I have enjoyed reading Poussin's Superman's Wife and was inspired to write a vignette after reading Part 6. I'd like to thank Poussin for kindly allowing me to use part of her story...
Rather than use all of Perry's and Lois' conversation, I chose to only use parts of it - enough, I hope for the reader to get the idea. You'll need to read Superman's Wife part 6 to get a better idea of what is going on.
Superman's Wife: Perry's vignette - A revelation
Perry appeared unhappy. “Lois. Can I see in my office, please?” Lois nodded and followed him into his office.
He hesitantly told her of the communique........ "Lois, Superman announced his wedding.”
Lois was stunned. She stared at Perry, trying to process what he'd just said.
“You heard me, honey. He’s married.”
How he hated to be the one to break the news to her! Her lack of reaction worried him deeply.
“Honey, maybe you should take the day off…?”
"A day off?! I'm Lois Lane; I don’t take the day off!”
Perry couldn’t help but smile. She was angry, but she was still the woman he knew and loved so dearly. She’d be okay. But he was still worried for her. He knew about the feelings she had for Superman. He really thought she should take the day off.
She walked out of his office to go back to her desk and resume her work as if nothing had happened. Only her tense movements and the paleness of her face betrayed that she was falling apart inside.
When Clark saw her come back to her desk, he started to walk towards her. He'd listened in on her conversation with Perry. He knew she needed her best friend right now, even if she was apparently denying that she felt a mess.
~~~~
It was at that moment that Perry yelled, "Kent! My office. NOW!"
Clark looked at Lois. He didn't want to leave her.
Perry yelled, more loudly. "I *said* NOW!"
Reluctantly, Clark went to Perry's office and sat down. Perry locked the door and pulled all the shades. Clark became anxious.
Some of the staff were thinking they were glad it was Kent in there and not them.
Clark just looked at Perry, "What's up Perry? I do something?"
Perry was sitting across from Clark with his arms steepled. He was angry but had grown very quiet. Clark was *really* nervous now. "You tell me Kent."
Clark just looked at him without comprehension.
Perry just shook his head. "Okay, so I have to spell it out, then?"
Clark still had a look of total incomprehension.
Great shades of Elvis. He'd make a *great* actor. "Okay, I'll play along. I know you are in love with Lois. And I *know* she loves you. So what gives? You went out and got *married*? Are you crazy? Do you know how much you've hurt that little lady? Well, do you?"
Comprehension was dawning, but Clark still had a dubious look. He was hoping maybe he was wrong. "Ummm. I'm not sure what you mean Chief."
"Don't call me Chief!" He stood up, leaned over his desk, and looked at Clark nearly nose to nose. Softly he said, "You know *exactly* what I mean, Superman."
Clark had stayed composed. Innocently he said, "I don't know what you are talking about."
Perry sat back down. "Clark, I didn't get to be the editor of the greatest paper in the world without knowing...things."
"What things, Chief?"
"Now, Clark. Enough is enough. I'm a *very* good newsman. I *know* almost everything about everything... and everyone. Including you. Now, what do you have to say for yourself, son?"
Clark just sat there. He wasn't going to get out of this one. He couldn't deny that Perry knew his secret. He glanced downward and then back up at Perry. "Well, Perry, I, I..." He hated to lie to Perry. Then, quickly and with finality, "I fell in love with someone. And I married her."
"*Superman* married her?" It was half question and half statement. He didn't believe Clark. "Why not Clark Kent?"
"Well, there are... things... I, I don't want to talk about it. That's... that's it."
Perry just looked at him with that look that said he'd tolerate no nonsense.
Clark just sighed. "Well, okay, if you insist..." He was looking at Perry through narrowed eyes and giving him his best stern Superman look. "It's really none of your business."
"Oh, stop that Clark. I know that 'look' is all an act."
Clark was panicking. He couldn't tell Perry the truth. He was afraid he'd tell Lois. He was afraid Perry would ruin the 'plan' and put Lois in danger. He looked and felt like an animal in a trap. He looked around as if he thought he might actually be able to escape Perry's office without anyone knowing. Perry was just staring at him. Finally, he took a deep breath. "Let it go, Chief." Perry just stared. Clark knew he had to do something or the charade would be over. He was furious now. He had to protect Lois. He said pleadingly, almost a whisper, "I can't tell you. Just trust me. Now, pleeease, let it go. You need to back off. And you need to keep quiet. Please... for everyone's sake. Let it go." Then even more softly he said, "Everything will be okay." This time *he* gave *Perry* a no nonsense look - it was menacing.
It took Perry aback. He hadn't known Clark could ever really get angry. He wasn't sure what Kent was up to, but his reporter's instincts took over; he *knew* he had to let this one go. He looked at Clark dubiously, then said softly, "This better be good, Kent. This better be good."
Clark just nodded and stood to leave. He didn't even think to ask Perry how he knew....
Perry was surprised that he hadn't asked. It was then that he knew Clark still loved Lois and would never do anything like this without an extremely compelling reason.
~~~~
Finally, Clark was able to get back to Lois. “Lois?”
“I’m okay, Clark.”
Her response was quick and abrupt. The message was clear. She didn’t want to talk about it.....
See Superman's Wife for the rest of the story.
