Chemistry

Chapter 7 Tragedy & Opportunity

"It is requested that you assume custody of the minor child Alexadra Jackson."

They have been told that there was an airplane disaster. Lois and Clark look at each other. A tear escapes Lois' eye, Clark grasps her hand and gently squeezes. "Who, when?" Clark asks.

"Early yesterday morning. Tim and Syvia were returning from a business trip to Chile, South America. They were checking on copper mines in which they own an interest. Alexandra is safe at home with her nanny."

"D . . . does she know?" Lois whispers.

"Not yet. All she knows is that her parents return has been delayed."

"Who is going to tell her?" Clark asks.

The woman speaks, "That's where you come in."

"Us?"

"Yes, the will instructs us to ask you two to assume custody of Alexandra."

Lois and Clark look at each other, they don't believe it! Yes, they are good friends, and Alex adores Lois. But custody? A 9 y/o girl? Just 2 weeks ago they had attended her 9th birthday party. A child?

Since Clark's faux pas regarding a nursery, they hadn't spoken a word about children. It was a 'no go' topic as far as Clark was concerned. He would wait for Lois to bring it up, if she ever did. He was absolutely content with the two of them . . . he had the ring hidden at home waiting for the right occasion.

"What should we do?" Lois asks.

"Well, we were hoping that you could be the ones to inform Alexandra; there are no family left for her. We are aware of her significant affection for both of you, especially you, Lois. Then, it would be appropriate for a decision regarding custody as soon as possible. Would you like more details at this time?"

"Yes, definitely," Lois answers.

"Along with custody comes; 1) the penthouse apartment where the Jackson's lived, it is free & clear of any mortgage obligations, 2) 2 personal cars plus a limousine, 3) the services of a nanny, butler/cook and a chauffeur – all resourced until Alex is 18 y/o. When Alex turns 18, a trust fund will be resourced for her. She will then be emancipated, if she so chooses."

Lois and Clark are stunned. "We can't accept all that," Lois whispers.

"You are free to dispose of any assets that you do not wish to keep. In any case, if you accept custody of Alexandra, all these assets are yours. Any questions?"

"Is there a timeline for our answer," Clark posits.

"Well, we would suppose that telling Alex should be ASAP. We would hope to know your decision regarding custody within 2 weeks."

The woman speaks up, "Also, we are making arrangements for return of the remains, and a memorial service and internment. Would you like to be involved in that process?"

"Yes, I suppose so. Should Alex be involved too?" Clark mutters. His head is spinning!

"We will leave that up to you. Would you like some privacy to discuss this? Or will you be going home, to talk and get back to us with your decision?"

They look at each other. "Let's talk here, ok?" Lois suggests. Clark nods his assent. They are shown to a vacant office and sit down on a love seat. Lois curls up by his side. "What are you thinking, babe?" Lois whispers.

"I don't see how we can refuse," he is resigned. (but happy inside)

"I agree, I love that little girl," Lois admits. "But our lives will be changed in an instant!"

"Yes, but for the better, I think. If we make it so."

"I agree. Well, daddy Clark, shall we tell them our decision and go see Alex?"

"Ah, I'd prefer Uncle Clark & Aunt Lois!"

"I'm ok with that. Let's go."

THE JACKSON'S PENTHOUSE

Lois and Clak are shown in to the den, and take a seat. Soon Alex enters and rushes into Lois' arms, giving Clark a high five. "My parents are in Chile, once in a while I go along but not this time."

"We know, sweetie," Lois greets her.

Alex sits between them; Clark drops to his knees in front of his girls. "Alex, we have bad news. Your parents plane crashed on the way home."

"Are they . . . are they ok?" she begins to tear up.

"I'm sorry," Lois whispers. "They are gone." Lois is shedding tears also.

"Gone? You mean . . ."

"Yes, sweetheart, they died in the crash," Clark says softly.

"What . . . what am I gonna do?" Alex is sobbing now. Lois encloses Alex in her arms. Clark engulfs his girls in his warm, strong arms – crying along with them.

"Your mom and dad asked Lois and me to take care of you, and we are going to do that sweetie." Clark assures her. They stay in their embrace for a few minutes. Finally, Alex asks, "Will I come live with you?"

"No, we will come here and live with you."

"Really?"

"Yup, really!" Clark responds.

"We do have to go to my apartment to get some things to cover us for a few days, while we sort this all out. You are going to have to help us understand your home and your life so we can fit in with a minimum of fuss. Ok?" Lois asks.

"I can do that. Let's go!"

"You can stay here, honey." Clark says.

"Can't I come? I don't want to be alone just now." Alex looks down.

"Sure, you can," Lois consoles her.

LOIS' APARTMENT

They buzz in and start to pack a few necessities, clothes for 3-4 days. Alex sits on the bed, watching Lois pack. She notices a set of soft pink lingerie, "Does Clark like those?"

"Ah, he hasn't seen them yet, they are brand new." Lois blushes w/o turning around.

"I bet he'll like them a lot!"

"I hope so."

"You love him, don't you?"

"Yeah . . . I do."

"I can tell that he loves you too!"

"You can? How is that?"

"You look at each other just like my mom and dad used to. It makes me feel good. I hope you get married to Clark. Do you think you will?"

"Ah . . . I, ah kinda hope so."

"Want me to put a bug in his ear?"

"I think I can handle Clark, sweetie!"

"Just so you know, I'm here to help!"

Lois breaks into a fit of giggles, Alex joins her.

Clark walks in just then, "What's so funny girls?"

"You!" They blurt out simultaneously.

BACK AT THE PENTHOUSE

Alex starts the tour. The master BR with its walk-in closet and ensuite bath is almost as big as Lois' own apartment. There is a huge shower (for 2?) and a large soaker tub (definitely for 2). There is a LR, family room w 72" plasma TV and a large balcony, formal dining room, home office for 2, kitchen with small family eating area. Alex has her own BR w ensuite bath and its own private balcony, 2 spare bedrooms and another bath room. One of the spare bedrooms has exercise equipment and the other is set up as a guest bedroom. The nanny sleeps in the guest room when the parents are out of town. The entire penthouse approaches 4,500 Ft Sq. They are amazed.

As previously mentioned, staff include a nanny (Nancy), a butler/cook (Robert), and a chauffeur (Carl). Lois wonders why there is no maid and housekeeper. Alex tells her there is a cleaning service that comes twice a week. Oh.

Obviously, the Jackson's are about as wealthy as James & Margaret Olsen. This isn't really Lois and Clark's style. Will they be expected to host lavish dinner parties? This could get uncomfortable! Maybe they should discuss all this with Alex? They want her life to continue on as normally as possible, but is that possible? They decide to have a 'family talk'.

3 DAYS LATER – SATURDAY

The new family is relaxing on the balcony.

"Alex," Clark starts.

"Yeah, Uncle Clark?"

"We'd like to keep your life as normal as possible. Lois and I are wondering how life was with your parents? For instance, did they host lavish dinner parties here in the penthouse for other rich folks?"

"My parents were rich?" She seems surprised.

Lois and Clark look at each other.

Lois responds, "Alex, you've seen where you live. It's huge, don't you think? It cost a lot of money."

"I suppose, I never thought about it. Mom and dad didn't act like the rich people I know. They were just average folks, as far as I could see. They loved each other and me, we were just a happy family."

Lois and Clark looked at each other and nodded.

"We can do this," Lois whispered with a smile.

TBC