Chapter 10: An End That's Just Beginning
A couple years later...
Lois and Clark walking, hand in hand.
"So, you finally taking your major seriously?" He questioned teasingly.
She shrugs. "I'm still trying to figure out how you finished school ahead of me. I really should start attending classes more often," she remarked sarcastically.
He laughs. "How else would I have gotten to spend time with you with my schedule if you hadn't," he teased. Although, there was a lot of truth to that statement.
When they made it to their destination, he stops and turns to her, his hand holding tightly onto hers, like a lifeline.
This was it.
"For two years, five months, three weeks, and an odd number of days," he began, his eyes glistening with tears. "... you've given me something I never thought I'd have." It was meant to be brief, but then he realized, it couldn't be.
She looks at him oddly.
"And what's that?"
Their playful banter just a few seconds ago suddenly turned serious, sad, even melancholic.
"Hope"
She puts her hand over his heart.
"You've always had that"
He shakes his head.
"No, you're wrong. Before you, there were so many times where I just couldn't do it, I wanted to give up - That there wasn't anything out there for me, but then you came into my life and changed all that. You taught me so many things, Lois, more than you know."
"You make it sound like you'll come back a different person"
He smiles. "No," he looks at her lovingly. "Better..." He pauses. "There are things about me that I've wanted to share with you, things that could change what you think of me, how you see me."
She looked up at him wondering what 'things' he was alluding to. She can't imagine a single thing about him that she wouldn't accept, that she wouldn't love. She remained quiet and allowed him to continue.
"I was never ready, because it was a destiny I didn't want. But then, when I look at you, everything just looks so right, so perfect, like a clear path in the woods were made for me. I feel like I could do anything... and most of all, I'm never afraid, not with you"
"I'm not following," she exclaims, confused, though flattered by his admission.
"But you will," he assured her. "My life makes sense with you." He takes a deep breath, he knew he didn't have time. "This trip I'm taking, I don't know how long I'll be gone. Whether it's a few months or a few years. I just want you to know that I don't want you to wait for me, I want you to live your life... to the fullest"
She didn't want to, she wanted to wait, but deep inside, she knew, she understood... but what scared her most was that he knew it too.
It was her turn to speak. "I know what you have to do," her voice was calm, soothing. She wasn't going to press him for answers, because it wasn't what concerned her. She knew how he felt. All that seemed to matter was him. "And I know you have to do it alone." She pulls him in for one last kiss.
Releasing him. "It was fun while it lasted, wasn't it," she whispered.
"No, it was magical," he corrected her.
GATE 18 NOW BOARDING!
"Promise me," he asked once more.
She shook her head and looked deep into the sea of blue. "I can't make any guarantees. You snuck into my life and made me love you," she smiled sadly. "It's not something easily replicated... not to me"
He reached out, wiping the tears forming in her eyes as well as his own. "I love you so much." Then he cups her face with his hands. "Whatever happens," he whispered, "... I'll love you forever."
"Strong words for a man who's about to embark on his greatest journey"
He shakes his head. "What greater journey could there be if not to find my way back to you"
"Don't get cocky." She tried lightening the mood.
It was his turn to kiss her deeply, knowing in his heart this wouldn't be the last time.
FINAL CALL FOR GATE 18
"I should go"
"Yeah"
Before turning, he takes out a small box from his backpack and hands it to her.
"Don't open it till I board"
She nods, quietly. She couldn't keep her gaze away from him.
Their hands intertwine once more like it has a hundred times before. He began stepping backwards, holding her still until he couldn't hold it any longer.
As he reached the gate, he looked at her once more and mouthed 'I love you' to the woman he loves.
A smile crept out of her face, she mouthed back 'I know.'
And then the gate closes, and that part of her life suddenly gone. An overwhelming feeling of sadness swept through her before she realized the gift Clark left her was still in her hands. Hesitantly, she opened it... and when she did, she gasps in surprise.
He remembered. It was the very same bracelet she had found out in the fields of Smallville almost three years ago, except, this time, it was made out of gold with the same symbols carved elaborately into it. She never really knew what it meant, all she knew was that she loved it.
Putting it on her wrist, she looks up at the departing plane.
"See ya around... Smallville"
She turns and walks away.
In the plane, Clark Kent smiled, hearing her voice as clear as if she was standing right in front of him.
"I'm counting on it"
As the two lovers' parted ways, one thing was certain... their lives were just beginning.
The End