Chapter 24 [Five Minutes Earlier]
Lex strolled about the area. His phone calls achieved their desired ends. Satisfaction and Great News beamed through the status reports. The Mayor and MPD were already cordoning off the plaza. Decorations and lights sat on the tree. Only official unveiling and lighting awaited on that evening. Martha's cookies, his chefs' shortbread and the candy canes proved a big hit. The Smallville High Choir and Wichita Symphony members talked with patients and staff. Mistletoe not to mention Evergreen and tinsel garlands decorated their current area. Pete Ross agreed to operate a camera for Posterity's sake. Clark and Lana agreed to move Melissa to either the mansion or the Kent Farm. Optimism pushed Judge Ross' stance toward a favorable verdict for Melissa in that regard. Who'd have thought that the Kents would add not just one but two girls to the house? Well, Clark had his hopes. I just hope Mr. Kent's okay with all of this. Whatever's going on between Mrs. Kent and him, I just don't want it to sour things. He shook his head. I can't believe Lana's really moving in with the Kents though. Can't wait to see the look on Mr. Reynolds' face when he finds out. His eyes rolled on that score.
A slender man in a dark blue coat and slacks came up to him. "This is looking great, Lex. I appreciate you putting this together." He held out his hand.
"My pleasure, Dr. Watters." Lex shook the offered hand. He allowed none of the issues any air. Rather, Emotions remained on an even keel. "Everything just came together. I just helped to get the details to that point. Rode in with Santa and his elf this morning. They're in good spirits. We visited the Smallville Orphans home last night. Those kids really enjoyed the story time."
Watters smiled on that note. "That's great to hear! Well, it's a treat to see the choir and the musicians here to greet the patients. The children appreciate that. I haven't seen so much enthusiasm in quite some time around here. Thank you."
"That's what this season is about." Lex checked his watch. He noted Martha heading for the office in question. "We're just about at time. Santa's waiting for his big entrance. I was going to do just singing this morning. Maybe Santa can talk about how he helped Frosty and Rudolph too?"
"That's what Mrs. Hendricks suggested too." Watters cleared his throat. "She told me that the Rudolph story was a success. I wasn't aware that Smallville had such a gifted Santa."
The Smirk spread across Lex's face. "Honestly, Santa didn't know it until he was in the moment. You had to have been there." He watched Martha leading Clark and Lana out into the throng. Granted, Mood picked everyone up. Still, he noted something more in them. Martha's smile was even larger than just three minutes earlier. Now what happened? Wait. Clark wouldn't? Nah. "Give me a minute. Thanks, Dr. Watters." He walked over. "Everything all right?"
"Everything's great, Lex." Martha motioned to Clark and Lana. "Mr. Kent and I have another conversation with them when we get back."
"We were talking, Lex. Then it just felt right. I guess it's like my Rehearsal Dinner toast?" Clark shrugged. He turned to Lana. "I just wanted to get something straight."
Lana's eyes sparkled. "And I said yes. We'll work on the rest. Guess we have a year and a half to wait. We can work with Mr. and Mrs. Kent's rules." She sucked in a deep breath.
Surprise overwhelmed Lex. "You never cease to amaze me. Once again, you are the luckiest guy I know. I'm glad things are working out. Guess Mrs. Clause is going to be an elf rather than a schoolteacher?"
"Looks like it." Amor shone in Clark's eyes toward Lana. "We can work together. Guess that's how life's supposed to go?"
"I'd say so. Let's get this underway." Lex clapped his hands. "Hey, Everyone! Thanks for being here this morning! Great to be here with you all! Hope you're enjoying the cookies and candy canes! Look who we have here from the North Pole! SANTA! His Chief Elf accompanied him here today. He's going to lead us in the activities. So, Santa?" He turned to Clark.
"Thanks, Lex!" Clark rubbed his costume top and the pillow underneath. "Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!" Restraint kept his voice's volume low. He surveyed the kids. "HI KIDS!"
"HI, SANTA!" The patients cheered and whooped it up for him too. Treatments, exams and therapy wore on them. Hospital seemed akin to Jail at times. Excitement raised their spirits.
"Good to see you all!" Clark put on his best face for the group. "My elf and I…we're making the rounds. Everything's still going in the workshop. We'll be around on Christmas Eve. So, remember, I'm still watching. I know you all are going to be good! Now let's sing a few songs and have some fun! Mrs. Appleby?"
"Thank you, Santa!" Mrs. Appleby strode into the area's center. "Let's keep this traditional. Shall we?" She watched the dozen singers assemble along with the symphony members. She directed them through "Jingle Bells", "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer", "Frosty the Snowman", "Silver Bells" in addition to a few other Christmas songs and carols. After half an hour, she turned back to him. "How was that?"
"I love it! Thank you!" Clark clapped his gloved hands together. "What do you think?" He looked to Lana. "Maybe you might know of something they'd want to hear?" He turned to the audience. "She's the most trustworthy part of my workshop crew. She keeps me on my toes."
Lana blushed. "I try, Santa." She picked up a gilt lined book. "I think it's time for that special story, Santa. Maybe you can tell them some things about our life at the North Pole?" She carried it over to him. Under the book, her fingers touched his. Her eyes lingered into his for a few heartbeats. Then she backed up a few steps and let him continue on.
Clark nodded to her. "Thanks. We have a lot of great friends up there." He glanced at the pre-positioned silver-tinted bookmarks. "For instance, you know how we ended up at the North Pole to begin with? Well, that's a story…." He opened the book. He built off the traditional holiday tale and added his own flourishes. Spontaneity created characters and events. Then he shut the book. "So now you all know." He looked over the group.
"ANOTHER STORY! ANOTHER STORY!" the group chanted in unison. Cheer practically pulled them to their feet. Requests echoed off of the walls.
"Another story? All right!" Clark glanced at Lex and Lana. "What do you both think?"
"Kind of like Rudolph myself, Santa," Lex requested.
"Me too. You know how he likes kids to feel great!" Lana chimed in.
"Rudolph it is. He and Clarise need their press. Right?" Clark opened the book to the fourth marker. Then he started into Recitation's duty anew. Traditional met Previous Night's telling. Then that met up with Innovation's spin anew. Adventures incorporated Prejudice's exclusion and Acceptance's benefits. He added in Elves' new roles, Rudolph's place at the head of Santa's team and the unusual bringing Joy's wonders to that time of the year. "Remember, Kids, we all have differences. Maybe we can help each other? That's the true good." He shut the book. "Anything else?"
Lana shrugged. "Lex? I thought we left something with Dr. Watters?"
"You did indeed. I'll keep the gifts until next week. We'll hand them out on Christmas Day. Thank you." Watters nodded to them. "How about a hand for Santa and his Elf? Three Cheers!"
The kids stood in practiced fashion. "Hip! Hip! HOORAY! Hip! Hip HOORAY! THANKS SANTA! THANKS, MISS ELF!"
"You're welcome! Take care!" Clark walked over to Lex. "Can you watch our book please, Lex? I'd appreciate it."
"It'd be my honor, Santa. See you two at the plaza later. Hope you left some time tonight. It should be quite the show." Lex nodded to them. Their performance frankly shattered Expectations' standards to say the least. Clark may have found himself a second job during the holidays from now on! He walked up to Martha. "What'd you think? Clark might be a Santa in training?"
Pride sparkled in Martha's eyes. Surprise pleasantly astounded her. Granted, Clark's abilities allowed him to do many superhuman things. That performance, however? Clark did that without his abilities. Caution guided him on the half-powered laugh. And Lana? Martha saw yet another example of Collaboration's empowerment between them. (As if there was any doubt, Good Reader? One has but to look with honest eyes…) It could help with Christmas bills. Clark's a natural. He and Lana pulled off that act so well together! Sentiments' earlier musings from the other room echoed back to her ears. Jonathan, I hope you're ready. They're right. Lana's not just a boarder at this point. She wiped a tear from her eye. "We'll reimburse you for the suit, Lex."
Lex raised an eyebrow. "What? That's not necessary, Mrs. Kent. I'd say Clark earned it with these two performances. I can keep it safe at the mansion until next year." Smirk preceded another shrug. "Who knows? Santa might be needed again before Christmas?" He raised the book. "I'll keep this safe too. Glad Lana suggested this. What a great prop it was. By the way…" He motioned toward the office/impromptu changing area. "Is there something I should know about? We're all excited about Melissa coming but…?"
Martha smiled. "There could be. After what I just saw, I think they'll have an announcement soon enough if you know what I mean? I haven't spoken with my husband yet so keep that a secret please."
Lex stared at her. Her meaning hit him akin to Thunderbolt in that moment. "Are you…?"
"Luigi's has always had its own magic for everyone. Lana picked up on something last night. Clark and she were talking when I went in there. They reached their own understanding if you know what I mean? Again…" Martha raised her finger to her lips.
Lex nodded. FINALLY! He rubbed his forehead. Conversations pressed and pushed at Mansion, Talon and Loft. Sentiment, Advice and even Shoves moved Clark inch by exorable inch toward this apparent moment. He finally gets it! Guess I'd better get the mansion ready. Memoria recalled his first wedding disaster with Desiree. This one will redeem it. "Well, we have our own understanding. When it's time, tell me. I want to help with it."
Martha rubbed Lex's arm. "Thank you. As I said, I'll let you know." She headed for the changing area.
Lex surveyed the area. His eyes took in Mistletoe's sprigs lurking about Garlands all around. Smirk spread across his lips. Those two find the spark in the only room without it? His eyes rolled. That figures! Consideration warmed his heart over such things. The book in his hands only made that more so. Hard to believe that Dad's stooges put this in our hands. Mom, you're behind this. I know you are! He glanced up toward the ceiling. Then he crossed the room toward Pete and a certain sandy haired girl. "Get all of that, Pete?"
Pete held up the camera. Enthusiastic smile crossed his face. "Oh yeah! I got it. Wish I could've been there last night! Clark said it went great at the home. By the way, great choice on the pizza afterwards! Luigi's is awesome!"
"Luigi's is some of the best pizza I've ever had, Pete. I definitely agree. By the way…" Lex motioned to their companion. "Samantha, on your next visit to Smallville, the owner invited both of you for dinner. You've got a place to stay at the mansion. Signor Victorrio asks that you bring your violin. Maybe we could hear some Vivaldi? Spring from the Four Seasons?"
Samantha nodded. "Really? You're inviting me?" Nervous gasp escaped her mouth. "I…I'd love to, Mr. Luthor! Pete and I were talking about that. I've been to Italy and love the pizza there too. Is it like that?"
Pete snickered. "You are so in for a treat! The owner of our place in Wichita and Signor know each other from back there! That place rules! Man! I wish he'd come to Smallville! Those folks in Granville never go in there. Too bad."
"You never know what can happen, Pete." Lex cleared his throat. "Lana and I had a talk with him last night over dinner. Watch and see what happens. By the way, Samantha, maybe I can get permission from your conductor for a concert in the Talon's theater auditorium? Either the Symphony or just you. We'll see. All part of public service. Right?"
Samantha's eyes went wide. "Are you kidding me?" Her jaw dropped. "I love that theater! Lana and her co-worker let me look in there! OH WOW! There's so much history! What I could do in there!" Excitement rasped several short breaths before Composure reasserted itself. "It's my conductor's call but I'd love to."
"I'll talk with him over dinner. What are your plans for Christmas? I know the Symphony's on break until late January." Lex considered them both.
"Mom's having her over at the house on Christmas Eve. Then I'm coming back to Smallville to spend time with Dad. Her Dad's out of town." Pete shook his head.
Lex shrugged. "So, bring her with you, Pete. She can stay at the mansion. I have a room with your name on it, Samantha. Let's go talk with your conductor and the others."
"Lex…" Pete lost his ability to speak. Jealousy's and Assumptions' attitudes shamed him to be honest. "Thanks. I mean it. I assumed you were being like your Dad."
"Pete! That's not nice." Samantha chided. "Mr. Luthor…" Contrition reddened her face.
Lex held up his hand. "No, Samantha. Pete's right. My Dad would pull something like that. This…" He held out his hands. "This is something that my Mom would do. You never met her. She'd give the world away to help others if she could. I understand. Besides, I've spent Christmas alone in the past. Nobody should have to do that. Pete visits his Dad. Maybe you can do another rendition of what you all are going to do tonight? The Kents host us or I have dinner at the mansion. Whatever. There are big changes in the works around Smallville anyway. Lots to celebrate. Lots of good things. Trust me, Pete. You'll like them."
Pete narrowed his eyes. Suspicion descended upon his mind at Jonathan-type levels. Still, Good Tidings washed away at such things. Samantha's excitement at the offer and prospective concert tugged at his heartstrings to be honest. "Sam…"
Samantha squeezed Pete's hand. "Mr. Luthor offered me a place. It'll be okay." She nudged him a couple of inches to the right. "There."
"What? Sam, I….?" Pete looked around. He didn't see anything different.
Lex pointed up. Wry Chuckle escaped from his lips. "Look up, Pete. I think she's telling you something." Approval prompted a nod.
Pete glanced up until his eyes ran into Mistletoe's telltale sprig. Nerves ate at him. His heart skipped a beat and then another. Friendship's line blurred in his mind. "You got me. It's okay?"
Samantha grinned at him. "It's just a kiss, Pete." She leaned close to him. Invitation beckoned in her eyes.
Pete's lips mashed down atop hers. His arms embraced her waist. For several heartbeats, they lingered in that under Mistletoe's direction. Then he pulled back. "Thanks, Sam. I don't want to get you in trouble."
Samantha shook her head. "Everyone's kind of figured it out, Pete. Besides, a kiss is never just a kiss." Affirmation prompted a smile. Acceptance warmed her heart as well. "Thanks." Her hand squeezed his anew. "Sorry, Mr. Luthor."
"Sorry? For what? I thought it was very nicely done." Lex looked about the area again. Admiration raised his spirits anew. Lionel's machinations and test held unrealized benefits. Magic danced about the area. His eyes met Mistletoe anew.
Lillian's effect never ceased to amaze him it seemed….