Beyond Camp Randall Chap 8
Working weekend? Sure!
The crowing of a rooster woke Lana up from the best sleep she can ever remember having. Sleeping in Clark's arms was a slice of heaven. 'A rooster! You mean they really have those birds still?' She thought. 'I must be dreaming!'
But the body she was sleeping ½ on and ½ off told her this was real. And it was REALLY GOOD! She could get used to this.
She lay there awhile, not wanting to move. Then her bed-mate began to stir. He stretched and yawned; his arm brushed her lips so she kissed it gently. He startled lightly, then stopped and rolled so he could see his bed-mate.
"Hey there, good morning, babe!" Clark whispered.
"Good morning, love," she returned the sentiment. "I think I smell coffee, do you?"
"Yeah, my mom gets up with the rooster. Did you hear him?"
"I did. I didn't know they still had those birds around anymore."
"Yup. This is a real working farm you know."
"I see. Does that mean we have chores to do?"
"If my dad sees you, you will have a list TO DO! Avoid him at all cost."
"Oh, I don't know. I think some chores might be fun!" Lana grins.
"Maybe." Clark doesn't look like he agrees.
"Come on, how bad can it be?" Lana questions.
"Says the girl who never mucked out a horse stall!"
"Mucked? For real?"
"For real!"
"For real! Let's go down and see what dad has on your list."
"I'm sleeping in." Lana pulls the covers over her face.
"Come on sleepy head." Clark yanks the covers off, revealing a disheveled Lana clad in only a pair of panties and one of his t-shirts. 'I could get used to this' he thinks.
"Hey, a little decency here, mister Kent."
"Sorry – not." He whispered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing at all!"
"I'm sure, lover boy." She jumps out of bed, finds a pair of sweat pants to slip on and heads downstairs. She runs a hand through her hair as she goes. She had grabbed her sketch to show Martha and Jonathan when she saw them.
She found Clark's folks in the kitchen drinking their morning coffee. Martha rose and poured Lana a cup; they both sat down and took a sip.
"I have something to show you; a sketch I did last evening." Lana unrolled the sketch and laid it on the table for them to see.
They both gasped, they were speechless. Martha regained her speech first. "Lana, that is gorgeous! You are doing beautiful work."
"I completely agree," Jonathon added when his speech returned. "That is outstanding."
"You really like it?"
"We love it!" They both said simultaneously.
"Would you like to have it?"
"Sure. But you could sell that sketch, for significant money."
"I don't know. Who would buy anything I produce? Clark, sure; he's like a master! But me? I'm not sure about that."
"What have I told you? Again, and again?" Another voice joins the conversation – Clark's. "I keep pumping her up, so she doesn't sell herself short. That seems to be my duty in life," he grins.
"Yeah, he keeps trying," Lana admits.
"Well, I think he's right," Jonathon agrees.
"Amen to that," Martha chimes in.
"You folks make a great cheer-leading squad. I think I will keep you around!" Lana smiles.
"Good, because I am not going anywhere!" Clark declares. "Especially after that great sleep last night, in that fabulous queen bed, and in Lana's arms!"
"Jonathon, does that sound like a declaration of love to you?" Martha inquires.
"Sounds like me talking to you a few years back."
Both Clark and Lana are blushing furiously by now.
"Yes, yes it does. Well, what does everyone want for breakfast?" Martha asks.
"Whatever you make, mom. I have never been disappointed yet."
"May I help," Lana asks.
"Surely, why don't you start making toast. Butter each piece and have jam available on the table. Then, can you scramble some eggs?"
"Sure can."
"I will do the bacon and cut up some fruit. Clark, can you take charge of setting the table? Maybe father can help you?"
"Sure thing, come on dad."
Jonathon thought he was skating under the radar. No such luck.
As they were finishing eating, Jonathon announced, "I'll give you kids 20 minutes to clean up here then meet you in the barn and delegate chores."
"Jonathon! They have work to do?!" Martha exclaimed. "Tasks that will impact their careers! And you expect them to shovel manure?"
"I expect a little help, yes."
"Dad, I will agree that Lana and I will help you for 1 hour. Then mom is correct; we're here for a specific reason and need to get on with it. I hope that works for you?"
"Well, ok. But I thought that a little farm work would fit right in with "Americana". Am I wrong?"
"He's got a point, Clark," Lana chipped in.
"Maybe, but in that case, I get to use super-speed."
"Allowed, I suppose," dad relented.
"Wow, permission granted," Clark's sarcasm is thick.
Lana rolls her eyes, Martha frowns.
After finishing their assigned duties (the word chores was avoided) they relaxed for a bit and were relieved (Yes, Lana did get to muck out a stall) before starting on what they had come for.
Clark and Lana gathered their things and migrated to the loft – Clark's Fortress of Solitude. Lana set-up on the desk, her sketch pad resting on a desk-top easel. She selected a picture of Perry White and began to do a caricature.
Clark sat on the couch, set his laptop computer on his lap (of course) and continued on with the story he had started the evening before.
After 45 minutes Lana spoke up, "Clark, can you look at this and tell me what you think?"
He looked at the caricature of Perry White and scrunched up his nose. Lana frowned and asked, "You don't like it?"
"Well, it is very well done, and I like it. But – Perry is a very volatile person. I am not sure how he will take it, do you see what I mean?"
"Sort of; do you think I shouldn't do one of him?"
"No . . . er, yes . . . I don't know. It's risky, babe. Maybe keep it, I like it, but not show it to them until I/we can see how they are reacting to your caricatures in general? Does that make any sense? I'm rambling, aren't I?"
"You're cute when you ramble! Usually." Lana smirks.
"Ok, let's keep it in the bag, so to speak. Now Mr. Olsen is different. I'm confident he will laugh at one of him. He'll love it."
"Ok, I'll do him next. Thanks sweetheart."
"Any time," he gives her a long & deep kiss!
"How are you doing over there?"
"Bogged down; I need a break, let's go see one sight. You game?"
"Sure, where to?"
Clark goes and stands by the loft window. "Come here and jump on my back."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that!"
She does; and they are gone!
TBC