sit down. This is going to take some time to explain."