Chapter 24 - Valentine Fun and Games Part I

Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what it loves.
Blaise Pascal French mathematician, physicist (1623 - 1662)

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Clark dropped his cards and greeted Lois, Kala and his mom as they got out of the car offering to help bring the bags in. Lois handed him one bag and gathered three for herself while Kala and his mom also grabbed bags.

"Uh, Lois I'm not an invalid, let me help. You don't need to be carrying heavy bags in your condition."

"My condition?! I don't have a 'condition'! I'm pregnant, that's it, no condition. Here, you can take this one too."

"Whoa, easy ok, I'll carry these two little bags, anything to make you happy. Did something happen in town that I should know about?"

"Sheesh, Perry called yesterday wanting me to submit an article about how the events played out in rural America as in 'Smallville, Kansas'. I interviewed a few people in town to insert into the article. Everybody was nice and they all seemed to be at least willing to accept what happened. That is till this one jerk who just wouldn't shut up showed up. I guess I let him really get to me. I'm sorry. Now I'm taking it out on you. In my defense, I was just trying to follow Dad's instructions. He wanted you to just take it easy with no strenuous exercise."

"I'm sorry that had to disrupt your day. This isn't really going to go away one way or the other till I make a personal statement. Darn, I hate how this is affecting you and the kids."

"It was kinda funny though, for a minute I thought your mom was going to wallop the guy with her purse. Actually, Kala and I would have helped her if she had. You and Ben would have had to bail the three of us out of jail no doubt. So, did you boys have fun while we women were away?"

"Yeah, 'we boys' had a grand ole time coloring and playing games." He laughed as he emphasized 'we boys' then began helping put the groceries away as they continued talking. Lois moved a couple bags out of his eyesight so as not to spoil the surprise for Valentine's Day. "As a matter of fact, do you and Kala want to join us?"

"I do Daddy, I do." Kala clapped in excitement.

"I would love to, but I really need to finish my article first. Perry wanted it for tonight's edition. It shouldn't take that long for me to finish, then I'll join you."

A short time later Clark and Kala were sitting in the porch swing with Jason sitting across a small table from them. "Go fish" Kala giggled as she responded to her dads request for a Jack of Hearts. Clark looked over at Jason and then took one card from the deck adding it to his hand.

Jason looked at his cards and asked Kala if she had a 3 of Diamonds. "Go Fish!" she giggled again as Jason pouted and drew from the deck.

Taking her turn in a game clearly going her way Kala asked. "Dad do you have a 7 of Hearts?" Clark handed her the card smiling suspiciously. Kala showed her 4 sevens and put them on the table. "Dad do you have a 10 of Diamonds?" he handed her the card now far past suspecting her luck. She showed her 3 tens and put them on the table with all her other matches. "Dad do you have a 5 of clubs?"

Clark held up the card but before handing it to her he looked deeply into her eyes. "Kala, are you reading my mind? This has gone way way beyond chance or luck?"

"I don't know daddy, I just keep thinking of what to ask you that's all. I didn't mean to cheat. I was just trying to figure out what was going on. Do you have a Jack of Clubs and Spades, an Ace of Diamonds and a 4 of hearts? Clark showed her his entire hand as she called it out.

Shaking his head in amusement and support he responded, "I know honey. I remember what it's like to be able to do something and not understand why. What about Jason, do you know what he has?" Kala looked at Jason who covered his mouth with his hand trying to stifle his giggles.

"No Daddy, I don't know what he has in his hand except he must have at least one 3 since he just asked me for a 3 of Diamonds."

Lois had been listening to the whole game as she finished her article trying to get it ready to submit to Perry before the day's deadline. Closing the laptop she coached Jason up out of his chair and sat in his place pulling him in her lap as she took over his hand and studied the cards. "Kala, do you know what I have in my hand?"

"No mom, I still don't know." Lois handed the cards to Clark one at a time. Almost as soon as he looked at the cards Kala named them one after another.

"Kala, have you known what I was thinking before?"

"No Daddy. What does it mean?"

"I don't know we might not know for a while either. Whenever you think this might be happening I want you to let me or Mom know right away alright? In the mean time I think you and I need to play on the same team. You up for a game now Lois?"

"Sure, deal. I can play a couple of hands then you need to edit my story so I can turn it in. I'm having a terrible time with the spell checker on your laptop. It never corrects my words."

"There's nothing wrong with the spell checker you just have to get the word reasonably close to the real word that's all."

"Well if I knew how to spell it I wouldn't need a spell checker would I? Will you edit for me? Please, pretty please."

"It will cost you dearly, one kiss for each correction. You on?"

"Indubitably. Just don't ask me to spell that word, I can barely say it! Here's a down payment." Lois leaned forward kissing Clark as Jason jumped down pulling up a new chair for himself and Kala shuffled and started dealing the cards.

"Oh, Mommy, Daddy are you gonna play or are you just gonna smouch?" Kala giggled as she finished dealing the hand.

The four continued playing, the kids enjoying the team work with their parents but Kala and Clark seemed to have a distinct advantage winning both rounds. Jason was ready for more physical activity after the second round and gladly ran into the yard with Einstein as soon as it was over. Kala went running after him grabbing a ball to play fetch with Jason and the dog.

Clark opened the laptop and began reading Lois's article focused on how the recent happenings had affected a small Midwestern town and its inhabitants without actually naming the town. Joining him on the porch swing she watched as he read and made several spelling corrections, every once in awhile he would snicker as he made the correction. At one point he asked if she minded if he switched a whole paragraph around to make it more readable. He showed her what he meant and she readily agreed. Stopping at one point he looked over at her. "Uh, Lois, you do know you have the science all wrong here don't you?"

"What do you mean? What's wrong with what I wrote?"

"The alien ship wasn't using light speed. If it had the trip would have taken 17.2 years to go there and return without stopping. The ship was traveling using a method of hyper speed not that different from what my ships have used. No use trying to explain in any more detail though because well, there really aren't any English words to explain it properly."

"My article wasn't really about that anyway. It's about the people here worrying about the return of that ship and its ramifications. What they did to prepare and how they're reacting now to the aftermath of what did and didn't happen. Thank goodness for hyper speed huh, I couldn't even imagine you're being gone for over 17 years!"

"I couldn't imagine being on that ship for over 17 days, let alone years! Even with Jason there I nearly went stir crazy after only four days as it was. There, that looks good to me. Are you satisfied? Want me to send it in for you?"

"Yes, on both counts, now about that debt, when do you want to collect, now or later?"

"Yes on both counts, now and later!" He echoed her as he sent the email and closed the laptop in one quick move before sitting it aside. They both moved closer to the center of the swing and kissed deeply. Clark suddenly pulled away and with eyes wide looked out in the yard searching for Kala. Seeing her happily chasing after Jason and Einstein he relaxed. "You do realize we now not only have to contend with a hearing gifted son but a daughter who can read my thoughts!"

They both started laughing. "So, what do you propose we do? I for one don't like the idea of abstinence. Did you ever…, you know accidentally…?"

"No, I was a sound sleeper just like Jason is now. Thankfully Kala seems to be one as well. In the long term I'm going to have to practice shielding my thoughts from her. I've had a little experience with that but not nearly enough to do it consistently. We really don't know yet what all she's capable of. That first night when I saw her on that ledge, I was drawn to her in a way I've never felt with other kids I've rescued. I think it's obvious we have some kind of physic connection"

"I know exactly what you mean but I felt drawn to her that first night too. I guess it was just kismet."

"Exactly, I've no doubt that she was supposed to be part of our family. I believe we will have a big impact on each others lives and I'm not just referring to Kala and me but to all of us."

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That night as they went to bed Clark pulled Lois over close to him and whispered, "The kids are both sound asleep, I just checked. So the coast is perfectly clear and don't give me any of that no strenuous exercise guff from your dad. I'm perfectly capable of making love to my wife and I seem to recall I have a debt to collect." To prove his point he passionately kissed her lips.

Pulling away Lois haltingly and breathless barely managed to say, "Clark…, ah, your mom… Ben… just down… hall." He began kissing her neck and then nibbled on her earlobe.

As his hands found their way up under her nightshirt he whispered almost as breathless as her, "Ben's snoring… mom's asleep… we can be… quiet. We didn't… wake your… dad… that time, remember? I've missed you …I need you … so much."

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Jason peeked into the room at the crack of dawn, tiptoeing over to Clark's side of the bed he saw him open up his eyes as he approached, "Spsssss Daddy, are you awake?"

Clark quickly looked over at Lois nestled by his side making sure they were both covered. They had fallen asleep in each others arms completely satiated the night before.

"Are you all better now, can we go flying? I miss flying with you."

"Uh, Jason. I'm not sure right now if I can fly yet or not. Why don't you go downstairs and help your grandpa gather the eggs again today. Maybe we can go flying tomorrow. Okay? I hear your grandpa down there now. He's probably waiting for you. I'll be down in a little while."

As Jason trotted out of the room Lois woke up realizing what had happened causing her to blush. Clark noticed and eased her mind. "It's alright he didn't see anything, but we forgot about him coming in here at the first hint of daylight. We need locks at home, big ones!" Clark laughed. "By the way Happy First Valentine's Day, Mrs. Kent." He pulled her up for a kiss.

"Hmmmm. Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Mr. Kent. I agree we need some big locks or maybe some new rules. Did I hear you say you think you'll be able to fly tomorrow?"

"I hope so, maybe even today. I actually feel really good. As a matter of fact I was almost floating on air last night."

"I know what you mean. Maybe we can go for a repeat performance tonight, being it's our first real Valentines together."

"Consider it a date! Well, I'm going to get up now before we get any more little surprises running in here. I just heard Jason tell Ben I was coming down so I guess he misunderstood me when I said I would be down in a little while. You can go back to sleep if you want."

Lois yawned and gave him one last kiss before replying. "Oh, that sounds like a good idea. I could never get used to these farmer's hours you and Jason seem to love but I am glad you're back up to it. I know it means you're a lot better. I'll be down in another hour. Maybe we can do something fun for Valentine's Day with the kids."

"Count on it." Lois didn't see it as she turned over to go back to sleep but as he left the room he had a mischievous gleam in his brilliant blue eyes and a matching grin on his face.

A few minutes later wearing a pair of old comfortable jeans and a blue t-shirt Clark entered the kitchen to find his mother mixing up a big batch of home made biscuits. He put his arms around her from behind so as not to disturb her and thinking of the Valentine's cards he had made the afternoon before gave her a big bear hug. Happy Valentine's Day Mom."

"My, aren't we chipper this morning?"

"Yes, we are! Oh boy! You're making home made cinnamon and honey biscuits. Hmmmm, my favorite."

"I remember that's one of the reasons why I needed to go into town yesterday. We stopped at Fred's place and got a jar of his fresh honey."

"I hope you didn't plan anything big for dinner today because I have something being delivered from the lodge. I thought you would enjoy the afternoon off for a change."

"Clark, you are so thoughtful. I'm glad you told me though. I was planning a nice pork roast. I'll just save it for another day."

Jason poked his head in the front door, "Daddy, are you coming we're waiting for you."

"You go on, enjoy your day I have a feeling you'll be busy starting tomorrow."

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Just as everyone finished breakfast Clark whispered to Jason, "Ok Jason I hear the van, wow, I even see the van you can go get the cards now." He was happily surprised to find his vision powers returning.

Jason ran retrieving the cards from a secure hiding place holding them behind his back trying without much luck to contain his glee. Lois had been watching the whispers and now Jason's obvious antics and figured something was up. As the van pulled up and the delivery man came to the door she figured it out.

Soon the room was filled with three crystal vases each filled with a beautiful arraignment of roses: a beautiful red and purple bouquet for Lois, white and pink for Martha and red and white rosebuds along with purple roses and a unicorn balloon for Kala. Finally there was a balloon bouquet for Jason with a football attached. Each bouquet had a little card attached explaining the meaning of the roses in that particular bouquet.

Red roses express romantic love
Purple roses signify that the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight
Pink roses express gratitude, grace, perfect happiness, admiration and appreciation
White roses express reverence and humility
Red Rosebud symbolic of purity and loveliness
White Rosebud symbolic of girlhood

As soon as the delivery man left Jason was hoping from one to the next handing out cards. "Me and Daddy made these yesterday when you were gone."

Lois took the two cards he handed her opening the one from Jason first smiling as she read it. "Munchkin, this is adorable. Thank you" she kissed his cheek as he wiggled away playing with his balloons and giggling. (His card showed a little panda bear holding a flower. It said Mommy, Here is a flower for you. Inside: I picked it all by myself Daddy did not even help Love, Jason)

She started laughing as soon as she saw the card Clark had made for her. (The card showed

A crazy looking bear with hearts all around it said: I'm in the mood for romance, Lois… Inside: Kinda scary, Huh? Happy Valentine's Day Clark! P.S. I'll meet you at Ben's house tonight!!!)

Clark had been distracted by Kala who was giving him a hug for her flowers so was surprised when Lois took over where Kala left off. Still trying to contain her amusement, Lois embraced him as she looked into his eyes. "Scary…no way you scare me! What time? I'll be there. Now I know where Jason gets his drawing skills from. What other skills have you been keeping hidden, hmmm?"

"Oh, that would be telling and would spoil all the fun of surprising you from time to time."

Martha laughed when she saw the card Clark had made for her. (It had hearts, flowers, butterflies and a smiling sun and said: Mom, I always get a lump in my throat on Valentine's Day. Inside: I think it's the peas you made me eat when I was little! On second thought it might be that protein shake you made me drink! Happy Valentine's Day Love, Clark)

"Clark, one minute you have me crying because I'm so darn touched with what you've done and the very next minute I'm crying from laughing so hard. You really keep me on my toes." Then she smiled demurely and kissed Ben after looking at the card he had made her.

(Kala's card showed a big polar bear hugging a smaller one with hearts around them. It said: Kala, If I could hug you every time I think about you… inside: you'd be smooshed! Happy Valentine's Day Love, Daddy)

(Jason's card to Kala showed a purple toothy smileing dino carrying a big read heart Inside: Have a Dino mite Valentine's Day! Jason)

"We were busy yesterday too. Just wait till you see what we got for you!" Lois motioned for Kala to retrieve the boxes of chocolates, along with a small box for Clark and a larger one for Jason. Jason tore into his finding a Cranium Cadoo for Kids Board game.

Clark opened his more slowly fearing what he was about to find. Revealing the contents of the box he started laughing uncontrollably at the shirt inside. "Well at least it's not from the Richard Simmons collection!"

The shirt had the appearance of partly torn away exposing the wearer's well ripped chest and had the caption I've Got Fitness Made Simple Abs.

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Coming next: Valentines Day Into Night