Chapter 19 [Kent Farm—Two Hours Later]

Sol descended beneath Horizon's Western Edge. Dusk's Reds, Oranges and Golds burnished Skies overhead. Chill cut through the Air. Yellowed Grass bent and Swayed in Breeze's thrall.

Peaceful Backdrop for Most Important Meal….

[Fortress of Solitude]

Clark stared out over bare farm ground to the east. Nerves and Thoughts contend to jumble about in his head. He and Lana had talked for about an hour at the Talon. Reassurances had flowed back and forth across the table. He'd managed to relax ever so slightly. At least Lana knows that I want to be honest! That's got to mean something. He paced back and forth. His eyes alighted on Farm House yet again. What are they up to?

"Nice view and Lana's not even here yet." Pete strode over to his side. "Relax, Clark. It's all good. She knows you don't want to hold anything back anymore. That's a big one for you! It's just dinner!" He slapped Clark on the back.

Clark rolled his eyes. "You're here early, Pete. Dinner's not even for twenty minutes yet. Besides, you know what Mom and Dad are planning."

"So do you, Dude. It's probably what you've been wishing for forever." Pete shrugged. "Besides, I wanted a good parking place. You know how Lex is—always wanting the front spot." Grin broke Mood's Overcast across his face. "Chloe and Lana are going to be here real soon. It's all right. It's just a typical parent power trip. Planning and never telling us."

Don't I know it? Mom and Dad did it because they care. Clark slid his hand along the Window's Frame. How can this place be home and a cage too?

It's about time that he's in the dark for change! "I know that look, Clark. No, I don't know everything either. Guess we're going to have to find out together." Pete slapped his shoulder."We should get outside. We're getting close to time." He started down Wooden Stairs toward level below and driveway beyond.

Getting close to time. Clark frowned. How many times have I wanted Lana and been frustrated? That necklace…Whitney… Boots clomped down the stairs. He walked up to Pete's side.

Lex's Ferrari, Lana's Blazer and Chloe's car formed Convoy coming up the Kents' driveway. Answers pulled each and all from town toward the farm. Passing Minutes multiplied Curiosity and Impatience. Each evaded Others' Attention all around be it Technological, Psychic or Overall Obnoxious. Lex pulled up next to Corral. Chloe and Lana parked next to Pete's car.

Lex got out of his car. A quick look around revealed nothing of note at least on the surface. His mind kept wrestling with Martha's cryptic messages over and over. In fifteen minutes, Gigantic Hints had dropped and Secret had been danced around. I should hire her to do LexCorp advertising! He'd evaded Lionel for much of Day's passage. Ferrari drove to Metropolis and back. Three separate Clothing Changes insured that Bugs would remain outside of the Kents' Home on that afternoon at least. Visit to Lillian's grave warmed his heart. Mom, I want to know for my own sake. There are so many questions I want answered. Still, I remember your example. Whatever Clark needs, I'll be there to help him and his parents. "Looks like we're all here."

"I'm glad everyone got to the Talon on time, Mr. Luthor. I was worried I wasn't going to make it." Miranda rubbed the back of her neck. Meredith covered for Skye who had a sudden cold. Slow Traffic allowed her to leave. Still, Lana drove her back to the farm so she could avoid her stepfather on that night. Let that sleaze stay the Hell away! Clark doesn't need him around. She tapped on Lana's door.

"We would've closed if we needed to, Miranda." Intrigue grabbed onto Lex's attention. "How did you get an invite too? Interesting." He rubbed his chin. Deduction couldn't figure out why she'd accompanied Lana there.

"Something happened at the last minute, Lex. It's not a big deal." Lana waved to Clark. "Clark! You doing better? I'm kind of getting impatient." She waved to the two host parents who she saw in the window. "At least I know that you want to tell me." She walked over to him. "Just take deep breaths, Clark."

"I just hope you'll understand. I don't want you to hate me." Clark bit his lip. He bowed his head. Despite all of Reassurance's promises, Threat loomed dangerously close to his heart.

"You're being honest with me, Clark." Lana leaned close to Clark's ear. "We can talk about what I've seen. Just don't deny it or treat me like I'm dumb. Okay?"

Clark nodded. "I'll definitely do that." Forehead touched hers. "Whatever happens, I am trying." He squeezed her hands in his.

"Then, that's all you and I can do." Earnestness came from Lana. "Come on. I think other folks are kind of wanting to know too." She led Clark out toward Lex, Miranda, Pete and Chloe.

"So, I wonder what the Big Deal is about?" Chloe lifted an eyebrow. "Any ideas, Lex?"

Lex nodded. "We get to hear something about Clark." He assessed Farm Boy once again. "I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Kent are keeping the lid on this. Unless there are hints or teasers, Clark?" Smirk baited at Clark for Tidbits and Clues.

"Sorry, Lex. We'll all hear together, I guess." Shrug helped Clark to sell that lie further. He glanced at Pete and Lana. "Maybe the sooner we eat, the sooner we all find out?" He led the others toward the front door.

Anticipation really made things seem long now….