Chapter 30

It was a cool but pleasant night. The moon, still full, hung low on the horizon. Clark, dressed in a t-shirt and flannel pajama pants that Chloe thoughtfully packed, stood on the balcony of the hotel suite, his gaze transfixed on the view across the Potomac. He was so lost in his thoughts that he failed to hear the approach of footsteps behind him.

"Sweetheart, what's troubling you?" Martha padded over lightly in her slippers to stand next to him at the railing.

"Oh hey mom, what are you doing up?"

"I came to see what has captured Clark Kent's fascination out on this balcony." She noticed that he wore worry on his face and in his eyes.

"I'm thinking about tomorrow, hoping that this doctor will give us something more than just hope. And I'm a little worried about being indebted to Lionel Luthor."

"Don't worry about Lionel. As many times as you have saved his life, I think he'd wisely consider this one 'on the house'."

"Mmmm, I never thought of it like that."

"No, I wouldn't think you would. What else is on your mind?

"Am I so transparent that you can now see through me or have you developed x-ray vision?"

"I don't need super powers to see when something is bothering my son. Besides, George Washington himself didn't spend this much time staring at the Potomac River, including the time he spent crossing it."

He could never hide anything from his mom. Without facing her he said simply;

"I love her mom. I love Lois." It was little more than a whisper, but she had heard him clearly. Anyone within range of the balcony would have heard his declaration.

"I know."

"You know?"

"I'm not blind." Silence stretched out between them, and surrounded them on the balcony. She chose her words carefully before she spoke again.

"Do you remember the conversation we had on Valentine's Day?"

"Mom, I couldn't forget that day if I tried. But I don't see how that has anything to do with this."

"Remember how we talked about you always keeping everything bottled up and not admitting your feelings. I know you are thinking that you are taking advantage of Lois' feelings while she has amnesia, but Honey, what's happening between you and Lois started long before her accident—long before Valentines' Day."

"Maybe I'm the one who has been blind. But what can I do? Everyday my feelings for her grow and everyday that we continue like this she is going to hate me that much more for lying to her."

"Does she know how you feel?"

"What--?"

"You should talk to her and tell her how you feel. Don't assume that she knows."

"I wouldn't know what to say."

"Tell her what is in your heart. If you just tell her what is worrying you then once she regains her memories she will be able to make the choice to forgive you, that is, if she is even angry about it. If you never tell her, then she will assume the worst, and she will be angry."

"You make is sound easy."

"If I've made it sound easy, then I have failed. Love isn't easy. Relationships that last don't just happen—you have to work at them. But anything worth having is worth the work."

"How'd you get so wise?"

"Because I am a mom, and moms know everything."

He smiled at her--a brilliant smile that touched his eyes and tugged on her heart. "Thanks, mom." He hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Sweetheart, when was the last time you have had any sleep?"

"I'm not sure. A few days ago, I guess. Why?"

"You look exhausted. Try and get some sleep. Some problems are just easier to handle once you've had some time to rest and sort out your thoughts."

"Soon mom, I'll go to bed soon." He hugged her once more before she went off to find her room, where Chloe was waiting for her.

"Did Lois hear him?" Martha whispered to Chloe.

"Yes, I saw her standing in the shadows and she caught the whole conversation."

"Well, then, our work is done." They exchanged a hug before bidding each other good night."