Clark didn't want to do anything. He didn't want to watch cartoons. He didn't want his usual after school snack. He didn't want to talk about it. Instead, he hid underneath the couch. We tried to coax him out, but it didn't work. I whispered to Jonathan, "Let's just give him some time."

We continued with our normal tasks and work we have when Clark's at school. I put on some music and started making an apple pie. Jonathan went back out to work.

I never heard a sound from under the couch. Not a peep, or a sob. Nothing. I finished my pie and put it in the oven. And then I sat on the couch. I began to talk out loud.

"I wonder what's on tv... I wonder if anyone will like my pie...I wonder how Clark's feeling right now." I let the question hang. I heard movement underneath the couch.

"I know how I would feel. Sad, embarredssed. Scared. Does Clark feel that way too?" I hear more shuffling underneath. I lay down on my stomach and lean my head over the edge.

"If I was feeling that way I'd want someone to talk to, so I could feel better."

A small head of downy soft black locks peeks out, right under mine. I smile.

"Hi, " I say

"Hi."

"Do you wanna tell me what happenend?"
He shakes his head.

"Do you want to tell me why you did it?"

He purses his lips together. "He made me angry. More angry than I've ever been. He said so many mean things to Pete and Lana."

"Did you think about what would happen when you pushed him?"

He hesitates. "No."

"But you knew he would get hurt, and you know better than that, don't you?"

"Yes."

"What should you have done?"

"Told the teacher."

"Good job, that's right. What was the biggest mistake you made today?"

"Um, showing my strength?"

I shake my head. "No, hurting Kevin. You should never hurt anyone. Not if they don't deserve that. He was hurt very badly, you know that right?"

Soberly, he nods his head.

"What have you learned today?"

"Never hurt anyone, and don't show my powers."

"Good boy. I'm proud of you Clark. Of course, Daddy and I are disappointed in what you did to Kevin, and you will be punished. But I'm proud that you learned something. You'll never do it again, right?"

"Never!"

"That's my boy. You know what I think would be nice? If we made get well cards for Kevin. How about it?"

"Okay!" He says with a grin as he wriggles out from under the couch. I get some construction paper and markers and we work on some cards.

"Mmm. I smell your pie, Mommy. It smells so good. Apple's my favorite."

"Why thank you, Clark. I do believe it's time to take it out."

While I set the pie on the window still, I look at the clock. 3:00.

"Hey Clark, Lana's going to be home soon, want to come pick her up with me from the bus stop?"
His eyes get wide and he shakes his head.

"Clark, she's your best friend, you shouldn't worry. She cares about you very much."

He continues to shake his head. I sigh.

"You're going to have to face her eventually, Clark. She practically lives here. Come on."

"Maybe later."

He super speeds out of the house. I frown. At least I know where he'll be. We have a space up in the barn with all of the antiques from the Kent generations. I've been meaning to clean it up, but never get to it. Clark likes it up there for some reason.

Well, if he won't go the Lana. I'll have to bring Lana to him.

Lana and I just dawdled on our way home, picking wild flowers and making little bracelets out of them. I didn't mention anything about Clark, I wasn't sure what to say. But what surprised me was that Lana didn't mention anything either.

Several children had to have seen Clark push Kevin through the door. And yet, none of them wanted to tell the principle what they saw. Are they just denying it? Or am I seeing the budding blossoms of friendship and loyalty I always hoped Clark would have?

I smile as I lazily walk along as Lana tries to tie together a scarlet flax and crimson clover bracelet around my swinging wrist.

Now those children who saw what happened today know something is different about Clark. Will they treat him differently? Will he be an outcast? I look down at Lana, who's tongue is partially sticking out as she concentrates on knotting the last stems together.

Will she still treat Clark the same? I hate to admit it, but I grow nervous at the prospect of Lana not being Clark's friend. So much rests on her shoulders, because I beilieve the other children follow her stride. There is a charming, almost wise beyond her years sort of wit about her, which makes others look up to her. Especially Clark.

Last year when he was five, he came into the kitchen while I was finishing up some pies for a bake sale and said,

"Mommy, I have a secret."

I turned to him, a smile upon my lips as he stood there nervously grinning, holding clasped hands in front of him.

"Well, what is it Clark?"

He scooted a stool over next to me and shuffled himself to get on top of it. Kneeling on its seat he leaned toward me, his hands cupped around his little mouth. He put his face next to my ear, and I wanted to pull away because his breath was hot against my skin, and it tickled, which almost made me laugh. He whispered,

"I love Lana Lang."

He let out a few more breaths and then sat back upon his haunches. Grinning I turned to his also grinning face. I giggled when he clasped his hands over his mouth, his eyes twinkling with delight. But then he began to giggle as well. I couldn't help but smile the biggest smile I've ever had. I winked at him. He put a little pudgy finger up to his rosy lips and shhh'd me.

"I guess that's our little secret then, huh?" He nodded, giggled some more and then climbed backward down off the stool.

"Mrs. Kent?"

I whipped myself out of my flashback and back into reality where Lana's questioning little face was smiling at me.

"Yes, Lana?"

"Why were you laughing?"

Was I? "Oh, just remembering something...wonderful."

"Can you tell me?"

"Maybe someday." I wink at her as we arrive at the house. My arms covered in wildflowers, and her gorgeous ebony hair sprinkled with petals.

She pauses at our front porch step. "Where's Clark?"

"Well he's - he's in - " I sigh. "Lana, do you want to talk to me about today?"

"I'd like to talk to Clark, first, Mrs. Kent. I'm worried about him."
I take a step back, surprised at her maturity.

"Alright. He's in the barn."
"Thanks Mrs. Kent."

Lana turned around, leaving her back pack on the step, and started walking calmly towards the barn. Curious, and a little nosy, I tiptoe after her.

I wait until she reaches the top of the loft stairs to sneak in and claim a place at the bottom of the stairs.

"Lana! Wh- what are you doing here?"

I cringe at the fear in Clark's voice. No one should ever have to feel afraid of their friends, especially no one this young. Especially not Clark, as you may have noticed, yes I play favoritism.

And as I sit there upon the wooden step I realize that this could be a pivotal moment in Clark's life. This is the first time someone has ever confronted Clark about being different. Don't be afraid Clark. Please Lana, oh please, do what I know you're capable of.

"Hi Clark. Your Mom told me you were up here."

Clark doesn't say anything, but I can hear his little heavy breaths, not sure of how to respond.

"Clark, I wanted to show you something."

I strained my neck to see what it was that Lana was attempting to show him, but I couldn't see anything without revealing my presence, and I knew that this moment belonged to them, even if I observed it.

"Lana! Are you alright? Did it hurt? What's that from?"

"Don't get so worried Clark. It's just a bruise. I get them all the time when we climb trees and run all around and stuff. Don't you?"

"I don- where did that come from?"

"From today, when Kevin pushed me."

Clark is speechless once again, reminded of this afternoon. Meekly, he stumbles over his words,
"I didn't...I didn't.."

"You did protect me and Pete, Clark. Thank you."

I hear another silence before Clark quietly admits, "I wish I didn't push him so hard."

Softly, Lana agrees, "Yeah, me too."

I couldn't resist the opportunity to peek up at them. My heart almost melted by what I saw. They were hugging, Clark's head resting on her petite shoulder, his eyes closed. I watched as his face passed from sad to peaceful as he held her, or rather she held him.

I exhale as I realize Lana has done what I hoped she would, even though I didn't know what I was hoping for. There are some things that Jonathan and I will never be able to teach Clark. Lana fills in the gaps.

I sneak down the stairs, warmth upon my heart. I think he'll be alright now.