A/N: In this next chapter, after the worst has happened, the family tries to cope with the fact that Clark is gone, but his family and friends will never give up on the hope that he will return. This one was tough. *hugs the family* Read on everyone!

**~~**

Chapter 13: The Hand of Fate

Previously:

Lois sighed relieved she didn't have to lie to Perry anymore about Clark, where he was, or what he was doing. She suddenly had to say the words out loud. "He will come back to us, Perry. He will. I believe that with all my heart," she said barely getting the words out. She took a deep breath, trying to get some control over her emotions. "Where's Jason? He should be here by now." She stood up to leave, but then the door opened and Jason came in. Richard and Lana were right behind him.

"Mom!" Jason cried as he ran into his mother's arms.

"Jason!" Lois exclaimed as he put his arms around her waist holding her tight, just a little too tight, but she didn't mind. It reminded her of Clark. She stroked and kissed Jason's hair. Oh, Clark, please come back to us. You have to come back.

~o~o~

Jason could sense something was very wrong. After hearing the sirens and announcements all over town earlier in the day, he just wanted to go home and be with his parents. Daddy Richard and Ms. Lana wouldn't answer any of his questions. Maybe his Mom would now. He looked at his Mother's face and he could see she had been crying. "Mom, are you ok?" Jason asked worried about his Mom.

Lois glanced at Richard and he nodded his head indicating he hadn't said anything to Jason. "I'm fine, honey. I'm just a little tired that's all."

"Where's Dad? Is he here at the office?"

"No, honey," Lois replied, knowing she couldn't put it off. Jason had a right to know. "Come and sit down for a minute." She brought Jason over to the sofa, sat down and took his hands in hers.

Lana, Richard and Perry watched Mother and son dreading what was coming.

"Mom, what is it? Where's Dad? Did something happen?" Jason had a feeling something wasn't right. He could see it in the faces of his Daddy Richard, Uncle Perry and Ms. Lana.

"Sweetie, your Dad had to go away for awhile, but he'll be back soon." Lois prayed that wasn't a lie.

"Where did he go?" Jason wanted to know.

Lois wasn't sure how to answer him. "There was an emergency. Those sirens and announcements you heard earlier today, those were activated to stop people from going out into the street because there was … someone who wanted to hurt people here in Metropolis."

"Is he still here?" Jason asked worried for his family's safety.

"No, honey, he's gone, but your father … he … ummm … he tried to protect everyone, and … ummm … he was taken away," Lois said barely holding herself together.

Jason thought about that for a moment. "But I don't understand. When is Dad coming home?" He asked lip quivering, as he was starting to get upset.

Richard came over to his son and sat down next to him. "Jason, your father will come home as soon as he can. Your mother believes that and so should you," he said stroking his back.

Lana came over to stand by Richard. "I believe it too, Jason," Lana said.

Jason turned to his Mom. "Is that true, Mom? Dad will come home, won't he?" He pleaded with his Mother to tell him the truth.

Lois pulled him into her arms, stroking his hair. "Yes, Jason he will come home to us. I have no doubts about that. We have to be strong for each other honey."

"I will, Mom." Jason said sounding stronger than any six year old should sound.

Lois pulled back and stared at her son. She suddenly realized how strong her son was, inside and out. "I know you will. I love you, son," Lois said pulling him back into her arms.

"I love you too, Mom," Jason said holding his Mother tight.

Perry came over to the group after discretely wiping at his eyes. "Lois, why don't you head on home now? There's nothing more you can do here," Perry instructed her.

"Perry, I can't just go home and wait. I'll go crazy. I have to do something to help Clark," Lois said but she had no idea what that might be.

"Lois, you look exhausted. I know you. You'll stay here and work until all hours of the night and not take care of yourself. Clark wouldn't want that," Richard said knowing she couldn't ignore that argument.

Lois's thoughts suddenly went to her other child. She looked down and touched her stomach. Maybe a few hours rest will do me some good, I can clear my head and maybe come up with a way to help Clark. "Alright, I'll go home and rest for a while."

Perry was relieved. He was not up for any arguments. "Alright, everybody, out of my office so I can get some work done around here," Perry said shooing everyone out.

"You'll call me if you hear anything?" Lois asked her boss.

"You know I will," Perry said.

"Bye, Uncle Perry," Jason said.

"Bye, Jason. Take care of your Mom son."

"I will," Jason said meaning it.

Richard, Lana, Lois and Jason all left Perry's office. After Perry closed the door behind them, he picked up a recent issue of the Planet and stared at a photograph of Superman in all his costumed glory. He shook his head. Wow, talk about being right under my nose.

Richard was so intent on Jason and Lois's conversation, that as soon as they left Perry's office, he suddenly turned and stared at the closed door. Perry knows?!!

~o~o~

Later that evening at Riverside Drive:

Richard and Lana stayed with the family and made dinner for them. Lois was exhausted. She tried to hide it from her family, but right after dinner, she went upstairs and went to bed. Richard and Lana decided to stay. Soon, the house was quiet as everyone was in bed for the night.

Lois stood at the foot of the bed like a statue dreading going to bed without her husband. I know this is temporary. I know it. Just go to bed, Lois. You've slept in this bed when he's been gone before. This is no different. Oh, but it is, her mind argued. I don't know when or even if he's coming back. I can't believe this is happening. Fate really is that cruel. She took a deep breath and climbed into bed falling asleep moments after her head hit the pillow.

Soon she found herself on Clark's side of the bed tossing and turning as images of him fighting Darkseid invaded her dreams. It was a nightmare. All she could do was watch as Clark tried to get the upper hand, and then just before he disappeared with Darkseid, Clark screamed her name. Lois awoke with a start calling for her husband.

Richard was in the hallway heading to the guest room when he heard Lois's scream. He slowly opened the door and Lois's head was on her knees, her hands covering her eyes and she was crying. Richard hesitated for only a moment. He came into the bedroom sat down and pulled her into his arms. "Everything will be alright, Lois."

Lois held onto Richard for dear life. She felt like she might actually fly apart. Lana heard Lois crying and came to help. She witnessed Richard comforting Lois and she felt so bad for her. She went to get some water from the kitchen. "Lois, here drink this," Lana said handing her the water.

"Thank you, Lana," Lois said wiping at her eyes, and taking a sip. "I don't know what I would do without my friends here. Thank you both for staying," she said truly grateful.

"Was it a dream, Lois?" Richard asked. "I heard you scream Clark's name. It might help if you talk about it."

"Oh, god, I don't know if I can," Lois said sniffling as the dream came into her mind again. "I still can't believe he's gone," she whimpered.

Richard took her hand trying to offer some comfort. "Lana and I will stay as long as you want us to. Try and get some rest. We're right down the hall if you need anything."

"Thank you," Lois said lying back down.

"Good night, Lois," Lana said.

"Good night," Lois said sighing. After her friends left her alone, she left the bed dreading closing her eyes again. She went to the window and looked up at the stars. Wherever you are Clark, know that I love you. I know you'll come back to us. I know you will and when you do, I'm never letting you out of my sight again. Shaking her head at that ridiculous thought, she turned and went back to bed knowing deep inside that her husband would come back to his family where he belonged.

~o~o~

A few moments after Lois was in bed, there was tentative knock on the door. "Come in," Lois said sitting up.

"Mom, are you awake," Jason asked peeping his head in.

"Yes, honey, I'm awake. Here, come sit with me. Can't you sleep?"

"I tried to, but I can't stop thinking about Dad and where he could be."

"I know me too," Lois said as she enveloped her son in a hug.

Jason tried to forget his father's words. "Mom, he promised us," Jason said lip quivering.

Lois knew she couldn't let Jason believe Clark would willingly leave them again. She turned him to face her. "Jason, you have to listen to me and listen carefully. Your father was kidnapped. Do you know what that means?"

"Yes, I think so."

"It means he didn't want to go. He was forced against his will. Your father loves us dearly, and he would never leave us if he had a choice. You have to believe that Jason. Tell me you believe that," Lois asked trying to make him understand.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I believe you. I just miss him so much," Jason said hugging his Mom and trying very hard not to cry, to be strong for his Mom.

"It's alright sweetie," Lois said. "I miss him too. He'll be back soon, and when he does come back, we'll let him know how very much we love him and that we believe in him."

"I do love him and I believe in him too," Jason said thinking about his father and their recent talks.

"I know you do. You're just afraid for him," Lois said stroking his back, and kissed his cheek. "Go on back to bed and try not to worry too much."

"Alright, I'll try. Goodnight, Mom. I love you."

She gave him another hug. "I love you too. Goodnight, sweetie."

As Lois watched her son go back to bed, she slid under the covers on Clark's side of the bed, said a few prayers for him, and tried to get some rest. She instinctively touched her stomach and smiled thinking about their little one and how happy he'll be once he lays eyes on her. Humm, a girl? I can see her now, with bouncing black curls and eyes the color of the sky. Our little girl; you will see her Clark. You will. And with that thought, she closed her eyes and went to sleep dreaming of happier times in the not-too-far-off future.

~o~o~

The next morning, the family was having breakfast when the front door bell rang. Lois got up from the table and answered the door. Martha and Ben were there with open arms. Lois gladly went into Martha's arms trying to be strong for both of them.

"There, there, honey, everything will be alright. We saw what happened," Martha said.

Lois pulled back surprised by that statement. "It's on the news? Oh, no, I should have realized. There were helicopters around besides Jimmy and me," Lois said then she whispered, "I can't have Jason watching that." She sighed. "Come in, come in."

"Grandma, grandpa!" Jason exclaimed running to his grandparents.

"Jason sweetie, how are you honey?" Martha said giving her grandson a hug and a kiss.

"I'm alright. Dad is missing, grandma," Jason said.

"I know, sweetie. Your grandpa and I are here to help," she said hugging him again.

"I'm so glad you're here," Jason said giving his grandpa Ben a hug.

Ben picked up his grandson. "We love you and your Mom. Where else would we be?" Ben asked hoping to cheer up his grandson.

"Would you like some breakfast? Richard and Lana made plenty," Lois asked.

"We'd love some. We left the farm pretty early this morning. Hi, Richard, Lana," Martha greeted each of them with a hug, happy to see them in spite of the circumstances.

"Have you heard any news from the League," Ben asked.

Lois sighed. "No, nothing yet, but Batman did say he may not be able to contact us," she said sighing again. Lois suddenly began to pace. "I can't sit around here doing nothing. I have to do something to help Clark," she said to no one in particular.

Everyone stared at Lois not knowing what to say to her to calm her down.

Lois suddenly had an idea. "I know what I'll do. I'll make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. I'll make sure that Edge and the DA are behind bars for a long, long time. Clark and I know they're behind it, and they will pay for what they've done."

"So, were you and Clark able to find some proof of their criminal activities?" Richard asked.

"Yes, we have a witness, an informant, and we have the drugs and we can make someone talk. It's only a matter of time before someone cracks under the pressure."

Richard went over to her then. "Lois, have you thought about this? You could be putting yourself in danger."

"He's right, Lois, maybe you should give this more thought," Lana said thinking about what Clark would say if he knew.

"I'll be fine. I'll be working with the police and my sources, and Perry will be in on everything I do," Lois said wondering about telling them about the baby. If everyone knew about the baby, I'd be locked up in the house for sure. "You know I have to do this. I have to help Clark, and this is the only thing I could think of that will secure our future, our family's future." She instinctively touched her stomach again.

Martha couldn't help but notice the gesture. She watched Lois and there was something there. She did have that look about her. I noticed it when we came to visit before, but I put it off as being a newlywed and how happy she was, but now. She decided to speak with her alone. "Lois, could you show us where Ben and I will sleep?"

Richard spoke up then. "Martha, Lana and I were happy to stay, but now that you're here, we'll be heading back to Gotham. We just didn't want to leave Jason and Lois alone."

"You don't have to leave," Martha said.

"Well, Lana did just start her job and I can help with Lois's story back in Gotham," Richard said.

"You'll help me, Richard?" Lois asked happy for his help.

"You know I will," he smiled.

"Thank you, thank you," Lois said giving him an impulsive hug.

He patted her back. "We have a lot of work to do. I know Clark will be happy once he reads what we come up with," Richard assured her. "We'll go get our things and head back to Gotham. Are you ready, Lana?"

"Yes, I'm ready. We'll be back down to say goodbye in a few minutes," Lana said as she and Richard headed upstairs to change and pack.

"Ben, Martha, have a seat, and I'll get you some eggs, bacon and toast," Lois said and headed to the kitchen.

"I take it you've had this plan on your mind for a while now, Lois?" Martha asked curious about her decision.

"Clark and I have been working on this story since the news conference, and a follow-up piece to our earlier story will keep Edge and the DA on everyone's mind, especially when everyone finds out that Edge was behind bringing … umm … this person back here," said and glanced at Jason. "Honey, have you finished your breakfast?"

"Yes, I'm finished."

"Well, go on upstairs, wash up and get dressed. I'll be up in a little while."

Jason knew they wanted to talk without him being around. "Ok, Mom," Jason said sighing as he left the table.

Lois shook her head and smiled at her son. He's growing up so fast.

Martha smiled too watching him go upstairs. "You won't be able to do that much longer, Lois."

"I know, but I didn't want Jason to hear about … what happened. He doesn't need to know why his father disappeared."

"Lois, I don't think that's realistic. We saw it on the news, and kids at school will talk about it. It's inevitable."

Lois sighed, knowing that was true. She brought them their breakfast. "I'll tell him later," she said not wanting to think about it, let alone talk about it.

Martha took her hand. "You don't want to talk about it. Is that it?"

Lois lifted her head and tears were in her eyes. "I can't. I don't want to think about it, but I can't get the image out of my mind, Clark disappearing like that," she whimpered putting her hand over her mouth but her eyes refused to listen, and then she burst into tears.

Martha went to her then, pulled her into her arms holding her tight. "It's going to be alright, honey. Clark will be home soon. I know he will."

"Oh, Martha, I know, I know, but …"

"No buts, Lois," Martha said and took her by the shoulders. "You have to be strong Lois for Jason … and the baby."

Lois gasped. "You know about the baby? Did Clark tell you?"

"No honey, I suspected it," Martha said, not really sure until she confirmed it.

Lois went into her arms again and sighed. "Oh, Martha, Clark was so happy about the baby. He tried to hear the heartbeat the other night, but he couldn't. I wanted him to hear it, but it was too soon," Lois said rambling on needing to talk about her husband.

"Shsshh, it's alright, everything's going to be alright," Martha said stroking her back trying to give some comfort.

Lois suddenly pulled back, feeling embarrassed by her actions. "I'm sorry, I guess I just needed to get that out," she said wiping at her eyes with a napkin. "No more tears."

"Oh, sweetie, it's alright to show your feelings," Martha said, and then she lifted Lois's chin. "You can't hold it in all the time. It's not good for you or the baby."

"But Jason can't see me like this. He'll just get confused and upset."

Jason was sitting at the top of the stairs listening. Richard and Lana came up behind him. "Jason, you know it's not polite to eaves drop," Richard said disappointed in him.

Lois heard that remark and went to stand at the foot of the stairs. "Jason?"

"I'm sorry, Mom. I heard you talking about Dad and I wanted to know what was going on. I'm not a kid anymore."

"Of course, you're not, but …"

"Please Mom. Tell me what happened to Dad."

Lois sighed. "Alright, Jason, I'll tell you," she said knowing she had to find the courage somehow. She took her son to the sofa, sat him down, and explained to him about Darkseid, how powerful he was, why he came back to Earth, why he took his Dad and how the Justice League went to bring him home.

Jason was very upset and on the verge of tears. "Why, Mom, why did this have to happen?"

She pulled him into her arms holding him tight, having no answer for him. "I don't know, honey, I don't know," Lois said sighing.

Martha couldn't think of a better time to show Lois what she had brought for them. "Lois, Jason, I have something for you." She went to her luggage and pulled out a photo album of Clark's youth. "Clark loves you both so much. He will be back sweetie, please remember that," Martha said handing the album to her grandson.

Lois was so pleased and so thankful. She went to her and pulled Martha into her arms. "Thank you, Martha."

"You're welcome, honey," Martha said hoping to cheer them up if only for a little while.

"Mom, look its Dad. He's so little, just like me," Jason exclaimed smiling at a dark-haired little boy playing with his dog.

TBC!

A/N: Hugs the family tighter. I really wanted Martha to have that single-minded attitude, that Clark would come back. I think I accomplished that. Thanks for reading everyone. Reviews are love!