After All These Years
Chapter 2 Context
3-MONTHS AGO
It was during a major weather event; heavy rain, wind, thunder & lightening. Lana was at home in Metropolis. She had heard an insistent tapping on the window to her balcony. When she pulled back the drapes, she saw Superman slumped over almost laying on the floor. She pulled him in and looked him over. He had a GSW in his back! She stripped off the top of his suit and went to work. Eventually, she extracted a Kryptonite bullet, cleansed the wound and applied a sterile dressing.
She rolled him onto his back, put a pillow underneath his head and watched over him as he slowly recovered. Once he came to, she washed and dried his suit and gave him some tea and toast.
They chatted all the while; when his suit was ready, he dressed & thanked her with a light embrace, a kiss on the cheek and was on his way. Neither expected more, at least Lana didn't. As far as she knew, nothing had changed.
12-YEARS AGO, SHS GRADUATION WEEKEND
Clark and Lana had picked up a picnic basket that Martha had prepared and gone to Crater Lake for a picnic. They realized that this was probably good-by, at least for a while. During this time together, Clark had answered ALL of Lana's questions. She was grateful, but they were going different directions.
Lana was going to Metropolis University. She was going to study fashion design and art, on a one-half scholarship from Wayne Enterprises (W/E). After graduation she was committed to work for W/E for 4 years in their fashion division. Her future and career path looked clear and settled.
Clark was going for a journalism career; hopefully at the Daily Planet. In addition, he was committed to helping his parents on the farm, keeping the Kent Farm in the family; and then there were his special abilities. Clark's future was complex and nowhere near sorted out.
They parted after a long embrace and a kiss on the cheek. Each wanted more, but they knew more was not to be.
10-YEARS AGO
Clark investigates the Justice League. He desires to use his powers for good, i.e. helping people. But he realizes that to do that AND have a career to support himself (and maybe wife & family), he really cannot do that all by himself. After 2 talks with the Green Arrow, the JL leader, he becomes a member of that team. He works with them as often as he can. They back him up so he can have some personal time.
Might this have been a way for him and Lana to work things out? It seems to be too late.
8-YEARS AGO
Clark and Lana graduate from their respective schools.
Clark becomes a part-time contributing writer at the Daily Planet. He is partnered with Lois Lane, an experienced investigative journalist. She nicknames him 'Smallville' and calls him in when she catches a big story. She is occasionally frustrated when he disappears on her. She doesn't yet know why.
Lana starts in the Gotham district of W/E, working her way up to the manager of 2 of their smaller boutiques. She does some of her own art projects at home, hoping to start teaching community art classes. She has sold some of her art work, and is becoming known locally.
After HS Clark and Lana kept in contact with Christmas and birthday cards. But as is often the case, these slow down, become quite infrequent, then almost stop.
Life just gets in the way.
5-YEARS AGO
Lana is finishing her third year of working with W/E when she gets a dinner invitation to Wayne Manor. She has heard the girls talk about this occurrence; she assumes it is a group event. The invite includes a time for a car to pick her up.
She dresses in her best and awaits the car. When it arrives, she is surprised to see Alfred driving. He courteously escorts her to the car and then into the mansion when they arrive. He escorts her to a small, private dining room where she and Bruce Wayne are alone. He is a perfect gentleman, leading them in light conversation.
During dessert Bruce surprises her by suddenly clasping her hand which she has laid comfortably on top of the table. He gives it a gentle squeeze and smiles, "I don't know if you came prepared, but you are welcome to spend the night here at the Manor."
Lana carefully withdraws her hand, "No thank you, the dinner was lovely, Mr. Wayne. I would like to return home now, if I could, please."
"Certainly, I'll drive you myself," Bruce offers.
"Could Alfred return me, please?" Lana is getting nervous.
Bruce's expression drops, "that can be arranged."
Alfred does his duty. During the trip, Lana shares her discomfort and her displeasure.
Alfred makes no comment.
The next day at work Lana again shares the negative aspects of her evening with a couple co-workers. Her comments get back to Mr. Wayne.
6-WEEKS LATER, 4.8 YEARS AGO
Lana receives an invitation to a meeting at W/E HQ; a meeting with the boss. Bruce, two VPs and a secretary. Lana's work for W/E is praised and she is presented with a unique business opportunity.
W/E had expanded to include a Metropolis design studio and 2 boutiques. The business there was very slowly growing. Now, they have an opportunity to take over some fashion business in both Chicago and NYC. Those 2 ventures look much more promising. They are interested in knowing if Lana would be interested in assuming control and ownership of the Metropolis operation? As an entrepreneur, with W/E assistance?
Lana jumps at the chance; she gets some legal assistance from an SHS classmate and goes to work. FOR HERSELF!
2-YEARS AGO
Clark's here-and-gone behavior is causing increasing problems at the Daily Planet. After much soul searching, Clark decides that he must share his secret with a few key people there. He asks for a meeting with James Olsen (owner), Perry White (senior editor) and Lois Lane (his partner). He shares his special abilities, assures them that he is not a 'meteor freak' and they are satisfied. Lois presses for exclusive fights to Superman stories (as expected); she gets limited exclusivity.
1-YEAR AGO
LANA'S FASHIONS now includes boutiques in LOS Angeles and San Francisco; as well as the recently opened design center in Tokyo (oriental fashion and styles) and boutiques in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Lana's work ethic, creativity and fashion sense have really paid off. Her life seems full and complete.
But is it?
Clark is busy with the farm; his super-speed is invaluable here. He can do all the chores needed to help his dad in a fraction of the usual time.
At the Daily Planet he and Lois work very well together. She would really like to have him around more; she does understand his dilemma though. And he is a handsome farm boy! Smallville indeed!
His work with the Justice League is gratifying. He wishes he could do more of that. The need is overwhelming.
His life is over-full! Can he simplify it? Slow down here, speed up there?
If only he had someone to talk with, someone he could trust. Someone who understands? Someone who understands him? Who?