Note: This is the last chapter for the Earth Angel. Thanks to all of you
who read the story and took time to review! I'm not sure if I'll come up
with a sequel, though I have this ickle idea lurking. Tell me if it's
worthy of a part two. Thanks and cheers everyone!
Chapter Twenty Three
Clark Kent walked the hallway of the second floor of the Luthor mansion with a huge pleasant smile pasted on his chiseled face. He just finished checking the beautifully decorated garden that will be used for his wedding that afternoon.
He loved how it looked and was positive that his soon to be wife, Linda, would be elated at the sight of it. White is the color motif they all agreed on for the said occasion.
Lex was kind enough to plan everything. He provided the site for the wedding, the decorations, the food, he contracted a priest and even managed to come up with a great gift for the couple. An all expense paid trip to Florence, Italy for their honeymoon.
As expected, Mr. Kent wasn't crazy about the idea of Lex paying and organizing the whole thing. His wife and Mrs. and Mr. Danvers were also surprised by it all, but not to the extent that they'd turn it down. After all they planned the wedding just last night.
Only Lex could come up with all these things on such short notice. He's got contacts, he's got friends. In the end, after a long time of convincing, Martha was able to knock some sense into her husband.
They came up with the understanding that the Kent and the Danvers would pay him back as soon as they can. Lex gave that a nod, just so Mr. Kent would be comfortable with the set up. Though deep down inside he wasn't really expecting them to pay him back. This is his gift for Clark and Linda.
For many times, since the Kent left the farm house for the Danvers to use, Clark's been trying to contact Linda telephatically. Unfortunately, all he got from her is a giggle and a message that goes something like 'Stop It Clark! I'm busy looking good for 'ya!'
Clark would just return the giggle and whisper a sweet 'I love you' to Linda.
Early that morning, Clark drove Linda to Smallville High to bid goodbye to her co-students leaving for Leesburg. Even Lana and Whitney were there when they arrived. Of course they didn't tell anyone about their planned marriage for that afternoon. Only Lex, Lena, his parents and Linda's parents knew about it.
Sadly, Lena had to go back to Leesburg. According to her mom, Mrs. Thorul, her father Lionel's becoming more suspicious on her whereabouts.
So to prevent him from knowing that she's in Smallville, instead of a teenage sexuality seminar in Kentucky, she decided that it would be best if she got home with the rest of the students that morning.
Linda cried, realizing that she'd be marrying Clark without her best friend to witness it. She did promise Lena that she'll tell her everything about the wedding as soon as she got back to Leesburg, with Clark possibly with her.
It didn't surprise both Clark and Linda when Lex didn't show any sad emotions when it was time for him to say goodbye to his half sister. He was casual and he did not even spend much time talking to her alone. Lena on the other hand was very much emotional. She never seized crying except when Mrs. Bates prodded the Leesburg students to get in the bus.
All they heard from Lena and Lex was their promise to see each other again someday soon. It was a heartwarming sight when they hugged for the last time.
As the students entered the bus, the crowd parted. Linda spotted Dick coming towards her with his blue duffel bag rested over his shoulders. Sadness was evident on his beautiful face, its as if he knows that Linda's getting married.
"I heard about your parents coming." He uttered gazing down at her with his eyes full of love. "I'd really want to see them, but-."
Dick paused pressing his lips together, unable to decide whether he'd continued his sentence or not.
"Don't worry, I'll tell they you said 'HI'." Linda spoke softly, keeping a smile.
Clark stood behind her, observing some sort of romantic tension between both of them. The kind he and Lana used to have.
"Please do." Dick said, flashing a weak smile. With that, Dick put down his bag, he moved close and clasped Linda in his strong arms.
She hugged back, resting her face on his throbbing strong chest. The hug was symbolical for Linda. It meant that she's saying goodbye to the guy she always had a crush on, for when she goes back to Leesburg she would no longer be Linda Lee Danvers, but Linda Kent.
She would finally belong to someone. She would finally belong to Clark.
It crushed Linda's heart when she saw the bus leaving the school grounds and off to the Metropolis airport to catch their flight to Leesburg. Thankfully, Clark was right beside her to comfort her. For Linda, everything seems to be OK when Clark's around.
He makes her happy, he makes her complete.
When they got back to the farm, a stylish white car was parked at the driveway. The license plate says Metropolis.
Linda was ecstatic when they entered the house and found her parents chatting with Mr. and Mrs. Kent at the living room. She rushed for them and gave them both a welcome hug.
She introduced Clark to her parents afterwards. Clark was delighted to finally meet Linda's parents. He regarded that the couple appeared to be in their early forties, just like his parents.
Mrs. Edna Danvers looked stunning in her casual dress while Mr. Fred Danvers seemed to be perfectly comfortable in his sleek crème suit. Looking at them, there was no doubt they were from the city. "Where d'you get the car?" Linda queried as she let her parents sit back down on the couch with the Kent couple.
"We rented it in Metropolis." Mr. Danvers informed, stroking his thick raven hair. "Your mother figured that it would be much more advisable to rent a car than hire a taxi."
As the conversation went on, the Kent's learned that Fred is a police officer in Leesburg while Edna's a plain housewife like Martha.
The Kent couple and the Danvers had a laugh reminiscing the days when they first learned of their children's super natural powers and abilities. If felt great for both of the couple knowing that they were not the only ones who had to raise super powered teens like Clark and Linda.
"Ever since she got here, Linda's been helping out with the house and farm chores. She'd rather work than just sit down and do nothing." Said Mrs. Kent, remembering Linda's first days at the farm.
"You truly have a wonderful daughter." Mr. Kent added with a smile.
"Yeah. We're very lucky to have found her." Mr. Danvers agreed, proud of what his daughter had shown the Kent's. "She's a super girl."
While their parents were busy sharing stories with each other, Linda and Clark sneaked out of the house and headed for the loft and made out.
After the passionate kisses and intense groping, Clark sighed in frustration.
"You have no idea how badly I want you right now." He whispered amorously in her left ear, eyes closed.
"You'll have me soon enough." She replied tenderly, kissing him on the lips and down his neck.
They both broke free from their embrace as Clark stood up next to his telescope, looking outside the barn, reflecting.
"Isn't it strange?" He heard Linda retorted from behind him.
"What is?" Clark turned around to face her, one hand leaning against the frame of the loft's wide opened window.
"That we're getting married," She expounded, tucking in a few strands of her wig behind her ears. "And we're technically related, we're cousins."
"Second cousins." He immediately piped in, pointing a finger at Linda. "Which is by the way, permitted and allowed to get married under federal law."
"I know, it's just that I look at you and I see Clark Kent, I see Kal- El," Linda muttered resting her elbows on her lap as she sat on a wooden box. "And I see my cousin."
"Is that all you can see?" Clark asked taking little steps as he walks towards her. "'Cause when I look at you, I don't only see Linda, I don't only see Kara Zor-El. I don't see a cousin, but a person who means the world to me."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"A person who means the world to me." Those words echoed inside Linda head repeatedly.
She smiled to herself thinking that she would be married soon to the most romantic, most handsome and the sweetest man alive, Clark Kent. Who would've thought that she'd find that man here, in the town of Smallville.
Linda sat in her room at the Kent's residence, in front of the mirror of her vanity, studying the ring Clark gave her that night at the party. It had a heart shaped sapphire stone on it, set atop of a golden band ring.
Clark said that it was the same ring that Mr. Kent gave Mrs. Kent the day he proposed to her. And now his mother handed it down to Clark for Linda. It was an utterly wonderful gesture.
The ring even looked more remarkable as the blue gemstone catches the rays of the sun leaking from her small window. Dressed in a white silk, sleeveless, empire cut gown, Linda was ready to go to her wedding. Her blonde hair was piled up on her head glamorously as golden locks flowed lusciously down her shoulders, giving her a Greek goddess look.
A part of her felt sad that Lena wouldn't be able to see her walk down the aisle.
She remembered Lucy Lane, her former best friend who moved back to Metropolis a year ago.
Growing up, they used to talk about their dream weddings and their fantasy grooms. Lucy was a die hard Brad Pitt fan back then and would want to get married near the ocean. Linda meanwhile wanted a garden wedding with none other Christian Slater.
"Oh Lucy." Linda thought staring at herself in the mirror. "If you could only see me now with Clark."
Someone knocked on her door, she looked over her shoulders and saw her mom came in. She acknowledged her with a smile.
"Nervous?" Mrs. Danvers asked her young daughter, looking at her through the mirror.
"Awfully." Linda managed to utter.
"Don't worry. You'll be fine." Her mother assured her with a sincere smile on her lips. "I want you to know that your father and I are happy for you."
Mrs. Danvers paused, marveling on how beautiful her daughter looked in that old prom gown of hers.
"You've been looking for him since you were a small child. We're glad you finally found him here." Edna mumbled, rubbing her daughter's bare arms lovingly. "Your search is over."
"I know." Linda mumbled, trying her best not to cry.
Mrs. Danvers bent forward and kissed Linda on her cheeks before enveloping her in her arms. Tears flowed from her light brown eyes.
"Thanks mom." She held her mother's hand.
Edna stood straight again, brushing the tears away before it could ruin her make up. She informed, "We're leaving in five minutes, Ok?"
Linda nodded and watched her mom leave the room after planting a kiss on her forehead. In five minutes they'll be heading to the Luthor mansion where Lex, Clark and his family awaits.
She slipped on her matching silk strapped sandals, getting herself ready.
Then she heard her mother in the hallway talking to someone. But she never heard anyone talk back, so she assumed that she must be on her mobile phone.
Linda ignored it and continued adjusting her footwear, when suddenly she felt pain inside her ears.
Without warning, every little sound around her seemed to be getting louder by the second. She could hear her father's faint footsteps downstairs. The sound of the soft breeze that was coming from her window seemed to be magnified a hundred times.
In Linda's mind, she figured that she's developing another power, Sonic hearing.
She wanted to turn it down because her ears were hurting, though she doesn't have a clue on how.
All she could do is cover her ears and pray that it would go away. Seconds passed but she could still hear her mom talk at the hallway on her mobile.
Linda heard her mom gasped, for whatever reason she doesn't know.
Then the person on the other end of the line said, "They found their body at the kitchen floor. The old woman had her eyes taken off while the little girl had her heart ripped out of her chest." Even Linda gasped when she heard that. She concentrated and later figured that her mom was talking to Mrs. Lindsey, the Danvers' next door neighbor.
"Omigawd! Does the police have any suspects?" Mrs. Danvers was crying. She felt alarmed, crushed and worried at the same time.
Linda got up and walked unsteadily towards her door. The names of the victims were forming inside her head, though she kept praying that her instincts were wrong.
"An old woman and a child." She restated near to tears, under her shaky breath. Then the name's popped in her thoughts. "Please God, no."
"None. The neighbors didn't see anyone enter Mrs. Grants' house." Mrs. Lindsey informed with a weak voice.
Mrs. Danvers said goodbye to Fran Lindsey after a while. She was still sobbing when she turned and saw her daughter behind her. She didn't notice her step out of the room.
Tears were continuously flowing for her eyes. Seeing her like this, she reckoned that Linda already over heard what had happened to the old lady and her grandchild, Millie, who lives across the street from them.
"Mom." Linda walked right into her mother's arms, sobbing.
Edna hugged her daughter back. Mrs. Grant had been always nice to the Danvers, especially to Linda. As a child, Mrs. Grant would invite her over her house and offer Linda milk and all the cookies she wants.
She was a nice old lady who was always there to listen to her when she's feeling down. Knowing that she's already gone felt like a part of Linda was also taken away.
"Strength comes to those who have the courage to believe."
Those were the words that Mrs. Grant used to tell her when she's afraid and vulnerable. Mrs. Grant was not only caring and sweet but also wise. She reminds Linda of an old friend, Zaltar.
But now, Mrs. Grant and Millie's gone and Linda knew who killed them. A cult that's been terrorizing Leesburg, known to everyone as "The Followers of the Shadow."
She vows that ones she gets back to Leesburg, she would get rid of every single one of those bastards.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At the garden at Lex's mansion, everything was set to perfection. Lex hired a professional organ player from Metropolis exclusively for the wedding. Bouquets of fresh white roses outlined the petal filled aisle leading to the altar, where the priest and the now nervous Clark Kent stood next to Lex Luthor.
Since Clark and his family had grown close to Lex, they figured that it would be great for him to be the best man in this wedding. Anyway Clark looks at him as an older brother who's always there, Lex knows his secrets and he trust him with his life. Lex Luthor was the perfect choice.
"Clark, here's a tip," Lex uttered leaning closer to his ear. "Stop fidgeting."
From the moment, they stood before the altar, he had noticed that Clark was showing signs of nervousness. He appeared to look restless, he kept on moving, looking side ways checking on his parents and Lex and his suit.
Clark felt nervous thinking that any minute now, Linda would start marching down the improvised petal aisle with her parents. Actually, he was both nervous and excited of the thought.
After a while Lex's mobile rang and answered it.
"Ok, thank you Hans." He said before dropping the call.
"They're here." He added informing everyone present that the bride and her family had just drove into the mansion's lot.
Clark adjusted his black bow tie and straightened up his suit upon hearing Lex divulge the information. He can't wait to see his beautiful bride.
As soon as the organ player saw the bride and her parents heading for the garden, he started playing the melodious wedding march.
Clark saw his bride emerge from the bend holding a bouquet of white roses, with Mr. and Mrs. Danvers on her side. Linda never seized to take his breath away. She was even more beautiful in that gown and her blonde hair like that, it's as if she walked right out of a magazine.
Now, as she marched down the aisle and the air filled with the melody coming from the organ, Linda gazed on her husband waiting at the other side.
Clark noticed something different in Linda as she got closer. Her eyes were red rimmed and a little puffed, it's like she just cried. He tried asking her what's wrong telepathically, but she did not give any answer. A weak smile played on Linda's cherry red lips, trying to disguise what half of her felt that moment.
Mr. Danvers handed her daughter to Clark when they reached the altar. Clark thanked him, though he regarded that even the Danvers couple had that same sad aura that Linda's trying to hide from him.
Clark held tightly on her hand, after flashing her a loving smile. He reckoned that it's normal for some people to cry and feel a bit sad on their wedding day. Heck, even his mom told him a while ago that she cried when she got married to his father.
Looking at her now, Clark thought how lucky he is to marry Linda. Every time he sees her, he feels complete. Like a miracle she's meant to be his all along. Linda's the puzzle of his heart.
"We are gathered here today to witness the holy union of Linda Danvers and Clark Kent." The old priest retorted, starting the ceremony as soon as the bride joined the groom before the altar.
Clark side glanced at his lovely bride and found that she had her head bent down as tears rolled from her eyes. "What's wrong?" He sent the message to Linda, fully concerned about her.
"I'm sorry." Linda broke free from her silence at last, taking her hand off Clark's hand. "I can't go on."
The priest, Lex, Mr. and Mrs. Kent and even her parents were shocked when they heard her spoke those words. She wiped her tears away, taking in deep breaths to calm herself down.
"Clark I'm sorry but I can't do this." She mumbled.
"Why?" Were the only words Clark managed to ask, stunned by Linda's sudden change of heart with the wedding.
"I just can't, I'm sorry."
With that Linda turned around and walked back down the aisle. Immediately, Mr. and Mrs. Danvers got up from their seats and followed their daughter out of the garden.
Clark stood there before the altar with his heart crushed and feeling utterly devastated. This was the last thing he ever wanted to take place on his wedding day.
How could Linda do this to him?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clark and his parents returned to the farm shortly that afternoon. On the way the couple regarded the fact that their son was very quiet. They felt sorry for him, they also didn't expect that happen. For all they know, Clark and Linda had their minds set on tying the knot.
As soon as the four by four truck entered the Kent's property, they saw the Danvers' car was parked right before their house. Mr. Danvers was busy loading their baggage at the trunk of the car. He stopped when he saw them came 'round.
After parking the truck, Martha and Jonathan stepped out with their son behind them. Clark was still wearing his black suit and bow tie.
Mrs. Danvers stepped out of the front door holding more baggage, as she went to her husband loading their things in the car's trunk. The Kent couple proceeded towards them slowly. Clark heard them talking, he chose not to join his parents and stood a few feet away from them, thinking.
It was then that Linda emerged from the door with her backpack swung over her shoulder and her pink sketchpad tucked under her arm. She was in her dark denim pants with a matching jacket and a light blue shirt under it. Her brunette wig framed her beautiful but sad façade.
Clark saw her and was repelled instantly. Everyone present outside witnessed how Clark stormed into the barn.
Linda was hurt, though she understood why Clark was acting that way. She can't blame him if he doesn't wanna see her ever again.
A moment after she handed her backpack to Mr. Danvers and had a small talk with Mr. and Mrs. Kent, Linda had the sudden urge to talk to Clark for what could be the very last time.
Summoning her courage, she headed to the barn and climbed the steps towards Clark's 'Fortress of Solitude', the loft. Linda caught sight of him sitting on a wooden box in one corner with his eyes on the floor. It breaks her heart to see him like this.
"I'm thinking, you're mad at me." Uttered Linda calmly stopping on her tracks as she began speaking. "And that you never wanted to see me again for leaving you like that at the altar."
Clark seemed to ignore her with his elbows rested on his lap and his head hanging down.
"But I have my reasons." She added.
"Believe me, I want to be with you, raise a family and grow old with just you. I love the dream you presented me, Clark." Linda continued talking, although he appeared to be oblivious to what she's saying. "But there comes a time that you have to wake up and face reality. We can't be together."
"Why? Why can't we be together?" Clark snapped out of his state and abruptly stood up, turning to confront Linda. "This is what our real parents wanted for us Linda, to be together! Even before we were born this is what they planned to happen!"
"Yes this is! This is what they want for us back in KRYPTON!" She replied to him mid-shout stressing the words 'in Krypton', all the while telling herself not to cry. "In Krypton where there are no mutated monsters to fight or any people for us to protect!"
Tears forced their way out of Linda's eyes. She quickly brushed them away with her hands.
"People have died in Leesburg because I wasn't there. I could have saved them if only-." She wasn't able to finish her statement when Clark jumped in.
"You can't blame yourself for every death in Leesburg!" He reminded moving closer to her. "You don't hold their lives, Linda!"
"But I do!" Linda insisted, wiping her tears. "If it wasn't for me, the streets of Leesburg wouldn't be infested by blood thirsty monsters."
Clark sighed hard, realizing that he has been through this a long time ago. He told Linda what his parents and Lex had advised him way back, "All you have to do is forgive yourself for all the things that you cannot change."
"I wish it's that easy, Kal." Linda spoke, her voice calmer now than it used to be seconds ago. "Every time I hear about people dying in the hands of some unexplained being, I can't help but feel partly responsible. The least I can do now is protect Leesburg from those creatures."
"And I can't do that if I'm gonna stay here with you." She finished looking through his sad eyes.
"Then I'll come with you." Clark proposed with all sincerity in his tone. He held her face lovingly, brushing her tears with his thumb. "No. If you'd go with me, you'll always see me as someone who stole Smallville away from you. Away from your life, away from your destiny." Her voice was soft and full of concern. "You belong in Smallville Clark and I in Leesburg."
"No. I'm not gonna lose you again."
Clark was studying her face for any signs of hope for both of them. Meanwhile, Linda was having a hard time leaving him by the second, 'cause every time she looks into his blue eyes she was starting to get convinced with his suggestion.
She handed Clark the pink sketchpad before finally taking off the ring he gave her last night at the dance. Linda reckoned to herself that she doesn't deserve his love. Clark held her hand when she returned the ring.
She broke free from him and mumbled a 'goodbye' then she began walking away. Tears continued to fall from her eyes as she made her way through the stairs. Clark followed her and snatched her arm to prevent her from walking off.
"I'm coming with you." He stated firmly and it sounded more like a demand.
"Clark, are you willing to make everyone suffer just for this love?!" Linda asked a bit furious that he hasn't understood fully what she's trying to tell him.
"Yes! I'm willing to damn everyone just to be with you!" Replied Clark with his face almost pleading for Linda to say the same thing and change her mind with her decision.
Although touched and sadden by the knowledge of Clark being prepared to face the odds just for them to be together, Linda had her thoughts set on moving on and going back to Leesburg as it should be.
"I'm not," She murmured as another batch of tears escaped her eyes. "I'm sorry."
Clark was startled by her answer. He loosened his grip on Linda's arm enabling her to break free and descend down the stairs and out of the old barn.
He crashed on his knees as hot tears came out of his eyes. He confessed his undying love to the girl he loves and he was even ready to turn his back on Smallville for her. But as it turns out Linda was not prepared to do the same thing for him. It crushed his heart even more.
Clark heard the engine of the Danvers' car revved up. In a matter of seconds he heard it leaving the Kent's property and off into Hickory Lane. It pains him to know that Linda was in that car and that he may never see her again.
Slowly, he opened the sketchpad she gave him. He went through Linda's sketches again, Argo city, the Omegahedron, Zaltar, Allura and Zor- El. Then he remembered that 'unfinished' last page, which Linda doesn't want him to see a few nights ago.
He turned the page and cried even harder when he realized that it was a sketch of him. Linda always said that everyone that she had drawn in the sketchpad's special. These were the people close to her heart.
At the bottom of the page a note reads:
You make me feel, You make me real, For the rest of my days, In so many ways, You make me feel,
Upon finishing that, he got up and ran out of barn house. He saw his parents standing at the front porch, looking heavyhearted from Linda's departure. With all his strength he started to blaze into the empty road running after the Danvers' speeding car.
Luckily he caught up with it. Mrs. and Mr. Danvers of course noticed him running side by side with their vehicle. They wanted to stop the car but were reminded of Linda's request to keep driving.
Through the window of the backseat, Clark saw Linda with her face buried in her hands. She was still crying, just like him.
He tapped the window gently, in an attempt to get her attention. Linda raised her face from her hands and looked at him.
'I love you' Clark told her through his mind, his face all flushed from crying.
'Go away.' Linda sent the message back, almost begging. Her eyes red rimmed from crying. 'Please.'
Clark stopped from running and let the vehicle speed away. He watched as the white car became smaller and smaller as it traveled down the road. He wanted to tell Linda so much more. He's missing her already.
The wind blew his hair.
His tears never seized to stop flowing as he watched the car. Clark lifted his right fist and opened it slowly. Inside was the ring with the heart shaped sapphire stone that he gave Linda.
He was holding it so tightly that it made a mark on the palm of his hand.
It ached.
But it could never be as painful, as his heart.
----The End----
.
Chapter Twenty Three
Clark Kent walked the hallway of the second floor of the Luthor mansion with a huge pleasant smile pasted on his chiseled face. He just finished checking the beautifully decorated garden that will be used for his wedding that afternoon.
He loved how it looked and was positive that his soon to be wife, Linda, would be elated at the sight of it. White is the color motif they all agreed on for the said occasion.
Lex was kind enough to plan everything. He provided the site for the wedding, the decorations, the food, he contracted a priest and even managed to come up with a great gift for the couple. An all expense paid trip to Florence, Italy for their honeymoon.
As expected, Mr. Kent wasn't crazy about the idea of Lex paying and organizing the whole thing. His wife and Mrs. and Mr. Danvers were also surprised by it all, but not to the extent that they'd turn it down. After all they planned the wedding just last night.
Only Lex could come up with all these things on such short notice. He's got contacts, he's got friends. In the end, after a long time of convincing, Martha was able to knock some sense into her husband.
They came up with the understanding that the Kent and the Danvers would pay him back as soon as they can. Lex gave that a nod, just so Mr. Kent would be comfortable with the set up. Though deep down inside he wasn't really expecting them to pay him back. This is his gift for Clark and Linda.
For many times, since the Kent left the farm house for the Danvers to use, Clark's been trying to contact Linda telephatically. Unfortunately, all he got from her is a giggle and a message that goes something like 'Stop It Clark! I'm busy looking good for 'ya!'
Clark would just return the giggle and whisper a sweet 'I love you' to Linda.
Early that morning, Clark drove Linda to Smallville High to bid goodbye to her co-students leaving for Leesburg. Even Lana and Whitney were there when they arrived. Of course they didn't tell anyone about their planned marriage for that afternoon. Only Lex, Lena, his parents and Linda's parents knew about it.
Sadly, Lena had to go back to Leesburg. According to her mom, Mrs. Thorul, her father Lionel's becoming more suspicious on her whereabouts.
So to prevent him from knowing that she's in Smallville, instead of a teenage sexuality seminar in Kentucky, she decided that it would be best if she got home with the rest of the students that morning.
Linda cried, realizing that she'd be marrying Clark without her best friend to witness it. She did promise Lena that she'll tell her everything about the wedding as soon as she got back to Leesburg, with Clark possibly with her.
It didn't surprise both Clark and Linda when Lex didn't show any sad emotions when it was time for him to say goodbye to his half sister. He was casual and he did not even spend much time talking to her alone. Lena on the other hand was very much emotional. She never seized crying except when Mrs. Bates prodded the Leesburg students to get in the bus.
All they heard from Lena and Lex was their promise to see each other again someday soon. It was a heartwarming sight when they hugged for the last time.
As the students entered the bus, the crowd parted. Linda spotted Dick coming towards her with his blue duffel bag rested over his shoulders. Sadness was evident on his beautiful face, its as if he knows that Linda's getting married.
"I heard about your parents coming." He uttered gazing down at her with his eyes full of love. "I'd really want to see them, but-."
Dick paused pressing his lips together, unable to decide whether he'd continued his sentence or not.
"Don't worry, I'll tell they you said 'HI'." Linda spoke softly, keeping a smile.
Clark stood behind her, observing some sort of romantic tension between both of them. The kind he and Lana used to have.
"Please do." Dick said, flashing a weak smile. With that, Dick put down his bag, he moved close and clasped Linda in his strong arms.
She hugged back, resting her face on his throbbing strong chest. The hug was symbolical for Linda. It meant that she's saying goodbye to the guy she always had a crush on, for when she goes back to Leesburg she would no longer be Linda Lee Danvers, but Linda Kent.
She would finally belong to someone. She would finally belong to Clark.
It crushed Linda's heart when she saw the bus leaving the school grounds and off to the Metropolis airport to catch their flight to Leesburg. Thankfully, Clark was right beside her to comfort her. For Linda, everything seems to be OK when Clark's around.
He makes her happy, he makes her complete.
When they got back to the farm, a stylish white car was parked at the driveway. The license plate says Metropolis.
Linda was ecstatic when they entered the house and found her parents chatting with Mr. and Mrs. Kent at the living room. She rushed for them and gave them both a welcome hug.
She introduced Clark to her parents afterwards. Clark was delighted to finally meet Linda's parents. He regarded that the couple appeared to be in their early forties, just like his parents.
Mrs. Edna Danvers looked stunning in her casual dress while Mr. Fred Danvers seemed to be perfectly comfortable in his sleek crème suit. Looking at them, there was no doubt they were from the city. "Where d'you get the car?" Linda queried as she let her parents sit back down on the couch with the Kent couple.
"We rented it in Metropolis." Mr. Danvers informed, stroking his thick raven hair. "Your mother figured that it would be much more advisable to rent a car than hire a taxi."
As the conversation went on, the Kent's learned that Fred is a police officer in Leesburg while Edna's a plain housewife like Martha.
The Kent couple and the Danvers had a laugh reminiscing the days when they first learned of their children's super natural powers and abilities. If felt great for both of the couple knowing that they were not the only ones who had to raise super powered teens like Clark and Linda.
"Ever since she got here, Linda's been helping out with the house and farm chores. She'd rather work than just sit down and do nothing." Said Mrs. Kent, remembering Linda's first days at the farm.
"You truly have a wonderful daughter." Mr. Kent added with a smile.
"Yeah. We're very lucky to have found her." Mr. Danvers agreed, proud of what his daughter had shown the Kent's. "She's a super girl."
While their parents were busy sharing stories with each other, Linda and Clark sneaked out of the house and headed for the loft and made out.
After the passionate kisses and intense groping, Clark sighed in frustration.
"You have no idea how badly I want you right now." He whispered amorously in her left ear, eyes closed.
"You'll have me soon enough." She replied tenderly, kissing him on the lips and down his neck.
They both broke free from their embrace as Clark stood up next to his telescope, looking outside the barn, reflecting.
"Isn't it strange?" He heard Linda retorted from behind him.
"What is?" Clark turned around to face her, one hand leaning against the frame of the loft's wide opened window.
"That we're getting married," She expounded, tucking in a few strands of her wig behind her ears. "And we're technically related, we're cousins."
"Second cousins." He immediately piped in, pointing a finger at Linda. "Which is by the way, permitted and allowed to get married under federal law."
"I know, it's just that I look at you and I see Clark Kent, I see Kal- El," Linda muttered resting her elbows on her lap as she sat on a wooden box. "And I see my cousin."
"Is that all you can see?" Clark asked taking little steps as he walks towards her. "'Cause when I look at you, I don't only see Linda, I don't only see Kara Zor-El. I don't see a cousin, but a person who means the world to me."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"A person who means the world to me." Those words echoed inside Linda head repeatedly.
She smiled to herself thinking that she would be married soon to the most romantic, most handsome and the sweetest man alive, Clark Kent. Who would've thought that she'd find that man here, in the town of Smallville.
Linda sat in her room at the Kent's residence, in front of the mirror of her vanity, studying the ring Clark gave her that night at the party. It had a heart shaped sapphire stone on it, set atop of a golden band ring.
Clark said that it was the same ring that Mr. Kent gave Mrs. Kent the day he proposed to her. And now his mother handed it down to Clark for Linda. It was an utterly wonderful gesture.
The ring even looked more remarkable as the blue gemstone catches the rays of the sun leaking from her small window. Dressed in a white silk, sleeveless, empire cut gown, Linda was ready to go to her wedding. Her blonde hair was piled up on her head glamorously as golden locks flowed lusciously down her shoulders, giving her a Greek goddess look.
A part of her felt sad that Lena wouldn't be able to see her walk down the aisle.
She remembered Lucy Lane, her former best friend who moved back to Metropolis a year ago.
Growing up, they used to talk about their dream weddings and their fantasy grooms. Lucy was a die hard Brad Pitt fan back then and would want to get married near the ocean. Linda meanwhile wanted a garden wedding with none other Christian Slater.
"Oh Lucy." Linda thought staring at herself in the mirror. "If you could only see me now with Clark."
Someone knocked on her door, she looked over her shoulders and saw her mom came in. She acknowledged her with a smile.
"Nervous?" Mrs. Danvers asked her young daughter, looking at her through the mirror.
"Awfully." Linda managed to utter.
"Don't worry. You'll be fine." Her mother assured her with a sincere smile on her lips. "I want you to know that your father and I are happy for you."
Mrs. Danvers paused, marveling on how beautiful her daughter looked in that old prom gown of hers.
"You've been looking for him since you were a small child. We're glad you finally found him here." Edna mumbled, rubbing her daughter's bare arms lovingly. "Your search is over."
"I know." Linda mumbled, trying her best not to cry.
Mrs. Danvers bent forward and kissed Linda on her cheeks before enveloping her in her arms. Tears flowed from her light brown eyes.
"Thanks mom." She held her mother's hand.
Edna stood straight again, brushing the tears away before it could ruin her make up. She informed, "We're leaving in five minutes, Ok?"
Linda nodded and watched her mom leave the room after planting a kiss on her forehead. In five minutes they'll be heading to the Luthor mansion where Lex, Clark and his family awaits.
She slipped on her matching silk strapped sandals, getting herself ready.
Then she heard her mother in the hallway talking to someone. But she never heard anyone talk back, so she assumed that she must be on her mobile phone.
Linda ignored it and continued adjusting her footwear, when suddenly she felt pain inside her ears.
Without warning, every little sound around her seemed to be getting louder by the second. She could hear her father's faint footsteps downstairs. The sound of the soft breeze that was coming from her window seemed to be magnified a hundred times.
In Linda's mind, she figured that she's developing another power, Sonic hearing.
She wanted to turn it down because her ears were hurting, though she doesn't have a clue on how.
All she could do is cover her ears and pray that it would go away. Seconds passed but she could still hear her mom talk at the hallway on her mobile.
Linda heard her mom gasped, for whatever reason she doesn't know.
Then the person on the other end of the line said, "They found their body at the kitchen floor. The old woman had her eyes taken off while the little girl had her heart ripped out of her chest." Even Linda gasped when she heard that. She concentrated and later figured that her mom was talking to Mrs. Lindsey, the Danvers' next door neighbor.
"Omigawd! Does the police have any suspects?" Mrs. Danvers was crying. She felt alarmed, crushed and worried at the same time.
Linda got up and walked unsteadily towards her door. The names of the victims were forming inside her head, though she kept praying that her instincts were wrong.
"An old woman and a child." She restated near to tears, under her shaky breath. Then the name's popped in her thoughts. "Please God, no."
"None. The neighbors didn't see anyone enter Mrs. Grants' house." Mrs. Lindsey informed with a weak voice.
Mrs. Danvers said goodbye to Fran Lindsey after a while. She was still sobbing when she turned and saw her daughter behind her. She didn't notice her step out of the room.
Tears were continuously flowing for her eyes. Seeing her like this, she reckoned that Linda already over heard what had happened to the old lady and her grandchild, Millie, who lives across the street from them.
"Mom." Linda walked right into her mother's arms, sobbing.
Edna hugged her daughter back. Mrs. Grant had been always nice to the Danvers, especially to Linda. As a child, Mrs. Grant would invite her over her house and offer Linda milk and all the cookies she wants.
She was a nice old lady who was always there to listen to her when she's feeling down. Knowing that she's already gone felt like a part of Linda was also taken away.
"Strength comes to those who have the courage to believe."
Those were the words that Mrs. Grant used to tell her when she's afraid and vulnerable. Mrs. Grant was not only caring and sweet but also wise. She reminds Linda of an old friend, Zaltar.
But now, Mrs. Grant and Millie's gone and Linda knew who killed them. A cult that's been terrorizing Leesburg, known to everyone as "The Followers of the Shadow."
She vows that ones she gets back to Leesburg, she would get rid of every single one of those bastards.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At the garden at Lex's mansion, everything was set to perfection. Lex hired a professional organ player from Metropolis exclusively for the wedding. Bouquets of fresh white roses outlined the petal filled aisle leading to the altar, where the priest and the now nervous Clark Kent stood next to Lex Luthor.
Since Clark and his family had grown close to Lex, they figured that it would be great for him to be the best man in this wedding. Anyway Clark looks at him as an older brother who's always there, Lex knows his secrets and he trust him with his life. Lex Luthor was the perfect choice.
"Clark, here's a tip," Lex uttered leaning closer to his ear. "Stop fidgeting."
From the moment, they stood before the altar, he had noticed that Clark was showing signs of nervousness. He appeared to look restless, he kept on moving, looking side ways checking on his parents and Lex and his suit.
Clark felt nervous thinking that any minute now, Linda would start marching down the improvised petal aisle with her parents. Actually, he was both nervous and excited of the thought.
After a while Lex's mobile rang and answered it.
"Ok, thank you Hans." He said before dropping the call.
"They're here." He added informing everyone present that the bride and her family had just drove into the mansion's lot.
Clark adjusted his black bow tie and straightened up his suit upon hearing Lex divulge the information. He can't wait to see his beautiful bride.
As soon as the organ player saw the bride and her parents heading for the garden, he started playing the melodious wedding march.
Clark saw his bride emerge from the bend holding a bouquet of white roses, with Mr. and Mrs. Danvers on her side. Linda never seized to take his breath away. She was even more beautiful in that gown and her blonde hair like that, it's as if she walked right out of a magazine.
Now, as she marched down the aisle and the air filled with the melody coming from the organ, Linda gazed on her husband waiting at the other side.
Clark noticed something different in Linda as she got closer. Her eyes were red rimmed and a little puffed, it's like she just cried. He tried asking her what's wrong telepathically, but she did not give any answer. A weak smile played on Linda's cherry red lips, trying to disguise what half of her felt that moment.
Mr. Danvers handed her daughter to Clark when they reached the altar. Clark thanked him, though he regarded that even the Danvers couple had that same sad aura that Linda's trying to hide from him.
Clark held tightly on her hand, after flashing her a loving smile. He reckoned that it's normal for some people to cry and feel a bit sad on their wedding day. Heck, even his mom told him a while ago that she cried when she got married to his father.
Looking at her now, Clark thought how lucky he is to marry Linda. Every time he sees her, he feels complete. Like a miracle she's meant to be his all along. Linda's the puzzle of his heart.
"We are gathered here today to witness the holy union of Linda Danvers and Clark Kent." The old priest retorted, starting the ceremony as soon as the bride joined the groom before the altar.
Clark side glanced at his lovely bride and found that she had her head bent down as tears rolled from her eyes. "What's wrong?" He sent the message to Linda, fully concerned about her.
"I'm sorry." Linda broke free from her silence at last, taking her hand off Clark's hand. "I can't go on."
The priest, Lex, Mr. and Mrs. Kent and even her parents were shocked when they heard her spoke those words. She wiped her tears away, taking in deep breaths to calm herself down.
"Clark I'm sorry but I can't do this." She mumbled.
"Why?" Were the only words Clark managed to ask, stunned by Linda's sudden change of heart with the wedding.
"I just can't, I'm sorry."
With that Linda turned around and walked back down the aisle. Immediately, Mr. and Mrs. Danvers got up from their seats and followed their daughter out of the garden.
Clark stood there before the altar with his heart crushed and feeling utterly devastated. This was the last thing he ever wanted to take place on his wedding day.
How could Linda do this to him?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clark and his parents returned to the farm shortly that afternoon. On the way the couple regarded the fact that their son was very quiet. They felt sorry for him, they also didn't expect that happen. For all they know, Clark and Linda had their minds set on tying the knot.
As soon as the four by four truck entered the Kent's property, they saw the Danvers' car was parked right before their house. Mr. Danvers was busy loading their baggage at the trunk of the car. He stopped when he saw them came 'round.
After parking the truck, Martha and Jonathan stepped out with their son behind them. Clark was still wearing his black suit and bow tie.
Mrs. Danvers stepped out of the front door holding more baggage, as she went to her husband loading their things in the car's trunk. The Kent couple proceeded towards them slowly. Clark heard them talking, he chose not to join his parents and stood a few feet away from them, thinking.
It was then that Linda emerged from the door with her backpack swung over her shoulder and her pink sketchpad tucked under her arm. She was in her dark denim pants with a matching jacket and a light blue shirt under it. Her brunette wig framed her beautiful but sad façade.
Clark saw her and was repelled instantly. Everyone present outside witnessed how Clark stormed into the barn.
Linda was hurt, though she understood why Clark was acting that way. She can't blame him if he doesn't wanna see her ever again.
A moment after she handed her backpack to Mr. Danvers and had a small talk with Mr. and Mrs. Kent, Linda had the sudden urge to talk to Clark for what could be the very last time.
Summoning her courage, she headed to the barn and climbed the steps towards Clark's 'Fortress of Solitude', the loft. Linda caught sight of him sitting on a wooden box in one corner with his eyes on the floor. It breaks her heart to see him like this.
"I'm thinking, you're mad at me." Uttered Linda calmly stopping on her tracks as she began speaking. "And that you never wanted to see me again for leaving you like that at the altar."
Clark seemed to ignore her with his elbows rested on his lap and his head hanging down.
"But I have my reasons." She added.
"Believe me, I want to be with you, raise a family and grow old with just you. I love the dream you presented me, Clark." Linda continued talking, although he appeared to be oblivious to what she's saying. "But there comes a time that you have to wake up and face reality. We can't be together."
"Why? Why can't we be together?" Clark snapped out of his state and abruptly stood up, turning to confront Linda. "This is what our real parents wanted for us Linda, to be together! Even before we were born this is what they planned to happen!"
"Yes this is! This is what they want for us back in KRYPTON!" She replied to him mid-shout stressing the words 'in Krypton', all the while telling herself not to cry. "In Krypton where there are no mutated monsters to fight or any people for us to protect!"
Tears forced their way out of Linda's eyes. She quickly brushed them away with her hands.
"People have died in Leesburg because I wasn't there. I could have saved them if only-." She wasn't able to finish her statement when Clark jumped in.
"You can't blame yourself for every death in Leesburg!" He reminded moving closer to her. "You don't hold their lives, Linda!"
"But I do!" Linda insisted, wiping her tears. "If it wasn't for me, the streets of Leesburg wouldn't be infested by blood thirsty monsters."
Clark sighed hard, realizing that he has been through this a long time ago. He told Linda what his parents and Lex had advised him way back, "All you have to do is forgive yourself for all the things that you cannot change."
"I wish it's that easy, Kal." Linda spoke, her voice calmer now than it used to be seconds ago. "Every time I hear about people dying in the hands of some unexplained being, I can't help but feel partly responsible. The least I can do now is protect Leesburg from those creatures."
"And I can't do that if I'm gonna stay here with you." She finished looking through his sad eyes.
"Then I'll come with you." Clark proposed with all sincerity in his tone. He held her face lovingly, brushing her tears with his thumb. "No. If you'd go with me, you'll always see me as someone who stole Smallville away from you. Away from your life, away from your destiny." Her voice was soft and full of concern. "You belong in Smallville Clark and I in Leesburg."
"No. I'm not gonna lose you again."
Clark was studying her face for any signs of hope for both of them. Meanwhile, Linda was having a hard time leaving him by the second, 'cause every time she looks into his blue eyes she was starting to get convinced with his suggestion.
She handed Clark the pink sketchpad before finally taking off the ring he gave her last night at the dance. Linda reckoned to herself that she doesn't deserve his love. Clark held her hand when she returned the ring.
She broke free from him and mumbled a 'goodbye' then she began walking away. Tears continued to fall from her eyes as she made her way through the stairs. Clark followed her and snatched her arm to prevent her from walking off.
"I'm coming with you." He stated firmly and it sounded more like a demand.
"Clark, are you willing to make everyone suffer just for this love?!" Linda asked a bit furious that he hasn't understood fully what she's trying to tell him.
"Yes! I'm willing to damn everyone just to be with you!" Replied Clark with his face almost pleading for Linda to say the same thing and change her mind with her decision.
Although touched and sadden by the knowledge of Clark being prepared to face the odds just for them to be together, Linda had her thoughts set on moving on and going back to Leesburg as it should be.
"I'm not," She murmured as another batch of tears escaped her eyes. "I'm sorry."
Clark was startled by her answer. He loosened his grip on Linda's arm enabling her to break free and descend down the stairs and out of the old barn.
He crashed on his knees as hot tears came out of his eyes. He confessed his undying love to the girl he loves and he was even ready to turn his back on Smallville for her. But as it turns out Linda was not prepared to do the same thing for him. It crushed his heart even more.
Clark heard the engine of the Danvers' car revved up. In a matter of seconds he heard it leaving the Kent's property and off into Hickory Lane. It pains him to know that Linda was in that car and that he may never see her again.
Slowly, he opened the sketchpad she gave him. He went through Linda's sketches again, Argo city, the Omegahedron, Zaltar, Allura and Zor- El. Then he remembered that 'unfinished' last page, which Linda doesn't want him to see a few nights ago.
He turned the page and cried even harder when he realized that it was a sketch of him. Linda always said that everyone that she had drawn in the sketchpad's special. These were the people close to her heart.
At the bottom of the page a note reads:
You make me feel, You make me real, For the rest of my days, In so many ways, You make me feel,
Upon finishing that, he got up and ran out of barn house. He saw his parents standing at the front porch, looking heavyhearted from Linda's departure. With all his strength he started to blaze into the empty road running after the Danvers' speeding car.
Luckily he caught up with it. Mrs. and Mr. Danvers of course noticed him running side by side with their vehicle. They wanted to stop the car but were reminded of Linda's request to keep driving.
Through the window of the backseat, Clark saw Linda with her face buried in her hands. She was still crying, just like him.
He tapped the window gently, in an attempt to get her attention. Linda raised her face from her hands and looked at him.
'I love you' Clark told her through his mind, his face all flushed from crying.
'Go away.' Linda sent the message back, almost begging. Her eyes red rimmed from crying. 'Please.'
Clark stopped from running and let the vehicle speed away. He watched as the white car became smaller and smaller as it traveled down the road. He wanted to tell Linda so much more. He's missing her already.
The wind blew his hair.
His tears never seized to stop flowing as he watched the car. Clark lifted his right fist and opened it slowly. Inside was the ring with the heart shaped sapphire stone that he gave Linda.
He was holding it so tightly that it made a mark on the palm of his hand.
It ached.
But it could never be as painful, as his heart.
----The End----
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