Chemistry

Chapter 8 Settling in as a family

A/N: I am sure that some of you (most) have noticed that my Lois Lane is a softer, less brash & argumentative woman. That's just how I'd like to see her. I hope I don't stray too far in that direction. Your comments and opinions are very welcome. Please R&R.

SCHOOL

Nancy is usually responsible for getting Alex ready and accompanying her to school. However, Lois and Clark want to do this the 1st two days so they can be acquainted with Alex's school surroundings and teachers. And so the teachers and administration know and recognize Alex's new family. It goes really well; everyone expresses their sympathy and gratitude for Lois and Clark stepping up to take care of the young girl. They sign paperwork formally recognizing the transition, and have pictures taken so all can verify their identity when they come to pick Alex up from school. Alex enjoys showing off her famous Aunt and Uncle! Nancy is rather humored as she watches the show.

LOIS' APARTMENT

During one of Alex's school days, Lois and Clark take some time to pack up her (and his few) things and complete the transition to the PH (Penthouse). There are a few pieces of favorite furniture that movers will handle. Otherwise, it is clothes, toiletries, favorite foods etc. While taking a last look at the bedroom Clark starts a kissing barrage.

"What are you doing, lover boy?"

"I think we should say good-by to this great bed! Don't you, sweetheart?"

"Ah, sweet memories! Well, since you asked so sweetly, I'm all yours!"

They connect for one last time in this space, on this bed. And on the LR couch. And on the kitchen table.

They are satisfied, for now. They redress, freshen up and await the movers who arrive 10 minutes later. Lois supervises the loading of the moving van while Clark checks out with the building manager. James Olsen has agreed to maintain the apartment as is for 6-months while they complete their transition. Then, if all is going well its fate will be decided.

As they prepare to leave, Lois takes a final walk through. Clark walks with her, holding her hand.

"Sorry to leave, babe?" he asks softly.

"Yes, I've been here quite a few years." She whispers.

"How long?"

"Six years. I got this place 2 years after I started at the Planet. I could just barely afford it, but as I was promoted it got easier. And what you see now is the end result of a lot of remodeling. It's been just two years that I have it just like I wanted. It's a really comfortable living space. And now I'm moving on, with you and Alex. It's bitter sweet, but overall, I'm happy. You make me happy, Clark!" She pulls him down for a kiss.

"I'm glad, you make me happy too!" They kiss again.

Lois closes and locks the door, maybe for the last time.

PICNIC, 6-MONTHS LATER

The family has taken up horseback riding. They have 2 favorite horses and a pony available on short-term notice at a stable at the edge of the city. They try to ride at least 2 weekends a month. Lois and Alex are getting quite comfortable riding. Today they took a trail to a small lake where they stop for a picnic lunch. After eating lunch and chocolate cake for dessert, they are relaxing on a large blanket. Clark yawns, then sits up on his knees next to Lois. She props herself up on one elbow looking puzzled.
"Lois Elizabeth Lane," he begins. (he never uses her full name!)

She props herself up on one elbow, covering her open mouth with her free hand. Alex is dozing off, she doesn't hear.

"I fell in love with you that first weekend in Smallville. That love has steadily grown every day since then. I was beginning to think that I would never find a woman as special as you; I was wrong. You are everything to me! I want to go to sleep and wake up with you in my arms every day for as long as I live!"

He pulls a little blue box out of his pocket; she is weeping now.

"Lois Lane, will you marry me?"

Lois can hardly speak; when she does, "YES, I will marry you Clark Joseph Kent!" she shouts. Clark places the ring on her finger. She loves it!

Alex is startled awake; she sees them kissing. The kiss deepens, tongues duel, mouths explored, bodies too!

Alex is disgusted. "Ew, TMI! PDA!" She collapses back on the blanket, covering her head with a pillow.

Lois and Clark don't notice.

BACK AT THE RANCH

"Alex, did you notice what happened out there today?"

"Yeah, you and Clark were making out. Yuck!"

"Yes, but before that?"

"No, I was napping."

Lois holds up her left hand.

Alex sees the ring. "Oh my god. Did he . . ."

"Yes, he did. Clark and I are getting married!"

"So, we will be a real family?"

"Yes, I suppose. Aren't we a real family now?" Lois is puzzled.

"Yeah, this just makes it seem more real. At least to me. Is that ok, that I feel that way? I mean, I love you both."

"We both love you too, lots! And, your feelings are always OK. Don't be ashamed to express them, ever."

"Thank you, Aunt Lois. After you are married, should I call you mom & dad?"

"We think that Aunt and Uncle are still ok. Your parents, Tim & Sylvia, will always be your mom and dad. Don't ever forget them."

"I won't."

"Hey, I just got an idea. Why don't you and I collect all the pictures we can find around here, and make some picture books so we all can remember them better. What do you say?"

With a tear in her eye, Alex says "I love it! Thank you, Aunt Lois."

They hug for a long time.

After the books are done, Alex asks her teacher if she can do a 'Show & Tell' for her class. She gets the OK. Lois and Clark come with her and participate. Clark briefly talks about the plane crash that took her parents away from Alex, Lois recounts the 'fun at the zoo' (generic names). Alex shares some memories and puts the picture books on a table where her classmates can view them for a few days. Afterwards all her classmates hug her, so do a few other teachers who slipped in to hear the presentation. This went a long way toward settling Alex's nerves, and helped her grieve for her loss.

HOLIDAYS

The 1st Thanksgiving and Christmas w/o Tim & Sylvia were hard. With Alex's consent, they invited two classmates' families who were below the poverty line (teachers advised who) for Thanksgiving dinner. Lois and Alex had decorated the PH in a Pilgrims/Indians theme. Before dinner, Alex did a little 'Show & Tell' on the history of Thanksgiving. (she was getting good at this) Then Clark led out in an exercise where everyone expressed at least one thing that they were thankful for in the last year. Then they all enjoyed the sumptuous feast that Bob had prepared. Afterwards, all thanked Alex and her family for the invitation and sharing the holiday with them.

CHRISTMAS

Again, Alex and Lois decorated the PH. The LR was lightly touched, mainly the tree; also garlands, stockings and candles topped the faux fireplace mantle. The family room and balcony received a more elaborate treatment. There was a smaller tree; garlands, candles, lights, faux snow and poinsettias were tastefully placed. Alex was thrilled; although her parents had decorated for the holidays, the taste and skill of Lois really made the PH a special place. Lois and Clark were pleased, they wanted Alex (and them) to develop a really happy, safe and loved family feeling going forward. They felt that they were accomplishing that.

Christmas eve the girls opened one of Clark's presents for them. He had gotten them matching outfits with Nancy's help shopping. First, they went along with him serving the homeless at a soup kitchen. He had been doing this for years whenever he was in the states. Then they dressed up and attended a Midnight service at a large church downtown.

Christmas morning was a special breakfast with all their staff joining them. Then it was opening presents. None of the new family were terribly materialistic people; and with the paid for PH & staff, Alex's monthly allowances and coming trust fund and Lois & Clark's generous salaries, they had few needs. So, it was prettying up the edges, keeping up with fashion trends (not the Jones's) maybe a new modest piece of jewelry. After all, Clark did like to see his girls looking pretty! And the thought was reciprocated.

There was enough snow on the ground to take a sleigh ride in the afternoon; then they dressed up again and had a delightful dinner on the town at a new, fancy restaurant. Though they weren't usually writing for the dining/entertainment section of the Planet, Lois and Clark did write an opinion piece for this new eatery. They had loved it, and the story reflected that. The letters to the editor section showed demand for more of them on this 'beat'. They were appreciative of the praise, but didn't intend on going that direction. The idea popped into Clark's head that maybe Alex could do that, restaurant reviews from a kid's perspective. 'Hm, that deserves some thought, I'll talk with Lois'!

TBC