Chapter 5 [Four Days Later—Talon]
Lana sighed at the sparsely-populated café. She knew that between Granville's craft festival and the Crows' road game that night in Dodge, most of the usual clientele would be on the road or otherwise occupied. She shook her head. Well give these folks the best you can! She grabbed for a fresh coffee pot and circulated around the tables. She asked how everyone was doing. Occasionally she warmed a cup. Sometimes she'd refill it completely. Then she returned to the counter.
Outside Nocturne had darkened the skies.
Seems time flies while I'm having fun. She rolled her eyes at Sarcasm's wit. Clark hasn't been around. Wonder what he's up to? Granted they'd been having their issues. The failed date had dropped a pall over their relationship—friendship, warmth, Amor, whatever. Still she thought Friendship flourished once again between them.
Circumstance said something else maybe?
She saw Lex, Jasmine and Byron walk into the café. Each carried a book in hand. Lex had a beige paper in his hand as well. Her spirits rose slightly. Intrigue drew her eyes toward the paper. "Hey, Guys. Great to see you. Sorry it isn't busier."
"Every café has its down periods, Lana. It's okay." Lex smiled. He held up the paper in his hand. "Besides I think you'll like this. It's right up your alley."
"Oh?" Interest fixed her gaze even more so on the paper in question. She took it from his hand. "I can use some good news." She read it over. "We're having a poetry reading at the high school?"
"Tis nectar to stir our inner muses," Byron presumed with poetic flair. Anticipation lit up in his eyes much like a student just prior to the last day of school.
"Byron, this is great! Since it's going to be at night, you can participate! And you're reading too, Jasmine?" Lana wondered. She read the paper again and looked at the newcomers.
"As with our resident poet, I will look forward to sharing my culture's best poets with Smallville," Jasmine added.
"And it's right on my birthday! That's a wonderful gift. Lex, thanks," Lana expressed. "Who are these other two speakers?"
Lex shrugged. "Nyoki Tuishiama and I go back a couple of decades. As for David Dubois, he and I are even older friends than that. Among other things, they compose and recite poetry. Besides they've been here before. They were good friends with your parents, Lana, and the Kents. And then there's his tie to this place." He held his hands out. "He saved it from the wrecking ball."
"What?" Surprise jarred the barista momentarily. "But it's a national landmark!"
"In part because of what he went through to save it. Dad still grouses about him." Triumph spread the Smirk across his face. "He's like you, Byron, even down to his issues."
Byron narrowed his eyes. "I will not sully the wondrous mood with rage." He clenched his fists. "I will look forward to our encounter."
Lana smiled. "I can't believe he knew my parents. Lex, thanks for coming up with this!" Her eyes sparkled. She smiled dreamily. "Clark should be in on this. Maybe he'll come. He's been showing interest in poetry lately. He might like it."
Byron nodded. "Indeed he has. Dedication guides him toward Thoreau's less walked path in Discovery's woods. He wishes to know more."
Lex chuckled. "Actually, Lana, the panel was Clark's idea."
"That's what he and I talked about last week," Jasmine noted. She pointed toward the corner booth.
"Clark? Suggest a poetry panel? I want to believe but…." Lana hesitated. Doubt clouded in her eyes.
"He wanted it for the town and you. He actually suggested a diverse focus. We all pitched in to make it happen. I figured we have a reception here afterwards," Lex clarified.
Lana sighed. Her heart soared. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Clark cared. He really did care and was trying for her. "He wanted this for me."
"Cupid hath limed your Plaid Knight, Milady. From you, he will not fly. Finally Celebration have reason to crack open its cask," Byron quipped.
"You've got that right." Lana pinned the paper to the bulletin board. "Maybe Chloe can do a promotion in the Torch?"
"She jumped at the chance for ads and the stories. This is going to be really great." Lex nodded. "Perhaps though you might want to thank Clark at some point?"
Lana nodded. "Right after my shift ends." She turned toward the counter. "Miri! Come see!"
"What's up, Boss?" Miranda walked slowly toward the group. "Sorry. I didn't want to interrupt."
"We're having a poetry reading at the high school on my birthday. Isn't this great?" Lana pumped her fist.
"Really? I remember my uncle reading me poems when I was really little." Miranda sulked. "Uncle Dave was so good at it and…." She skimmed the announcement. "It can't be!" Her eyes went wide. Her eyes teared up. "Mr. Luthor, it can't be!"
Lex furrowed his brow. "Can't be what? Miranda?"
"That picture you have on there. That's Uncle Dave! He's dead though. He…" Miranda trembled. She bowed her head.
"I spoke to him not even an hour ago." Lex considered Miranda again. "You're the missing girl? Unbelievable!"
Lana stared at the paper and then at her co-worker. "I hope you're right, Miri. This will be so great!" She embraced Miranda tightly.
"As say I." Jasmine placed her hand on Miranda's shoulder. "This is yet another reason to celebrate. We shall have to welcome him."
"Just keep my Dad and your stepfather away." Lex handed her a cell phone. He dialed it and waited. Then he answered. "Hey. Sorry to call you right back. There's someone who wants to talk to you. Are you sitting down?" He listened for another few seconds. "Here she is." He handed Miranda the phone.
Miranda hesitantly accepted it. "U…uncle Dave? I….I…" She trembled. Her eyes watered up. "He…he said he killed you." She sucked in a heavy breath. "Did Auntie make it too?" She nodded upon hearing his reply. "Thank God. You say hi to her. Can she come too? Well you both will have the best welcome ever! Maybe we can talk later? Sorry but I've got customers." She listened some more. "Probably at 11 your time. My number's (785) 444-0000. I can't believe this! Talk to you then! Love Auntie and you!" She hung up and handed it back to Lex. "Thank you, Mr. Luthor. I'm sorry about the scene. I…."
Lex smiled. "This is the answer to a prayer on all sides, Miranda. I'm glad you two found each other. Congratulations." He looked to Lana. "Now we'll really have a reason to celebrate."
Lana sighed. Clark, you did it! I don't know how but you worked magic with your idea. Wow! She savored the moment with her friends.
Miracles were at work…or so it seemed….