Chemistry Chapter 15

What about me?

After Clark finishes with the baby and has her asleep, he shuffles back toward the MBR. As he passes Alex's room, he hears what he thinks is crying. He stops to listen, and sure enough . . . she is crying. He enters and kneels by her bed.

"Alex, sweetie, what is wrong?"

"What about me," she whispers through hiccoughs.

"What do you mean?"

"You and aunt Lois are going to adopt Mary Katherine. Then . . . what about me? I don't have a mommy or daddy anymore."

Clark freezes. They hadn't thought about that!

"I'm sorry sweetheart, we never thought about that. I guess we just assumed that we and you would go on as before. Was that a mistake?"

"Yes. I'd like a mommy and daddy too. Remember, I asked you about that before."

HE REMEMBERED! Now what?

"Can aunt Lois and I talk with you in the morning? We never intended to neglect you. We love you, very much!"

"Ok," she sniffles.

Clark gives her a hug and kiss; then back to bed.

MORE PILLOW TALK

Clark wakes first. "Lois?"

"Impf."

"Lois?"

"Sleepy, comfy." She snuggles closer.

"We have a problem, Lois."

"What, is Mary K ok?"

"Yes, the baby is ok. It's Alex."

"What? God no . . . she's too young!"

"Young? For what, Lois?"

"Her period! She's only 9 for God's sake!"

'OMG' "No, Lois, it's not that."

"What then?"

"Adoption."

"We aren't adopting her."

"That's the problem."

"It is?" Lois obviously is having a had time getting the drift of this.

Clark is beginning to think that he should have waited until after 1st coffee. "Yes, she is wondering why we aren't adopting her."

"Oh . . . really?"

"Yes, really."

"So?"

"I told her we would talk at breakfast."

"So . . . why did you wake me, Mister Kent?"

Clark thumps his face on his pillow 3x; "I thought you and I could prep for the talk, a little. Obviously erroneous thinking."

"Err, what?"

"Never mind. Go back to sleep, I'll start breakfast."

"Wait! Is Mary K, ok?"

"Yes dear, go back to sleep."

"K."

BREAKFAST – COFFEE

"Alex, I talked with aunt Lois about your concern," Clark starts.

"You did?" Lois is puzzled.

"Yes, dear. Alex wonders about us adopting her. Is that right, sweetie?"

"Yes. Well, Mary K will have you for a mommy & daddy. And I won't. That doesn't seem fair."

"Alex, your uncle Clark and I made a mistake when we didn't think about this. We assumed that things with you would go on as before. We should have talked with you. Will you forgive us?" Lois looks at Clark, he nods and smiles.

"Yes, of course. I love you both!"

After hugs & kisses they finish breakfast.

ADOPTION

Because Alex is a minor child, and she is protected under her parents Last Will & Testament, the attorneys charged with managing the estate serve as her legal counsel. Since the custody of Alex was handled so amicably, there really were no bones of contention. Alex stated her desire that she be adopted by Lois & Clark – and it was a done deal.

Clark, Lois, Alex & Mary Katharine Kent were now a family!

EPILOGUE

3 YEARS LATER

Alex is now 12 y/o and in 6th grade. She is excelling at public speaking, being a very self-confident girl – just like her adopted mommy, Lois. Her new parents are hoping she won't fall into politics; so, they are encouraging sports and music. Soccer was a flame out; volleyball in winter and slow-pitch girls' softball in summer are gaining traction. She is taking piano lessons and enjoying them; she has agreed to attend music camp this coming summer. Lois & Clark are extremely proud of her; they know Tim and Sylvia would be also. Lois and Alex occasionally look through one of the picture books they made and keep memories alive.

Mary Katharine is 3 ½ y/o and is growing like a weed. She loves to sit under the baby grand piano in the LR and listen while her big sister practices. Music seems to be in her genes, whoever her parents were. All her records at the FCH (Foster Care Home) were burned up in the fire; mysteriously, Social Services has no records about her! So, her family history is not knowable. She is starting fresh as a Kent.

Lois took Clark's surname when she married him, she is now Mrs. Lois Kent – and proud of it!. She was going to keep Lois Lane (LL) while reporting & writing at the Daily Planet. That is now gone as she is full-time wife & mother. And she loves and thrives in that dual role. This next year she is considering taking an active role in the PTA at Alex's school. She and Clark recently remembered the idea of having Alex write a periodic review of a restaurant from a child's point of view. They haven't talked with Alex about it yet.

Clark continues at the Daily Planet; he is now the Star Reporter there. He will occasionally ask Lois for ideas, or ask her to proof a story. She seems to enjoy that occasional dip into journalism . . . so, he helps her maintain a little contact with that part of her previous life. 2 years ago, Clark kiddingly mentioned a journalism career to his racquetball playing partner, Lt. Adam West. Amazingly, it took hold! Adam is now Clark's rookie partner at the Planet. Lois is secretly pleased that her handsome husband doesn't have a female partner. She wouldn't be jealous though, no sir. Not her.

Nancy, Carl & Robert continue to serve the family in their same capacities. They are as close to being family members as employees can be. They are always included in holidays and family special occasions.

Family expansion. Now that MKK is 3+ y/o, Lois has talked Clark into adding 1 more child; it wasn't a hard sell at all. They have talked with 2 adoption agencies, and have their eyes on a newborn Vietnamese baby. The teenage mother will be deciding within the next week whether or not she will be placing her baby girl up for adoption. Lois is looking forward to one more child.

Daily Planet. Lois & Clark never came up with a way to compensate Perry and James for the loss of LL on the staff. While that is the way business goes, she always had a little sadness for what happened. She too, had really been looking forward to the LL/CK team partnership. It had been great while it lasted. But now, being wife & mommy – that sadness was largely gone. And James and Perry were not holding it against her, they are glad that their 'girl' has found the very happy role that she has, and is thriving in it.

So, a lightning strike, an offer of a ride, a birthday weekend in Smallville, a picnic in a remote meadow, a tragic plane crash, a house fire – and here they are. A family of 4 (maybe 5) living and thriving together. Happily ever after!

FINE