The Marshall and Superman
Chapter 3 Commitment
Clark awoke just as the sun was peeking over the east bay hills. He stretched, expecting to find Lana next to him but she was gone. He sat up and looked out the expansive windows at the eastern view. The sun would soon overwhelm the lights on the bay bridge, but they were still visible at this hour. He was still exhausted from last night's celebrating. It was a very pleasurable exhaustion however.
He glanced around the bedroom and saw that Lana's robe was missing from the chair where he thought it had ended up last night. His was still there. He slipped it on and wandered out into the sitting room.
There Lana was, sitting behind an easel working on a sketch. He knew sketching was a hobby of hers but he'd never witnessed her at work. "Where did you get the sketching materials, babe? We weren't carrying them, were we?"
"Good morning to you too. George helped me out with that. I'm working on a sketch of our view. I'm thinking of gifting it to him & the hotel. If he likes it that is."
"I'm sure he'll love it. Good morning love! May I see what you are doing?"
"Not until it is finished, darling. You know how picky artists are."
"So, I have heard." Clark mutters.
"When is breakfast, I'm starving. I expended a lot of energy last evening. Celebrating, you know." She smirks.
"It is ordered for 8:00."
"8:00, I'll die!" Lana exclaims.
"I doubt it. I can find some juice in the mini bar."
"I looked, too expensive."
"Complimentary for us."
"Oh, I forgot. OJ please."
"Coming right up my love."
"Ok, I'm at a stopping point," Lana says as she carefully covers her work. "No peeking!"
After showers and dressing for the day, they sat and watched the sunrise until breakfast arrived. Clark carefully arranged the table, including 2 small covered dishes. When ready, he invited Lana to join him at the table. He told her that the small covered dishes were for last, which of course made her curiosity almost unbearable.
After eating he told her that he would go first with the small covered dish in front of him. He removed the cover, revealing a fortune cookie. Lana raised an eyebrow.
Clark cracks open his cookie and looks at his fortune. A broad grin spreads across his face. He reads it to her; "You have found the One!"
Lana's jaw drops, her eyes widen with anticipation. "You may lift the cover of your dish," Clark instructs. She finds 2 cookies underneath the lid. "Open the cookie with the yellow dot on it first, please," Clark instructs. She does and pulls out the fortune. She reads, gasps and covers her mouth.
"What does it say," he asks.
"Will you marry me," she whispers.
"That's me asking you," he grins. "And your answer is?"
Tears stream down her cheeks as she whispers, "Yes, of course yes! I will marry you, Clark Kent!"
"Then open the other cookie!"
She opens the cookie with the green dot and out tumbles a diamond ring. It lands on the table, she stares at it, her hands are trembling.
"Shall I do the honors my love?" Clark asks.
Lana can only nod, yes. Clark moves to her side, gets down on one knee and grasps the ring. He gently slips the ring onto her left 4th finger; he brings her hand to his lips and kisses the ring. Then he embraces her and kisses her lips. "Congratulations Mrs.-soon-to-be-Lana-Kent!"
She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him deeply. "I love you Clark, with all my heart!"
"I love you too Lana, with all of my being!"
"Clark?"
"Yes, dear."
"Why don't you get dressed and ready for the day while I finish this sketch. I now have a little adjustment to make."
"Ok, how long will that take you?"
"About 30 minutes."
"I can get ready for the day in 5 or less."
"Use super slow motion please."
"I hate that!" Clark pouts.
"Humor me, my gorgeous fiancé."
"Only this once!"
"We'll see about that!" Lana grins.
He disappears into the bedroom.
Lana turns to her easel, lifts the covering and picks up a silver pencil.
Clark exits the bedroom and takes a seat at the table where they ate breakfast. Lana finishes her work in 10 minutes, covers it and makes a phone call.
5 minutes later there is a knock at the door. "I'll get it," Lana exclaims. She hustles to the door, Clark watches expectantly.
When she opens the door, there is George. "Come in, George," Lana invites him in. "I have something for you."
George enters and stands in the middle of the room. "Clark, will you stand with George please?" He does.
Lana picks up her overed sketch and sets it on the breakfast table. She smiles softly as she lifts the covering. Both men gasp, their mouths drop open.
They are looking at a perfectly drawn sketch of the view they are looking at. A couple is seated at the table looking out at the east bay. The gentleman is on the left, the lady on the right. His right hand is resting on the table, covering her left hand. Her left hand, while partly covered, does exhibit a sparkling diamond ring on her 4th finger. The couple is obviously Clark and Lana.
Silence.
Lana breaks the spell; "George, I did this for you and the hotel, if you want it that is. What do you think?"
"It's beautiful," George whispers. "Of course I will accept it gratefully on behalf of the Mark Hopkins."
"It can be yours personally, if you wish," Lana adds.
"No, I know exactly where this belongs," George says. "And, I can envision more sketches in this style if I can persuade you to do more! Maybe a stint as our 'artist in residence', eh? Room and board on us? What do you think?"
"Wow, this is just my hobby George."
"Well, we must talk, right Clark?"
"Ah, yes, I suppose," Clark finds his voice at last. There is more to his fiancé than he thought. This adds a whole new dimension to the game, he thinks. Much more, indeed.
Clark speaks up; "George, why don't you show Lana where you plan to hang this sketch, then we must be off to our next stop. We have one more sight to see here in SF, then we are off to mid-America. Wending our way home. Lana, I'll pack and meet you in the lobby."
"Ok," Lana picks up the sketch, takes George's arm and they head out of the door.
A/N Next stop – Ross Alley.