Chapter 13 [Three Hours Later—Talon]

Lana patted the last strand of streamer along the west wall. She looked about the entire café. Satisfaction warmed her heart. Her eye admired the red, white and blue paper wave rising and falling along the area's edge. Tulip and Jasmine reclined in their vases on each table. Those oak surfaces practically gleamed. Miranda practically made the entire area gleam with her efforts. Martha made a special chocolate mousse cake and a French apple pie for the dessert case.

The mixture of reactions intrigued her. As with many things around town, Gossip spread the word about her impromptu savior's return. Established patrons and unfamiliar faces flowed into the facility. They looked to the plaque in the café's corner. Some asked Lana about the poetry session. A few others spoke with Miranda about her uncle. There were those who grumbled and rushed back out.

Guess it takes all kinds. Still I can understand. She trembled. Memoria had replayed the previous night's ordeal over and over again. What is he? Mrs. Kent talked of bigger issues with Mr. Dubois. Why did she tell me not to talk with Nell? If he's a family friend, she'd want to know. Right? Maybe that's why the Kents are so secretive? She frowned. And speaking of secrets, there's Clark. He really can do that stuff? Why didn't he have more faith in me? I would've kept his secret.

Miranda hustled over to the ladder. Anticipation sparkled in her eyes and spread a smile across her face. "Better wrap it up, Boss." She waved her cell phone in her hand. "They just landed. I'm putting fresh pots on."

"Sounds great. Thanks, Miri." Lana descended the ladder's rungs. She admired how the café sparkled in Sol's light. Dust laden sunbeams poured through the windows. Warmth lightened the air. Her heart picked up a beat or three. Hope beckoned through each glass pane. Anticipation kept folks on edge. Waiting seemed hard. Then she saw the Kents' truck settle into its place across the street. Where's Lex? Is everyone all right? She could see Clark and his parents crossing the paved way toward the café. Relief eased her spirits. He's okay! At least he's okay. She smoothed her clothes and sucked in a collecting breath.

The questions and explanations could wait. At least he was okay….

Clark, for his part, stepped into the café. He relaxed for a brief moment. The Talon's familiarity allowed him a degree of comfort. Then he spied her watching him from across the dining room. The meeting of their eyes changed everything. Now Anxiety buffeted him. His breath caught in his throat. His heart both celebrated and feared the coming reunion.

"Are you all right, Clark?" Martha wondered.

"Yeah, Mom. I'm fine. Why don't you both get something? I'll be okay," Clark assured them.

Jonathan looked around. He patted his son on the shoulder. "Sure, Clark. Just meet us there when you're done." He guided Martha toward the counter.

Be careful? Yeah right! Clark nodded. Then he walked toward Lana. "Hi, Lana. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. I'm just glad you're all right!" Lana embraced him. "Where'd you go?"

"Some farming village north of Albany, New York." Clark shrugged. "I opened my eyes and found myself on Dr. Dubois' couch. She took care of everything. Nice lady."

"I'm sure. Where are she and Mr. Dubois? Miri wanted to see them," Lana asked.

"They went back to the mansion with Lex. I just wanted to see you." He offered her a nervous smile. His eyes skittered toward the floor and about the room. "Maybe we can talk later?"

"I'd like that." Lana fought back the urge to start in on the expected questions.

He nodded. Rejection taunted him from the back recesses of his mind. The sting of old nightmares seared his resolve.

She noted this. "Clark."

"Huh?" He snapped back to attention.

"I said I wanted to talk. I'm not pushing you away or anything. Just tell me the truth. That's all I want," Lana assured him.

He nodded again. "Believe me. That makes two of us." He looked her in the eye. "Now I can."

Lana smiled. "Maybe then we can move forward. Let your folks know it's okay." She leaned close to him and whispered, "I can keep your Secret." Her eyes sparkled at him. Then she turned and headed back toward the counter.

Clark wound his way through the other customers. His mind spun with the topics presented by such a conversation. Denial and Deceit would not be allowed to run this particular exchange. Rather Trust and Honesty would assume the leading roles instead. He didn't know how his parents would react to such an exchange. He didn't know how he'd react either. We can be honest. How will Lana take it? How can I take it? Do I have a choice?

"Anything, Son?" Jonathan handed Clark a cup of coffee.

"She wants to talk and keep things between us." Clark shrugged adding a sip of coffee.

Martha and Jonathan looked at each other wondering for themselves how that conversation would turn out.

Everyone had a lot of questions it seemed…