This chapter is still part of the flashback!
Together again Chapter 4
"Mrs. Luthor, would you read the winner please?"
She smiled, extracting the blue card from it. "Certainly... and the winner is..." Lois looked at the card and made a big smile. She seemed a little nervous but very happy. "Clark Kent!"
Clark needed few seconds in order to go up the stage. A light pointed towards him.
Lois was staring at him with such a happy expression on her face. For a moment she forgot about the audience and everything else around her. She was as happy as she would have been had she been the winner. She knew he deserved this award. She'd always loved the way he wrote, his style and his way of constructing an article. He was so objective and at the same time so passionate. She'd always wondered how he was able to be so balanced in his writing.
Clark was now just a few steps away. She smiled even more. Lois handed him the award, kissing him quickly on the cheek but her eyes were smiling. They were shining, and Clark thought they would light the room.
As she kissed him on his cheek, she whispered into his ear, "Congrats, partner, you deserved it." Then she stepped back, leaving him alone on stage to face the microphone and the enthusiastic audience.
Clark looked at the award for a moment, then his gaze drifted towards the people down in the reception hall.
"Thanks... I really don't know what to say... I just want to thank my editors and all the people I work and have worked with. But I want to say a special thanks to the best Editor-in-Chief, Perry White, and to the greatest reporter I've ever known, Lois Lane... for what they taught me... and... Yes, of course, I want thank my parents too... the best parents I could have wished for. Thanks very much."
The crowd applauded warmly, especially at the mention of Perry White and Lois Lane. The applause was partly for Clark and partly in memory of the Daily Planet, the greatest loss the journalistic world had suffered this century.
Lois was trying all she could to hold back her tears. She breathed deeply, smiling at him as they left the stage together, until the crowd forced them apart.
They were unable to meet up again for almost two hours. Clark was interviewed by most of the journalists there which gave him the chance to speak about the Daily Planet again.
One of the people who interviewed him was his new friend, Megan Wesley. She worked for the "Post", the newspaper where Clark had published the article which had won him the award tonight. They were quite close. He almost saw her as his little sister. Clark had taught her some tricks of the trade when she was first starting out. She was a very nice person and Megan seemed believe in journalism in almost a religious way. She truly believed that a journalist could change the world.
"One journalist can make a difference. You don't have to be Superman to make a difference."
This simple statement almost made him faint. It was a concept so close to Lois' when Luthor had tested him. This made Clark lower the walls he was used to building around himself after he left the Planet, hiding away from his colleagues. It was the start of a friendship.
Megan asked him if he was aware that Superman had paid for a lawyer for Jack, the person accused of bombing the Daily Planet.
"I know, and I completely agree with that. I know Jack. He was innocent. I'm glad the judge and jury made the right decision."
"But the guy escaped from prison!"
"I know that too. But he wasn't safe in jail, and the judge made him pay for that"
"You know the judge is dead, now?" Clark stared her in disbelief.
"No, I didn't know that! I'm really sorry! When?"
"He died just a few weeks ago. I know this because my cousin worked for his wife, as a secretary. He was killed... The police are at a dead end with the investigation. Clark, if you from hear Jack... tell him to be careful."
Clark smiled at her. She was such a nice person. She cared about Jack even though she had never met him.
"I'll tell him. And Megan? Thanks for letting me know."
"It's okay, Clark. Ah, and Clark... I'm single again, and you were right that... rat wasn't the right man for me."
"Hey, I'm sure you'll find someone right for you! You're still so young! Megan, you have to at least wait 'til the end of your teenage years before considering yourself hopeless!" he joked. She smiled at him.
"Okay but, big bro, don't you have anyone to introduce me to?"
Clark burst into fits of laughter.
"You know, as soon as I meet someone right for you, I'll let you know!"
He was still laughing when almost without realizing it he turned his head towards the bar.
Lois was sitting there, and suddenly his expression changed. He didn't realize it but he stared her for a few seconds. He found himself back in reality the moment Megan put her hand on his arm, calling his name with a shy smile on her face. "Clark... go! I can survive a night without my big brother! Besides I already saw a cute guy..." She stopped again for a moment, then she added, "Go on, run! You've already taken care of your duties as a winner. And she is waiting," she added, almost whispering.
"I chose a really wise little sister!"
"I know, I'm almost perfect!" she said grinning at him, while still walking away.
Clark had the feeling he was walking towards paradise. His mind kept repeating that he and Lois were just friends. Heck, she was married! But his heart was screaming the happiness he knew Lois would bring him. He wanted to spend an evening with the woman he loved.
"Hey," he greeted her.
"Hey..." she replied, unsure of what to say.
"How about we leave this place and go get something to eat? I'm starving!"
Clark saw Lois' eyes widen at this offer. He knew she wouldn't be able to resist.
"I'd love it! I'm starting to hate this place!"
oooOOOooo
They were able to leave the award party pretty quickly.
Clark knew Los Angeles quite well. He often went there, as part of his job and because of his Superman duties. Lately, he had especially been trying to avoid Metropolis as much as he possibly could. Metropolis was starting to be much quieter lately, and it wasn't a good sign. Clark was very sure it was because Luthor was starting to gain more and more power in the town. But he decided that he had to avoid his hatred of the man who had married Lois, the woman Clark loved. She was too close to him. Everything that was going to happen to Luthor would affect Lois.
Lois!
Lois was now walking near him, as if the time wasn't passing, as if it stood still just for them.
All his thoughts were interrupted when he felt Lois's arm slip into his. He turned to look at her and she was smiling, a sweet smile that melted his heart.
Clark couldn't remember the last time he'd felt his heart pump so furiously. He guessed his body had forgotten the emotions her body was able to make him feel. That warm feeling he had been sure he had lost forever, the way her body pressed itself up against his. How he'd been able to survive all this time without seeing her was a mystery.
"It's a little cold, and..." She seemed to be justifying her gesture; she had probably made it without thinking clearly.
"Yeah, sorry. I didn't think about that. We can go back..."
Lois shook her head, indicating that she was fine.
"Then put this on please. I don't want you to get cold."
Clark slipped out of his jacket and put it over her shoulders. While he did it, he was rather amazing to hear her heart thudding furiously inside her chest.
"Thanks..." she whispered, almost inaudible.
"We are almost there now. The place is just around this next corner."
The restaurant Clark had chosen was a small one, not far away from the hotel. He knew it was a nice quiet place. There were never too many people there this time of night, and the food was good. Just the right place to talk with Lois.
And in fact they talked for most of the evening, sharing memories but mostly talking about themselves in a way they never had before. It was as though they had become closer to each other, even when they were miles apart. It was the strangest sensation.
"How is your life now? Are you happy, Lois? Really happy?"
Lois stared at Clark for a long time, considering the brutality of his question. She needed time to answer.
"It's difficult," was her only reply.
She moved her gaze away in the same way she used to do when she wanted to avoid answering Clark's questions.
"I guess you know if you are happy. Are you happier now than when you were at the Planet? Or do you miss it terribly? Come on Lois. Are you really happy?" He spoke calmly, so not to pressure her into telling him too many things at once. The last thing he wanted was to scare her away.
"I never will be happier than I was at the Planet," she admitted, to Clark and to herself. Clark took her hand, and asked again.
"Lois, I need to know. How are you really? No fronts, no fake toughness, because you should know by now that I can see right through it. How are you, really?"
He saw a tear shine in her eye before Lois closed them, obviously not wanting him to see her cry.
Then she breathed deeply.
"I guess I'm not... "
"I understood that when I met you in the elevator earlier. You were lying when you said you were fine."
She wondered how Clark had always been able to understand every emotion she was feeling.
"You still know me so well..." she said, her voice trembling.
"Of course I do!" Clark was the first to be surprised about the abruptness in his tone.
She smiled her soft little smile, and he smiled back at her, reminding her just how sweet Clark Kent could be.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked softly.
"Are you sure you want me to?" Lois was doubtful.
"Lois, I still want to take care of you. Don't worry, I want to know what is going on in my friend's life!"
"Well, I haven't a clue where to start..." She was embarrassed for a moment, and left gaps of silence. But soon, she started to speak...
"Lex wanted me to leave work. That's why we fought two weeks ago. Journalism is my life."
"I know, and you are the best at it!"
"LNN stopped me from taking any risks. I can go out for stories, but I haven't been in danger. I thrive on danger! I can't do any investigative stories. I had to stay in the newsroom most of the time. Possibly read the news from the studio. News that other people found. I don't want that..."
She was almost whispering by the time she finished. It hurt her so much, to have her life changed like this.
"Change where you work. You can do it! You're still the best around!"
"Clark, who would hire the wife of the third richest man in the world? If Lex doesn't agree, what chances have I got? He is too big an enemy for almost anyone."
Her voice rose suddenly, even though she was not trying to yell. It just hurt so very much...
"Lois..." Clark tried to be the most sympathetic he was able.
"I know, Clark, you told me..." she whispered again.
"Lois! I could never say something like that! You know that!" Clark was horrified. Was she really thinking that he would hurt her like that? It never occurred to him to bring up that argument they had a long time ago, especially now, when she seemed so vulnerable.
"I know, but you were right and I was wrong!"
He was unable to determine if what she was feeling was rage or sadness. Probably both knowing Lois as he did.
"Lois, your life isn't over! You can change it!"
"So I'll have a broken marriage, just like my Mother's..."
"Lois! You aren't your Mother!"
"Really? My husband is married to his work. He betrays me with every slut he can but I have to be his pretty, smiling wife at parties. He wants me because I can talk intelligently with his guests. Because I know how interview people. Because I'm pretty in my long dresses that he bought for me ... I want my life back again, Clark. I want to be respected because I'm Lois Lane, not the boss's wife."
Her voice trembled badly, but she made an effort to end her statement. All of her feelings were so mixed up, a whole year without 'Lois Lane'. All she had fought for in her life seemed to have been forgotten by the world. To the world, she was no longer Lois Lane. She was Lois Luthor.
And it hurt, especially inside of her.
Clark was holding her hand tightly, and only when she felt the warm wetness on her cheeks did she realize she was crying.
She wiped them away, and smiled sadly at her friend.
"I need to go to the restroom. I'll be back in a moment..."
Ten minutes later, Clark was waiting for her in front of the restroom door. He was able to hear water flowing in the sink, and Lois' breathing. She was only one in the room. He waited another couple of minutes, then he knocked.
"Lois, can I come in?" He slowly opened the door.
She kept staring at the water flowing from the tap, motionless. But, when Clark caressed her hand she turned and threw herself into his arms and she started to sob in the same moment that Clark tightened his arms around her.
"I wish I could help..." he said, wishing he could do something to stop the pain.
She cried wildly, while Clark caressed her hair, whispering nonsense to her. When Lois' sobs calmed down Clark loosened his embrace, keeping her hand in his own.
It meant so much to her that someone wanted to hold her so tightly, so sweetly, so wonderfully. It was as if she was important to someone again, as if her life meant something to someone. It was as though his embrace was warming her heart, and Lois wondered why it was so painful.
"Do you want to back into the hotel?" he asked. She nodded to him.
He accompanied Lois out of the restroom, holding her tightly against his body. She seemed to need help even to stand up.
Lois was silent for all of the brief journey to the hotel. Clark accompanied her to her door. She was pale. He didn't really want to leave her alone.
"Do you want to come in?"
It was a question, but almost a prayer that he would join her, and comfort her.
"Sure... If you aren't too tired." He answered, relieved that she had asked.
"Please," she whispered.
They stayed together for a couple of hours, and Clark was even able to make her laugh a little.
It was almost two o' clock when she yawned. She apologized to Clark, and he smiled at her with his megawatt grin.
"It's late. I'll get going now. See you tomorrow?" he said, approaching the door.
"My flight's at two tomorrow," she said with a sad voice.
"Oh."
For a moment Clark was scared. It couldn't end this way again.
"Clark, we can't lose touch again! Please..." She was almost begging him.
"I don't want to lose you, Lois..." he said, and she smiled with a sweet smile.
"Swear that you'll call me," she whispered.
"Lois, I usually don't swear."
He smiled at her, and kissed her on her forehead. "But I'll promise I'll call you to find out how your journey was,
okay?"
She smiled a little, nodding.
"Thanks, Clark. For everything."
"Goodnight, Lois..." he said it as though it was the biggest declaration of love in the world, and in a way it was.
"Night, Clark..." she whispered as Clark walked out the room.
Clark turned towards the door even though it was closed. He was really worried about Lois, so he looked through the wood of the door to check on her one more time.
She leaned against the door, listening to his steps move away. What Clark couldn't know her feelings, her happiness. She had her best friend back again. Probably the only man that really loved her. Probably the only man she had ever
really loved.
Her mind and her heart were screaming. She knew she was in love with Clark. Why? Why then had she married Lex? She could remember clearly that Clark was the only one she thought of when she married Lex. She remembered clearly her walking toward her husband-to-be when she realized she was in love with Clark. But it had been too late for her. She hadn't had the courage to stop it. And no one had stopped it for her.
To Be Continued.