Chapter 17 [That Evening—Kent Farm]

Lana parked her blazer in front of the house. Dread elicited a glance toward her phone. I wonder what Mr. Kent wants? I just hope it's not another argument about heritage and using our abilities. Frustration bubbled up inside of herself. Can't he just accept who we are? We're both Earth and Krypton! She shook her head.

JONATHAN KENT WILL NEVER ACCEPT THAT, LANA. THAT IS MOST UNFORTUNATE.

You don't have to shout, Jor-El. It really gives me a headache. Lana rubbed her forehead. Yeah it's kind of tiring of Mr. Kent. She composed herself. Then she got out of the blazer and headed into the house. "Hello?" She took off her shoes at the door. "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Kent! Mr. Kent, did you have a good trip to Dodge City?"

"I sure did, Lana. Thank you very much." Jonathan glanced up from his notebook. "By the way, Horace Jenkins was asking if you're planning to be at Hutch this year. I told him you'd email or call."

"Jonathan, we do have a lot going on." Martha shook her head.

"That's okay, Mrs. Kent. I just wish I had a horse to train with. Mr. Jenkins has been really nice in the past." Lana hung her coat on the hook. "Maybe some day…."

"You could help me with my pies, Lana. That'd be fun," Martha suggested.

"I'd like that, Mrs. Kent. Thanks!" Appreciation brought a smile to Lana's face. "It makes me really feel like part of the family."

He took his glasses off. Assurance came through his eyes for her benefit. "Lana, you are a part of this family now. When Clark gave you the bracelet and you accepted it, you're a Kent as well as a Lang. We still have to have the ceremony. Believe me. You more than pull your weight around here. Besides you work at the Talon. Mrs. Kent and I really appreciate what you do for us."

"You're absolutely fine, Lana." Martha smiled at Lana. "Can you get Clark? There is something we need to talk with both of you about."

"I'll be right back." Lana pulled her shoes back on. Is this what that text was about? She went out the door and toward the barn.

[Loft]

Clark leaned forward on the couch. Questions filled his head. He'd talked briefly with Jonathan before their chores. Each felt glad about the others' successes. Still, Clark knew that his Dad wasn't too keen about the flying. Don't push it. If he doesn't say anything, you don't have to either! He glanced out toward the distant stars. Bet people on other planets don't have these issues.

THEY DO NOT. THEY EMBRACE WHO THEY ARE, KAL-EL.

Of course they do. Sarcasm rolled Clark's eyes. They just don't want them like any other planet's people. Even the ones they happen to be raised with.

ONE SHOULD NEVER FORGET WHO THEY ARE!

Clark shook his head. Dad and Jor-El are both the same. At least Jor-El is willing to let us do both as long as we remember who we are. Lana and I want to do that. I just wish Dad would see that.

"Wow, Clark. You keep frowning like that and you'll get wrinkles." Lana came up the stairs. "You all right?"

Clark shrugged. "Dad seemed okay. Still, I can tell from his face and the telepathy he's stewing. Jor-El's holding the Kryptonian-middle line thing. I mean we're trying! Right? I just wish they'd see that!"

"Jor-El does even if he likes to yell about it." She shook her head. "Your Dad sent me a text. It sounded kind of urgent. He wants to talk to us by the way."

"And they sent you to come and get me?" He stood up. "I guess we'd best get this over with."

"Clark, just relax. It's okay. You didn't sneak behind anyone's back. You stuck to the agreement with Professor Dubois and everyone. We did help the Parkers. It'll be okay." She forced a smile onto her face for his benefit. "Come on. Let's see what your Mom and Dad want to talk about." She extended her hand. "Together?"

He nodded and took her hand. "Together."

"You think the kids are going to be all right with this, Martha?" Jonathan set his ledger aside. He mulled over the upcoming conversation.

"I don't like to deny it, Jonathan. They'll have to understand." Martha watched the door. She wanted Clark and Lana back in Smallville early. Still she hoped her calls to Jennifer and Dubois would work out. Perhaps Jennifer, David and Angela can help them. They can watch the concert and practice their telepathy. Guilt ate at her. I wish I didn't have to sneak around Jonathan. If he could do it, I can do it. This will help the kids. Jor-El will understand that some of us don't want to deny the kids their heritage. She watched the coffee maker perk. "I'm just glad the wheat numbers improved before the harvest."

"You and me both." Jonathan patted his ledger. "I'll be glad that Clark can help me get that all threshed and ready to go. I just wish Lana could find a horse."

"Actually I might have news on that front. It's a surprise. I'll tell you and the kids." Martha brought out four mugs. "I saved Lana some pie from supper too if she wants it." She set a piece of cherry pie on the counter. "It was busy earlier at the Talon."

"I would hope Lex would finally let her hire some more staff. She and Miranda are running themselves into the ground." Jonathan tapped his fingers on the table. On more than a few nights, he'd seen Exhaustion's toll on Lana. He admired her work ethic. Still, despite her enhanced physiology, Lana dragged herself in the door and up the stairs.

"I'm sure he will given the chance. Part of why we're having this discussion is that she has to be there on the fifth. Lex could agree to close the Talon on the fifth too. The customers need a place to go on the day after." Martha sighed. "I wish those women were still around that could do the mist."

"Martha, I think we've seen enough magic around here for a while. I'm just glad Grace is back to herself. I don't want to tempt fate." Jonathan shot her a quick look. "It's not that I don't trust the ones who helped us. They were very helpful. Some of them had their own agenda."

Martha shrugged. "And one of them worked right alongside Laura and dated David. We didn't know until later."

Incredulity stiffened Jonathan's back. "You mean Deirdre Roberts?"

"Apparently she was a priestess. She was sent here to make sure we were all right. She and David became close." Martha sighed. "I don't know the whole story. I don't want to. She helped us."

Jonathan coughed. "You think you know people." Then he saw Clark and Lana walk in. "Come on in, Kids! Take a seat!"

"Sure, Dad. What's going on? Everything okay?" Clark took his boots off. "Need help with the coffee?"

"That'd be great, Clark. Thanks." Martha poured four mugs. "Lana, I saved you some pie. Are you hungry? I can make you a sandwich."

"That'd be great, Mrs. Kent! Thanks!" Lana walked over to the counter. "Let me get these. Can you put that in the microwave?"

"Sure." Martha started the pie warming. She brought out some whipped cream. Protest died on her lips. She let the teens set the mugs on the table. "Thanks, You Two. Take a seat please. We have some things to talk about." She watched the timer wind down.

Microwave beeped its siren call….

Martha eased the pie plate onto the counter. She topped it with a healthy dollop of whipped cream. "There you go, Lana! You sure you don't want a sandwich? We've still got some in there."

"This is great. I don't want to keep you waiting. I'll do this kind of in reverse. Dessert first. Then I'll warm up my dinner. Gives a change of pace." Humor twinkled in Lana's eyes. She smiled to lighten the mood. "I saw your text, Mr. Kent. What's going on?"

"Everything's fine, Lana." Jonathan took a mouthful of coffee. Then he pressed on, "I am very proud of you both. That was really great that you helped Peter and Gwen to pack their things. From what Professor Dubois told us, you were very careful about your abilities. I know you two know all about that. I know I can come down on you both." He sucked in a deep breath.

Martha cleared her throat.

Jonathan squirmed. Crow stuck a little in his throat. "You both earned several compliments from me. Clark, good job on flying. I want you to keep practicing. You can't let your focus go while you're up there. We don't want you getting exposed. All right, Son?"

Surprise widened Clark's eyes. He composed himself. "Sure. Jasmine gave me some feedback when I landed too. I have some things to work on. Thanks, Dad."

Jonathan nodded. "I wanted you to know that, Clark. The next thing isn't because of anything either of you did. We're just looking out for you both." He glanced at Martha.

Martha set her mug down. "Clark, Lana, the day after the Fourth's going to be busy back here. Lana, you have your shift at the Talon. We've already talked about that. Clark, I know you wouldn't want to stay up there without her."

"Mrs. Kent, I'd be all right with that. Besides Clark could fly back on Lex's jet. Sam would like our support." Lana took a bite of her pie.

"She'll have everyone else up there. Now Clark flying with Lex would help things. That way, the fireworks wouldn't expose you, Son. Maybe you two can watch the fireworks from the Loft?" Jonathan raised an eyebrow.

"We do have to be responsible, Clark. I'm the manager. Miri deserves her family time." Lana took a drink from her own mug. "I have to start practicing myself."

"Lana, you still need your rest before a shift. That's a long flight." Martha pointed out.

"Mom, I flew back this afternoon. I'm doing great. Granted, I still need practice but I'm all right," Clark reminded them.

"Lana could be different, Clark. We just have to see how she does. For now though, this is a good compromise. At least you'll be up there to see everyone. Your Dad and I will want to hear about everything that's going on." Martha hated to be the tough parent in that situation. Still, she stuck to her guns (at least in front of Jonathan) for her plan's sake.

"Clark, as long as Sam understands, it'll work out. Maybe they'll stream it?" Lana rubbed his shoulder. "She knows I have to open the Talon the next day. I'm going to make myself a sandwich."

"That's fine, Lana. Thank you." Jonathan nodded.

"We'll figure something out here too." Martha promised them.

Plans progressed….