A/N: The names and events used in this story are fictitious and any resemblance to any persons, real or imagined is unintentional.

Chapter 23

Clouds of black smoke boiled from the building after the blast. As it cleared, firefighters moved in, going through the rubble in an attempt to rescue anyone injured. Several firefighters were taken to the hospital as a result of smoke inhalation. Clark was able to zip in and out, unseen, and save the rest of those trapped beneath the rubble, after ensuring that his mom was safe.

Lois couldn't sleep until she knew that Clark and Martha were safe. She flicked on the TV, and ran through the channels, stopping when a news bulletin caught her attention.

WASHINGTON, DC (CNN) -- A building erupted in flames and collapsed after an explosion in the early hours of the morning yesterday. Investigators are looking into whether the blast may have resulted from a suicide attempt, a fire official told CNN.

Five people were injured in the morning blast at Marriott hotel on the city's East Side, and 10 firefighters were hurt in the aftermath.

Washington, DC Fire Department Commissioner Stephen Osborne said that it "appears to have been a gas explosion." A spokesman for energy company Con Edison said one of its technicians was in a building next door at the time of the explosion and reported the odor of gas in the air.

Among the injured was a custodian of the building, Dan Corrs, who is being treated this afternoon for second-and third-degree burns at Presbyterian Hospital, according to the Fire Department.

Ten firefighters were hospitalized during the rescue effort with injuries that were not thought to be life threatening, apparently the result of heat exhaustion and smoke, a FD spokesperson said. The explosion blew out the windows with glass flying across the street, eyewitnesses report. An eyewitness told CNN that two women emerged from the rubble after it exploded and were covered in blood.

One of the hospitalized civilians was in critical condition, and another was in serious condition, according to a spokesman for Presbyterian Hospital. The two other civilians were being treated for minor injuries.

A Washington Office of Emergency Management official said fire marshals were investigating to find where the explosion was ignited. Osborne said the fire began in the basement of the building, where the custodian was found. Osborne said there is evidence that "leads us to believe this may have been a suicide attempt."

She stared unblinking at the live news feed. Relief washed over her when a CNN news correspondent put a microphone in front of Senator Kent.

"Mom, I'd feel better if you would agree to come home with me."

"Don't be silly Clark. After I get checked into another hotel, showered and get some sleep, I'll be good as new. I'll be home in a few days, when the session ends."

"Do you want me to stay for awhile?"

"No, I'm fine, really. You should go home and get some rest."

Martha hugged her son, and caught a familiar scent.

"Is that Lois' perfume I smell? And lipstick on your collar? Oh honey, I'm sorry if I interrupted a date."

"Mom, people were in danger. That's much more important than a date. Besides, I think it's probably better that you did interrupt my date"

"Oh? Was it not going well?"

"It was going a little too well."

"Ohhh."

After a pregnant pause, Martha asked:

"Is that so bad--You moving on with your life?"

"No, mom. It's not so bad. In fact, it's pretty good. This time with Lois has been great."

"Then what's the trouble sweetheart?"

"The trouble is that it isn't real."