Isobel and her Superman Chapter 8
THE KENT FARM
The octet has gathered on their way home to debrief among themselves. No better place to do that than down on the farm, right? And no better time than now; Martha & Jonathon are out of town at a huge Farmer's World Conference in Chicago. They will be gone for 7 days.
The kids are in charge of the farm! Problem – who is going to cook? And bake? The 4 girls have it covered, dividing up the duties. FORTUNATELY, when they check the freezer in the utility room, they find that the folks have a 2nd freezer! Filled with frozen home-made entrees and baked goods! PTL! They won't starve to death. The girls can heat up frozen food, right? Nell, being the self-proclaimed best cook on site, takes charge. No one else challenges her. Clark & Lana – being the 'home team' take charge of beverages; Kensi – being the sweet tooth champ is put in charge of desserts. Jamko plus Eric & Marty are responsible for snacks and clean-up. Everyone agrees that cleanup help will be given to that last team, as they obviously drew the short straw.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
This year's rescue op. Obviously, all were thrilled with the outcome. No rescuer lives lost, all hostages saved. Jamie & Eddie didn't have much to do actively, but as it was supposed to be a vacation they weren't complaining.
The suggestion was made that future trips might be "off-the-grid." Not all were comfortable with that.
The group wanted more of a cool down time before deciding definitely on a next group trip. More upcoming discussion needed.
Clark & Lana's status. Jamko told Clark & Lana that Jamie's dad (the NYPD PC) had expressed high interest in getting Clana under consultant contract for NYPD. This wasn't necessarily a group decision, but they wondered if Clark and Lana might welcome some broad input and advice. They would like that; stating "that kind of issue is one thing that this group of close friends is for, in their minds." Everyone agreed and pitched in.
It quickly became obvious that a huge issue was what Clark & Lana were going to do with their lives. In terms of a) their special abilities, b) their schooling (college degrees), c) their ability to have and support a family, and d) what do they WANT TO DO!
WANT VS. NEED! A never-ending question.
While the group didn't drive Clana to a decision (and it wasn't supposed to), it was really great to have a group of fiends with whom they could discuss this kind of personal question. They could do it freely, no filters, nothing off limits. Everyone in the room recognized how freeing it was! There were some misty eyes as the talk continued. Most could remember a time in the past when they wished they had a group like this to lean on.
At the end, Clana admitted that they didn't want any more contractual obligations. Not at this time. They did emphasize that Jamie and Eddie could keep Clana in their "back pocket" and pull them out when in a pinch (as could all of them). All agreed that this is one example of what their friendship was all about.
Damn, did this feel good!
ON THE SHORE – mid September
The Reagan family was doing a repeat of a once before all-in-the-family vacation. They rented two adjacent houses out on the Atlantic shore of Long Island. The family members split up who slept where, and were having a great week.
Today was a lazy day on the beach. Frank and Henry were propped up in lounge chairs, under a large canopy. Their older skin was more sensitive to the sun.
Pops says, "Frank, what about some iced tea? They have some at that little store back at the road."
"Is that a little hint?"
"No, a big one."
"Ok, I'll go. Anything else?"
"No, and thanks." Pops smiles.
Frank walks in and looks around. The store is deserted. Then a tall blond woman steps out of a back room; he recognizes her. "Kelly! What are you doing here?"
"Frank, I need your help!" She ducks back into the room she came out of.
He follows her, she is standing with her back to him. He turns her around; she has been crying. He wraps her in an embrace, "Kelly, what's the matter?"
SUDDENLY
He feels a massive pain in the back of his head. His vision goes dark as he hears her exclaim, "I'm so sorry, Frank!"
Then nothing.
ON THE BEACH
Pops is waiting for Frank to return, it has been ½ hour. He is getting nervous. He sees Jamie & Eddie playing in the surf; he shouts and calls them over to him.
"Jamie, your dad went to that little store back by the road ½ hour ago. Can you go check on him?"
"What was he going for, pops?"
"Iced tea."
"Hm, ok. We'll check."
They saunter over and enter; the store is deserted. They look around, Eddie tries the door to the back room. It is unlocked so she enters, cautiously. She sees signs of a struggle. She pops her head back out.
"Jamie, you need to see this!"
TBC