Summary: Its summertime. Lois and Clark are taking in the sights and sounds of an exciting street fair located in the old town section of Metropolis. Our intrepid reporters are taking a break from work and rescues as Superman and UltraWoman. Yet, they are not alone, Bernie Klein and his beautiful Nigerian lady friend, Abrihet Sensei are with them. These two unique people, each has an important decision to make. Romance, like a classic love song playing melodiously in the background, lingers gently in the air …
This is a little story which takes place during the summer after Autumn in Paris and before A Wedding in Paris in my Visitor series. The story stands alone, but it would assist the reader if they read the entire series.
Napier Avenue does not exist in the series, but in my Visitor universe and some of my other stories the setting is mentioned. Located on this cobblestone street is where most of the shops that our favorite reporting duo like to hang out at. Of these shops, two as well as their proprietors do not belong to me: The Metropolis Book Nook, run by Margaret Hart, was created by Scarlet Burns based on a character briefly seen in the pilot. We all know about Uncle Mike and his fabulous restaurant, Café Americana.
Legal Disclaimer: I do not own most of the characters mentioned in this story, nor is financial compensation expected. But once again, there’s a lot of enjoyment for me as a writer of fanfiction for this much-beloved television series. Blue Owl, Ken Janney, and MikeM, thanks for the great beta work!
A special thank you to Millefeuilles for helping with French words and phases!
Now, let us begin …
Chapter One
Two very distinctive couples soaked up the sun while moving easily among people crowding Napier Avenue’s faded red cobble stone streets, which normally had noisy automobiles rumbling over their old and uneven surfaces. A festive block party was taking place today, the avenue was closed to all four-wheeled conveyances.
One couple was in their late twenties. The husband was a tall handsome man with black hair, brown eyes and olive complexion, he wore a checked short-sleeve shirt over blue jeans and comfortable sneakers. Beside him walked a gorgeous woman with fine brown eyes and a smile that lit up his life. She wore a relaxed lightweight sleeveless white blouse over tan walking shorts. These two people were very easy in each other’s company, taking in the pleasures of the afternoon as they moved in the midst of a happy throng in their city. Famous investigative reporters for the Daily Planet; Clark Kent and his wife, Lois Lane-Kent were experiencing a rare day off with good friends … who also knew about their secret identities as Superman and UltraWoman.
Lois and Clark’s companions were older. Bernard Klein, who had just turned forty-five and was only now beginning to enjoy life away from textbooks and the insulated existence of a lab worker at S.T.A.R. Labs. Instead of wearing his old ‘uniform’ of tweed jacket, old khakis, rumpled shirt and bowtie he now sported a pair of freshly starched jeans and a cream-colored golf shirt. His usual expression of constant stress and worry had vanished, he was now appreciating the outside and much that life had to offer. The reason for this change in attitude? The woman who softly held his hand in hers and whose bright smile was only for him. She wore a flowing long yellow caftan with a white lace inlaid pattern in the front, the perfect dress for walking around the city in late summer.
Dr. Abrihet Senai was a professor of Metallurgy at the Sorbonne in Paris, she and Bernie had meet electronically when he had discovered her book on the metallurgy of swordmaking. They began an intense online correspondence which lasted for many months. Her theories how metal workings in the past could help industries today intrigued him and other metallurgists so much that she was invited to share them during a conference at S.T.A.R. Labs.
Upon her arrival in New Troy, it did not take long for them to realize they had much more in common than a deep love of science. While she stayed in Metropolis the two scientists began seeing each other. As the day for her return to France drew near they decided that Bernie would move to Paris for three months as a guest lecturer at the Sorbonne. Thereby getting to know one another better. When he returned the relationship was stronger than ever and they continued dating despite being separated by such long-distance.
Now people walked, talked, and gawked at ethnic foods, games of chance, tents displaying brightly colored t-shirts, jewelry, baked goods and other items of interest.
Once a year, the Napier Avenue Association hosted an outdoor bonanza to attract people from all over New Troy, thereby encouraging commerce for several vendors and long-time shops in the area. Featured as well were foods provided by up-and-coming restaurants, outfits from clothing designers and musicians from trendy neighborhoods throughout the city.
Clark Kent looked at two stands; one featuring Greek street food and the other homemade ice cream. “These gyros smell delicious!” He then turned to his wife and asked, “What do you want Honey?”
“A strawberry vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone. Oh, don’t forget the sprinkles!”
“What, not chocolate?” He answered in surprise.
She flashed him a mischievously smile. “Nyahh! I’m going to be boringly old-fashioned.”
Walking besides them, Bernie said quietly, using Abrihet’s nickname “Care for anything, Bree?”
“Oui. A gyro with lamb. My estomac (stomach) is still on Paris time. Right now I would be eating dîner.”
“If only there was some way to have your physiology instantly adjusted to the Eastern seaboard, so you wouldn’t have to experience hunger and tiredness at a different pace than the rest of us.” Bernie sighed.
“You mean ‘jet lag’, Bernie.” Clark said teasingly.
Cocking his head ever so slightly, the scientist looked momentarily confused and answered innocently. “Didn’t I say that?”
Everyone giggled and even Bernie joined in on the joke. He was still catching up with humor outside of the laboratory. He and Clark stood on a short line and then brought the women their food. They walked over to the sidewalk and munched moving from one tent to another, while watching throngs of people milling around the fair.
Lois called over to Abrihet, “How do you like being back? Are you having a good time?”
“Merveilleux, merci! ll pleuvait (It was raining) in Paris yesterday. Yet here, what an exquisite day! No need for an umbrella! Today is my first time attending such an open air market in New Troy.”
Indeed, the day was stunningly gorgeous. Spring had long passed, and the weather had transformed swiftly into summer. The air was crisp and light, without a hint of humidity. High above them the azure sky held wafer thin wisps and curls of white clouds, so there was no fear of rain ruining today’s walk through Napier Avenue’s Third Annual Street Fair.
Bernie Klein gave Abrihet’s hand a gentle squeeze and whispered in her ear. “It is all the more beautiful with you by my side, chérie.”
Clark watched the intimate exchange and then glanced over at the brunette beauty who was his wife. He remembered that head-over-heels feeling of being in love. It was simply great to see their friend Bernie Klein, a long-time bachelor, experiencing the same delightful pleasure.
***
Abrihet and Bernie had not seen each other in well over a month. He had a black-tie affair that was sponsored by WayneTech and was being held in the Sheridan Hotel on Thursday evening. Since Bernie had been asked to deliver a speech, he wanted Abrihet to share the event with him and was reluctant to attend without her. He normally did not ask either of his friends to act as an airline service, but after dragging his feet for several days he relented and shyly made the request. Clark was only too happy to comply, knowing how much Bernie missed her.
Fortunately, because it was the summer and her classes for the week were done by Wednesday afternoon, Abrihet was able to take five days off from her job at the Sorbonne. On Wednesday evening at eight o’clock, she was packed and ready when Clark Kent arrived at her building. First he took the bags, one, a garment bag, containing her evening gown, shoes and woven silk wrap she planned to wear that night. At super speed the trip across the Atlantic and back was less than thirty seconds to Bernie’s laboratory at S.T.A.R. Labs. He returned a minute later for Abrihet, who now held a large white bakery box in her arms. On the top of the box ‘Chez Morel’ was stenciled in silver letters. The boulangerie was owned and operated by Clark’s old Parisian friend, Amandine. Inside on a layer of wax paper were pains au chocolat (chocolate buns) for Lois, a tarte aux pommes (Apple Tart) for Clark and Kouign Amann, or butter cake for Bernie.
After thanking Abrihet for taking the time to get the pastries, Clark brought her safely across the ocean and she arrived at S.T.A.R. Labs courtesy of Superman Express … at two o’clock in the afternoon east coast time.
A quick drive to the Luxor Hotel and after taking a brief nap and then a relaxing bubble bath, Abrihet dressed in a stunning red gown and was ready for an evening with her man. Bernie, who was understandably excited, picked her up at 6:00pm so they could enjoy a leisurely drive to the conference center.
The WayneTech event, hosted by Ms. Silver St. Cloud, had been a complete success. After the speech, Bernie and Abrihet ate a sumptuous gourmet dinner of garlic butter grilled steak and shrimp with asparagus tips sautéed in lemon, balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil paired with a light chardonnay. After sharing a plate of tiramisu they danced the night away. The lessons in Ballroom dancing she had taught Bernie were not wasted. The shy scientist was at first a little awkward, but in time he relaxed and enjoyed the music, the dance and most definitely his partner.
Among the intelligentsia of WayneTech and their S.T.A.R. Lab colleagues, it was now firmly acknowledged that despite the Atlantic between them, Bernard Klein and Abrihet Senai were an official couple.
While Abrihet was in the lady’s lounge, some of Bernie’s co-workers began to ask questions about a wedding date and others dropped hints about where to go for an engagement ring and wedding bands in the Topaz District. Bernie was a little red-faced when Abrihet returned, yet did not mention the questions to her.
Friday was spent together shopping for a new living room set to replace the old plaid set he had brought second-hand years before. Kitchen appliances were purchased for Abrihet to use when she stayed in Metropolis. Bernie’s two-bedroom apartment was nice enough, yet slowly but surely, between buying new furniture and items Bree left behind between visits, the apartment was getting cramped. The office, already filled with his files, charts and several old notebooks now held an additional small desk and chair so Abrihet could have a personal workspace whenever she visited.
With all these design changes, Bernie’s residence of ten years no longer had the appearance of a bachelor’s pad, but more a home that had acquired a ‘woman’s’ touch. It was a pleasant enough apartment, but he was seriously considering purchasing a large townhouse near where Lois and Clark lived.
Along with one other item for the lovely Abrihet, an item that would provide perfect symmetry to their relationship.
***
Now the two were spending Saturday afternoon with the Kents. Tomorrow, Clark would have to fly her back to Paris, but for now they intended to enjoy each other’s company as much as possible.
Lois had just finished the ice cream cone, but suddenly she stopped in mid-stride, her super hearing picked up over the din of the festival, the distinctive shearing sounds of metal breaking. On her right was a wide and massive iron platform which was being erected for local bands to play music later that afternoon. To hers and everyone else’s horror, the platform started to sway dangerously inward. Several of the workers underneath the stage scrambled out and ran as the main support struts were failing
Unfortunately, one heavyset man who struggled to get out from underneath the center of the stage, couldn’t move fast enough. His coveralls had gotten snagged on a crossbeam and his legs held fast. If something didn’t happen quickly the man would lose at least one of his legs.
Realizing the situation, Lois ran into an alley. Within the blink of an eye, UltraWoman appeared and had pulled the hapless worker out before the platform collapsed. Behind her, Superman zoomed under the platform, propped it up and using his heat vision fused the weakened struts into place. It was as if nothing had happened because the stage was once again smooth and flat.
“Sir, are you uninjured?” UltraWoman asked, as they gently landed on the cobblestone street.
The stunned worker, who was mopping sweat, grime and grease from his face, looked at the heroine and managed to utter a few words. “Yeah, I … I think so… Thanks, UltraWoman!”
Quietly, Superman came to stand by UltraWoman’s side as many of the workers ran over to see if their friend was safe and to get a better look at the colorful crime fighting duo. A short, stocky man who wore a Metros baseball cap came running up to them, rivulets of sweat pouring down his face.
“Superman! UltraWoman! I’m Peter Quince, the Napier Avenue Fair manager. Thanks for saving my guy.”
Superman folded his arms nodded and said with twinkle in his eye. “We were in the area and were happy to help Mr. Quince.”
He looked over at the bandstand and said. “Wow! It looks perfect. But I’m going to have the engineers give it a thorough inspection to make certain its safe for us to use.”
Placing arms on her hips, UltraWoman nodded and said, “A wise precaution Mr. Quince. We are glad to be of assistance.”
Quince thanked them again, shook both their hands, then, without ceremony, Superman and UltraWoman flew away.
Seconds later Clark and Lois appeared at their friends’ side. The foursome continued walking along crowded Napier Avenue as if nothing had happened.
Bernie said in a low voice, “Never a dull moment with you two around, that is a certainty!”
“How exciting! Shall that rescue appear in the Daily Planet tomorrow?” Abrihet asked eagerly.
“No, in a crowd this big there have gotta be reporters from other publications, let them write it up. We are supposed to be having a good time with friends. Not working!” Lois said.
“Marriage, has definitely changed you Mrs. Kent!” Clark said.
“All for the better, Farmboy!” His wife answered.
The couples walked along until they saw a familiar boutique. Which caused Lois to exclaim, “Oh Abrihet, look! Darcy’s has a sale!
There’s this great suit I’ve been wanting to try on. Let’s peek in there and see if they have it in my size.” Turning to Clark and Bernie she said, “We’ll meet you at Uncle Mike’s in fifteen … uh make that twenty minutes.”
Quickly, the two friends walked down the street and stepped into Lois’ favorite clothing store.
Bernie looked after them, sighed and said, “It’s going to be more than fifteen minutes. My wife … I …I mean Abrihet likes the dresses in that shop as well. We discovered it after having dinner at Café Americana.”
Clark did not miss Bernie’s slip of the tongue yet decided to ignore it. “Don’t worry, if I know Lois, this little ‘peek’ is going to take at least an hour. The last time this happened I was able to accomplish two rescues outside the city! Maybe we should stop by The Metropolis Book Nook and see what titles Margaret has on hand.”
“Yes, there is a book about Galileo I am interested in purchasing, Bree has wanted Lumberg’s book, Metallurgy Fundamentals for some time.” He was silent for a moment, than Bernie said, “Um, my friend, when did you know Lois was the one?”
The abrupt change of subject did not catch Clark by surprise, he suspected the gentle scientist’s life was steadily moving in this direction. The contented expression worn on Bernie’s face for the past few months spoke volumes. “The moment she blew into Perry’s office and interrupted my interview. Unfortunately, it took two years to convince Lois we are right for each other.”
They walked together for a few minutes before Bernie said, “While we were in Paris and once I began to get comfortable with the language, my guest lectures and transportation around the city, everything was so easy between us. After class, we would visit with friends or take a walking tour, one of the best was by a charming older red-haired woman named Sylvia Caldwell, an America ex-pat who lives in Paris. It was only the three of us, and she gave us an insider’s view of Paris that only a true local can provide.”
“Oh really? What made her tour different from the others?”
Bernie looked down at the cobblestone street they were walking on and said, “We did not walk the beaten path, leaving the touristy crowds behind. It was an exceptional private day tour around Paris. She showed us the hidden side of Paris and its history. For a brief moment, we went back in time to when France was Gaul and discovered the older sections of the city most tourists never experience.”
His curiosity piqued Clark asked. “What sites did you visit?”
“The first one was the theatre, Arènes de Lutèce in a small park on high ground in the Latin Quarter of the Left Bank. Most visitors to the city wouldn’t notice it because of the location, tucked behind apartment blocks. I believe Ms. Caldwell said in the 1st-century AD, built into the slope of the hillside outside the Roman city, it was one of the largest such structures in Gaul. It could once seat 15,000 people and was used also as an amphitheatre to show gladiatorial combats. The other was Public thermal baths, Thermes de Cluny. Now the Musée de Cluny. It was interesting to examine its structure and learn how such a large facility was heated.”**
“Impressive.”
Bernie said in a wistful tone. “Yes, it was. We also took food tours which was delicious and then a rather unique photography tour at the heart of Montmartre.”
“Is that where you have all those fabulous photos of you and Abrihet at the apartment?”
“Yes indeed! Now I’m back in Metropolis, after a long day at work I come home to an empty space. Oh, spending time with you, Lois and many other friends, is satisfying, but life is not the same. One half of the equation is missing. Bree’s e-mails and phone calls are great. Hearing that lovely distinctive voice is so soothing, but it’s not the same. She is the one. The only snag is who moves where? We are both committed to our careers. I can’t see taking her away from the Sorbonne. For me it shall be difficult to leave S.T.A.R. Labs ...but better that, than be miserable without her.”
In a way, Clark understood. This was a huge decision and it would have an impact on both of their lives. He faced a similar problem while trying to tell Lois about his ‘other job’. Nonetheless, he was confident that they would make the right decision. So he asked without hesitation. “When are you going to propose? What about the ring?”
“Next month. Abrihet is unaware of this, but I have an Air France flight already paid for. Maybe I can ask her while we walk around the city? Our conversation and the moment shall present itself. One thing is an undeniable guarantee. I am not asking her anywhere near the Eiffel Tower.”
Surprised, his friend said, “Why not? It’s a popular spot for proposals!”
Bernie pretended to shudder and then said. “That is precisely the reason why. How can my proposal of marriage – the final section of an elegant proof -- be a genuine surprise if we go to the one place in Paris where so many such events take place?”
“Okay, than where will the great surprise take place?” He was moved by Bernie’s exciting dilemma.
“Location shall be determined upon my arrival in la Ville Lumière. Did you know that Paris was one of the first cities in the world to have gas lights on its boulevards and monuments? The other reason is because of its role during the age of enlightenment. That is why it is called the City of Lights.”
“Ah, so it will be at some other monument? But one that not a lot of people are aware of?”
“Perhaps. Speaking of rings, since our ladies are occupied, let’s stop by Lazar’s jewelry store first, than onto the Book Nook. If they are as good at finding the right ring for Lois, they can help me get an appropriate engagement ring for Abrihet.”
Clark chuckled. “From the way you are talking, September is a long time from now! That ring is going to burn a hole in your pocket.”
Bernie’s face, which was deeply reflective only moments before, brightened with a wide grin, “I know! Isn’t it fantastic?”
Last edited by Morgana; 09/18/19 12:17 PM.
