Chapter 12 [Loft, Kent Farm]
Lana leaned against the Loft's second story door. Her eyes surveyed the growing corn stalks in the fields below. Beyond that and out of view, Boundary Wall and the old Lang Farm sat as they had for the previous 75 years. A bird flew by her. Wind rustled her hair.
Silence and Stillness allowed for Composure. Activity proceeded at an eased rate. Country muffled background noise and energy. Granted, the Talon's energy remained about herself up there. She felt that energy to the north as well. What was that at the Talon today? I've never felt anything like that! She felt another energy signature ascending toward herself. "Mrs. Kent?"
Martha reached the top step. She carried two glasses in her hands. "Just made some lemonade. I imagine you're getting thirsty. It is quieter up here." She considered the area all around herself. "Can't say Mr. Kent or I sat up here very much though."
"Thanks! That's really great of you." Lana grinned at the sentiment. She took a deep tangy sweet-sour mouthful from her glass. "I was getting parched. Sorry. I needed the time by myself." She set the glass down on the table. "I feel like I'm letting everyone down. I should be working. Miranda's kept the Talon going while I was chasing after Clark. Now, I can't even go near there much less pull my weight and work!" Frustration reddened her face. "Even up here, it's the same thing. It's really faint but I'm getting it here too."
"Lana, it'll be all right. You've been up here with Clark before. You've been in the Talon before. You'll be all right again. We can help you to learn focus. It'll be good for Clark and you. Mr. Kent and I had to teach him how to use his abilities. He had to learn his strength, speed, heat vision and x-ray vision. At the beginning, it was a lot like what you're going through right now. Each of those gifts overwhelmed him at first." Martha took a draught from her own lemonade. "Just as Clark did, you'll learn how to use those abilities. By the way, Miranda's driving Clark back here. I invited her to dinner. Mr. Kent and I want to hear about what she knows about Clark and you."
"I'd like to know too. Mrs. Kent, I know we can trust Miranda. She's been my best friend since she first came to Smallville. Her stepfather's a real creep. She knows not to tell him everything. Today though, she seemed to know what I was going through." Lana shook her head. "It was like she seemed to see right through Clark and me. I know she ran into Kal at the gas station. Yet she doesn't want to make a big deal."
"She's willing to speak with us. Lana, having her over isn't just about finding out what she knows. It's like with Pete, Byron and you. We need to support her. Of course, we need to be discreet. Let's just see how that dinner goes," Martha clarified. "Meantime, you need to be patient with yourself too. Take a breath. It'll be all right. You need to practice and get comfortable with your sensitivity. We'll figure it out. Meantime, we'll need to figure out what to tell Lex. I'm sure he'll have questions."
Lana winced. "I figured we'd be back to normal by the time Lex got back from his honeymoon. This kind of blew everything up." She rolled her eyes.
"It's all right, Lana. We'll figure it out. I wonder what happened to him and Helen Bryce? They should be on their honeymoon right now. Instead, he's back here?" Martha puzzled over that turn of events. Granted, the newlyweds' courtship had its rough patches. Still, to return by himself? And now, a poisoning on top of it? Not even Lionel would do this. At least I hope not! Her frown twisted in on itself. Could Helen have done it? Now that she's married Lex, she's his sole heiress. Lionel will fight her in Probate. And who has Clark's blood? Lionel? Helen? She rubbed her chin.
"Mrs. Kent?" Lana felt Martha's discomfort. She gulped another mouthful of lemonade. Attempts not to sense failed for Lana. "Whatever happened to Lex, there's got to be something that can help him. We need him."
"That's a good attitude, Lana. I appreciate that. Clark values his friendship too. I know Lex needs support as well. You'll pardon me if I don't think he's ready for the Secret yet." Martha rubbed Lana's shoulder. "There will be a time when he may be. I just don't think he is. Let's hope Miranda's different. I'm open to being convinced."
"Fair enough, Mrs. Kent." Lana finished her lemonade. "I'll wash these in the sink." She sped down the stairs and toward the house.
Martha shook her head. I have no doubt you'll master the emotional connections as you have everything else, Lana. Just have confidence!
Learning Curves could be difficult. With Confidence, they weren't as steep…
