This part could be called "Consequences" (lots of 'em -
)
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Previously...
"Oh, yes, thank you." She happily left and all she remembered was that she had spoken to Superman. Unfortunately since their conversation about 'them' had been so intertwined with the other conversation, he had had to make her forget that, too. At least now it was doubtful she would be bringing him any case files to look at. She now thought that his observations about the cases were strictly Superman's observations. And maybe it was just as well to let Mayson Drake-Smith think she had slept with Clark Kent. He hated to see people in mental pain. Let her keep the idea that they might possibly have been something more. He knew the truth and that would be enough.
~~~~~
"Hmm..." He sat up. He rubbed his head. "Oh, my head hurts."
Caitlyn 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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A New Hero Part 21
Jon stood in line in his cap and gown waiting until the graduates would walk in and sit down. They would not do that until right before the ceremony was ready to start.
He smiled as he reflected over the afternoon. He had talked to Gramma Kent about an outfit of his own. She had been surprised at his request.
She said, "Jon, are you sure about this. You are only seventeen. What does your dad think about this?"
Jon said, "Well, Gramma, I just told him I was going to do it. He didn't have much to say. Of course, I was yelling at him at the time."
"You. You were yelling at your dad?"
"I was mad at him for not taking better care of himself. So, will you help me come up with something?"
She nodded. "You know I will, Jon, honey. Zared's outfit was easy because of how he was dressed when he rescued Jenni, but it turned out quite nice, if I do say so myself. Do you have any ideas about your own outfit?"
"No, except I'm not sure I want something really flashy."
"Oh, but honey, that's the point! You want them looking at the outfit and... hmmm, other assets."
"Gramma!" Gramma sure had a way of making her grandchildren blush. He had thought Zared was teasing him when he told him Gramma showed him a nude painting of herself. He didn't believe it until he had asked his dad.
"Well, how about the outfit the New Kryptonians put your dad in?"
"No! That's too... much... It doesn't cover.... No."
"Well, how about the leopard suit. I'm sure it's still around the farmhouse somewhere."
"I am not going to dress like a big cat."
"Well, we could add some bright blue briefs to the New Kryptonian suit. That would be a bit more of a cover-up."
"Maybe. But I'd like a little red. And a cape. I want a cape
"Oh, good. I do love the way a cape looks in the wind. I had to talk Zared into one. Red?"
"I don't know. How about the same blue as the briefs?"
"Maybe."
"How about I come up with some sketches and we will go from there. Okay?"
"Yes, Gramma, you are the best! And, Gramma, you might want to think about a female outfit."
"I don't *think* so!! I am positive that your father will not allow Chloe and Claire to do this yet."
"I wasn't talking about the twins. Oh... maybe, I shouldn't.. Oh, why not, dad, Zared, and Jenni already know. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you know, too. It turns out that Hannah is Kryptonian-Human."
"And her father is?"
"Oh, no, Gramma, it's not dad. It was one of the New Kryptonians. She thinks it may have been Ran, but her mom isn't sure."
"Oh. And I certainly didn't think it was your father. I always thought there was something a little different about Hannah. But then I think that's maybe because I've always known you two would end up together. She loves you, you know."
"Yes, I know." That made him think about what Hannah had said to his dad earlier today, but he was broken from his reverie and brought back to the present when Zared spoke to him. "Hey, brother. You seem to be in another world."
"Yeah. I was thinking about this afternoon." <Gramma is going to make me a suit so I can help you.>
<Uh-huh! And what's dad think about this? He's not too happy I'm in the hero business this soon. I can't imagine he's going to be pleased about this.>
<Oh, he knows. I just told him that's how it was going to be. He didn't say much about it since I was yelling at the time.>
"Yelling. I heard rumors that you yelled at dad. I just didn't think they were true. That's not like you."
"Yeah, well, there's been a lot going on lately."
"I have the feeling that you aren't entirely talking about dad or Jenni."
Jon just shook his head a little. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Woman trouble?" The look on Jon's face told Zared he was at least partly right. "They are an enigma, aren't they? We'll talk later, okay? It's almost time for us to go in, and I need to go get Jenni."
"Where is she?"
"She's lying down in the principal's office."
There was still no sign of his dad, but he knew that he was coming at the last moment. Claire and Chloe were saving seats for him and Caitlyn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anamarie drove Caitlyn and Clark to the high school for the graduation ceremony. That was fortunate because Caitlyn wouldn't have to worry about parking the car.
As they were walking in, Caitlyn said, "Clark, did you call Chloe and Claire? You seem a little wobbly. You feel really rotten, don't you?"
Just as she finished speaking, Claire walked up to her dad. She went to his other side and together she and Caitlyn walked with Clark into the auditorium. She said, "We have seats close to the door. We knew you wouldn't feel up to walking far."
"Thanks sweetie." Clark turned to Caitlyn. "Yes, honey, I do feel rotten. I guess I might as well admit it. It's pretty obvious, so there isn't any use trying to hide it." Clark didn't fail to catch the quick frown the Claire cast his way when he called Caitlyn honey. He gave Claire a squeeze and kissed the top of her head. "I love you, Claire." She looked up at him and smiled.
They sat down and Clark tried to get comfortable. At least they were in the auditorium where there were decent seats. He wasn't sure he would have been able to even go if he had had to sit on gymnasium bleachers. Since the class was small, they would all be on the stage, so the entire auditorium was open to those attending the graduation.
Chloe handed her dad a pillow. "We thought you might need this."
Clark smiled at her. "You are probably right."
Jimmy was there and walked over to Clark. He hadn't seen him since he had first arrived at S.T.A.R. Labs from the hospital. "Clark, are you sure you should be here?"
"My sons are graduating from high school. Of course I should be here."
Jimmy said, "It has come to my attention that you shouldn't be doing any work right now - even from home. So forget it! Got it!?"
"Jon?"
"Jon, Zared, Chloe, and Claire." He nodded at Caitlyn, "Dr. Kira, nice to see you again. I'm glad you are here." He raised his eyebrows as if to say that he was glad she was taking care of Clark. "Well, since I'm speaking, I guess I better go sit on the stage."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After all the graduates were seated on the stage, the principal started the by speaking.
The next speaker was the salutatorian of the class - Jonathan Samuel Clark Kent. He had barely missed being valedictorian, but Clark could not have been prouder of his son. Jon gave a magnificent, moving speech.
Of course, he knew Zared could probably have done nearly as well, if not better, but he didn't like to study. He still managed to be an honor student, and Clark was proud of him, too. Jenni was eighth in their class, so all-in-all his favorite graduates were a fairly bright bunch.
After the valedictorian spoke, the graduates were presented. When the name Jenni Danielle Green was called, she got a standing ovation. No one thought she would be able to come to graduation. She was able to walk across the stage by herself, but Zared was standing near by in case she would need help. Clark couldn't help but smile. When Jenni sat back down, Zared sat back down, also. It wasn't long, though, before he took his turn walking across the stage as his his name - Zared Hiram Kent - was called.
After all the graduates were presented, there was a surprise. Every year there was one recipient of the Superman Foundation scholarship. This year, it had gone to one of these graduates. Usually the graduate knew, but this year was different.
Clark had little say in who won the scholarship, as there was a special committee selected by the board of directors that selected the winner, but he couldn't have been more pleased about the winner this year than if he had made the selection himself.
Ms. Carmen Standers, the public relations director of the Superman Foundation, stood up and walked to the podium. She said, "My name is Carmen Standers, and I am the public relations director of the Superman Foundation. We are very pleased to announce that the winner of this year's scholarship is from your high school. As most of you know, Superman usually presents the award himself, but he was unable to do so this year. He has asked me to read a brief statement: This year, the Superman Foundation scholarship is presented to Jenni Danielle Green. Ms. Green - Jenni, I understand that you have wanted to meet me for several years. I'm sorry I couldn't be there in person. Since the circumstances of your injuries and mine are intertwined, however, I'm sure we will meet eventually. Ms. Green, I'm so pleased that you have won this scholarship, and I must say that I couldn't be happier about this if you were my own daughter. Ms. Standers then motioned to Jenni. "Ms. Green."
Jenni walked to the podium to accept the award. She had her hands to her face and was desperately trying not to laugh. Fortunately, the crowd thought she was trying not to cry. "Thank.. you, Ms. Standers.... mmm.... Tell.. Superman, I said thank you." She quickly turned around to return to her seat. She passed by Zared and whispered, "Did you know about this?" He didn't and just shook his head no.
Ms. Standers spoke again. "I hope we didn't catch you too much off guard, Ms. Green. Your father wanted this to be a surprise."
Of course Ms. Standers didn't know that Clark was every bit as much in on the 'surprise'.
Then the principal announced the graduation speaker. "Our graduation speaker is the editor-in-chief of The Daily Planet, Mr. James Olsen."
During the ceremonies, Clark had become increasingly pale. He thought that Jimmy's speech appeared that it was going to be good, but right after it started, Clark leaned over to Chloe and said, "Get me out of here. My head is killing me and I think I'm going to pass out."
Chloe and Claire managed to get their father out of the auditorium just before he lapsed into unconsciousness.
~~~~~~~~~~~
There were a couple of people in the lobby and they wanted to call an ambulance. Since there were people in the lobby, the twins were unable to sneak their father from the building. Fortunately Caitlyn was able to convince those in the lobby that she was his doctor and that no ambulance needed to be called.
Claire quickly thought to Zared, <I need your car keys, now!>
Since Zared was using normal vision and had no reason to use any of his enhanced abilities, he hadn't seen the audience from the stage, and so he had not realized what had happened to his dad. He knew from Claire's urgency that something was wrong. He was also relatively sure that it had something to do with his dad. He quickly slipped out of the auditorium and into the lobby.
Zared had been sitting behind Jon, so Jon didn't actually see him leave, but he knew Zared had gotten up. He tried to pretend he didn't notice that Zared had left. <Claire?>
By the time Zared got to the auditorium lobby, Clark was coming around. "Oh, my. Zared, you go back. I'll be fine. Go!"
Caitlyn looked up at Chloe and Claire. "I'm not sure I even know what Zared's car looks like."
Chloe grabbed the keys. "I'll get it. You need to stay with dad."
"You don't have a driver's license!"
"No, I don't, Caitlyn, but I can get the car to the door. I drive on the farm all the time. I'll be right back."
Chloe pulled up in front of the door and Claire and Caitlyn walked Clark to the car and helped him sit down.
Caitlyn got in the driver's seat. "I want to take him to the lab, but after I get to a private area, it might be better if you two fly him in."
"I'm fine. I've just got a headache! I want to go home."
All three of them said, "Shut up!"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Zared quietly walked back in and leaned over to Jenni, "You'll have to get a ride home with your dad. Or with Bruce or Jimmy."
Then he touched Jon on the shoulder. He whispered, "We have to leave."
Jon and Zared both walked quietly off the stage.
They were to the car before Caitlyn had even shut the driver's side door. They also got in the car.
Zared said, "There's a grove of trees over there."
After they pulled into the wooded area, Jon took his dad to S.T.A.R. Labs. He flew fast enough that it was unlikely anyone would have seen him. Since Zared had an outfit already, he took Caitlyn because he would have to fly more slowly and wouldn't have to worry about being recognized.
The twins, of course, didn't like the idea that they should stay behind, so they followed, even though they knew their dad wouldn't like them flying during daylight.
By the time Jon walked in the 'secret' entrance at S.T.A.R. Labs, his dad had again lapsed into unconsciousness. Bernie wasn't there, so all he could do was wait for Caitlyn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jon thought it seemed like Zared would never get there. Before Zared arrived, Clark awoke again and said, "Put me down." Of course Jon didn't listen to him. "Well, don't just stand here, then. Let me lie down."
He helped his dad into an exam room and helped him onto the bed. "We should get you undressed. I don't guess you've got a suit with you, do you?"
Clark answered, "No. There's a couple of spares here, but forget about that. Just give me a gown. Might as well make Caitlyn happy. I'm really surprised there is no one in this part of the lab right now. Bernie and Carolyn are in Bermuda, but there is still usually someone here." After Jon helped him into a gown he lay back and groaned.
Caitlyn and Zared with the twins close behind came running in. Caitlyn quickly took his vital signs. "They are good. She looked at Zared and Jon. You two check him for bleeding. I'll be right back."
When she walked back in, she said, "I'm going to do a brain scan on him. Did you see any bleeding, anywhere?"
Jon said, "No, but I didn't check his head. Did you, Zared?"
"No, I didn't. Unless there was a lot of bleeding, I'm not sure I'd even see it. I'm not very good at all this."
"Well, just tell me if you see anything major." They both shook their heads no.
Clark said, "Zared, Jon, the other graduates are going to be arriving right away. This is your party. You need to be there. Now, go. Don't protest! Chloe and Claire will be here. I'm sure I'll be home before long anyway."
"Maybe, Clark. The brain scan will take a while. Jon, Zared, his vital signs are fine. I think he just... hmmm pushed himself a bit too far this morning. We'll call if we need you."
Reluctantly, they both left, as this party had been planned a long time and they knew their dad was in good hands.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About ten minutes later, Zared along with Danny walked back in the lab. Zared looked around and said, "Where's dad?"
Chloe answered and said, "Brain scan."
"Oh. Here's my keys. I brought the car over. I brought Danny, too. He thought he might be of some help. If you all need anything, let me know."
Danny walked to where Caitlyn was and said, "How's he doing, Caitlyn?"
"He's doing okay, mostly. His head still hurts. Hey, that was sweet what you two did with Jenni. It would have been great if Clark could have presented the award, but I guess since Jenni's going to be part of the family, it'll make up for it."
Danny smiled, "What about you, Caitlyn? Are you going to be part of the family?"
Caitlyn blushed profusely. "Oh, Danny, I don't know. Clark is still having a hard time even defining our relationship as a relationship. Lois Lane must have been one heck of a woman to make him feel like he can't ever be with another woman. Oh, I shouldn't be talking about this. Just forget it, okay?"
Danny decided not to pursue it. "I'm surprised you can operate the scanner. You didn't want to wait for one of the techs?"
"Well, actually, I am a tech. That helped put me through medical school. I've kept up the certification. You never know when it might come in handy."
"Well, it's coming in handy, now. Do you think the headache is what caused him to pass out?"
She was relatively sure the headache and what had caused it was the major reason he had passed out, but she didn't want to tell Danny that. "I'm not sure, but maybe. Was there a big fuss at school?"
"No, not really. If he had passed out in the auditorium, it probably would have caused a fuss, but fortunately that didn't happen. People were wondering why Jon and Zared left, but no one said much."
"Thanks for coming over. It's really strange for there not to be anyone in this section of the lab."
"Dr. Klein said he wanted everyone to take today and the weekend off because everyone has been working so hard. I'm on call. And there is a couple of others on call, too. I guess Dr. Klein is, too. Do I need to call him?"
"No, I don't think so. Clark said he was in Bermuda."
"Oh. Hey, as long as I'm here, I'm going to check on some stuff. Holler if you need me."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the scan was done, Caitlyn walked to the scanner where Clark lay. "I'm done. It's okay, but the scan definitely shows a migraine. I've got to tell you, I was really worried. I've been reading over some of the work you did with Bernie. Your blood pressure always went sky high, and sometimes - more often than not - what you intended to make Bernie 'forget' or some such didn't quite work the way you intended. I was really worried that you may have had a stroke. Don't you even think about doing such a thing again, do you hear me? Have you or Bernie thought to look for information from your spaceship or among the database the New Kryptonians left you? You know, there might be something there telling you not to be an idiot!" She helped him sit up. "I'll have Danny help you get dressed and I'll go get the car, okay?"
"No! I don't want you walking outside by yourself. Why is Danny here?"
"Zared brought him. Hmm... I guess you are right. I don't want to go out by myself, and even with one of the girls we could still be more of a target." She called, "Danny."
When he walked in she said, "Can you go get the car?"
Clark said, "Danny, take one of the girls with you. There's no reason the Mutilator wouldn't attack a man, too." Danny just rolled his eyes. Clark said, "Danny, those girls have more strength in their pinky than you do in your entire body."
Danny sighed, "Okay, Clark. You're right."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Claire and Danny walked out to get the car. Even though Bernie's lab, as the family called it, was quiet, the rest of S.T.A.R. Labs was busy. Security guards were in the parking lot, but Claire was uneasy.
Danny said, "Chloe, what's wrong."
"I don't know. I just feel uneasy. And I'm Claire."
"Oh, sorry."
"Don't worry about it. Happens all the time."
~~~~~~~~~~~
By the time they arrived back home, the party was in full swing. Clark saw Bruce soon after they walked in. "Bruce, is everything going okay? Have you seen any problems?"
"Everything seems to be fine. You go to bed. Quit worrying."
Clark couldn't help but worry some. It was just part of his nature.
Caitlyn walked with Clark to his bedroom. When he started to sit on the love-seat, she said, "You lie down."
"Caitlyn, I'm tired of lying down. Just let me sit a while, okay?"
She sighed heavily. "Okay, but you stay here. You don't need to be anywhere else."
"Okay. I promise. I swear you all are going to turn me into an invalid, yet."
Caitlyn pretended to ignore his whines. "I'm going downstairs to get something to eat, then I'll be back to keep an eye on you. I'll bring back some mild stuff, too, in case you are hungry."
When Caitlyn walked out, Meowoof jumped up beside Clark. She meowed and purred against him, insisting on being loved. One couldn't help but smile when Meowoof was around. She had a lovely personality.
As Clark petted her, he said, "Have you been hiding in my room? Surely you aren't afraid of all these people, are you? Of course, I guess it is safer if you aren't on the loose right now. I don't know who it's safer for though - you or anybody that might cross you." She put her head up under Clark's hand insisting that he scratch her head. "Well, yes, pretty girl. I like you, too."
By the time Caitlyn got back, Meowoof was contendedly asleep on Clark's lap. Clark was watching 'Metropolis Now' on television. Caitlyn sat down beside him.
Mayson Drake-Smith was being interviewed and was speaking about the Mutilator case. She was saying that she obviously couldn't say much about it, but that she wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of the situation so they could be more vigilant. She mentioned that she spoke to Superman earlier that day.
The host asked, "So, how is Superman doing. No one has seen him."
"Well, he's pretty pale and thin, but considering what happened to him and considering that he almost died, I'd say he's doing fairly well."
'Metropolis Now' was actually more of a gossip show, but when Clark was flipping through the stations and saw Mayson on, he decided to watch.
Rose Marcus leaned towards Mayson rather conspiratorially. "Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that. Mayson, I can call you that can't I?" Mayson nodded. "Well, Mayson, I hear you and your husband have been having marital trouble and that you are getting divorced. Is that true?"
"Well, I... Well, okay, yes. But, I must say, I don't feel any great sense of loss. I'm already in another relationship."
"Really?! I knew there were rumors that you're husband was cheating on you, but I didn't know you were having an affair, too."
"Well, I wouldn't call it an affair. I'm not sleeping him yet."
"Well, Mayson, do tell us who the lucky fellow is."
"Oh, no, I couldn't."
"How about a little hint? Is he married? What does he do?"
"No, he's not married. He's... a jour... Oh, my I can't say that."
"Jour.. like journalist. Why Mayson, you wouldn't be dating one of the most eligible bachelors in town would you? I mean, didn't you use to have the hots for Clark Kent. Is that who you are dating?"
Total shock and confirmation settled on Mayson's face. "Rose, I can't tell you that." With that the show faded to a commercial.
Clark looked at Caitlyn with wide eyes, "I can't believe... Oh, my god!" Caitlyn was giving him a wry look. "Don't say it. Don't say it! I think I get it! Oh, crap!"
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