Three people sat around the Kent's kitchen table. Martha, Clark, and Chloe were having a discussion.
"Mom, you've always taken in strays before like Shelby and Lois."
"Shelby was a dog and Lois was Chloe's cousin."
"She's no trouble. I'll fix her meals, help her get around-"
"Son, she's not a pet."
"She's only going to be here a little while, at least I hope. I'll watch her. It's not like she'll overpower us and rob us blind with me around."
"I'll give her one more night and that's it."
"Thanks, you're the best!" he said as he hugged her.
"Is she okay? She's been in bed an awful long time. It's 10:30."
"That's not unusual, Mrs. Kent," said Chloe.
"Yeah. It wouldn't matter if she were 20. She's still a lazy sponger, who-"
Chloe interrupted, "Clark, that's no way to talk about your…"
"My what?"
"Your elderly friend, Lola Kenders."
"Did someone say my name?"
"Hi, you must be Mrs. Kenders. I'm Martha. We left you some bacon and eggs in the microwave."
Lois took Martha's offered hand and held it with watery eyes. She gently shook it and said, "I can't tell you how wonderful it is to meet you. I feel like I already know you. I'm sorry that I slept so late. I usually get up early on Sundays to go to church. The trip must have worn me out. Maybe we can have a devotion later."
"That would be nice, Mrs. Kenders," Martha said.
Since when was her cousin so spiritual wondered Chloe.
"I am afraid I have to go to the office today," Martha told her. "A member of my staff is taking a vacation and I have extra work to do."
Lois got her bacon and eggs and sat down at the table. Martha was leaving.
"Mrs. Kent, don't forget your keys," Chloe hoped Clark and Martha didn't notice that Lois looked at her and almost answered to Mrs. Kent.
Thanks, Chloe. I might need a vacation when Lois gets back."
Clark and Chloe were alone with old Lois, watching her eat.
"I was thinking we should go to Wal-Mart," said Lois.
"Who in the world would want to spend a day of their past at Wal-Mart? They're everywhere," said Clark.
"Me and they all went out of business in the new 50s."
"You're the guest, we'll go. I can't believe you still have those ratty bunny slippers on. It's surprising my mom didn't notice."
"Oh, shut up. You better make friends with them because you're going to be looking at them a long time."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.
"Guys, as much as I love watching you fight, we should get going," interjected Chloe.
About an hour later, the three of them were riding in Clark's pickup truck.
"Shoot!" said Clark. "I got so wrapped up in all of this, I forgot about my farm chores. We'll have to go back. They can't wait!"
"Nonsense. There's a little country store right up the road. Chloe and I can look around and get something to eat, while you do your chores."
"I don't want to leave you with no means of transportation."
"Fine. Leave us the truck and you can walk back. It's only 2 miles. After you finish, then we'll go to Wal-Mart."
Clark grumbled, pulled up in the parking lot, and set off down the road.
"The dork," said Lois, as she unbuckled her seatbelt, "I should have told him both parties here know he has powers. He could be done in five minutes flat! Now he's going to be gone for an hour or two."
"Lois?"
"What?"
"Why did you just tell me something about the future?"
"I know you eavesdropped last night. How else would you know the name I hadn't told anybody yet?"
"Whoops."
"It's okay. The information doesn't concern your future too much."
"I wish you would at least tell me if I get married."
"I'll tell you this. You have a happy life and that's what matters."
"I still can't believe you're so old."
"You're no spring chicken yourself where I come from. Clark on the other hand, doesn't act like he's a day over 18."
"You're in good health for your age."
"Clark is in great health for any age. Sure he's wrinkled and his hair is white but he's still the strongest man in the world. Oh, he can't stop an asteroid, but he can lift up a bus. He can't fly, but he can float. You get the idea. Don't get me wrong, it's a blessing. It only bugs me when he worries about my own failing health."
"His powers are great. I bet he really makes a difference in the world with them. I wonder what'd it be like to have them."
"It's okay, if you realize they're a huge responsibility."
"You've had them?"
"I had Kryptonian powers for a total of 2 years and three months. I was pregnant and Jor-El sent a way for an Earth woman to carry a half Kryptonian baby. Only while she was pregnant, of course, in case, Clark wanted to get married and have kids. My daughter-in-laws are able to carry quarter Kryptonians without having the powers."
"You have 3 children?"
"Nope. I have 4. Laura and Jordan are twins. You know how I am with kids. I would've been happy with two, but Clark loves kids. It's kind of funny, but it's me the children were scared of when we had to discipline them. They know their father is soft. I really do love my kids and grandkids and I wouldn't give even one up. They're about the only kids I can stand. I am so glad they didn't turn out like my niece. She's a monster and an only child, thank goodness. She's too big a job even for Superman."
"Who's Superman?"
"Sorry, it's a joke you won't get for awhile."
"It's a shame there aren't more Kryptonians around."
"It's a good thing. Clark and his cousin are wonderful people and their kids turned out great, but I've seen bad Kryptonians and it's not pretty. They're supposed to have a red sun because the power can be abused."
"Clark isn't the last surviving Kryptonian?"
"It's a long story. If the world lasts long enough, I'd say most people will have a little Kryptonian blood. There's 21 mixed people already."
"What did you do for a living?"
"I've told you too much as it is."
"Do you work in the government still?"
"Heck, no. I gave that up. I hate politics. I'm all about freedom of the press."
"You went into journalism."
"I didn't say that. Now, let's get out of the truck before I have a heatstroke."
They get out and go into the air-conditioned building.
"I'm just curious. When you were on the phone, you said you told Clark you were visiting an old friend."
"So?"
"That's what young Lois is saying now."
"What's your point?"
"Young Lois isn't visiting an old friend, is she?"
"I don't remember."
"I'm catching onto you. You still have a sharp mind and clear memory. You only feign a weak, old mind when it's convenient for you."
"If the other me is investigating about someone who's been threatening the senator, she will be perfectly fine because I'm here and alive at a ripe old age."
"She better be."
Chloe knew old Lois had to be up to something dangerous to protect her loved ones and she had to figure out what it was before it was too late.