Chapter 38 - Elina Lauren

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Our character is an omen of our destiny, and the more integrity we have and keep, the simpler and nobler that destiny is likely to be.

George Santayana, "The German Mind: A Philosophical Diagnosis" US (Spanish-born) philosopher (1863 – 1952)

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

The starship descended slowly into the fortress. As soon as the ship landed Richard, Chloe and Catherine rushed out and joined Sam and Lois who were on either side of Superman. Superman was slumped over sitting on the back of his legs his cape trailing behind. Lois had her left hand on his back and was combing the fingers of her right hand through his hair. Sam was squirting his face with a liquid as Batman stood nearby. As the three got closer they could see the burn marks on Superman's face and hands.

"Whoa, what happened? I thought everything was well under control."

Lois looked up and responded, "Well it was, till Luthor pulled one last trick from up his sleeve."

Richard looked around seeing only the three goons that Batman had tied up. "Where is Luthor? Wait, where's the other starship? It's usually right…."

Batman answered, "Luthor stole the other ship."

Speaking softly so as not to be overheard by Luthor's men, "But Clark, you told me that ship wasn't programmed. How…."

Lois gave him an admonishing look, "Richard, not now!"

"Lois, it's alright. Luthor is on a very long journey to Krypton." His speaking once again triggered more coughing. Nonetheless he managed to pull away from Sam and Lois rising to his feet he looked momentarily at the small starship, dismissing it. Then purposefully walked over to the area where the console would be. He held his hands out and the console grew up out of the floor making strange hissing and swirling noises surprising several of the onlookers.

"What are you doing?" Lois rushed up behind him.

"I have to do something. I can't just let him die out there like that." Between coughs he took one of the crystals out of its slot, his mind instantly calculating what would be involved and the time required to grow another interstellar starship.

Batman decided Luthor's three goons would be better off out of earshot so he moved them to his helicopter which was hidden away, off the main area then returned.

Seeing it was safe to talk more candidly Lois said almost angrily. "Don't think for even a second that you're leaving us to go rescue that… that monster."

Superman stopped dropping his arms at his side finally acknowledging the futility of what he was about to attempt, "You're right, I can't… I won't leave you again. My place is here. I have to accept what happened and make peace with it." He replaced the crystal in the slot he'd taken it from and turned to Lois, his coughing finally subsiding slightly as he allowed himself to relax.

Sam spoke up, "Make peace, you should be rejoicing that Luthor sent himself out there. Everything is not within even your control."

"Rejoice, I see nothing to rejoice. I would have rejoiced if our plan had played out as expected with Luthor in prison." Superman coughed out.

"Well, you have to admit he is in a prison of sorts. A prison of his own making as far as I'm concerned with the added bonus of no guards required. Don't worry I seriously doubt any one is going to pull any of your Boy Scout badges." Superman looked at Batman shaking his head in exasperation. "Heck the world may even give you a new medal when they hear that madman is gone for good. At least their Gotham counterparts would."

Sam grabbed him under the arm. "We need to get you home and the rest of that dust cleaned off your face and hands before that coughing turns into something worse. As your doctor I'm not taking no for an answer."

"Wait… that may not necessary. I might be able to neutralize the kryptonite here. Besides I don't want to risk entering our house with this stuff on me." He said continuing to cough. "We still can't be sure Jason's not going to develop a worse reaction to Kryptonite in the future and we certainly don't need any of this dust in the house or air ducts."

Pulling away from Sam trying to suppress his coughing, Superman selected the large Father crystal out of its holder and placed it in the main slot. He stopped for a second looking at Lois as if remembering something from years past. A clear booth appeared from the flooring.

The hologram of Jor-El appeared all regal and solemn looking.

Everyone was transfixed as the apparition coalesced, but they were all taken by surprise when it spoke completely out of character, "Yo?"

Everyone in unison looked at Superman with puzzled looks on their faces. "I got tired of that whole 'My Son' speech. Sheesh, enough is enough." He shrugged his shoulders sleeplessly while still trying to suppress his coughing.

Lois recovered quickly then gasped thinking of the implications, "No! What are you thinking! You can't do that!"

Seeing Lois' reaction he sighed, "It's alright, Lois, it's not what you think. After that Kryptonite induced pneumonia last year I decided I might need to be decontaminated in the future and started playing around with some new programming." He coughed as he walked to the chamber. "I guess it's time to see if it works."

"Wait, are you sure it's safe?" Lois grabbed his arm unable to get the other results out of her head.

"I'll be fine Lois it will only target the Kryptonite, nothing else." He removed her hand from his arm and stepped inside the chamber. Once the door was closed he commanded, "Implement Kryptonite decontamination procedure."

As the decontamination process started Sam looked at Lois puzzled. "Why didn't he do this right away?"

Lois looked at him dead serious and a little angry, "Because he was too damn busy worrying about that bastard Luthor to take time to worry about himself."

"For someone known as the 'Man of Steel' he certainly has a mighty soft heart. He needs to spend more time with me, I'll toughen him up. They don't call me the Dark Knight for nothing."

"Humph," Lois answered, "Yes, most people think of him as the "Man of Steel" but I know first hand that his heart is made of pure 24 carat gold. I just fear that his precious heart is going to be the soft spot that gets him killed someday."

Xoxoxoxoxox

The Kent house was full with dinner guests. The planned BBQ had been transformed into an elaborate international buffet with a little help from Superman. Everyone seemed light hearted as the evening progressed. No one in the know even mentioned Luthor or the morning's events.

Lois' sister Lucy and her husband arrived from out of town and spent much of the evening catching up with everyone as well as getting to know Chloe. The Kent kids spend most of the evening playing in the basement with their four cousins.

Perry chewing on a cigar spoke quietly to Clark. "You know son, I really should have you pick me up some of those Cuban cigars some time. Hmmm?"

"Huh, you expect me to condone your… habit?" He shook his head in mock horror, 'Fraid not! Now I will pick you up some of those Belgian Chocolate pastries anytime you want."

Jimmy came up and joined them. "Nice party CK. Pretty cool that Superman would cater for you." Something about the way he had made the statement made both Perry and Clark turn to scrutinize his all too serious face. "But then again, its not like you really have to ask is it."

Perry shrugged at Clark. "I didn't say a thing."

Clark sighed and put his hand on Jimmy's shoulder. "Come with me for a minute. We need to talk." Clark headed into the office pushing Jimmy in front of him.

"Sorry, I don't mean to give you the impression that I'm going to be a problem. I guess I've just got tired of being the only one in the crowd on the outside of the inner circle."

Clark frowned, "I'm sorry Jimmy, I had no idea you knew. How long have you known?"

"Ever since you disappeared from that bar and Superman appeared minutes later after both of you had been AWOL for over five years. Not too smart both showing up on the same day."

"Yeah, unfortunately Clark showed up first and then that whole shuttle-triple 7 thing happened. That was definitely not in the plan."

"That's for sure. I kept hoping for you to let me into your private club. I mean Cat but not me! I thought we were better friends than that."

"Jimmy, I do consider you a good friend. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you before now but you have to understand it's still a little unnerving to me when someone finds out. My top priority is and will always remain making sure my family's safe."

"You can count on me CK. Perry didn't even know I know. My lips are sealed." He made a little key locking lips movement. "So do you think maybe Richard will take me up in that Starship sometime?" He asked smiling.

Clark chuckled, "I'm sure he would love to. Speaking of Richard, we need to get back out there I have a toast to make. I'm glad you're not mad. By the way, consider yourself in the club."

A few minutes later Clark picked up a champagne glass and clinked its side to get everyone's attention. "If everyone will take a glass I would like to make a toast." Lois picked up one of the apple cider glasses and handed it to Chloe then chose a second one for herself. Bruce Wayne helped pass out champagne filled glasses then took a place beside Catherine.

"I would like to toast two of my very best friends, one I have known since childhood and the second I only met within the year but feel I've known all my life. May the two of you find all the happiness and love this world has to offer."

Everyone took a sip of their drinks, "In the tradition of the toast you gave me, I would like to give you the same excellent advice by repeating the same quote from Ogden Nash, 'to keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you're right, shut up.'"

Everyone laughed then he continued, "But since you already obviously knew that I give you this additional quote. 'No man is truly married until he understands every word his wife is NOT saying'. Sorry the source is unknown."

"My turn," Lois raised her glass up giving Clark the eye but none the less laughing with everyone else. "'A happy home is one in which each spouse grants the possibility that the other may be right, though neither believes it.' A quote attributed to Don Fraser whoever that is."

"Alright before this quote fest gets out of hand Chloe and I would just like to thank you all for celebrating with us tonight. We also have some news to share. Chloe, would you like to tell them?"

Chloe smiled broadly at everyone as they waited for her answer. "Ohhhhhhhh, we're pregnant. I just found out a couple of days ago for sure. I'm due mid October."

"Richard, Chloe that's wonderful. That'll give Elina a playmate in the family." Clark looked excitedly at Lois, "Wait, you already knew."

"Of course I did. Just as you and Richard have your 'guy type' secrets Chloe and I have our 'woman type' secrets."

Clark looked wide eyed at Richard, "Wait, we're allowed to have 'guy type' secrets?"

The evening continued late into the night everyone clearly enjoying themselves. Lois noticed Clark off by himself a few times looking up into the sky then he would see her watching and join back into the frivolous activities. After everyone had finally gone home and they were alone in their bedroom Lois embraced him and looked into his eyes. "That was some act tonight. I don't think anyone else noticed but you can't fool me."

Clark sighed and relaxed in her arms. "You know me too well. I saw you watching me. It wasn't all an act you know."

"I know." She nodded, "You have to let it go. Don't let what happened to Luthor cast a pall over our life and I do mean our life because whatever affects you affects this whole family."

"Lois I can't help but blame myself, I should have know that Luthor would see that larger Starship and take any chance to have it. I should have anticipated what happened, I should have known and taken precautions."

"Clark, shoulda, coulda, woulda… the bottom line is Luthor sent himself off to that endless death so stop blaming yourself."

"Just give me tonight and I promise I'll put the self doubt away and make peace with myself."

"On one condition, you stay with me tonight unless some major, and I do mean major emergency happens." Showing she meant business she dragged him to the bed and started unbuttoning his shirt. "First you're going to make love with me then you can make peace with yourself."

Xoxoxoxoxo

The next week the extended family celebrated Clark's birthday by going ice skating just like in Clark and Kala's dream. Martha and Ben begged off and instead stayed at the farm house glad to be home after the stay in Metropolis.

Richard hesitated, holding up one of his skates looking at the thin blade. "I don't know about this. What if I fall on my face or something?"

"I'll help you keep your balance." Chloe smiled as she skated backwards on the ice near the bench where Richard and Lois still sat trying to delay the inevitable.

Clark had the kids by their hands one on each side, Kala on his right and Jason on his left side. They were both pulling on his arms anxious to skate.

"Just a minute kids." Then speaking to Richard, "You have to try this it's the next best thing to flying without a plane."

"I don't think I should try it in my condition…."

Clark raised his eyebrows, "Your condition….you don't have 'a condition' you're pregnant. Your words not mine. Besides, there is no way I will ever let you fall."

"Darn, I should have known my own words were going to come back to haunt me! Alright give me a few minutes to get these contraptions on, Bruno Magli they are not!"

Bruce and Catherine were already spinning on the ice. Jimmy was wobbling around getting his legs. Before long they were all out on the ice enjoying the day together, the first of many such days to come.

Xoxoxoxoxo

Over the next few months Clark found his life as Superman calming down considerably from the first eight months after his return. With Luthor gone and Superman back in town the criminal activity subsided drastically. Bruce had been right the authorities gladly closed the book on Luthor. Batman had even allowed Superman to invade his territory to help clean up Gotham City on several occasions.

Clark soon became a proficient and sought after freelance writer and also completed a book soon to be published expanding on the environmental problems he had addressed in one of his articles. He had even been asked to speak at a special Earth Day event.

The family celebrated Kala's adoption becoming legal and would soon be celebrating Jason's sixth birthday. After the visit from Ms. Widow in late February Kala had lost all her fear of being taken away so to her it was just a formality. Her physic powers continued to develop as did Jason's abilities. Clark spent endless hours with both of them continuing to help them understand and learn to use their special abilities. The special physic connection between Clark and Kala continued to grow and soon started to include Jason.

Lois and Chloe managed to get their doctor's appointments set for adjoining times. Often all four would go together keeping each other company as they waited. Clark had insisted on no special attention unless it was directly related to the special circumstances of the pregnancy or birth. They did choose the first appointments of the morning to perhaps reduce the waiting time.

Xoxoxoxo

Late May

Doctor Miles continued to be impressed with Clark and began to look past the hero to see the real man. He in fact began much to his surprise to consider him more than just the hero or the husband of one of his patients but more like a friend.

The Doctor found himself almost as excited as Lois and Clark at the first sonogram. He had an idea he had been anxious to try. "Clark put your hand on Lois' stomach right here. I want to test something." Clark placed his hand on Lois' stomach as instructed.

Doctor Miles exhaled surprised. "Do you see that?!" He pointed to the screen. "It looks like some sort of energy wave going from your hand to the baby and look, she's responding to it! I've wondered since that first day… thought maybe … but never expected to actually be able to see it. I feel like I'm witnessing a miracle in progress. Did you know you were doing this?"

Clark shook his head, "No, although I do often feel drawn to touch Lois in this very manner. I hear the difference it makes but I've never understood why. Do you really think I'm sending her energy?"

"Well that's what it looks like to me. Everything looks great. Keep doing everything you are doing. This little girl is looking very healthy and Lois you look like this pregnancy is agreeing with you as well. I'll hope to see you both in here for your sixth month checkup."

Xoxoxoxoxo

September

One Saturday morning in early September as he was just about home Superman heard a scream and following the sound saw one of his neighbors on his own cul-de-sac dropping her morning paper waving her arms as she continued to scream. Just across the street a large SUV was backing up and behind the vehicle where two small children on their tykes directly in its path.

Superman dove down with not a second to spare and snatched the kids off their tykes. The driver hearing and feeling the vehicle hit something slammed on the brakes and the large SUV screeched to a stop. Jumping out, a man Clark knew as Robert one of his neighbors, ran behind the SUV as his wife, Joan came running out of the house hearing her husband's screams.

Robert continued to scream searching under the vehicle unaware Superman was landing directly behind him with both children safe in his arms.

Virginia came running across the street. "Its alright, it's alright Superman saved them." She was clearly in awe of the man that was slowly dropping down among them.

Superman landed and handed the two small children to their parents. The man dropped to his knees crying as he pulled his wife and both kids into his embrace. "I didn't even see them. I thought they were in the house."

"How can we ever repay you?" the woman was so chocked up she was barely able to speak.

"There's no need, just love your children. These SUV's are known to have terrible blind spots. Remember to always get out and look behind the car before you even start to back up and be sure you know exactly where your or any other kids are before you start to back up. You're lucky I just happened to be nearby and heard your neighbor scream."

The couple nodded and he took off streaking away into the sky. Virginia scratched her chin returning to pick up her paper and thinking to herself, something about him looks so familiar.

Xoxoxoxo

September 22, 2007

"Focus on me Lois, you're almost there. Breathe, go ahead squeeze my hand you won't hurt me. Breathe."

Doctor Miles smiled looking up at the determined look on both their faces. OK, you can push now. I can see her head. Look at that head full of dark hair. Push! Her head is crowning." Clark didn't know whether to look at Lois or the baby making her appearance. "One last push now and that'll do it. Push!"

The doctor maneuvered the baby to release her shoulders and pulled the infant free of her mother. The small infant began screaming almost immediately proving her lungs were strong and healthy. The doctor placed the newborn on Lois' stomach and handed Clark the instrument to cut the cord. Clark hesitated for a moment, looking from mother to daughter then taking a deep breath and looked briefly at the doctor for confirmation before he finally cut the cord. Leaning down to Lois' ear as they both gazed lovingly at Elina for the first time Clark whispered, "Thank you for making miracles happen." Then the two kissed.

Doctor Miles watched as Clark looked over the newborn just like any other new father marveling at each little finger and toe. Even after several minutes both parents were still very much awestruck at the very sight of the perfect tiny little being.

As they watched one of the nurses put an ID bracelet on her tiny ankle that matched the bracelets Lois and Clark were already wearing. Picking the infant up the nurse assured them, "We just need to clean her up, and check her out then we'll bring her right back to you." The doctor and nurses left the room taking the crying infant with them. Clark watched with his x-ray vision as they went to an adjoining room and attended the baby.

Lois suddenly noticed Jimmy and his video camera in all of the excitement she had forgotten he was even there taping the birth. "Jimmy, don't point that thing at me. I must look a sight. Wait till Elina gets back, tape her…and Clark he's much more camera ready than I am right now." She was trying to hide behind her hands.

Clark finally tore his eyes off his newborn satisfied all was well and laughed taking Lois' hand in his and kissing it. "You look radiantly beautiful Lois, you always draw my eye and you always will."

Doctor Miles came back in with the nurse carrying Elina swaddled in a pink receiving blanket and a matching pink cap. He watched as the nurse started to hand the crying baby off to the most powerful man in the universe who looked very much like the typical first time father, scared out of his wits. The doctor couldn't help but laugh to himself at the irony. He wouldn't have missed seeing this scene for the world.

"You want me to hold her?!" Clark's voice cracked as he spoke to the nurse.

The nurse laughed nodding her head. "Here sit in this rocking chair it won't be so intimidating that way. Just remember, she won't break."

Clark sat down in the rocking chair right next to the bed where Lois was looking on with a smirk on her face as the nurse placed the screaming infant in his arms for the first time. Elina's crying died down almost instantly and soon she was sleeping soundly completely secure with her new place in the world.

"See Clark, you're a natural. She obviously recognizes her daddy." Lois settled back into her bed content for the moment to just watch the father-daughter bonding taking place beside her.

"Yes I would say she does. We'll leave you three alone now." The doctor ignored Jimmy still taping and left the room smiling and thinking I love my work!

A few hours later after a nurse had helped Lois with the baby's first attempt at nursing the family was allowed in for a visit. Ben and Martha brought Jason and Kala to see their new sister and they all marveled at how tiny she was and how blue her eyes were. Martha sat rocking her for the longest time hardly taking her eyes off the precious bundle. Soon Sam, Richard and Chloe were there as well as the room filled up with flowers and well wishers.

The hospital allowed the fathers to stay the night with the mothers at will and the babies could remain in the mother's room or be moved to a nursery. Clark of course chose to stay and was content just sitting next to the bassinette watching Elina sleep. He jumped up every time she made the slightest peep. When she started crying he froze not sure what to do.

"Clark, she's just hungry bring her to me so I can feed her." He very gently picked her up still swaddled in the blanket and placed her in Lois' arms where she immediately started feeding.

"This is a lot different from those classes we attended. I never realized she would be so little. I'm afraid I'll hurt her. Are we really going to be ready to take her home so soon?"

"Clark, we're ready, or at least I am and besides your mother is there to help out. From what I understand most men have the same fear you have the first time they're around newborns. You're doing great, you just need to learn to relax. Now could you rub my neck and back while I feed her."

Xoxo

The first night at home after the house quieted down Clark sat in the rocking chair with Elina sleeping in his arms. "Clark we have a bassinette."

"I know but this is better."

"You're going to have her spoiled and she's not even forty-eight hours old yet!"

"I'll just spoil her tonight."

"Oh right, famous last words, and that is how Jason, Kala and I got you wrapped around our little fingers."

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

One week before Christmas 2007

Here I am playing part-time nanny to these delightful children. Elina is thirteen weeks old now and is up in her crib gurgling away playing with her toes. Little Braden White is just nine weeks old and is in Elina's bassinette sound asleep. Jason turned six on June twenty-second and Kala just turned nine on December eleventh. Both of the older kids are busy making Christmas cards for everyone in the family at their little desks here in the office. I adore these children, what a wonderful family.

Clark comes and goes throughout the day as he's needed. He just disappeared on yet another emergency a short time ago. Lucky for the Kent's that I live and work in my home office just down the street always available at a moments notice. After that day when I first saw Superman up close I knew there was something about him that I recognized. Just a couple days after Elina was born I stopped by to drop off a small gift to welcome her which had always been my custom for all my clients. I like to consider them clients for life.

Anyway, I guess Clark was so engrossed with his newborn daughter that he forgot to put his glasses on as he answered the door carrying her in his arms. He was wearing a short sleeved blue t-shirt that allowed his physique to show more than usual but it was really his eyes that gave him away. Without the classes you could see those unearthly blue eyes made even more so with the reflection of the blue shirt. I knew right away and very nearly fainted on the spot when he looked up from the baby directly into my eyes. Imagine my shock as I realized my neighbor was none other than Superman!

Lois and Chloe will both be home shortly. They're still nursing the babies and always try to make it home for the late afternoon feeding. Perry had the choice of short days or setting up a nursery. He decided they could work from home so opted for the short days. I think he was also hoping for more Lane and Kent style stories if you know what I mean. That man is still trying to get Clark back on the front page of the paper rather than on feature stories of Clark's own choosing. You gotta love him for trying.

Me? I'm sitting here at Clark's desk right now writing a novel set far in the future on my trusty laptop. The real estate market has been exceptionally slow lately so I found I needed to do something to supplement my income. The Kent's asked me if I knew anyone I would recommend to watch their children so I jumped at the chance myself. I never was fortunate enough to have kids of my own but I have always loved being around them. That's not all I love about this job, it's allowing me the time to do something else that I've always dreamed of, writing a novel. When Clark insisted he would help me I decided I had to give it a try. Well, I had better get back at it.

Vger

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

The end or is it just a new beginning? You got me?

What comes to my mind right now is that Wrapping Superman in the RFK DVD. I see myself jumping up into Superman's arms right now just like Bryan Singer did!

Reviews are always much appreciated ;)