DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to "Smallville," DC comics, or any of the Superman characters. I just borrow them for my own enjoyment. Please don't sue me. My imagination is wilder than my possessions.
Author's notes: Holy cripes! I cannot believe it took me this friggin' long to repost! Real life sucks. That's all I can say.
THANK YOU!: MitchPell, You're a lifesaver! You read this chapter a bazillion times and helped me so much! Thanks for sticking with me. : )
Feedback: Please review! I like to know what you all think of my story. Is it the best thing ever? Is it crap? Let me know! I need the help, trust me! : )
Melindoty: There will be many romances in Liz's life. But if you mean between Clark and Liz. Definitely. Thanks for reading! : )
DebC75: Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story! I'm glad you are loving it. : D
How soon is now: I hope to have the next chapter within a week. For real this time. ; )
For future chapters: In the next chapter I'll have Liz and Clark meet under better circumstances.
****
The events that had transpired over the course of the last 24 hours ran through Liz's mind as she waited for the doctor to appear.
Aaron's phone call had been unpleasant but not unexpected. Surprisingly enough, it had affected Liz more than she thought it would. She hadn't wanted to take the Valium, but it rarely had any real effect on her. It just helped to erode the hard edges of life. And lately her life seemed to be getting harder.
Liz wondered if the doctor would pick up on the dosage and reprimand her for driving. Surely he wouldn't give her more than a slap on the wrist. But Liz hadn't been hospitalized since her encounter with the meteors, and she didn't know if that was just a coincidence or something more. Admittedly, the doctor might notice some irregularities in her bloodstream. In the past they had always questioned her, voicing their concerns about the possibility of cancer. Her elevated white blood cell count made it easy to make the mistake, but Liz didn't mind explaining her odd situation to people
Then there was the whereabouts of this mysterious hero, who seemed to have been in quite a hurry to get away. The initial shock of the accident had caused Liz to forget a lot of things but she was certain the young man reached out for her with an unusual amount of speed and strength.
Liz's thoughts were interrupted when a gentleman, who looked to be in his early thirties, walked through the door wearing a long white coat. He spoke in a kind and respectful tone as he addressed her.
"Miss Luthor, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Dr. William Tyner. How is your arm?"
After a quick glance down to inspect the injury, Liz looked back up to meet the man's eyes before answering. "I was hoping you could tell me, doctor."
Dr. Tyner smiled politely and retrieved an x-ray from a file folder located on the wall. He then walked over to the side of the hospital bed so Liz could see it more clearly. "Well, your right humerus has a comminuted fracture," He said this while pointing to the location of injury. The image showed several severe breaks in Liz's upper arm, and there were tiny fragments protruding from the larger bone segments.
After allowing Liz to look at the image for a few moments, he replaced the x-ray and pulled out another more recent one.
"I had to place several pins in a few different locations to keep the bone aligned properly while it is healing. The procedure required us to make a couple of small incisions into your arm. The bones, as you can tell, had almost been completely crushed by the accident. And we felt this was the best solution in order to insure that your arm healed in a timely fashion."
"Do you know how long it will take for it to heal?"
"I see no reason for your cast not to come off within six or ten weeks. However, it may be six months before you regain full use of your arm. I would suggest you have a physical therapist help you properly exercise your arm to prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. Which will play a big part in your recovery."
After placing the x-ray images back into their folder, Dr. Tyner signaled for the nurse to bring in some paperwork. "After you sign a few of these papers you will be able to leave. Would you like to call someone to have them pick you up?"
"Yes, please."
"Of course. The nurse will see to your needs until you are ready to check out."
"Thank you again, Dr. Tyner. It was nice meeting you."
"The same, Miss Luthor."
****
After getting off of the phone with a driver from the mansion, Liz wanted nothing more than to leave peacefully. But reporters were already staked outside the hospital wanting to ask questions regarding to the accident.
As she looked up she checked her reflection in the mirror. The thought of reporters taking her picture now made her laugh nervously. "If it isn't bad enough that I got myself into this mess, I have to wear a scarf with little multi-colored teddy bears." She said aloud. She was thankful the nurse thought to give her the head cover, but she had to wonder if people seeing her bald scalp would be less embarrassing.
Liz was halfway towards the front desk before a nurse stopped her. "Miss Luthor, it is hospital policy to wheel you out of the building."
Cocking her head to one side, Liz studied the woman addressing her for a few moments before speaking. "Of course. But as you can see it is my arm that is broken, not my leg. I am quite capable of walking myself."
The nurse nodded, her eyes twinkling with humor. "I understand that, but it's a rule that can't be broken." She took a wheelchair out from a nearby storage closet, and opened it up then patted the seat signaling that Liz should sit.
Seeing no way out, Liz resigned herself to the fact and sat down. As the nurse started to wheel her to the back of the building, Liz noticed that she was moving in the wrong direction. "I called for a car to be brought around to the front of the building."
"The doctor suspected you wouldn't want to deal with reporters right now." She didn't wait for a reply before resuming her previous act of pushing Liz's wheelchair towards the back entrance.
Liz was struck momentarily speechless over how swiftly everything had been handled. She was thankful that Dr. Tyner had thought of using the back entrance, but she was surprised that the thought hadn't occurred to her. Whether because of the sense dulling effects of the Valium or the unfamiliar surroundings, Liz knew she definitely wasn't herself. And she hoped to be back to normal by the time she reached the mansion.
****
When Liz got home, she quickly dialed her father's office number. It was risky trying to catch him late in the afternoon, chances were he was in the middle of an important meeting, but Liz really didn't care. She had some business of her own that needed to be handled as quickly as possible, while her temper was still fresh.
"Anne? Yes, it's Liz. Get my father on the phone." There was a brief pause on the other line then Lionel's personal secretary explained that that wasn't possible. Liz was in no mood for stalling tactics.
"I wouldn't care if he is in the middle of signing a multi-billion dollar contract. I need to speak with him now." Liz waited while the woman got a hold of her father, pacing the stone floor of the foyer. She tried to calm her breathing and racing heart with every step. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Liz counted until she heard her father's voice come on the line.
"Liz, is something wrong? You've never had to interrupt a meeting before."
Liz was satisfied with the worried tone in her father's voice. "Yes, there is. I've been in an accident."
Lionel's reaction was immediate. "I knew that damn bike would be the death of you sooner or later. I hope you've gotten rid of that machine for good."
"Thanks for asking about my health, Father. I'm just fine." Liz stated sarcastically.
"I'm sorry, Liz, but you know how I feel about your choice of transportation."
Liz sighed at the rebuke. "I've never been in a single crash until today, but I assure you I won't be riding any more bikes for quite some time. The accident left me with a broken arm."
There was a long sigh on the line then Lionel answered. "Maybe I shouldn't have sent you to Smallville. You obviously aren't ready to handle that big of a responsibility."
Liz blinked at the quick change of topics. "This has absolutely nothing to do with my capabilities here in Smallville. However, it has everything to do with how you handled Aaron. I can't believe you actually bribed him to break up with me."
"If I had known it would cause you to drive recklessly, then I would have chosen a less hectic day."
Liz shook her head at the absurdity of her father's statement. She replied in a saddened tone, "Do you really think that little of me?"
"The problem wasn't being taken care of. You didn't need any far away attachments distracting you from your work here. He isn't worth the effort of a long distance relationship, Lizzie."
There was some truth to Lionel's words, but Liz tried to remain fervent about getting the point across. "That is for me to decide, not you."
"I let you and Aaron remain together under the knowledge that you would break up with him when you came back to the States. You turned his marriage proposal down because of that fact. Now, tell me exactly what I did wrong?"
It was just like him to not take blame for even the most incriminating of circumstances, Liz thought to herself. "My personal life is just that, personal. I wish you would just stay out of my business when it comes to my relationships. Aaron wasn't doing anything wrong when he proposed to me. I didn't accept, yes, but I just needed time. When you and mom first met were all sides against you or with you?"
"Don't bring your mother into this. She was a very special woman. Your dear Mr. Fletcher isn't a special man. If anything he is the epitome of what you should not associate yourself with."
"How would you know?"
After a long pause, a softer, gentler version of Lionel's usually commanding voice came out of the earpiece. "Just trust me. I love you and I don't want to see you get hurt. I always keep your best interests at heart. Do you hate me for that?"
Whatever Lionel knew about Aaron must have been important enough to break off the relationship, Liz thought to herself. She sighed and spoke in a young voice that bellied her insecurities. "I don't hate you father. I understand what you were trying to do on some level."
"Good. Now, I do want you to stay in Smallville, but I don't want you working there alone right now. At least not while you are injured. I'm sending Dominic."
Liz knew, if anything, Dominic would be more of a hindrance than a help here. "There's no need. My arm will be in a sling for only a few short weeks."
"I can't afford the plant suffering for any length of time due to this accident at any cost."
Liz frowned at her father's choice of words. It was back to business with him. She sighed and agreed softly. "All right. But on one condition."
"Yes?"
It was uncomfortable for Liz to ask but she swallowed down her pride. "I don't want Dominic staying at the mansion."
"Why? Has he done something to make you feel uncomfortable?"
"No, it's just… I will have a hard enough time gaining the respect of these people as it is. But a man living here with me, well, this isn't Metropolis, Father."
A small laugh of relief and understanding erupted from the phone. "Of course. I'll find an apartment for him to stay in not far from the mansion. Anything else?"
"I'm sorry that I interrupted your business meeting."
"I would have been disappointed if you hadn't."
Liz wondered at that statement. As if he might already have known about the accident. It wouldn't be unlike him to be informed of her well being through sources unknown to her. But she tried not to think too much about that.
There was a long pause over the phone before Lionel spoke with true compassion. "I'm sorry about your arm, Lizzie."
The kind words affected Liz more than she wanted to admit. She covered up her emotions with a sarcastic remark. "But it was bound to happen with my choice of transportation, Father. You know that."
Lionel laughed. "Goodbye, Liz."
"Goodbye, father."
After hanging up the phone, Liz walked into the main living area and lowered herself into an overstuffed chair. Laying her weary head down slowly, Liz closed her eyes and tried to relax. She replayed the conversation between herself and her father over and over in her mind until she finally drifted off into a restless sleep.
****
Everything seemed to be going in slow motion for Clark after he left the hospital. He ran straight home as fast as he could. The nurse seemed to judge him as if he had done something wrong when he'd handed the young woman over to her.
"I found her on the bridge."
"In this condition?"
"Yes, she... I saw her fall from her bike and I rushed to see if she was ok."
"Do you know her?"
"No. I've never seen her before."
"Son? Are you up there? Dinner's ready."
Jonathan's voice cut through Clark's thoughts. He nodded his head knowing his father probably couldn't see it. "I'm not really hungry."
Jonathan made his way up to his son and laid a hand on his shoulder coaxing him to turn around. He took in Clark's disheveled appearance then the auburn wig in his son's hands.
"Something happened." Clark's voice cracked a little and he swallowed before continuing. "I saved someone's life. But I didn't want to. I mean… I wanted to but I wasn't expecting to do it the way I did. I shouldn't have been able to."
"Take a deep breath and try to calm down." Jonathan cupped the back of Clark's head and gently squeezed a few times. "Tell me exactly what happened."
In a small voice Clark tried to explain the events that had transpired over the past two hours. "I didn't know what else to do."
"Do you know who she is?"
"I have no idea. I'm sure she wasn't from around here." Clark paused and looked at the wig in his hands.
"What's wrong?"
"Her license plate. It said 'EL1.'"
"Really?"
"Yes. I remember because it came flying at me when the bike exploded against the railing."
"Were you hurt?"
"No, no. I can't be… hurt. At least I don't think I can be." Clark sighed and turned back around to look out the barn window. "It's so frustrating. I don't know what I'm capable of. I keep surprising myself, scaring myself. I think I crushed that woman's arm with my strength and… even though I know I saved her life, I still… hurt her." Clark sighed and threw his head into his hands.
"It's ok, Clark. It's ok. You did the right thing." Jonathan took Clark into his arms and held him for a few moments until the boy calmed down. "She didn't see you, did she?"
"She was unconscious. I don't think she would have remembered anything."
"Are you sure?"
Clark rubbed his eyes hard and tried to regain his composure. "Yes."
Jonathan grabbed Clark's shoulders and looked him in the eye. "You've known for a long time that you're different. We even talked about it this morning when you wanted to try out for football…"
"God, Dad. I know what you were saying now. I-I can't trust myself. What if I had lost control of my strength and killed her?"
"No, that's not what I meant, Clark. The point is you didn't, and you saved someone's life. You have every right to be scared, but I don't want you to berate yourself over what happened. Do you understand?"
Clark nodded and Jonathan hugged him again. "Now, how about we go get some dinner, ok?"
After wiping his nose off of his sleeve, Clark gave his father a small smile. "Ok."
****
To be continued…
Author's notes: Holy cripes! I cannot believe it took me this friggin' long to repost! Real life sucks. That's all I can say.
THANK YOU!: MitchPell, You're a lifesaver! You read this chapter a bazillion times and helped me so much! Thanks for sticking with me. : )
Feedback: Please review! I like to know what you all think of my story. Is it the best thing ever? Is it crap? Let me know! I need the help, trust me! : )
Melindoty: There will be many romances in Liz's life. But if you mean between Clark and Liz. Definitely. Thanks for reading! : )
DebC75: Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story! I'm glad you are loving it. : D
How soon is now: I hope to have the next chapter within a week. For real this time. ; )
For future chapters: In the next chapter I'll have Liz and Clark meet under better circumstances.
****
The events that had transpired over the course of the last 24 hours ran through Liz's mind as she waited for the doctor to appear.
Aaron's phone call had been unpleasant but not unexpected. Surprisingly enough, it had affected Liz more than she thought it would. She hadn't wanted to take the Valium, but it rarely had any real effect on her. It just helped to erode the hard edges of life. And lately her life seemed to be getting harder.
Liz wondered if the doctor would pick up on the dosage and reprimand her for driving. Surely he wouldn't give her more than a slap on the wrist. But Liz hadn't been hospitalized since her encounter with the meteors, and she didn't know if that was just a coincidence or something more. Admittedly, the doctor might notice some irregularities in her bloodstream. In the past they had always questioned her, voicing their concerns about the possibility of cancer. Her elevated white blood cell count made it easy to make the mistake, but Liz didn't mind explaining her odd situation to people
Then there was the whereabouts of this mysterious hero, who seemed to have been in quite a hurry to get away. The initial shock of the accident had caused Liz to forget a lot of things but she was certain the young man reached out for her with an unusual amount of speed and strength.
Liz's thoughts were interrupted when a gentleman, who looked to be in his early thirties, walked through the door wearing a long white coat. He spoke in a kind and respectful tone as he addressed her.
"Miss Luthor, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Dr. William Tyner. How is your arm?"
After a quick glance down to inspect the injury, Liz looked back up to meet the man's eyes before answering. "I was hoping you could tell me, doctor."
Dr. Tyner smiled politely and retrieved an x-ray from a file folder located on the wall. He then walked over to the side of the hospital bed so Liz could see it more clearly. "Well, your right humerus has a comminuted fracture," He said this while pointing to the location of injury. The image showed several severe breaks in Liz's upper arm, and there were tiny fragments protruding from the larger bone segments.
After allowing Liz to look at the image for a few moments, he replaced the x-ray and pulled out another more recent one.
"I had to place several pins in a few different locations to keep the bone aligned properly while it is healing. The procedure required us to make a couple of small incisions into your arm. The bones, as you can tell, had almost been completely crushed by the accident. And we felt this was the best solution in order to insure that your arm healed in a timely fashion."
"Do you know how long it will take for it to heal?"
"I see no reason for your cast not to come off within six or ten weeks. However, it may be six months before you regain full use of your arm. I would suggest you have a physical therapist help you properly exercise your arm to prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. Which will play a big part in your recovery."
After placing the x-ray images back into their folder, Dr. Tyner signaled for the nurse to bring in some paperwork. "After you sign a few of these papers you will be able to leave. Would you like to call someone to have them pick you up?"
"Yes, please."
"Of course. The nurse will see to your needs until you are ready to check out."
"Thank you again, Dr. Tyner. It was nice meeting you."
"The same, Miss Luthor."
****
After getting off of the phone with a driver from the mansion, Liz wanted nothing more than to leave peacefully. But reporters were already staked outside the hospital wanting to ask questions regarding to the accident.
As she looked up she checked her reflection in the mirror. The thought of reporters taking her picture now made her laugh nervously. "If it isn't bad enough that I got myself into this mess, I have to wear a scarf with little multi-colored teddy bears." She said aloud. She was thankful the nurse thought to give her the head cover, but she had to wonder if people seeing her bald scalp would be less embarrassing.
Liz was halfway towards the front desk before a nurse stopped her. "Miss Luthor, it is hospital policy to wheel you out of the building."
Cocking her head to one side, Liz studied the woman addressing her for a few moments before speaking. "Of course. But as you can see it is my arm that is broken, not my leg. I am quite capable of walking myself."
The nurse nodded, her eyes twinkling with humor. "I understand that, but it's a rule that can't be broken." She took a wheelchair out from a nearby storage closet, and opened it up then patted the seat signaling that Liz should sit.
Seeing no way out, Liz resigned herself to the fact and sat down. As the nurse started to wheel her to the back of the building, Liz noticed that she was moving in the wrong direction. "I called for a car to be brought around to the front of the building."
"The doctor suspected you wouldn't want to deal with reporters right now." She didn't wait for a reply before resuming her previous act of pushing Liz's wheelchair towards the back entrance.
Liz was struck momentarily speechless over how swiftly everything had been handled. She was thankful that Dr. Tyner had thought of using the back entrance, but she was surprised that the thought hadn't occurred to her. Whether because of the sense dulling effects of the Valium or the unfamiliar surroundings, Liz knew she definitely wasn't herself. And she hoped to be back to normal by the time she reached the mansion.
****
When Liz got home, she quickly dialed her father's office number. It was risky trying to catch him late in the afternoon, chances were he was in the middle of an important meeting, but Liz really didn't care. She had some business of her own that needed to be handled as quickly as possible, while her temper was still fresh.
"Anne? Yes, it's Liz. Get my father on the phone." There was a brief pause on the other line then Lionel's personal secretary explained that that wasn't possible. Liz was in no mood for stalling tactics.
"I wouldn't care if he is in the middle of signing a multi-billion dollar contract. I need to speak with him now." Liz waited while the woman got a hold of her father, pacing the stone floor of the foyer. She tried to calm her breathing and racing heart with every step. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Liz counted until she heard her father's voice come on the line.
"Liz, is something wrong? You've never had to interrupt a meeting before."
Liz was satisfied with the worried tone in her father's voice. "Yes, there is. I've been in an accident."
Lionel's reaction was immediate. "I knew that damn bike would be the death of you sooner or later. I hope you've gotten rid of that machine for good."
"Thanks for asking about my health, Father. I'm just fine." Liz stated sarcastically.
"I'm sorry, Liz, but you know how I feel about your choice of transportation."
Liz sighed at the rebuke. "I've never been in a single crash until today, but I assure you I won't be riding any more bikes for quite some time. The accident left me with a broken arm."
There was a long sigh on the line then Lionel answered. "Maybe I shouldn't have sent you to Smallville. You obviously aren't ready to handle that big of a responsibility."
Liz blinked at the quick change of topics. "This has absolutely nothing to do with my capabilities here in Smallville. However, it has everything to do with how you handled Aaron. I can't believe you actually bribed him to break up with me."
"If I had known it would cause you to drive recklessly, then I would have chosen a less hectic day."
Liz shook her head at the absurdity of her father's statement. She replied in a saddened tone, "Do you really think that little of me?"
"The problem wasn't being taken care of. You didn't need any far away attachments distracting you from your work here. He isn't worth the effort of a long distance relationship, Lizzie."
There was some truth to Lionel's words, but Liz tried to remain fervent about getting the point across. "That is for me to decide, not you."
"I let you and Aaron remain together under the knowledge that you would break up with him when you came back to the States. You turned his marriage proposal down because of that fact. Now, tell me exactly what I did wrong?"
It was just like him to not take blame for even the most incriminating of circumstances, Liz thought to herself. "My personal life is just that, personal. I wish you would just stay out of my business when it comes to my relationships. Aaron wasn't doing anything wrong when he proposed to me. I didn't accept, yes, but I just needed time. When you and mom first met were all sides against you or with you?"
"Don't bring your mother into this. She was a very special woman. Your dear Mr. Fletcher isn't a special man. If anything he is the epitome of what you should not associate yourself with."
"How would you know?"
After a long pause, a softer, gentler version of Lionel's usually commanding voice came out of the earpiece. "Just trust me. I love you and I don't want to see you get hurt. I always keep your best interests at heart. Do you hate me for that?"
Whatever Lionel knew about Aaron must have been important enough to break off the relationship, Liz thought to herself. She sighed and spoke in a young voice that bellied her insecurities. "I don't hate you father. I understand what you were trying to do on some level."
"Good. Now, I do want you to stay in Smallville, but I don't want you working there alone right now. At least not while you are injured. I'm sending Dominic."
Liz knew, if anything, Dominic would be more of a hindrance than a help here. "There's no need. My arm will be in a sling for only a few short weeks."
"I can't afford the plant suffering for any length of time due to this accident at any cost."
Liz frowned at her father's choice of words. It was back to business with him. She sighed and agreed softly. "All right. But on one condition."
"Yes?"
It was uncomfortable for Liz to ask but she swallowed down her pride. "I don't want Dominic staying at the mansion."
"Why? Has he done something to make you feel uncomfortable?"
"No, it's just… I will have a hard enough time gaining the respect of these people as it is. But a man living here with me, well, this isn't Metropolis, Father."
A small laugh of relief and understanding erupted from the phone. "Of course. I'll find an apartment for him to stay in not far from the mansion. Anything else?"
"I'm sorry that I interrupted your business meeting."
"I would have been disappointed if you hadn't."
Liz wondered at that statement. As if he might already have known about the accident. It wouldn't be unlike him to be informed of her well being through sources unknown to her. But she tried not to think too much about that.
There was a long pause over the phone before Lionel spoke with true compassion. "I'm sorry about your arm, Lizzie."
The kind words affected Liz more than she wanted to admit. She covered up her emotions with a sarcastic remark. "But it was bound to happen with my choice of transportation, Father. You know that."
Lionel laughed. "Goodbye, Liz."
"Goodbye, father."
After hanging up the phone, Liz walked into the main living area and lowered herself into an overstuffed chair. Laying her weary head down slowly, Liz closed her eyes and tried to relax. She replayed the conversation between herself and her father over and over in her mind until she finally drifted off into a restless sleep.
****
Everything seemed to be going in slow motion for Clark after he left the hospital. He ran straight home as fast as he could. The nurse seemed to judge him as if he had done something wrong when he'd handed the young woman over to her.
"I found her on the bridge."
"In this condition?"
"Yes, she... I saw her fall from her bike and I rushed to see if she was ok."
"Do you know her?"
"No. I've never seen her before."
"Son? Are you up there? Dinner's ready."
Jonathan's voice cut through Clark's thoughts. He nodded his head knowing his father probably couldn't see it. "I'm not really hungry."
Jonathan made his way up to his son and laid a hand on his shoulder coaxing him to turn around. He took in Clark's disheveled appearance then the auburn wig in his son's hands.
"Something happened." Clark's voice cracked a little and he swallowed before continuing. "I saved someone's life. But I didn't want to. I mean… I wanted to but I wasn't expecting to do it the way I did. I shouldn't have been able to."
"Take a deep breath and try to calm down." Jonathan cupped the back of Clark's head and gently squeezed a few times. "Tell me exactly what happened."
In a small voice Clark tried to explain the events that had transpired over the past two hours. "I didn't know what else to do."
"Do you know who she is?"
"I have no idea. I'm sure she wasn't from around here." Clark paused and looked at the wig in his hands.
"What's wrong?"
"Her license plate. It said 'EL1.'"
"Really?"
"Yes. I remember because it came flying at me when the bike exploded against the railing."
"Were you hurt?"
"No, no. I can't be… hurt. At least I don't think I can be." Clark sighed and turned back around to look out the barn window. "It's so frustrating. I don't know what I'm capable of. I keep surprising myself, scaring myself. I think I crushed that woman's arm with my strength and… even though I know I saved her life, I still… hurt her." Clark sighed and threw his head into his hands.
"It's ok, Clark. It's ok. You did the right thing." Jonathan took Clark into his arms and held him for a few moments until the boy calmed down. "She didn't see you, did she?"
"She was unconscious. I don't think she would have remembered anything."
"Are you sure?"
Clark rubbed his eyes hard and tried to regain his composure. "Yes."
Jonathan grabbed Clark's shoulders and looked him in the eye. "You've known for a long time that you're different. We even talked about it this morning when you wanted to try out for football…"
"God, Dad. I know what you were saying now. I-I can't trust myself. What if I had lost control of my strength and killed her?"
"No, that's not what I meant, Clark. The point is you didn't, and you saved someone's life. You have every right to be scared, but I don't want you to berate yourself over what happened. Do you understand?"
Clark nodded and Jonathan hugged him again. "Now, how about we go get some dinner, ok?"
After wiping his nose off of his sleeve, Clark gave his father a small smile. "Ok."
****
To be continued…