Lovely Lane Chapter 15

Christmas on the farm

Their junior year (3) at Met U is going very well.

Clark is very happy with his Journalism major and Agriculture minor. He is no longer an intern at the Daily Planet, he is now a free-lance contributing writer, He focuses on rural stories; he has been promised a role writing on urban affairs, focusing on Metropolis. And when he starts his Sr. year at Met U, Perry White, his editor, has also promised to team him up with a partner. He's a little nervous about that.

His Ag minor has taught him some really useful things; he has shared with his dad to the betterment of the farm.

Clark has one big item on his mind. He needs to go shopping, soon.

Lana is doing some amazing things with her Art major. With a recommendation from her Art department chairman and a good word from Clark, she has started to submit political caricatures to the Daily Planet. The paper really likes her work. She also has contributed some paintings to local art galleries, and has sold a few. She is gradually becoming recognized on the local art scene, and has made a little $$$. Her criminal justice minor remains a puzzle; she and Clark discuss that from time to time.

Their part-time work with Paolo & Maria is enjoyable. But time for that is becoming harder and harder to find.

At home they are doing great. They are so compatible that it is scary sometimes. Can this possibly last? They think so, and are totally committed to each other and their relationship. Is it time to make it official? She certainly hopes so!

They are going to be spending Christmas day with Jonathon and Martha. Lana has some shopping for presents to do. Her budget is limited (his is too) so one meaningful present will probably have to do. She hasn't come up with a good idea yet.

METROPOLIS/ MALL – CROWN JEWELERS

Clark has been in 4 jewelers; he is becoming discouraged. He is looking for the perfect ring for his beloved. The ones he thinks are perfect for Lana, he can't afford. It looks like he will have to scale back his expectations. He hates that. She deserves the world on a platter. He has even thought of flying to Africa and visiting a diamond mine; but he wouldn't know where to start. So, he walks in to Crown jewelers. This is his last stop. It's here, or he's quitting for the day. He doesn't know when he will find the time to look again. He mutters a quick prayer and saunters over to a case of rings. He starts at the low-end price wise. The rings just don't excite him; he just knows she will be disappointed. She will never show it, or say it, but he is disappointed so why wouldn't she be?

Then an elderly lady comes and stands by his side. "Can I be of help, young man? You look puzzled, what are you looking for?"

"An engagement ring, for my girl-friend?"

"Why don't you come with me and we'll talk about some options? Come down here."

She leads him down to the end of the ring cases and has him sit on a comfy velvet upholstered chair. She goes behind the display case, leans on her elbows and they begin to talk.

S (sales-lady): Hi, I am Mrs. Abigail Reynolds; my husband Tom and I are the owners. Would you mind telling me a little about yourself and your girlfriend.

C: Once he started, the words just poured out. Well, we are both Juniors at Met U. We've known each other, and been classmates, all our lives. Throughout High School our relationship was up and down; our freshman year of college we spent apart. That really taught me a lesson; being apart from the one I loved hurt, a lot. So, before our sophomore year I switched schools and joined her at Met U. And I cleared the air, sharing with her the things that I had kept secret. Sophomore year we moved in together, we are totally committed to each other and things are going great. Is this too much info?

S: Not at all, it helps me help you. Can you tell me your names? And when you walked in you looked discouraged. What's the problem?

C: I am Clark, my girlfriend is Lana. My problem is budget, I'm sure you have heard that before.

S: Yes, many times. Can you give me an idea, in general terms, of what you are looking for? For instance, what gem stone do you want; diamond, ruby, emerald, other?

C: diamond, I think.

S: White or colored?

C: Colored?

S: Yes, we have white, pink or canary yellow.

C: Wow! White, probably.

S: Ok. Silver/platinum band or yellow gold?

C: Silver/platinum.

S: Ok, let me bring you a few to look at. I'm hopeful we can help you and Lana out.

She pats his hand and smiles before she walks away to find some options. She returns shortly, having gathered 8 rings displayed on a burgundy velvet covered board.

S: While you look, can you give me an idea of the price range you are comfortable with?

Clark gives her a price range; she just smiles and nods.

She watches him carefully, noticing which rings he spends the most time looking at.

S: You seem attracted to the ring at the upper left, Clark. Do you think Lana would like that one?

C: She would love it! It's perfect for her. But I don't see a price; how much does it cost?

S: Well, we do business a little differently than other jewelers. We help our customers find the perfect piece of jewelry; then find a price we can agree on. Let me take this back, and talk with my husband.

She takes the ring and goes to the back of the store. She stops by an elderly gentleman, shows him the ring and talks quietly. Clark is tempted to turn on his super hearing but doesn't. The two owners nod to each other and she returns.

S: Tom and I discussed this ring and we can let you have it for – she quotes a price $150.00 under Clark's top stated budget amount.

C: Are you sure? He is surprised.

S: Yes, we are sure. Now, would you like it wrapped, or just a blue or black velvet ring box?

C: Could you wrap it with a red ribbon, please?

S: Yes, of course. Give me 15 minutes.

C: Ok, I'll look around while I'm waiting.

He looks at watches, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. He sees a lovely platinum necklace with the infinity symbol. It has no price either; he takes it to the counter when she calls his name.

C: I am wondering, could I have this for the $150 I have left in my budget?

S: No, that would be $225.00. I'm sorry.

C: He pauses, Ok I'll take it also.

S: Very nice. Lana is going to have a Christmas to remember! Give me 10 minutes and I will have that wrapped also.

Clark leaves the mall a very happy camper!

CHRISTMAS EVE

Clark and Lana plan an early dinner, then presents, then a Christmas eve midnight service.

Paolo and Marie closed the restaurant at 4 PM; they had invited their staff to a private dinner at 6 PM, everyone came and helped. The scrumptious meal was enjoyed by all.

Then Clana went home and sat on the floor in front of the tree. Under the tree were a few presents; they both knew the budget situation and realized that quality trumped quantity. There was 1 present each for Martha and Jonathon, which would be taken to the farm the next day. There was 1 large present for Clark and 2 smaller presents for Lana.

At Lana's insistence Clark opens his present first. (She had an inkling what Clark had gotten her) She got her sweetheart a new 3-piece dark blue pinstripe suit, plus a white long-sleeved shirt with CK/LL cufflinks. When she was home alone, she had measured some of his clothes to get the sizing right – she hoped. She insisted that he try it on; he zipped up to the loft and returned in a minute – resplendent in his new duds. He did a slow pirouette; she was awe struck! It looked as good as she had hoped it would. Mighty will-power kept the presents process going.

Clark hands her 2 boxes; one was 4" long and rather flat, the other 3" square. At his direction she opened the longer one first. She loves the infinity necklace.

"You know what that means, right?" Clark asked softly.

"You and me, always & forever!" She grins. After a kiss or two, she opens her other present.

The 3" square box contains a smaller black velvet box. She gasps as she holds it in her hand – Clark takes the small box from her, looks intently into her eyes and says, "Lana Lang, as I've said previously, our year apart taught me a lot. My biggest lesson was that being apart from my beloved hurt – a lot! I don't want to ever experience that again! So, Lana, will you marry me?"

She is speechless; all she can do is nod vigorously! Clark opens the box; removes he diamond ring and slides it on to her left ring finger.

She holds it up, a tear trickles down her cheek while she finds her voice; "Yes, I will marry you! It is beautiful, I love it!"

"I knew you would, babe." He takes her in his arms and whispers in her ear, "Can you zip us upstairs?"

"Sure, hang on." In a flash of white/purple light they are gone. If you could see the loft a few minutes later, you would see an ecstatic brunette, wearing only a diamond engagement ring, nestled in the arms of a handsome hunk of a man – similarly clad. He is grinning too; he reaches over to his bedside table and turns off the light.

CHRISTMAS DAY – THE KENT FARM

Clark & Lana swoop down and land softly by the barn. They enter the back door into the kitchen, just in time to help mom with breakfast. Lana doesn't say anything about the sparkle on her ring finger. It takes mom about 2" to notice; "Lana! What's that I, see?" She shouts.

"A Christmas present! Do you like it?" Lana gushes.

"Yes! Clark, you did it, really?"

"Yes, mom, I did it. The ring and necklace say it all."

"Necklace?"

Lana unbuttons 1 button on her blouse and shows the infinity necklace.

"Congratulations kids. Now it's official – you are now a part of the family. Well, you were, now you've taken 1 more step towards it being official. I love it, and I love the two of you. JONATHON, GET DOWN HERE!" Martha shouts.

Dad arrives and joins the celebration.

Clana stay the day, opening their presents and catching up on their lives.

"Any ideas on a wedding date?" Martha asks.

Lana shrugs, "Well, I think it will be this summer or next. Unless we do a Christmas wedding. Now that I think about it, a winter wedding here on the farm could be absolutely beautiful! What do you think, Clark?"

"Justice-of-the-peace tomorrow!"

The ladies boo and shoot him down. Jonathon watches from the sidelines. Smart dad.

Clark revises his thoughts. "Ok, this summer. NO later!"

Lana and Martha look at each other. Lana asks, "Can we pull that off, mom?"

"I think so. We will have to start planning right away. Why don't we touch base by phone, then Clark and you come out for a weekend late in January and see what we can firm up? "Martha suggests.

"That sounds good," Lana agrees.

"Sounds good to me," Clark adds and dad nods.

"That's settled, mom and I will talk and decide on which weekend," Lana finishes the discussion.

TBC in "Isobel and her Superman"