The Gift, the finale of To Clark, (and Lois), With Love
4 months later
“Superman!” Dr. Klein exclaimed in surprise as the man of steel floated through the scientist’s open office window.
“I apologize for startling you.” Superman began, looking a little concerned as Dr. Klein slowly regained his composure.
“You know, you are always welcome here, Superman. However, and I mean no disrespect, but perhaps next time you could knock on the window before flying in? I am getting older, you know! Dr. Klein added with a smile.
“I promise.” Superman replied as he starred uncomfortably at the older man, as if unsure of how to proceed.
“What can I do for you? And please have a seat.” Dr. Klein said, gesturing to a chair opposite the one he had just taken.
“Thank you. And please bear with me, for what I need to ask you will not be easy for me. I even practiced while pacing through the clouds!” Superman admitted, sounding much more like a regular man than a super one.
“Take your time.” Dr. Klein managed to finally get out a few moments later.
“I have a favor to ask of you. One that I honestly never imagined myself needing to ask.” Superman began tentatively.
“I will be glad to help in anyway that I can. I hope you already knew that.” Dr. Klein replied, leaning toward the superhero.
“I do indeed and thank you. I also want you to know that if you did not have my implicit trust as well as gratitude for all that you have done for me in the past, I would not be sitting here right now. You have been a good friend to me, Dr. Klein and I admit to needing you now.” Superman replied.
“Thank you, Superman and you have my word of that this conversation will remain confidential.” The good doctor replied with assurance.
Superman took a brief stroll over to the window and a couple deep breaths before returning to his chair and beginning. “What I need to share with you does require the highest form of secrecy. No one must ever even suspect we had this conversation let alone see us having it. That is the reason for my hesitancy so far. Anyway, I know you are a busy man and I don’t want to take up more of your time than necessary. I appreciate your attention so far. The thing is would you be able to take a short flight with me in the next couple days? We would be going someplace remote to eliminate the possibility of eavesdroppers.”
“I am nearly through for the day here. I could finish up and be with you in about hour. Say around 5? Would that be okay or would another time work better?” Dr. Klein stated after having checked his calendar.
It certainly took a will of steel to prevent Clark from bolting there and then. However, he knew what he had to do and was lucky, so very lucky to have Dr. Bernie Klein to turn to. So like the superhero the world knew him as, Superman held out his hand and said: “5 would be great and thank you again.”
“No problem and thank you for your trust. I promise to never let you down.” Dr. Klein replied shaking Superman’s hand.
“He’ll be ready at 5.” Clark reported to Lois, as he landed inside the couple’s bedroom window.
“Thank you, Clark for asking him. I know it wasn’t easy.” Lois replied, giving her husband a kiss.
“I would do anything for you and * our child * Clark replied with a heartfelt grin. “I still can’t believe we are going to be parents!”
“You got that right, Mister. Parents with a capital P no less, as I am having triplets.” Lois reminded her husband forcefully. Then, with a seductive glint in her eye she added in a whisper, “Those sperm of yours certainly are * super * all right.”
“L-O-I-S!” Clark hissed turning nearly the color of his cape.
Lois hugged her husband fiercely in return as she uttered some calming words
Clark, quickly recovered and had * threatened * to prove to his wife just how * super * he really was when he realized 5:00 wasn’t getting any farther away. “I know we have talked about this to death, but are you positive, this is okay with you?”
“More than. This is all part of our destiny, Clark.” Lois replied. “Now let’s go get your parents before we change our minds and chicken out.”
“Then let’s go.” Clark responded with a smile as he scooped up his very pregnant wife and took off for Smallville.
An hour later, having dropped off his parents and Lois on one very deserted island, Clark returned to Star Labs to get Dr. Klein. Clark only hoped the good doctor had a strong heart as the * surprise * that would soon be sprung on him would require no less.
“I’m all ready, Superman. Whenever you are.” Dr. Klein said with a tentative smile. “You certainly have my mind working overtime though trying to figure all this out.”
“I just hope when you do, we will still be friends.” Superman responded, picking the scientist up and starting toward the open window. “You’ll need to close your eyes for a few moments as we will be flying super fast in order to prevent anyone or anything from seeing us.”
Closing his eyes and covering his face, the good doctor nodded he was ready and the next thing he knew, the world seemed to fall away below him as they soared into the early evening summer sky.
Seconds later, it seemed, they were there. Wherever “there” was thought Dr. Klein as his feet touched the sandy ground and he looked around.
“We’re on a tiny island in Fiji.” Superman responded to the unasked question. “As far as I know, no man has ever quite been this far out.”
“It is beautiful.” Dr. Klein gulped starring into nothingness once more.
“And very safe. Although I need to warn you, in a minute…well maybe you should sit down.” Superman spluttered gesturing to the folding chair that Dr. Klein would swear must have magically appeared through thin air.
The older man collapsed into the chair and simply waited. He was too much in shock to do anything else. Or so he thought he was in shock; that is until he saw what had to be the apparitions of Lois, Jonathan, and Martha Kent appear before him. Then, he must be surely either dead or in a state of unconsciousness!
“Drink this water slowly.” Martha commanded handing Dr. Klein a paper cup.
It took a good five minutes but at last the elderly doctor gave a weak smile and commented that he must be alive to have consumed the water.
“We are so glad you are alive!” Lois exclaimed as she hastened over to Dr. Klein’s side to make sure he really was all right.
“We are truly sorry to have given you such a scare. Although it probably seems otherwise, that was never our intention.” Martha and Jonathan went on to insist.
“No it wasn’t. “ replied a familiar and strong voice from a little distance away.
“Superman! I was wondering what had happened to you. This really must not be a dream as you are indeed standing beside me. But why did you bring me here and an even better question is what in the world are Clark’s wife and parent’s doing here? The three of you are Lois, Jonathan and Martha Kent, aren’t you?” Dr. Klein asked, with a hint of disbelief in his voice.
“We are at that.” Jonathan replied quietly. The elderly farmer was in a bit of a shocked state himself; not being the type of person accustomed to pulling off the sort of stunt that, well, he had just helped to pull off!
Superman sighed and whispered hurriedly to his parents and Lois. He then flew off, returning a heartbeat later with 4 additional folding chairs. His family and himself soon occupied them.
“First off, you have my sincerest apology as well, Dr. Klein for putting you in this awkward situation. I knew you would be surprised but never imagined that seeing the Kent’s here would shock you to the point of nearly passing out. I feel horrible about that. Are you sure you are okay?” Superman asked carefully.
“I’m fine, just quite stunned as well as perhaps a little angry. I do still trust you though, all of you.” Dr. Klein swept his hand around the group in front of him. “But I would like to know what is going on now.”
“Clark always teases me that I tend to often jump right into situations without a backwards glance as well as to always speak my mind, sometimes without enough forethought. So, here goes.” Lois began, as she reached out to the friendly scientist and took one of his hands in her own.
“Thank you, Lois. But this explanation is mine to give.” Superman responded instantaneously.
Lois risked giving Superman a quick good luck smile before joining the others in waiting for their hero and friend to begin.
“Dr. Klein, do you remember about a year ago when you conducted some tests on my DNA?” Superman questioned.
Dr. Klein nodded in response and waited for Superman to go on.
“Among other things, those tests seemed to reveal that because of the differences in my genetic makeup I could never impregnate an Earth woman.” Superman said with a smile that was both bemused yet scared to death.
“I remember. I also…” That was as a far as the good doctor got before whatever haze or spell had thus far prevented him from realizing Lois was pregnant was lifted. And, suddenly, everything was made clear. Yet it wasn’t. It couldn’t be. “Superman,” Dr. Klein croaked, “What are you doing with Clark Kent’s obviously pregnant wife?”
Lois held fast to Dr. Klein’s hand and the elder Kents stood near by, lest he truly keel over this time, as they watched their loved one create a whirlwind of red of blue as he shed his secret identity to reveal his truth.
This time Dr. Klein did indeed pass out and it took a good 10 minutes plus some super intervention for him to at last come to. When he did, he was faced with four people who had apparently just entrusted him, him, with their secret not to mention the very core of their lives. It was this startling realization that overrode any anger he might have felt and replaced it was a tremendous feeling of awe, respect, and most of all responsibility. At the moment, however, he simply felt OLD. Yet humbled in a way he never could have imagined.
“Dr. Klein, please say something.” All four Kents begged as the doctor continued to stare at them all with a dazed expression.
“What can I say? Other than the obvious that I am shocked beyond belief yet humbled to my very core by your trust.” Dr. Klein slowly yet proudly responded.
“So you are not too mad?” Clark ventured.
“More like amazed!” Dr. Klein all but shouted. “Although from what little I know of both you and Lois, I guess it shouldn’t be too surprising that your love found a way to conquer the laws of science!”
“I knew we would like you, Dr. Klein.” Martha Kent replied. “That is exactly what Jonathan and I had been telling our son and Lois all along.”
“Speaking of my son,” Jonathan began firmly. “You do realize, Dr. Klein, how vital it is too all of us, especially to Lois’ unborn child that Clark’s secret now be kept even more of a secret?”
“Dad!” Clark exclaimed with embarrassment. “We can trust him.”
“I understand, Clark, no offense was taken. And Mr. Kent, I don’t blame you in the least for asking. If I were you, well, first off I don’t know if I would be able to watch my son reveal what yours just did, but if I did, my reaction to someone else knowing would have probably been much more demonstrative then your own.” Dr. Klein assured Clark’s father. “I swear to all of you that no matter what happens from here, no one will ever be the wiser to this evening.” Dr. Klein promised with a conviction that earned a smile from all the Kents, Jonathan especially.
“ So now that the four of you have tried to do me in twice already this evening, is there anything else you would like to share with me before my heart does decide to give out?” Dr. Klein teased.
“The reason we deemed this meeting necessary, Dr. Klein” Clark said as his mother squeezed his shoulder in support. “Is the fact that not only is Lois pregnant but a recent ultra sound confirmed what my x-ray vision already knew; and that is that Lois is carrying triplets; triplets who as you can see,” Clark hesitated for a moment before continuing, having caught Lois’ glare at him indicating her big belly, “are growing fast. Too fast to be completely human.”
Dr. Klein’s face told the others he was still processing this latest bit of information so Lois continued. “Clark’s mom has some medical experience from her days as a midwife and has been looking after me throughout my pregnancy. After the first couple months, we all knew it would no longer be safe for me to see my regular obstetrician. So we have acquired what equipment we need, although with Clark here we don’t really need much…” Lois babbled.
“And despite some early kicking and rapid growth, there did not seem to be anything too unusual about Lois’ pregnancy. Until that is just about a month ago, when Clark realized the seeming * super * strong heartbeats he heard from inside Lois’ womb belonged to not two babies as we originally thought but in fact three. After that it seemed the triplets perhaps felt they had been acknowledged and so there was no longer a need to hold back their strength or growth. Also, Lois has confided in me that she has started to experience moments of light headedness accompanied at times by shortness of breath.” Martha saved Lois by finishing.
“That’s when we * knew * the time had come to confide in you and ask for your help.” Clark added hopefully.
“I am honored that you did, all of you. My main concern probably mirrors, your own, in that we really don’t know just how far this pregnancy will go nor what surprises it might have in store. This certainly presents a unique problem and one I admit to not being sure as to how to solve.” Dr. Klein thought aloud.
“First of all it’s getting later and cooler. Clark, do you think it would be safe to continue this conversation at home? I really don’t think Lois should be sitting out here in that hard chair much longer.” Martha asked her son.
“Oh my God! Lois, I am so sorry! I was so caught up in everything that I didn’t even think. You must be freezing not too mention exhausted.” Clark babbled on frantically.
The resulting laughter did everyone good and a plan was made for Clark fly Lois and his mom home to Smallville before returning for his father and Dr. Klein.
An hour later, the Kent’s had agreed for Lois to visit Star Labs the following evening after regular hours. Dr. Klein had been flown home and now the Kent family was able to breath a sigh of relief as they helped Martha whip together a quick supper.
After a delicious meal and lots of hugs all around at how well things had worked out with Dr. Klein, it was time for Lois and Clark to return home. However, Martha wasted no time in offering the farmhouse as a safe refuge for Lois should it become necessary to hide some of the everyday issues concerning her pregnancy. Both younger Kent’s agreed that if not before, certainly in a couple months time, they would take Martha up on her generous offer. For now, everyone was tired yet triumphant after a difficult late afternoon and were ready to call it a day.
The next evening around 7 found Superman quickly x-raying the entire Star Labs facility before quickly lowering his wife inside Dr. Klein’s window.
Dr. Klein was ready and waiting for them and after a brief period of uncertainty on the scientist’s part as to how he should proceed. He decided an “old fashioned” ultra sound would be a good starting point.
Lois lay down on the exam table and briefly winced as the cold gel was squirted onto her stomach. Clark, being the super husband that he was, quickly zapped the gel with a tiny bit of heat. Dr. Klein was never even the wiser.
“Your three fetuses certainly are awake and active!” Dr. Klein exclaimed as the three of them focused onto the rapidly moving white sacs displayed on the monitor.
“Tell me about it.” Lois groaned. “Sometimes I wonder if they ever sleep!”
“They are always on the go, just like their mother,” was Clark’s attempt at a humorous response.
The resulting laughter from Dr. Klein was soon stopped short as he realized Lois had grown quiet, too quiet. A closer look revealed that her heart rate was quickly increasing every time one of the babies engaged in prolonged movement.
“Lois,” Dr. Klein slowly, knowingly the words he were about to deliver would be met with the same reception as say a fish being taken out of water.
“What’s wrong with my babies?” Lois demanded suddenly, looking from Dr. Klein to her husband. Both men seemed to be exchanging secretive and worried glances with one another.
Clark slid his chair closer to Lois and held her hand even tighter as he waited for Dr. Klein’s response.
Dr. Klein cleared his throat a few times before beginning. “Lois, Clark, you told me the triplets were conceived in early March and therefore at this time Lois should be about four months pregnant. However, just from this ultrasound alone, though I caution both of you, as these things can be inexact, I would advise that an internal monitor be placed immediately.” Dr. Klein trailed off.
Clark had changed out of his superman costume immediately upon arriving at Star Labs, just on the off chance any employee might decide to put in a later night appearance. As far as Dr. Klein was concerned, however, the look he was now being given by both the Kent’s might have even made Superman quiver!
“So an internal monitor is the next step.” Lois all but shouted. “And then? Why I am starting to feel light headed? I swear Dr. Klein and this might just go for you, too, Clark, if one of you does not start talking and I mean now, I won’t be responsible for my actions!”
“Honey, please calm down. And Dr. Klein, the suspense is killing both of us. It’s pretty obvious something is very wrong. We need to know what that is and now!” Clark finished in his superman voice.
Dr. Klein, knowing when he was beaten, sighed before replying, “From what I have seen and felt in my examination so far, my guess is that Lois is more like a good 6 months along in terms of a normal human pregnancy. As you both might already know, the expected gestation cycle for a healthy triplet birth is at about 35 weeks, in other words, a good month earlier than a singleton. In this case, however, and I will need to do some further testing to try and determine the fetus’s weight and other overall development, I’d be surprised if Lois even carried that long.”
“Are you saying I could have these children at any time? Perhaps even now?” an irate Lois babbled almost incoherently as she still was feeling light headed.
Dr. Klein squeezed Lois’ hand and replied, “What I’m saying Mrs. Kent is that you may need to make that trip to Smallville to be on bed rest much sooner than anticipated.”
The eyes of both Kent’s filled with tears and they held each other close for a few moments, feeling as though the world just might be crashing down on their three miracles. Clark, silently added to himself “On Lois, too.”
The next hour was filled with more invasive tests and procedures including an internal monitor being placed. Dr. Klein even attempted to draw some fetal blood but all he got was a broken syringe.
“This complicates things even further.” Dr. Klein muttered to himself. “Um Clark, would you mind going to take a walk or something for about 10 minutes?” Dr. Klein asked with tremendous speed as if getting the words out as quickly as possible would prevent an explosive reaction out of the two parents to be.
As he expected, no sooner than the last syllable left his mouth, he found Clark standing at his full height and glaring down at him and Lois, struggling for all she worth to raise herself into a standing position.
“I gather the answer is no?” Dr. Klein asked meekly as he took few steps toward the closed exam room door, just in case * he * needed to attempt a super escape.
“It is until you tell us why!” Both Kent’s all but yelled.
“Kryptonite. I believe we need to find out * now * whether or not the triplets will be susceptible to it’s radiation. I, of course, realize we may not fully know that at this early stage of their development, but if a very brief exposure might allow me to draw some blood, it could prove to be vital to not only their health but that of their mother’s as well.” Dr. Klein stated with more authority, seeing, that at least for now, he wasn’t being attacked.
Not surprisingly, the very mention of Clark’s biggest nemesis caused both he and Lois to pale and * want * to verbally lash out at the scientist for even suggesting such a thing. However, given the fact that within the last couple hours Lois’ had gone from a weary yet quite fiery and healthy mom to be to someone who looked as if she was almost done in, the Kent’s were forced to suppress their gut reaction and face the facts. To this end Clark asked Dr. Klein if he and Lois might have a few minutes of privacy before making a decision.
“Of course.” Dr. Klein immediately replied. “Please know I did not suggest this lightly. I am very concerned about Lois’ elevated blood pressure and heart rate and am thinking…well I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I’ll just run over to my office and check for any late messages and will be back in a little while.”
With tears streaming down her pale face, Lois turned to her husband and said, “Clark, I am so scared. Terrified is more like it. I * knew * something horrible would happen to our child because of me. “
“My sweet, Lois, what have I done to you?” Clark wept silently for a couple moments. “Don’t you see this is all my fault for getting you pregnant! We knew, * I * knew my alien physiology might put you at great risk, but did that stop me? No! And now both you and are unborn children are in danger.”
Lois, strengthened by her fierce love for Clark, managed to sit up and turn her husband’s face toward her own before beginning with a small smile, “And you always said I was the babbler and person to sometimes let my emotions overrun me!”
Clark, still feeling as if he had been hit by ton of Kryptonite, managed a smile and kissed his wife lightly. Before he could say anything, Lois reminded him quite firmly that they were in this together.
“We both wanted this to happen, Clark. It’s hardly as if I was forced or coerced into a situation that I did not want to be apart of. As you always say, our love is stronger than any obstacle that might come our way. For all we know, the Kryptonite might not affect the babies at all and then we will be right back to where we are now. I, for one, would rather find that out at the hands of a trusted friend in Dr. Klein than later down the road when faced with some psychopath wielding Kryptonite.”
“It’s not even the thought of Kryptonite being used on our babies right now that is truly terrifying me, don’t you see Lois, my blood, my alien blood and DNA seems to be hurting you. It seems to be draining the life out of you.” Clark finished in a barely audible voice. He didn’t even care that Dr. Klein had just returned to the exam room and had most likely overheard some of their conversation.
Dr. Klein, quietly joined the couple and softly replied, “First off no one is to blame for this situation. The two of you have been through some events in the past that would have felled lesser people, even, * super * powered ones, but your courage and belief in and love for one another got you through. Just the fact that Lois is pregnant right now proves that the love you share is more powerful than, and forgive my choice of words, but I think it fits perfectly here, the largest chunk of any colored Kryptonite either of you might ever encounter. Secondly, a thought came to me while I was giving you both some privacy. A very interesting thought should it prove to be of any merit.”
Like the blue-blooded investigator that she was at heart, those words got Lois’ attention and fast. Clark was not exactly oblivious either as he, too, looked toward Dr. Klein with a flash of hope and renewal.
“I’m just thinking aloud here so please bear with me for a minute.” Dr. Klein started, offering a fatherly smile to both of his young friends.”
“You definitely have our attention, doctor.” Clark responded.
“You certainly do.” Lois replied with strength of voice that was like music to her frantic husbands ears. Being forced to play the part of a patient and take it easy during her exams and this time following, had done wonders for Lois and at last she was beginning to feel more like her old self.
“Here goes. As I see it, it’s already pretty safe to say that the uh * super * components of Clark’s DNA have begun to make themselves very known, perhaps even to the extent of one day ultimately overriding their human counterparts.” Dr. Klein held up a hand to indicate that he would appreciate the opportunity to continue before either Lois or Clark responded. “Therefore, these are going to be very strong little people who, and this is the interesting part of my speculation, may in fact be immune to Kryptonite if for no other reason than the fact that they, even in- utero, are already gaining strength and protection from our Earth’s yellow sun. The same yellow sun whose rays activated Clark’s innate super DNA to make him super powered and almost immortal. My proposition is what if being born under a yellow sun and not a red one, enables your children to truly be invulnerable? Wait, there’s two more things, you both might like to hear before you speak. What if also, even if it’s just some cord blood, I transfuse a little of your children’s blood Clark? Additionally, as a means of intervention to the affects of, excuse my language, alien blood in Lois’ system now, I were to give her a little of your blood Clark. I think that might very well be the solution to Lois regaining full health and no longer being at risk for as long as she may be pregnant.”
“Clark would then be free from the curse of any form of Kryptonite!” Lois exclaimed with a sudden new- found glint in her eyes.
“And, * you * Lois, would no longer be in any danger! That would mean more to me than anything else in the world.” Clark said with great passion before sobering for a moment as new tears threatened to fall from his eyes. “And, if I dare ask for anything else, perhaps my greatest long term fear that the day would come where Kryptonite allowed someone to hurt my family because of my reaction to it would cease to exist as well.” Clark said in mild disbelief. “Do you really think that’s possible, Dr. Klein? After all the reason I’ve always thought that Kryptonite hurts me is because as an infant I was never exposed to, or if I was for very long, the rays of the red sun of Krypton.”
“I am afraid that is something we will probably never know for certain, Clark.” Dr. Klein responded quickly. “But along those same lines, we do know, thanks to the little you as Superman shared with me about your origins, it was limited or no exposure to that same red sun that quite possibly is why you are gifted with the powers you have. The yellow sun of our Earth, combined of course with your natural DNA, is therefore a more reasonable explanation to the powers you behold than any red sun of a now long gone planet called Krypton could provide. Don’t you think?” Dr. Klein finished abruptly lest Clark think his birthplace was being insulted.
“I think you might very well be brilliant, Dr. Klein and onto something, I know I never before thought of.” Clark replied earnestly before turning to his wife and asking, “Lois?”
“That makes two of us, though I admit to not quite understanding everything you said. If it should prove true…” Lois started to cry the happiest of tears as she hugged her husband with all her might.
“Our family would never be threatened again. I could actually * live * more of life. We both could, with each other.” Clark continued through his own awe filled tears.
“Should we get started?” Dr. Klein asked softly, “ or now that Lois appears to be more stable, would you prefer to wait until the morning. It is nearly 8:30 and I daresay you, Lois, especially must be exhausted!”
“I am still not 100% in support of exposing the triplets to Kryptonite, but if you honestly feel there’s even the slightest chance that giving some of my blood to Lois would be an antidote to the condition she was in earlier and might be in again, then break out that Kryptonite by all means. I am ready.” Clark answered.
A few minutes later it was decided that Clark should go and get at least one of his parents before the Dr. Klein proceeded in drawing his blood. As the good doctor himself said he’d be happy to drive the two Kents home if necessary afterward should Clark still feel too weak to fly them there, but it would probably look a whole lot less suspicious for one of his parents to do so instead. So, that is what brought Clark home at the rather late farm hour of nearly 8pm.
“Clark!” Jonathan shouted in surprise as he slowly opened the front door to find his son standing outside.
Clark quickly came inside and closed the door behind him before ushering his parents into the living room. Once everyone was seated, he quickly relayed the events that had taken place over the last couple hours.
Tears coursed down all three of their faces as Clark described the horror he felt at seeing Lois suddenly look as pale as a ghost only to later be told of the unusual yet highly possible antidote and what it could mean to him, to all of them.
No words were necessary as the elder Kents embraced their son with all their love and might. It looked as if the deepest and longest held wish that both Martha and Jonathan had for their son might in fact come true: Clark, who on a 24/7 basis was ready in a heartbeat to live his life for others no matter the personal cost to himself, might, just finally, be given the gift of fully being able to enjoy more of his life and family.
Given the magnitude of the situation both Martha and Jonathan insisted on accompanying their son back to Metropolis. While Martha and Jonathan quickly dressed, Clark grabbed their emergency over night bags which, soon after he became superman, his parents always had packed and ready to go just in case, and in less than 20 minutes, they had arrived at Star Labs.
The sight that greeted them, however, was one of grave concern. Dr. Klein stood over one very pale and listless looking Lois Lane, who was shivering under the heavy blanket that the scientist had covered her with.
Clark literally flew over to his wife’s side and watched in absolute horror as his precious Lois was slipping away right before his eyes.
Martha and Jonathan were simply in shock and could do little more than offer support to their son.
Dr. Klein broke the silence by thanking Clark’s parents for coming and then adding, “Lois bloodstream is being ravaged even more quickly and violently than I had expected.” Dr. Klein couldn’t help show some emotion as he added in a whisper, “She’s going fast and is going to need her husband more than ever and now. Are you ready Clark?”
“To save Lois’ life? From the second I met her, doctor, from the second I met her.” Clark answered with all his heart. “It’s Kryptonite time?”
“I am afraid it’s our only hope. One thing, though, is I am nearly confident it will save the day.” Dr. Klein added, desperately needing to infuse some hope into the three hearts that stood before him.
“Then let’s do it.” Clark firmly replied, kissing Lois for all he was worth.
The elder Kents were left to guard over Lois while Clark was led into a small, locked room. “I have a small piece of Kryptonite hidden in that safe over there.” Dr. Klein said indicating a nearly invisible wall colored safe. “Why don’t you take a seat over here and we’ll get started. With any luck, my friend, this will be the last time Kryptonite ever has any power over you or your family.”
“I can only pray with all my being that you are right.” Clark answered as he braced himself to shortly be swept away with nausea and pain.
“Clark! Clark! Wake up, please snap out of it!” Four voices demanded as they tried to penetrate the trance their loved one was under.
“What’s going on?” Clark muttered sleepily as he at last struggled to come to.
“Oh Clark, we thought you might be lost to us this time.” Martha sobbed as she fussed over her son, making * sure * he was all right.
“Mom? Dad? Where are we?” Clark asked, feeling as though he truly were lost in a haze of fog.
The bond of love he shared with Lois answered that question in an instant, for Lois Lane Kent, grabbed hold her husband’s hands and with tears of radiant happiness in her eyes answered, “Safe from all evil forever. You did it Clark, you really did.”
Being the man of steel had its advantages for it did not take more than a millisecond for Clark’s super brain and powerful body to return to form upon hearing those glorious words. “Lois! You are alive, you’re okay!”
“And our three unborn children are perfectly fine as well, my love, all thanks to your courage.” Lois replied.
“How can I * we * ever thank you, Dr. Klein?” Clark as well as his family asked one very weary but triumphant Dr. Klein?
“Your courage, and the love you share for not only your family but for the world at large, has done that a hundred times over, Clark. It was my honor to have the opportunity to help you and Lois tonight.”
Clark embraced the elder man and then slowly asked, as if not wanting to take any chances that the answer might be negative, “So does this mean Kryptonite…?”
“In any form, some psychopath might come up with, should never be a threat to any of you * super * people again.” Dr. Klein crowed with happiness. “Not only was I able to give Lois a little of your blood Clark, which almost immediately returned her body chemistry to normal, but after enough time, I somehow was able to extract some cord blood to not only bring you back to full health now but to ward off, the ill and potentially deadly affects those multicolored fragments of a long since exploded planet have or should I say had upon its last surviving son forever. You are free Clark, you are free.” Dr. Klein finished joyously.
A little more than 3 months later, as Fall fully descended upon Metropolis, turning leaves beautiful hues of red, orange, and yellow and early Halloween thoughts began to invade the minds of the city’s young children, two of the city’s most special “children,” were given the ultimate gift in a tiny Smallville hospital.
After much discussion, it was decided to entrust old Doc Blake the very same Doc Blake, who had 32 years earlier discreetly conjured up a birth certificate for Clark and who always could be trusted to sign off on any school health forms that came the Kent’s way, along with his daughter Jennifer, who had a good 20 years earlier taken over her father’s family medical practice and of course one forever revered in the Kent family, Dr. Bernard Klein with Lois care and when the time came c-section at Smallville Community Hospital. Since their fellow colleagues upheld Doc Blake and his daughter, in the highest esteem not only in town, but, as well, not a second thought was given to their request for a private operating room and for Dr. Klein to be allowed on board.
The dreams of the Kent family were tripled, on the morning of October 24th. Dr. Klein was given the task of calling out the birth times to Doc Blake who, of course, had to be the person to record them.
Tears cascaded down Dr. Klein’s face as he helped Dr. Jennifer Blake perform Lois’ c-section.
Lois and Clark had already secretly given Dr. Klein a list of what they wanted to name their children so it was with great joy that he announced the arrival of first “Jonathan Kyle, at 10:07am, followed by Marissa Star at 10:08, and lastly at just seconds before 10:10, Zachary Adam.”
All three babies were found to have very healthy sets of lungs, given perfect APGAR scores, and, much to the amazement of all their doctors, even levitated slightly at times.
The Kent family was whole forevermore. The empty fifth slot in Clark’s picture frame would soon be filled.
The end
