TIS THE SEASON

CHAPTER 8

Part 3

CHRISTMAS EVE

Gotham

Bruce Wayne was walking through one of the expensive department stores in the city,looking for Christmas gifts for those nearest and dearest to him .It was not something he was keen on doing;like most males,browsing was something he wasn't adept at;and it was made worst on the eve of the most popular holiday of the year. The crush of people and joy in many of their faces did not make him excited .The Christmas spirit was something elusive to him;it had been since his parents' death. He only tried to show interest for Alfred's sake;the older man had always tried to maintain tradition as well as using the holiday to keep some semblance of normality in the unusual Wayne household.

Apart from having to get Alfred a present,Bruce would not forget Barbara,Dick,and a select few of the JLA. And now that Tim was his protege,he had to get the child something. It was no easy task, for Bruce normally got gift vouchers for them. He was extremely generous with the amount on the vouchers and believed that no one could really object. That way people could buy what they wanted and he wouldn't have to waste time in doing something he clearly found tedious. Yet one couldn't get Tim a voucher. Ten year old kids wouldn't normally go into throes of ecstasy over a bit of paper.

He sighed crossly as he walked into the toy department and stared at the people and shelves in consternation. There was so much to choose from!What would Tim even want?

He looked at the action figures,cars,electronic and board games,sporting toys and books. His father had given him a microscope as a boy;perhaps Tim would like that?

Or a chemistry set. He frowned and muttered aloud,"What to get?"

A man nearby looked at him and smiled."I know it's something awful,isn't it?How old is your boy?"

Bruce didn't answer. The man went on cheerfully,"Mine is eight. I was under strict orders to buy a Bumblebee."

"Why would your son want an insect?"

The man laughed."Are you kidding me?It's only the hottest toy for boys this season."He lifted a bright yellow robot with black markings."There were only half a dozen on the shelf when I got this fella. I'm looking for something for my little girl now."

Bruce asked,"Do you think a ten-year old will like it?"

"Oh absolutely! I would get over there quick before I were you..,"he pointed to the next aisle ,"It's stacked on the end."

Bruce Wayne nodded."Thanks."

He found himself hurrying like one of the very people he had looked at scathingly a few minutes ago. He saw a tall box from the other side and reached for it over the top.

At the same time,on the other side,another hand was reaching for it. Bruce pulled only have the hand pull harder. He scowled and said,"Look,I saw this first."

A voice snapped,over the sounds of carols overhead,"Back off,Mister,it's mine."

"Look,I held it first."

"No,I did. Besides,I 'm on the right side. I didn't slyly go over the top...and it's the last one...so,let go!" The hand tugged.

Bruce said coolly,"I'll make it worth your while. I'll pay you five hundred dollars for it."He held fast onto it as well.

"Ha! Like I was born yesterday!"

"I am serious. How about a thousand?"

The voice laughed sarcastically,"What are you?Bruce Wayne,billionaire?"

"Well,yes. I am."

The hand immediately let go and Bruce nearly fell back at the sudden release. A figure came around the corner. It was Selina Kyle with her arms folded.

"You!" she uttered in scornful tones.

He was also surprised."Miss Kyle."

She looked at him, and gestured,"Take it. I'll get my godson something else."She turned to walk away.

"Wait."

"What?"

"I ...didn't know it was you...for your godson. Here,take it."

"I don't need your charity,Mr Wayne."

"It's a measley fifty bucks,hardly can be termed as charity,since you're paying for it. I can get Tim something else,as you fully well know."

She looked at him suspiciously."Why are you being so gracious?''

"I'm always gracious,it's just that you are determined to see me otherwise. Come on,Miss Kyle,take it. Please."

She frowned,still perplexed,because he looked genuine. She took it,saying gruffly,"Thanks...who's Tim?"

"Oh,he's sort of a godson as well."

"Maybe another branch has the Bumblebee..."

"It doesn't matter really. I took this up on some guy's advice,because I'm at a lost as to what to get. Maybe I'll get Tim the microscope."

Selina looked ironically at him."You are buying the child a microscope for Christmas?"

"You needn't look so amazed. I got one when I was that age and loved it."

"So,this Tim told you he wanted one?"

"Well,no,but he will learn a lot from it..."

"Heavens,on Christmas morning most kids want something to enjoy...not learn..."

"Well,Miss Know-it-all,what would you get him?"

She gestured to him and pointed out further up the aisle where there were a collection of seven 'autobots' in one large box. She said,"I can't afford it. But you can."

Bruce looked up at it and smiled."Thank you."

She still wore an expression of bemusement."I expected your P.A. would brave the stores on your behalf."

"Do you know I actually wash and dress myself?" he said mockingly.

Her eyes twinkled."No. But that would be something to see one day." She turned to leave.

Bruce found himself calling after her."You can have dinner with me."

She stopped,looked back,her eyes still gleaming with amusement."Are you making a pass at me,Mr Wayne?"

"Bruce. And I don't think anyone can make a pass at you without your permission."

Selina laughed. It was a delicious sound;silky and vibrant."See you around,Mr Wayne."

CHRISTMAS EVE

Smallville

Ma Kent was fussing in the kitchen as she laid out her warm snowmen and Santa Claus cookies to cool on a rack and plunked two pecan pies in the oven. Pa was mixing cake batter in a corner but still managing to get in the way.

"Honestly,Martha,will you stop clucking like a mother hen! It'll be fine."

"I just want everything to be perfect."

"Come on it's not as if it's a houseful of strangers who'll be coming. It's our son and his friends. And Lois came last year."

"I know,but still...Let me see that,Pa?Yes,that looks fine. Why don't you go and finish the porch decorations?There are the lanterns and garlands to put up."

Mr Kent knew better than to argue with her. He suspected she just wanted him out of the way. So,he obeyed and left her to it. There were some beautiful coloured lanterns and yards of green garlands to hang from the ceiling and wrap about the banister. It was still daylight. The sun was an hour away from setting and he knew to expect Lois,Clark and J'onn to fly in later when it was dark. When the princess of the Amazons would come,he didn't know.

The old man was whistling and reaching up to hang a lantern when he heard a soft voice behind him.

"Mr Kent?"

He turned and looked at the caller in bewilderment. It was a strange woman in glasses. Clark had not even told his parents about her disguise;he had left it up to Diana to reveal that in her own time. The woman carried a small traveling bag over her shoulder. She walked up to him and held out her hand.

"It's so good to see you again. How are you?"

He looked confused."I...I'm sorry,Miss,but do I know you?"

She smiled."I know I left suddenly and I've been away for five years but I was hoping you might..."

Pa squinted and let out an exclamation and dropped the lantern."Well,I'll be doggone!Diana,is that you there, girl?"

She beamed."Yes,Mr Kent,it's me."

He grasped her hand and cried,"My god,it's good to see you but forgive me, child,why are you looking like you're dressed in my grandmother's clothes ?"

Diana laughed."It's terrible,I know but it's the only way I can live with normal people without them guessing my true identity."

He said,"Ah. I see. Well,no one would tell you got movie-star good looks under all that starched linen .You got a name for this prissy gal?"

"Diana Prince."

Mrs Kent had heard the crash of the lantern and came out to see her husband patting the cheek of a strange female. She said awfully,"Jonathan!What are you doing?"

Mr Kent looked airily at her."Oh,nothing,Ma. You finish with your cookies?"

"Never you mind cookies. Who that person?"

He took Diana in the crook of his arm and asked,"Don't you know her,Ma?"

Mrs Kent looked suspiciously at Diana."Why,should I?"

Pa pushed Diana forward."Go on,say howdy to Ma."

Diana smiled,went up to the little woman and said,"Your son has led me to believe if I didn't come, your wrath,especially yours Ma,would be past bearing."

"My son said?Who are you!"

She bent and kissed her cheek."It's me,Ma."

"Oh lord all mighty!It is you!Oh my child,how wonderful to see you.!"She enveloped her into a motherly embrace.

Diana was dragged into the house,sat down and demanded to account for her strange appearance and her long absence. After a full hour,while Diana was watered and fed she

recounted her story to the elderly pair.

"Now I understand. I've been railing at the boy for weeks since I saw Wonder Woman. He never explain anything to me. Just sat with that meek expression on his face and pretended to look ignorant. But I see why Miss Prince could not come,"said Ma.

Pa grinned."The boy's got a good poker-face. Heh. He never batted an eye-lid when we said to invite you. He just said,he'll see."

Diana averred."He has been so discreet. I thank him for it."

Mrs Kent asked,"Does J'onn know?"

"Yes,now he does."

"And Lois?"

Diana shook her head."No."

Mrs Kent sighed."Right. We'll have to be very mindful of that. It'd be a fine thing if Pa or myself called you "princess" or made any references to your stay here."

Ma was putting in her cakes to bake,and Diana and Pa were at the kitchen table icing and decorating the cookies,when Lois,Clark and John Jones appeared at the front door.

Pa brought them in and introduced them to Miss Prince. Lois had a queer look on her face as John Jones shook hands with the Boston school teacher and said,"A pleasure ma'am."

Pa turned to Lois but she said abruptly,"Oh, I met Miss Prince before. I see you've recovered nicely from the ordeal with Ivy. And I've seen you before,Mr Jones. Now where?I got it...some years back at the Themyscira Embassy...How?"

Clark explained casually,"John was working undercover. He's a cop."

Lois gave the cop a probing look,only to find him stare unflinchingly back at her. Clark was invariably truthful,so she accepted it.

The newly arrived trio were then shown to their rooms. John would sleep in the attic room;Lois would take Clark's and Clark would sleep on the couch. Mrs Kent was aware that her son and Lois were in an adult relationship,but the elder woman had old fashioned ideals;as far as she was concerned,they weren't married and until such time,there'd be no hanky -panky under her roof,wherever else it may occur!

Lois turned to Clark as they made their way to the kitchen,the current hive of activity,where Ma was laying out supper for the new arrivals."You never told me she was going to be here!"

"Who?"

"Miss Diana Prince."

"Really?I thought I did...maybe I didn't..."

"Did you invite her?"

"No,Ma did. She feels sorry for her,having to spend Christmas alone,without family. Why?"

"Oh nothing,it's just everywhere I turn, she's there. You sure she isn't stalking you,Smallville?"

"Lois,you got be kidding!Me?Stalked by a woman?I'm not exactly Johnny Depp."

"For her,you might be. It's not as if she's got a lot of bait on her fishing line."

He frowned."That's mean. She may not be the best looking..."

"Or dressed,"the reporter added mockingly.

"She's a quiet,sweet person. Physical appearances, as you should know, does not make the man nor woman. And I'm glad Ma invited her."His tone was quiet but final.

Lois rolled her eyes."Here you go now. I'm saying this for her own good...you wouldn't want to build anyone's hopes or break their hearts if you can help it."

He said dryly,"You're all goodness Lois. If that's the case then maybe I ought to leave her for you to attend...She has few female friends."

Lois looked unimpressed."Now,Smallville,there's a limit to things. I'll chat with her but don't expect me to pretend I like to simper and read regency romances and drink high tea,because I can't. John Jones is a cop, at least I'll get sense out of him."

Clark said nothing. Normally very laid back,he found himself regarding Lois with some annoyance. This was one of the times he found her brashness and bluntness unattractive.

But it was not worth starting anything with his parents and friends in the next room. So he held his peace.

John Jones proved to be more dull than Diana Prince. He was very matter of fact and monotone in his observations and responses.

Lois had asked his about his job."So,Clark tells me you're a cop !Where are you?Special Branch?"

John said,"I don't think talking about policing outside the job helpful."

"Oh. Yeah?Okay,I'm guessing you got no family close by,like Miss Prince here. Where are they?"

"Dead."

"I see. So ,um ,you come to Smallville often?"

"No."

"Well, how about that. I'm trying to get Pa to throw some brandy in that eggnog of his but he won't. Ma and the teacher don't drink;and Clark is happy enough with or without it. But eggnog must have some a little kick, don't you think?"

"Alcohol is an organic compound derived from hydrocarbons containing the hydroxyl group. It intoxicates and is highly addictive in frequent doses and very flammable."

Lois blinked."Okaaay then. Right, I'll remember that. Er,I think I hear Clark calling me."

Diana meanwhile kept diplomatically close to the Kents and kept Ma company in the kitchen. Her interactions with Clark were limited and brief due to Lois' sharp eyes and ears. After all the baking was over the group went to sit out onto the porch and Mr Kent told some of his old war stories. Here he succeeded better in amusing Lois and keeping the company from experiencing any awkward moments.

Midnight came with the sound of the grandfather clock proclaiming the start to Christmas. A shooting star sparked and burnt across the heavens. Pa indicated to it.

"It's as good a time as any to make a wish,kids."

Lois sighed."I wish we had snow."

Pa smiled."Well,Lois we'll have sunshine. It's just as beautiful. You youngsters will have to excuse Martha and me...we are like fowl, you know,we need to go roost. Clark will entertain you."

The Kents left them to it. But John Jones and Diana Prince followed soon after. It was one am when Clark bade Lois goodnight at the bedroom door. But instead of going immediately to his makeshift couch bed,he went to the kitchen,took up a platter and headed up to the attic.

He knew J'onn would be awake. The Martian was back into his true form and was hovering cross-legged in the air before the window.

"J'onn?"

"Clark?"

"I've got you something."He handed over a plate piled with Oreos.

The Martian Manhunter gave him a deeply appreciative nod."Ah,now I...as you say,feel like Christmas."

He grinned."I know. I wanted to see if you're okay or needed anything before I turned in.."

"No,my friend. I am fine. Are you?"

Clark's brows rose."Why wouldn't I be?"

J'onn said bluntly,"Human type emotion is very illogical. And your thoughts are as to me in this silent place as a echoes in a vast cavern."

Clark recommended tiredly,"Don't go there,J'onn. You wouldn't understand."

"Maybe not. But you have to make a decision,Clark."

"Good night,J'onn."

As he walked past the guest room,he paused and listened. He could hear her even breathing. Her heart beat. Even her scent. He closed his eyes and muttered."Damn it."

Clark Kent did not take to his bed immediately. He took to the skies and flew so high and so fast that he scorched the very air. He was high above the earth,looking upon it.

It was here looking upon his adopted planet,listening to the various sounds and languages that he remembered that his happiness was an infinitesimal drop in the face of humanity's hopes,fears and needs. This was the bigger picture. This gave him perspective.

GOTHAM

Christmas Day

The Wayne mansion erupted with the sound of a squeal of excitement and small, firm footsteps raced up the stairs,rushing past a bemused Alfred,who was carrying a breakfast

tray to Bruce's bedroom .Tim Drake shouted,"Gang way!"

The child was still in pajamas and had just opened his Christmas gift. The sight of the transforming robots had sent him into transports of delight. He burst in the bedroom of Bruce

Wayne,shouting,"Thanks,Bruce! It's so great!Exactly what I wanted. How did you even know?''

Bruce Wayne was still half asleep. He had spent half the night in the Batcave going over data from a recent case. His new protege did not seem to appreciate this. He was jumping on the end of the king sized bed.

"Tim,that's great you like your present ,"he grumbled ,keeping his head under the pillow,"but you're making me sea sick."

Alfred appeared."Come on, Tim. You know Master Bruce is always a bit grouchy before he has his coffee fix. Come on,sir,rise and shine and Merry Christmas. We have to go for the church service and brunch at the Gordons'. Here's your pick me up."

Bruce presented a rumpled head and sleepy face. He took the mug of coffee."What time is it?"

"It's seven am. I'll lay out your clothes. Tim,I want you to go have a bath,young man."

"Aw,do I got to go?"

"Yes you have to. Get down off that bed. You'll make the Master cranky."

Tim grinned."He's always cranky."He looked at Bruce."How did you know?"

Bruce admitted," Well, I didn't. Someone helped me chose it."

"Really?Who?"

"A very pretty lady."

Alfred looked up from the tie rack at that. Tim looked offended."A girl?"

"Yes. Oh, don't twist your face,if it weren't for her you'd be looking through a microscope. Now run along. We need to leave here by eight."

The child obeyed. Alfred tried to look impassive."A ,um, girl,sir? Maybe you could ,er, invite this "pretty lady" for Christmas dinner?"

Bruce smiled."Ah,therein lies the rub. She says she'll only think about it."

"Think about it?you mean she didn't jump at the chance to have a date with Gotham's most eligible bachelor?"

"No."

"If I may say,sir,she sounds infinitely refreshing."

"Not the words I'd use for her,Alfred."

"Oh?"

"Irritating,exasperating,doesn't give a hoot for my good opinion, ...dangerous."

CHRISTMAS DAY

Smallville

On Christmas morning the Kent household rose early,had a hearty breakfast and exchanged gifts.

Ma gave everyone baskets of preserves whilst Pa gave them hand carved boxes . Clark made Lois happy with a pretty pair of earrings,his mother got an antique figurine she had wanted;and his father a brand new tool set.

To John Jones he had gave a compact disc compilation of the music in the trilogy Lord of the Rings. Lois was very baffled at the mere thought of the wooden cop liking that sort of music.

For Miss Prince,he had a paperweight. It was a globe shaped glass with a purple lotus in its heart;the bubbles blown in the glass gave the impression of dewdrops on the green stem.

Diana said would be very functional in keeping her papers from flying off her desk. That was all.

Clark got a pair of cuff links from his parents,an ipod from Lois ,a tie from John Jones that was green with a huge Rudolph ( it appeared Wally had helped the hapless J'onn choose it )and from Diana Prince,a first edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Later in the day Ma was in the kitchen preparing dinner,having driven out everyone. The men were out on the porch,John listening to his cd via a borrowed personal stereo,and Clark played chess with his father. Lois and Miss Prince were sitting in the living room looking through an old hat box of photos Ma had brought down from the attic. There were pictures of Clark as a baby and through out his childhood and teen years. Diana Prince picked up a black and white picture and looked at it and begun to laugh. Clark was in something like a short smock,without any underwear,romping with some chickens,his little bottom peeping out.

A hand came from behind her and snatched it away."Hey!No one is allowed to see this!"

Clark was behind them and looking at the offending photo with a grimace. Lois teased,"Oh come on,Smallville,your mother brought them out for me to see. It's a cute picture. And what a lovely dress you're wearing!"

Clark tucked the offending photo in his pocket and muttered,"It's not a dress. And I don't believe Ma!I thought that box was tucked away in an old trunk."

Miss Prince pointed to one with him at about four wearing a costume of some sort."Oh look,Clark,you're a dog..."

He looked at it and said weakly, beginning to laugh,"It was the preschool Christmas play...I was supposed to be a camel ...Oh god ,look at this one. I was only six here. I'd gotten into Ma's plum preserves..."

Soon all three were chuckling at the very candid shots of the Kent family.

"God,you like to strut around with your bottom bare,don't you?" mused Lois.

"Hey,that was no fault of mine. Ma was the one who thought it good to air my skin."

Ma Kent peeped in."I thought I heard voices...Don't believe a word of it,girls. He was a shameless baby. Air his skin my foot. He'd pull of his diaper and throw it away every chance he could get. The worst was at the wedding of the a friend of Jonathan's. They all thought it'd be sweet for him to be a page boy. He was only three. Right in the middle of the ceremony he tossed his nappy down the aisle..."

"Ma!"

"And then there was the time,he took it off in nursery and wiped the wall with the doo-doo. They weren't happy about it I can tell you..."

"Ma!"

"They called me up and insisted I take him home..."

Lois was chortling and Miss Prince giggling.

Clark put his hand up,as if in defeat and with a feigned voice of great pomposity,"I'll be taking myself to the porch where decency is something that we men still recall on such a holy day."

GOTHAM

Christmas night

Batman left the Wayne mansion as soon as it became dark. He had been at home some nights in a row and he had to admit feeling caged and restless. He left a disapproving Alfred to go patrol. In his mind crime never stopped for any holiday or anyone;it was fortunate Christmas day so far had nothing the police couldn't sort out. He took the Batmobile and parking it in a back alley he took to the rooftops.

It was ten pm and he and stopped two assaults and a theft. He stood on the roof of an tenement building scanning the horizon. He didn't know exactly what he was looking for. It was nearing midnight when decided to go back to the Batmobile. things were quiet on this the upper end side. He'll patrol the slums for an hour or two then go home. He was about to send out a grappling hook when he heard footsteps and the sound of someone landing onto the concrete behind him.

"Well,well,Batman. What a surprise."

He turned."Selina. What are you doing here?"

"Do I need your permission to stretch my legs?I have well meaning friends but one does feel like a third wheel when one is with a husband,wife and their kid."

"So,what you come to take a walk down the upper side?"

"Oh don't take that tone with me,Batman. I may have manners at times from the gutter,but it doesn't mean I am from the gutter. You think my friends can't be from around here?"

He was silent. She did have a way of making him doubt himself."I never said or implied..."

She cut him off."Of course you did. You are just like him. You think you're better than me."

"What?"

"Of course,he thinks he is above me in status. You think you are above me in morals."She gave a self deprecating sniff."Men!You're all alike. Well,I wouldn't want to besmirch the air you breathe, Batman. I'm out of here."

"Selina!Wait!" It was torn from him before he could stop himself.

She felt his hand on her wrist and to her great surprise and shock,the Batman miscalculated and planted a kiss on her astonished lips. The Catwoman of five years ago would have kissed him back.

The woman tonight delivered a stinging slap."Like I said!Men,you're all alike!Merry Christmas,Batman!"

She left him rubbing his jaw and wondering what had he had done wrong.

CHRISTMAS NIGHT

Smallville

The Kents always had a Christmas open house for the evening part of the holiday. Martha had a spread laid out buffet style and neighbours and friends would drop by to and spend those few hours in simple comfort and honest hospitality. There was no formality. No one had to sit at a table and mind their manners. People were peppered all over with their plates of food and drink. Most of Ma's friends were with her in the kitchen,Pa had his cronies in the porch. John Jones was watching "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" with the ten year old and under guests. Clark and Lois and Miss Prince chatted with some of Clark's old school chums who were still around in Smallville.

Pete Ross had dropped by as well as Lana Lang,with her husband and ten year old son.

Clark lifted the boy,who had squealed,"Uncle Clark!"

"Hey,squirt!Wow look at you!"

The doting parents to the boy came up and were greeted warmly. Clark introduced everyone to each other. Most people knew Lois from last year and were very happy to meet Miss Prince. Though Pete couldn't recall her in college.

Lois frowned."You don't?"

"No. Look,I'll ask Jo."He hailed another friend."Hey,man,let me ask you a question. Do you remember that Miss Prince with us in college?"

"No."

Lois insisted."But the Kents and Clark said she had been."

Pete said,"Look,I hung with Clark mostly and I'd know ...Maybe she was a part timer or in one of those clubs..."

Lois frowned."Maybe."

Lana cornered Clark and looked at him with twinkling eyes."Well,well,so you and Lois plan to seal the deal soon?"

He looked at her amused."Oh come on,Lana. You know I have to be very careful about my life and marriage is a luxury I'm not sure I can even contemplate...now."

She said soberly,"Clark,you can't be alone for ever and what of children?"

"I'm not alone and the notion of children is as far out there ...farther...than marriage. You know my physiology. And my enemies number in the hundreds. It's too risky. Besides life right now is so full for Superman and Clark...I'm not exactly holding my head and bawling about the fact that of all my Smallville friends only I am single and with no kids."

"Lois knows how you feel?"

"Lois isn't your domestic goddess. She is driven and career minded and I don't think she even thinks of kids either. So,it suits both our lifestyles. Oh,Lana don't look at me like that."

She sighed."No,it's just...You are one of the best men I know,and it's such a pity,cause you'd be a wonderful Dad."

Clark smiled,"Content yourself for a great Uncle. Come one,stop pulling long faces. It's Christmas."

The last of the guests left the Kent farm nearing midnight. Diana and Lois sent Ma out of the kitchen to rest while they tidied up.

"You need to rest," they said.

Lois watched the school teacher with the eyes of a hawk as she washed the dishes. Lois was wiping up and stacking them away.

"So , Diana,Clark tells me when you two were in college you joined the huge anti-war protest?"

"What?Oh. Yes."

"Clark,was in the front line you know."

"I know."

"Do you remember what he and his friends dressed as?"

Diana hesitated. Of course she didn't know. So she said vaguely,"I was way in the back...I can't recall...It's been years..."

Lois' eyes seemed to darken."It was all over the papers that Washington march. Dressing as the Four Horsemen made them photo ready."

Miss Prince exclaimed."Oh yes. The four horsemen. How stupid of me .But you know me,my head is full of school and exams. I have to go grade some papers when I go back to Boston."

Clark sat out on the porch. His parents had retired and John was inside hooked onto cartoons. Lois and Diana were still tidying up. He heard the screen door open. It was Lois.

"Finished?'' he asked.

Lois looked at him directly in the face and demanded."Who is she?"

"What?"

"Oh don't give me that innocent look. You fooled me with it and a string of lame excuses in the newsroom for years. Who is Diana Prince?"

Clark stood up."She is an old college friend."

"No,she isn't. None of your friends recall her and I just had Jimmy do a search of your college alumini. She was never there. Stop with your secrets"

Clark looked gravely at her."I have no secret from you. I can't tell you what isn't mine to tell."

Lois looked irate."Are your parents in this conspiracy too?"

Clark was saved the from involving his parents when Diana Prince walked out and said,"Lois,you want to know who is Diana Prince?"

Lois's eyes widened as she saw the glasses come off and the hair tumble down. The frumpy woman had instantly transformed into the beautiful face of the woman known as Princess Diana,heir to the throne of Themyscira.