I hope the lack of comments this time round doesn't mean that my readers are losing interest.
Not me! I love the way you write Clark, Lois and Matt.
“I never thought remembering would be such a big issue ... and I never even saw this guy you met tonight.”
“I know,” Lois said with a sympathetic chuckle, as she made her way to the kitchen. “You were too busy looking at Melissa. You haven't said much about her ... or the two of you. How long has this been going on?”
Poor Matt! He couldn't remember the guy his dad was obsessing about. And Lois, instead of sharing Clark's worries right at this instant, became all Mom-like instead, and started talking to Matt about the nice girl he had met! Typical!
I like the explanation you gave us about Star's whereabouts. I liked her in the show, and I thought they could have used her in at least one or two more episodes.
“Don't mock, Matt.” Lois looked at her son judiciously. “Star came close to the truth ... sometimes ... after a few tries.” She winked. “Besides, your dad's an alien and you're half one.”
“But we're for real!” Matt fell silent as he thought for a second or two. “Did she know about us?”
“Probably,” Lois replied, after a moment's consideration. “Not that she ever said anything, but I'm sure she had her suspicions ... and not just psychic ones.”
I loved that!
It was a brilliant idea to have Clark draw the man he had seen. This was really scary:
Her lips tightened as she studied the image of the very thin face and narrow chin, the pale eyes which seemed to pierce the viewer to the soul. No wonder Clark was uptight. “This guy looks scary,” she finally said, suppressing a shiver.
Clark's drawing makes Lois shiver.
Only, now Matt remembered. The phone hadn't been at his ear, it had been concealed in his fist, and the hood of his jacket had been pulled low over his face. A rain-jacket very similar to the one his father had just drawn.
“Dad, I couldn't swear to it in a court, but I'm pretty certain that could be the man with the cellphone,” Matt said, pointing at the figure on the pad. “I never saw his face too clearly because he had his hood pulled low, but that chin looks kinda familiar.”
And Matt remembers!
“I know,” she said with a sigh. “I was just throwing out ideas ...”
“The way we used to work,” he replied, smiling, and felt comforted as his wife snuggled into his side.
This was wonderful. Lois and Clark are really back!
Clark yawned; his bed was looking very welcome right now, and maybe he could persuade Lois to indulge in a little relaxation therapy before going to sleep. “You ready to go upstairs?”
“Sure am,” she replied, slowly licking the last drop of chocolate from her lips, causing her husband's eyes to glint appreciatively. She allowed him to pull her to her feet before stretching languidly. “I'm beat. You know, I'll probably fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow.”
Lois walked in front of Clark, ducking her head to hide a grin. She didn't look back, but she was sure his anticipation had turned to disappointment. Poor Clark. He was just so transparent ... well, hopefully only to her.
So funny! And I certainly get the impression that she is only teasing him, and that she will help him relax before they go to sleep!
“Oh, and by the way, Matt,” Clark said, standing over their son. “I didn't want to continue the argument at Uncle Jim's, but I do agree with your mother when it comes to you drinking beer. Even if it doesn't effect you, drinking alcohol as a minor is illegal -- so no more.”
“Dad! I don't.” Matt protested loudly. “Honest! I've tried it ... but I didn't enjoy it much.” He wrinkled his nose. “I only asked for a beer 'cause I was trying to look grown up. I didn't think. You believe me, don't you? Jor-El doesn't lie!”
His parents were ascending the stairs arm in arm when he saw them exchange glances, and he could swear he heard them chuckle, too. Now what had he said that was so funny?
So funny! Superman doesn't lie - Jor-El doesn't lie!
And poor Matt! He asked for that beer at Jimmy's place just so that he could appear grown-up - but instead his mom scolded him like a child! Not that I blame Lois. I sympathize with her concerns for her children and with her distaste for alcohol, in view of her mother's alcoholism.
Lovely chapter, Jenn! I hope to see more of Clark, Lois and Matt soon!
Ann
Poor boy, can't catch a break.