Chemistry
Chapter 6 New Friends
Lois and Clark are settling in nicely. At home they are finding themselves to be quite compatible. They both are trying their best to be careful with the teasing; Clark's unintended boo-boo with the comment about a nursery has taught them an important lesson – don't wander into a minefield. But, with so much undiscovered about each other they know that will occasionally happen. So, they vow to try their very best to not explode, then talk it over later. So far, so good. Clark isn't doubting for a moment the decision to move in with Lois; She agrees!
At work things are settling in nicely also. With the help of the architect Mr. Olsen recommended, their corner enclave was remodeled to their specifications.
Perry White isn't totally on board as he can't SEE them from his office. But he knows the HIGH regard his boss has for his super team. So, Perry will bite his tongue and get along. After all, he knows who signs the checks.
INTRODUCTORY DINNER
Mr. & Mrs. Olsen are having a dinner dance at their lavish home to introduce Lois & Clark to the movers and shakers of Metropolis. Lois is ecstatic, she likes opportunities to show off her assets and hob nob with the big boys and girls. Being an army brat, she doesn't pass these things up.
But this isn't really Clark's thing. He prefers to let his writing do the talking. He will gladly go along and be arm candy, since it is obvious that it will please Lois no end. A happy Lois, is a fun Lois! Read: the fun starts when they get home. 😉
Lois has picked out their outfits for the evening. (again, she's in charge) Clark is instructed to dress first; he puts on a black Hugo-Boss tuxedo with light blue accents and silver cuff links. Then he comes out to the LR to wait for his partner.
Lois dresses and comes out and leans up against the BR doorway. She has on a flowy, black A-line dress which stops just above the knee, deep V in the back but conservative neckline. She has silver and white diamond accents. "Do you see anything you like, Mr. Kent?"
When he finds his voice he says, "Wow! I could walk in wearing a loin cloth and no one would know I'm in the room! Come here and give me a kiss."
"Just a peck, please. I don't want to have to redo anything." He complies.
They go down to the lobby and see that the limo Mr. Olsen ordered is waiting for them. They get in, and after a 30-minute ride are at the Olsen residence.
As they enter the elaborately decorated Great room, heads turn and talking stops. Mr. O loudly announces, "Ladies and gentlemen, Margaret and I are proud to introduce to you the A-Team at the Daily Planet. We were very happy to win the bidding war for the services of award-winning journalist . . . Clark Kent! He joins our own award-winning Lois Lane in the newsroom. Together, they form the best journalism partnership in the country! I hope you all get a chance to make their acquaintance tonight. Enjoy!"
Lois smile is a mile wide as she clutches Clark's arm. He grins rather sheepishly; this really isn't his thing. But he will deal with it.
They are seated at the head table with James and Margaret Olsen. Joining them are Timothy and Sylvia Jackson and their 8-year-old daughter Alexandra. Tim Jackson is deep into metals around the world. He has made $$$ to rival James Olsen, and the two couples are good friends. Alex sits by Lois and is smitten by her heroine! She whispers to Lois, "I read all your stories, you are the best!"
Lois blushes and responds, "Thank you Alex. Have you read Clark's award-winning story?"
"No, is it as good as yours?"
Lois chuckles, "Well, this year the judges thought it was better than mine."
"They are crazy!" Alex smirks.
"I don't know about that. Would you like me to get you a copy so you can read it?"
"Ok, I'll get you my address." Alex turns to her mom who gives her a business card, which she gives to Lois.
"Thank you, Alex."
Clark asks for a dance; Lois accepts and they dance for 2 songs; then Tim suggests they exchange partners. They do, and the two couples continue to get better acquainted. Clark discusses what he can about his time in Afghanistan, and learns that Tim is a Marine veteran. Lois and Sylvia talk about work, hobbies, men, and Alex. They giggle about the infatuation Alex has for Lois.
After dancing for a while, Clark goes to the DJ and asks for a waltz after he gives the signal. The DJ agrees.
Clark goes back to the table, bends over next to Alex and says "May I have this dance, Miss Jackson?" She blushes, turns to her mom and whispers "I don't know how."
Clark whispers, "Just follow my lead, Alexandra."
Her mom nods encouragement; Lois gives her shoulder a squeeze, she rises to her feet and Clark leads her to the dance floor. After he positions them, the DJ starts the waltz. Clark takes it slow and easy; after Alex relaxes, Clark gives her a twirl and a dip. Alex giggles and blushes. When they get back to the table, Clark bows and Alex gives him a little curtsey. "Thank you, Miss Jackson," he says. "Thank you, ah, Mr. Kent," she says in response. Blushing, she sits down leaning into her mother.
"That was sweet," Lois whispers.
"Just trying to give the girls a good time."
"And me?"
"Later."
3 MONTHS LATER
"Sylia here."
"Sylvia, it's Lois."
"Hi Lois, what's up?"
"In 2 weeks it will be 'Take your daughter to work day'. If you aren't taking Alex to work, I'm wondering if I could?"
"Really? She will be thrilled. I wasn't planning on it, actually I hadn't thought about it. Let me ask her & Tim and get back to you. Do you know what she will be doing?"
"Yes, I have a story to research at the zoo. I'll take her along; I don't anticipate any danger."
"Ok, I will get back to you soon. Thanks Lois."
"No problem, talk to you soon."
The Jackson household is all in agreement – it's a go!
Clark isn't working on this story, but he wonders if he should come along. In the background, as back up? Lois mulls it over and agrees. Alex's safety is paramount
On the way to the zoo Lois fills Clark and Alex in on the story. "The info I have is the suspicion of mistreatment of some animals; especially the bear exhibit."
"Bears! I love them, what are they doing to them?" Alex exclaims.
"The rumor is that they are occasionally beaten with a rubber hose. If they don't do what the keepers want."
"That's terrible!" Alex is getting upset.
"Sweetie, it's just a rumor. I need you to stay right by my side, do not wander off. Ok?"
"Ok".
They park, show their press passes and explain Alex's presence, and find the bear exhibit. Clark wanders to the large cats exhibit which is just across the way, and keeps his eye on the girls.
The girls walk around, looking for staff to talk to. Soon Lois notices Alex lagging behind her, she stops and looks around. Alex runs up to her, all excited. "Lois, Lois, I saw something."
"What, sweetie?"
"That blue door over there," she points. "It was open for a second and I saw a man whipping a bear with a hose. Then the door closed."
"Are you sure, Alex?"
"Yes, come on, let's look."
"Just a sec, I need to TXT Clark."
L: checking blue door
C: K coming
The girls approach the door; "Alex, stay out here and tell Clark where I am when he comes."
"Ok."
Lois tries the hoor, it isn't locked. She opens it and steps through. She feels Alex bump into her butt.
'Damn, she doesn't obey any better than I do'
She sees a young man about to strike a black bear with a hose.
"Stop it," Alex screams.
Lois turns to shove Alex out the door and before she can turn back around two men have her and Alex on the floor. Their arms are held tightly behind their backs, and soon they are gagged and restrained wrists and ankles.
"Now what do we do, boss," the younger man asks.
"You watch them, I'll get some tranquilizer darts. Then we can hide them."
"But I will lose my job," the younger one blurts out.
"Do what I say or you will lose a lot more, Joey," he is told.
The blue door closes and all is quiet.
Suddenly Lois hears another door opening, then a brief struggle.
"Lois, are you ok," it is Clark. He removes her gag and restraints.
"Yes, but another man is coming back with tranquilizer darts."
"I'll tie up our guy here and wait for him. You untie Alex and hide behind that cabinet over there. Whatever you do, keep quiet."
Clark easily subdues the returning man, then calls 911. When police arrive, they interview Lois, Clark and Alex. Then they take Alex home. Sylvia answers the door.
"Mom, you'll never believe what happened today!" Alex is bursting to tell the story. They sit in the den while Sylvia calls Tim, he rushes home. Lois & Clark explain while Alex excitedly chips in. Tim and Sylvia are relieved; they realize that there is enough fault to go around. But if their daughter had obeyed, she wouldn't have been in any danger. They still trust their good friends Lois and Clark. They part after hugs and good-byes.
6 MONTHS LATER
Lois and Clark are invited to a conference at a prestigious law firm downtown. They are ushered into a conference room and take seats at a large mahogany conference table. Soon they are joined by two distinguished looking attorneys, a man and a woman.
The woman speaks, "Lois Lane and Clark Kent, correct?"
"Correct," Lois responds for both of them.
"And you know, and are friends with Timothy, Sylvia and Alex Jackson, correct?"
"Correct, what's going on?" Clark responds this time.
The man peaks this time, "We are sorry to inform you that there has been a plane crash. All persons on board are deceased."
TBC