CHAPTER 15 – Goodbyes

Clark and Lex reached Lex's car which was parked outside the Kent's house. They hadn't said another word as they were walking back to the house.

Lex went to open the door of his car, but then paused. "One final question Clark…" said Lex without lifting his head to look at Clark. "Now that you reached your crossroad in life, after finishing high school… in this critical juncture of your life… what do you plan to do?" asked Lex finally lifting his head and looking Clark intently in the eyes.

Upon hearing the question, Clark's face changed to a troubled look. He remained silent for a while. "I really don't know Lex… Why do you ask?"

Lex chuckled lightly. "As your… friend, I think I'm entitled to be curious Clark, since it appears that I won't be seeing you for a while."

"Well… as I said… I'm not sure…" said Clark seeming thoughtful.

Lex sighed and got in his car. As he started the engine of the car he lowered his window. "Just a final friendly advice Clark… you're a smart and talented kid… it'd be a shame to see you whither away here at Smallville... It has that effect on people… take it from someone who knows… Take care of yourself Clark…" and with that Lex Luthor drove away from Smallville towards the wide horizons of Metropolis.

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Clark entered the caves once more, feeling more and more confused with each step he took.

"What am I supposed to do?" he yelled and the empty cave walls echoed his voice over and over. "Why must it all be such a mystery? If you know what my destiny is… why not let me know about it?"

"Destiny is not something that is written in stone Kal El. Destiny is the potential each sentient being has and what it makes of it. Yours is way beyond any who ever walked this planet before you. You are one of a kind in this world Kal El and you can make a difference, for better or worse. That will only happen if you're willing to take the journey towards it. The journey is what will help you fulfill your destiny and reach your potential. It requires effort and some times sacrifice. All must come willingly. Neither I nor anyone else can force you to chose your path. You will choose it and walk it. The how is up to you." The voice of Jor El sounded to Clark for the first time as that of a father speaking to his son.

"So why all the threats and coercions if it is up to me?" asked Clark feeling overwhelmed by his father's words.

"That is how you chose to perceive them. The things you knew you had to do, were a threat to the life you thought was for you. That is why you perceived my words as threats. I try to present you with the facts Kal El. I am not supposed to interfere in this world and any times I did, were to help you in your journey and ease your transition from one life to the other."

"But don't you see what you're asking me is too difficult. I have my parents here and I don't know if they can manage without me. And…" Clark paused and became very emotional again when he remembered Lana. "… and there's Lana… I love her… I want her to be a part of my life… of my future… I can't leave her… Not now…" said Clark as tears threatened to fall from his eyes.

"Son… your future is for you to decide…" Clark was surprised to hear his mother's voice now. "I do not believe there is anything you can't do if you really put your heart and effort in it. You can make your future be what you want it to… but the first steps of your journey towards discovering yourself… I'm sorry but you must take them on your own…"

Clark fell to his knees really emotional and almost immediately he felt a light wash over him. He felt the warmth, the tenderness and the love of his mother as she tried to ease his troubled soul.

"Remember what I told you my love… It will feel hard at first, as most beginnings usually are, and there will be many times were you feel life is unfair, but I promise you… you will feel the good parts of life… the future is not written Kal El… it's just a wide horizon for you to explore. And your heart will find its place… when you are ready… I promise you…"

As the soothing words came from his mother Clark had one more wish. "Mom… can I see you?"

A vision appeared before Clark, so beautiful, so peaceful, that Clark wished he could stay there sheltered and comforted forever. His mother approached him and embraced him lovingly. Tears of relief were now flowing from Clark's eyes as his mother held him in her arms.

At that moment Clark believed that his mother would indeed be with him forever and would be helping him in the journey he would embark upon.

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Lana walked towards the Kent farm with slow, unsure steps. She had decided to tell Clark that he needed to move on, but still the heart was doing battle with the mind, which was dictating what was the right thing to do. After all she loved him; how do you let go of the person you love, especially when you know that they love you too?

When she called him on the phone to tell him that she was coming over, she tried to hide the fact that she was crying for most of the afternoon. But now that she thought about it, he didn't seem so joyful either.

As she went up the stairs to the loft, she saw a picture that had become very familiar by now. She would miss this picture.

Clark was sitting in front of the window and looking out at the twilight sky.

"Clark…" said Lana hesitantly.

Clark did not respond. He stood there with his back turned to her and just extended his hand, meaning for her to go by his side. Lana approached him and held his hand, as he leaned in and gave her a kiss. It was with the kiss that Lana tasted the tears that were on Clark's face. He broke the kiss and looked at her smiling. "You are so beautiful…" he said as he looked lovingly at her.

"Clark…" said Lana again with a trembling voice, "I know what you have to do… and I can't keep you from it… I don't want to keep you from your future…" Lana's voice was starting to break and tears stained her beautiful eyes as she said these words.

Clark immediately wrapped her in an embrace. He held her tight to him, as if she would disappear if he ever let go. "I want you to be my future!" he said in a choked voice as he held her.

"I know… I want that too… but Clark… it's not fair for you… I don't want to be the reason for you to have any regrets in the future when you look back."

Clark looked deep in her eyes and spoke very confidently. "That could never happen! I wouldn't regret anything I did with you!"

Lana smiled sadly at him and with her hand touched his cheek. "I love you Clark… but you are going to do so much good in this world. I know it! If staying, would jeopardize that future… I…" Lana couldn't finish what she was saying. She buried her face in his chest, as he fought hard to keep himself from breaking down.

As he held her he kissed the top of her head. "I… I love you so much! I will be back for you Lana… I will always come back to you!"

The two lovers remained in this warm embrace for several minutes. They wanted to feel each other, to hold each other like this would last forever. Whatever the future may hold for them, they knew in that moment that they loved each other and that's all that mattered. Then they silently promised that no matter where life took them, they would always come back to each other.

THE END… for now…