Chapter 12 [Kent Farm-An Hour Later]

Pete drove his car down the state road. Worry ate at him. Now what? What happened this afternoon? Man! After what Lana did this afternoon, we sure don't need anything else! He turned into the farm's driveway and sped down the driveway. He slowed and then stopped beside the farmhouse. Caution urged him to get out with deliberate steps. He looked about.

Jonathan's truck wasn't there. Apparently, he hadn't returned as of yet…

Clark's still at the Talon. His Dad's not here. His Mom wants to talk. Pete tried to reason through Scenario's intricate nature. Clark, why are you there? I know you want to be around Lana, Dude. Seriously? She really wants her space. Unless, you tell her, she isn't going to let you back in! He shook his head. He walked into the house. "Mrs. Kent?"

"In here, Pete! Thanks for coming!" Martha covered Boiling Potatoes in their pot on the stove. She walked over toward him. "Sorry about the last minute notice. Dinner will be ready soon."

Caution amped itself up yet again. Questions popped up in his mind over the exact role. "I'm good. Thanks, Mrs. Kent." He looked back through the window. "Mr. Kent isn't back yet?"

"Guess he ran into traffic." Martha poured two glasses of lemonade. "It's going to be fine." She put as straight a face on as she could manage. She didn't believe her own words for that matter.

Skepticism curled his lip. "Yeah well, you know how Mr. Kent is about Clark keeping that secret. Thanks. I needed that drink." Lemonade's Tang and Sweet washed over his mouth. Liquid broke Thirst's Arid Parch. He pushed a deep breath out of his lungs. "You really think I can help you convince him?"

Amusement creased her face. Observation could see that Obligation had clearly made its impression on him. A couple of weeks and he's already telling me things like that? "You see what's going on at school, Pete. It's a heavy burden. Isn't it?" She took four plates from the cabinet. "Thank you for helping to keep Clark's secret especially under the current circumstances."

"Yeah. It is…not that I mind. Hey. Somebody's got to watch out for Clark. You know? I know he can do lots of stuff but he's still a teenager. Well, maybe not like everyone else. I…Nuts! I keep putting my foot in it!" He watched her for a few seconds. "Can I help?" He washed his hands off. Frankly, he looked for something to do…anything really…in order to feel useful.

"It's complicated. You're doing better than Mr. Kent and I expected, Pete. Maybe you can put the silverware and glasses on the table? You remember where they are?" She motioned in Reminder's service toward the drawer.

"Thanks. You'd think I know where everything is by now." Pete rolled his eyes at himself. He set Forks, Spoons and Knives into their proper spots. Glasses went in their proper spots. "That okay?"

"They look great, Pete. Thanks." She opened Refrigerator's door. There, Salad chilled on top shelf. "That looks good. The roast will come out in a few minutes." She closed the door again. Then, she set Colander in the sink. With Dishtowel's help, she drained the potatoes. Then she dumped them back into the pot. Milk and Butter went in next. Mashing and Mixing brought the whole Arrangement into Communion.

Admiration granted his mind a moment's ease. "Have to say it's always great watching you cook."

"Thanks, Pete. It's all about timing and practice. We pick up things from each other." She set the lid over the mashed potatoes. "Lana's mother helped me learn how to bake right after I moved here. She was always so patient with me." Lament's sigh escaped her. "She was my first real friend."

"Yeah, that's tough. I just know how hard Lana's always taken it. That stupid magazine cover didn't make it any easier." He shook his head. "I just wish Mr. Kent would be okay with bringing Lana into it. I think she'd have Clark's back too."

Martha mulled over that thought. "She's just about figured out Clark's secret anyway. I'd like for her to know, Pete. After what I saw today at the Talon, Clark could use trustworthy support." She took a mouthful from Lemonade's glass.

"Yeah that. What happened there? Don't tell me Lana made another scene." He slumped into Chair's support. "School was hard enough. She came to my locker asking questions. I wanted to answer. She needs to hear it, Mrs. Kent. I had to keep my word to Mr. Kent, Clark and you first!" He ground his teeth. "Have to say that this isn't good. She knows something." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Not really. Clark was sitting by the stairs and just reading a book. Miranda apparently was refilling his coffee instead of Lana. Lex and Chloe wanted answers. They tried to press me too. Lana came over and asked us not to talk about it in public." Acknowledgement's smile warmed her heart for a minute. "She had more sense than any of us."

"I can imagine how hard that was on Clark. Man! I keep telling him that Lex isn't any good! Chloe's investigating those class rings. She was about to drop it when Clark went off in the Wild Coyote. You know how she is when she's determined like that. She locks in like a pit bull." He bit his lip. "Lana definitely needs to know. That'll get her back on our side. Chloe…maybe. Lex is bad news."

"Pete, Lex has done a lot for us. I know he investigated us last year. He wanted to know what's going on. I think if he's included in our circle, that could be support for him as well as Clark?" Supposition brought thoughts together. She'd seen Lex struggle against Lionel's influence and shadow.

"You do what you want, Mrs. Kent. Ask Mr. Kent. He'll agree with me." Pete shrugged. "Hey. I just want what's best for Clark. Sorry."

"It's okay. I asked for your opinion. You're being honest and looking out for Clark." She filed his points away before Upcoming Discussion/Argument with Jonathan. Lana should know. I just hope Jonathan agrees. Chloe showed concern for him. I know she has feelings for Clark too. But can she be trusted not just to go putting something in the Torch? Lex though…Lex investigated us because he wanted to know about the crash. Is it so bad if he knows? He could watch Lionel and let us know if he gets too close. We could use his influence to protect Clark. She saw Jonathan's truck pull up. "There's Mr. Kent now." She hustled back over to Oven's door. She set Pot Holders across Counter and set Roast upon them. "I'm glad I have everything ready."

"Yeah. That sure smells great!" Compliment helped to lighten Situation. Pete stood and pushed his chair back in. He watched Jonathan stride toward Front Door. I just hope he's in a good mood. He's going to hit the roof when he hears about what's going on! He winced.

She put her hands up motioning for Pete to relax. She put on her best smile for Jonathan's benefit. Wooden Spoon gave Potatoes extra stirs. She took Salad from Refrigerator and set it on Counter's surface. Glad I had the dressing marinading into it now. Her hands pulled down three bowls from Cabinets.

Everything that could get Mood right is what mattered there and then….