Lonesome Street Chap 7

The SECRET – DECISIONS?

10 minutes after Clark gets home the house phone rings. Jonathon answers, it's Lana.

"Mr. Kent, may I speak with Martha?"

"Yes, just a moment. Martha, phone."

"Hello, this is Martha."

"Martha, it's Lana. Would it be okay if I came over in the morning for breakfast. Clark invited me because he and I have a discussion to finish up. I just wanted to make sure it's ok."

"Of course, dear. Clark will probably be eating about 08;30. You could join him then."

"That would be perfect. Are you sure it's ok?"

"I'm sure, we will see you in the morning."

"Thank you so much, Martha."

"Any time, dear." Martha smiles, she thinks things are working out. She has always had a soft spot in her heart for Lana Lang.

For her part, Lana doesn't think she will get much sleep tonight. She is certain that her brain will refuse to be turned off; it will be churning non-stop all night. She has never had such a complicated story to process. And to think it revolves around Clark, with whom she has been life-long friends. And he wants more! Does she? YES! But now, and with him? What is she going to say to him? She just doesn't know.

Then there is Clark, lying in his bed staring at the ceiling. The gears churning at top speed. Lana didn't have as many questions as he thought she would have. And they weren't as pointed as they could have been. Of course, he barely touched on the fact that her parents died in the meteor shower in which Clark arrived on planet earth.

Her parents.

He wasn't sure that Lana had made that connection. He must make sure that she did; to have that pop up later out of the blue could be disastrous! Talk about a trust or relationship killer! That could do it for sure. He thinks that he must start with that tomorrow. Maintaining what momentum and trust that he has is critical. He has a moderately good feeling about this, let's keep it going. Damn, he loves her – he really wants to make this work for him, for them.

Across the field, Lana is staring at her own ceiling. Should she have stayed a little longer tonight? She doesn't think so. God, she had more to think about than she ever had. Relationships are hard and complex. But this? Her brain ached.

Now that she knew Clark's abilities and origin . . . she wondered what she would have done all these years if the roles had been reversed. The same thing? Probably. What other logical course of action was there? And with his parents, especially his dad, pounding it into him that revealing his secret was anathema, what choice did he really have? In a way she felt sorry for Clark. He had borne a terrific burden as well as he could have; certainly, better than she thought that she would have. He needed her support, her understanding, not her criticism or her back as she walks away. But was she up for that? It would be a real load for everyone that knows. Is she up for that? She just didn't know. If it weren't so cold out, she would go sit on the porch swing and watch the moon and stars march across the heavens.

Clark's loft.

The Fortress of Solitude.

Clark had shown her how to sneak in a while back. She slipped out of bed, dressed in her warmest PJ's, parka and snow boots and slipped out the front door. To avoid noise, she would have to walk; it would be cold but she could do it. She arrived at the barn 10 minutes later and slipped in. She wishes that she had remembered a flashlight, down here on the main floor it was dark. It's a good thing that she was so well acquainted with the barn & loft. She quietly climbed the steps, opened one of the lofts doors so she could see the heavens, and covering herself with a blanket she sat down on the couch. She was relatively cozy, there was a milk-house heater there and she had turned it on. After a bit, she reclined on the couch with her head on a pillow – it had Clark's scent. Talk about comforting! She could still see the half moon & the stars. But, within 5 minutes she was fast asleep.

Because Clark couldn't sleep, he was up before dawn. He might as well get the chores done and save his dad some work today. Before Martha had retired, she told him that Lana was coming for breakfast, he was encouraged. He slipped into the barn and stopped. His super hearing picked up a heartbeat, breathing and the heater fan from the loft. He knew instantly that it was Lana! He tip toed up the steps and saw her asleep on the couch. What a beautiful sight. He crept over to the couch and knelt down. Should he wake her? He decided not to; he placed an extremely soft kiss on her cheek. He levitated so as not to cause any noise and slipped outside to do the outdoor chores first.

15 minutes later he slipped back into the barn to do the inside chores (he hadn't used super-speed so Lana could have more sleep time). He was as quiet as possible, but inevitably Lana was awakened. She lay still, listening to the muffled sounds Clark was making. He did a little talking to himself so she would know that it was him and not Jonathon. After he finished, he climbed the stairs to the loft. He stopped as he reached the top and gazed at sleepy eyed Lana. He grinned, "Well hello, sleeping beauty! Did you sleep well?"

She smirked at him, "Good morning to you too, handsome. I really didn't intend to fall asleep, Clark. I just couldn't fall asleep in my bed, so I came over here to count stars. I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all. I hear that you are joining us for breakfast."

"Yeah, but I didn't bring a change of clothes. Just my PJ's that I have on."

"Well, if you jump on my back, I can speed you home. Then you can get dressed, and we will speed back. How does that sound?"

"The CK Express?"

"Hm . . . I like that. Yeah, hop on."

She does, and they are off. They return in 15 minutes and enter the house. Heading for the kitchen, they find Martha starting the coffee maker and looking in the fridge.

"Morning mom, Lana is here already!" Clark announces.

Lana blushes, "Good morning, Martha."

"My, you two are up early! Trouble sleeping?"

"Yeah" they say simultaneously. Giggles & chuckles ensue. "I fell asleep in the loft," Lana admits. "Watching the stars."

"I bet it was a beautiful night for that," Martha has a big smile on her face.

"It was. Can I help?" Lana asks.

"Well, why don't you make toast when we are closer to breakfast time. And Clark, you can take care of setting the table, please. Has the fresh milk been brought in, son?"

"Not yet, I haven't milked the cows yet."

"Clark, why don't I set the table while you do the milking?" Lana suggests.

"Great idea, I'm on it." Clark disappears in a blur.

"Were you comfy, dear?" Martha asks, with a smirk.

"Snug as a bug in a rug!" Lana comes back.

"Good! We try our utmost to meet our guests needs." Martha and Lana burst out laughing and give each other a big hug.

Clark pops back in just then, "what's so funny ladies?"

"You!" Lana retorts and she and Martha dissolve into another fit of laughter.

"Ok," he is chagrined. He speeds upstairs to change and wash his hands for breakfast. Before he descends the stairs, he announces to dad that the chores are all done.

"Thanks, son. I really appreciate that." Jonathon replies.

When Jonathon makes his way downstairs, they take their places at the tale. The food is blessed, and they begin eating.