Part Twenty-Two
Tonight moonlight and starlight fused effortlessly and their radiance tumbled gently down over the rooftops of Metropolis. The illumination touched majestic skyscrapers and humble shops. Some of the city’s inhabitants welcomed the moon’s brilliance while some of its more seedy denizens scorned its very existence. The evening radiance reached one particular neighborhood and than a certain townhouse, its lush garden filled with vivacious guests in happy anticipation of a long awaited event. It had been exactly one year and a month since Bobby Bigmouth had provided Lois Lane and Clark Kent with the tip, which set the intrepid reporting team on the fateful journey culminating in this evening.
The townhouse’s large backyard garden was the perfect backdrop for an eventide wedding. It had taken a tremendous amount of work and planning on everyone’s part, but the riot of colors and scents were remarkable. Set off as they were by blazing torches and lanterns. Dark red plum tree leaves and fiery red Japanese maple leaves contrasted perfectly with the lush lavender on the pathway to the gazebo. Slender yet regal Italian cypress lined the fences, masking the garden from onlookers. Jonathan chose these plants for a two-fold purpose: one to hide the garden from unwelcome attention and second because the plants displayed their vibrant color for a long period.
Heady intermingled scents of lavender and tulips wafted through the night air, enhancing the sense of eager anticipation among the guests.
Clark stood underneath the gazebo, talking with Pete Ross and James Olsen, Best man and groomsman respectively. He tried very hard to remain calm and relax, but how could he do so? Today was the day he had dreamed of ever since Lois barged into Perry’s office and forever changed his life. Now with their union so soon to be accomplished how could he *pretend* to be a composed and patient groom?
Some of the company glanced over to the handsome trio and wondered aloud why a ‘certain person of interest’ was missing from the group.
“Wonder why Superman isn’t here? Isn’t he supposed to be a good friend of both Clark and Lois?” The insistent question flowed like wine among the guests.
Clark’ hyper-sensitive hearing had picked up on the comment more than once, he had worked hard to ignore it until Judge Peterson the officiant asked the same question.
“Huh… well.” Clark stammered.
Pete Ross stepped up to the Judge, the big blonde man towered over the older one. “Well your honor, it’s like this; Superman knows how important this day is to Lois and Clark. He doesn’t want to take any of the attention away from them. But don’t worry, he’s probably watching from an excellent vantage point.”
Satisfied, the Judge walked off, no doubt to inform the other guests as to the reason for Superman’s absence.
“Thanks Pete. I owe you one!” whispered a relieved Clark.
“Hmmm that tab keeps getting bigger and bigger!” his friend replied with a grin.
Jimmy looked from one man to the other, decided it was some Smallville ‘inside’ joke. He excused himself and went to talk with Jack about the music.
The guests, around forty of the Lane-Kent’s most intimate friends and family blended freely and talked of the couple’s early days as partners and their many journalistic adventures together. Several expressed the opinion that Lois had finally met her match in Clark, while they all agreed he had bonded with his soulmate.
Six months had passed since Clark has proposed to Lois in that very garden on a moonlight night in September. Six months.
Of disappointment.
Of shattered dreams.
Of heartbreak.
The New Kryptonians had arrived scarcely a week after Lois started wearing the sweet diamond ring Clark had slipped onto her finger.
Only days after that entire debacle had been settled when Zara, Ching and the New Krypton throne ship departed from Earth’s orbit the Daily Planet became the epicenter of a long drawn out proxy fight between Franklin Stern and international financier Gregory Daae. Stern won, but only because Lex Luthor stepped in at the last minute to provide his old rival with his proxy, turning the tide against the younger man.
Lois and Clark, fed up with all the delays, determined to marry before another fiasco occurred. Both families agreed to opt for a small intimate wedding and reception at Clark’s townhouse rather than a lavishly planned social event. Once the catering arrangements by Uncle Mike and landscaping per Jonathan Kent were completed, Lois and Clark could exchange their marriage vows before all those they held dear.
***
Upstairs in the Master suite, the Lane women and Martha Kent were helping Lois prepare. Emotions were upbeat and happy, although Ellen Lane was trying to rush her daughter downstairs according to her timetable.
“Lois, come on hurry up everyone is waiting for you! Honestly, this is the one day a woman should *not* be late! Lucy, where is that box?”
“What box?” Lucy asked fending innocence as she hid a small box behind her back.
“The one you are hiding from your Mother.” Martha said dryly.
“Thank you Martha! I cannot keep these girls of mine straight sometimes.” Ellen plucked the slightly worn blue and gold velvet oblong box from behind Lucy’s back.
Since Lois was in the process of lowering her veil, Ellen Lane did not see the look of utter exasperation come over her face. Her Mother began to launch into a long diatribe about respect for one’s elders and remembering how important today was to her.
“Mother please! The box…what is in the box?” Lois asked hoping to cease the verbal onslaught.
“My Grandmother’s pearls,” Ellen said in hushed tones. “They have not seen the light of day since my wedding to your Father. I thought it was time they took center stage. They were restrung for this occasion.”
The three women watched in respectful silence as Ellen removed the elegant three-strand necklace from its box and reverently placed it around Lois’ neck. Although the dress was decidedly a modern affair: an off the shoulders column of creamy satin, with a wrap sash hanging down the side, the pearls gave it a charming allure, a nod to times and persons long past.
Lois touched the pearls and whispered, “Oh Mother, it is beautiful and matches my dress perfectly. Thank you.”
Ellen Lane looked back at her oldest child, she smiled as tears glistened her eyes. “Great Grandma would have been proud of you… I know I am.”
No words were spoken for a moment as the Lane women encircled themselves into a group hug. Martha looked at the trio, smiled quietly, then made to leave the bedroom, perhaps she could give her personal gift to Lois later.
Abruptly, a rock and roll version of the wedding march blared loud and sharp from the garden below.
Ellen’s head went up like a shot and her voice exploded. “Lucy! That boyfriend of yours was told *not* to play such rubbish! It should be Beethoven’s Night music. How is Lois supposed to walk down the aisle to that noise? Honestly, with all the things I have to mange today, music ought *not* be one of them. My poor nerves are going to pieces! Martha, *please* help Lois, this wedding is running behind schedule. Lucy, come on young woman we are going down there and straighten him out this instant!”
But Mom, I *told* Jimmy to play that. After all, Cindy had it in her last two weddings…”
Her mother response was lost as Lois heard two sets of loud footsteps pounding down the wooden staircase.
She turned and looked at Martha Kent, in her hands was a lovely midnight blue satin lingerie bag, the kind elegant ladies at one time used to pack their most intimate garments.
“Lois, I thought this might come in handy – for later. Uh, when you and Clark go to Hawaii.” She placed it in the younger women’s hands.
“Oh it’s wonderful! I love how it feels! When did you have time to make it?” Lois asked.
“The night Clark told us you were engaged.” Martha’s eyes began to twinkle. “Look inside. You know the old wedding saying: ‘something old, something new something borrowed and something blue’. Ellen provided parts of the saying. Perhaps this will fulfill the rest.”
Lois reached inside and pulled out a lovely wedding garter with a blue bow, and a gently faded white organza ruffle. The fabric of the bow felt oddly familiar.
“Martha…?”
“The blue is from his baby blanket which wrapped him securely during his flight from Krypton to Earth. The organza ruffle came from my own wedding gown.” Martha said mischievously.
“Oh, let’s put it on right now! But, the garter is not going to be part of any tacky reception ‘rite’! No one is going to see this little gift except Clark – later.” So saying, Lois gently lifted up the sumptuous fabric, daintily placed her stocking foot on the wooden chest at the foot of the bed and quickly pulled the garter up to her thigh. Once the skirt shimmered back into place, no one except the two women knew the garter with its mingled histories was there.
***
Looking at Clark’s bride, Martha could not help but feel excited, deep contentment and a touch of sadness all at once. Today was her son’s wedding day. So many blissful memories stemmed from that amazing night in Schuster’s field. The tiny passenger of that ship had provided a great deal of joy and happiness in her and Jonathan’s life. Each day with him had proved to be an adventure; first words, first steps… first flight. Now Clark was embarking on a new adventure; marrying a woman who would be his friend, helpmate, partner and so much more. A single tear slipped down Martha’s face as she helped Lois with her veil.
“Are you ready Lois?” Martha asked with a catch in her voice.
The younger woman glazed down at the older one, saw the tear, and took her hand. “Yes, I am. Thank you for the gift and I don’t mean the garter.”
Martha’s expression was puzzled and before she could speak Lois said, “Clark is the greatest gift I have ever received, but you and Jonathan had a hand in making him the incredible person he is today.”
“Thank you.” Martha reached into her purse and pulled out a lace hankie. “He is a good son and you are a good daughter, together you will make an excellent couple.” No other words came as the two women embraced and happy tears cascaded down their faces.
The intensely personal moment was broken when Ellen Lane barreled into the room with a properly chastised Lucy in tow. “Lois! Look at your make-up! What will the photographer say? Lucy, get the make-up case. Honestly, I can’t leave you alone for a second! Oh, did I mention Mike has done a wonderful job catering this event? Lois, who is that charming lady with him? Grace something-or-other. By the way Martha, I think Clark wants to see you, something about taking more photos.”
Martha nodded, trying hard not to laugh listening to Ellen’s babble. Quickly she picked up her purse, and exited the room, leaving Ellen and her daughters to spend a few last minutes together before the ceremony.
***
Thousands of miles away on the isle of Santorini, a couple sat quietly on a terrace overlooking the vast blue sea before them. The man had just finished reading a book of poetry, Shakespeare’s sonnets in a voice that had in the past been harsh and demanding, but presently held nothing but love for the woman by his side.
“Your reading was beautiful Lex, thank you.” Aykira said with a smile.
“The bard always says things in a way we mere mortals cannot.” He grew quiet and reflective, than spoke again. “It seems like time is moving faster with each day. We have been married nearly eight months, yet I feel as if we have always been husband and wife. Thank you for saying yes my sweet.”
Aykira said nothing, but took his hand. “Are you sorry we did not attend the wedding?”
“In a way, yes. It was kind of Kent to invite us, but the relationship we have with them is still precarious. Besides, this is their day, our or rather - my presence might be distracting.”
“Lex, they care about us. All the good work accomplished by the Superman foundation and your efforts have drawn us together into something of a friendship. But I must say, being here is a restful change from the demands of LexCorp and life in Metropolis.”
“Yes, it is.” Once again, Lex grew silent, as if in an apprehensive mood.
They sat once more looking out to the sea. Aykira stood and stretched, the creamy linen dress outlined her lithe body, she walked over to a small table where Chef Andre had arranged a light luncheon. She returned with two glasses of sparkling fruit punch, set one on the edge of the terrace, than placed another in Lex’s hand. After he took a brief sip, she settled herself again into the chair.
“All right Lex, out with it.”
He sighed and said, “How did you know?”
“It is very obvious; the brooding mood has prevailed all morning.”
A brief smile tugged at his thin lips. “You know me too well woman.”
“Yes, like I know your calendar. So… what is on your mind?”
“You.”
Taken aback, she responded, “I am flattered of course, but why?”
Lex leaned back, not as a movement to relax, but as preparation for a very serious conversation. He was not in the habit of doing something of this nature, even with her. But although it was difficult, oh so difficult he knew it must be done. He stared at Aykira, his wife was a mystery, wrapped by an enigma held together by a gossamer ribbon of puzzlement. Again, he realized marrying her had been the wisest thing he had ever done. A space station was nothing more than a cold metallic object hurling majestically through an endless frigid blackness. However, marriage to the right woman was the best way to honor his parent’s memory. He sighed; time to speak his piece.
“Ahem, this is important for me to say and as you are aware, admitting to weakness of any kind is not pleasant for me. I have been meaning to speak these words before our marriage. I… I should spoken them on our wedding night.”
“Shhh, no need my love, we were pleasantly occupied that night.” Aykira smiled wickedly.”
“Yes. But of course, we were… very pleasantly occupied.” He took her hand and kissed it.
Aykira’s facial expression went from teasing to one of deep concern and her heartbeat fluttered. “So, what is it? You are all right? Dr. Kassaten said…”
“No, no. Remember, our agreement, no discussion or concerns about my illness while visiting Santorini. This is *supposed* to be a vacation. We are here, living a quiet life with a few close friends and raising grapes.”
***
Aykira laughed. It was not a forced laugh or a painful one. Indeed, she loved being his wife. Yes, the first year of marriage was not without its challenges and surprises, for any newlyweds. However, she and Lex were far from being a normal couple. Oh, they had had disagreements, some quite major, but through communication and determination to make their marriage *work* the disagreements were surmounted.
Running the company with Lex’s behind-the-scenes assistance had taxed her organizational and administrative abilities to the limit. Some of the board members initially were not happy to have Lex’s former ‘secretary’ and now wife sitting in the CEO chair. A few had even tendered their resignations over the matter. It took quite a bit of effort, but Aykira managed to convince the remaining members to trust her abilities.
The board also had to accept the fact that members of the Superman Foundation would be overseeing the company’s major decisions for the next two years. Superman’s lawyer Constance Hunter had very high standards which needed to be met in order to keep General Zeitlin and Secretary Cosgrove happy. But the inconvenience was to be accepted in lieu of public scandal, media scrutiny and disgrace.
While all this was taking place, Lex helped Franklin Stern in his battle with Gregory Daae. Aykira had a sneaking suspicion he rather enjoyed that particular task.
After all that had occurred this respite from their Metropolis life was enjoyable. In this time of high-technology and video conferencing she could easily run LexCorp from anyplace on the planet.
***
“I want to apologize.”
“Apologize? Whatever for?”
“For being sick and begging you to marry me so I wouldn’t have to experience my ordeal alone. For being the man I once was. For dragging you into this whole mess with the crystals and than helping to restructure LexCorp.
“Lex, I assure you were it not for my mission, we might be celebrating our *second* wedding anniversary. There is no reason to apologize. In the back of my mind I wanted you as much if not more than you wanted me.”
“Are you quite sure?” He asked.
“Positive. Darling you are the only man in this world for me.” Leaned over him and wrapped her loving arms around his shoulders.
“Nonetheless, an apology is what you deserve. I should have been a better man, a better friend, rather than dance around our relationship. The greatest mistake I made was wasting time, chasing vapid women who cared nothing for me. Aykira, can you ever forgive me? If it had not been for you my life these past eight months might have been simply existing rather than living.”
***
She sat back and looked at her husband, really looked at him. He had changed. Oh, not just the thousand tiny changes that overtake a person with his particular disease, but he had changed as a person. Becoming kinder, gentler, and even stronger in a way… dare she use the word matured? She loved him more than enough to stay until the end.
There was no reason to hurry back to her own world. Bern and Alexander had a perfectly plausible explanation for her extended absence for the council. Besides, now that Star Labs and Barontech had the new crystals in their possession there would be no repercussions against her.
Yes, she and Lex were free to enjoy their marriage for as long as the tumor in her husband’s brain remained dormant and did not intrude on their lives. She sat close to him and hugged him tight, cherishing every moment of their life together whether on Santorini or in Metropolis. They would both have to be content with that.
***
Mom, Dad can you see the gazebo from where you are sitting?”
“Yes, son. Don’t worry about a thing. Does Pete have the ring?”
“Right here Mr. Kent.” The powerfully built man walked over to the Kents and smiled. “Clark warned me to guard it with my life.”
“As well you should Pete. I’m just wondering what’s keeping the bride. Sam said they were ready to begin over ten minutes ago.” Jonathan said quietly while glancing at his watch.
“Probably the Bride’s Mother.” Martha responded with a sigh.
At that moment, Uncle Mike walked over to them a beaming smile on his face. “Hey everybody, I just spoke with Sam, it’s time. So the young fellas need to take their place under the gazebo.
Pete grinned and patted his friend on the back. “This is it buddy! Ready to take the plunge?”
Clark looked at his boyhood friend and answered with gentle seriousness. “If Zara and Ching themselves were to suddenly appear, I wouldn’t let them halt this ceremony. Lois is my wife already, but this ceremony makes it official before God and all these witnesses.”
Jonathan and Martha looked on with pride at the man they had raised, took hands and smiled.
Jimmy walked down the torch lighted path towards the group. “Man, I don’t know about you Clark, but Lucy’s Mother is difficult. We only wanted to hear what a rock n’ roll wedding march…”
Martha interrupted the young man diatribe. “Jimmy let’s discuss this later. Is
Jack minding the music?”
“Yes, Mrs. Kent”, Jimmy nodded, properly chastised.
“Good, now take your place by the french doors, while the rest of us take our seats.”
At that moment, gentle classical music filled the air and all conversation ceased as the other guests eagerly walked to their chairs. Mike Lane sat down next to Grace Chu and took her hand, smiling hugely. Three seats away were George and a glowingly maternal Cat, her pregnancy evident for all to see. Perry and Alice sat next to them, pleased this wonderful day or rather, evening had finally arrived.
A surprisingly dashing and relaxed Bill Henderson and his wife sat behind the Amundsens.
Several of the bullpen gang was evident as well. Eduardo and Steve hastily sat down with their wives, having come in from the back of the garden. Apparently, Ralph had tried to take pictures of the nuptials and sell them to the National Whisperer. The two men ‘persuaded’ Ralph to hand over his film and then had the police take him away for trespassing on private property.
Diane Pallister was there sitting cozily with her date, stock fraud investigator, Zane Nelson. They had met during the whole Daae/Stern battle and were taking their time getting to know one another.
Dr. Bernard Klein, looking rather uncomfortable in a social setting, stood by the double doors, nursing a tall cup of strong black coffee. The absent-minded scientist had come straight from Star Labs after working a twelve-hour shift. He had completely forgotten about the wedding.
Jack presided over the sound system, and as with all things electronic, the results were outstanding. This event marked a turning point for the young man, after several conversations with the intern Stacy, he planned to attend Metropolis University in the autumn.
Once all the guests had found their seats, the music halted than suddenly changed. Beethoven’s Night Music lilted through the air, the sounds mingled with the scents and emotions of the evening.
***
“Care to take a stroll with me Princess? It is a lovely night for it.” Sam Lane deep voice boomed as he bowed and extended an arm to his oldest child.
Lucy and Lois giggled in front of their Father, as they had not since childhood. Over the past six months, the two women had worked hard rebuilding their relationship with him and their Mother. It had not been an easy task, yet the Lane family wounds were definitely healing. Lois thought, <Another gift I owe to Clark, the son of Jonathan and Martha *and* Kal-el son of Jor-el and Lara.> She thought, giving homage to his extraterrestrial heritage.
Lois curtsied and responded, “Why kind sir, what a capital idea.” She took her Father’s arm and stood behind Lucy. “Ok, I’m ready, she said, trying to dismiss the butterflies in her stomach.
Lucy tapped on the French doors and they opened as if by her will alone. She stood just inside the doors to allow the torchlight to awash her in soft illumination. Her pretty features, so reminiscent of her Father shone with an inner light. Jimmy’s heart swelled as he beheld the beautiful sight and wondered, if given time and patience and might he someday exchange vows with the younger Lane sister?
Head held high and regal, Lucy daintily stepped out of the doorway and took Jimmy’s offered arm. The photographer came into view, took a few shots, then moved discreetly out of their path. With perfectly timed steps, they made their way down the stone path towards the gazebo covered in white gauze and delicate lights, just for this occasion.
As soon as Lucy and Jimmy arrived under the gazebo, the music halted, as the guests stood in anticipation of the bride. The lights around the garden were lowered among the guests. Only the footpath and the lights by the French doors remained and intensified.
***
Inside the townhouse, the quiet rumble of Sam Lane’s voice was heard saying gently. “Ready Princess?”
“Yes Daddy.” Lois spoke in hushed tones.
Father and daughter stepped into the soft nimbus of light, stood for a moment so the photographer could take a few pictures, then moved with serenity towards the gazebo.
Lois heart beat so loudly she was certain the guests would not need Clark’s super hearing to know how thrilled she was their special evening had finally arrived. She could not take her eyes off the man who in a few minutes would become her husband. Indeed, in her mind he already was.
***
Clark’s heartbeat was so thunderous and rapid it threatened to burst from his chest. He wondered did a groom ever die from sheer joy. The gown Lois wore fit her perfectly she looked like a Queen. In point of fact the dress was similar to one worn by his Mother Lara in one of the scenes he had shown her from the globe. His fiancé must have memorized it and had a seamstress re-create the gown. He was deeply touched by her consideration of his Kryptonian heritage.
He felt Pete’s light touch on his shoulder, “She looks great Clark. You, are one lucky man!”
Clark nodded. “I know my friend I know.”
All other thoughts vanished from his mind as Sam Lane handed his daughter to Clark. Two unique people stood before the officiant to express their love and devotion to one another for now and forever.
The End.
