Chapter 42 [Kent Farm—Later That Night]
Clark sat at his desk. His eyes scanned Cooper's Last of the Mohicans for the English assignment. His mind spun to make heads and tails of the story. Even with Dave's impromptu historical overview, he struggled with keeping tabs on the colonials, French and Native American antagonists. Still it provided a welcome distraction from the crisis between fathers and sons. He set the book down. Why can't Mr. Luthor just accept what Mr. Dubois and Lex want? Why is Dad being so difficult?
A knock at the door jarred him from his reverie.
He glanced up to see Jonathan waiting in the hall. "Hey, Dad. What's going on?" Caution held him back ever so slightly as he wanted to engage his father.
Jonathan frowned. He'd spent the day driving around with his thoughts. Granted he took advantage of it to buy supplies and catch up on errands long put off. Still he'd confronted his own demons too. "Had a good day, Son. I bought supplies and did some things. Visited your grandparents today. I just missed Lana and you."
"Yeah. We found her Aunt Louise's grave. Her family let the grass overwhelm it. It was a mess! So we took care of it. Then we visited Lana's parents. Nice way to finish the day," Clark explained. Of course he wasn't about to mention the visit to Lex's.
Jonathan nodded. "Definitely was. You're taking care of details and accepting roles. I guess I should do the same." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I should give you more credit."
Clark somehow kept his composure. While he jumped up and down on the inside, he knew how difficult this concession was. "It wasn't like a clearly thought out deal, Dad. It turned out okay though. I know more now."
"This time, Son. Next time we might not be so lucky." Seeing Clark stiffen, Jonathan put his hands up. "I just want you to think before you leap, Clark. You have Lana and yourself to think about. Abilities or not, we have to keep you both safe. We have Pete to think about. While you're accepting responsibilities, you should consider outcomes too."
Clark bit back a sharp response. While he didn't care for the message, he got the gist. "Like what Mr. Dubois went through over the Talon?"
"Exactly. Your mother told me what she said to you. I would never do anything to hurt you, Clark. Ever. I just want what's best for you. That's my promise," Jonathan affirmed.
"I know, Dad. I just want you to trust me. I can make choices. Now we know more. Guess we should all make this journey together?" Clark extended his hand toward his father.
"Together." Jonathan clasped the hand and pulled Clark into a hug. "Just don't forget us. And that goes for Lana as well."
"Together." Clark returned the embrace with one of his own.
Now that's music to my ears! Lana chimed in over the Link.
And with that, a part of the world was all right….