Dedication: To the late, great actor Eddie Jones, who portrayed Jonathan Kent with such strength, kindness, and depth. In my mind his portrayal of that iconic character is only second to Glenn Ford’s. Honestly, many times I thought he was truly married to K Callan, their easy camaraderie was the picture-perfect balance for Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher’s own on-screen chemistry.
Legal Disclaimer: I don’t own anything. Except Dax the dog, our sweet yellow lab. Boy, do we miss our walks in the snow with her. Her romps were a delight to behold!
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“Dad, it’s been good talking with you. Mom was asking if I’m coming home for an extended visit. I plan on it… but can I bring someone along?”
A deep chuckle came over the phone, Clark could hear the smile in his father’s voice. “Is that someone, Lois? Of course. She can stay in your old room. You can stay in the farmhand’s shed out back. Your mother and I fixed it up a couple of months ago. It even has heat and air conditioning now … not that you need it. Ah…the relationship with her is getting serious?”
“Thanks Dad. Yeah, very serious. This is going to be a special visit. Lois is tired of me disappearing when my ‘other job’ calls me away. If we are going to go forward as a couple, it’s time for me to reveal the truth about who and what I am.”
There was silence on the other end of the phone. Clark waited for his father to speak, then the quiet, reassuring voice of Jonathan Kent reached his ears and despite the older man’s apprehensions of what this revelation could mean, he said. “Well son, if you are that sure, I’ll tell your mother. Call later with all the details.”
***
“January? Just why are we going to Smallville, Kansas in January?” Lois said.
Clark couldn’t help but shake his head, this was the third time she had asked him that. Once on the way to the Metropolis Airport. The second time on the plane flying over a partially frozen Hobb’s Bay and now just as they emerged from Wichita Airport looking for his mother’s car. If she knew his secret, they could have avoided airports and flying in a long steel and aluminum tube. Soon all the subterfuge would come to an end.
“Because we have been working non-stop since September. First the investigation on the Anderson tapes and now you are head and shoulders involved in researching the Brisley corruption scandal. Let’s face it, we both need a break. Besides, I have been to see Mom and Dad in a while, purchasing second-class plane tickets on a reporter’s salary in December is difficult. Smallville’s winters in January can be brisk, but we’ll make it into an adventure.”
His girlfriend shivered in her heavy black down coat as she looked out over the snow covered Arrival section of the Wichita Airport parking lot. Many of the cars and trucks were blanketed with a foot of the white stuff. One hapless woman, wearing a green down coat was using a long plastic brush to remove the snow from her vehicle while its engine warmed up. Puffs of frosty air escaped from her lips as the last of the ice broke off the windshield. Watching the scene Lois, turned to him, pointed to the woman and said, “You’re right. We do need a break. There’s snow in Metropolis too, just not as much. If I was home I would be doing the same thing.”
Clark chuckled. Lois really was a city dweller. She was used to heavy, noisy sanitation trucks carting away the worst of any snowstorm that came down on Metropolis. “Yeah, the snow here is significant, but pretty. Oh, look! There’s mom!”
A familiar old blue truck drove up to them, parked and allowed the two young people to put their items in the back of the vehicle and then they climbed in. Clark took over driving with Lois in the passenger seat, while Martha sat in the back.
“Brr! The people of Kansas, or rather your son, consider this avalanche of white stuff a…a ‘significant snowfall’?”
Martha laughed. “Lois honey, this is nothin’! You should be here in early November.” She reached over the seat and handed her a large red plaid thermos and a brown bag. “Here, have a Smallville specialty, hot apple cider flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s also some turkey sandwiches and pears to eat during the drive.”
After one sip of the tantalizing, hot drink, Lois stopped worrying about the weather and began to relax. The remainder of the two hour drive to Smallville was filled with Martha’s cheerful conversation about life in town and their own energetic discussions around Clark’s latest investigation regarding corruption in the financial department of Metropolis’ railway system.
Eventually, the talk slackened and the group in the truck were quiet as they approached the Kent’s Farm. The western sun painted the landscape in gentle, quiet tones, where the fading sunlight laid a pale, golden glow over the perfect snow that covered the cornfields, creating a serene and hushed environment.
Soon the sky would shift from a deep azure to a subtle lavender, with whispers of pink and orange lingering on the horizon, while the snow sparkles faintly, reflecting the last remnants of day like a million minute diamonds. They were home.
Clark turned off the road and then drove over the long snow packed driveway towards the old wood and stone farmhouse. With practiced ease he parked the truck near the barn and opened up the front door only to hear the hinges of the barn door creek and Jonathan shout. “Dax! No!” A large ball of golden fur shot out of the barn, skidding over the snow ran straight into Clark’s outstretched arms, and proceeded to lick his face with a long pink tongue.
“Hey Dax! Nice to see you too!” Clark said, laughing as he eased the pooch onto the ground.
“Oh no,” Lois shook her head and groaned playfully, “I forgot Dax is now a permanent Smallville resident. Jake Nordahl must miss her. Pity his job as an airline pilot sent him to Singapore. It would have been terrible for her to sit in quarantine for weeks. Giving her to your parents was the best solution all around.”
“Aww, She’s the best!” Clark said, standing up and running around the front yard, with the yellow Labrador retriever not far behind, her rump wiggled and wangled with enthusiasm.
A deep chuckle reached the women’s ear as Jonathan Kent watched his son and the dog. “She’s good company when I’m working outside or in the barn. Honestly, it’s like watching him and Storm running around the yard! Those two were a pair!”
“Storm?” Lois asked.
“Clark’s first dog. A Collie\German shepherd mix. When you saw one, the other was not far behind. No matter where that dog was on the farm, come 3:00pm she would go runnin’ to the end of the drive and wait patiently for Clark’s school bus to arrive.”
“Storm was special. I still miss her.” Clark said wistfully as he came back to the truck and reached over to the side to get his and Lois’ bags.
“Yeah, now she’s here with us. Funny how that worked out.” Jonathan said with a chuckle.
“We are happy to have her. Now let’s get inside! It is really getting chilly! Jonathan, can you start a fire please? I have a pot of Layered Vegetable soup to heat up as well and buttermilk biscuits to make. While I’m doing that, you two unpack. Dinner will be ready in forty-five minutes.”
“Layered vegetable soup?” Lois said
“You are in for a treat. It’s better than Dad’s five alarm chili!” Clark said excitedly.
The group walked carefully over the snow and made their way to the farmhouse. A sharp icy wind was starting to blow, and he knew the others were beginning to truly feel the bitter cold, but Clark couldn’t help but smile. It was good to be home with his family, to hear familiar voices and take in the sights and sounds. Lois might have been concerned to be here in the depths of winter, but soon all of her questions and concerns would be at an end.
***
True to Martha’s word, less than an hour later they were seated around the dinner table in the toasty kitchen, filled with the aromas of garlic, onions and root vegetables. Clark dipped a hot and flaky buttermilk biscuit into the blue and white bowl of hearty vegetable soup. Lois savored every spoonful as it flavors went past her lips and over the tongue. Martha and Jonathan exchanged knowing looks; happy their boy was home with the lady he loved.
“Yum! So many flavors! Now I know why it’s called Layered Vegetable Soup.” Lois said. “Perfect for a cold day.”
On her right and downward, the sounds of a tail thumping on the floor was heard.
Martha’s eyes twinkled when she said, “The big yellow doggy agrees with you. She gets the scraps. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”
A soft woof and additional tail thumps were made as if in reply to the comment.
“How many vegetables are in this soup? How…how hard is it to make?”
“Not hard. After chopping up the carrots, parsnips and potatoes the rest is easy. One thing I like to do is add fresh grape tomatoes to the pot. Using the back of the spoon I gently smash the tomatoes until they are soft and absorbed into the onion and pepper mixture. Add the rest of your fresh vegetables, and season with more salt. Cook until heated through, then add eight cups of vegetable broth, some garlic, and a chunk of Parmesan rind. That really makes the flavors blend! Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low for about an hour.”
Lois shook her head than said, “That’s complicated! Give me a nice, juicy illegal corporate takeover to write about instead.”
“Oh honey, all you need is practice!” Martha laughed. “Vanilla pound cake and hot tea for desert?”
“Yes!” Jonathan, Clark and Lois said at once.
After desert was eaten, Jonathan and Clark told the women they would do the dishes. “Both of you relax and enjoy the fire. We can clean up the kitchen.”
“Thank you honey.” Martha said over her shoulder as she exited the kitchen. “I have knitting to get done.”
“There are some notes I want to look over from the Brisley investigation.” Lois said.
“Lois! You’re here to relax, not work!” Clark said grumpily.
“Shows what you know Clark! Going over my notes is relaxing!” With that she withdrew from the kitchen and charged upstairs to the guestroom.
When Lois came downstairs minutes later, clutching a black hard-covered spiral notebook and pen. She found Martha sitting on the overstuffed brown couch in front of the fireplace stacked with wood, crackling with bright flames. Her friend’s hands held steel circular needles, she was knitting something with a fascinating spiral pattern in gorgeous yellow and gray yarn.
Unbeknowst to Lois, hidden behind the couch was a large, quilted project bag containing a heavy woolen charcoal gray and burgundy blanket. Martha had been working on this particular knitting project since last summer, its creation made her smile with anticipation. Someday, she prayed that it would be presented to the young couple on a special day.
Making herself comfortable in the chair, Lois opened the notebook and curiously asked, “What are you making?”
“A cashmere cowl for you honey. I’m actually casting it off the needles. It should go nicely with that woolen red jacket you always like to wear when running around Metropolis investigating a story.” The older woman said and stretched out her hands so Lois could take the item. “Here touch it to your neck to experience the ‘hand’ of the yarn.”
Speechless with delight, Lois took the cowl and rubbed it lightly against her neck, the cashmere yarn was very fine, creating a luxurious texture that felt virtually like silk. “Oh Martha, this is too beautiful! I have never had anything like this before. Thank you.” Lois said.
“Your welcome dear. Jonathan, Clark and I… we consider you family. Now let me have it back so I can finish, and you can wear it tomorrow morning when we go into town.”
Lois reluctantly gave back the garment. Martha was right. Between the colors and unique spiral pattern the cowl would stand out when she paired it with any jacket or coat. She had known the Kents for less than a year, but she felt closer to them than her own parents. The cowl Martha had crafted was a quiet way of saying she would always be one of them. A thought popped into her head and her heart started to race. Was Clark planning on proposing this weekend? Before she could reply, the sound of paw steps were heard, Dax, with head held down came quietly into the room. She stopped abruptly, went first to Lois, thumped her tail against her leg and then walked over to Martha and sat down with a contented, soft woof.
Lois laughed, “That dog knows who is the head of the house!”
“Nonsense! She wants to get near the fireplace. In a few minutes her fur will be hot, and she’ll turn on the other side to toast it. What a sweet doodle.”
“Doodle?”
“One of Dax’s many nicknames. When she’s in the snow, that dog will jump into a drift and roll around like a young pup. Very much like when Clark drew doodles on a paper when he was doing his homework.” Martha said.
“That must be fun to watch.”
“Oh it is! Sometimes Jonathan tries to keep up with her. What a hoot!”
Jonathan and Clark walked into the living room, he asked, “What hoot?”
“Chasing that dog of yours… and Clark’s.”
From the floor came a low huff and then Dax rolled over so her other side could get warm.
“Dad, I’m so glad you took her in. It would have been difficult for me, especially with the job…” Clark’s voice trailed off and a look passed between himself and his parents. He was weary of hiding and talking around the subject of Superman when Lois was with him and his parents. The past few months they had shared many confidences and on more than one occasion nearly gotten killed. Lately, she grumbled about him running out on her whenever the conversation about their relationship turned serious. He wanted Lois to know everything about him before she figured it out for herself.
It was time.
“Done!” Martha said with satisfaction. “Lois, all I have to do is wet and block the cowl. It will be dry by the time you and Clark leave.”
Jonathan gave a jaw-cracking yawn and said, “Martha, its been a really long day and we have plenty to do tomorrow. Are you ready to turn it?”
At first his wife was about to protest and then she realized what Jonathan was saying. “Oh, you’re right. That long drive to the airport was something. We’ll see you kids in the morning.”
With a few words of good night, the elder Kents went upstairs.
Lois looked after them and said, “I thought Martha wanted to talk. Oh well, maybe she is tired, a four hours round trip is a lot, especially when you are driving in the snow.”
Suddenly nervous, Clark said, “Would you like a cup of Oolong tea? The water in the teapot is still hot.”
“No. I’m loving being close the fire.”
Dax got up, stretched and proceeded to walk around Clark and wagging her tail. Then with prancing steps she went over to the front door and sat down patiently.
Clark shook his head and said, “Oh no. Someone has to go out.”
“The sun is down; it must be freezing outside!”
Clark shrugged. “That doesn’t matter to her, she’s got a fur coat. Come on, it won’t take that long.”
Lois was about to protest, but she saw the look in his eyes. A look of warmth, love and the need for time alone with his favorite lady. Besides a walk in the snow was the perfect way to test her new cashmere cowl.
They were outside, but despite the cold, for some odd reason Lois felt warm, almost as if she had never let the crackling fireplace. Walking through snow felt like a quiet, muffled expedition, with each footfall creating a crisp crunch as their boots sunk slightly into the soft, powdery blanket, leaving a trail of steps behind. As she breathed in the air, it felt biting cold, yet so refreshing. The farm was covered in a white blanket. A pristine, glistening layer of snow that muffled all sounds and created a serene, fantastic environment.
Everything was still except for Dax who having done her business, decided now was the best time to explore new smells. With a leap and a bound, off she went!
“Dax!” Lois cried out.
“Oh, let her go. We can walk to my treehouse.”
Lois wanted to protest but decided against it. She still felt warm. When did they ever get quiet time like this in Metropolis to slow down and simply walk and talk? Simply relaxing in each other’s company? It was certainly unlike sitting down and chatting in either of their apartments.
They walked along, hand in hand, not speaking until they stood under the tall cottonwood tree that held Clark’s childhood hideout. Written on a weather beaten old sign were the words, Fortress of Solitude. He stopped, cleared his throat and said, “I… I want us to move forward in our relationship.”
Gazing at him with her beautiful eyes she whispered, “So do I, more than anything.”
Cupping her cheek, he said, "Yes, and to do that we need to trust one another.”
“Ah, this sounds like a really serious conversation.” Lois said
Clark’s voice became huskier and a little tight with nervousness. He squeezed Lois’ hand, drew in a deep breath and said, “Sweetheart, we’ve had serious conversations in the past. But nothing like this.”
Something in his tone made it clear this was not a marriage proposal. Her partner and best friend was about to tell her something that would have a profound impact on their relationship. The warmth she had felt during their quiet hike seemed to fade a little bit. Instantly, she pulled on the armor of protection around her heart. Preparing herself for disappointment of the worst kind.
“Your… your breaking up with me?” she asked flatly.
“What? No! That’s the last thing I want to do.”
“Then what? I trust you and I really like being here with your parents.”
Family is important to me. They are my adoptive parents. Besides them you are the one person in the world I trust the most. But now I want to grow that trust further. What I’m about to tell you does have an effect on them.”
The brightness of the moon allowed Lois to look him square in the face and waited for him to continue.
He stood up, rubbed the back of his neck and said, “This has to do with my disappearances….”
“Frequent disappearances.” Lois said. Well, we are far from your dry cleaners and the cheese of the month people don’t have this address. Besides, who would deliver cheese in the dead of winter.”
“Lo—is…”
“Sorry,” she said, than bit her lip. “I’m nervous.”
He squeezed her hand again and said, “I’m nervous enough for both of us. Lois, I love you more than you know. But before we go any further in our relationship I have to stop lying about where I’m going. My real parents, Jor-El and Lara are not of Earth, but Krypton. They sent me here as an infant to save my life before our planet was destroyed. I… I’m Superman.”
She took in a sharp breath of air and let it out, the vapors of air swirled about to immediately become frosty. For a second a spike of anger flared and just as quickly went away.
For a minute, she thought how he had kept so much of himself hidden.
It wasn’t fair. He should have trusted her from the beginning. Weren’t they more than boyfriend and girlfriend yet less than lovers?
Lois bit her lip and looked back at the farmhouse with the cozy living room with its roaring fireplace family pictures over the mantlepiece and imagines the peacefulness shattered by noisy vans carrying television reporters eager to know the scoop about Superman’s life growing up in Smallville. How the Kent’s close neighbor, Wayne Irig’s doors would be banged down with men and women wanting intimate details about the Kent family. She imagined farmers chatting at the feed store coming to a stop when Jonathan entered and his friends looked at him in suspicion. That would be so incredibly painful for a gentle man whose only crime was keeping his son safe. What about Martha? Could her friends, like Maisie and Lana Lang’s mother still treat her the same? Would Sheriff Rachel Harris arrest them?
The maelstrom of thoughts frightened her. She turned to look into the handsome face of the man she loved and said, “All this tranquility would be gone. Your parents’ lives would be upended…even Dax’s goofy existence would be at an end.”
“Yes. I wanted you to know how important all of this is.” He said as he gestured with his arm to include the farm and then brought his hand touch first his heart and then her cheek. “I also want a certain woman to know how important she is to me. Superman is an expression of my powers which allow me to help. But it would be wrong of me to hurt you and keep this secret. So now you know the truth.”
“Oh Clark, thank you for sharing this with me. It explains so much.” Her eyes shined with unshed tears.
“When I first became Superman, I wanted to give you every exclusive interview, talk after every major rescue. But my father wisely suggested not taking that path."
“Why?”
“Because once I told the truth, you would be angry with me for deceiving you.”
The air was no longer cold and heavy, but warm and easy. Her defensive armor fallen away. Two fine people had found each other and now, there was a greater depth of feeling and care.
Lois rubbed her chin and said with a trembling voice, “Jonathan Kent is a very smart man.”
With a tug of her lips she whispered, “I know an even smarter man. With those words Lois stood on her tiptoes and kissed each cheek and then her tender lips touched his. Soft. Gentle.
Sweet. Delightful. Each word caressed her mind as he opened his mouth and tasted her tongue. Sensual. Loving. Joy. Passionate, very passionate.
When they broke apart, she said, “I love you Clark Kent. Being here with you lets me know where I’m supposed to be. Thank you for trusting me, as I trust you.”
The moonlight shone on Clark’s face, and he gifted her with a brilliant smile. “I want to stand here and kiss you again, but I know we have a lot to talk about. Want to go back to the house for more tea and cake?”
A smile of her own beamed at him, “Yeah. I have a million questions! Besides, Dax looks like she wants to go in as well. Hey wait a minute! That means we don't have to fly back on a plane!"
Feeling the warmth of the handknitted cowl against her throat gave Lois an additional feeling of finally coming home. Hand in hand, with the big yellow dog bounding in the snow they walked back to the house, laughing.
***
Jonathan, I can’t see! What’s happening?” Martha asked as she tugged on his pajama sleeve.
Her husband turned away from window and said, “Their walking back. That’s it. He’s told her the truth about himself. Martha, our boy has taken his first real steps into a bigger world.”
Martha sighed with contentment “Yes. The best part is, he’s not alone. He’s got a great gal to walk beside him. Come on honey, let’s go to sleep and give them some privacy. Tomorrow, I have no doubt Lois Lane, investigative reporter and hopefully our future daughter-in-law will be asking a bunch of questions. There are some important days ahead, we will need our rest.”
“Yes ma’am!” Jonathan said with a chuckle as he slid under the covers and drew his wife close. Rest could wait… for a little while.
The End
Last edited by Morgana; 12/31/24 03:34 PM.
