Beyond Camp Randall Chap 1
We've been good
The next lightning strike was extremely bright and followed almost simultaneously by a very loud thunder clap. Both Lana and Clark were jolted out of their sleep and tightened their hold on each other under the blanket covering them.
"Clark!" Lana screamed. "That was so close, what are we going to do?"
"Just stay close to me, let me surround you and you will be safe."
"What? If lightning strikes us how will that help? We need to run home, now!"
"No, the safest place is right here, you in my arms. I have been struck by lightning twice, and not been harmed."
"You must be kidding me! Do you mean you are really indestructible?"
"Almost. The things I've told you about myself really are true. I have found only two weaknesses so far, and lightning isn't one of them."
"That's reassuring! But, sleeping here slumped against the wall isn't very comfortable." Lana admits.
Clark agrees. "Let's cuddle on that lower bunk, the one I swiped this blanket from. What do you say?"
Lana assents, "I'm all for that." They quickly move to the lower bunk; Clark holds her tight, her back to his chest. They pull the blanket from the top bunk for added covers. They gradually drift off to a dreamless sleep as the lightning, thunder and heavy rain continue unabated.
JUST AFTER DAWN
Lana awakens first. She feels comfortable, safe and protected. She can't ever remember feeling like this; waking up in Clark's arms is an experience she really could get used to. She turns her head enough to see Clark's face and can tell that he is still sleeping. She decides not to awaken him and settles back in his embrace, closing her eyes.
Clark awakens shortly thereafter. He can tell by Lana's breathing pattern that she is awake. "Lana?"
"Yes, Clark?"
"How long have you been awake?"
"10 minutes or so."
"How did you sleep?"
"Great! Best sleep I've had in a long time; I could get used to . . . er, I mean –"
"I know what you mean . . . and I completely agree!"
"You do?" Lana feels her cheeks blush.
"Yup, so what do we do now?" He wonders.
"Well, first thing is getting home and facing the music. My Aunt Nell is going to kill me; I'm sure she has been worried sick all night."
"I'll come with you and help explain to her that we have been a lady & a gentleman all night. No funny business."
"You will? Thank you."
"Absolutely, then I'll go home and repeat the spiel."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Lana asks.
"Not necessary; I will deal with my folks. There will be many questions, but I think I'll be ok. Can we meet later in my loft and talk?"
"Sure, talk about what?"
"Summer, next school year?"
"OK, I will call you when I am ready to come over." Lana says.
"Ok, let's go talk with Nell."
As they approach Aunt Nell's porch and front door, the expected person flings the door open.
"Where the hell have you been young lady?" Nell is obviously furious! "Or do you still deserve to be called a LADY? I have been up all night, worried sick to death over you!"
Lana winces, taking a step back.
Clark hesitatingly speaks, "Nell, I can . . ."
"Mister Kent, you can trot your ASS back home and explain yourself there!"
"AUNT NELL, please listen to us!" Lana shouts. "We did nothing wrong; Clark was a perfect gentleman. As I trusted he would be. We were visiting Camp Randall – Cabin #9, where we have some joint personal memories. The thunder storm struck, stranding us there. We curled up together on a bunk and slept, but no untoward activity occurred. You have my word."
"And my word, ma'am," Clark assured Nell.
"Well," Nell relented. "I will take your word for it for now. Lana, come in and we will talk some more. Clark, you best be on your way. You have some explaining to do for Jonathan and Martha, I am sure."
"Yes, ma'am." Clark lets go of Lana's hand which he has been holding the entire time and says, "Talk later?"
"Yes, I will call."
They want a good-by kiss but don't dare.
When Clark walks in to his home he finds his parents sitting on the couch in the living room. Martha's eyes are reddened, she has been crying. Jonathan has a glare for the ages.
Silence.
Clark sits in the arm chair across from them.
"I know you have been worried and I am very sorry to have caused that worry." Clark admitted.
"What were you doing, son?" Jonathan asks, with more reserve than Clark expects, or feels he deserves. Martha sniffles.
"Lana and I were visiting Camp Randall – Cabin #9. We have some joint, personal memories there. When the thunder storm hit it apparently knocked out the nearest cell tower, and the rain forced us to stay in the cabin. We slept the night on a bunk, curled up together. Nothing untoward happened – you have my word on that."
Martha speaks up; "what is the personal memory Clark?"
"Well . . . um . . . our 1st kiss. 5 years ago."
"We never heard about that," Jonathan is surprised.
"Dad, it was just one kiss between 12-year-old kids. I don't tell you about everything like that!"
"And he shouldn't need to, dear," Martha adds.
"I suppose not," Jonathan admits glumly.
"Why don't you go upstairs, clean up and change clothes, and I will have breakfast ready shortly?" Martha declares.
"Thanks mom, dad."