After Lana left Clark went down to the cellar because the voice called him again. Clark walked down the stairs to the cellar, a gold light reflected off his face and a strong wind blew all around him. The ship was glowing and rising into the air. A voice came from the ship.
"Fear not, Kal-El."
"Who are you?" Clark yelled over the wind.
"I am Jor-El... your father."
"I thought you died!"
"I am his memory, his will. I am to fulfill his promise and guide you all the days of your life. You are the last son of Krypton."
The wings of the ship folded in until all that was left of the ship was the egg-shaped pod.
"When you traveled through the cosmos, you carried the hopes and dreams of your people. They now live through you, Kal-El. It is time."
The pod morphed into a perfect replication of planet Earth and the gold light was replaced by a blue glow.
"Time for what?"
"Time to accept your destiny."
"I don't know what you have in mind for me, but I..."
A shadow crawled over the small planet, as though the sun was setting. Then the golden glow of the sun shone from behind the planet.
"By the setting of the sun Sol, you will return to me. Your destiny will be fulfilled."
Clark turned around and Lana appeared with Jonathan and Martha, bathed in warm light. All smiling at him serenely, not noticing the strangeness of the situation.
"Your thoughts are not a mystery to me, Kal-El. These people have served their purpose. It is time to leave them."
Clark looked at Lana intensely, and she continued to smile. He reached out to touch her face and his touch caused Lana, Martha, and Jonathan to disintegrate and disappear. He turned back to the ship, which had returned to the gold egg shape.
"Please! Everything and everyone I love is here! In Smallville!"
"You must let go of your past. I will guide you to your future."
"No, I don't want your guidance! I want to create my own future!"
"You have no choice, Kal-El."
The pod spun until it exploded, sending out a blinding white light. Outside the storm cellar, the white light shone into the sky, and then abruptly went out.
----Kent front yard----
Jonathan and Martha came outside and find Clark sitting on the front steps.
"Well, you're up early." Jonathan said.
"I never went to sleep." Clark said unhappily.
"Clark? What's wrong?" Martha asked concerned.
Clark paused before answering. "I kind of met my biological father last night."
He looked up at Martha, who shared a worried look with Jonathan.
----Kent Cellar----
"When I heard his voice, it was coming from the ship. But it sounded like it was from my own head. He said it was time."
"Said it was time for what?" Jonathan asked.
"To leave Smallville and fulfill my destiny."
"He said that?" Martha asked.
"I have until sundown today."
"Or what?" Jonathan asked defensively.
"I'm not sure. He said I didn't have a choice. Why is it happening now when my life is just coming together? The farm's out of debt, I'm gonna be a big brother... Lana and I are finally getting together."
"Whatever your biological father may have had in mind for you, they're his hopes and dreams, not yours." Martha said upset.
"Clark, you choose your own destiny. Nobody can decide that for you, son."
Clark looked at both of his parents very seriously. And stepped toward them. "This is my home. And you're my parents. It's where I belong, and I'm not going anywhere."
He glared down at the ship and then looked back at his parents.
----Lex's study----
A stack of wrapped wedding gifts sat in Lex's study Lex stood standing behind the desk looking at the vial of blood from Helen's office. He stepped out of his study and saw Helen and Lionel talking down the hall. Helen gave an envelope to Lionel and walked toward Lex.
"I haven't seen you two together since, um, well Dad, since you tried to bribe Helen into dumping me."
Lionel gave a brief chuckle. "And now Dr. Bryce refuses to accept this, my wedding gift to her." Indicating toward the envelope. "If you two, uh, star-crossed lovers will excuse me."
Lionel walked between them and down the hall, leaving.
"You, uh, you want to tell me what that was all about?"
"Exactly what your father said. You know what? I'm tired of being a pawn in this never-ending struggle."
Helen walked into the study with Lex following her.
"We both said some things last night. I don't want to go into this marriage with any secrets between us."
"I haven't held anything back."
Lex walked to the desk and opened the box revealing the metal vial. He handed it to Helen. "I have. Look inside."
She opened it and found the vial of blood. She looked at Lex, shocked.
"I did break into your office, and that's what I was after. I told you because I'm trying to break the cycle. I don't want to be the person who did this anymore."
"But you did do it, Lex. You committed a crime. You violated my privacy and that of my patients."
"I know."
"What did you think would happen? That you'd give it back, tell me what you did, and I'd just forgive you and we would live happily ever after?"
"I don't know what I expected. All I know is that I love you."
"I'm sure in some part of that twisted mind you do." Helen started to walk away.
"I didn't have it analyzed."
Helen turned around. "What was so important about this blood, anyway?"
"I thought it would give me the answers I've been looking for."
"All it did was end this relationship."
She turned and left leaving Lex hanging his head.
----Later----
Clark walked into Lex's office to see him reading a newspaper article pitting him against his father. "Uh, where's this tailor? I'm kind of pressed for time today."
"I canceled him." Lex answered flatly.
"Why?" Clark asked bewildered.
"Because Helen's not walking down the aisle tomorrow."
"I saw her last night. She seemed really happy."
Lex got up from the desk and walked to the middle of the room, facing away from Clark. "Yeah, well, a lot can change in 24 hours."
"Why'd she break it off?"
Lex turned to face Clark. "I've always been fighting my destiny, trying to avoid becoming my father. But we all have certain genes that, no matter how much we want to change, dominate us."
"What'd you do?"
Lex sat in a nearby chair. "I betrayed Helen's trust. Then I fought my own nature and did something very unLuthor-like. I confessed my sin, hoping she'd forgive me."
Clark sat on the couch near Lex. "My guess is she didn't."
"Don't tell anyone, Clark. I want to hold onto my romantic notions for one more day." Lex gave Clark a small smile and lowered his eyes. Clark looked away and then back at Lex sympathetically.
----Paris's house later----
Paris and Bruce were sitting on a couch outside on the large wrap around porch.
"Paris something seems to be off about you."
"Oh and what would that be Dr.?" She turned to look at him, her sunglasses shielding her eyes.
He looked at her speculatively. "I don't know. We've been out here for over an hour and you haven't had one cigarette, you didn't have any wine at dinner last night or tonight, and considering the event that is about to occur tomorrow I figured you of all people would be completely drunk by now. And I could have sworn I heard you throwing up earlier."
"I think it's just a touch of the flu."
Bruce wasn't buying it, he cocked an eyebrow at her. "Oh and I found these in the fridge." He took a bottle of pre-natal vitamins out of his pocket and handed them to her.
She took her sunglasses off and looked at him stunned. "How did you find those?"
"I was looking for an apple and they were in the drawer. Your father or grandfather could have found them just as easily."
"Well I guess I'm lucky it was you who found them then aren't I."
"Whose is it Paris?" He questioned.
"Well it's not yours so don't worry." She said dismissively.
He smirked. "It's impossible for it to be mine we've never slept together."
"Smart boy." She said offhandedly.
"Paris." He pressed.
She took a breath and ran a hand through her hair. "Lex."
His jaw dropped. "You're carrying Lex's child. Oh my, Paris, how, what?"
"If I have to explain conception to you then I weep for the future." She remarked dryly.
"You know what I mean."
"A few months ago, before he and Helen were serious there was this thing. Some kind of parasite from the caves. It got into our systems and infected us. It thrived on adrenaline. That combined with Lex and I living in the same house ensured an eruption of pent up sexual frustration. We did it anywhere and everywhere. We woke up in the hospital with no memory of what had happened. I'm on the pill, and we were just happy to be alive that we never gave it a second thought. Apparently meteorly enhanced parasites over ride the pill. Who knew?"
"Are you going to tell him?"
Paris shook her head. "No." There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"He has a right to know. Keeping his child from him is criminal."
"This is not one of your caped crusader cases Bruce. This is my life. He has a right to be happy. Helen makes him happy. If I had found out before they became so serious it would have been different. If I tell him now everything will be ruined and he will hate me forever. It'll ruin his marriage and our friendship. I won't do that to him."
"How exactly do you plan on hiding this from him?"
"The Kents are watching my house for me. I'm leaving for France the day after tomorrow. They think I'm staying there for the rest of the summer to spend time with grandpere. I'll come back before I start showing and sell this house, then go back to Europe and raise my child."
"Paris you don't have to do that. How do you plan on explaining this? And what about Lex, you're going to have to see him eventually."
"Not if I do it right. And if I do I'll just say I wanted to be a mother so I was artificially inseminated or some crap like that. Lex, well I've been doing my best to drive him away. If he ever does find out, I guess I'll just have to deal with that bridge when it comes time to cross it."
He shook his head at her. "You're making a mistake."
"We'll see."
Lex appeared at the door leading out to the porch and knocked. Paris handed Bruce the bottle of pills back unnoticed by Lex, walked over and opened the door.
"Most people knock from the outside to get in." They walked back out on the deck. Paris took her seat on the couch next to Bruce and Lex took one of the chairs.
"You two seemed deep in conversation I didn't want to interrupt. I hope you don't mind I was out for a drive and I decided to stop by, your dad let me in."
"No it's fine, you're always welcome here. What's up?"
"Yeah Lex. Nervous about tomorrow, being the big day and all?"
"Well it's funny you should mention that Bruce. I'm not sure tomorrow's going to happen."
"What happened?" Paris was concerned.
"I broke Helen's trust and she left me."
"What did you do exactly?" Bruce asked.
"Look it doesn't matter what I did exactly. She can't trust me, she left me. End of story."
"No it's not." Paris added.
"What are you talking about Paris? I thought you of all people would be happy to see Helen go." He snapped at her.
Paris knew she deserved that. "Don't confuse my dislike for Helen and my concern for your happiness. She's pissed off. I would be too, but she'll come back I'm sure of it."
Bruce looked at her sideways before speaking. "Lex she's mad, just give her some time to cool off. I'm sure by tomorrow afternoon she'll be standing next to you on that altar."
"You two seem awfully sure of this. I hope you're right." Lex got up to leave. "Oh Paris if I don't get a chance to talk to you tomorrow. I know we've been arguing a bit lately, we're both stressed out about different things. I hope everything goes well this summer and if you ever need any help with the house or your company you can come to me any time, house key or not."
"Thanks Lex." She got up and hugged him.
After Lex left Paris leaned against the door and sighed.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yep."
----The morning before the wedding----
Clark was leaning against a fence outside his house. He was holding Lana's meteor necklace, now the stone was clear and harmless to him. Jonathan and Martha came outside, dressed for the wedding.
"Clark! Why aren't you ready?" Martha admonished.
Clark quickly put the necklace in his pocket. "The wedding doesn't start for a few hours."
"Your mother wants to get a good seat, son."
"I promised Helen I'd go early and check the flowers."
"Well, I gotta pick up Lana, so I'll meet you there."
"We obviously have to get used to the fact that you have a girlfriend now." Martha said with a smile.
Clark gave a half hearted smile. Martha nad Jonathan exchanged a concerned look. "Clark. How's it going today, son?" Jonathan asked.
"Good."
"No voice?" He questioned.
Clark hesitated before answering. "No voice."
"Looks like you're just gonna have to face the future the old-fashioned way."
"I guess so. It's pretty scary."
Jonathan gave a chuckle. "Yeah." Jonathan and Martha stated to walk away.
"Mom?"
"Yes sweetheart."
"You look beautiful today." Clark said sadly.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
Jonathan and Martha turned and left. Clark stared out at the field distressed.
----Paris's bedroom----
Paris's grandfather was knocking on her door. "Paris dear are you alright in there?"
Paris was inside sitting on her bed looking at an old picture of her and Lex, crying. Her dress was hanging on the back of her closet door and her purse and shoes were on the chair waiting for her to put them on. "I'm fine Grandpere. I'm just not ready yet. You all can leave and I'll follow in my car."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure! I'll be ready in like half an hour just go ahead." She wanted them out of the house.
"Alright dear I'll go tell your father and Bruce."
"Okay."
Gustave turned away and walked downstairs. Paris covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom.
----Reconciliation----
Lex sat in the study, dressed in his tuxedo, and holding two wedding rings. Helen walked in in jeans and a sweater.
Lex stood up, shocked. "Helen. You're here."
"I am so angry at you. What you did was unforgivable."
"You're right."
"But the farther I got from you and this town... I realized that while any sane person would've kept driving, I needed to turn around. I started to look at myself and the mistakes that I've made in my life." Helen walked over and sat on the couch.
Lex sat down next to her. "I hope I'm not one of them."
Helen shook her head. "No, Lex, you're not. That's the thing. I still love you."
----Finally Chloe snaps----
Clark came out of the loft just as Chloe is drove up. He quickly checked his watch, it was 11:50. Ten minutes until he was supposed to take over the world.
"Hey, Clark, I'm glad I caught you before the wedding." Chloe said as she climbed out of her red VW bug.
"Chloe, what are you doing here?"
"Is everything okay? I mean, I heard you were looking for me."
"Yeah, um, I was, but..." He hesitated and took a look at the cellar. "I can't talk to you right now."
He started pushing her back to her car. "What are you doing?" Chloe asked, shocked.
"Look, I promise I'll find you later."
"Clark, I..."
Clark cut her off. "Don't worry. I'll find you, okay?"
Clark started to walk away and Chloe stood at her car, watching him. "So how'd you decide? Rock-paper-scissors, coin toss, or did you just happen to draw the short straw?" She asked harshly.
"Decide?" Clark asked, taken aback.
Chloe walked toward him as she spoke. "Who was gonna tell me that you and Lana are together?" She crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow.
"You know?"
"Yeah. I came over to the barn the other night to warn you about something."
"About what?"
"You know, it doesn't matter now. The point is I saw you and Lana in a major lip lock."
"I-I didn't mean..."
"Didn't what, Clark? Newsflash. You've always been in love with Lana. I tried to deny it, thinking that maybe we could work something out, but it's like fate, Clark. Inevitable, but always surprising when it actually happens."
"I was gonna tell you."
"Really? Because obviously it was on the top of your to-do list. You know, I can deal with the fact that you guys are together. It hurts, but I was prepared for it. But we just made a promise to be honest with each other, and you didn't have the guts to keep you word!"
"Chloe..."
"Or was it just that it was too much fun making a fool of me that you couldn't reveal your secret?" She walked to the car. "Have a nice life, Clark." Chloe sped away.
Everyone was in the chapel watching Lex and Helen wed. Everyone accept the Kents and Paris.
The Kents were in their truck speeding him to find Clark, whom Lex was worried about because he was his best man.
Clark was in the cellar, he put the key in the ship. A white light filled the room and shot out the top of the cellar., he fell to his knees.
Paris was speeding toward the Kent house, checking the clock on her dash board she swore as she realized she was late. "Shit!" 'I told him I'd be there.'
The Kents were nearly home when a huge ring of white energy filled the air. It was taller than the trees and even the telephone pole, and it was heading straight for them and Paris who was driving in front of the house. The energy took Paris's car as it passed through and hurdled it toward the Kent's truck, tossing the Porche like a matchbox car.
"Aaah!" Martha screamed as Jonathan swerved to avoid the car and the energy cloud.
Jonathan swerved to avoid an accident and ended up driving into a field sparks showered down from the telephone pole. The truck tipped over and rolled several times, rolling over Paris's car and landing upside down a few yards away.
----I winder what kind of insurance these people have----
Jonathan stood outside a hospital room where Martha was unconscious. Three different doctors were taking care of her as Jonathan watched through the window. Clark entered the hallway behind him.
"How is she?" Clark asked quietly.
"Doctors don't know yet. What did you do, Clark?"
"I put the Kryptonite key in the ship."
"And why did you do that?"
"Dad, I lied about the voice. It did come back. It told me I had to leave by noon. I didn't have a choice, Dad. I had to destroy the ship."
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"I knew you wouldn't agree with what I did. Dad, I didn't want it to take me away from you. I'm so sorry for what I did."
"Your actions have consequences, Clark. Didn't your mother and I ever teach you that?"
"Yes, but..."
"There's no time for excuses, Clark. It's too late. You didn't think this thing through. You had no idea what was gonna happen, and now... Now your mother is lying in a hospital bed, and Paris is down the hall fighting for her life."
The doctor came out of Martha's room. "Mr. Kent?"
"Doctor, how is my wife?"
"She has a mild concussion, but she'll be fine."
"And how is our baby?"
"I'm sorry."
Jonathan stood silent and motionless as the doctor walked away.
"Dad..."
Jonathan walked away and into Martha's room.
Clark looked in on his parents sadly and walked down the hall to Paris's room. She was unconscious and hooked up to machines. Her father and Grandfather were in the room talking to her doctors.
"How is she Bruce?"
"As well as can be expected. She has a severe double concussion, her appendix ruptured, her knee is severely sprained, she may have a muscle tear, and all her ribs are broken."
Clark just shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry."
"So am I."
Clark shoved his hands in his pockets and walked out of the hospital.
----Chloe----
After leaving Clark Chloe called Lionel Luthor and told him she wanted to meet him. She had decided to take him up on his offer.
----Clark----
Clark couldn't take it anymore. He had hurt his mother and killed his parents only chance at having a normal child. He had nearly killed Paris, and royally pissed Chloe off. On top of it all his own father couldn't even look at him. He decided the only thing he could do was leave. He went to the Torch and took one of the class rings with the red Kryptonite, Pete tried to stop him but failed. Clark went home and took his father's motorcycle out of the barn to depart with.
Lana walked up and saw him about to go. "Clark, where are you going?"
"Away from here."
"The Clark Kent I know wouldn't run away from his problems."
"The Clark Kent you know is a lie."
"Why won't you let me in?"
"Because, Lana, you won't like what you see."
Lana grabbed his arm and put a hand on his cheek. "I am not giving up on you."
"No on can save me. Not even you."
Lana started to cry. "Your parents need you. I need you." Clark looked away painfully. "I love you, Clark."
"I love you, too... more than you'll ever know. That's why I have to leave."
Clark turned away from her and sat on the motorcycle. He slipped the ring on his finger, immediately his eyes glowed red then back to normal. "Come with me."
"Smallville's my home. It's your home too."
"Not anymore." Clark slipped on his sunglasses and sped off leaving Lana crying in the dust.
----Crash----
Lex awoke to an empty cabin. He called for Helen but she was gone. The jump door was open. He made his way to the cockpit, when he opened the door the pilot was gone, the control panel was smashed. He looked out the windshield and saw the ocean rushing at him.
----Smallville Hospital two days later----
Martha was sitting on the side of unconscious Paris's bed, holding her hand and stroking hair sadly. "So young, so beautiful. Why didn't you tell anyone what was going on sweetheart? We would have been there for you. You didn't have to run away. Please wake up dear we're all waiting for you."
Malcolm walked in. "Still no change?"
"No but I've been talking to her like the doctors said to."
"Mrs. Kent I appreciate you sitting with my daughter. But you have suffered so much trauma over the last few days you should be with your husband, go home and rest."
"No, this keeps me from worrying about Clark. I'm sure her mother would be doing the same thing if she were still alive."
Malcolm took the seat on the other side of the bed, looking at Martha. "Actually if her mother were still alive I'm not sure Paris would even be in that bed. I don't know what Paris has told you but I haven't been the best of fathers."
"Your daughter is a smart, wonderful woman with a beautiful heart. I'm sure you weren't that bad a father." Martha said, here eyes never leaving Paris.
"You are right about all those things Mrs. Kent."
"Please call me Martha."
"Okay. I'll call you Martha if you call me Malcolm."
"Okay."
"You are right about all of those things Martha, but unfortunately I had almost nothing to do with the woman my daughter has become. Her mother is responsible for the person she is. I was absent most of Paris's childhood, and when her mother died. Paris was fifteen when her mother passed and she saw the person I was, she didn't like it. She rebelled every chance she got. As she grew older she reminded me more and more of her mother. I couldn't bear to be around her. I pushed her away and she pushed back until there was a rift so big between us that could be seen from space."
"There's time to mend that rift."
"I'm not so sure. I've said things to her that no parent should ever say to a child."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Do you have any idea whose child she was carrying?"
"Not a clue." Martha lied, Bruce had told her whose it was.
Just then Lionel appeared in the doorway and knocked. "Hello Mrs. Kent, Malcolm." He was tense.
"Hello Mr. Luthor."
"Hello Lionel."
"Has she shown any sign of improvement?" Lionel said walking over to Paris's bedside, standing next to Martha.
"No. I was just telling Martha about what a lousy father I've been."
"Is there room for another? I think I could add a few note worthy antic dotes to the mix. Have they found Clark yet?"
"No."
"I'm sorry Mrs. Kent. If there's anyone who deserves the love of their child it's you."
Martha had tears in her eyes. "Thank you. Excuse me." Martha got up and left the room.
"Have they located the plane yet?" Malcolm didn't look at Lionel.
"No, but I have teams searching everywhere they may have been." Lionel took Paris's hand in his and rubbed his thumb over the top. "Please wake up Paris. There's no reason three people need to lose their children this week. Please wake up."
"You know as well as I do that Paris does what Paris wants. There's no reasoning with the girl." Malcolm joked dryly.
"I know." Lionel smiled a bit. "I'll be back tomorrow." Lionel walked out of the room and Martha was walking in.
"Did you two have a nice talk?" She asked Malcolm as she sat down.
"Nicer than any that we've had in the last seven years."
"Martha if you'll excuse me I have to make a few calls."
"Alright."
"Martha if you need to leave at any time for any reason please do tell me."
"I will." She went back to tending to Paris as Malcolm walked out of the room. "Oh Paris. Please wake up soon. We are so worried about you."
Paris started to stir in her bed. She groaned a bit. "Mummy." She whispered. "Mummy where are you? I can't see you."
"Shh. Paris you're okay. Open your eyes sweetheart."
"Can't."
"Why not Paris?"
"It hurts."
"What hurts?"
"My head, my side, my back, neck, everything."
"Please open your eyes."
Her eyes started to flutter open but she shut them tight. "Ow. Can you turn off the lights?"
"Sure." Martha got up and turned the lights off.
"Thank you." Paris opened her eyes and let them adjust to the room.
"Better?"
"Much. What happened and why am I here?"
Martha sat down next to her again and stroked her hair lovingly. "What do you remember?"
"I was driving and something hit my car. That's all."
"Okay. Paris sweetheart. Your car rolled a few times, our truck rolled over yours. Your appendix burst, you have broken ribs, your knee is sprained." Martha bit her lip before she said the next part. "Paris your body suffered so much trauma due to the car crash, and when your appendix burst, the poison was too much. I'm sorry Paris." Martha couldn't finish.
"Oh." Paris looked down.
"Paris I didn't tell anyone because I was afraid to bring bad luck but Jonathan and I were expecting a child too, but I lost it in the crash."
"So you're saying we're like the same?" Paris asked sadly.
"Martha thank you for sitting with me, and thank you for being honest with me but can I be alone?"
"Sure dear. I should go tell everyone that you're up anyway."
"Is Bruce still here?"
"Yes."
"Can you send him in?"
"Sure." Martha walked out.
A few seconds later Bruce walked in. "I heard the patient requested visitors."
"Just you." Paris tried to sit up but winced in pain. "Ow." She whined.
"Yeah that's probably not a good idea right now. Let me help you." Bruce used the remote control on her bed to raise the head so she was in sitting position. "Better?"
"Yeah. So I guess you heard."
"Yeah I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I guess it just wasn't meant to be." She started to cry.
"Shh." Bruce put his arms around her and cradled her gently. 'Damn you Lex. If we tell her you're dead, she'll probably die.' Bruce thought to himself.
Malcolm walked in with Martha and Gustave. "Paris you're up."
Paris stopped crying and sniffled a bit. "Very observant."
"I heard someone woke up." Paris's doctor said as he entered the room.
"Yep."
---The next day----
Everyone was gathered outside Paris's room debating who was going to tell her about Lex while Chloe and Lana kept her busy inside her room.
"So when do you get to go home?" Lana asked as she French braided Paris's hair.
"I should be getting out of here tomorrow."
"I can tell you from experience that you don't know freedom until you are released from Smallville General." Chloe joked, not looking at Lana.
Lionel knocked on the door. "Hello ladies."
"Hello Mr. Luthor." Chloe.
"Hello Mr. Luthor." Lana.
"Lionel. Nice to see you."
"It's nice to see you're awake Paris. I don't think I need to tell you that you gave us all quite a scare. Ms. Sullivan, Ms. Lang can I please have a few minute alone with Paris?"
Lana put a hair tie on the braid she was finishing and got up. "Sure Mr. Luthor. I'll see you later Paris."
Chloe got up from her chair. "Yeah I should be getting home too. Good bye Paris, good bye Mr. Luthor."
"Thanks for stopping by. I'll see you two when I get back." The girls walked out of the room silently and closed the door behind them.
"So what's up? Are you and my dad fighting again?" Paris joked from her bed.
"No dear I'm afraid it's more than an argument between two old fools. Can I sit here?" He asked gesturing to the spot next to her on the bed.
"Sure." Paris looked at him questioningly and straightened her posture.
Lionel sat down taking Paris's hands in his. "I don't know how to tell you this Paris, but you're getting released tomorrow and I think you should know before you see it on the news."
"What's going on?"
"Paris I'm sorry. Lex and Helen were on their way to their honeymoon, and shortly before 10:00 their plane went down somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. I'm sorry."
Silent tears burned their way down Paris's cheeks. "B..but he can't. Do they have pr...pr..proof?"
"They haven't found the plane yet."
"Well then he could still be alive right?" She sobbed.
"No I'm sorry Paris. Lex is dead."
"No. Please, No!" Paris's body shook as she cried harder and harder, she ignored the pain that shot through her entire body at the motion. "I, never told him."
"Told him what Paris?"
"I was. It doesn't matter now." She lay back and wept.
"Paris I'm going to get your Grandfather." Lionel kissed her forehead and left.
Gustave walked in a few minutes later. "Mon Chere. My poor Paris." He sat next to her and cradled her head to his chest. "It's okay dear. I know you loved him and he knew it too."
"It's not that."
"Then what is it?"
"If I had told him. He never would have married her. He'd be alive."
"What are you talking about?"
"You all know by now that I was pregnant. It was Lex's. I didn't tell him because by the time I found out he was engaged to Helen and it was too late."
"Oh Paris, you can't blame yourself for this." He said somberly as he rocked her gently.
"I want to go home."
"I know dear. We will get you home as soon as possible."
