Title: To Hold Back The
Tears
Author: Elizbeth Goode
Disclaimer: I am in no way
affiliated with Smallville, etc. I make no
money from writing
fanfiction. In fact, I think I might be making negative
money
writing fanfiction. In short, Elizabeth Goode has no money, don't
sue
her.
Part IV
The next morning, Clark awakened feeling much better and more rested than he had since the incident at Summerholt. It was well after nine o'clock, and the smell of coffee and pancakes wafted up from the kitchen. He quickly showered and dressed, then made his way downstairs. His father was reading the newspaper at table, sipping at his coffee. His mother was finishing a batch of pancakes at the stove. Quietly, he slipped into his chair at the table, still feeling slightly embarrassed over the events of the previous night.
Jonathan set down the newspaper and smiled at his son. "Morning, Clark. Are you hungry?"
He nodded, unsure of what to say.
"Since you're not going to school today, what do you say you and I get the bare minimum of the farm chores done and then head back to the house for a Kent family movie marathon? Your mother and I want you to rest and take some time to unwind."
Martha set a heaping plate of pancakes in front of Clark, then sat down to finish her coffee. "How does that sound, sweetheart?"
Still feeling embarrassed, he managed to mumble, "Sounds good." He could feel his face begin to flush, knowing that they were watching him.
"You don't have to be ashamed of last
night, son. Everyone has a bad dream from time to time. You just have
more than others because of the things that happen to you."
Jonathan set the newspaper down. "Your mother and I were talking
last night, and we're worried about you - the way some of the things
you've been through might have affected your health. If you
were
anyone else and we were anyone else's parents, we would have
had you in the emergency room several times over. As it is, we can't
do that. So, we need you to tell us if anything, and I mean ANYTHING
feels wrong."
"Why?" Clark's voice came out much sharper than he had intended, but he did not stop. "What could you possibly do? I mean, you're not doctors - especially not alien doctors!"
"We know that, Clark. There are things that are beyond our control, beyond anyone's control. That said, I've dug Kryptonite out of you before and I'll do it again, as often as I need to." Jonathan patted his shoulder. "Now, eat your breakfast so we can get going on those chores."
Clark
did as he was told, feeling a little bit better after some food and
the genuine display of concern from his parents. After the chores had
been completed, the Kents settled in the living room with some
movies, a bowl of popcorn, and some colas. Little by little, the
loving concern of his parents chipped away at his worries and fears,
drawing him back from the edge, assuring him that there was no need
to hold back the tears. As the day wore on, the family strengthened
and reaffirmed their bond through the
simple acts of enjoying each
other's company. They did not know, could not know, that in a few
short days, one of their worst fears would be realized.
