Chapter 40 [Smallville Cemetery—Forty-Five Minutes Later]

Lana parked the blazer in front of the metal gate. She set the parking brake and leaned back in her seat. "I hope our research is right."

"It will be." Clark smiled. He undid his seatbelt. "Guess we have to have faith. You can check on your parents too."

"I can. Thanks, Clark." She nodded to him. Appreciation sparkled in her eyes. She got out and looked around. "At least we're by ourselves." She unfolded a piece of paper in her hand. "Mrs. Gates gave me pretty specific directions. Come on. All clear?"

"Looks like it." He glanced around. "After you."

She smirked almost playfully. Then she rushed at super speed into the cemetery.

Show off, he jabbed.

Keep up, Pokey, she teased right back not giving an inch.

The duo streaked through the stones. Their feet kept pace over the yellowed grasses while carefully avoiding the plots therein.

Finally, against the iron boundary at the area's southern edge, she stopped. "Where is it?" She checked the directions again. "Here's the oak tree she mentioned. I don't see a stone though." She wrinkled her nose at the high grass. "And this area isn't kept up either."

He swept the area with his x-ray vision. In the midst of the tall grass, he spied a flat stone. "We are in the right place." He waded into the tall grasses. He ripped the grass' tall stalks away at super speed. When he was finished, he pointed down at the now exposed flat stone.

"They didn't take care of it?" She gaped at the affront and sheer attitude. "It doesn't look like anyone's done anything in a long time."

They haven't. Louise's spirit stepped out from behind the tree. "Thank you, Clark. I really appreciate that."

"Our pleasure, Ms. MacCallum. Sorry we didn't get here sooner. Thanks though for what you've done for us," he expressed.

"You're welcome. You're putting the effort into it. You're reaping the fruits of that effort. Just wish people would recognize it. Still when family cares, it means a great deal. Both of your fathers will have to learn that, Clark. Lana, thank you for recognizing me," Louise expressed.

"Our pleasure, Aunt Louise. Maybe someday Nell and Mr. Kent will understand?" Lana supposed.

"Mr. Kent will. Your Aunt Nell has a great deal to cope with. Still she is trying. As Clark's mother told him, just be patient, Lana. Let time heal that wound. It will heal. Just keep putting the effort into it." Louise smiled. "Seeing you two together does my heart good. At least if I couldn't be with Joe, I can see it through you both. Just come back to visit every so often. I'd appreciate that."

"We'll be around, Auntie. Count on that. We'll be back to neaten this area up. Maybe let the parents know that too?" Lana affirmed.

"They know but I'll tell them. They send their love and blessings to you both. Just keep moving ahead. We all love you both." With that, Louise turned and disappeared behind the tree once again.

"Guess that's our sign?" he supposed.

"It's the best one." Lana's lips whispered Amor's notes across his cheek. "And it's right on the mark." She took his hand. "Let's check on my parents. Then Lex is waiting."

He nodded and followed her back toward the cemetery's main area. At least he felt gladdened by having more acceptance.

That's all one could ask…..