Chapter 21 [Kent Farm—Next Morning]

Clark rose well before sunrise. Relief lightened his heart. His mind felt at ease. He stretched loosening Tension's hold on his arms and legs.

Lana wanted to try. Granted it represented a first step. Still at least she wanted to take that step. She'd shared Louise's insights. She also had some pointed questions of her own for him. She listened to him. Prejudice didn't goad her in any direction. She really seemed to want a mutually beneficial bond.

Maybe we can find out more about this 'Joe' or Krypton together! He dressed in his chore clothes. Hope propelled him out to the barn at super speed. He zipped about the barn. He changed out the stalls' hay. He filled the feed and water bins. He swept the barn's concrete floor. He only slowed down to milk the cows. Then he patted each one on the side. "Thanks. Hope Mom and Dad like this."

By now, the kitchen lights shone from the house.

Guess everyone's up. Clark wondered how to break the news of Lana's insights to his parents. While Martha accepted Lana's knowledge of the Secret, Jonathan hadn't found out at that point. Maybe we can all talk about it later? He'd ask Lana to dinner. Then they could all talk about these matters together. Maybe it might even be a constructive time.

At least Clark hoped it could be.

He walked through the house's front door. Immediately he heard the coffee pot perking away. Java's aroma stimulated his nostrils. He noted his father sitting at the table. "Hey, Dad. Got the milk and chores done. How was the trip?"

Jonathan glanced up from his mug. A deep frown had carved itself into his face. He shrugged. "Grange was all right, Clark. Your Mom told me."

Clark raised an eyebrow. Somehow he kept himself calm. He filled a coffee mug. "Want some more?"

"I'm fine, Son. Get yours and take a seat. We need to talk," Jonathan declined.

Now what? What did Mom tell him? Panic chilled Clark's heart and sapped his resolve. He fixed his coffee. Slowly he trudged across the polished oak floor toward the table. "Okay. What's going on?" He sat across from Jonathan. "School's okay. The barn's fixed up after the other night."

Jonathan nodded. "Those are good things. Still we have a bigger problem. Lana."

Clark stiffened. "Lana? Dad, she isn't…."

Jonathan cleared his throat. "Clark, we can't have people finding out. I can't stress that enough."

Clark rubbed his forehead. He knew better than to lash out at his father. Patience somehow kept him in check. He sipped on his coffee. "Dad, it's not like I just told her. Mr. Arighatto kind of exposed me. And that was after she saw me in the Loft. I can't even relax up there?"

"You need to be aware, Clark. Your Mom and I have told you that. Remember what happened with Phelan and Nelson? Nelson saw you out back. I would think that would've made an impression," Jonathan countered.

"I know but I can't let up for a minute? Seriously?" Clark rolled his eyes. "Besides Lana knows how important this is. She knows a lot about it."

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. "Define *a lot*, Clark. Just how much did you tell her?"

"She saw the strength and speed, Dad. Apparently I can float in midair too," Clark informed him.

"You can float? Meaning you can fly?" Jonathan swallowed a draught from the mug hard. Granted he'd seen his son do unbelievable things. Still to defy Gravity's grip was another level entirely. "How long have you been doing that?"

"I did it during the twisters. That's how I saved Lana then. The other night was the second time." Clark shrugged. "She wants to talk to Mom and you, Dad. She won't tell anyone. In fact she talked to me last night in private about it." He didn't want to spill the beans about the alien origins' thing at that point.

"And you haven't floated anywhere else?" Jonathan asked pointedly.

"Not that I know of. I think I'd know that," Clark retorted.

"Clark, I'm not asking this to harass you. This is about keeping you safe. If anyone sees you…." Jonathan started on Paranoia's chorus (yet again).

"Maybe a few other eyes around us might help in that regard. Pete's a big help. Maybe Lana might be too," Clark replied.

"Pete has been so far." Jonathan nodded. "Still we don't know what Lana thinks. What if she slips by accident to her aunt or Lex Luthor? We just don't know. I do know what's best for you."

Clark cleared his throat. "Dad, have you ever thought that we'd be better off with a few people knowing?"

"Of course I have. Still it is for your Mother and me to make those decisions as long as you are on this farm. We do know you best, Clark," Jonathan insisted.

"But you don't know where I come from, Dad. I've heard about that too," Clark slipped. He gulped from his coffee again.

"Wait. You know where you came from? Clark, how's that possible?" Jonathan wondered. "Does this have anything to do with Lana? What has she heard?"

Clark grumbled at himself. He shook his head. "Dad, you wouldn't get it."

"Try me. Clark, answer me. How does Lana know?" Jonathan insisted.

Clark leaned back in his chair. His eyes glared up at the ceiling. He knew his father would more than likely throw a fit over that nugget of information. "Her Great Aunt told her. Apparently she came back from the dead." He coughed. "Apparently my birth Dad was here in Smallville years ago. Lana's aunt and he loved each other."

"That's a nice story, Clark. How do we know it's true?" Jonathan pressed.

"She told me that my real name's Kal-El. That's why I must've been calling myself 'Kal' around the red meteor rocks. My father's name was 'Joe-El' or something like that. Louise told Lana about everything that Joe could do. Sounds like me."

"Son, that could be anyone. How do you know that guy was really your birth father? Besides I am your father. Your Mother and I raised you. The rest doesn't matter," Jonathan denied.

"Dad, I could be from this Krypton. Don't I…?" Clark started.

"Clark, you're here now. Krypton or whatever planet you're from is gone. I know you want to find out about your origins. Still we have to face facts. You're here now with us. You're Clark Kent. That's it," Jonathan lectured.

"I know that. I can't even know my heritage? We're celebrating the past in some ways. Miranda and Lana are finding out about their families. I can't do the same? Sorry, Dad. I need to know." Clark sped up the stairs. After changing into his school clothes and grabbing his knapsack, he vanished from view in a blur of wind.

"Clark! CLARK!" Jonathan yelled. He looked about the front of the house and toward the road beyond. Exasperation stole his breath. Anxiety stabbed at his heart over Lana's revelations. He didn't know who 'Louise' or 'Joe' were. He threw his hands up in the air. Then he saw Martha watching him. "Martha?"

"Jonathan, you didn't even give Clark a chance. We really need to talk to Lana and him." She shook her head at him.

"Martha, what if….?" Jonathan rebutted.

"Jonathan, we have to hear her out. Besides what's wrong if Clark finds out and we know too? Just think on that." She pulled her cardigan on. "I have chores to do. Just think on that." She marched out of the house.

Jonathan fumed. He wondered why everyone else couldn't just leave it alone.

Some things just never got easier…..