Chapter 2 [Next Day]
[Kent Farm]
Clark split his time between the chores and helping Martha in the house. It seemed odd to him that Jonathan hadn't returned yet. Still he made sure that his father wouldn't have to worry about anything after getting back. He glanced toward the sky and the darkening clouds to the south and east. He felt a slight chilling of the air. He shook his head grimly while heading back into the house.
"Before you go any further, Clark, you're having a treat," Martha advised while pointing to a cup of his favorite cocoa sitting on the kitchen table.
He grinned. "Thanks, Mom." He sat down and admired the peppermint-tinted chocolatey aroma wafting through his nostrils. The tiny archipelago of marshmallows floated in their brown sea. Since he'd toddled across those floorboards, the cocoa comfort assuaged his concerns. He drank deeply and leaned back.
"I can always count on that cocoa with you," she remarked with a light chuckle.
"I can count on it being awesome. Dad would love this too," he replied before stealing another sip. "Hope you can have this on hand for Christmas dinner."
"The way Lana loves it too? Of course," she concurred. Right on cue, the phone rang. "Hello?"
"Hi, Sweetheart! It's me," Jonathan replied. "Just wanted you to know that I'm at Sanders' Tree Farm. I wanted to get our tree before the storm hit. How's everything there?"
"We're fine. Clark's got everything in the barn taken care of. Meantime I really wish you'd have come home. We don't need the tree this year," she insisted.
"We can handle it, Martha," he countered. "Think Clark can run over and help me?"
"I'm sure he will. Look for him in a few minutes," she agreed. "Take care out there. Good to hear from you." She hung up and turned back toward Clark who was already putting on his red flannel coat. "Your Dad's at Sanders'. He…has a tree."
"But we can't afford it!" he realized.
"I know but it's important to him. And he's right. It is Christmas. We may not have presents but we have each other," she noted. "I appreciate it."
"No problem, Mom." He smiled at her. "You, Dad and Lana are my greatest presents anyway." Even if he did want the video games like the next kid, he wasn't going to say so. "On the way!" He took off at super speed across the eastern fields toward Granville.
She watched the blur disappear into the gathering gloom. She studied the sky and worried as well. Wishthateveryonewasundercover.Besafe,Lana.She shook her head feeling a sense of foreboding. Whycouldn'tthecourthavewaited?
[Granville—Sanders' Tree Farm]
Jonathan stood by a seven foot balsam pine and admired its crown of emerald boughs punctuated by hanging brown cones. Despite the tough times at the farm, there'd never been a year without such a centerpiece in the Kent living room. And it would be there this year come Hell or high water.
He felt glad that Matt Sanders had given him the discount even if it were over his objections. He didn't want to take advantage of his friends especially in such difficult times. Wishhe'dhaveacceptedmyinvitationfordinnerortohelparoundhere.
A breeze whipped past him and toward the pine grove.
Clark emerged from the trees being careful as to who saw him. "Hey, Dad! What's going on?"
"Surprise for your Mom and you, Son. Had a great trip. We're going to be making a few extra dollars next year. I figured a tree was all right," Jonathan presumed.
"So what happened? Great news?" Clark wondered while helping to pick up the tree and carry it toward the waiting truck.
"Grange lowered its prices to stimulate our purchases next spring. They're even talking about raising the harvest numbers next summer. They need to get business going too." Jonathan glanced toward the sky. "This weather's going to kill us. First it's hotter than blazes. Now it's freezing."
"Welcome to Kansas," Clark remarked with a shrug as they slid their prize into the back of the truck. "That's something to be thankful for."
Jonathan smiled and rubbed the younger man's arm. "You keep thinking that way, Clark. That'll carry you a long way."
"Don't know any other way that's worth it," Clark agreed. "I hope you don't mind if Lana joins us for dinner. Mom said okay."
"I'm okay with it. She needs a place to be at. I heard from Gabe Sullivan that she's heading for Metropolis today. The court hearing?" Jonathan concurred.
Clark nodded. "I'm kind of worried with the weather and all."
Jonathan sighed. "Maybe she might stay in Metro? Hate for her to miss Christmas but better she gets here tomorrow in one piece."
Clark nodded and glanced up toward the heavens. The overcast had turned jet black.
Frozen droplets began to fall, crackling upon impact with the ground or the men in question.
Jonathan dropped a tarp over the tree and tied it down. "Get the other side of this tied down! We'll have to take it slowly but we'll be okay."
Clark secured his side of the covering and then got in the truck. His heart beat harder and nervously at the thought of his brunette love in these conditions.
"It's already slick east of here," Jonathan noted ruefully as he got in and started the vehicle. "We'll need to take it slow but we'll be okay. Hope she took a room for the night."
Clark nodded silently and muttered a prayer as they eased their way down the state road and toward home.
Little did he know that would be needed….