Chapter 2

Clark awoke with an idea, but first he needed to see Chloe. Clark took a shower and ran to the News Brews coffee shop on the ground floor of the Daily Planet building. He picked up a muffin, a croissant, a latte' and an espresso, and went into the elevator. He found Chloe sitting at her desk working on the computer.

"I want to get an obituary for my dog 'Kypto'." He said as he placed her espresso and croissant on her desk.

"Clark, what brings you to Metropolis?" Chloe said surprised

"Lois. I caught her crying over some of dad's campaign posters." He said, not wasting time.

"Clark, you know that Mr. Kent was like a father to Lois. She misses him probably almost as much as you."

"I know Chloe. I want to do something for her, but I need your help. Can you get your hands on the contact sheets when we were campaigning in Metropolis from the photography department?"

"I'm sure I could talk Jimmy into letting me see them. If you wait a minute, I get him started."

Chloe picked up her phone and ask for Jimmy. A minute later she said "Jimmy, can you get me the contact sheet from the Kent Campaign in Metropolis. Thank you." She hung up the phone and turned back to Clark.

"It should be here in a couple minutes. Care to let me in on what we are looking for?"

" Yea, you remember during the campaign that the photographer wanted to take a family picture for the file, and dad had Lois included. I was thinking I could get a copy and have it framed for her; that way she could have him with her whenever she wanted."

"That's very sweet Clark, I'm sure she would appreciated it," she said smiling.

"Dad once told me that Lois was like the daughter he had always wanted. You know Chloe he also included you in our family."

"I know Clark; it is so wonderful to be loved by your family as a daughter." Chloe said joyfully.

"You know that you're always welcomed to the house." Clark paused before he continued their conversation about Lois. "I just never had seen Lois cry before. She always seemed so self assured. She seems like someone that when death comes knocking, she'll send him packing."

"Yes she has always been larger than life. She never would let anyone see her cry. I remember, a month after her mother died she stayed with my parents and me." Chloe let out a sigh before she continued. "She didn't cry once for the entire six weeks she was with us while the General made arrangements for them to meet him in Germany. Lucy cried all the time, but Lois didn't shed a tear. She felt she had to be strong for Lucy."

"I understand; I feel I need to be strong for mom. I sometimes heard her crying at night for about a month, and I know she was trying not to cry in front of me. I really think her new job is doing wonders for her, I think she feels like she is doing it for his memory. She and I have finally found acceptance; now I would like Lois to find it also. Dad would never want her to hide and cry – she's family, she can come to any of us. Just as you can come to us with any problem Chloe, that's what family is for. You know that right, Chloe?"

"Yes Clark, I do. Thanks for saying it anyway. Oh, look. Here comes Jimmy."

A young redheaded man about Clark's age comes up and gives Chloe the contact sheet.

"Thanks Jimmy," she said as she took the file, and began introductions. "This is my friend Clark. He's from my hometown."

"Hi Clark. I'm Jimmy Olsen." He held out a hand for Clark to shake. Once they shook hands, Jimmy asked, "What's your opinion about the meteor powered people from Smallville? Is it real or is Chloe trying to pull a fast one?"

Clark blinked a few times, surprised at the strait forwardness of the young man. "Hello Jimmy." Clark spoke once he recovered from the initial surprise. "Yes, it's true. The meteors gave some people special abilities; but, it was the person's responsibility decided how to use it. Have you read any of Chloe's work on The Torch?" Clark asked.

"Yea, I just wondered if it was all tabloid stories. So, there really was a girl that could change shape and another that could teleport? And a guy that could split into too identical people?"

"Yes, I was actually married to Alicia, the girl that could teleport herself. She was killed because people could not accept that she was not a 'freak.' She saved my life twice. People just could not get over her powers. It was not like she asked for them, but her powers saved me both times."

"I'm sorry Clark. I didn't mean anything." Jimmy said embarrassed.

"Just remember, Jimmy, it's not what talents you've been given. It is how you use those talents, which determine the type of man you are."

"I will Clark; it was nice to meet you."

"That was rather philosophical of you Clark." Chloe said, slightly surprised.

"I know… I'm coming to feel that I treat my powers more like a burden that the gift that they truly are. I have always tried to help others, even people who thought I was a tool for them to use. That is what sets me apart from people like Lex. Even when he uses his gifts for others, he's always weighing what he can gain from the situation; he looks to the ends and will use any means necessary. I on the other hand can't hurt or allow others being hurt for any goal."

"Clark, you're growing up!" Chloe said.

Clark gave her a peachy smile, then returned to the task at hand "Chloe, do you think we can get the negative for this picture here?" he asked, as he handed the picture over to her.

"Yea, I'll get Jimmy to make a couple of eight by ten's, so you and your mom can have your own copy. I'll call you when they're ready. You better go and do your work at the farm. See you later Clark."

"I'll see you later."

Clark got up and kissed Chloe on the cheek. "Thanks Chloe."

"Bye Clark."

Clark went home and did the entire farm work at super speed. Then, he went in and pulled out two steaks and put them in the refrigerator to defrost. Just as the refrigerator door closed the phone rang.

He answered the phone and Chloe told him the pictures were ready. He told her he would take her out for lunch in about an hour. Clark went upstairs and took a shower and got ready for his meeting with Chloe."

"Hey Clark, where are we going for lunch?"

"You're the one that is helping me so it's your choice."

"Great, I know just the place."

Clark and Chloe went to the restaurant, while they were waiting for their lunch to arrive; Chloe said. "Here you go Clark." She said as the pictures were handed to him. "Jimmy went a little crazy and made 3 copies in color and three more in black and white."

"Thanks Chloe, which one do you like best?"

"I've always liked black and white, they just look ... better." Chloe stated.

"I'll give you one framed so you can keep a picture of your other family. I think I'll give mom one of each she can keep one at the house and the other in her office in Topeka. Which do you think Lois would like?"

"I'm not sure."

"Well I'll just give her one of each also. So, I guess I get the last color one. It's just too bad we don't have one with you in it too, Chloe. That would make it perfect."

"No way Clark. You know I'm not a picture person. They always get me with my eyes closed or some other weird thing going on. I will be happy with this picture, it really looks great." She wholeheartedly replied

"I'll bring it back next time I come out to see you. Is that okay, Chloe?"

"Sure, Clark."

Their lunch arrived. After they finished, Clark walked Chloe back to the Daily Planet and they each said their goodbyes. Clark raced back to the little frame shop in Smallville; inside he told Mrs. Wilson that he needed some nice frames for the pictures and told her who they all were for. She told Clark she had a great idea for each and she would get right on it. She told him he could come back right before she closed and they would be ready. Clark left the store and walked over to the Talon to invite Lois over for dinner. He found her in her apartment.

"Hi Lois, what are you doing for dinner."

"Smallville, I'm not cooking for you."

"Thank God, I need real food not charcoal. I was going to cook for you, Lois."

She curiously looked at him. "What's up Smallville? You need something?"

No Lois. I took out two steaks and I thought you would like to come on over for awhile. We could … well … do something."

"Thought this out did you. Luckily for you, I never turn down steak. What time should I meet you?"

"Why don't I pick you up?"

"Whoa Smallville. This is not your idea of a date? Is it?"

"No way, I just need to come back to town later and thought that I might drive you home. But, if you are so uncomfortable with that, you can drive yourself. I will be going back home at about six tonight."

"I will see you then, Smallville. I like my steak rare and I do mean rare."

"You wish is my command, Commandant Lane."

"I think I like that peon. See you then, Smallville."

Clark ran back home and got ready for tonight. What was he going to do with Lois tonight?