Army brat, Farm guy
Chapter 5 Thanksgiving II
KENT FARM, SMALLVILLE
Tuesday, the week B4 Thanksgiving
After Martha's exuberant welcome, Lois retreated to the car for more things. Clark stayed behind for a moment.
He spoke softly, "Mom, dad, please take it easy and slow. Lois isn't used to emotional displays. She and I are work partners, ONLY! Ok?"
They nod a silent understanding.
He hustles to the car to help carry things in. Lois seems a little skittish as they get the rest of their stuff. Clark knows he needs to smooth things over, or this trip could be a disaster. Personally, and professionally.
Before they head back to the house he speaks. "Lois, I know that my mother's welcome was over the top."
"You think? I thought this was a work trip? What the hell, Smallville!" She is steamed. "Clark, I'm not sure this was such a good idea." She turns her back ln him; her shoulders start to shake. He's not sure how to respond.
He raises his hands as if to hug her; then drops them. "Lois, I'm really sorry. I'm not sure what to do, ah, may I give you a hug?" He knows she may bolt. Then the trip will be over.
Ner frame settles, she shakes her head NO. "Let's go in and get settled. Find my room. We've got a job to do."
"Ok, let's go."
They walk into the front room, set down their things and turn to Jonathon. He speaks, "Lois, it's nice go meet you," he extends a hand. She takes it and gives it a hearty shake and Jonathon a shy smile.
"We have planned for you to have Clark's old room. Is that acceptable?"
Clark really appreciates his dad's calm demeanor, at a time like this.
Lois looks to Clark, he nods so she says, "ok, thank you."
Jonathon helps Lois carry her things up the stairs, he shows her to Clark's room. He points out the clean set of towels and where the bathroom is. "I will call you for supper, probably in 30". We have some things scheduled for you and Clark tomorrow; we are planning on discussing that after supper. Please do not hesitate to call for me if you need anything." He nods and leaves her alone. He goes to the kitchen and joins Martha and Clark.
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Lois sits on the bed, her head in her hands. 'Why did his mother welcome me like that? That's a girlfriend's homecoming. Has Clark told his parents anything to suggest that is what this is? I wouldn't think so. Am I missing something?'
She looks around. Typical HS boy's room. Sports trophies; state champions of class-A football; MVP quarterback; 4-H red ribbon, 2nd place steer. Interesting. A few framed Torch articles. Pictures: him & parents; him and a very pretty petite brunette; him and a German shepherd; him and a group, probably HS classmates including Chloe!
Soon supper is called.
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MEANWHILE DOWNSTAIRS
Martha is head down on the table; Clark is rubbing her back. Jonathon joins them. "I got Lois settled."
"How is she?" Clark asks.
"Quiet."
"I'm so sorry," Martha chokes out.
"Mom, I'll deal with it. Can I do anything for supper?" Clark asserts.
"Yes, let's get on with that." Mom voices.
The 3 of them get to work, supper is ready in 30".
Lois slips downstairs and joins them; they are seated & grace offered by Clark. Supper is uncomfortably quiet. As they finish Lois volunteers to help Clark with dishes. Martha tries to object, Clark overrides.
Lois asks, "Is your mom usually like that?"
"Yes, but not to 1st time visitors. I don't get it."
"Really" She looks at him, puzzled.
"Yes, really. She is sorry . . . and embarrassed. She really hopes she didn't ruin our work trip."
"Well, it was close for me." Sne averts her eyes.
"Can we pull this off, partner?" He's hopeful.
"Yes, I've got things back in place . . . MVP QB huh?"
"You saw that?"
"Yup! Who was the cute little brunette?"
"Um . . . Lana Lang. My boyhood love, since age 5."
"Now?"
"History. Good memories, nothing now."
"Sure?"
"Positive."
They finish dishes and join the folks in the LR.
They go over the scheduled interviews; deciding who does which one. And if any need both of them to participate. Jonathon and Martha suggest rural scenes to photograph; there was a dusting of snow overnight. More is expected in the coming days.
Clark will be helping dad with chores, Lois will help Martha with very simple cooking duties.
They retire early, so Clark can get to the loft and settled on his old couch. Just like old times? It sure doesn't feel like it.
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KITCHEN 05:00
Martha has stirred early and has started the days 1st pot of coffee. She hears footsteps, turns and sees Lois shuffling to the table. Lois sits and Martha pours each of them a mug. There are sugar and creamer on the table. Lois adds 2 sugars and takes a sip. She looks to Martha, "May I ask you something?"
"Of course, Lois."
"What has . . . Clark told you about me, about us?"
"He is tremendously grateful that he was partnered with you, Lois. He tells us that he has learned so much. He respects you highly." Martha smiles shyly.
"Nothing about, ah . . .-
"Lois, my greeting yesterday was like Clark was bringing home a girlfriend to meet mother. I know that looking back. He has said nothing to warrant my acting that way. I'm so sorry, I can only hope I haven't ruined your trip." Martha pats Lois' hand, then takes hers back and takes another sip from her mug.
Lois takes a sip, then sighs. "I'll admit I overreacted. That just caught me totally off guard. Clark has been so respectful, so kind and well mannered. That greeting just came from left field." She takes another sip.
"Lois, can you and I start over?" Artha hopes so.
"I'd like that, very much." Llois nods.
The two ladies rise, approach each other and hug.
"Will you forgive me?" Martha asks.
"Of course," Lois smiles. They take their seats and restart the conversation and the relationship.
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When Clark and Jonathon come down, the ladies are smiling and laughing. Lois gets up and serves the guys a mug of coffee, finishing the carafe. She asks Martha where the coffee beans are; Martha points to a cupboard, then freezes. Lois opens the cupboard and pulls down a cute little 2 lb. burlap bag of coffee beans. It has Spanish writing on it, but there is a recognizable name – Columbia, SA. Lois reads that and looks at Clark. A puzzled expression on her face.
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TBC