Hey I just completed this story and I'd appreciate it if you could read it over and give me some suggestions/comments before I submit it to
www.lcfanfic.com (Sorry, it's kind of long.) Thanks a whole bunch!
Lisa.... emeraldtct@comcast.net
Description:
Due to some unexplainable event, Clark/Superman has been missing for over a year now. A heartbroken Lois has gone on with her life with obviously much difficulty. Now she has a chance to open her heart to love again. Will she chose that path or will she hold out on Clark before making any drastic changes to her life?
“Lois!!” Perry White’s thunderous voice boomed throughout the newsroom. Not one to knowingly upset the boss, the small yet fierce Lois Lane-Kent rose up from her desk and headed towards the Editor-in-Chief’s office.
“Have a seat Lois,” Perry instructed as his favorite and most talented investigative reporter entered the room and shut the door behind her. With a sigh, he began. “I’ve got a pretty big story for you, but I want you to promise me that today, and every day for that matter, if I give you something that’s too huge or you feel you can’t hand-”
“Chief, I’ll be fine.” Lois interrupted. “Please, I appreciate your concern, I really do. But I want to go out there and do what I do best. C’mon now, the suspense is killing me- what’s this ’pretty big story’?” Her eyes had a spark in them that had been absent over the past months.
Perry looked at the ceiling, secretly hoping it would be magically written there that he was doing the right thing. His gaze turned back to Lois, who now had an anticipated look on her face. He knew there was no stopping this determined reporter now.
“Alright. Here’s what I’ve got: there’s been a slew of accidents that have taken place on the corner of Main and Bartholomew. The city road maintenance crew has investigated the roadways and they say there is no possible way that the actual street surface had anything to do with it. They believe a person or persons have planted a device underground or are somehow causing the accidents.” He paused and almost said, ’Too bad Superman isn’t here- he would really help us out with that x-ray vision of his,’ but then thought better of it.
“If you think you can get to the bottom of this, please be my guest. Plus I know how you love investigating things that seem completely unexplainable. You try your best to solve them, and every time, you do. But I consider this the first really large assignment I’ve given you since Clark…”
Perry’s voice trailed off, unsure if he had said too much. He could see in Lois’s eyes that she was saddened at the mention of his name, but, after all, it had been over a year and she was now a little more in control of her emotions. The first 3 months or so after his strange disappearance were the worst months Lois had ever gone through. She felt completely and totally helpless for the first time in her life. She hadn’t been this sad since the time she thought that Clark had been shot and killed. Only that time, he faked his own death so that others wouldn’t find out he was Superman. He had come back. ’And he’ll come back again this time,’ Lois always tried to remind herself. Looking at his vacant desk made her cry. Hearing his name or anything that reminded her of him made her cry. Going home to an empty house made her cry. Breathing without her husband by her side made her cry.
“Perry,” Lois tried to reassure the older man who had become more of a father to her- always making a genuine attempt to lift her spirits when things were down. “Again, I appreciate your concern, but I think the best therapy for me would be to go out and get really involved in a hot investigation like this one. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I live for this!” she proclaimed, with a forced smile.
Perry grinned back and said, “Alright then, go out and get me a Pulitzer story!”. Lois offered a smirk before returning to her desk to collect her belongings, then headed for the elevators.
The Editor-in-Chief leaned back in his swivel chair and sighed. Lois and Clark- The Perfect Couple. It was practically a title everyone that knew them agreed they deserved. They had overcome so much. He grunted a little as he thought about his own relationship with Alice. He thought the worst thing that could happen to a couple was a divorce like they had gone through. But he was wrong. A divorce was a lot of times mutual and it allowed the couple to go on and live a life they thought was better for themselves. But the disappearance of a person in a marriage was ten times worse than anything he could have imagined. Neither the disappeared nor the spouse left behind agreed on separation. Fate did. Lois and Clark had the perfect relationship. Sure, they had to work around a lot of obstacles, but from where Perry sat, he could always see just by the way they looked at each other that a stronger love never existed.
Not only had Lois lost her husband, she lost a good friend- Superman. Perry shock his head, still in disbelief. He was such a wonderful and helpful guy to a troubled city like Metropolis and now he was gone, probably for someone else’s selfish and evil reasons. And although many expected crime in Metropolis to increase due to Superman’s absence, it surprisingly didn’t. An analyst that had talked to Perry and the staff of the Planet once told them that he believed the citizens of Metropolis were startled by Superman’s disappearance as well as Clark Kent’s. They were scared- if something so powerful could consume Superman, what would it do to the rest of them? The Chief’s thoughts were interrupted by the determined reporter-in-training, Jimmy Olsen.
“Hey Chief,” he offered, peering into the doorway of Perry‘s office. “Did Maggie send up those pictures for the front page?”
“Oh, yeah, yeah.” Perry now moved his attention from the ’Romeo and Juliet’ of the twentieth century, to the anxious kid that he had kindly adopted as his ‘newsroom son‘.
“Why was Lois in such a hurry?” Jimmy questioned as Perry handed over the photographs. Jimmy had come to realize that after Clark’s disappearance, Lois never ran out for a story anymore- she was never involved in something that big.
“Oh, I sent her out on a front page story. We both agreed that it would be good therapy and that she was ready to go out there and hit ‘em hard once again.”
“Oh, well that‘s great. Okay, I’d better get these up to the printer now so we can still get them in for the evening addition.” Jimmy grinned, then turned and spun out of the office.
Sure, he would enjoy a higher-ranking job then just being the chauffer boy, but everyone he worked with was like family to him so it wasn’t a complete dead end.
’Everyone,’ he thought to himself as he passed Clark’s desk, making his way towards the elevators. ’Clark was such a great friend. So was Superman. What a shame.’ He finally jogged up to the elevators while calling out to someone to hold the door for him. As he entered and rode up to the printing department, he recalled the fateful day in Metropolis, some one year ago, that overtook the life of the man known to some as Superman, others as Clark Kent, and to a rare few, both.
***
It was a warm April morning and Lois and Clark had decided to have breakfast out on their balcony- the first time they were able to so far that year. The breakfast could be compared to no other- Lois wasn’t a great cook on her own, but with Clark’s help, they could prepare a first-class meal. Kisses and hugs and ’I love you’s were always constantly being exchanged, especially when they first awoke and enjoyed the morning sunrise together. Lois never thought in her wildest dreams that marriage could be so wonderful. Of course, she never thought she’d meet a man as wonderful as Clark.
“Mmm, these have got to be the best pancakes I’ve ever tasted!” Lois exclaimed to the handsome man seated across the table from her as she pushed the empty plate aside.
“I’m glad you like them- Mom’s special recipe,” Clark replied with a grin. He couldn’t believe that he’d found this glorious creature that now sat with him. Most of all, he couldn’t believe that she was his and no one else’s. The pancakes could have been the worst things that anyone has ever made, but he wouldn’t have noticed. All he looked at or thought about was the woman across from him- his beautiful wife.
“Can we call off sick today? Just this once? Let’s stay home….” Clark moaned as he began to innocently play a game of ’footsies’ under the table with Lois.
“I thought I told you before, I never play hooky!” Lois said, a joking look on her face. She realized that Clark really didn’t want to leave and she began to feel the same way. ’Before this goes too far,’ she thought, ’I’ll make a deal with him that we both can agree on.’
“Tell you what, we will both go to The Planet today and work our butts off. If we get all our stories done before the absolute deadline at the end of the day, like we never do,” she said with a grin, “we can sneak out and come back here and….” She didn’t finish. She didn’t have to. Clark saw it in her eyes and never questioned her plans.
“You won’t have to tell me twice to hurry up at work today!” he exclaimed playfully. Lois could tell she had made his day, and so that made her day. Clark rose to help Lois cart the dishes into the kitchen. As they walked in together he told her of his itinerary for the day.
“I have to meet a source for that Congressman Garner story near an alleyway between Carmen and 23rd Street. This guy’s idea- he doesn‘t want to be seen giving out information. I’ll go there right away and get that over with. Then I’ll hurry back…” Clark continued slyly.
“Alright,” Lois said. “You get right on that. I’ll be at The Planet waiting. And please,” her eyes probed his as she turned to face him. “Be careful. I know I say it all the time, but it’s near an alleyway, that can‘t be the safest place….”
“Lois, you forget who you’re talking to,” Clark replied with smile that melted Lois every time.
“Yeah, I do sometimes don’t I?” she said playfully as she traced an imaginary ’S’ on the front of his shirt. “But as a wife, it’s my job to still worry- even about Superman. Be careful. I love you.” She reached up and wrapped her arms around Clark‘s neck. They parted and Clark gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.
“See you later, honey.”
See you later, honey- the last words that Lois had heard Clark speak.
***
Jimmy still couldn’t get it through his head. Lois had come into work that morning, stating to Perry that Clark would be in shortly- he was meeting a source. The clock ticked by to 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, and then finally 10:00. Lois began to get worried but she tried not to let that on to anyone. But Jimmy could sense it. He was worried too. It was a little past 10:00 when a man stumbled into the newsroom who appeared homeless- he wore rags for clothing and looked like he was in dire need of a shower.
“Help!” he shouted! “It’s Superman!”
Lois immediately rose to meet the man. “What about Superman?” she frantically questioned, racing across the newsroom.
“Well he was near the alleyway I was in. He seemed like he was lookin’ for someone or something. I don’t really know but it seemed kind of odd.”
The alleyway. Lois new instantly that Clark had gone there as the mild-mannered reporter, then changed into Superman if trouble arose. If only she had asked Clark who the source was. Whoever they were, they tried to harm him. If only she had questioned him more. She turned her attention back to the rugged man. “What else happened?”
“Well, some other dude came out from behind a building and attacked him. I turned away ’cause I heard Superman scream. It didn’t sound too good. I really didn’t think that Superman screamed on a regular basis. I didn’t know if I wanted to look or not. I mean, it was Superman, he couldn’t be hurt right?”
Lois was beginning to get impatient. “Listen, my husband was supposed to meet a source near some alleyway. Clark and Superman are friends. I bet the reason Superman arrived was that Clark got into trouble.” She knew that that certainly wasn’t the case, but it was what she had to get everyone else to believe. She needed to find out more.
“Well, I’m sorry lady, but there wasn’t anyone else there besides Superman and this attacker. When I turned back around, I saw this huge clasp of light and this guy and Superman were both gone. They just vanished. There was a little bit of dust left on the ground but that‘s it.”
“Oh God,” Lois covered her mouth with her hand and began to grab her jacket and head for the elevators in desperation.
“No, Lois!” Perry boomed out to her. “I know you’re worried about Clark and Superman, but I just called down. They’ve already sent an investigative team and the police down there. Whatever‘s going on down there- well, I don’t want you to be part of it too. Don‘t worry- everything will be alright. They‘ll figure it out.” He could see her fear as her eyes began to tear up. “C’mon, Lois,” Perry grabbed her and pulled her into a bear hug. This was only about the third hug she’d received from the man in her life and that worried her even more.
Jimmy remembered Lois crying for days as no clues turned up. Perry offered her as much vacation as she needed, but she refused. She wanted to be part of the investigation. Of course, Perry told her that was out of the question. Lois retorted that she felt so helpless at home, she just had to come into work.
The days became weeks, the weeks became months. Lois never really lost hope completely, even thought sometimes she buried herself completely in her work to avoid dealing with her emotions. It was the only way she knew of dealing with the reality and the condolences she received from every person she encountered. Jimmy couldn’t even begin to try and imagine what she had gone through.
The elevator dinged and Jimmy exited with foggy eyes from his reminiscing. As he made his way to the printing room, he only hoped that Perry was right- that a big story for Lois would be therapy- and that it wouldn’t drag her into the past of even more misery.
***
“Lois Lane, Daily Planet,” Lois started to say as she approached an officer standing at the corner of the location Perry had given her.
“Oh,” the man replied, with lack of interest. Lois looked around the corner where she expected to find a mass wreckage, but found nothing. She then realized that this policeman was just taking a break from his duties and wasn‘t associated with the strange happenings that she was supposed to investigate.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she began. “I was sent down here to investigate those bazaar accidents that occurred here and I was under the impression that one just took place.”
“Ah, no.“ he replied bluntly “Well, I don’t know too much about it but it seems like, quite often, there is a wreck here. People down at the station say there’s a pattern to it- seems a bit fishy- I don’t know the details though,” the officer finished nonchalantly as he walked off the curb and swung himself onto his police motorcycle. “I’d check down at the station if you think they could give you more to go on.”
Lois thanked the man as he drove off and then began to walk around the scene. Looked just like a normal street to her. ’Oh well,’ she thought as she started to walk away. ’Maybe I will go to the police station to see what I can scrape up. At least I’ll have something for Perry.’
As she was making her way back to her Jeep, she heard the undeniably horrible sound of screeching breaks and then a terrible crash. Not one to step into the background, Lois quickly ran to the scene. The sight horrified her, but she didn’t back down. An automobile had crashed into the side of a red brick building that housed a small deli and fresh produce market. Fortunately, there were no windows or anything on that side of the building, so no apparent damage was done to the structure. The same could not be said for the car. Lois looked around and found that no other passerby’s seemed to be around. She didn’t know if she should run to a phone or help the victims herself. When she heard the small whimper of a child, her mind was made up.
“Momma!” the small voice cried out.
“Honey, it’s okay. Are you alright in there?” Lois expected to hear an assuring word from an adult, but the only response she got was another “Momma!”
‘Oh, no,’ Lois thought. ’This can’t be good!’ She walked around to the other side of the car to see if she could get a better look at the child. She circled the car and peered in through the shattered windows. She knew she could reach the little blonde girl that seemed to be no more than two years old. Should she? She didn’t know if she should disturb the crime scene. ’Oh, c’mon Lois’ she scolded herself. ’This is a scared and helpless child here!’ Lois made up her mind and reached in through the shattered glass, careful not to cut herself or the child. Once she lifted the little girl out, the tot flung her arms around Lois’s neck and began to whimper.
“Don’t leave me!” she cried! Lois didn’t know if it was just because so much emotion was built up inside her, or if she was really becoming a softy, but tears started rolling down her cheeks. As if the little girl had known Lois all her life, she reached a tiny hand up and wiped the tears from Lois’s face once she realized that her rescuer was crying too.
“Thanks,” Lois told her, though her eyes were still tearing. “My name’s Lois, what’s yours?”
“Ava,” the small figure in her arms replied. “Don’t cry,” she continued. “I okay, but Momma, Daddy, and Crystal!”
“Crystal?” Lois questioned.
“Auntie Crystal,” the tiny girl replied. She then buried her head under Lois’s chin and sobbed some more.
“It will be alright,” Lois tried to comfort her. She thought it was safe to assume, by lack of response, that this poor child’s mother, father, and aunt had been killed. She had lost Clark and cried for months. This little girl lost practically her entire family before she was old enough to understand the importance of loved ones. Lois couldn’t help herself- she started to cry along with the little girl once again. Through her cloudy eyes, she saw the police cars, ambulances and fire trucks pull up. Officers started to question her, but when they saw the tears in her eyes, the fragile girl in her arms, and what remained of the car, they didn’t press. A paramedic approached Lois and asked her to turn the child over so they could take her to a hospital. Ava looked up into Lois’s eyes, as if silently begging her not to release her. After staring at the brave child for a few seconds, she replied to the man, “I’m coming with her.”
With Ava in her arms, Lois climbed into the rear of the ambulance, accompanied by two paramedics. On the way to the hospital, she told them what she has seen and what Ava had told her. The female paramedic announced, after doing a quick examination, that Ava seemed to be fine, minus a few cuts and scrapes. She opened the small window that separated the back of the ambulance from the driver and passenger up front. She relayed all the information Lois had given her to the man who was riding in the passenger seat. He then, in turn, radioed it to the hospital and police.
***
Lois sat in the waiting room of the hospital, desperate for some word on Ava. She knew that she would be fine, but still, she worried. She felt as thought Ava was like family to her- it was quite an odd sensation. She was never one to be very open to liking and loving others. Clark taught her how to open up, one of the many things she loved about him. His disappearance just set her further back into her protective shell. Somehow this little girl was different- she touched her deep down.
Wandering aimlessly, she decided she should call Perry and tell him what happened. She found a payphone and made the call. Perry was of course worried, but Lois reassured him that everything would be fine and she’d be back at The Planet after everything was straightened out. After hanging up, she began to pace some more. She was so intent on it that she almost didn’t hear the doctor that treated Ava come into the waiting room and call her name.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Lois apologized when she realized he was trying to get her attention.
“No need,” the kind doctor reassured her. “Ava is doing just fine. You can see her in a moment. She told me how you saved her.”
“Oh, no, I didn’t really save her- I just pulled her from the car,” a shaken Lois explained.
“Well, in the mind of a two year old girl, you saved her life.” The words warmed Lois’s heart. She was so happy to find that the girl was well and that she remembered and appreciated Lois’s actions.
“What about her parents and the other woman?” Lois didn’t even want to speak those words but she knew she’d have to eventually.
“Unfortunately, they did not survive. The impact was too great. Luckily the car seat Ava was in saved her from being jolted the way the others were.” More tears threatened Lois’s eyes as she took in the horrible information that had been laid in front of her.
“Does she have any other family?” Lois didn’t know why she was so greatly concerned. She never got this involved in any story. But the little girl wasn’t part of her story anymore- she had touched her in a way that she hadn’t known since Clark. At first, she thought that maybe Ava was sort of a ’rebound’- Lois was longing for Clark and her love settled upon this little girl. But it couldn’t be. Lois had been around many people since Clarks’ unfortunate disappearance. Somehow, this girl was different. The entire horror that this girl had experienced in her young life had unfolded right in front of Lois’s very eyes and Lois was the only thing the girl had. She didn’t know if Clark was alive or dead. He could possibly and hopefully come back someday. But it was unquestionable- this girl was left alone in the dark and Lois seemed to be her only light.
“No family that we can trace,” the doctor explained to the reporter with a solemn look on his face. As if knowing what Lois would ask next, he spoke again. “We’ll keep Ava here for another day or so- just to completely check her out and make sure that she’s fine. Also, we’ll probably need to get some information from her. After that,” he paused. It wasn’t often that he had to treat cases like this. It made him shiver inside to think of what innocent Ava would endure in the coming weeks, if not months or years. “She’ll be transferred to The Metro Home. There, they will care for her and see if she can be placed in a foster or possibly permanent home- that is, if it turns out she has no other family to care for her.”
‘So that’s it.’ Lois thought. ’She’s an orphan. One hour ago, she was probably the happiest little girl, taking a drive with her family. And in the blink of an eye….’
“I’m so sorry,” the doctor continued. “You may see her now if you’d like,” Lois couldn’t speak. She just followed the tall man down the hospital hallway.
“Does Ava know?” she questioned when she finally found her voice. The man’s friendly face turned solemn once again as he stopped in front of Ava’s room. With a quick nod, he patted Lois on the shoulder and continued down the hall. Lois could feel the tears brimming over her eyelids. This lovely little girl was now an orphan and would be put up for adoption if no other family came through. She may spend months, even years in a public home with no one. Lois pondered turning around and running out of the hospital- screaming that life wasn‘t fair. But she knew that she had to visit the girl. Right now, she was all that Ava had. Lois was to Ava as Clark was to Lois. The girl needed her and she couldn’t turn her back now. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the sight she thought she would see as she opened the door to the little girl’s room.
Ava was flipping through some magazines and storybooks when Lois came into the room, looking pretty calm, under the circumstances.
“Hi, Ava,” Lois greeted her quietly. She was unsure of what she would say next to the little girl. She had no idea what Ava was feeling inside. At the moment, her only goal was to make sure Ava knew she had someone. She wanted to make sure Ava knew that she wasn’t going anywhere until everything was right. Oh, Lois wanted to tell her so much. She just wanted to blab to her as she always did when things were not going right. But this girl was so tiny and precious; and on top of that, she was a child.
“Hey Lois,” Ava returned her greeting in a happier tune than Lois imagined she would have. “Thanks for your help.”
“Oh, Ava, you are so welcome,” Lois told her with a tear in her eye. Not knowing if it was the right thing or not, Lois couldn’t help herself- she flung her arms around the tiny girl’s neck and reassured her, “I’m not going anywhere, sweetie. If you need anything, just let me know. I know that you must feel sad now, but I’m going to try and help you the best I can.”
“Thanks,” the girl nodded to her. “Well, Momma and Daddy were getting a divorce. I would have been sad any way.”
Lois didn’t know how to respond to those words. She couldn’t figure out if they made her feel better or worse. In fact, it made her feel numb. What this poor child was going through must be so difficult! ’Maybe that’s why I have such a strong connection to this girl,’ Lois thought to herself. ’She’s made me realize that I‘m not the only person with despair in my life. This poor thing…’ Staring at the little blonde seated in the hospital bed, she could feel the tears threatening to burst out at any minute. As Ava saw this and began to smile to comfort her, Lois thought she was really going to loose it. In the nick of time, a nurse and two aids came into the room.
“Sorry, Mrs. Kent, Ava. We need to do our routine tests for the day. Besides, visiting time is over.” Lois smiled at the nurse and nodded her head in obligation. She turned to the little patient.
“Okay, I’ve got to go now. I’ll be back tomorrow to visit again.” As if it was instinctual, Lois bent down and kissed Ava lightly on her golden blonde hair.
“Kay, thanks Lois. See ya tomorrow.” Even thought she was still saddened, Lois felt a little better. She knew the girl was looking forward to her return tomorrow and that comforted her. Still in disbelief of the events that took place over the past few hours, Lois shook her head and silently walked out of the room to let the nurses take over. Once out of the hospital, she felt like screaming and just lying down in the middle of the sidewalk. Realizing that she needed to be rational, she quickly hailed a cab back to The Daily Planet.
***
“No,” the masculine voice replied again. “I’ll give you no more help. I can’t do this anymore.”
“Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong! You can do it and you will! We haven’t been working all this time for nothing!” the other man replied.
“I still don’t get it- why me?”
“Because you can and you should. Simple as that.” Jor-Nal replied.
“Why can’t you? After all we aren’t that different. We both came-”
“No!” the more fierce of the two voices called out. “There is a difference between us. We may have somewhat similar heritage, but my parents were no good, rotten, filthy, wenches that were too lazy to put in a day’s work. It has reflected on me and shaped my life. That is why I am looked down upon. You came from good-standing people. Plus, it is written, and we need all the help that we can possibly get. You should want to pay respects to your birth land. You should be honored!” The man was then silent after his raging. “You should want to rebuild your home planet!“ After pausing for a moment, he exited the cold, steel, soundproof room with no more discussion.
The door shut silently and the other man left in the dark left out an exasperated and frustrated sigh.
***
“Perry! Perry I think I’ve got a story!” Lois proudly announced as she rushed into the Editor-in-Chief’s office.
“Oh great, terrific!” Perry replied, obviously excited that Lois was excited. “You got something on those accidents?”
“Well not exactly,” Lois stated, trying to keep the Chief’s attention without him protesting. “I’ve got something else.” She paused for a moment for dramatic effect. “Unfair placement of orphaned children.” She smiled satisfactorily. She was sure that this could lead somewhere and it was a story that could help a lot of innocent youngsters, including Ava, or so she hoped.
“Lois, that sounds like a great story, it really does, but it’s not what I gave you to cover. I know you’re my top reporter but I can’t just let you abandon what I assigned- the topic that’s on everyone’s lips.” Perry paused, unsure if he should just give in. After all, she was easing back in after rough times and maybe it would be even harder if he shut down her first attempt at a story.
Lois, sensing his uncertainty, reluctantly replied, “Okay, how about this? I’ll stay on the ‘strange accident’ story but can I do the piece on orphaned children too?”
Seeing that it could be a good idea, but a bit unsure if it was a smart decision, Perry answered, “If you think you can-”
“No doubt that I can’t!” Lois replied jovially. “Thank you, Perry!” she called as she left his office to head to her computer. As she was walking to her desk, a thought crept over her. She was so excited to write this piece that was important to her- but what if writing about it made her feel even more sad and helpless? ’Oh well,’ she thought. ’I’m not backing down from this story. I need to do this for Ava, no matter how much it hurts me.’ With a sigh, she sat down at her desk and began to hammer out a rough outline of what she wanted to express in her piece. Just as she was really getting into it, her phone rang, practically scaring her out of her seat. Pausing for just a moment, she picked up the receiver and blatantly stated, “Lois Lane-Kent.”
“Ah, yes, Mrs. Kent, this is Nancy Rubens from the Metropolis Hospital. I was just calling to let you know that Ava Walton, the patient you were here to see, has been moved to The Metro Home on 42nd Street. They were checking her in the last time I called, so in a few hours she’ll be ready for visitors.”
“What?! They moved her without letting me know first?!” Lois was clearly upset. She took a deep breath before she spoke again, realizing that this nurse was just a messenger. There was no need to get testy with her. “Thanks for calling,” Lois apologetically said. “I’ll be sure to go down there later and visit.” She clicked the phone down on the receiver and blankly stared at her computer monitor. The words on the screen swirled around her. Parents tragically killed. Orphaned child. Hospital. Adoption agency. Foster homes.
Writing this story was getting harder and harder. Lois never got this emotionally evolved with her work. Hitting random keys on her keyboard as she was thinking, Lois realized that there was so much wrong with this world. She wanted to write a story on everything. She wanted to expose the truth and ruthlessness about so many things. But she could never fix the world. A story couldn’t bring Clark back. Or Ava’s parents. A story couldn’t secure Ava’s future so that she would be happy and could live a fulfilling life. Lois knew her job was important, but at this moment in time, she felt useless and unhelpful.
For one of the first times in her career, Lois just wanted to go home, take a bubble bath, and curl up in a blanket with a good book in an attempt to take her mind off her problems. She looked in the direction of Perry’s office. She knew for sure that he’d be more than happy to give her the rest of the day off. She knew that he’d understand if she said she was thinking about scrapping the piece on orphaned children. But she also knew that if she went and faced him, he would know something was not right. She loved Perry and appreciated his concern, but right now she didn’t want to face that, or be in a newsroom writing things that gnawed on her insides. She wanted to be alone. After all, there was no one she could go to anymore. Or was there? Without even thinking, Lois shut her computer down and headed for the Planet’s elevators.
***
“Here, this is my great aunt’s recipe for special blackberry tea. It may not cheer you up completely, but it will make your insides feel so good,” Martha Kent stated with a smile as she placed the cup down on the kitchen table in front of her daughter-in-law.
“Oh, great. Thank you so much, Martha. And you don’t know how good it feels to be back here with you and Jonathan. I‘ve really missed you guys,” Lois replied gratefully.
“Aw, sweetie,” the kind older woman reassured her. “We love having you here. And we also know its hard to come visit without Superman Express,” her eyes twinkled at the thought of her son. Lois’ eyes, however, began to tear a little. “Oh, I didn’t mean to upset you Lois by talking about-”
“No, no, Martha. It’s not that. I love talking about Clark, I really do. It’s just so hard. I guess I’m crying because I’m jealous. I’m not nearly as strong as you- I can’t speak his name without going to pieces.”
“Lois,” Martha replied kindly, taking a seat. “You think I don’t miss him? Of course I do. But besides that, you DO have so much strength. You have to deal with this grief every day when you go to work, when you go home… And now Ava. Don’t be afraid to open up, honey. What are you really thinking about the Ava situation? She sounds like a really sweet child.”
“Oh, believe me- she’s the greatest. I don’t know what I’m thinking, honestly. I’m so consumed with all this emotion that I don’t know what to do or say. And now I’m wondering that if Clark was still in my life, would I be this involved with her?” Lois didn’t know if the kind lady she had grown to love as her own mother would have the answers. But she did know that she always had reassuring words.
The elder Mrs. Kent sighed and smiled a bit. “Lois, honey, I think you are considering bringing Ava further into your life. You do love her and maybe a child is what your heart wants now. You may not see it, but I think subconsciously, that thought is there.”
“Wow,” was all Lois could answer. Was she really thinking this? If she was, she knew that Martha Kent would be the one who would be able to spot it. “I never thought of it that way.” Martha could see the wheels spinning in Lois’ mind. “Do you really think so? Do you think I could handle a child?”
“I don’t know,” Martha replied. “You’re the only one that truly knows that. But think about it. If you brought this girl into your life completely, there would be no doubt in your mind that she would be cared for. And you wouldn’t be alone. It’s already clear that you love her.”
“Oh gee…” was all Lois was getting out now.
“Well think about it. Maybe it’s a possible solution.” Martha sighed heavily, not sure whether to press on or not. ‘Maybe I should give Lois a little time,’ she thought to herself. ‘When she is ready, she‘ll be sure to talk about it again.’
Deciding that Lois might need something to keep her mind off of this heavy and life-changing decision, she spoke again. “Now, let’s go find Jonathan so we can all relax and enjoy a first-class Smallville dinner in town!” Martha’s good spirit was contagious. Lois now found herself happily chatting along with her dear mother-in-law as they headed off towards the family barn to locate Jonathan Kent. Even though now they were off the subject of Ava, it never left Lois’ mind for a second.
***
“Now here is the proposal of government branches. You like?” the deep voice said with a hint of sarcasm.
“Yeah, I guess so. Whatever you say.” the more calming voice replied.
The other man sighed deeply. “You know why you’re doing this. You’ve got so much influence here! You are the great Kal-El and the councilmen appreciate you. They remember you from when you were only a few months old! This should only take a little while longer.”
“Wait,” Kal-El, known to Earth as Superman, shouted. “You mean soon my work will be done? I mean, don’t get me wrong- I’m happy I could help my fellow Kryptonians, even though I didn’t know you were in need of my help or that many of you even existed. I’ve helped you carry out the plans and building of your new planet, organize and implement a temporary government. Does this mean soon I’ll be free to go back to Earth?”
“Ha, my dear Kal-El, your work here will never be done. Once New Krypton is ’up and running’ or so your friends on Earth would say, you must stay and govern! Imagine how prosperous New Krypton would be if an original inhabitant ruled!”
“Listen, don’t get any ideas,” Kal-El replied. “I’ve got to go back to Earth where my family is. I can’t stay and govern. I’m glad that my fellow people will have a home now- but MY home is Earth! I‘ll choose a good leader that can rule well and then I‘ve got to leave! I‘ve left so many people behind. I‘m sure they are all worried. Well, now, they probably think I‘m dead. I can‘t stay.”
“That’s what you think,” the cold voice muttered under his breath.
***
“What a wonderful restaurant!” Lois Lane-Kent replied to her husband’s parents as they returned to the farm. “Although I’m still partial to your cooking, Martha,” she said with a wink.
“Oh, honey,” was all the woman could say as she giggled slightly and looked into the beautiful woman’s eyes. Not only had God given her a precious son, but, in time- she has also received a wonderful daughter.
That night, Lois snuggled into Clark’s old bed and took in his faint smell that still remained in the sheets. Surprisingly, her thoughts weren’t just about Clark- they were also about Ava. What would Clark think if he knew she was thinking of adopting a child? Could he see and hear her now? Could he please send her a sign? All these questions build up inside of her but she got no answers. She’d return to Metropolis in the morning and she would visit Ava at The Metro Home. Hopefully by that time, she’d know exactly what she wanted to do with the situation. But for now, all she wanted to do was snuggle into the bed that she knew she accompanied with her husband, at least in spirit.
***
With tears in her eyes, Lois slowly backed her Jeep out of the Kent’s driveway, waving all the while to Martha and Jonathan. ‘Look at me,’ she thought to herself. ‘I’ve never gotten this emotional when leaving Smallville.’ Her thoughts temporarily wandered to the fact that this wonderful couple were the only people that knew of her adoption plans. They gave her so much support. Her own parents would never understand if she told them. This was one thing, Lois concluded, that she wanted to do without their headstrong input. But she’d always consult the Kent’s for help. They were such a source of comfort and hope. They were made up of the same things that her husband was. She would always need them and love them, and felt warmth in knowing that they’d always be there.
“Call when you get there,” Jonathan bellowed out as Lois replied a quick “I will!” When all that remained in the driveway was dust, the older Kents embraced and both silently said a prayer that Lois would find her way- that she wouldn’t be consumed with anymore sadness. As always, they realized that she would be back soon. And, as always, they secretly hoped that she’d come back with their son too. However, Martha had more on her mind after this visit. She subconsciously hoped that Lois would return with a daughter, too.
***
“Hi, I’m Lois Lane-Kent. I’m here to see Ava Walton, please.” Lois quietly stated through a glass window at The Metro Home.
“Sure, Mrs. Kent,” a surprisingly somewhat cheerfully plump woman replied on the other side. “Have a seat. We’ll take you back shortly.”
Lois took a seat in the small and somewhat dingy waiting room while flipping through a magazine. After glancing at a few pages, with a curious look on her face, she turned to the cover and read: “Good Housekeeping. May, 1978.” ’Oh geeze, one of those places that can’t even replace their magazines every few decades. I can’t imagine what it’s like in Ava’s side of the building.’
“Louis…Louis, um Kent?” another large woman with a dark, curly haired bun pinned to the back of her head called out as she emerged from a doorway.
“That’s Lois!” she almost shouted at the woman. How could anyone not get ’Lois’ right?! ‘Ah, well, the poor woman probably can’t read to well, sadly,’ Lois rationed as she looked around the place. She followed the woman into a back room where about five children were playing on what looked to be an unpadded floor. Lois just shook her head in disbelief. ’People should be jailed for this,’ she thought. ’I’ve got to get Ava out of here.’ She continued to follow the woman to a poorly-lit back room that resembled an interrogation room at a prison. There sat Ava, looking so out of place in what seemed like a prison for children. The woman then turned to Lois.
“Ten minutes then I’ll be back.” She turned and shut the door with a powerful and grimy hand.
“Hey, Ava, how are you?” Lois carefully asked.
“I okay. I don’t like it here.” Ava quickly cut to the chase with a sad frown on her face.
“Don’t worry, sweetie. I’m going to get you out of here soon. Sorry I didn’t come yesterday but I had to talk to some people that are very important to me. Anyway, are you allowed to go out with me? Like maybe to the park for ice cream or something?” Lois inquired.
“Oh yeah, ice cream!” Ava replied jovially. “But I dunno if I can.”
“C’mon,” Lois gestured as she took Ava’s tiny hand. “We’ll go see.” Lois was surprised how tiny Ava really was. She took small steps as her little legs tried to keep up with Lois’ paces. Lois eventually slowed down, then picked Ava up into her arms. She just felt better and more secure carrying her. And she knew that Ava didn’t mind either.
After inquiring at the front desk, Ava and Lois made their way out to a neighboring park. Lois had found out that only people put on the child’s exclusive visitor list can take the child out. To Lois’ surprise, the kind doctor that treated Ava had put her name on the list. That simple gesture made Lois warm inside. She knew that she was now considered an important part of the girl’s life.
After buying the child a huge ice cream cone, and a smaller one for herself, she and Ava sat on a park bench. Lois didn’t know if she should bring up the subject of adoption with the girl, but then felt she needed to.
“Ava, I know we don’t know each other too, too well, but I was thinking maybe we could get to know each other better. And I know that you probably don’t like it at the place you live now. Would you like to come and-” she was so close to getting out the most important part of her speech when the tiny girl interrupted her with a giggle as ice cream dripped down her tiny face. ’I guess there’s a lot I need to learn about kids,’ Lois thought hopelessly to herself.
“Lois, I like you a lot. You’re like my new momma.”
These words warmed Lois and frightened her at the same time. Just as she realized her mouth was agape, Ava reached up and wrapped her small arms around Lois’ neck.
“Thanks, Ava. I needed that.” Lois replied in her ear. Her mind was now made up. This small girl knew nothing of what she was actually going through in her tiny life. These were the most impressionable years of her life! There was no telling what would happen to her in the future. She could be adopted by a ruthless couple that lead a life no better than what was being provided at The Metro Home. She could turn to crime or drugs. The horrible possibilities were endless. Her little life could be shaped by decisions others around her made. Lois knew she had to be smart and do the right thing. The only question was, would The Metro Home think it was the smart thing? But even more haunting- what would this huge decision do to her relationship with Clark, if and when he returned?
Ava and Lois quietly traveled back to The Metro Home, making small talk and having an occasional laugh. Lois couldn’t help but giggle when Ava pointed out a yellow taxi and said she wanted to be a cab driver when she grew up because she wants to go to Disney Land every day.
Lois now found that the more she was with Ava, the more she learned about her. And the more she learned about herself. She realized that, in a world full of cruel people, good did exist. It was just up to the beholder if they want to uncover it or not. Lois had uncovered that goodness in Clark. She thought there could be no one else for her to love. But she was wrong, in a sense. She now knew this child was no ’rebound’ off of Clark. This child was intelligent, funny, and had more love to give than most people ever have. Everyone had tried to comfort her after Clark disappeared, but all it took was a two year old with a heart of gold to unfreeze her cold soul.
The walk back seemed exceptionally short since Lois and Ava were having such a pleasant time. Entering The Metro Home, the same large woman that had lead Lois to Ava earlier that afternoon, took her back. After promising to return the next day for a visit, Lois made a bee-line directly for the adoption office.
***
“Oh honey, how great!” Martha Kent’s voice rang ecstatically over the phone.
“Yeah, I’m pretty excited. I didn’t know I’d be this happy after just picking up the papers!” Lois said joyfully.
“Well I’m glad, sweetie. You deserve happiness. And this child deserves you. I know Clark would be proud of what you’re doing.”
“I hope so,” Lois replied. “I’m filling out the forms now. I want to return them soon. Soon- as in, tomorrow! ” She said with a joyful laugh that had been absent for so long. She then added, “And I also want to thank you for your advice and encouragement.”
“Oh, sweetie, you know it‘s my pleasure. And that‘s really great that you‘re moving ahead with this. Mind if I tell Jonathan? I had already let it slip that you had met this wonderful little orphaned girl. I couldn’t help it.” Martha said more solemnly. “I want you to know that this is something that is very close to our hearts as well. After all, Clark was adopted, too.”
“Yes, I know,“ Lois said quietly. “And please, by all means, tell Jonathan. I want you both to be updated. After all, you two might become grandparents soon!” Lois replied happily. She then realized that she might have said too much. What happens if the adoption doesn’t go through? She was trying not to get her own hopes up too high and now she was prepping her in-laws for something wonderful that wasn’t a guarantee. But that happiness in Martha Kent’s voice was enough to force Lois to let go of all negative thoughts.
“Okay, I certainly will! Well, I’d better let you go now. I don’t want to hold up the process of filling out all the papers that could get me a granddaughter!” Martha was so ecstatic. Lois couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying as she hung up. ‘Probably both,’ she thought.
***
She didn’t even go to The Planet the next morning. She went straight to The Metro Home to turn in her applications. She felt so confident about this now. Now she could actually see Ava being a big part in her life. She could visualize herself caring for Ava and watching her grow up. It scared her, yet excited her at the same time. She hoped that Clark would be proud of her as well.
She handed in her papers to find out that they would be reviewed and she’d be notified in 48 hours. As she left the building, she began to think. She didn’t know if she wanted to visit Ava while she was in this state of ‘adoption limbo‘. She didn’t know if she would handle the emotions that came with visiting Ava and not knowing if she‘d be allowed to keep her forever. ’But I promised her,’ Lois remembered. She told herself (and the woman at the front counter of The Metro Home) that she’d be back later that day.
***
The workday went by so slowly. Lois called up a few sources and came to the conclusion that the strange accidents that took place on the corner of Main and Bartholomew were indeed intentional- there was absolutely no scientific evidence that would support natural causes. But many questions still remained- Who? What? Why? It was a rare day when Lois couldn’t concentrate on her work and just wanted to leave The Planet building completely. She had written an article about a big corporation that was polluting a local river and teamed up with another reporter to finish and selection about the lack of books in a local high school. Normally, it would have seemed to Lois as if she had accomplished nothing. Puff pieces, that’s all. But today she didn’t care. She was getting out of there as quickly as she could and she was going to The Metro Home to visit Ava and check up on her application. As soon as the huge clock in the newsroom struck three o’clock (making an early day for Lois), she bolted out without a second thought. She hadn’t said a thing to Jimmy or Perry at all about her plans. Indeed, they were her best friends, but she knew that they might not understand her motives and right now she was just doing what was right for her. She didn’t want to have to deal with other people and their opinions. Not that she did that any other time, either, but this was way too important to her.
Finally, she arrived at The Metro Home. She didn’t have to tell the ladies that she was there. She was becoming a familiar face. She expected to be taken back to see Ava as she always did, but was surprised when she was lead into a new room. Inside was a man with gray hair and a thick mustache dressed in a black business suit.
“Mrs. Kent,” he greeted as he stood to shake her hand. He nodded towards the escort woman and she left, closing the door behind her. “Please, have a seat,” the man gestured for Lois. “I‘m Lawrence Copley, the owner and manager of The Metro Home and I’ve called you in here to talk about your adoption application.” Lois’ heart was thumping. She didn’t know what to expect next.
“We need to talk, Mrs. Kent,” the man said solemnly. “I know that you desperately want to keep Ava for yourself and protect her from harm…but she’s only been here for a week or so. In fact, she has only be orphaned for no more than two weeks. We aren’t completely positive that she doesn’t have any family that will care for her- there may be some out there that we haven’t located-”
“Please,” Lois began to beg. “I can’t let her stay here. And you know that if she had other family, which it has become obvious now that she doesn’t, they don’t care enough about her because they would be here right now asking the same thing I’m asking. She can’t stay here. We know each other well enough-”
It was Mr. Copley’s turn to interrupt. “I’m sorry Mrs. Kent but trying to adopt her now is premature. We know that you have an interest in Ava and we’ll keep that in mind when the time is right but other obstacles-”
“What else is the problem? What are these other obstacles that I have to overcome?” Lois tried not to rage at the man, but she was losing her patience.
“For one thing,” Lawrence continued. “You are single, so to speak. It’s hard for us to hand over a child to a ‘single parent’.
“Clark will come back!” Lois couldn’t help but say it. There was no controlling herself when the subject of Clark was brought up. She paused and bit her lower lip as she waited for Mr. Copley to continue.
“Also, your job puts you in dangerous positions all the time. Without a husband, what would happen to Ava if something happened to you? I know you love and care for her, but you must look at the facts as well.”
Lois’ mind swirled. Her mind drifted to happier times with Jonathan and Martha Kent. Out of nervousness and shock, she began to chatter about them to Mr. Copley and told of how they would be excellent influences in Ava’s life. She also began to ramble on about her friends Perry and Jimmy and how she was sure they would love to care for Ava whenever needed. Mr. Copley kindly said he would be happy to meet with them, when and if the situation arose that Lois could possibly adopt Ava.
“They sound like wonderful and stable people,” Mr. Copley reassured Lois. “But unfortunately, other obstacles exist. I’m sorry Mrs. Kent, but don’t worry. I won’t forget about your interest.”
Lois solemnly rose to shake Mr. Copley’s hand, then exited without ever stopping to see Ava. She knew that Ava would know she was upset and she didn’t want to add to the problems that the little girl dealt with every day. She wanted to go home. Lois hoped she wasn’t being greedy, but in a way, she felt she wasn’t putting her own needs before Ava’s- she was trying to protect Ava from even more stress. Or was she?
***
Lois trudged home with a heavy and broken heart. She couldn’t believe that she almost forgot to shut off the engine of her Jeep before getting out of it. ‘Who would do this,’ she thought to herself. She then rationalized, ‘Someone that found out they can’t have a child they love and want to care for, that’s who.’
She climbed the steps to her apartment and slowly entered through the double glass doors that lead to the main lobby. After Clark’s disappearance, she had sold the Brownstone and moved back into her old apartment that was vacant at the time. She couldn’t bear the feeling of living in the house that she was supposed to be sharing with her husband. If Clark came back, she knew that he’d understand. Heck, if she had to live in a cardboard box for Clark to come home, she would!
Her thoughts turned back to reality as she habitually pushed the elevator button. She didn’t want to be this depressed. She knew she was sinking lower than she thought was possible. There was no denying that. So many things barricaded her from loved ones. Some unknown, powerful force took Clark. Now authorities were blocking her from Ava- the girl who Lois now loved as her own daughter. A radical thought at that, but the more Lois pondered it, the more she realized it was true. She knew the girl needed a stable family and for the first time, Lois felt she could give this child a solid home life that she never had.
While riding up five floors to her apartment, Lois clumsily rummaged through her purse for her apartment key. She felt drunk and confused in sadness. She had experienced more pain than she thought possible in such a short period of time. She used to think that she was a tough and a ’been there done that’ kind of reporter. But now she realized that wasn’t the case at all. So many emotions were building up inside her and were constantly tugging at her brain and hitting her hard in the stomach. She now felt physically and mentally sick. It was like loosing Clark all over again. Her eyes were glazed- she had an odd feeling that this was all a horrible dream and that real life couldn’t possibly be this bad. But unfortunately, it was a reality she had to face.
After entering her apartment, Lois closed and locked all five bolts and locks on her door. She threw her briefcase and purse on a chair near the entryway and hung up her coat. What she needed now was a good hot bath.
After lying in the tub for a soak, Lois decided it was time to get up and face reality once again. She arose from the bathtub and slipped on a silky nightgown and matching robe. A cool breeze was blowing through the windows she had open, so she decided to let her hair dry in the breeze tonight.
Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, Lois sat down on her window seat and looked up into the night sky. ’I’ve gotta talk to Clark,’ she thought to herself. ’I may sound silly and he probably won’t be able to hear me wherever he is but I just have to.’ Inhaling deeply, she found the brightest star in the sky and decided that it would be her focus.
“Hi, Clark. Ah, well, I think you know who this is. Uh, you’ll have to excuse me, I’ve never really thought about doing this and I feel a little silly, but I really need you now more than ever. Oh, who am I kidding- you’re my husband- this should be so natural for me to talk to you.” Lois sighed a little and concentrated on all that she wanted to say to Clark. “Well, you might know about me and Ava. If you don’t well, I’m trying to adopt an adorable little girl that’s had a big impact on my life. But I’m sure if you can hear this than you probably do know that. Anyway, there’s been bumps along the road and I just need to talk. Oh God, I miss you so much, Clark!” Lois broke down and began to sob, not even trying to control herself. As she did, the wind began to pick up and blew the stray strands of hair across her face behind her. She couldn’t help but feel as though Clark was brushing the tears off her cheek. She controlled her sobbing and began again.
“I don’t know what to do. I need you to come back to me. I know you’re alive and out there somewhere, and if you can come back, you’ll find a way. I just need you to help me with all of this. You’re parents have been great and all, but you’re my husband, and I have more love for you than I knew I had inside of me ….oh!” Lois couldn’t take it anymore. She started to softly let a new batch of tears roll effortlessly down her cheeks as she slumped her head against the frame of the window. Before she knew it, she was asleep.
***
With the morning came new rays of golden sun that awoke Lois from her fetal position on the window seat. Squinting as she slowly opened her eyes to the day before her, she realized that she had slept in a bit and had to hurry. Passing through the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee, she noticed the answering machine was blinking. ’Hum, that’s funny,’ she thought to herself. ’I didn’t hear the phone ring. Guess I was out of it more than I thought I was.’ Her finger hit the play button as she slinked off into her bedroom in search of decent clothes to put on for work.
“Hi Lois, it’s Martha,” the answering machine blared. Lois froze in her tracks, did a complete turnaround, and ran out to the living room to stand beside the machine. “I just wanted to call and see if there were any updates.” Martha’s voice had a certain kind of school-girl giggle to it. “Well, just call me back whenever you can- I’ll be here all day! Oh, and Jonathan says ‘hi’ too. Bye, sweetheart! Love you!” Beeeeep!
The eerie noise signaling the end of the message almost made Lois want to throw the machine out the window. Now Martha was expecting her to call. And say what? That The Metro Home told her she couldn’t take care of a child? That there were too many ’obstacles’ to overcome? How could she possibly talk to Martha without completely losing control of her feelings and sobbing hysterically? So many thoughts raced through her mind, but she decided to put off dealing with this situation until later. She was already so late for work. She threw on a three piece suit and poured some coffee for herself then headed out the door. Today she was determined to work some more on the ’Strange Accident’ case and actually get somewhere this time. Sure, she’d visit Ava later, but she didn’t want to think about what emotions that visit might conjure up just yet.
***
“Jimmy, could you run these names for me? I think they may be some primary people we’re gonna want to investigate for those accidents.”
“No problem,” the eager and helpful young man replied. He’d do anything to help his dear friend Lois, especially when she was stumbling across something big. “So what are the new developments?” he asked as he took the list of names from her.
“Well,” Lois replied contently, happy that she wasn’t thinking about her personal problems at the moment and that a good friend of hers was interested in speaking to her about an article. “I called the main police department and they say that some kind of patter has evolved with the accidents. But the ’pattern’ is only figured out after the accidents happen. For instance, the first accident happened on March 9th, or 3-9. The next accident happened on June 12th, or 6-12. See, if you subtract the numbers of the first accident, you get 9-3=6. June is the 6th month. And if you add the two numbers from the first, you get 3+9=12. As in June 12th. But the problem is, these patterns only show after the accident has happened. But the police aren’t really concerned with the pattern- they just want to find out who is doing this and how. But they know it’s some criminal that has a good education in crime and math. So those names you have right now are everyone I’ve found in Metropolis that have studied and practiced mathematical strategy and physical science with some kind of criminal record.” Lois finished with a satisfactory smile on her face as she looked up at Jimmy.
“Whoa, that’s really great Lois! I don’t know, but I feel like you’re on the right track, and in a day or so, we’ll see this story make front page!”
“Aw, well thanks Jimmy, I hope so.” Lois said with a confident smirk as she silently thanked God for giving her a few good people in her life.
***
“Uh, Mr. Councilman?” Kal-El asked timidly as he entered the chamber.
“Yes,” the other man replied. “Ah, Kal-El! Nice of you to drop by. How may I help you?”
“Well, uh, I wanted to ask if it would be possible for me to return to Earth. Permanently. I know that the answer is probably ’no’ but I needed to ask anyway. My family is there and I miss them,” Clark replied solemnly with so much feeling that the Councilman couldn’t help but feel sympathetic.
“Oh, Kal-El, I do feel for you. And since you have been such a great use in lending your strength and knowledge to the rebuilding or Krypton, I suppose it would only be fitting. Of course, the rest of the Councilmen would have to vote upon it. And before we even consider setting up a voting session, there is something else you must do.”
“Yes,” Clark replied eagerly, full of hope.
“You must complete three tasks that you feel are strong contributions to your home planet that has now been rebuilt. Do not ask me what they are- you are the one that must figure that out. And remember, they had better be very worthy. The Councilmen will base their vote on the quality of your actions. The contributions you decide to make could easily be determining factors in making this so-called ‘wish‘ come true,” the elder Councilman replied. He realized that Kal-El should return to Earth to be with his loved ones, but he also knew that he must do it legally.
“Yes, I will. Thank you so much!” Clark was practically laughing and jumping for joy as he now realized that an opportunity for him to return home lay in front of him.
“But what about Jor-Nal? He was so intent on me staying and ruling. Could he possibly prevent this from happening?” Clark questioned with some premature disappointment.
“If the Councilmen vote that you may return to your adopted home planet, there is nothing that Jor-Nal or anyone else could do to prevent that. But that is only if the vote is in your favor.”
“Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!” Clark didn’t want to show too much excitement but knew that it was now possible that he could be going home soon! He quietly exited the chamber and began to decide what good tasks he must do for his home planet.
***
“Hey Lois, I just got this off the wire- thought you might be interested. This Metro Home is right near the scene of these accidents so maybe this can help you on that story.” Jimmy casually passed by Lois’s desk and set the article down, then ran off on his next errand.
Lois’s ears immediately perked up at the words ’Metro Home’. Desperately, she grabbed the tiny article that read:
‘In a turnabout of events, the local Metropolis orphanage, The Metro Home, has now announced that their enrolment has increased by over 30 percent in a five month period. The orphanage, which was going to go under because of lack of enrollments, has made a complete recovery and now is one of the top homes in the tri-state area.’
‘Wow,’ was all Lois could think. A normal passerby might think that this was great news, but to a suspicious reporter like Lois Lane, she smelled rat.
“Jimmy!” Lois called out, making the young man drop what he was doing and run to Lois‘s side. “Check out all of the victims of those accidents- give me all the info you can get on each person! Oh, and bring up all reports you can find on The Metro Home and their status. Thanks a lot!” Lois cried out as she turned to her computer and viciously began to type.
“Sure thing,” Jimmy answered as he turned and headed to his computer.
