Here's chapter 20. You'll have to wait another chapter to see the consequences of Clark's interaction with Mayson.
I like feedback - any kind of feedback.
<Around words denote telepathic thought.>
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From Chapter 19...
"Mom, dad. Come in." She hugged both of them. I didn't expect you, dad. I'm glad you are here. I think we need to talk about something."
"Your mom told me last night." Her eyes got a little wide. He hugged her. Even Bruce Wayne hugged his children. His parents had hugged him, after all. "It's okay. I'm sure Clark will be very helpful. It certainly puts a new spin on your relationship with Jon."
"Yes, it does. I can hardly believe you know about Clark. Well, gosh, I can hardly believe *I* know about Clark."
Marilyn nudged Bruce. He looked at his wife and started to shake his head no. She crossed her arms. "If you don't, then I will!"
He just put his hands up in front of him. "I don't think this is a good idea. I'd rather be at the manor, but okay."
Hannah was sometimes amazed at the things her mom could talk her dad into. She wondered what this was all about.
He sighed. "Is there someplace where we can talk privately?"
She nodded her head. "Come with me. Is this going to involve Jon?"
"No! Let me just talk to you first. I imagine he will have to be told eventually," he paused as a look of unknowing came across his face, "if he doesn't already know. No," he thought aloud, "Clark would have told me." She walked into Clark's office and they all sat down.
"Marilyn, I don't know how you convinced me to do this, but... Well, if it can work for Clark. Okay, Hannah. I'm Batman."
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A New Hero Part 20 Marilyn just patted his leg. She knew exactly what had convinced him. Some people said the way to man's heart was through his stomach. Maybe so, but she thought the way to a man's brain was through... his other brain. He might have thought she wanted to share his bed last night to keep an eye on his wound, but she knew better. She even let him think it was all his idea. And he had thoroughly enjoyed himself, even if it was unlikely he'd admit it.
Hannah said, "Hmmph... That explains a lot. You know, at one time I thought you were Superman."
"I thought you would be more surprised about this."
"Well, let's see. Last night I tried to set the den on fire - at Jon's insistence that I use my heat vision which I have very little control over. When I told Jon about myself, his reaction was much too calm. *Then* he lit a candle for me. Then he told me about Clark. Then I talked to Clark. And... Well, I guess my mind is on overload. How long have you known about me?"
"I've known something was different for several years. I thought you were a meta-human. I didn't know the entire truth until last night. I still can't believe you are taking this so calmly."
She just shrugged. "I'm surprised you haven't made me a Robin."
"Your mother would kill me. She's always been so protective of you."
"And Al or Tom?"
"Tom has expressed interest."
Marilyn roared, "*What*!? You mean he knows? He's only fourteen!"
"He kind of found the Batcave. You know how inquisitive he is. Sorry I didn't tell you last night ....honey. I just thought you'd be in a little too much shock." Bruce Wayne definitely thought he knew when to use a little 'honey'.
Marilyn thought, 'Honey?' He must think he's really in for it. "And he wants to do this?"
"Yes. I told him *he* had to ask you. He hasn't gotten up the nerve. Oh, and Dick Grayson was about his age when he became Robin."
Marilyn said, "Well, *honey*, I doubt I could stop him if I wanted to. He's a Wayne after all. That doesn't mean I have to *like* it."
Hannah sighed, "What an interesting world I find myself in. Are you hungry? Where are you staying? I think there is probably room if you want to stay here. Yeah, why don't you stay here? I'd like that. I think there is a convention in town anyway."
"Well, Hannah, I don't think that's your place to make an invitation for us to stay here. Anyway, it's..."
"Please? I'll go ask Jon."
"How about Clark?"
"I think he is taking a nap. Besides I know he won't care."
"I don't... want to impose. You know even if there is a convention that I can *always* get a room."
"Yes, I know daddy, but pleeease... "
Marilyn said, "Daddy's girl got you twisted around her little finger, eh, Bruce?"
He just shook his head lightly. "Only for you, Hannah. Only for you. But I'd like to hear it from Clark."
She nodded. "I think most everyone is in the family room snacking if you want something to eat. It's that way. I'll go see if Clark is awake."
Bruce looked at Marilyn. "You know that daughter of ours is really something. What is it about daughters and their fathers anyway? I can't believe...." They walked together towards the family room. He couldn't help but think how strange it was that one of the richest men in the world was probably going to spend the night at a friend's home. He felt like he should be staying in a swank penthouse hotel room, but this seemed... nice.
They walked in the family room. Jon saw them. "Hey. There's lots of food. We are having a little graduation party here tonight so we have plenty and then everyone is bringing stuff, too. We've got extra for family and friends. Come on in. I'll introduce you around - I don't think you know everyone.
Marilyn watched the interaction between this family and felt not a little envy. She was glad that her daughter had had this influence over the years. She was glad that her daughter had Jon for a friend. She was thrilled when they had finally started dating. It seemed like they were never going to get around to that especially since to everyone else it felt so right. She walked over to the food. My, but there was a lot of it. She thought that these people must eat a lot. Hannah tended to eat a lot, too. She wondered if that could have something to do with their Kryptonian heritage.
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Hannah walked upstairs and lightly knocked on Clark's door.
"Come in."
"I didn't awaken you did I?"
"No, Caitlyn wanted me to take a nap, but I couldn't sleep. She's informed that I have to rest, though, regardless of whether I sleep or not."
"Where is she? I thought she would be here with you."
"I think she may be taking a nap. She hasn't had a day off in a while so she's pretty tired." He smiled as he thought of Caitlyn.
"You love her don't you?"
Clark didn't answer for several seconds then answered with hesitation. "Yes, I do. I..."
"You know Lois wouldn't want you to be alone, don't you?"
"I know." He paused. He didn't want to continue this line of conversation. "Did you need something, Hannah?"
She smiled. "Yeah, dad came with mom for the graduation. I talked him into staying here, but he won't agree unless he talks to you."
"Oh, sure that's fine. He wouldn't take Jon's word for it, either?"
"I didn't ask. Dad just said he wanted to hear it from you. Do you want me to have him come upstairs?"
"No, I'll come downstairs." He started to get out of bed. "Hmm.. On second thought, have him come upstairs. I want to be well rested for tonight's graduation."
Hannah walked over to him. It was obvious Clark was in pain. "Clark, are you okay? Do I need to go get Caitlyn?"
He shook his head no. "No, I'm just tired. I've not rested today like I should - like Caitlyn has insisted I rest."
She smiled and walked towards the door. Suddenly, she turned back and pulled up a chair beside Clark. "I.."
She paused a bit too long. Clark looked at her expectantly. "Clark, why is Jon so reluctant to... I mean... most guys... why.... How would you feel if I asked Jon to marry me."
"What?" He laughed. "I'm sorry, Hannah, I know you are serious, but that is the absolute last thing I thought you were going to say. Do you really want to get married? Goodness, Hannah, you are only 18. Jon is only 17. You might be ready, but I'm not so sure Jon is."
"Well, I know we are young, but I... want him with me all the time. And I... And he... Well, I mean, I guess we could live together, but I.. don't think that's really my style. I mean why couldn't we get married? Zared and Jenni are going to get married. And I don't know why we..."
Clark had a very perplexed look as he interrupted her. "Well, Hannah, like I said, I'm not sure Jon is ready. I really don't know how to answer you. I.. don't know. Why don't you talk to Jon? Maybe your mom would have some insight. I don't know." He looked at her with his mouth open wondering what in the world was going on with Hannah. Then he drew back and said, "Hannah! You aren't pregnant, too, are you?"
"No! No, no, no, no. That's not possible."
"What's this about, Hannah?"
"I don't know. I didn't think. I just spoke." She stood up quickly. "I'll go get dad."
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Bruce walked in Clark's bedroom. He sat down. "Clark, you look like..."
Clark interrupted, "I know, I know. You should have seen me last week." He rubbed his forehead. "Bruce, I hope you didn't think I was interfering."
"No, Clark. It's okay. I have to admit that you were right. You are going to help Hannah with things, right?"
Clark nodded, "Yeah. When I feel like it. Zared, Jon and the twins can help her for now. So, you and Marilyn are staying the night. Good! I guess you know about the spread downstairs. Make sure you mingle. Eat. Have fun."
Of course he wasn't sure Bruce was really capable of having fun, but one never knew. He rubbed his head again.
"Headache, Clark?"
Clark nodded. "Bruce, keep your eyes on Marilyn tonight. The Metropolis Mutilator has escaped and her hair is just his type. You might want to have her put it up. No reason to take any chances."
"Are you sure it's safe to have a party here tonight?"
"Well, it's been planned for a very long time, and it's for the entire graduating class. I'm not going to ruin everyone's plans, but thank goodness it's a small school. I already have security guards that will be here, but I will have them be extra vigilant. Of course the kids will probably think I've gone way over board." He shook his head a little, "Come to think of it, I don't know how Jon and Zared talked me into this. Oh, well, it's done. Most of the property is surrounded by fences and I'll make sure all the security cameras are on. I will make sure everyone knows that only two or three doors will be open and I'll keep more of the house locked up than I had intended."
"Well, Clark, you understand how kids are and you seem to have this pretty well planned out."
"Well, yeah, but you and I both know about increased security measures, don't we? The party is mostly for the senior class, their guests, and chaperones. It's a small school and the graduating class has about 75 people in it, but that will still be a lot of people. Of course many of the chaperones will be parents. Since Chloe and Claire will not be at the party I will have them keep an eye on everything from up there." He pointed upward.
"They can fly already?"
Clark nodded. "Yes. It's been a little different for everybody, but it usually starts around puberty. I imagine Hannah can fly, too."
"I hadn't thought about that. I'll help this evening, if you like."
"Do you want to scare everyone to death?"
"That's not what I mean. I'll help chaperone and keep an eye out for things."
"Thanks. I appreciate that. For the most part, I'm not going to around much. I imagine I will be pretty tired after going to graduation. Any ideas on how security could be increased even more?"
"It sounds like you've got a good plan, but what about identification? Are they going to have to provide that?"
"Yeah, I worked with some other parents on this, and we thought of that. Everyone that comes will have to present an invitation along with their ID. Guests of the seniors will have to be escorted in by the seniors. I don't think we are likely to have party crashers. All the parents have been told they are welcome to come by at any time, but if they do, they have to present ID's and they have to be on the list of parents. Otherwise they don't get in."
"I imagine the parents are pleased that you are doing this."
"Well, yes, I've had some grateful comments. I want this to be a safe party. I hope it's safe. We've got all sorts of activities available so no one should be bored. I think a lot of them are interested in the swimming pool. The game room will be open. And there will be dancing if they want. There is a group that is playing. Jon is going to sing with them some."
"Jon has a group?"
"No, he sings with them occasionally and they would like him to be part of the group on a more permanent basis, but he is more into the piano. You know how well he plays."
"Yes, he is a very talented young man. How many instruments does he play?"
"You know, I don't think I have any idea. Let's see, he sings, plays the piano, organ, guitar, clarinet, dulcimer.... there are other many others. I think he can play about anything he decides he wants to play."
"Did he get that talent from Lois?"
"Yes, I think for the most part, but he has actually talked me into singing a few times and is teaching me to play the piano. He says I'm not bad. He says I've got musical talent that I just never knew about. I guess we all have hidden talents. Did you know I'm quite an artist, Bruce?"
"An artist? Clark Kent is an artist?" He smiled like he was sure Clark was teasing him.
Clark said, "No, really. He grabbed a pencil and piece of paper and quickly drew a picture of Bruce - a very good picture of Bruce." He handed it to him. "See, I told you! And I'm fast, too."
"Wow. Clark Kent has missed his calling. Hmmm.... I'm sure if being a journalist and a novelist ever falls through you can become an artist. Wow, Clark, this really is good. I do know a thing or two about art. Have you ever considering doing more with this?"
"Maybe when the kids are a little older." He just shrugged.
"Hey, can I keep this?"
Clark looked totally surprised. "Sure, why not?"
"Well, you need to sign it." He handed the pencil drawing back to Clark.
Clark quickly signed it and handed it back to Bruce.
"If I see any changes that need to be made tonight, I'll suggest it, okay?"
Clark nodded. "Thanks, Bruce. I've got a nasty headache, and I need to take a nap. I'll have Jon show you your room, okay?"
Bruce nodded, got up and walked out.
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Clark thought, <Jon.>
<Yeah.>
<We'll need to move some people around since Bruce and Marilyn are staying.>
<Yep, we've already done it. Gramma and Grandpa are going to stay in my room. Jenni is staying in Zared's room and I'm staying with Zared in Jenni's room. He is concerned about those French doors. I think he has now decided he doesn't want that room to be their room. I think he wants the other guest room instead. I guess it's a good thing there hasn't been any construction, yet. Anyway, Chloe and Claire have already cleaned up the blue guest room and it's all ready. Sound good?>
<Yeah. Thanks. I'm glad you've put Jenni on the second floor. And I'm glad I've got such good kids. Hey, Bruce is going to help chaperone. If he makes any suggestions, listen, okay?>
<Yeah, dad.>
<Jon. What's up with Hannah? She wants to get married.>
<Huh?>
<Oh. I guess I shouldn't have said anything, but she did ask my opinion. You will have to ask her. I've got an absolutely awful headache and I've got to take a nap.> The headache made him think once again that he should have known better than to do what he did to Mayson. He should have tried to come up with a better way.
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That afternoon, Anamarie quietly snuck her sister into her efficiency type apartment / bedroom in her employer's home. She hadn't seen her sister, Margeaux, in ten years, so she wasn't sure how her sister and her mother had convinced her that Clark Kent's home would be a safe place for her to hide.
Now Anamarie was very worried. She felt like this was a mistake. After all, Jenni was one of the Mutilator's victims and she lived in this house.
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It had been about 2:00 pm when Clark had fallen asleep. At 5:00 pm, Caitlyn awakened him. "Clark, honey. It's five o'clock. You need to get ready to go to graduation."
"What time did you say it was?"
"Five. And graduation is at six."
"Hmm..." He sat up. He rubbed his head. "Oh, my head hurts."
She narrowed her eyes. "Would that have something to do with that stunt you pulled earlier today? Oh, never mind, I'm sure it did. Come on, get ready. But we'll talk about that later. You can bet on it. Yeah, I've been thinking about that. We are definitely going to talk."
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Definitely more to come.
