Beside you still
Chapter 13 New family
THE NEXT DAY
Lois wakes up to a crowded bed. 'What? Oh, yes. We have company.' She is becoming used to having Clark next to her. Or under her, or partially on top of her. SHE LIKES ALL OF THOSE POSITIONS! This is different, the body next to her is small; and taking heat, not giving it. But she remembers now.
Julie.
Julie needs her . . . and Clark. This little girl has lost her world. Now, some of that needs to be replaced with better. Just the same, Julie's world has been rocked! No young child should have to cope with this kind of emotional upheaval. NONE! Now it's up to Lois & Clark to support and love her back to emotional stability. In the context of their own young relationship. They can do this. They must!
Lois carefully rolls out of bed; She slides into her Superman slippers (Of course), and pulls on her light blue, mid-thigh silk robe. (LL embroidered over her heart). That robe drives Clark crazy! She looks back with satisfaction – they are doing the right thing.
She pads to the kitchen, pulls coffee and a filter out of the cupboard and starts the morning Joe a brewing. This will tickle Clark's nose and awaken him. Julie will follow.
She decides on a simple, breakfast; toast, scrambled eggs, OJ and/or a banana. Plus, coffee for the adults. They have some important things to do today.
10" later Clark arrives with Julie on his shoulders, giggling all the way! "Two for breakfast, please." He announces. "2 for breakfast, please!" His rider parrots.
"Coming, set the table please," Lois responds.
They do, she finishes cooking, they pray and eat.
8888888888888
LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
They drive to Julie's school. Miss Corrine Nelson welcomes Julie, Lois and Clark to the 1st grade class room. "Julie! It is so mice to see you! I was so sad to see that your folks were killed in that terrible accident." The pleasant spinster throws her arms open wide. Julie rushes into them, both teacher and student crying a river. "And who came with you?"
Julie introduces Lois and Clark.
"Lois Lane? My goodness. I religiously read everything you write. If I taught English, your columns would be required reading. And Clark Kent, my oh my! An up-and-coming star!"
'I'm a star!' CK
'Don't gloat.' LL
"I'm teaching him, he's got writer's block once in a while." Lois chuckles.
"Well, we came to see if there were things we could take home, so Jules doesn't fall too far behind." Clark explains. Julie nods vigorously.
"My, that's a wonderful idea. Let us look at her class work.
"Is Julie staying with you?"
"We're applying to be her foster parents."
"That's wonderful, isn't it Julie?"
"YES!" Julie grins.
They take home 3 workbooks, with instructions on how to do the work. Julie seems to understand; L are not so sure. It's been a long time.
Before they leave, classmates begin filtering in from lunch recess. Julie says hello and introduces
Lois and Clark. One boy gets a puzzled look on his face -when looking at Clark.
'Did you see that look?' LL
'Yeah, time to go.' CK
"Hey mister." That boy runs up to Clark. "Are you Superman's brother?"
'Careful!' LL
"You know what, 2 other people have asked me that. Do you really think so?" Clark says.
"Well . . . I guess not. That would be so cool though, huh."
"It sure would. We are friends though. I'm' Clark."
"Jimmy." They shake, Clark slips out.
'You pushed that a little far, hon.' LL
'I wanted to hear what he'd say. We're good' CK
Lois frowns, takes his hand and pulls him towards the car.
88888888888888
The SW (Cynthia Edwards) has called, she needs them to come in for an introductory interview. They press for an after-lunch time, she agrees. Lois had wanted to take Julie to the mall and shop for some new clothes. Clothes that would not remind the youngster of her former life. They park and walk in. Lois and Julie head for Macy's,
Clark heads for Starbuck's. He promises to meet them at the food court, with a treat. He gets his usual Grande 2-pump mocha; Lois her Grande skinny latte; Julie a tall hot chocolate; plus, a slice of lemon loaf and one of pumpkin loaf. He knows that the drinks for the girls will have cooled off, he can fix that. Lois will need to distract Julie. She will need to know about Clark/Superman – but not yet. He takes a seat in the food court and leisurely sips his beverage. 1.5 hours later his girls arrive. They are grinning ear to ear, and no wonder. Julie is holding 2 shopping bags, Lois 3!
"Lois . . . you are spoiling her! And we're not even approved as foster parents!"
"Clark, honey, I've been waiting for this for a long time! Let me have this fun, please?" That expression always gets him.
He rolls his eyes and hands over the loaf pieces.
'Distract her' as he looks at Julie.
Lois understands; she turns Julie to point out food choices, Clark heats up the drinks.
"Have you decided, ladies?"
"Yup; Chinese for me, cheeseburger and FF for her," Lois indicates."
"Ok, be back shortly."
88888888888
The intake interview goes smoothly. A home visit is scheduled and home coursework explained. They have 30 days to complete the homework; then a final interview will determine if they will become foster parents AND get custody of Julie.
"This is like being back in college," Lois grouses.
"More important than that!" Clark rejoinders.
"True. I have a request for tomorrow. While Julie is in school."
"She starts back already?" Clark is surprised.
"She said she wants to," Julie is coloring at the kitchen table. Lois taps her head, indicating telepathy. Clark nods.
'I would like to talk with Jor-El.' LL
'Really, why?' CK
'I'd like to see if he could grant me another ability.' LL
'Hm . . . he said only 2. You have strength. And telepathy; we've seen how valuable those are.' CK
'Yes, but he said that was all he could do for me right now. Maybe things have changed. And he said I have the option of the full change.' LL
'Whoa, are you thinking of becoming fully Kryptonian?' CK
'Yes, I'm thinking of that. Would that bother you?' LL
'No, never! But that is not reversible Lois!' CK
'I know. But think of all the good we could do. And, you wouldn't need to worry so much about me.' LL
'Lois, these powers take lots of practice. I have a 15-year head start on you.' CK
'You would help me, wouldn't you?' LL
'You don't need to ask. You know that.' CK
888888888888
TBC
A/N: Super Lois? There is precedent for Super Lana; Super Lois? That would really be AU! Let me know what you think.