Chapter 3
After Clark picked up the framed portraits; he hurried back to the farm to cook dinner. He had decided to set a small table outside on the porch facing the sunset. He had just set the table when Lois drove up.
"Hey Smallville, what did your mother leave for you?" Lois asked.
"I cooked tonight, thank you. I know I'll have to cook for myself sometime, so mom taught me. You can't survive on the things some people cook." Clark responded teasingly.
"So I'm a guinea pig. I can't afford to get food poisoning, maybe we should pick something up." Lois quipped, giving on of her famous 'gotcha' grins.
"You don't trust my cooking, go ahead and get some take out. I'm eating steaks tonight. I guess Shelby will get a …." Clark deadpanned.
Before Clark could finish Lois replied "How bad can you screw up a steak? I take my chances."
"Go ahead and sit Lois I'll bring your food out. All that's left is to cook the steaks and since you like yours rare, I'll start those right before we're ready to eat them." Clark said pulling out a chair.
Lois sits down and looks over the table. 'What's going on? This is a little more than just steak. Maybe Clark doesn't want to be alone. Hell, I could use the company too.' She thought to herself.
Clark came out with the ambrosia and asks Lois if she would like some. He then spooned some into Lois's salad plate. He then put some on his own plate. Lois spooned up a little and tried it.
"Not bad Smallville… that's right. Stick to the easy stuff and we'll be fine." Lois replied after trying the fruit salad. As Lois helped herself to seconds of the ambrosia; Clark got up and said, "If you'll excuse me, I'll start the steaks. The grill is already hot so it should just be a couple minutes."
Watching Clark, Lois thought 'He seems like he has finally come to terms, with Mr. Kent's passing. I just wish I could. I know the Senator had thrown herself into her work, to avoid the issue; but she seems a lot calmer as if she is a peace with it. I just wish I could find that peace.
He was more a father to me than my own. I was just getting to know him, now he's gone. No tears Lane, not around Clark. Maybe if I hadn't had that accident, and I could have seen him the night he died. I felt like I never had a home, with the General we were always waiting for the next assignment. Hell, I started living out of a suitcase at ten.
What type of life is that? Then here in hick town USA, I find the Kents who welcome me into their home and treat my like a daughter. Finally I find a place to call home and this happens. Clark and Mrs. Kent keep trying to get me to do things with them, but every time I do it reminds me of Mr. Kent, Jonathan, dad.
He was always quick with the sage advice. He saw more in me than I saw in myself. No wonder Clark is like he is, always looking to the good in people, always chivalrous, and always trying to make the world a better place not just for himself but for everyone. Oops, here he comes.'
"Sorry to leave you alone like that, here are our steaks. We'll let them rest while I'll get the rest of dinner. Here, let me take your salad plate back inside." Clark said as he disappeared inside. He came back out with a serving plate in his hand.
"Hey Smallville, what is it about men and fire? Why do men consider themselves 'grill-masters'? Ask a man to cook and out comes the grill." Lois remarked, trying to get a spark out of Clark. He was always easier to get information out of when he was off balance.
"I think it's the heat Lois, you know men like things hot. That's why men have basic underwear and women have lingerie. Men like everything hot." Clark gamily replied winking at her.
'Boy, Clark is getting good at this. To think when I first met him, sarcasm and double-entendres were an unknown language. Now look at us and our little game of one ups man ship. He may not be a master, but he is no longer a novice.' Lois thought.
"Here we go, steamed asparagus, baked sweet potatoes, and corn on the cob. I'll be right back; I have to get the sauce and butter." Clark said carrying plates in both hands
"Smallville, I'm impressed. This actually looks edible." Lois remarked without any sarcasm.
"This is regular butter, this one is garlic butter, this is a lemon hollandaise, and finally some cinnamon and sugar. Is there anything else you need? Ketchup for your steak?" Clark added, acting is if Lois' previous comment was lost on him.
"No, Smallville. That might be you that treats steak like a cheap piece of hamburger." Lois said getting back into the game.
"I'm the farm boy remember, you never let me forget."
"How could I forget? Clark it really looks good." Lois said, without taking her eyes off the food.
"I think I must be hearing things. Did you just say something nice about me?" Clark said feigned surprise.
"Call it a lapse in judgment. Let's eat, I'm hungry."