Lovely Lane Chapter 3 School starts

REGISTRATION

Thursday before Labor Day they walk to the quad, where registration tables are set up. It is a beautiful early fall day, no rain in the forecast.

"I have picked Journalism as my major and Agriculture as my minor. I hope to keep the farm going strong and, in the family, as long as I can. What about you, sweetheart?" Clark asks Lana.

"I'm sticking with my Art major, but I really don't know about my minor. Business just doesn't interest me that much. What would you think about Criminal Justice, sweetie?"

"Law enforcement? Where did that come from? Out of the blue, isn't it?"

"Kind of. I don't know; the other day I thought of Whitney and his dream of a military career. I was proud of him for that."

"I was too. But, monopolizing you? Not so much. Are you having 2nd thoughts?"

"About us? NO, NEVER! Put that to rest babe! I am all in with you, US." She pecks him on the cheek.

"Ok, I will. Of course, he . . . ah"

"I know, he was KIA; even so, he and I were days from splitting up. The last SKYPE session we did he was so . . . flat, I didn't know what was going on. It felt like he wasn't with me anymore. I wondered, you know afterward, if he had a premonition?"

"Well, we will never know. What I do know is that I am totally, irreversibly in love with you! 1-4-3, always and forever!"

"Back at ya babe!"

"Anyway, I'd really like Art to be my focus. The only question I have is if that will produce enough income? I may need a back-up plan. Unless we can stick it out while my art career develops?"

"We can! Together we can do anything!"

"Oops, we are at the head of the line. You go that way, I'm off to Art. See you when we are done."

After they finish registration, they stop by the restaurant for their discounted lunch and sign up for a few more shifts. Then home to do some more magic study and practice.

THE KENT FARM

Jonathon and Martha are relaxing on the LR couch after dinner.

"Jonathon, you seem troubled about something tonight. The kids, maybe?"

"Yes, of course. You know me so well. I just don't like their living arrangement, that's all. I can't shake thinking about all the trouble they might fall into."

"Well, they are 19 y/o and sophomores at Met U. What were we doing at that age?"

"Don't remind me. It just seems like we were more mature, that's all."

"Are you kidding me? I don't think so! Remember when . . ."

"Stop! OK, Uncle. But, let's visit them this next Sunday. Ok?"

"I'll call and see if that's ok."

"Good. Night hon."

"Night, sweetheart."

SUNDAY AT THE LOFT

Clark had just gotten back with some take-out from the Italian restaurant here they worked, when his folks arrived. His mom had, of course, brought with her a freshly baked apple pie. After they all sat down to eat, the conversation began.

"Tell us how school is starting out?" Martha inquired.

Lana started, "Well, I signed up as an Art major with a criminal justice minor. I am not sure what I will do with that minor, but I feel that I need a back-up plan, just in case."

Clark picked up the train of thought, "And I am a Journalism major with an Ag minor. I want to be able to keep the farm operating well and in the family. Also, I have received confirmation from the Planet that I can start an internship with them in January. In the meantime, both Lana and I are working as wait staff at a nearby Italian restaurant. We ate there during our move in and really like the owners and the food. We are eating some of their fare."

"It's really good," both parents agree.

"So, how are things going between the two of you?" Jonathon probes. His area of interest is obvious.

Clark responds, "We are great, totally committed to our relationship. We haven't crossed any big lines, not that we will give you a play-by-play when -that happens. It really isn't any of your business, you know."

Dad scowls, mom grimaces. Martha speaks, "It is wonderful to see you both happy, progressing in school, and finding time for some work. I couldn't be more pleased. Right dear?" She glances at her husband.

"Yes, but keep up the good work and be careful. We always worry about our kids, you know."

"We know, and appreciate it, dad." Lana gets up from her chair and walks around the table to hug Jonathon. When she has him in her embrace, she imagines the two of them seated on the upstairs bed and thinks 'GO'!

Suddenly Lana & Jonathon are sitting on the edge of the bed in the loft. He jumps to his feet and shouts, "WHAT THE HELL! What was that?"

"A little magic I learned to do a few days ago. Take my hand, please?" He does and they are back downstairs, seated at the table.

Clark grins, mom covers her mouth with a hand to stifle a laugh, Lana grins & dad blushes.

"That is impressive, dear" mom says, with a sly smile at dad.

"A little warning next time, please" dad insists.

"Maybe," Lana mutters.

"She is making good progress, isn't she?" Clark observes.

The folks nod in agreement, dad somewhat reluctantly. The conversation goes on for an hour or so until the folks announce that they need to start for home. Lana suggests that she could try teleporting them to the farm. They look at each other, then Jonathan gives a firm "No, but thanks for the offer."

They all hug, kiss mom on the cheek, and the folks are off to Smallville and the Kent Farm.

"Whew, that is over!" Clark is relieved.

"Yes, but we should try to see them more often, I think."

"Yes, I agree. And with the CK express we really don't have any excuse," Clark admits. "And teleporting?"

"Yeah, I would like to do some practice soon, to see what my range is. Are you up for that? If I get us stuck somewhere we may need that CK express to get us home!"

"I'm up for that. It may be exciting!"

"Easy, I'll do my best to not be too exciting."

"I can think of a time and place where exciting works."

"And here would that be, Mr. Kent?"

He snatches her up in his arms; she thinks 'BED & GO' and they are perfectly positioned for a make-out session.

A little privacy please!

A/N: Patience, the deed is coming.

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