Chapter 42 [Later That Afternoon—Kent Farm]

Martha looked toward Clock's Digital Face. The kids should be getting in any time now. She felt better after Clark's phone call. At least Pete found her. We should be grateful for small favors! She glanced toward Barn.

Chores and Distractions devoured Jonathan's day. He came in at lunchtime for a few minutes only. Then, he headed right back out.

What's going on with Jonathan? Everything's all right. Who's this girl coming with Pete? She set an extra plate on the table. Corned Beef filled the air with its scent. Peeled Potatoes sat in Bowl awaiting Boiling Pot's Bath. Glad we still have the table's extra leaf. She mulled over Day's situation. That Jor-El butts heads with Jonathan over every little thing. Of course, Jonathan isn't much better. At least, Lana's aunt was reasonable. She and I have to work on them. Lana's just like Clark now. That is so hard to believe. She really ran all the way to Wichita? That's three hours from here. She has Clark's heat vision. I wonder what else she can do? At least, Dave and Angie know about Clark. That'll make it easier.

Pete's car came up Driveway. It stopped right in front of the house.

They're here. She checked everything. Then, she hustled outside. "Kids?"

"Hey, Mrs. Kent!" Pete waved. "We ran into traffic on the way. Sorry, we're kind of late. Everyone's here with me! Got someone for you to meet too." He opened Passenger Side Door. "There you go, Sam! Welcome to Smallville."

Sam climbed out. "Thanks, Pete." She took in House and Barn. "This sure looks bigger than what folks have in Goddard or Maize. Nice to meet you, Ma 'am!" She waved to Martha.

"Let me get that seat, Clark." Pete pulled the passenger seat forward and down. "Sorry about everything being so crammed. I know it's a long ride." He let Clark get out. "Need a hand, Lana?"

"Thanks, Pete. I'm glad for the ride. I wasn't going to try that again without extra practice." Lana let Clark help her out of car's backseat. "Kind of good to stretch my legs though." Her eyes met Martha's. "I'm sorry I ruined everyone's weekend."

"Lana, what did we tell you?" Clark shook his head. "We've all gone through it. At least you're okay. We'll work through these new abilities."

"You got it. Just more practice. Right?" Pete glanced toward Sam. "That goes for you too. You just need confidence and practice too." He squeezed her hand.

Pink colored Sam's cheeks. What is it about him? "I wish everyone was like you guys." She looked toward her new friends. "I'm grateful for having some new friends."

"My Dad always says it takes a good friend to have good friends." Clark waved to Jonathan. "Dad!"

Jonathan waved back. Clark's call from Wichita certainly calmed raging nerves. Still, he wasn't sure about Sam's discoveries that morning. Are we always going to be risking others finding out like this? Paranoia flashed through his mind. Walk from barn toward car composed him somewhat. "I'm glad everything's working out. Thanks for bringing them back, Pete. Is this Samantha?"

"Yes, Sir. I'm Samantha Cooper. Pleased to meet you." Sam extended her hand toward him. "Thanks for giving me a chance."

Jonathan looked to Martha. Then, he shook Sam's offered hand. "I appreciate you understanding the seriousness of keeping a Secret like this one, Samantha. Thank you for working with us. Hope you like corned beef."

"Are you kidding? I love it!" Sam's face brightened. "Thank you. It's been too long since I had it, Sir. I just need a favor. I have to figure out where I'm going to sleep. Anyone here into classical music?"

"Let's get everything settled first, Samantha. I'd love to hear you play. I've heard the Symphony on Public Television. Maybe you can stay for a few days?" Martha smiled. "Maybe Lex can help? If not, we have a guest room here."

"Okay. I don't want to put anyone out, Ma 'am. Thanks." Sam eased Violin Case and Duffel Bag from Pete's trunk. "I'm good for chores if needed."

Jonathan nodded. "I thought you were a city girl." Assumption raised an eyebrow.

"I have friends who live on farms. So, when I go over there, I pitch in. It makes me feel great to do it. Whatever I can do to help out." Sam took her violin case. "Sorry but, Pete, can I get some help with the duffel?"

"Oh yeah! Right! Sorry." Pete took Sam's bag. He grinned at her. "We'll get you set up right! Just do me a favor? Forget about the kids in your school. Okay? You're going to have lots of great friends here!"

"Okay, Pete." Sam nodded. "If they're anything like Clark, Lana and…you, I'll feel really lucky. Thanks. I just want folks who understand me."

"You're a very talented person, Samantha. We certainly understand. You're off to an excellent start. Just keep being yourself. I think we'll be just fine. Now, let's get inside. Clark, you might want to stay out of sight if you get my meaning?" Martha motioned toward the house.

"Huh?" Sam looked to Pete and Lana.

"It's kind of a long story. Nothing really important." Pete shrugged it off. "You're going to love Mrs. Kent's cooking. Trust me. Good times. We'll work on the other stuff later."

"Then, we'll get you some treats from the Talon. Thanks, Sam." Lana rubbed her arm. Then, she headed into the house.

Sam's smile broadened. Maybe it was only one island in a bigger sea. Still, the Kents seemed to understand her in more ways than one.

And that's what counted….