Chapter 13

[A Few Hours Later]

Packing buzzed along in the living room. Boxes now lined one wall. The guest bedroom's closet and drawers stood clear of everything prior to Chloe's arrival. Pots, Pans and China sat in their own boxes by the kitchen.

"I spend all day on a pile here or there. You all just rush around and it's done!" Disbelief shook Gwen's head. She brought out fresh coffee for everyone. "I know you can't. I wish we could have you guys pack up Aunt May's house without her getting suspicious."

"Wish we could too." Clark ran his hands through his hair. "We can't be done."

"She'd have a heart attack if she saw you two do this." Admiration shook Peter's head. Granted he'd seen Quicksilver streak across a space at an eye blurring pace. I think we're at a good stopping point."

Gwen poured the mugs. "Clark, you've earned a break. Peter and I can pack our luggage, a few towels and sheets. Everything else is set! You're all wonders!"

"We're just glad to help." Lana stretched her arms out. She sat down on the couch to relax.

"You had everything laid out and organized. It made everything easy." Jennifer drank from the coffee. "This is good. Thanks."

"Dad says organization makes the job go faster." Clark took a draught from his mug. Frustration still burned at him. He didn't want to talk about Jonathan behind his back. He bowed his head.

"Clark, what happened? Jennifer mentioned that something happened last night. What is it? Maybe we can talk about it?"

Lana sighed. "Mr. Kent has a problem with Clark listening to his birth father's ghost, Jor-El. He figures we're here on Earth. We should try to be normal." She shook her head. "I just can't believe it. Normally, Mr. Kent's such a great person."

"He and Jor-El each want you two to follow their path." Jennifer shrugged the point off. "Clark and I have both told them we three are of two galaxies: the Rao system and the Milky Way. I was lucky enough that my stepparents brought me up that way."

"I wish I didn't have to hide my life as Spider-Man from Aunt May." Peter rubbed the back of his neck. "It would give her a heart attack."

"My Dad knew. He carried the secret without giving anything away." Gwen watched Peter pace back and forth. "Maybe she'd understand if…?"

"I wish she would, Gwendy. Aunt May would be horrified. She couldn't take it. That's why they can't do there what they did here. I wish they could. She wouldn't understand." Peter exhaled a sharp breath. "Sorry."

"These secrets can really stink. To think I used to get on Clark for not telling me things. I even thought he was a coward at times." Lana turned to Clark. "I'm glad I know better now."

"It's okay. You didn't know. I'm glad you do now." Clark patted her arm.

"Thanks, Clark, for trusting me." Lana smiled. Her eyes sparkled into his.

"I was guilty too, Lana." Gwen shook her head. "Peter and I were just talking about that."

Peter hugged her. "You're not the only one who thought I was a coward. I'm just glad you gave me as many chances as you did."

"Mmm…as many as you need." She returned the gesture. "I'm just glad I know now. You know it is easier when there's a certain set of emerald eyes watching your back, Mr. P."

"I wonder whose those would be?" Peter coughed.

"I think you know. You may be the Wall Crawler but I'm your Divine Partner in Crime. Just remember, no footprints on the wallpaper." Sass broadened the smirk across her face.

"Yes'm." Peter kissed her forehead. "See how easy it is when the other person can know? I just wish her Dad knew before he died."

"He had your back always." Gwen looked to the others. "Just as Peter said, be open with each other. Enough folks want to stick their noses in and cause problems. Nobody's good enough to keep doing it on their own."

"Listen to her, Clark. You've had some really close calls. We have to look out for each other." Purpose rooted her eyes in his. She took his hands in hers. "I know your parents think that way, Clark. We can balance being careful with living our lives."

"It's weird. For so long, it was them and me. I couldn't get close to you. Then Pete found out. Now you know." Admission threatened to clamp off Clark's throat. Crimson flushed his face.

"Why? Clark, you could've shared this with me. I would've understood. What was so bad?" Lana searched his eyes.

Your necklace. The kryptonite from the meteor that killed your parents. It kept making me sick. Clark told her over the Link.

Incredulity widened her eyes and paled her face. "Oh." She put her hand over her mouth. Clark…

We're good. Now we know. He touched foreheads with her.

"What was that about?" Gwen watched the silent interchange.

"They're having a really private conversation." Jennifer sipped on her coffee. "Dave and Angie do the same thing. You've heard me doing the same thing."

"We're all right." Clark squeezed Lana's hand. "Sorry. I had to share one point between ourselves. We had something between us. It isn't any more. As you said, Gwen, it's about trust."

"We're right as rain, Clark. Don't worry. We get it." Gwen offered a smile. Then she headed back toward the perking coffee pot. "Anyone up for refills?"

"Sounds great. Thanks! You're a life saver!" Lana expressed.

"Has Lex said anything to you about the Fourth?" Peter asked.

Clark scratched his head. "It's pretty much what I heard him tell you on the phone. The Duboises will have a picnic at their farm the day before. We'll go to Albany for fireworks. Sam Cooper's playing with the Albany Symphony at their concert that day too. I know Mr. Dubois and Lex are working on tickets for that concert. Your friends, Harry and…Liz…right? They're invited too."

"Sam's going at it with that divine bow again? Count us in! Maybe we can ask Aunt May to come with us? It might be great for her to talk with everyone again." Gwen looked to Peter. Hope shone in her eyes.

"Clark, your Mom and Dad going to be there?" Peter knew his aunt would enjoy seeing everyone again. Even if the fireworks and concert might be too long of a day for her, she'd enjoy the picnic.

"We haven't asked them about it yet. It's still kind of coming together." Clark took a draught from his refilled coffee mug.

"This is the first that I've heard about it. Sounds really great! I may not be able to be there the first day. Talon's closed on July 4th. Miranda wants to be with you guys. So I'll cover on the third. Then we'll see." Lana noted.

"One of us will get you there." Jennifer assured her. "Maybe Lex and you can bring some things from the Talon?"

"I'd have to get his okay on that. I can't make any promises." Lana grimaced.

"I'm sure Mom and your Aunt could bake up a storm on their own, Peter." Martha's pie brought a smile to Clark's face.

"You're right on that." Peter visualized May's brownies and fudge cakes. "Aunt May will call your Mom as soon as I tell her. It's great how much interest your Mom has in her."

"That's Mom." Clark grinned. "It works both ways. You know that my Folks and your aunt are coming with us to Hutchinson. Right?"

"Hutchinson?" Peter scratched his head.

"The Kansas State Fair. It's in September." Memoria recalled her previous trips there. "I used to do a lot of horseback riding when I was younger. Clark and his folks enter steers and cows. Mrs. Kent's pies and Afghans get their share of blue ribbons."

"Wait until you see Angie's collection. She used to ride at the County Fair up in that part of the state." Pride warmed Jennifer's heart over her stepmother's accomplishments. "There's a story behind the first time they met at that County Fair. Angie won her race. Dave was there with his girlfriend at the time and his grandmother. Lex calls her 'Ms. Janet'. Lichtenfeld crashed the race. The Child chased her away. After being pen pals for two years, it was about time they officially met face to face. So yes. You all should feel right at home up in Wabash."

"I really wish I could see it ahead of time. I have my Talon shifts the rest of the week. After today, I'm swamped." Lament dragged on Lana's mood. She could imagine the farm and pastures several hours to the north of them. "I can't wait to see her blue ribbons! Nell's got mine in storage." She narrowed her eyes.

"We'll figure out a good time to get them. Dad will help us move your boxes to the farm. We just need to ask him. Lex can help too," Clark assured her.

"That'd be great. I'd appreciate the hand." Appreciation prompted a nod from Lana. "Nell's been harping on me about that. I know it's not the best time but…."

"Hey. You know Mom and Dad aren't like that. You're part of the family now. We've got this." Purpose set his jaw. Clark set his hands on Lana's shoulders.

"It's great to belong to a family again. Thanks, Clark." Lana hugged him again.

"Now that's better! Great vibes!" Gwen cheered.

Collaboration was valuable…