Hi Barbara!
Lana smiles at me. “I can’t believe I’ve found you again.”
wait, does that make Lana into Tinkerbell?
She reaches out and squeezes my hand lightly. I take a shaky breath and look at our hands clasped together, her thumb stroking the back of my hand.
They’re not going to offer a stable home for the Lane sisters, are they?
She invited me to stay with her during a visit, and though it was rather painful to return, it also brought me some sense of closure.
Poor guy. Unless you’re implying something else? He did not dig a hole in Schuster’s field, did he?
Shifting in my seat, I’m not sure how my dinner invitation has suddenly turned into a date.
Clark 101. The accidental girlfriend.
Sam Lane doesn’t seem like a good choice.
Yeah. He’s probably good when it comes to protection, though.
“I’m so glad you moved to Washington with me.”
Huh?
Her heart is beating a little faster, she swallows hard and her breathing is just a tad erratic.
Something is going on here that I didn’t see coming. I feel the sudden urge to withdraw my hand from her grip.
Oooh…using superpowers to get forewarning about relationship stuff!
My moving to Washington had little to do with Lana. I was planning on moving to Metropolis and apply for a job at the Daily Planet. But with Sam Lane viewing me as a surrogate son, I decided that it would be better to keep my distance.
He’s either running or wanting to avoid becoming Lois’s big brother.
So when Lana got a job in Washington I merely tagged along, figuring it’d be easier in a new city if I wasn’t all alone.
Ah, there he is, our Clark.
Besides, Washington is a good place for a reporter.
Lots of government corruption to investigate!
Forcing myself not to hurry toward the door, I can’t help the surge of relief at the interruption. But my heart soon drops as I realize who’s standing outside.
Lois seems small with the large bag slung over her shoulder,
Another one of those how-old-is-she situations. Ten-year-old Lois did not just pack up and leave, going all the way to Washington, did she?
almost listing to the side under its weight.
“Lois!” Did she come all the way from Metropolis? By herself? “Come in. How did you get here?”
U.S.S. Voyager, Intrepid class.
“By bus. Can I stay with you?” Her lower lip quivers.
Duh!
She drops her bag that gives a thud so heavy I can’t help but think she’s planning on moving in with me.
Yes, duh?
“What happened?” I ask her softly.
She gives half a shrug, her lips tight and she slings her arms around me, burying her face against my chest.
“That bad?”
She nods.
Oh the poor dear!
She said that Dad already took everything else from her, he’s not going to get her kids, too. I couldn’t stay there, Clark. Lucy’s spending the night with a frIend. And I needed one, too. Can I please stay with you?”
Oh dear. But she sounds older than ten. Thirteen?
Who is this, Clark?” Lana comes around the corner, frowning.
Instant family. Just add water.
Great! I completely forgot about her.
I recommend he not tell her that.
How do I explain Lois to her? “I used to babysit her when she was younger.”
Lois purses her lips, studying Lana like perhaps one would study an insect, curious, but also with a hint of disgust.
“Lois, this is Lana. She’s a childhood friend of mine.”
Yeah, Lois is a teen now. Also…
And about to turn us into something more.
Nice one!
I wish Lana weren’t here.
He *could* tell Lana that one. She hasn’t unpacked her dishes yet.
It’s obvious how much Lois needs me right now. Not to mention I feel more comfortable in the presence of this twelve year old girl.
So many things! Also, I wasn’t far off!
If Lois were my age, I wouldn’t think twice about starting a relationship with her. But I really shouldn’t go down that train of thought.
Yes. Wrong century.
A forced smile appears on Lana’s face. “How nice of you to visit Clark. Are you and your parents in Washington for a vacation?”
And Lana’s not even listening to the little squirt.
LANA: Why should I listen to a child?
I suck in a sharp breath. “Do Sam and Ellen even know you’re here?”
That would be a hard ‘no’.
Lois bites her lip, looks down and shakes her head.
See?
“You’re here all by yourself?” Lana cries. “Have you lost your mind?”
She did not get kidnapped or otherwise harmed. Stop fussing!
And people wonder about reckless behavior in adult Lois.
“But I need to tell your father you’re here, okay? He’ll be worried sick already.”
Only once he’s told she’s not home.
“He won’t,” Lois mutters.
See?
With a heavy lump in my throat I turn to Lana. “Lois will have to stay the night. I’d be more comfortable if you stayed as well. It’d be better if her Dad knew she’s not all alone with a guy. I wouldn’t want to give him false ideas.”
Look who’s wearing his smart pants tonight.
Lana purses her lips, but there’s a gleam in her eyes betraying her delight at my proposal. I have a feeling I’m going to regret this.
Playing house? And a mature twelve-year-old is much easier to cook for / care for than a baby.
Later…
CLARK: I don’t know, Lana. I have never seen a twelve-year-old throw up like this before. I also have never seen a twelve-year-old eat her weight in chocolate fudge before.
She leaves me dangling for appearances sake, but then nods.
I pretty sure I haven’t heard the end of this, though.
Someone’s expecting a ring!
Am I really about to discuss my relationship with a twelve year old girl?
You want to discuss it with Lana instead?
“Well, she’s clearly jealous of me. And she’s mean.”
I have only seen Peter Pan once and that was ages ago, so
Well, Lois isn’t wrong about that.
Clark got a type?
Your father called the police. He was so relieved to learn you were all right. ”
You know, I really wish you’d go back to Neverland and not grow older until I’m caught up.”
Oooh!
Well, my boy …
🎩⏱️
“Good Night, Lois. Sleep well. I’ll be right outside camping on the floor of my bedroom.”
So, sharing a room with Lana?
This is fun!
Michael
