Hi Carol,
I too found these two chapters very sad, and I hope that Clark stops wallowing very soon.
I can understand that he feels his life with Lana has been ruined, or has been put on hold for a very long time, but he was the one who chose to marry Lois. He wasn't forced, or only by circumstances, and certainly not by Lois. Yet he seems to be making her pay for his misery.
At first, I thought that he didn't understand how badly he was treating Lois by leaving her alone so often, and I certainly hoped that matters would improve after Martha's chat with Clark. Yet all the time at the farm, he continues to keep out of her way.
Poor Lois is feeling very lonely and scared of the future. She believes she's lost Clark's friendship and she so needs his support right now.
The only thing that could make me excuse his conduct right now would be the thought that he might be returning to Metropolis to find some place for them to live in a few weeks time, and the 'alone' time he needs with his parents is asking for their help in getting things arranged.
Clark really needs to suck it up and stop acting like a spoiled child. He decided to marry Lois because of his history and his sense of honour, so it's time for him to live up to his ethics.
You'll notice, Carol, that your story has really got under my skin.
I'm looking forward to the next parts in the hope that we will have a sliver lining soon ... at least to the point where Lois and Clark can be friends again.
Yours Jenni
