Hi all, thank you very much to those of you who have taken the time to review and also a thanks to those of you who are reading. I never thought anyone would be interested in this story.

Huge apologies again for not posting… there was a family emergency yesterday that prevented me from getting to a computer at all.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the updates, Lise.

Chapter 21:

Clark:

I have both Lara and Jack in my arms, trying to hold them as far away from each other as possible. Both trying to hurt the other. I look to the front door, wishing Mom to come back, and come back now. I see Mom kick the door closed with four pizza boxes in her arms.

"Mom! A little help please, I think they're going to kill each other." Mom puts the pizza's down on the kitchen bench and jogs to where I'm standing with the kids…

"It only looks like they will Clark. Why don't you choose a movie…Jack, Lara, stop it now before I send you to bed." The two stop arguing with each other, sliding out of my grasp and onto the couch below. Pouting with their arms folded, they both look so much like Lois.

"Ah, thanks Mom." I smile and head over to the DVD stack. Whoa there are a lot of movies here. I let my eyes roam the titles, a huge variety. I don't know what to put on. I return to the Disney section, Chicken Little catching my eye. I grab it.

"How about this one?" I ask turning around to show Mom and the kids. Mom groans, mumbling something about not again, while the kids call out… "That's my favorite movie!"

I grin as Mom hands out pizza and napkins. Lara takes the movie from me and puts it in the player. I snuggle into the corner of the couch, propping my feet up on the coffee table, already eating the pizza that Mom gave me. Lara bounces over to me, remote in her hand…

"Here Daddy, ooh, that's my favorite kind."

She takes a piece of the pizza and snuggles into my side. Warmth consumes me; I would turn back time for this little girl. I watch Jack sit on the opposite end of the couch, eating just a plain ham and cheese pizza, ignoring me. I'm hurt, but know that me just turning up out of nowhere has to be hard for him. He just needs time. At Lara's prompting I press play on the remote and the movie starts. The two seem to be intently watching the film; however I watch their sweet little faces. The way Jack laughs quietly and Lara laughs loudly, both children look at me at various times throughout the film. Jack never meeting my eyes; Lara always smiling at me.

Mom started watching the movie with us but soon migrated to a recliner with a book. I wish that I could just sit next to her, to feel the comforting presence of my Mom; the 'momma's boy' in me resurfacing. I turn my attention back to the children; Jack's eyes are closing, sleep clearly on the way. Lara on the other hand seems wide awake. The movie ends, the credits rolling with the various duets.

"I know Mommy said nine o'clock for bed but you two look tired. C'mon lets get you into bed."

"K." Jack slurs, putting his arms out to mom.

Lara snuggles into my chest…"Can I please sit with daddy for a bit longer

grandma? Please..."

"Alright sweetie; but not too late, ok?"

"Thank you grandma." Lara practically squeals as she jumps into my lap with quite a bit of force.

"Say night to daddy Jack."

"Night." Jack mumbles as mom lifts him into her arms.

"Night little man, it was great to meet you." My reply is a light snore, mom smiles apologetically and carries Jack to his bedroom.

"Can we watch the sci-fi channel? I like alien shows and all that stuff."

I'm amused by Lara's request and admission…"Ok, go ahead sweetie."

She scurries to the TV, swapping remotes and running back to me. She settles herself on my lap and starts flicking through the channels. She stops on the sci-fi channel, reruns of SG-1 on. Lara leans her head against my chest. Again I ignore the TV and focus on my little girl. I am completely taken with her and the closer I look at her, the more of Lois I see in her, where am I in this little girl? As if Lara senses my inner thoughts she turns to look at me.

"Why do you wear glasses daddy?" What to say to a five year old…

"Um, so people won't recognize me when I'm not being Superman, so I can spend time with you, Jack, grandma and your mommy."

"Oh ok, I get it." She goes quiet, obviously thinking about some thing…"Can you take me flying sometime? Please…" she smiles at me lovingly. How do I say no?

"You'll have to ask mommy, but I'd love to."

"Yay!" She exclaims and starts clapping her hands in excitement. I hug her close; Lara hugs me back and kisses my cheek…"Love you daddy."

"I love you too." The words roll out of my mouth comfortably. Lara sighs contentedly and turns back to the TV. Her breathing begins to even out but I don't want to let go of her, not just yet. Again as if sensing my thoughts, Lara burrows deeper into me. I watch the TV, watching Lara from the corner of my eye, memorizing her heartbeat. The strong, gentle rhythm lulling me into sleep. I fight my own sleep off, determined to keep watch over this precious little girl…my little girl. I watch Lara's eyes close and I let my grasp on consciousness slide, slipping into a dreamland where all is perfect…


Across town: (Lois)

"You love him." Bruce said as more of a statement as he assisted me out of the limo. I look at him and smile apologetically. Of course I love him, but my thoughts were jumbled if love was even enough. Clark and I have years to 'make up', so to speak. Can we simply just love each other?

"I do…but is that enough?" I verbalize my fears knowing Bruce will give me some much needed advice.

"If you love him you'll figure out the rest." Bruce said simply as we made our way into the restaurant. My nerves hit as I know what we are about to do. I care for Bruce and a public break up is humiliating, no matter who you are. Again I smile somewhat sadly at him, hoping his words are true.

"Thanks, you ready?" I ask as we are seated at our reserved table. The restaurant is full, lots of 'big wigs' in the house; the reason for Bruce choosing this place. News will surely spread fast; hopefully I will be home with the munchkins before the gossip gets out.

My thoughts drift to Clark and our children as we order our meal. I was amazed to see how quickly Lara took to him. I am slightly saddened knowing Jack was not as welcoming, but hope over time Jack will come to love Clark as much as Lara seems to now. Bruce and I discuss how things should be handled, he promises to pay for Jack and Lara's schooling. I attempt to interrupt but Bruce puts up his hand and tells me not to argue, trusts have already been set up in their names. Again my thoughts drift to Clark, I am worried Clark will not accept Bruce's generous offer. Bruce reads my mind and tells me he will discuss it with Clark and that it might be a good idea for them to get to know one another; even if it is just to reassure Clark and his reservations. I smile…Bruce really is a good man.

"I don't know what I did to deserve your generosity, but thank you." I say sincerely. Bruce smiles in return.

"Ok, let's get this over with." Bruce says. I nod indicating that I am ready to be dumped….


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