Chapter8:
5 days later, Kent farm:
I awake with a start as Shelby bounces onto my bed, I push the mutt away as he tries to lick my face, "It's too early for canine loving don't you think?" he crooks his head and gives me a stupid look.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming ok?" Shelby excitedly jumps off the bed and races out the room. I groggily swing my legs out of bed, slipping my feet into my fuzzy bunny slippers. Cursing under my breath I follow the damn mutt, thinking that I should lose some weight, one of my old night shirts is a little tight.
I finally reach the bottom of the stairs and Shelby paws the back door. I wander over to let him out…
"Why couldn't you wake Ma Kent up for this? Better yet, why couldn't you wait?" I ask as Shelby barrels out the door as soon as I disengage the latch. I walk over to the rail on the porch, leaning against it, marveling at the beautiful landscape, dew drops glistening in the early morning sun. I breathe deeply, enjoying the refreshing clean air. Who would have thought that I'd turn out to be such a country girl?
Shelby trots back to the house, reentering the kitchen, leaving me to the view in silence. A cow moos in the distance, I go to make a sarcastic remark but find it pointless without an audience. I shake my head and wander back into the house muttering to myself. I turn the kettle on as I curse Shelby; I'm now too awake to even think about going back to bed. I sigh, preparing a cup of tea. I stare out the window as I wait for the kettle to boil, finding myself falling in love with this place all over again. The kettle begins to make a racket, tearing me away from my musings; I pour hot water in the mug and sit at the bench, still facing the window. I sip my tea slowly as I am completely enamored with the breathtaking scenery before me.
My mug sits before me, long finished. My left hand drumming against the counter, I sigh as I stand. Might as well go up and shower, I run my tongue over my teeth and decide that brushing my teeth was first on the agenda. I trudge up the stairs, each step a small feat of its own. I wonder when I got so out of shape. I envision sheen of sweat coating me but know it's only my overactive imagination. I almost let out a whoop as I reach the second floor, deciding to instead to grab some clean clothes from my room. A nice t-shirt and my favorite jeans picked out for today's lounge session. When did my life get so sad, at least when I was chasing an alien around the country I had drive, now I have… actually I don't know what I have but whatever it is, its depressing. I dump my clothes on the chair next to the bathroom countertop, grabbing my toothbrush. As I stretch to grab the toothpaste I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. "Holy S--t!!!"
I'm roused from a very deep sleep by a mortified, "Holy S--t!!!" by the time my brain registers what is going on I am already out of my room. Trying not to panic I head straight for Lois' room, the slightly ajar bathroom door catching my attention. I change course and barrel into the bathroom, only seeing Lois' back. Sensing my presence she turns to me, panic clearly evident on her face. I step closer, a question dying on my lips as I notice her stomach, a bump evident. Even though I suspected she was pregnant I still wasn't prepared for this, and it appears neither was Lois. The young woman now looks like a lost girl as she looks at her reflection once again. I step behind her, placing my arms protectively around her, she breaks down. I'm suddenly at a loss for words, all rational thought leaving me.
I'm dumbstruck, never having witnessed such a strong person just crack like the way Lois is now. An event I am not proud to have witnessed. I pull all negative emotions in, sequestering them away for when I am alone. I rub my hands up and down Lois' arms, comforting her. I see her reflection in the mirror, her eyes drawn to her stomach and the miracle of life within.
I seem to finally find my voice, "Are you alright?" I know it's a stupid question before I even ask it but know that it is a question that must be asked. She shakes her head, and in a tiny voice, "I guess I have to be."
I sense that she wants to be alone. I gently squeeze her arms and walk towards the door. I turn back to her at the doorway, "I'm downstairs if you need me." I leave, not wanting to look back at the broken woman before me, almost as if on autopilot I head straight for the kitchen and to the kettle.
A strong cup of coffee is what I'm in need of right now. Something to kick start my brain that is jumbled with a billion questions running rampant, I can feel a headache coming on. I pinch the bridge of my nose and close my eyes, counting to 50, desperately trying to clear my head.
"Damn it, just boil already!" I take out my frustration on the kettle. I just feel like throwing something across the room, anything. A nearby picture of Clark, Jonathan and I catches my eye. I violently snatch it and fling it across the room.
Glass shattering as it hits the wall. "Damn you both for leaving us, for leaving me." I glare at the remnants of the photo frame, feeling slightly guilty for the sudden outburst.
I choose to ignore the mess and pour hot water into my waiting mug. I travel to the other side of the island and sit on a stool. With my mug in front of me, I look out the window at the lands that have witnessed the most important events of my life; events that have been both good and not so good. I breathe deeply, running my hands through my hair as I try to collect myself, to be a calming presence in Lois' presently chaotic life. So I sit here silently waiting for my daughter, a rock, a constant and most of all a loving, reassuring face.
I slip the t-shirt over my head, the fabric stretched tight across my stomach. Glad that the mirror is fogged and I can't see my reflection. So many things not making sense, the only clear fact I have is that I've only slept with Clark and that was only about 4 or 5 weeks ago. This is so not how I expected my life turning out. Sure, I thought about kids, what woman doesn't, but I never thought that I'd be barely out of my teens, single and pregnant with an alien child. Good God, how do I tell Mrs. Kent? I rub my hand gently over my stomach, which I am sure has expanded just a little more. I pause, hand resting on the doorknob, unsure of how to go about everything. I quickly leave the safety of the bathroom and head to my room to grab a baggy sweat shirt, something not so constricting on my stomach. I almost tear the shirt off and quickly replace it with the looser, more comfortable grey Met U sweat shirt. I flee my room, trying once again to avoid my reflection.
I stop at the top of the stairs, observing Mrs. Kent, she seems calm enough and for that I am extremely grateful. I don't think I could do any of this if she was angry with me. I gulp descending the stairs, my concentration entirely on moving one foot in front of the other. I am almost at the bottom of the stairs I glance across the room, instantly seeing the destroyed photo frame. Immediately I travel to the mess, slowly bending to retrieve the photo. I shake the glass off it as I turn it over. My breath hitches in my throat as I look on lovingly at the smiling family. My gaze lingers over Mr. Kent's face my attention though is quickly drawn to Clark. I find myself running my fingers over his face. Even when this photo was taken there was an incredible sadness in his blue eyes.
"Are you alright?" My attention drawn to her; it seems like an odd question especially considering the circumstances, which is actually the perfect catalyst to get everything rolling. I am, however, unnerved by the fact that Mrs. Kent is still staring out the window, a steaming mug in front of her and another next to her; the photo in my hands long forgotten. I come to stand next to her before answering, compelled to have this conversation looking Mrs. Kent in the eye.
"Mrs. Kent, I-"
"Call me Martha, or Mom, or something else. Please don't call me Mrs. Kent, especially not now given the conversation we're about to have."
"Um ok, I'll go with Mom." I quickly add, "For now." She turns to me and smiles sadly. I guess that's a start. A flood of emotions bombards me, but I push them back, Mom is for Mrs. Kent and Mommy is for my, well my mommy.
"Mom," I let the word roll out of my mouth, it feeling strange yet comfortable, "I'm just going to be honest with you. This child is definitely Clark's."
I choose to look out the window at this moment, my gaze returning to Mrs. Kent, I mean Mom, "It's just the first and only time we were together was about 4 or 5 weeks ago. I don't know a lot about pregnancy but I do know that I'm just a tad too big for only 4 or 5 weeks along." I had planned on saying a lot more but feel that keeping it simple is for the best.
Mom looks at me, emotions obviously warring. "I suspected for a little while now that you were pregnant but this is just so unexpected. I'm glad that the child is Clark's but I'm also saddened, because of present circumstances he can't be here to witness this miracle and to own up to his actions."
I attempt to interrupt but Mom holds a finger up. "I'm not done yet Lois, I'm going to be here for you as much as I can, if I have to give up the senatorial position, I will, without a second thought. The only problem that I, no we, really have to consider right now is how we're going to deal with this? I am in no way suggesting abortion, that isn't even an option." Mrs. Kent's statement silencing me.
I had never thought about abortion but now that she mentions it, I would never do that, it's wrong to rob this little being within me of life just because I didn't want to deal with the consequences of my actions. My brain goes into overdrive at the implications of being pregnant with a half alien child. I mean it's not like I can just waltz into a local doctor and go, 'hi, I'm pregnant with a little green man's baby, well he was actually tall and looked a lot like you and me and I don't think he owns anything green.' Anyway, I just don't know how long this pregnancy will last or whether I'll survive. I mentally kick myself for such morbid thoughts. I concentrate on getting the wheels turning within my mind, mom observing me curiously.
"I have a friend that should be able to help us, he's a trustworthy guy and he won't tell anyone about anything. It doesn't hurt that he's a billionaire." I'm shocked that I never once thought of him since coming to Smallville.
"And just who might this friend be?" She sounds skeptical, I don't blame her.
"Bruce, Bruce Wayne." Things are suddenly looking up.
"And you're sure he'll help?"
"Of course he will, besides, he owes me one, long story." I wave it off, not completely remembering the whole escapade myself.
"And you're sure we can trust him?"
"Yeah…sure…you betcha. Bruce is one of the greatest guys around. He's one of a kind. A real superhero."
3 days later, Kent Farm-midmorning:
I called Bruce 2 days ago and we're scheduled to meet him in 2 days at his mansion in Gotham. I of course never told him what it was about, preferring to drop this bomb-shell on him in person. Mom is busy organizing things with the senatorial office so she can work out of Gotham and I am sure it won't be long until she gives the position up. It pains me that she has to but I know that she wants to be an active part in her grandchild's life. I've been thinking over a million different things to tell the General but just can't find the right words. Chloe knows, she's excited yet a little upset with me, she's gonna come visit whenever she can, wherever I may be staying at the time. Other than Chloe and Mom no one else knows of my condition and for that I am grateful, I can just imagine all the disapproving looks.
Bruce and Chloe have sources on the lookout for Clark and even Mom has a few of her own out searching for him. I've found myself useless in this department, having cashed in all my favors over the last 9-10 months. On the plus side, I've stopped seeing this pregnancy as a curse. Instead finding everything a complete wonder, and yes my body is going through odd and sometimes painful changes, I'm enjoying pregnancy quite a bit. I spend a lot of time looking at my stomach in the mirror, talking to the miracle of life within me, I'm sure it's a boy but something inside of me says it's a girl. Whatever it is, I can't wait to tell it all about its father and all the good things that life has to offer. This child is going to grow up surrounded by love. I smile and rub my stomach gently as I settle on the E! Channel. Having developed an odd fascination with reality TV and gossip. I've also been spending a lot of time watching numerous news channels and the game show channel. Ooh, e! News live from last night is about to begin. I get myself comfortable or at least as comfortable as I can be. Shelby sits next to me, nuzzling his head under my hand. There's talk about Brad and Angelina adopting another child and something about Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz.
My ears pick up a car entering the drive way, that's odd, I thought Mom wouldn't be home till tonight, with Chinese. Mmm…bbq pork with bean curds. The engine of the car is slightly quieter and I realize that it's not Mom home in the truck. The car comes to a halt and I jump as the door slams. I scramble to turn the TV off so as to not alert whoever of my presence.
There's a knock at the door, "S--t, busted." I peek through the window next to the front door. Damn, it's Pinky, I sigh, plastering a fake smile on my face as I swing the door open.
"Hi…" Pinky's eyes widen and she freezes.
"Hi Lana, how can I help you? Mrs. Kent isn't home at the moment."
"Um, hey Lois, wow! This is a surprise. I was actually here to visit you because I was talking to Chloe the other day and she said you were here and that you weren't feeling the best; I thought that seeing as I was in town I would just come and visit you. You know a friendly face and all. Is there anything I can do to help?" Lana rambles, obviously off kilter.
"Ah, no I'm alright, thanks. You want to come in?" I want to kick myself. Why didn't you just slam the door in her face. Jeez, I'm such an idiot. I step aside, way aside so Lana can enter.
"Thanks."
"Want a drink or anything?" I call out as I head to the kitchen, I saw a snickers bar in here somewhere.
"Uh, no thanks." Pinky trails behind me. I can feel her discomfort. "Ah, so how've you been?" I can see that she wants to slap herself for asking such a question.
"Yeah, here and there. Mainly pregnant, you?" She looks like a deer caught in headlights. I fight everything within me to stop myself from flashing the predatory smile I so long to let out.
"Oh ok, Lex and I broke up. I'm here picking up the last of my stuff from his mansion." Pinky and Baldy were together? I shudder at the mental image.
"Oh, that's too bad." I mentally pat myself on the back for convincingly sounding concerned. "There you are!" I lunge past Lana for the snicker bar behind her on the bench. I tear the wrapper off and take a huge bite. "You want some?" I push the half eaten bar towards her.
"Its right thanks." Lana looks slightly mortified. I smile and head back into the lounge room. Pinky again trailing me. I sit back down on the sofa, trying to find my previously comfortable position. She sits down next to me. Great, I forgot that she was blind to any sort of a hint.
"Oh, e! News live, I love this show."
"Cool." I feel like changing the channel just to spite her but resist and play nice. "Whoa there." The baby begins to kick. I drop the snicker bar and place my hands on my belly, face filled with delight. I have a hand on either side of my stomach, both sides being beaten. Oh my God, It's twins! My smile grows wider. Lana looks on in amazement. She looks like she wants to reach her hand out and feel the baby kick. "You want to feel?" I kick myself again as she nods her head, cautiously reaching a hand to the left side of my stomach. I grab her hand and hold it over where one of the babies is kicking. She smiles, face lit with joy.
"Wow! This is so amazing."
I smile, it dies quickly. I wish Clark were here to experience the babies' first kicks. I sigh…
"Is everything alright?" I look at Lana oddly, she's never really shown any concern for me and wonder why she's even here and even more so why she's suddenly concerned.
"Yeah, I just miss their father."
"Their, you mean twins?" I nod; thankful Lana hadn't asked who their father was. The babies stop kicking and Lana pulls her hand away. We both lean back and watch the TV in silence. Both unsure of what to do next. Oddly enough, I find Lana's presence comforting. Someone else that I can call, dare I say it, a friend. I wince at my musings, very glad that Lana never noticed the gesture. We continue to sit in silence for a long while, my bladder having caused me to be up and down every 15 minutes, every time I got up I swear Lana was amazed. It's been almost 2 hours since Lana first arrived, my stomach rumbles and I groan. Now having to get up for the millionth time, at least this time I'm getting lunch and not peeing. Lana watches me stand up.
"But it's only been 5 minutes." I laugh.
"I'm going to fix myself some lunch, did you want something?" She looks at me sheepishly.
"Sorry. Thanks for the offer but I guess I better be going now. It was good to see you again." She leans forward and awkwardly hugs me.
"Yeah, likewise."
"Well congratulations. Is it alright if I stop by tomorrow on my way back to Metropolis?"
"Sure." Again with the mental kicking.
"Cool. Bye then." She waves and heads out the door.
"See ya." I call after her. Sighing with relief as she leaves. I was touched by Lana's concern and glad that I have another friend, that makes a total of 5, but I feel like I have to be on my best behavior around her. My stomach rumbles again. Right, lunch. I wander into the kitchen on a search and consume mission.
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