Two days after Clark's arrival at Metropolis University, he was walking through what most would call the hive or major hangout for the students...the student's commons area. He walked among his fellow students and observed their daily activities; some sat reading or talking with friends, others awaited their food from the three separate cafes. There was also a gaming section where some students were playing video games, shooting pool, and playing ping-pong. He had found the gathering and meeting place of the masses...at least while classes weren't in session.
Moving about the huge, yet crowded area, Clark spotted a copy of the Daily Planet lying across the back of a love seat. Picking it up, his sight was drawn to the frontpage storyline; 'Unknown Hero...No More. MU Student Saved by Fellow MU Student.' The heading of the article intriqued the young man enough for him to read the entire article. By the time the last period was noticed, he bent his head down in disgust.
He jumped over the back of the couch and flopped down in the cushioned seat. Slumping down, he rested his head against the soft, yet firm cushion and thought through some things. He carried on an inner battle with his self as he tried to relax. "How could they have known? What gave it away? Was there a witness? All that doesn't matter...the fact of the matter is...I was too late. I thought I had saved her, but it wasn't meant to be. If only I was faster. If I could replay the day I wouldn't bother with the two pesky men and the bus storage compartment. I would hear the girl's crys earlier and be able to stop any of the abuse. Why...why did she have to die? Life just isn't fair. First I have to leave my friends and family so I can be who my parents believe I'm supposed to be. A do-gooder...righter of wrong...savior of the weak...a helper, a friend, a hero of sorts. And what do I do on my first attempt in the big city...I let a girl get raped, beaten, and die. Why me? Why must I carry the curse that follows these abilities? Why must I be the one...that's different?"
Clark's attention was rattled when he heard a loud noise coming in his direction. Wiping the few tears from his eyes, he was able to see clearly, what looked to a be a loud mob of students coming his way. He could hear congratulatory and mixed words coming from the crowd that seemed to exponentially increase as they marched across the carpetted commons area.
Not able to pick out any indivdual comments, he just accepted what they had to say. Words were running together and some just not making sense, but he understood what they where all trying to express. "Congratulations, Chris. Great job man. So you were the one to save the president's daughter. Outstanding.Yeah, dude, awesome job. Single handedly took on 3 guys. So how does it feel to be a hero? How does it feel to have that much strength? Does your power come from eating Wheaties? Are you on steroids? Weights...do you work out or lift weights? What about the dumpster...you put a man's head through the metal...can you explain that?" Clark was overwhelmed by the questions.
A girl from the back of the mob yelled out above the rest, "Do how does it feel to be a hero...that murdered not one, but two people in the night in questioning?" Clark scanned the crowd and spotted the girl; she had on a hat and stared at the floor. Clark approached her not knowing what his response, whether vocal or physical, would be. The girl raised her head as his brown, worn out, dusty, work and everyday boots came into sight. As she lifted her head, Clark froze in horror as the girl spoke.
"So how does it feel hero...knowing that you let me die?"
Clark's eyes immediately flew open; waking from the terrible nightmare. A moment later, with his concentration broken, he crashed to his bed. Floating in mid air during time of sleep had become a norm for the Kansas resident farmboy. A cold sweat swept over his body, causing his to shiver and shake all over. As he regained his senses and sat up, leaning his head against the headboard, he looked around his new surroundings; watching how the outside campus lights played shadow games with the darkness within his room. He was tired and warn out, but not from what most teenagers his age was used to. He had his own personal inner battles to deal with along with understanding his purpose and responsibilities in life and the people around him as well. He soon fell back to sleep as his nerves and tension descended; his head still resting against the bed's wooden headboard, while his body continuously extracted sweat. His breathing fell back into place as he pushed the current events back in his mind and brought forward the memories and good times that he and his Smallville friends had hanging out at the Beanery, the Talon, and the Torch's office. Clark slowly let a smile form on his face before falling over on the mattress and into a deep, peaceful slumber.
Clark opened his eyes to bright beating sun light. It wasn't common for him not to be woken up my his parents or the rooster on the farm. He was alone and forced to live life as he saw fit...as a man...as a mature man. Clark looked around his white walled, hard flat tile floored room, all he saw was just that...and two duffle bags. He knew he had to find a job so he could afford some luxuries...such as a dresser, hamper, and more clothes would be a good thing to have, etc.
The young man walked over to the vanity and splashed water on his face, before turning and finding his pants, which he put on. As buttons were being snapped, a loud noise caused Clark to snap his head towards the door. He ran over and threw it open. He beamed with a huge smile as he watched the guy from orientation, Ray, get hit on by a group of half dressed young women. The chase carried them down the hall, past Clark's room. Ray was having the time of his life, while running like his life depended it on it. One of the girls stopped at seeing Clark's shirtless, muscled body. She looked familar.
"Hey CK, remember me? Sandra...from orientation day."
It dawned on him who she was. "I'm sorry. Didn't recognize you with the ballcap on and not much else."
"Yeah, that's dorm life around here...especially when X-Ray is around. He's a ball of fun, but sometimes he goes to far. If this bothers you..." she pointed at her bare breasts, "...I can go. Or maybe you have something I can cover myself with?"
"I would like to consider myself as a gentleman...won't you please come in?" He moved to the side and swept his hand front of him as if inviting into his dormroom.
"Ah, how sweet. Gramps was wrong...there are still a few gentlemen in this world." She walked over and sat on the edge of Clark's unmade bed while Clark retrieved a plain red colored tshirt from one of his duffle bags.
Looking around the room, "So do you like live out of those bags? Like where's the rest of your stuff?"
"At the moment, what you see is what you get." She put the shirt on while Clark tried to advert his eyes.
"Okay, you can look now. I can't believe it...a half naked girl comes to your door and I get nothing...not even a slight blush. And on top of it, you turn your head away? My, there sure aren't many like you around, CK."
"You have no idea how true that statement really is. So why were all you ladies chasing after Ray?"
"First off, I wouldn't call him Ray. To his friends, its X-Ray. And he spoke to you...and rode your back...and spoke to you again...therefore he already considers you a friend whether your feelings are mutual or not. Now that is out of the way...the twirp stole our bras from the shower room. He got another girl's panties as well. Don't worry, she stayed in the shower room. One of the other girls went to get her some bottoms while we took off after the X man. He's a slippery devil, but I wouldn't trade him as a friend for anything. And smart like you've never seen before. He has a photographic memory that won't stop. He just doesn't like flaunting his ideas and genuisness around to other people...only a few of us really know him."
"So that's how he knew so much about you? You two are pretty close then?"
"Just friends if you're asking me what I think you're asking me."
"Not sure what you think I'm asking you without asking you, but I don't think that is what I'm really asking."
Cutting to the chase, "Christopher Clark, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"
Shaking his head at an accelerated speed, "No! Oh, no. I just met you. I was just going to ask did you two hangout together? Ray...ugghhh...X-Ray jumped all over telling how free you were and about your history of dating at this school."
"He did what? I'm going to kill that punk!" Using her hands, she mocked a strangling.
"Its okay. No harm was done. You're beautiful and all, but I don't know you...the real you. I was thinking if you did hangout with X-Ray that maybe I would hangout with you guys as well...if your group would allow that."
"The day my group of girls don't allow a hansome, charming young man to handout with the group...is the day I smuther myself in my own secretions. Gross I know...but I think you get my point."
"Loud and clear. So other than chasing after Mr. X, what are some of your other plans for today?"
"I'm going to the hospital. A friend of mine is being let out today and I want to be there when it happens."
"You wouldn't mean the Thomas girl, would you?"
"Yeah, how did you know abo...oh right, the newspapers."
"Well that and talking to X-Ray at orientation. He said you two were like best friends."
"Yeah, we're cool like that. Would you like to accompany me?"
Hesitating a bit, "I don't know. Its not like I know her. I would be intruding."
"No you wouldn't. I'll just tell her you are my date. In a way, you would be."
Thinking about all the reasons he shouldn't go, "Its a date then. When you leaving?"
"As soon as I get back to my own room and get changed into something more presentable. Guess I'll see you ten?"
"I'll be ready when you are." He opened the door to his room and watched as she started down the hall. Turning back, she removed his t-shirt and slung back at Clark's face. "Wouldn't want you to think I was trying to steal it or anything." She smiled and walked off; once again baring her chest for the world. Clark leaned his head against the doorjam and fought with the idea of scanning through the rest of her body. He turned and re-entered his room and fell flat across his bed, face first.
Sometime later in the morning, "Chris, thanks for agreeing to come with me to see Rachel. I really don't know what to say to her. What do you say to a girl that's recently been.."
Cutting her off in mid-sentence, "You be her friend. I'm sure that is what she needs more than anything at the moment." The two walk side by side as they enter through the last pair of swinging double doors. "Her room is up here on the right."
"Chris, how did you know that?"
Thinking on his feet, "I scanned the nurse's patient enrollment listing while you were signing us in and then that sign back there said rooms 302 to 305 was on the next right. Her room is 304."
"You did all that while still carrying on a conversation with me...hmmm...you're becoming even more of a mystery, CK. And I love a good mystery."
Sensing what Sandra had meant by her last comment, he quickly changed the subject. "We're here. Room 304."
"That we are."
Clark and Sandra walk into the white hospital room where Rachel is still laying in bed and her parents are on either side; dad watching tv and mom getting her going home clothes out of a small handheld bag.
Mrs. Thomas got up and walked over to the two new entries. "Sandra, my darling, its so good to see you again. I'm glad you came. Rachel will be so glad to see you when she wakes up."
Whispering back, "Why has she not woken up yet?"
"Doctors gave her some medicine a while ago for some last minute tests and we were instructed that it would be best if we didn't try and wake her."
Grabbing a hold of the older ladies hand, "Can we talk to her?" The mention of we brought Mrs. Thomas to realize that Sandra wasn't alone. Looking over the younger girl's shoulder, "Christopher?"
"Yes, ma'am. Good memory you have there."
"In my husband's line of work...you have to have a good memory to survive. I'm glad you came. I remember you saying you didn't know my daughter, but if not for her...then for Sandra. I know this isn't going to be easy for her or Rachel."
"Why would you say such a thing?"
"Sandra didn't tell you?" Looking back over her shoulder, she watched as Sandra knelt by the bed and started whispering to her sleeping daughter. Turning back towards Clark, "They went to a welcome back party the night the attack occurred. Sandra didn't feel like staying so a friend of her's took her home, but Rachel stayed. She phoned us, but our cellphone answering service took a message. I guess my precious thought it was safe enough to walk home alone."
Blurting out without thinking, "At that time of day, it should have been."
"Huhhh...what time of day are you referring? No one, not even the police, have mentioned the time the attack took place. How do you know that? Is there something you're not telling me Mr. Clark?"
Once again thinking quick on his toes, "No, ma'am. I was thinking from a guy's point of view. For a guy, walking anywhere by yourself is pretty safe. I'm sorry for making you think I knew something. I really should count to ten before I speak sometimes." He reached over and gave her a hug before seeing Sandra motioning him over towards the bed.
Kneeling down beside his new friend, "CK, this is Rachel." She brought his hand to touch Rachel's. "And Rachel, this is CK."
At feeling the touch of the young man's hand, the girl screamed out. "It Was You!" Even in a sleeping state of mind, Rachel grabbed a hold of Clark's arm and wrapped it around her body. All the while crying out, "Protect Me...Like You Did Before." Besides the girl's own voice...the room fell silent. Parents and friend looked down as the young man, now willingly encircling the sleeping girl with his arms.
Whispering in her ear, "It will be okay, Rachel. I won't let anything happen to you again. Mark my word. I was late once, but never again." He leaned in closer giving the peck on the cheek before turning towards the Thomas's and Sandra. They stared back at him with looks of confusion.written across their faces.
Before Clark could say anything, Sandra reached out and slapped him across the face and then ran out of the hospital room. Tears were melting from her eyes as she raced down the hall. Clark was left there with only Rachel's parents. Mrs. Thomas tried to hold back her tears, but was unable. She walked over and put her arms around the young man and hugged him close to her body. Mr. Thomas soon joined the two in a group appreciative hug.
Mr. Thomas spoke first. "So you were my daughter's hero?"
Clark knew he had lied to everyone from the beginning and felt it was time for some truth. "Yes, sir. I'm the one that fought off the men. I took your daughter to the hospital." Not able to tell her parent's the whole truth, "Only reason I left her so quickly was because I had left my duffle bags back in the alley. The bags and content within them are my only possessions. I'm sorry for not coming out and telling you Mrs. Thomas the other day at orientation, but I don't think what I did should be considered as an act of heroism. I didn't do anything special...I lent a hand to a girl that needed help. I only hope that if that had been me on that alley floor, someone would have done the same for me."
The Thomas's both melted in tears as they hugged Clark even harder. A few minutes later, another set of hands joined in the hug; Sandra now had her arms in on the hug. As the hug faded and everyone pulled away, Sandra pushed forward planting her lips upon Clark's. A minute later she released her grasp and pulled away herself. The unexpecting kiss had starled Clark, thus freezing him in place. It took the weak skinny arms that wrapped around his neck from behind to get his blood flowing again.
Rachel leaned into Clark's ear. "I owe you my life. I don't know how I know, but I know it was you. Your touch...so caring. I never saw you, but I could never forget the warmth of that touch. Thank you, stranger. Thank you." She pulled herself into a full sitting position before turning Clark's face towards her own. For the first time, she was able to look into the eyes of the one that saved her life. He was hansome and had a big, cute smile. She tought she was literally seeing an angel. Leaning in and again wrapping her arms his neck, she pulled Clark down on top of her body as she layed back on the mattress. Her lips were now searching out his as the kiss went on and on. Mr. Thomas had to physically separate the two. It was obvious to the onlookers that Clark nor Rachel wanted the kiss to be broken. Sandra couldn't help but laugh at the situation.
"So Rachel, you're not even out of the hospital and you're already hitting on my new guy. Things never change." Rachel moved her head to the side so she could see her friend. Holding out her arms, Rachel invited Sandra to join in. Together they both assaulted young Clark Kent's lips. Mr. Thomas watched the reaction of his wife.
"Honey, if you value our marriage...don't you even think about it." The older adults both laughed at what was unfolding before them.
Looking back at his wife, "Guess our daughter must be feeling a lot better." Laughter is what was needed at the moment and laughter is what room 304 provided.
(To be continued)
[Is Clark still dreaming or has reality found its way back in? Just a thought to leave with you.]
Moving about the huge, yet crowded area, Clark spotted a copy of the Daily Planet lying across the back of a love seat. Picking it up, his sight was drawn to the frontpage storyline; 'Unknown Hero...No More. MU Student Saved by Fellow MU Student.' The heading of the article intriqued the young man enough for him to read the entire article. By the time the last period was noticed, he bent his head down in disgust.
He jumped over the back of the couch and flopped down in the cushioned seat. Slumping down, he rested his head against the soft, yet firm cushion and thought through some things. He carried on an inner battle with his self as he tried to relax. "How could they have known? What gave it away? Was there a witness? All that doesn't matter...the fact of the matter is...I was too late. I thought I had saved her, but it wasn't meant to be. If only I was faster. If I could replay the day I wouldn't bother with the two pesky men and the bus storage compartment. I would hear the girl's crys earlier and be able to stop any of the abuse. Why...why did she have to die? Life just isn't fair. First I have to leave my friends and family so I can be who my parents believe I'm supposed to be. A do-gooder...righter of wrong...savior of the weak...a helper, a friend, a hero of sorts. And what do I do on my first attempt in the big city...I let a girl get raped, beaten, and die. Why me? Why must I carry the curse that follows these abilities? Why must I be the one...that's different?"
Clark's attention was rattled when he heard a loud noise coming in his direction. Wiping the few tears from his eyes, he was able to see clearly, what looked to a be a loud mob of students coming his way. He could hear congratulatory and mixed words coming from the crowd that seemed to exponentially increase as they marched across the carpetted commons area.
Not able to pick out any indivdual comments, he just accepted what they had to say. Words were running together and some just not making sense, but he understood what they where all trying to express. "Congratulations, Chris. Great job man. So you were the one to save the president's daughter. Outstanding.Yeah, dude, awesome job. Single handedly took on 3 guys. So how does it feel to be a hero? How does it feel to have that much strength? Does your power come from eating Wheaties? Are you on steroids? Weights...do you work out or lift weights? What about the dumpster...you put a man's head through the metal...can you explain that?" Clark was overwhelmed by the questions.
A girl from the back of the mob yelled out above the rest, "Do how does it feel to be a hero...that murdered not one, but two people in the night in questioning?" Clark scanned the crowd and spotted the girl; she had on a hat and stared at the floor. Clark approached her not knowing what his response, whether vocal or physical, would be. The girl raised her head as his brown, worn out, dusty, work and everyday boots came into sight. As she lifted her head, Clark froze in horror as the girl spoke.
"So how does it feel hero...knowing that you let me die?"
Clark's eyes immediately flew open; waking from the terrible nightmare. A moment later, with his concentration broken, he crashed to his bed. Floating in mid air during time of sleep had become a norm for the Kansas resident farmboy. A cold sweat swept over his body, causing his to shiver and shake all over. As he regained his senses and sat up, leaning his head against the headboard, he looked around his new surroundings; watching how the outside campus lights played shadow games with the darkness within his room. He was tired and warn out, but not from what most teenagers his age was used to. He had his own personal inner battles to deal with along with understanding his purpose and responsibilities in life and the people around him as well. He soon fell back to sleep as his nerves and tension descended; his head still resting against the bed's wooden headboard, while his body continuously extracted sweat. His breathing fell back into place as he pushed the current events back in his mind and brought forward the memories and good times that he and his Smallville friends had hanging out at the Beanery, the Talon, and the Torch's office. Clark slowly let a smile form on his face before falling over on the mattress and into a deep, peaceful slumber.
Clark opened his eyes to bright beating sun light. It wasn't common for him not to be woken up my his parents or the rooster on the farm. He was alone and forced to live life as he saw fit...as a man...as a mature man. Clark looked around his white walled, hard flat tile floored room, all he saw was just that...and two duffle bags. He knew he had to find a job so he could afford some luxuries...such as a dresser, hamper, and more clothes would be a good thing to have, etc.
The young man walked over to the vanity and splashed water on his face, before turning and finding his pants, which he put on. As buttons were being snapped, a loud noise caused Clark to snap his head towards the door. He ran over and threw it open. He beamed with a huge smile as he watched the guy from orientation, Ray, get hit on by a group of half dressed young women. The chase carried them down the hall, past Clark's room. Ray was having the time of his life, while running like his life depended it on it. One of the girls stopped at seeing Clark's shirtless, muscled body. She looked familar.
"Hey CK, remember me? Sandra...from orientation day."
It dawned on him who she was. "I'm sorry. Didn't recognize you with the ballcap on and not much else."
"Yeah, that's dorm life around here...especially when X-Ray is around. He's a ball of fun, but sometimes he goes to far. If this bothers you..." she pointed at her bare breasts, "...I can go. Or maybe you have something I can cover myself with?"
"I would like to consider myself as a gentleman...won't you please come in?" He moved to the side and swept his hand front of him as if inviting into his dormroom.
"Ah, how sweet. Gramps was wrong...there are still a few gentlemen in this world." She walked over and sat on the edge of Clark's unmade bed while Clark retrieved a plain red colored tshirt from one of his duffle bags.
Looking around the room, "So do you like live out of those bags? Like where's the rest of your stuff?"
"At the moment, what you see is what you get." She put the shirt on while Clark tried to advert his eyes.
"Okay, you can look now. I can't believe it...a half naked girl comes to your door and I get nothing...not even a slight blush. And on top of it, you turn your head away? My, there sure aren't many like you around, CK."
"You have no idea how true that statement really is. So why were all you ladies chasing after Ray?"
"First off, I wouldn't call him Ray. To his friends, its X-Ray. And he spoke to you...and rode your back...and spoke to you again...therefore he already considers you a friend whether your feelings are mutual or not. Now that is out of the way...the twirp stole our bras from the shower room. He got another girl's panties as well. Don't worry, she stayed in the shower room. One of the other girls went to get her some bottoms while we took off after the X man. He's a slippery devil, but I wouldn't trade him as a friend for anything. And smart like you've never seen before. He has a photographic memory that won't stop. He just doesn't like flaunting his ideas and genuisness around to other people...only a few of us really know him."
"So that's how he knew so much about you? You two are pretty close then?"
"Just friends if you're asking me what I think you're asking me."
"Not sure what you think I'm asking you without asking you, but I don't think that is what I'm really asking."
Cutting to the chase, "Christopher Clark, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"
Shaking his head at an accelerated speed, "No! Oh, no. I just met you. I was just going to ask did you two hangout together? Ray...ugghhh...X-Ray jumped all over telling how free you were and about your history of dating at this school."
"He did what? I'm going to kill that punk!" Using her hands, she mocked a strangling.
"Its okay. No harm was done. You're beautiful and all, but I don't know you...the real you. I was thinking if you did hangout with X-Ray that maybe I would hangout with you guys as well...if your group would allow that."
"The day my group of girls don't allow a hansome, charming young man to handout with the group...is the day I smuther myself in my own secretions. Gross I know...but I think you get my point."
"Loud and clear. So other than chasing after Mr. X, what are some of your other plans for today?"
"I'm going to the hospital. A friend of mine is being let out today and I want to be there when it happens."
"You wouldn't mean the Thomas girl, would you?"
"Yeah, how did you know abo...oh right, the newspapers."
"Well that and talking to X-Ray at orientation. He said you two were like best friends."
"Yeah, we're cool like that. Would you like to accompany me?"
Hesitating a bit, "I don't know. Its not like I know her. I would be intruding."
"No you wouldn't. I'll just tell her you are my date. In a way, you would be."
Thinking about all the reasons he shouldn't go, "Its a date then. When you leaving?"
"As soon as I get back to my own room and get changed into something more presentable. Guess I'll see you ten?"
"I'll be ready when you are." He opened the door to his room and watched as she started down the hall. Turning back, she removed his t-shirt and slung back at Clark's face. "Wouldn't want you to think I was trying to steal it or anything." She smiled and walked off; once again baring her chest for the world. Clark leaned his head against the doorjam and fought with the idea of scanning through the rest of her body. He turned and re-entered his room and fell flat across his bed, face first.
Sometime later in the morning, "Chris, thanks for agreeing to come with me to see Rachel. I really don't know what to say to her. What do you say to a girl that's recently been.."
Cutting her off in mid-sentence, "You be her friend. I'm sure that is what she needs more than anything at the moment." The two walk side by side as they enter through the last pair of swinging double doors. "Her room is up here on the right."
"Chris, how did you know that?"
Thinking on his feet, "I scanned the nurse's patient enrollment listing while you were signing us in and then that sign back there said rooms 302 to 305 was on the next right. Her room is 304."
"You did all that while still carrying on a conversation with me...hmmm...you're becoming even more of a mystery, CK. And I love a good mystery."
Sensing what Sandra had meant by her last comment, he quickly changed the subject. "We're here. Room 304."
"That we are."
Clark and Sandra walk into the white hospital room where Rachel is still laying in bed and her parents are on either side; dad watching tv and mom getting her going home clothes out of a small handheld bag.
Mrs. Thomas got up and walked over to the two new entries. "Sandra, my darling, its so good to see you again. I'm glad you came. Rachel will be so glad to see you when she wakes up."
Whispering back, "Why has she not woken up yet?"
"Doctors gave her some medicine a while ago for some last minute tests and we were instructed that it would be best if we didn't try and wake her."
Grabbing a hold of the older ladies hand, "Can we talk to her?" The mention of we brought Mrs. Thomas to realize that Sandra wasn't alone. Looking over the younger girl's shoulder, "Christopher?"
"Yes, ma'am. Good memory you have there."
"In my husband's line of work...you have to have a good memory to survive. I'm glad you came. I remember you saying you didn't know my daughter, but if not for her...then for Sandra. I know this isn't going to be easy for her or Rachel."
"Why would you say such a thing?"
"Sandra didn't tell you?" Looking back over her shoulder, she watched as Sandra knelt by the bed and started whispering to her sleeping daughter. Turning back towards Clark, "They went to a welcome back party the night the attack occurred. Sandra didn't feel like staying so a friend of her's took her home, but Rachel stayed. She phoned us, but our cellphone answering service took a message. I guess my precious thought it was safe enough to walk home alone."
Blurting out without thinking, "At that time of day, it should have been."
"Huhhh...what time of day are you referring? No one, not even the police, have mentioned the time the attack took place. How do you know that? Is there something you're not telling me Mr. Clark?"
Once again thinking quick on his toes, "No, ma'am. I was thinking from a guy's point of view. For a guy, walking anywhere by yourself is pretty safe. I'm sorry for making you think I knew something. I really should count to ten before I speak sometimes." He reached over and gave her a hug before seeing Sandra motioning him over towards the bed.
Kneeling down beside his new friend, "CK, this is Rachel." She brought his hand to touch Rachel's. "And Rachel, this is CK."
At feeling the touch of the young man's hand, the girl screamed out. "It Was You!" Even in a sleeping state of mind, Rachel grabbed a hold of Clark's arm and wrapped it around her body. All the while crying out, "Protect Me...Like You Did Before." Besides the girl's own voice...the room fell silent. Parents and friend looked down as the young man, now willingly encircling the sleeping girl with his arms.
Whispering in her ear, "It will be okay, Rachel. I won't let anything happen to you again. Mark my word. I was late once, but never again." He leaned in closer giving the peck on the cheek before turning towards the Thomas's and Sandra. They stared back at him with looks of confusion.written across their faces.
Before Clark could say anything, Sandra reached out and slapped him across the face and then ran out of the hospital room. Tears were melting from her eyes as she raced down the hall. Clark was left there with only Rachel's parents. Mrs. Thomas tried to hold back her tears, but was unable. She walked over and put her arms around the young man and hugged him close to her body. Mr. Thomas soon joined the two in a group appreciative hug.
Mr. Thomas spoke first. "So you were my daughter's hero?"
Clark knew he had lied to everyone from the beginning and felt it was time for some truth. "Yes, sir. I'm the one that fought off the men. I took your daughter to the hospital." Not able to tell her parent's the whole truth, "Only reason I left her so quickly was because I had left my duffle bags back in the alley. The bags and content within them are my only possessions. I'm sorry for not coming out and telling you Mrs. Thomas the other day at orientation, but I don't think what I did should be considered as an act of heroism. I didn't do anything special...I lent a hand to a girl that needed help. I only hope that if that had been me on that alley floor, someone would have done the same for me."
The Thomas's both melted in tears as they hugged Clark even harder. A few minutes later, another set of hands joined in the hug; Sandra now had her arms in on the hug. As the hug faded and everyone pulled away, Sandra pushed forward planting her lips upon Clark's. A minute later she released her grasp and pulled away herself. The unexpecting kiss had starled Clark, thus freezing him in place. It took the weak skinny arms that wrapped around his neck from behind to get his blood flowing again.
Rachel leaned into Clark's ear. "I owe you my life. I don't know how I know, but I know it was you. Your touch...so caring. I never saw you, but I could never forget the warmth of that touch. Thank you, stranger. Thank you." She pulled herself into a full sitting position before turning Clark's face towards her own. For the first time, she was able to look into the eyes of the one that saved her life. He was hansome and had a big, cute smile. She tought she was literally seeing an angel. Leaning in and again wrapping her arms his neck, she pulled Clark down on top of her body as she layed back on the mattress. Her lips were now searching out his as the kiss went on and on. Mr. Thomas had to physically separate the two. It was obvious to the onlookers that Clark nor Rachel wanted the kiss to be broken. Sandra couldn't help but laugh at the situation.
"So Rachel, you're not even out of the hospital and you're already hitting on my new guy. Things never change." Rachel moved her head to the side so she could see her friend. Holding out her arms, Rachel invited Sandra to join in. Together they both assaulted young Clark Kent's lips. Mr. Thomas watched the reaction of his wife.
"Honey, if you value our marriage...don't you even think about it." The older adults both laughed at what was unfolding before them.
Looking back at his wife, "Guess our daughter must be feeling a lot better." Laughter is what was needed at the moment and laughter is what room 304 provided.
(To be continued)
[Is Clark still dreaming or has reality found its way back in? Just a thought to leave with you.]