Beyond Camp Randall Chap 9

Working weekend – Part 2

In less than 10 seconds they are perched on the platform atop Chandler's windmill, overlooking Smallville and the surrounding farmland. Lana had seen the windmill, but never had been seated up here.

"Clark, this is incredible! With you for a boyfriend my horizons expand beyond belief."

"Is that why you love me?" He sounds a little disappointed.

"NOT ONLY! But it is a nice bonus."

"Ok, I get it. I have been up here several times and it never grows old. I'll bring you up here at night sometime. The view with the stars and the city lights in the distance is unbelievable!"

"I am sure it is."

After viewing for a while, and sharing their first high altitude kisses, they fly back to the farm. They work on their respective projects until Jonathon comes and announces supper time. Martha has made her special meat loaf, mashed potatoes, veggies and homemade rolls. Dessert of course was one of her famous pies.

They then retired to the living room to chat about their day. Lana told everyone about the various caricatures she had sketched. She had brought several for them all to see and critique. They were all dutifully impressed; her artistic talents were really on the ascendency!

Clark was working on a column on the order of "The Value of Hard Work". He had made progress, but felt that he had hit a roadblock. He asked for advice, ideas, and critical thinking regarding what to say to better his product. Everyone chipped in and enjoyed being a sounding board for him. It felt like he had a real team at his back. Lana was very impressed with the way the Kent family worked together. In spite of occasional hot debates, they really were a loving, supportive family. This is something she had never experienced. The possibility of this becoming HER FAMILY sent chills up her spine. 'Could this really happen?' This is what she gave up art school in Europe for a chance at, wasn't it? The thought was almost more than she could believe might come true!

LATER IN THE SITTING ROOM UPSTAIRS

"Clark?"

"Yes, love?"

"Seeing and listening to your family this evening really warmed my heart. You are so lucky to have had Jonathon and Martha for parents. Do you realize that?"

"I do. In spite of our occasional vigorous disagreements, when push comes to shove we stand together and support one another in love. It has really helped me become the person I am, though I know I have much to improve on. And now you are becoming part of my support system; I don't know what I would do without you, Lana."

"I hope I don't ever have to find out what I would do without you Clark. I realized as soon as that plane was taking off for Europe that I had made a big mistake. I love you so much, please don't ever let me go, Clark!"

"I don't plan on it, Lana. Not ever! I love you with all m heart, too! Bed time?"

"Yup, bed time." Lana yawned.

They did their bedtime routines and slipped into bed as they had the night before. Clark again pulled Lana close, her back to his chest. This was becoming a routine they hoped never to have to do without.

"Good night, Clark. 1-4-3!"

"Good night, Lana. 1-4-3!"

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear. Martha had convinced Jonathan not to insist on the kids doing chores as they needed to accomplish as much as they could before returning to Metropolis. Lana had completed all the caricatures that she had planned. She was very grateful for all the critical eyes that had given her advice. Everyone agreed that her work was becoming very, very good. They were confident that the powers that be at the Planet would be impressed; now the question was, did the Planet need her talent? Time would tell.

Clark had finished his first sample column, also benefitting from all the advice and ideas. He had a good start on the 2nd column, and he had drawn illustrations for both columns. It had been an overall productive weekend, both professionally and personally. Clark and Lana's relationship was growing stronger with each passing day. Lana was becoming ever surer that she had made the decision of a lifetime when she had come home because of Clark. She was coming to realize that HOME was where he was! She did not ever want to leave his side, and she was coming to believe that he felt exactly the same. Now, how to make that conviction a living reality?

After a scrumptious Martha Kent supper, Lana and Clark packed up, said good-bye and flew the CK express back to Metropolis. Ordinarily, Clark would fly back to Smallville and commute back to Met U in the morning for classes. But now?

They had shared a bed each night of the weekend. Platonically, of course.

They were well into finishing their 1st year of college.

They were working beautifully together on their respective projects.

They had vocalized and demonstrated their love for each other.

Clark's parents had demonstrated trust in them, surprisingly at first.

Can they trust each other, be strong for each other when need be? Not cross any lines until they were mutually ready and mutually agreeable?

"Clark?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Are you going back to Smallville tonight?"

"I don't know. I've been thinking about it every second since we left the farm. What do you think?" Clark whispers.

"I don't want to sleep without you. Ever again!"

"But your dorm, roommate and all."

"The dorm has guest rooms with a queen bed. Maybe we could sleep in one of them for 2-3 nights while we sort things out?" Lana suggests.

"I'm game," Clark agrees. "Can you check it out?"

"Sure, you wait in the lobby. I will ask at the desk."

Clark takes a seat on one of the couches. Lana disappears around a corner. 10 minutes later she comes back, smiling.

"Good news, we have a guest room for up to 5 nights!"

"That's great! So, what do we do now?"

"Well, do you have what you need to sleep tonight and go to class tomorrow?" Lana asks him.

"Yes, then I can speed home and get more stuff to get me through more days while we sort this out!"

"Excellent. I'll just get enough stuff out of my room to do the same. Follow me, sweetheart!"

He follows and she lets him into the room. She gives him his own key, then dashes up to her shared dorm room. She reappears shortly and they unpack what things they have. After their nightly routines (again) they slip into bed together (again). Clark hugs her tightly (again) and they fall asleep in each other's arms (again)!

They have turned a page; or is it starting a new chapter? They are excited to see what the new day brings.

"Good night, Lana. 1-4-3"

"Good night, Clark. 1-4-3!"

TBC