Beside you still
Chapter 5 Dinner trip
LL Apartment, Friday evening
RING
Lois' cell shows Clark's picture, 'he's back!' she thinks. Her heart races.
"Clark, I missed you so much!"
"Lois, I missed you too. It's great to hear your voice. When can we get together? I have some more of my story to tell, and we need to talk some things over."
"I know, and I know I need to apologize to start-
"Lois, I don't need an apology; I love you! I know that this is a lot to take in for you. Sorting this all out – me and him, will take some time-
"There you go again! I don't deserve-
"STOP! You deserve whatever I freely give you Lois! Let me make that call. Please!"
"Ok . . . I'll work on it. Can you be patient with me, please?"
"Yes, of course. I would like to take you 'out' for an authentic Mexican meal tomorrow evening. And an overnight stay. What say you?"
"Authentic Mexican? You mean-
"Yup, in Mexico. Are you up for that?"
"Well, ok. Sure. What do I need for that?"
"An all-black flying suit. Leather preferred."
"Um, tomorrow? Yes, I'll be ready, after some shopping. What time?"
"Take off at 2 PM. I'll be there at 1:30 for take-off instructions. Ok?"
"Yup! Looking forward to this, Clark."
"Me too, see you then."
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SATURDAY, 1:30 pm.
13:15 Clark knocks on Lois' door. She opens and ushers him in. They embrace and kiss; "God, I missed you, Clark! I haven't missed someone so much since . . . I guess since daddy went away on an assignment. I really don't like that feeling."
"I missed you too . . . a lot! I'll try to keep those things to a minimum. But you know-
"I know, what with HIM those things will happen. I will try really hard to deal appropriately."
"Good . . . and I will try to warn you when I can." 'Like peeking into the shower?'
"You're a little early, sport. I see you are in the suit?"
"Yeah, we've got a few things to talk about."
"Such as?"
"Names."
"Names?"
"Yes. Where we are going, they only know me as Superman, or Kal."
"Kal?"
"Yes; my Superman name. That's in Part 2 of my explanation. We haven't gotten to that yet. So, I will arrive in the suit, as you see; I will maintain my Superman persona even after I change inro civvies. Be sure to address me as Kal, at all times."
"Oh, ok. I'll remember that."
"Good. And we need a name, or alias, for you. Do you have one you've ever used? An alias that is?"
"Um . . . no. Do you have a suggestion?"
"Yeah . . . Isobel," He whispers.
"Who is Isobel?" She wonders.
"A naughty girl from 1600's France. I found her in some research."
"How naughty are we talking about here?" Lois quizzes him.
"She was burned at the stake. For witchcraft."
Lois is interested. "Wow! Fascinating! If I had witch-craft powers . . . we would be quite the couple!"
"Stop! We're not going there, Lois!" 'If she only knew'!
"Ok, so we are Kal and Isobel, right?"
"Right. Now why don't you get dressed so I can see how you look. Here is a head piece my mom sewed. Put it on too, please."
"Ok, back in a few." She slips into her bedroom, and reappears in 5". She stops in mid-LR and does a slow pirouette. Clark is stunned. 'Down boy! We have a trip to make!' "Looking, ah . . . good."
"Take a picture, Clark. It'll last longer."
Clark adds her small overnight case to his, strapped to her harness and checks for her comfort.
"Right. I'm ready, let's go."
He takes off straight up from his top floor balcony, and they are off.
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SAN FELIPE BAJA CALIFORNIA
They softly land just outside a small town on the Gulf of California. They walk into town and find a little café. As they enter, Clark is engulfed in hugs from an elderly senora & senor. Maria and Jose are overjoyed to see their friend and his lovely companion.
After introductions, Jose scurries off to find them beverages.
"Can I see a menu please," Lois inquires.
Maria laughs, "I know what Kal likes, you will love it. I will bring it out soon." She disappears into the kitchen.
Jose soon reappears with two ice-cold bottles of Corona, topped by a slice of lime. "Enjoy, mi amigos!"
"Will I enjoy what she brings out?" Lois is puzzled.
"I absolutely guarantee it!" Clark grins.
Soon they have before them: soft fish tacos (fresh fish this morning), carne enchiladas, refritos, arroz, warm corn tortillas and three sauces (mild, warm, hot).
Lois groans before she even starts. After a few bites, she is moaning with delight. She asks for a 2nd Corona.
"I don't have room for dessert," Lois groans.
"Oh, but you do. The best flan that will ever tickle your taste buds will just slide down and fill all the cracks. Then you will be full." Kal teases her.
After they are FULL, they talk.
"How did you find this place?" Lois asks.
"On my world tour after High School, I stopped here for 7 days. The village was having trouble with a gang of 8 bullies. I stayed with Jose & Maria while I cleaned things up. I gave them my contact info and they've called me once since then. I guess now everyone knows Jose & Maria have Superman on speed-dial, so things are pretty quiet."
"Security consultant, eh?"
"Something like that." He winks at her.
She smiles back. "Does the Superman express have a weight limit? I think I put on a couple pounds."
"No problem. We could always jog, work off a few if you're worried."
"No, I trust you. Let's find a place to watch the sunset, shall we?"
"We shall."
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They sit on the veranda, Lois relaxing back into Clark's chest as sol dips below the horizon. After friendly bedtime hugs with Jose and Maria, they retire to the guest room. Lois admits that was the best Mexican meal she has ever had. She purrs until she falls asleep in Clark's arms.
MORNING
Lois awakens to the soft caress of a warm tropical breeze and the sound of a gentle surf. She stretches, yawns, and looks to her right. She sees Clark still asleep, softly snoring. What a sight! Is this her future? She desperately hopes so. She must get her act together.
She slides out of bed, puts her robe on and pads out to the kitchen. Finding Maria, she greets their hostess and asks for some coffee.
"Yes, it's about ready," Maria admits. "Do you like it the same way Kal does?"
"I like cream and 2 sugars, please."
"Coming right up, my dear. Is Kal up yet?"
"No-
"Yes, here I am. I see that coffee is coming, thank you Maria."
"How long are you staying this time, Kal?"
"Well, I thought that Lois and I might take out a dual sea kayak, if one is available?"
Lois frowns, she isn't sure about this.
"Oh yes, we have friends who rent those. After we eat, I will walk with you down to their shop."
"Thank you, Maria, is breakfast coming, please?"
"Yes, Jose has it started. It will be out soon." She hustles back to the kitchen.
"Clark, I'm not sure about going out on the ocean," Lois nervously speaks up.
"Relax, I won't let anything untoward happen."
"But-
"I know, we need to sort some things out. Let's just relax and enjoy ourselves today, ok?"
"Ok, I'm on board, captain!" She giggles.
"Aye, matey!" He snickers.
They enjoy 2.5 hours on the Bay of California – the bay is relatively calm compared to the Pacific. Lois is very thankful for the generous application of sunscreen that Clark applied – she returned the favor. That was fun! Her initial apprehension proved to be unfounded.
"Thank you, Clark," she adds a kiss for good measure.
Afterwards, they returned to Jose & Maria's for a buffet luncheon. They then packed their small case, strolled outside of town and found a secluded spot for takeoff.
On the way home to Metropolis, Clark takes the scenic route. He flies east over the Rio Grande River; then turns west to meet thecontinental divide in New Mexico. He follows the mountains north into Colorado. After seeing Pike's Peak, he turns east over the Great Plains. Once over Kansas, they cruise to Metropolis – circling the city for a bird's eye view. He lands in his usual secluded spot and they walk to Lois' apartment.
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Lois unlocks her door and lets them both inside. After a hug and some kisses, Clark asks:
"Lois, it is 4:30; did you have anything planned for the rest of your day?"
"I really need to do laundry and some cleaning. But we have your Part 2 to get to."
"When would you like me to get to that, sweetheart?"
"Well, thinking about the week ahead . . . what about Wednesday dinner and a talk? I will cook here."
"You cook? I didn't-
"Yes, mister. I can cook. Give me a chance!" She smirks.
"Ok, I will. Looking forward to it actually. What time?"
"6:30, you bring wine please."
"I will."
Another short make out session and they part.
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LOIS' APARTMENT
After Lois closes and locks her door, she flops down on the couch. 'Well, that was a great trip! I think this is going to work. Thank God, Clark is kind and patient. I need that'.
She quickly prepares for bed, slips between the sheets and dreams abut – Clark Kent. Who else?
CLARK'S APARTMENT
Clark sits down in his recliner. 'Wow! That was nice. That was a good choice for openers, Kent! You did good. I hope my Part 2 doesn't blow her mind; I don't think it will. Plus, I have her father to finish telling my story to. I wonder if she wants to add him to our dinner? Probably not.'
After finishing off his beer, he gets ready for bed and quickly falls into a sweet dreams night's sleep. Starring none other than Lois Lane!
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TBC