Chapter 16 [Kent Farm—Later That Afternoon]

Martha rocked back and forth in the porch's rocking chair. Pain and Mourning had muddled the previous three days. She'd sat there for a day and a half. Her daughter, Sarah, lay in Smallville Cemetery two plots down from the oak tree and Lana's Aunt Louise in the very back. Jonathan disappeared for long stretches. Gabe and Chloe Sullivan asked if there'd been word about Lana. Lana, for her part, had texted and called that morning with updates. Still, Clark remained a mystery.

Clark….

I know we have to teach Clark about responsibility for his actions. Still, how could you lose your temper like that, Jonathan? Clark was already feeling badly enough! He was in an impossible situation with Jor-El. I know he should've talked to us first. Still, what could we do? We should talk to him about that ring. He can't do that again. No matter what, we can't drive him to that point again. I'm grateful Lana survived Jor-El's attack. I can't believe she's now like Clark! They can be together! She heard a vehicle coming up the driveway. Maybe that's them? She eased out of the chair. Her eyes turned toward the sound.

Jonathan parked his truck beside the house. He set the parking brake and climbed out. Shock numbed him. Damage to town and farm defied belief. Their baby's death swamped his thinking. He'd managed to muddle through the basic chores. Still, he'd chastised himself over his anger toward Clark. All of these things happened because he lost his temper. Because he blew up in his son's face when all the latter tried to do was protect them. How could I be so stupid! What kind of father am I when I can lecture Clark about consequences and I can't even see them for myself? Look at what happened to Lana! He was right to be concerned! Thank God she survived Jor-El's nonsense! He looked toward the porch to see the now-vacated rocking chair. Where's Martha? He scratched his head.

Updates remained few and far between. Martha and Lana had spoken twice. Miranda at the Talon couldn't say much more. Nell and he argued about Clark, Lana and everything else. Where's Clark? He couldn't have just fallen off the map. Could he? He trudged toward the house. He'd spent time visiting with his parents and Sarah at the cemetery. Now, his mind remained on Martha, Clark and Lana. "Martha?"

Martha stepped back out onto the porch. Her hands each held a glass of lemonade. "Jonathan, you're back!" Relief brightened her face. Her mood picked up albeit slightly. "Are you feeling better?"

He shook his head. "I just went to see Ma and Dad. Then, I looked in on Sarah. I should've brought you. I just happened to be there." He bit his lip.

"You needed the time. I did some thinking too. Lana called. She and Clark should be here either this afternoon or tomorrow. She did it! She's bringing him home!" Martha handed him a drink. "I just want to see those two here with us. At least, Dr. Swann's working with us to deal with Clark's situation." She took a mouthful of tangy sweet liquid.

"Martha." Distrust weighed on him. "We don't know hardly anything about that man! He filled Clark's head full of ideas about Krypton and his heritage. He's probably talking to Lana now too."

"Jonathan, stop it!" Patience had finally frayed inside of herself. She put her hand up. "That's probably why Clark didn't talk to us about the Ship. He wants to find out more about his origins. He thinks we don't want him to know. I just want him to be safe. As far as Lana's concerned, she should have found out when Pete did. Think of the issues between Clark and her that might've never have happened."

"At least she survived. We'll have to see how she's dealing with Clark and his Secret." He took another draught of lemonade. "Wonder if Jor-El's stalking her now too?"

Somehow, she kept a straight face. I wonder how he'll deal with Lana's new abilities? She set her glass down on the small table beside her chair. Her hair rustled. Slight Breeze cooled her face. "Jonathan, do you feel?"

"I just felt it." He surveyed the area with care. Then, his eyes stopped up the driveway. "MARTHA!"

She jumped to her feet. Joy sparkled in her eyes. She rushed to Jonathan's side. "Clark? Lana?"

"I told you that I'd bring our wayward guy back." Lana nudged up against Clark's arm. Mischief prompted a twinkle in her eyes and a grin. She set her bag down on the dirt beside herself. "Go on, Clark. It's going to be okay."

Clark nodded. He let go of her hand. Misgivings and Pain held him back for a few heartbeats. Still, Instinct pushed him forward. He hustled over to Martha. He threw his arms around her. "Hi, Mom. I'm so sorry. I…."

"I know, Baby. I know." Martha squeezed him in her arms. Her heart settled down once again. "We're so glad you're both home safe and sound." She kept up the hug for a couple of minutes. She mouthed 'thank you' to Lana. Then she let him go and turned to Lana. "I know what you gave up with the Talon and everything, Lana. We really appreciate it."

"It's all right, Mrs. Kent. We have our priorities in life. I'm glad Dr. Swann and Dr. Crosby were able to help us with everything. At least that ring and the red meteor are gone now." Lana grabbed onto Martha. "Thank you for accepting me."

"What? Of course, Lana! That will never change! You know that." Martha returned the hug. "You're going to need support with all of the changes. We're all here for you. You're never alone."

"That's right, Lana." Jonathan joined the group embrace. "There's room for you in here too, Clark." He met his son's eyes. Invitation's smile lit up his face.

It's all right, Clark. See? I told you! Lana beckoned him to join their greeting.

Clark rejoined the embrace. For a couple of long minutes, the quartet held one another. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope echoed amongst one another. Others for sharing sentiments came up. Still, Criticism had no place there…not on that day. At that point, Happiness and Reunion remained paramount. Then, Clark grabbed onto Jonathan. "Dad, I'm sorry."

"No, Clark. It's me who's sorry. I'm glad you're back, Son." Jonathan mouthed a prayer of thanks. He held Clark tightly against himself. "At least Lana and you are all right."

"We are, Dad. We can talk about everything later. Right now, I'm glad we're together." Clark continued the hug for another minute. Then he turned to Lana. "Maybe you can stay for dinner?"

"I'd like to, Clark. Kind of need to check in with Chloe and her Dad. Then, Miri's waiting for word at the Talon." Lana shrugged through a decline. "I should let you all catch up. Maybe I can come by later?"

"There'll be a piece of pie in the fridge for you, Lana." Martha put her hands on Lana's shoulders. "And just so you know, you're always a part of this family. One day, we'll make it official. Even so, don't feel any differently. Okay?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Kent." Lana embraced Martha again. Acceptance warmed her heart. Even if Cold War deadlocked the two cultures, they both wanted her at the table. That's what mattered to her. She stepped back and picked up her bag. "See you all later!" She waved. Then, she rushed away at super speed down the driveway and toward the state road beyond.

"So she really does have your abilities?" Jonathan marveled at Lana's gifts and her growing control over them. He glanced over at Clark.

"It seems so, Dad. Jor-El's been working with her. I'm going to show her everything I know too." Clark looked toward the barn. "I'm going to get everything caught up in the barn. By the way, I know this is probably a really touchy thing to ask about. Think we can visit the baby? Lana told me that she's next to her Aunt Louise in the cemetery."

"That's a nice idea, Clark." Jonathan agreed. "Sarah would appreciate the visit, I'm sure." He rubbed Clark's shoulder. "You should get those chores caught up on as well."

Clark nodded and streaked off toward the barn. Chores and Routine awaited him there and around the farm once again. The devastated storm cellar awaited rebuilding. Other tasks would fall into place. However, even he could do things one at a time.

Super Abilities or not, that was the best anyone could do….