By CrysB <crysblaz@hotmail.com>
Rated G
Submitted September 1999
Summary: Clark is surprised when a caller to the Kent house tells him she is his sister.
***
It was Monday night and Lois and Clark were walking home from a long day at the Planet. They had stopped at the daycare centre to pick up their six month old twins, James Jor-El Kent and Laura Lea Kent, and were on their way home when Clark heard a cry for help. As Clark left Lois and their children to head for the cry, Lois headed back to their townhouse to put James and Laura to sleep. After about twenty minutes Clark returned.
"Honey, it's late. What are you doing up?" Clark asked.
"I thought maybe you and I could watch some movies just like old times," Lois replied.
"Sure, what movie do you want to see?"
"You choose."
So they sat down and watched a movie. They only had to pause it once or twice to feed their young children.
***
The next morning Lois and Clark were getting ready for work when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it, you just get the kids ready," Clark told her. He went downstairs and opened the door.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Clark asked the young girl who was standing on the other side of the door.
"Yes. As a matter of fact I think you can…Kal-El," the young girl said.
"Oh my God!" Clark gasped at the words the young girl had spoken.
"Please come in," Clark invited, a bit shocked. Then after the girl came in he called up to Lois to come down there.
Lois came down the stairs, carrying James and Laura, to see what her husband called her about. When she got to the living room she saw her husband standing by a young girl aged around seventeen. After Clark had told Lois what had happened, and saw that she had the same reaction, they all sat on the couch.
"Okay, you're both probably wondering how I know this, and it's going to be hard to believe, but you deserve to know the truth. My name is Laurel. However, I was born Lor-El. Like you, Kal-El, I am also a child of Jor-El and Lara. I also know that you were led to believe that you were an only child, and that your parents were killed in an explosion. Well, that is incorrect. After Jor-El and Lara sent you to Earth, they were captured and taken prisoner and off the planet. They were held captive for several years before I was born and then about five years ago they were set free. They had every intention of coming here to find you and make up for the lost time, however they were injured. It is their request that I find you and give several messages. I have spent the last three years trying to find you." Lor-El explained.
"I have a sister!" Clark said in amazement. With that said he went over to her and gave her a hug.
Lois sat aside with a huge smile on her face because she knew how much he wanted a sister. Clark saw Lois.
"Laurel, this is Lois, my wife," Clark took James out of Lois' hand "and this is James Jor-El Kent, and that," Clark pointed to Lara, "is Laura Lea Kent. They are your niece and nephew," Clark said as he introduced his family to his sister.
"Kal-El…" Laurel began.
"Can you do me a favor?" Clark asked the guest, and she nodded. "Please call me Clark, that's what I go by. All of Metropolis knows that Superman's name is Kal-El and the only ones that know that I'm him are Lois, and Mom and Dad…" Clark caught himself and then continued. "The people who raised me, and possibly Perry," he explained.
After a few minutes Lois realized they all were still at the entryway.
"I'm so sorry, come in, sit down, can we get you something to eat or drink?" Lois offered as she led Laurel to the couch.
"A drink would be nice," Laurel said.
"OK, so what would you like? We have water, tea, coffee, Kool-Aid, and if you don't want any of those Clark can go out and get something else if you want." Lois said.
"Tea," she said. Lois went into the kitchen and brought back three glasses of iced tea.
"Okay, are you sure you don't want some food? I can only make a few things but they are not that bad," Lois said to her sister-in-law.
"I wouldn't take her up on that offer. Her food hasn't killed anyone yet, but it might one day. She tried to get me to eat either lumpy oatmeal, burnt lasagna, or food so hot no one could eat it." Clark said as he caught the throw pillow his wife threw at him, and then placed it on the couch next to him.
"Okay, I surrender, I won't cook. So how old are you?" Lois asked, her curious side coming out.
"I'm seventeen," Laurel said.
"And you have been searching for me for three years?" Clark asked, a little surprised.
"Yes," Laurel said simply.
"Then how did you find where I was?" a curious Clark asked.
"I was searching adoption records and then about a year ago I saw Superman on TV and figured you must be my brother because you are the only person flying around with the El symbol on your chest," Laurel answered.
"Well, why didn't you contact anyone sooner?" Lois asked.
"I was afraid that you wouldn't believe me," Laurel explained.
"Yeah, someone coming up to me as Superman saying 'I'm your sister' might be a little hard to believe," Clark told her.
"Wait a minute. If you have been here for a year then where have you stayed?" Lois asked curiously.
"I stayed in the small spaceship I came in," Laurel said, a little embarrassed.
"That's about as bad as living in a car. They aren't very comfortable, are they? The last one we were in was plain, and it took away Clark, and just brought more trouble when Zara and Ching took him back," Lois said, a little shocked.
"Yes. My parents and I heard about all Lord Nor caused here, but at least he was punished for his trouble. It made mom and dad so proud, and deeply touched that you risked giving up your life so you could fulfil what they had planned for you. You must have learned a lot from Jonathan and Martha Kent," Laurel said.
"I did. They raised me to be a good person. Would you like to meet them? Since you are from Krypton you obviously have super powers and then it's only a minute away," Clark stated.
"I would like that very much, Clark," Laurel said.
***
So Clark and Lois (carrying James), followed by Laurel (carrying Laura) flew to Smallville, Kansas.
"Maybe I should go in and explain this to them first. Lois can maybe show Laurel around a little," Clark said as he slowly entered the house.
"Mom, Dad, are you home?" Clark yelled out into the house of Jonathan and Martha Kent.
"Clark, is that you, son?" Martha called out from the living room.
"Yeah, Mom, it's me. There is something I need to talk to you about," Clark said slowly, not knowing how they were going to take this news.
"Why, is something wrong?" Jonathan asked as he and Martha entered the kitchen and sat down where their son was.
Clark explained what had happened to him and Lois that morning and also explained to his parents that his biological sister wanted to meet them. The Kents agreed and Clark ran outside and brought Lois and Laurel, and his children back inside.
So later that night they sat down in the living room and all talked. Martha offered more tea when they ran out. As she went into the kitchen, Clark followed her.
"Mom, is something wrong?" Clark asked his mother, knowing there was something wrong.
"No, why would you ask that?" Martha replied, hoping she could fool her son into thinking she was fine.
"Mom, I know you too well. What's bothering you?" Clark calmly asked.
"Well," she began, a little embarrassed about the reason that she was upset.
"You think that just because she is alive that I won't consider that you and Dad are my family? Am I right?" Clark asked.
"I guess," Martha replied, still a little embarrassed.
"Mom, do you remember what I told you before I left for New Krypton?" Clark asked as Martha nodded. Clark continued, "I said that you and Dad were the only parents I knew, the only parents I wanted. Even if I have other relatives alive you will always be my family. Ok?"
Martha and Clark hugged before going back to the living room to continue talking with Laurel. After a few hours of talking Martha suggested going fishing in the lake by their house. So everyone went down to the lake.
"Do you know how to fish, Laurel?" Clark asked his sister. And when she shook her head Clark showed her how to fish. After a few hours of fishing, the only people who caught fish were Lois, Laurel, and Martha. And of course Lois was teasing Clark about not catching a thing.
"Clark, why is it that whenever we come down here to come fishing you never catch a thing?" Lois asked sarcastically.
"It's just…" Clark began to make an excuse when Lois cut him off.
"Don't tell me it was bad luck, or because you haven't been here in a while because you have used those excuses the last five times we've come fishing, and we come here almost every weekend. Honey, just admit it that women ate better at it than men. You know that's all I want and until you admit it I'm going to tease you about it," Lois told Clark, knowing that he would give in.
"Okay, fine. You are better at fishing than me. Happy?" Clark asked.
"Yes," Lois answered, smiling.
Later that evening Lois was watching cartoons in the living room trying to get the screaming kids to sleep when Clark walked in.
"Hey, where have you been?" Lois asked.
"I was locking up the gates on the farm." Clark replied.
Clark sat down on the couch and started watching the cartoons when Lois handed him Laura so he could try to put her to sleep. Then Laurel came in.
"Hi, Laurel. Do you want to watch TV with us, and maybe help put your niece or nephew to sleep?" Lois offered.
"Yeah. Sure. But I'm warning you now, I don't know a lot about kids," Laurel said with caution as Lois handed her James.
"That's okay. Neither did I, but you learn with practice." Lois told her.
"I'm going to change clothes and then check on dinner because I'm hungry. I'll be right back," Clark said as he headed into the kitchen.
As Clark was leaving Lois thought it would be nice to get to know her sister-in-law.
"So, Laurel, would you like to go see where Clark and I work tomorrow?" Lois asked.
"Yeah, that would be great. Can I get a tour?" Laurel asked excitedly.
"You sure do, and you can meet everyone in the newsroom, and Perry, Jimmy. I'm warning you now Jimmy will probably try to hit on you, or ask you out. And then maybe we can go shopping," Lois said.
"Yeah. I think it's obvious I need some new clothes. I really stand out. Don't I?" Laurel asked.
"Don't worry, I have plenty of clothes you can wear and if you don't like mine you can do what I do, steal Clark's comfy clothes." Lois said.
"Wouldn't he mind?" Laurel asked.
"No. I wear his clothes all the time. And something else — don't be afraid to give him some attitude back. He won't bite, I promise, but if he does we'll beat him up, and tickle him," Lois said, smiling.
"Okay" Laurel said, laughing.
After a few more minutes Clark came back in a black shirt and blue jeans covered with baking flour and found Laurel sitting beside Lois, both with calm, sleeping babies in their arms.
As soon as Lois and Laurel saw Clark they burst out laughing.
"What happened?" Lois asked while still laughing.
"I tried to get some food and that evil, evil woman in there wouldn't let me have any. Then she dumped flour on me." Clark explained the mess on his clothes to his wife and sister.
Clark sighed. "All right. What's the secret? Just a second ago those kids were screaming their heads off, and now they're quiet as a mouse. What's the secret?" Clark asked shocked, and amazed. He went over and stood beside the couch.
"We're not telling," Lois and Laurel said at the same time.
"Fine, keep your little secret. I'm going to change AGAIN," Clark said as he headed up stairs.
Then everyone ate and Lois, Clark, Laurel, and Laura, and James flew back to Metropolis, and entered the townhouse. Lois and Clark gave her a quick tour of their house.
"Sis, you can sleep in the guest room," Clark said.
"Come on upstairs and we can find you something to wear," Lois said as everyone went upstairs to Lois and Clark's closet.
Laurel picked out Lois' old Superman pajamas.
***
Around 3:00 Lois was awakened by laughter coming from the living room. As she put on her robe and walked downstairs she saw Clark and Laurel sitting on the couch with a photo album. She walked to the couch and put her arms around Clark's shoulders.
"Lois, honey, what are you doing up?" Clark asked her.
"Couldn't sleep. You?" Lois asked.
"I'm showing Laurel pictures," Clark said to his wife.
"Hey, that's not fair. I'm the one who is supposed to show her your embarrassing baby pictures." Lois pouted.
"We already went through the baby pictures, now we are on wedding pictures. And before you say anything, the only pictures that are in here are from the wedding that actually resulted in marriage. The pictures from the wedding that Lex ruined were cut up by the clone," Clark told Lois, then pulled out a picture of the real Lois in her wedding gown. "Well, except this one, since it was really you I kept it," Clark said to Lois.
"What?" a confused Laurel asked.
Lois sat down beside Laurel and explained everything, and then went back to sleep.
***
The next morning Lois and Clark awoke to a ringing alarm clock that said 8:00. So they got out of bed and proceeded to get dressed and to dress their children.
At 8:30 they sat at their kitchen table to eat breakfast.
"So how are we going to explain your sister to Perry, and Jimmy?" Lois asked Clark.
"I don't know — should we tell them that I was adopted and she is my sister, or should we tell them that she is just a friend, or what? I don't know," Clark asked back, just as confused as Lois.
"Well, they are our friends, and we shouldn't lie to them, so I say we tell them the truth," Lois suggested.
"OK. We'll just go up to them and say 'Hi Perry, Jimmy, this is my sister. My parents sent me to Earth because their planet was going to explode, and she has come to find me,'" Clark suggested sarcastically.
"You're right, they would flip, or think you were some kind of wacko," Lois said as they both started to laugh.
"I say we tell them as much of the truth as we can without telling them the unusual stuff. That I was given up for adoption when I was born and she is my sister," Clark suggested.
At 9:00 Laurel was awakened by a screaming baby.
"Morning," Lois said.
"Okay, we have eggs, bacon, biscuits, orange juice, and coffee for breakfast," Clark said as he handed her a plate with food on it. "What do you want to drink?"
***
About forty-five minutes later the elevator doors to the Daily Planet Newsroom opened and out walked the three of them. The first person that walked by just happened to be Jimmy. Clark stopped him just as he was about to pass.
"Hey Jimmy, I want you to meet someone very special. This," Clark pointed to Clark then pointed to Laurel, "is my sister, Laurel."
"Ok. Am I missing something? Are you joking? Or trying to make me feel stupid, because if you are it's working, because I know you don't have any brothers or sisters, CK," a very confused Jimmy asked.
"Yes you are missing something, the story. No, we aren't joking, and apparently we don't have to try very hard to make you look stupid," Lois answered and Jimmy laughed.
"Ok. This is my sister. The Kents adopted me because my biological parents were killed. We just met yesterday. Now do you understand?" Clark explained.
"Yeah. It was nice to meet you, but I have to go get some photos to copy for the chief or he'll start yelling and it's been a quiet day and I'd like to keep it that way. So, see you later," Jimmy said as he turned and headed to the darkroom. As soon as he left to go to the darkroom he turned around and stared at Laurel.
"That was Jimmy. He basically does research, and takes pictures for our stories," Lois explained to her sister-in-law. They all headed toward Lois' desk.
"Over here we have the desk of the award winning Lois Lane Kent," Clark announced like a TV announcer, and Lois rolled her eyes.
"Laurel, do you want to sit down, and play games on the computer? I have a few other games as well," Lois asked her sister-in-law.
"Sure! But I'm going to tell you now you're going to lose," She replied.
"Oh yeah? Go ahead and pick the game. It will give me an excuse not to work. The password is 'Superman'," Lois told her.
Clark rolled his eyes at her password. "You still haven't changed it?" Clark asked his wife.
"Why should I? The only stories I ever write are about Superman," Lois asked back at her husband.
"True. You still refuse to write about the mushy stuff," Clark fired back at Lois
Just then Perry White, editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet, saw Lois and Clark were finally here.
"Lois! Clark! Where in the blazes have you been?" Perry bellowed as he came out of his office to Lois' desk where he saw that she and a young woman were playing scrabble and Clark was standing behind the girl talking to her quietly.
"Morning Perry," both Lois and Clark said in unison without looking up.
"Clark, stop helping her. That's basically cheating since you memorized the dictionary," Lois scolded Clark for helping his sister.
"Excuse me, who is cheating? Lois, for the millionth time, 'Chumpy' isn't a word. And No, just because someone is a chump that doesn't mean they are Chumpy." Clark looked to Perry. "Chief, can you help me out here?" Clark looked to his boss. Perry clasped a fatherly hand on Clark's shoulder.
"Son, don't you ever learn. Lois is going to get her way no matter what I say, no matter what you say, or anyone else says. So I'm not even going to try," Perry said and looked at Lois.
"See, at least Perry's smart," Lois told Clark, and then motioned for him to introduce his sister.
"Oh! Perry this is my sister Laurel. She's moving to Metropolis." Clark said to Perry.
"What in all of Graceland are you talking about?" Perry was obviously confused.
"I was adopted by the Kents, and yesterday I met my sister. Now she is moving to Metropolis." Clark explained.
"Oh. Well, I'm Perry White." Perry introduced himself.
"So, Perry, since I always get my way do I even have to ask to have the day off?" Lois asked. Perry started to smile.
"No. Lois, you can take today and tomorrow off." Perry said.
"See, I told you I get what I want. But you, on the other hand, better start begging," Lois told her husband with a slight smile.
Clark asked for the same and Perry agreed, and then started walking back to his office. About half way he stopped and turned around and said, "But I'm warning you, when you get back you better come in on time and I'm going to make you work hard," Perry said as he walked into his office chuckling.
Lois and Laurel finished their game (Laurel won because she had also memorized the dictionary) and they all went to the Metropolis Mall and bought them each some clothes.
***
Several hours later three exhausted adults and two sleeping babies entered the townhouse.
"Well, I don't know about you but I'm hungry," Clark stated.
"You are always hungry. And you eat like a pig," Lois told her husband.
"I'm going to take a nap," Laurel said.
"Me too," Lois said and went to sleep.
***
Meanwhile back at the Daily Planet, Jimmy was sitting at Lois' desk playing a game on her computer because his was broken, when the elevator dinged and out stepped Dan Scardino. He headed straight for Lois' desk and was surprised when he saw Jimmy there.
Jimmy obviously didn't know anyone was watching him. When he heard someone clear his or her throat, Jimmy looked up.
"Can I help you?" Jimmy asked, a little annoyed at having to stop his game.
"Yeah. Can you tell me where Lois is?" Dan asked Jimmy.
"Yeah, but who are you?" Jimmy asked.
"I'm Daniel Scardino," Dan said.
"Oh. Well, she has the day off so she is probably at her house," Jimmy said
"House? She lives in an apartment," Dan said, a little confused.
"She moved a few years ago," Jimmy said.
"Okay. Well, can you give me her address?" Dan asked.
Jimmy wrote down the address and Daniel Scardino left and headed for the address he was given.
***
Lois awoke and took Laura downstairs and found Clark cooking, and Laurel watching TV, and holding James. Just then the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!" Laurel yelled and gave Lois the baby.
Lois then went into the kitchen to get a drink.
Laurel opened the door. "Yes. Can I help you?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for Lois Lane. I must have the wrong house," Dan said to the girl.
"No, you have the right house. Stay here and I'll go get her," Laurel said as she shut the door and went into the kitchen.
"Lois, there is someone to see you." Laurel said.
"Oh! Okay," she said as she headed for the front door with both infants in her arms. Laurel opened the door.
"Dan! What are you doing here?" Lois was completely surprised and shocked to see him. Lois gave James to Laurel and gave Dan a small hug.
"I went by the Planet and Jimmy gave me your new address. Why'd you move?" Dan asked Lois.
"Oh, well, my old place wasn't big enough," Lois said. "Oh, Dan this is Laurel, Laurel this is Dan. That is James," she nodded her head toward James, "and this is Laura" she nodded toward Laura. "Come in. Do you want something to drink?" Lois asked.
"Who was at the door?" Clark asked as he walked through the kitchen doors carrying a small towel.
"Kent?" Dan asked shocked.
"Dan! It's good to see you again." Clark said.
"Yeah," Dan said weakly.
"Laurel, will you help me with dinner?" Clark asked his sister and started to walk back into the kitchen.
"Yeah, sure. Lois, do you want to take him or do you want me to put him back in his crib?" Laurel asked Lois.
"Here, I'll take him, it's not that hard holding two kids at once," Lois said as she took James. "Now go help him make dinner because I'm Hungry."
"Great! Now you're sounding like him," Laurel said as she jabbed her thumb in Clark's direction, and Lois laughed.
"Laurel!" Clark's voice was heard and it had an impatient tone in it.
"I'm coming. And don't you talk to me in that tone of voice, young man." Laurel said and started to laugh.
"Oh, now you've had it." Clark said as he walked back into the living room to his sister, and snapped the towel at her.
"Ow! Oh that's it! Brother or no, you're gonna DIE!" Laurel said and chased him into the kitchen, but then a second later she popped her head into the living room with a wicked grin on her face. "Hey, Lois? Where's Clark ticklish?"
"Hey! No fair! Consulting with other sources. Uh-oh. I don't like that look in your eyes. No! No! Lois help me! He-he-he. No, don't tickle me," Clark yelled but then broke into laughter.
Laurel popped her head out of the kitchen door again with another smile on her face. "You don't have to worry about him. I found his ticklish spot, and had him begging for mercy," she said.
Lois was smiling and shaking her head while she led Dan to the couch.
"So, Lois, what's Kent doing here?" Dan asked.
"Why wouldn't he be here?" Lois asked, a little confused.
"What?" Dan asked, still confused.
"Clark and I are married and James and Laura are our kids," Lois stated.
"When? Why?" Dan asked angrily.
"When, about three years ago. Why, because I love him," Lois said, getting mad at him.
"Oh. Well, what about that girl. Who is she?" Dan asked, disappointed.
"That's Clark sister," Lois replied.
"I didn't know Kent had any brothers or sisters," Dan said.
"He didn't either until two days ago. He was adopted," Lois said, not wanting to give Dan all the details.
Laurel and Clark came out of the kitchen, and Clark had a strong grip on her wrists and kept them in front of her.
"Lois, dinner is almost ready," Laurel said.
"Dan, do you want to stay for dinner? I made extra," Clark asked Dan.
"Yeah, sure. Why not?" Dan said back to Clark.
"Honey, will you take her upstairs? She will also need to be changed," Lois asked Clark as she handed him Laura.
Clark let go of Laurel's wrists to take Laura.
"Sure. Do you hear the way she talks to me? And who, might I add, has to do all her dirty work?" Clark told Laura as he went up the stairs and headed to the nursery.
"Come on, we can take him up," Lois told Dan. "Laurel, will you watch the food?" Lois asked Laurel.
Clark had just laid his daughter down and was rocking her to sleep when Lois and Dan walked into the nursery with a crying baby.
"Clark, will you put him to sleep? He won't shut up. I'm going to show Dan the house," Lois said as she walked out of the room.
Meanwhile down in the kitchen Laurel was watching the food when all of a sudden smoke came out of the oven.
"Clark, I know you can hear me. Can you please get down here NOW," Laurel whispered.
Clark heard Laurel and went down to the kitchen with James.
"What's wrong?" Clark asked.
"There is smoke coming out of the oven," Laurel answered.
"Great! Well, Laurel, how about some Chinese food? Can you fly yet? " Clark asked.
"Yeah," Laurel said.
"Okay, let's go tell Lois where we are going and then we can go to China."
Clark and Laurel found Lois showing Dan the study. They walked into the room.
"Lois, your dork of a husband forgot to turn the oven off and now the food is extremely burnt, so he and I are going to go to get Chinese. I'm supposed to ask what you want?" Laurel asked, not looking at Clark.
"Get the usual," Lois said.
"Okay, we will be back in about 5-10 minutes." Clark said
"Do you want me to take him or are you going to take him with you and make your sister put up with a screaming niece?" Lois asked, nodding toward James.
"It would be quicker and I would get less complaints to leave him here, wouldn't it. Here, he's almost asleep," Clark said as he handed his wife James. Then he gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Laurel, be careful he doesn't start driving like a maniac. You just remind him that if he does you're going to tell me and he is going to be in trouble," Lois joked.
Laurel laughed and said, "Trust me. I will, and I'm still gonna get even with him."
Five minutes later she and Clark returned with several wooden cartons of Chinese food. They went to the kitchen and set down the food and returned to the living room.
"Lois, we're back!" Clark yelled and saw her and Dan coming down the stairs both holding a screaming kid.
"Don't yell!" Lois said, very loudly.
"Who's yelling? What's wrong?" Clark asked in a concerned voice.
"Well I was showing Dan the house and YOUR kids are screaming at me, and they won't shut up and I have a headache," Lois said almost crying. Clark gave her a reassuring hug. Clark held her in his arms and then put his arm around her shoulder and walked her to the kitchen saying,
"Naturally when they're bad they are MY kids. I can barely wait to see what punishment I'll get when one of them wrecks the car. Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you some aspirin," Clark comforted Lois. Dan and Laurel followed them to the kitchen.
A few minutes later Lois' headache was gone and the babies were quietly asleep upstairs. So everyone sat down to a nice dinner.
Dan took one bite and said "Oh man! This is great! Where did you say you got it?"
"It's just a little hole in the wall. Lois, what's the name of it? It's China town? Or something like that," Clark asked Lois.
Lois was about to answer when the phone rang.
"I'll get it. You just keep eating." Clark said as he walked the living room to get the cordless phone. He picked it up and said "Hello," but there was no one on the line, so he hung it up. He walked back to the dining room.
"Who was on the phone?" Lois asked.
"I don't know, they hung up before I could answer it. I figure that if they really want to talk to us they will call back," Clark told Lois.
The rest of the meal was eaten and light conversation was made. Then everyone dove for a fortune cookie.
"It's in Chinese!" Dan complained.
Lois opened her fortune cookie and popped half in her mouth and handed Clark her fortune and asked, "Clark, what does this say?"
"It says 'A good horse is like a member of the family,'" Clark said.
"That is not a fortune," Lois complained.
"You can read Chinese?" Dan asked, surprised.
"Yeah. I learned it in China when I was traveling after college," Clark said.
With that answer everyone at the table handed him their fortunes and he read them then after dinner. Dan left shortly after.
Lois, Clark and Laurel were sitting on the couch; Clark had an arm around Lois and another around Laurel and was watching TV when the doorbell rang. Lois answered the door to find Lucy at the door. She walked in and saw Clark on the couch with his arm around a young girl. Clark looked up and saw his sister-in-law.
"Lucy! What are you doing here? It's almost midnight. You should be home asleep. Well since you're here you can watch TV with Lois, Laurel and me," Clark said as he patted the seat next to him. Lois saw the look of confusion on her sister's face.
"Clark! Lucy doesn't know Laurel. Lucy is probably thinking something along the line that you have a girlfriend over or something like that. Right?" Lois asked her sister, and when she nodded Lois burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Clark asked, very confused.
"Lucy walks in and sees you on the couch with you arm around another woman," Lois explained and Clark, Lois and Laurel start laughing leaving a still confused Lucy.
"Lucy, it's not what you think. Laurel is my sister," Clark explained, as he controlled his laughter.
"But you said you're an only child," Lucy said, still confused.
"Clark was adopted by the Kents when he was a baby. Laurel is his biological sister," Lois explained to her sister.
"Okay. I now see what is so funny," Lucy said as she extended a hand to Laurel. "I'm Lucy, Lois' sister." They shook hands and all sat down to watch TV.
"So Lucy, what brings you over here so late?" Lois asked.
"Well I called earlier and no one answered so I came over."
"So it was you who called. Why did you hang up?" Clark said.
"Well, mom came into the room and I didn't want her to know I was calling you and Lois," Lucy replied.
"So what did you want when you called?" Lois asked.
"I just wanted to warn you that mom said she was coming over, something about her needing a place to stay for a few days. And coming here is cheaper than renting a hotel room," Lucy told her sister.
"When is she coming?" Lois asked her sister, trying to keep a calm voice.
"She'll be here in the morning," Lucy said.
"Oh boy!" Clark said, trying not to sound horrified.
"Well, that isn't going to work. Laurel is in the guestroom. She'll be mad if she has to sleep on the couch," Lois said back to her sister.
"I'm just telling you what she said. Don't get mad at me because I'm not the one who is doing it to you," Lucy said, getting defensive.
Lois turned to Clark and asked, "What are we going to do?"
"Does she have a key to the house?" Clark asked.
"Yes. She does. We gave it to her when we went on vacation last year," Lois answered Clark.
"We could change the locks," Clark suggested.
"No. If we did we would never hear the end of it. There is nothing we can do but tell her we already have a guest," Lois said.
About half an hour later Lucy left and Lois, Clark, and Laurel went to sleep.
***
The next morning when the alarm clock went off Clark shut it off so Lois could sleep a little more. He took his shower and got dressed in some comfortable jeans and a shirt. After he got dressed he was going to start making breakfast when the doorbell rang. He went to answer it, almost positive that it would be Ellen Lane, but when he opened the door he found Jimmy.
"Jimmy! It is such a relief to see you! I'm glad it's you, I think it's too early in the morning to face 'Hurricane Ellen'! What are you doing here?" Clark asked excitedly.
"Well, I brought Lois, you, and your sister breakfast. Why are you so happy to see me?" Jimmy asked.
"Lois' mother is supposed to be coming to stay here for a few days and the only place to sleep is on the couch. Laurel is in the guestroom," Clark explained his problem to his friend.
"Hey, that's what I want to ask you about. Is your sister seeing anyone?" Jimmy asked his friend and Clark started to laugh.
"What?" Jimmy asked.
"Lois and I know you too well. The day before she was at the Planet Lois told her about our jobs and about you and Perry and Lois told her that you'd probably like her and ask her out. But you do know she is only seventeen," Clark told Jimmy.
"CK, I'm only 21. How old did you think I was?" Jimmy said. "Don't answer that."
"Okay, make yourself at home. I'll go wake up Lois, and Laurel," Clark said as he walked up the stairs to go wake up his wife first. When he got to the nursery where his sister had been sleeping, he found an empty bed, and two crying babies. He picked up his children and went headed downstairs. By the time he got there he found everyone eating. He walked over to Lois and handed her James and went to the refrigerator and prepared two bottles of formula. He handed Lois a bottle.
"After we eat we are taking the kids and Laurel to the city fair," Lois told him.
"Okay. Hey Jimmy, you want to come?" Clark asked.
"I'd love to but Perry would have a stroke," Jimmy said.
"Don't worry we'll talk to him. Lois can get whatever she wants remember. And you need a break more than anyone," Clark told his young friend.
Lois and Clark called Perry and persuaded him to let Jimmy to have the day off. They were just finishing breakfast when the doorbell rang. Lois opened the door to stand face to face with her mother.
"Mom! What are you doing here?" Lois asked her mother as she gave her a quick hug.
"Well, I need to get away from your father for a while so I figured I would come visit you and Clark. Where is he?" Ellen asked.
"He's in the kitchen cleaning up James and Laura," Lois told her mother.
Ellen walked into the kitchen and saw Clark cleaning Laura's face and rocking James in the swing. She walked over and gave him a big hug.
"Hi Clark! How are you?" Ellen asked.
"I'm fine. Here, can you hold Laura?" Clark asked his mother-in-law as he stood up and handed Laura to her.
"Sure," Ellen said as they went into the living room and found Lois, Laurel, and Jimmy in the living room talking. Ellen sat down in the empty seat and started to explain her situation.
"Here's my problem. Your father and I got into a fight and he kicked me out so I need a place to stay. It's just for a few days," Ellen said.
"Mom, the only place you could sleep is the couch because Clark's sister has the guestroom," Lois told her mother.
"Clark doesn't have a sister. If you don't want me to stay just say so instead of telling me lies," Ellen stated.
"Clark does have a sister. And if I didn't want you to stay I would just tell you and no I am not lying," Lois told her mother.
"Lois, what are you talking about?" Ellen asked
"Ellen, this is my sister, Laurel. I was given up for adoption when I was born. The Kents adopted me and raised me. We just meet them a few days ago. The guestroom is taken but if you want you can sleep on the couch," Clark explained to Ellen.
"Well, I can just go to a hotel because there is no reason for me to stay here if it's already crowded." Ellen made an excuse to leave.
"Wait! I can sleep on the couch and you can sleep in the guestroom. That is if you want. And it's not crowded here," Laurel said to Ellen.
"You're so sweet, just like Clark," Ellen said to Laurel.
"Well we are late for…an interview," Lois lied to her mother because she wanted a quiet day at the fair.
With that everyone except Ellen headed for the fair. When they arrived they all went in different directions, Jimmy and Laurel holding hands, and Lois and Clark holding hands and Lois holding James while Clark held Laura.
Lois and Clark rode several rides and they were in line for cotton candy when someone called out Lois' name. She and Clark turned around and saw a young man, in his thirties.
"Yes?" Lois said, not knowing who it was.
"You don't remember me, do you?" the man said.
"No. I'm afraid I don't. Should I remember you?" Lois asked.
"Yes, you should. It's me, Claude St. John," the man introduced himself.
"Claude," Lois said with disgust.
"Yes. See, you do remember me," Claude said as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Oh! I definitely remember you. You're that jerk that used me to get a stupid story!" Lois said, anger rising.
"Lois, calm down! We got away from your mother so we can have a nice quiet day, and that is what we are going to do. Now do you still want some cotton candy?" Clark comforted her.
"You're right, I just need to calm down. Yeah, some cotton candy would be nice but a Double Fudge Crunch Bar would be even better. I'll take some pink," Lois said to Clark with a smile.
While Clark went to get some cotton candy Lois just stood there staring angrily at Claude.
"So, who is that?" Claude asked.
"Who is who?" Lois asked still with anger.
"That man you are with and whose kids are those?" Claude asked slightly, knowing the answer.
"That is my husband, Clark, and those are our children," Lois answered.
"You got married! Well I don't believe it. Let me see some rings," Claude said, and when Lois showed him her wedding ring he gasped. "No! We were supposed to be together. You said that we would always be together!" Claude said almost yelling.
"Yeah, well, that contract was terminated when you 'borrowed' my story. Now I have a happy marriage, a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, an excellent job, and an extremely great life. A life that you have absolutely no part in, how can it get any better?" Lois answered hatefully.
Just then Clark came back with her cotton candy. "Lois, here is your cotton candy. Did we bring an extra bottle? I think Laura and James are getting hungry," Clark asked Lois.
"Again? They just ate before we left. I sure do hope they don't inherit your appetite or we will be eaten out of house and home," Lois said to Clark with a small smile.
"Yeah, well, we better go find Jimmy and my sister if you don't want two screaming kids and another headache, "Clark told her.
"You're right." She turned to Claude. "Well under different circumstances I would have said it was nice to see you, but being as they are, it wasn't, and truthfully I wouldn't care if I never saw you again. Thank you for making my day worse." With that she turned to Clark with a small smile. "Honey, are you ready?" Lois said.
"Yes," Clark said with a smile, and they walked away pushing the stroller. As soon as they were out of hearing range Lois started babbling.
"Can you believe that man? Just who does he think he is? That he can come waltzing back into my life like nothing has changed. Well things have changed and I don't need him. I can't believe the nerve of that guy," Lois said.
"Look, there are Jimmy and Laurel." Clark said as he pointed in their direction and both walked that way.
"That man is nothing but a jerk, a pest that keeps coming around," Lois told Clark.
"Who is a jerk?" Jimmy asked.
"Well we ran into…" Clark started to explain the situation but was cut off by Lois.
"Claude! That's who the jerk is!" Lois angrily said.
"Claude? Oh Claude! You mean that jerk," Jimmy said just as loud as Lois had.
"I think it would be best if we went home. The kids are starting to get hungry anyway," Clark said, trying to calm down everyone. They all agreed, and then left the fair.
However, as they were leaving no one noticed the pair of angry eyes that watched and followed them.
***
As the Kents, followed by Jimmy and Laurel entered the townhouse they were greeted with the smell of food cooking (real food), and an excited Ellen Lane.
"Oh good you're home early. Where did you go?" Ellen asked.
"Oh well, we were going to have a nice, quiet, peaceful day at the city fair but that turned out to be a nice, quiet, peaceful day to hell and back!" Lois said loudly.
"What happened?" Ellen asked in a concerned motherly tone.
Lois told her mother what had happened at the fair while Clark made Lois some calming tea.
"Well, I have some good news. Your father called and he wants me to come back. He will be here in about thirty minutes," Ellen said happily.
"Okay, well, that's good," Lois said flatly and not really interested.
Forty-five minutes later Ellen and Jimmy were both gone and Lois and Clark were taking a nap and Laurel was in the living room watching TV.
***
About an hour after he had lain down Clark was awaken by someone crying. First he looked toward Lois to find she was sleeping quietly, then he looked toward the nursery to find two sleeping children, and that only left Laurel. He got out of bed but on a T-shirt and some comfortable jeans and went downstairs.
When he reached the bottom of the stairs he saw Laurel sitting on the couch holding a globe similar to Clark's, but it was burned and broken, and crying.
"Laurel, what's wrong?" Clark asked her in a caring voice.
Laurel turned around to see a concerned Clark behind her.
"Did I wake you?" Laurel asked.
"That doesn't matter," Clark said as he sat next to her. "Now what's wrong?'
"I was just thinking about mom and dad. They should be the ones here. It's my fault you will never meet them, and will never have a life with them," Laurel said.
"No. Don't say that." Clark hugged Laurel. After a while she stopped crying.
"Laurel, could you tell me about our parents?" Clark asked her.
"Yes. Well they're different than most Kryptonians because they actually loved us. Most Kryptonians don't show emotion, and most definitely don't touch each other. I know they told you in the messages in your globe that Krypton exploded right after your ship left Krypton, however it didn't. After your ship left Krypton the Council of Elders came and took our parents onto the ship heading for New Krypton, where they were held prisoner. They were allowed to keep their land but were shunned by the community, and merchants wouldn't sell them anything. They still had their wealth, but without something to spend it on what good is it? When I was little they talked about you all the time, like you were actually with them. I remember they used to tell me bedtime stories about you all the time. They also had a globe similar to yours and mine, but much larger. They watched all of your life on that globe: you being found by the Kents, growing up, going to high school, college, traveling, moving to Metropolis, meeting Lois, and then when the globe contacted you, like it was programmed to, they lost their view. Every day before I went to school I would be told to 'say good-bye to my brother', and to say goodnight to the globe also. Then when there were major events in your life and mine they would have a party. They were outcasts in their own kingdom. They were like a King and Queen. They had servants but each was treated as family and received a respectable salary, had nice average homes, and always had enough food to feed their families. Mother and Father were not cruel, money hungry people but kind, sharing people like you. The reason the Council of Elders found out was Mother and Father looked for the right people to sent their son to. They made sure you would be found by good, kind people who had the same beliefs as they did. Martha and Jonathan Kent were their top choice to send you to. They also knew that they would take you in and love you as their own. It killed them to see you go but they didn't want you to go to New Krypton for all the wrong reasons. They wanted you to go to a place where you would be wanted and loved and brought up as a good person and not a fighting machine. They loved you so much. I was about twelve when Ching and Zara went to them and told them they were going to bring you back because you were of age to be king. Mother and father begged them not to because you had a wonderful life and it would break their hearts to see you lose what they had lost. And Ching, Zara, and mother and Father created a plan that they would ask you to go for a short time and if you agreed them you would go to New Krypton and stay one month. In that month they would set into action a plan that was foolproof, meet your parents and then go home with a communicator to add to your globe that would allow you to communicate with them. However Lord Nor found your location and you know that story. When Ching and Zara returned they were married and became rulers of the house of El, and got us out of imprisonment. We were boarding the ship when one of Lord Nor's followers injured mother and father, and they were unable to travel so they sent me. My ship crashed and is unable to make the return flight back to New Krypton and mother and father are probably worried sick." Laurel looked up with a smile when she said the last sentence.
Clark's eyes lit up. "You mean they're alive?" he asked with hope.
"Yes. They are alive. My globe was damaged in the crash but if you have your globe you will be able to contact them," Laurel said.
Just them Lois came down the stairs. "Contact who?"
Clark told her what Laurel told him and she went to get the globe and took it to Laurel, who started to make some modifications. After a minute she looked up with tears in her eyes.
"Clark, I'm sorry," Laurel told him.
"Sorry for what?" Clark asked
"Well it is Kryptonian law that each person has one ship. Mine was broken when I landed. Mother and Father's were confiscated when they were imprisoned, and yours crashed when you were a baby. There is no way you can meet them because of me." Laurel broke down into tears.
"Well, Clark, where is your ship?" Laurel and Clark looked to Lois.
"It's too small. It fits a baby, but Zara and Ching are the rulers of the highest houses they might be able to lend us one," Clark said.
"Yes that might work. We can contact our parents and get Zara and Ching to bring them here. That is a great plan." Laurel said and went back to work trying to fix the globe. About fifteen minutes later it was ready to contact New Krypton.
"Lois, Clark, are you ready?" Laurel asked.
Lois and Clark came down the stairs carrying James and Laura. They went to the couch and sat down.
"Okay all you have to do is touch it and when you hear the voice say Jor-El and Lara," Laurel told Clark.
He took the globe and concentrated. Seconds later a holographic image appeared showing a large room with two people in it.
"Who has called upon us in this unusual way?" Jor-El asked.
"Hello, Father. Have you and mother been worried?" Laurel asked with a smile.
"Lor, is that you?" Lara asked hopefully.
"Yes, mother, and Kal too," Laurel said.
"You found him. Why have you not contacted us sooner?" Jor-El asked in a strict tone of voice.
"My ship has crashed. And my globe was destroyed. I only found Clark two days ago," Laurel told her father.
"Mom, dad, I guess this is the first time we actually meet face-to-face, so to speak. I guess it is introduction time. This is my wife, Lois," he said as he pointed to Lois.
"Hi." Lois said nervously.
"And this is James Jor-El Kent and Laura Lea Kent. They are your grandchildren," Clark said as he pointed to his children.
"We have grandchildren? And a daughter-in-law?" Lara asked.
"Yes, you do," Lois said with a grin on her face.
"I am honored you named your son after me," Jor-El said gratefully.
"Okay, introductions are done. Now we get down to business. Laurel told me the way you are being treated on New Krypton and I would like to help," Clark said.
"How? We would like your help but what could you do? It is out of your hands, my son," Jor-El said sadly.
"Oh, but it's not. If it could be arranged, would you and mother like to come live on Earth with me and my family?" Clark asked.
"That would be wonderful, but our land, our workers. What about them? We cannot leave them unemployed," Lara said.
"Well, Kryptonians are much more intelligent than most humans. You could come here and start a computer company or something with more advanced technology and make enough money. Your workers could come here as your employees. We could help them get homes. How many workers do you have?" Lois suggested.
By the time she had finished her suggestion all eyes were upon her.
"What?!" Lois asked, "What are you all staring at?"
"Well son, looks like you got yourself a very smart young lady there," Jor-El said with a smile.
"Yes I do," Clark said proudly.
"Well how many workers do you have?" Lois said, getting back on track.
"One trusted family and the orphan. So that makes it five," Lara said.
"Are Zara and Ching still the rulers of your house?" Clark asked them.
"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?" Jor-El answered.
"Well, if we talk to them…" Clark started.
"We can persuade them into letting you and your workers come here," Lois finished his sentence.
"Believe me, Lois can get people to do what she wants very easily," Clark told his parents with a grin.
"Okay. I hope it works. If it does we will have to talk to our workers. I'm sure they will agree because they are treated the same," Lara said.
"Great! Is there any possible way to get Ching and Zara here now?" Lois asked.
"Yes, let me call them. I will be right back," Jor-El said.
As he was turning to leave Clark asked his father not to tell them who was calling.
A few minutes later Jor-El followed by Zara and Ching walked back into the room.
"Lara, it is good to see you," Zara said as she hugged Lara.
"Jor, what did you want to see us about?" Ching asked
"Well, we received some unexpected visitors who would like you to return a favor." Jor-El pointed to the screen.
Ching and Zara gasped, and said in unison, "Oh my god."
"Hello, Zara and Ching. I see you got my message," Clark said with a smile.
"Yes we did. What can we do for you Lois, Clark, Lor-El?" Zara asked.
"Well, we would like to ask you a fairly large favor, and you are probably the only ones who could do it, besides Trey. And I'm warning you now if you don't grant us our request we're going to him next, and I don't think he will be happy to see us at this hour," Clark said with a joking tone.
"Okay Clark, you've made your point. What can we do for you?" Ching said with a smile.
Lois gasped "Clark, get a camera quick! Ching is smiling," Lois said sarcastically.
Zara laughed. "You're right, Lois, it is a Kodak moment," Zara said and Lois Laughed.
"Okay back to problem at hand," Jor-El said.
"Okay. Well we would like for my mother and father and their workers to come to earth… for good," Clark said slowly.
"Might I ask why?" Ching said.
"Well, Laurel told me how sad they are there and I want to fix that. Also I would like to get to know my parents," Clark told him.
Zara turned to Jor-El and Lara and asked, "How many trusted workers do you have?"
"One family and the orphan," Lara answered.
"Well, we will miss having them here. Your trusted workers were always the kindest," Ching said with a smile.
"Yes-s!" Lois said with a smile.
"Well just consider it a late wedding gift/baby shower gift," Zara said.
"So who do we need to clear it with?" Laurel spoke up.
"We will take care of that," Ching said, then turned to Jor-El and Lara "Just go tell your workers to pack all of their things."
Jor-El walked out of the room, and asked his trusted workers to meet him in his quarters in twenty minutes.
Twenty minutes later Lor-El and Lara's quarters were filled with trusted workers, Jor-El, Lara, Ching, Zara, and a screen that showed Lois, Clark, Laurel, James, and Laura.
"Trusted workers, I have called you here today to share some wonderful news. Lor-El, my daughter, lives and she has found Kal-El. Lara and I have been given the opportunity to go live with them on Earth. We do not want to leave our trusted workers behind so Kal-El and his wife, Lois, would like you to go with us. They have offered to help us start a business that will most definitely be successful. So I ask you, trusted workers, would you like the chance to go to Earth? There will be strict but useful rules we will have to follow, but it is worth it," Jor-El told the group.
"If we do go to Earth what will we do and where will we live?" one worker asked.
"You all have been treated as family, and will still be treated the same on earth. Our son and daughter-in-law tell us we would be highly successful in high technology. You will be treated as family and employees and will be equal to everyone else, even us," Lara said.
"You could all live in one big mansion and still have money to spare," Lois told the workers. Jor-El smiled.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to our far away guests. First we have my son, who is now called Clark," Clark smiled and waved. "His wife, Lois," she waved and smiled. "Their children, and our daughter, who now goes as Laurel."
"So who would like to go?" Lara asked.
Everyone wanted to go.
"Good it is settled, we will leave in the morning," Jor-El said.
Everyone left except Ching, Zara, and the people in the Kent living room. They were working out the details.
"It would really mean a lot to us if you three would accompany them here, We would like to see you again in person, and Trey," Lois said to Ching, Zara.
Lois and Clark were going to take their vacation time to help, and Jonathan and Martha agreed to help also. They all agreed and finished the minor details and then went to sleep.
***
The next day Clark awoke around 9:00 AM and got dressed. His parents and workers would arrive at about noon. Clark went downstairs wrote Lois a note and headed for the Daily Planet.
When he arrive he headed toward Perry's office. He knocked on the door.
"Chief, it's me, Clark," he said
"Now where in all of Graceland have you been? Where is Lois? You were supposed to be here early," Perry asked.
"That's just it, Perry, there are some things Lois and I need to do so we are going to take some vacation time. It is really important and it needs to be done," Clark said.
"What is so important that you need to take time off?" Perry asked in a concerned voice.
Clark sat down in Perry's chair and started talking. "Perry last night I talked to my parents, my biological parents. They are flying in today and we are going to help them get a successful business going and someplace to live. My mom and dad are also flying in to help today also. I'm meeting my parents, Perry, and I'm terrified. What if they don't like me, what if I'm not what they want me to be? All my life I've known I was adopted, my mom and dad didn't try to hide that. Then about six months after I started to work here I learned that my biological parents were killed in an explosion, and the only reason I am alive today was because they gave me to the Kents. I learned that they knew they were going to die and gave up their lives so I could live." Clark paused. "This is so hard to say without certain facts." Clark stopped, looked at Perry. "Perry, I know that you know that I'm Superman," Clark blurted at the end.
Perry smiled. "You're right Clark, I do know and have known for a while. I figure if you wanted me to know you would have told me."
"Does Jimmy know too?" Clark asked.
"He's the one who figured it out. He was only your best friend for about five years," Perry said in a proud-fatherly tone.
"Do you want the real story?" With his nod he continued. "Okay, here's the real story. Laurel told me my parents were imprisoned and are alive, but now free. We contacted them and asked Zara and Ching if my parents and their trusted workers, which is about one family, could come to live here. They are extremely intelligent people. They are going to go into the computer business and make some 'smart toys'. We think they will do well in that area. The part about everyone coming today is true. Lois and I would like you and Jimmy to be there with us to meet them. After all, you and Jimmy are our closest friends…and my sister likes Jimmy," Clark added with a smile.
Perry laughed. "Of course we will be there for you."
"Great. The ship lands around noon. So can you come over around 11:30?" Clark asked. Perry nodded. With that Clark walked out of Perry's office and headed for home.
***
When Clark returned home at 10:00 AM he found Lois and Laurel awake and Martha and Jonathan Kent playing with James and Laura. Clark walked over and gave his mom a hug and his dad one too. Then he walked over to Lois and gave her a quick kiss and sat next to her.
"Where did you go this morning? I woke up and you were gone," Lois asked curiously.
"I went and asked Perry for some vacation time and then told him everything. It started out to be half of the truth but then it turned into the whole truth. I also asked him and Jimmy to be here when they arrive, and I also found out Jimmy is a whole lot smarter than we think. He figured it out BEFORE Perry," Clark explained his morning.
"Yeah, guess we owe them some credit, that they knew the secret," Lois said.
"Well, Perry and Jimmy will be here in about an hour and a half," Clark told everyone.
"Okay, people, we have one hour to get this place spic n' span. So let's get busy," Lois told everyone.
One hour and fifteen minutes later the house was spotless, and there was enough food to feed an army. Lois, Clark, Laurel, Jonathan, and Martha were sitting on the couch watching TV, with the babies in their playpen in the living room, when the doorbell rang. Clark checked his watch. Lois got up and found Jimmy and Perry standing there.
"Jimmy, Perry, we are so glad you came. Come in, sit down, or do what ever," Lois said as she ushered them in the house. Jimmy took a seat next to Laurel, and Perry took a seat next to Jonathan. They all waited, watched TV, and talked. Then at exactly 12:00 the doorbell rang. Lois and Clark walked to the door and opened it. Behind the doors was one family of three and a single boy about 18 and in front the parents he had never known.
"Hello Lois, Clark!" Lara said. Clark gave her a huge hug, and his long lost father the same. Lois repeated his actions. The workers entered the house, and were directed toward the kitchen. Lois, Clark, Laurel, Jor-El, Lara, Jonathan, and Martha stayed behind.
"We can talk about the important stuff later. For now mother, father I would like to introduce you to my parents…" Clark was about to introduce the Kents when Lara interrupted.
"Martha and Jonathan Kent! It is an honor and we are so glad to finally meet you," Lara said.
"How did you know our names?" Martha asked.
"Well, when we were choosing a place to send Clark, we wanted to make sure he would be found by good, honest people and we knew you wanted children and would be good parents so we set the destination of the ship to where you found it," Lara explained.
"Really? Well, would you like to go get something to eat with me, maybe get to know each other, and then take you to finally see our grandbabies?" Martha asked Lara as they walked off.
Jonathan and Jor-El were about to do the same when Clark stopped them.
"Where are Ching, Zara, and Trey?" Clark asked.
"They were cloaking the ship. They should be here any time," Jor-El said.
As if on cue the doorbell rang and it was Zara, Ching, and Trey.
Lois and Clark invited them in. They exchanged greetings and all went to get some food. After everyone had eaten they went into the living room. Some sat on the sofa and some sat on the floor. Everyone was silent until Lara spoke up.
"Okay, first, introductions. First we have Kora," she pointed to a woman in her mid 30's. "And her husband, Jef-El," Lara pointed to a man in his early 40's. "And their daughter, Mon-El," Lara pointed to a girl about 15. "And this young man is Ty-El," She pointed to a boy about 18.
"I'm Martha, and this is my husband Jonathan," Martha introduced herself.
"And this is Perry and Jimmy." Clark told the visitors. "Perry, Jimmy, I would like you to meet my other parents, Jor-El and Lara," Clark pointed toward them, "and you know Ching and Zara, and this is Trey. He is the head of the Council of Elders," Clark explained to his friends.
"Hello," said Perry
"Hi," Jimmy said at the same time.
"I think we need to alter our names a little. They are very different." Mon-El said.
"Yes, I must say, I do agree with Mon-El. Kryptonian names are very different to Earth names," Trey said.
"Yeah, that would be a good idea." Laurel said. "You can find an Earth name similar to your Kryptonian name. Like I went from Lor-El to the Earth spelling Laurel," Laurel continued.
"Yes! Mon-El could become Monica, Jor-El could become Jordan, Ty-El could keep his name to Ty, Kora is close to an Earth name, and Jef-El could become Jeff," Martha suggested.
"And you could use your Kryptonian names as nick names. Like Monica could be called Mon for short, Jeff sounds the same as the Kryptonian version, Jordan could use Jor as a nickname," Lois said.
"So do any of you object to changing your names a little?" Zara asked.
"No. We will do anything to stay here," said Mon-El, and everyone agreed.
"Okay, it is official. Mon-El's new name is Monica, Jor-El's is Jordan, Jef-El's is Jeff, and Ty-El's name is Ty," Trey said.
"What about last names?" Laurel asked.
"You could keep it El," Perry said.
"Yes that will work," Ching said.
"Next we need to discuss is where everyone is going to sleep. None of you has money and we only have one extra room," Lois said taking charge.
"I have my couch someone could sleep on," Jimmy offered.
"And I have two spare rooms for someone," Perry offered.
"Thank you both for offering," Lois said. "Perry, how big are the beds?"
"One is double and one single," Perry answered.
"Okay, that's one family taken care of. Now we have one more person," Clark said.
"Ty could crash with me," Jimmy said.
"I can sleep on the couch, and mother and father could sleep in the guest room," Laurel said.
"And Jonathan and I all ready have a hotel room." Martha said.
"Okay, names and sleeping arrangements are done for now. We go to get the loan tomorrow and we'll go from there," Lois said.
"Loan?" Perry asked.
"Yeah, to start the business," Clark said.
"Why take out a loan? I could help you. How much was the loan for?" Perry asked.
"$20,000! Perry you don't have that money… Do you?" Lois asked questionably.
"I have plenty of money put back. On what I get paid plus all that vacation time I never took. It all adds up in the end. I would be glad to help," Perry said.
"We would too. You will need food, and Jonathan and I could help," Martha said.
"I could teach you all about Earth computers," Jimmy said.
"We can all work together and have a successful business going in no time," Laurel said.
Everything was worked out. They were going to buy a huge mansion on the outskirts of Metropolis. They all decided to build a warehouse on their newly bought land, Martha and Jonathan were going to rent their land to land workers and live in the mansion and cook for everyone (well, supervise the cooks). Perry was going to make an investment in the future Computer Company, Jimmy was to teach the Kryptonians about computers, Laurel would work as the receptionist and Lois and Clark would hold the money.
***
Later that night all were at their designated places. Lois, Clark, Laurel, Jordan, and Lara were in the living room talking.
"We would like to thank you for helping us to come here. It means so much that you would like to help us," Lara said.
"Yes. And we want you to know that we don't want you to give up your relationship with Martha and Jonathan because they are good people," Jordan said.
"I know. And I consider you both also my parents. I will just have two sets of parents, and one set of in-laws," Clark said with a smile.
***
Two months later they had bought the mansion, and 1,000 acres of land. They built a factory on that land, and had a big farm as well. Lois and Clark moved from their brownstone to the mansion, and talked Perry into letting them work from there (they still wrote stories but from the mansion). They had started a successful business of computers. The Computer Company they started was called X-Els. Perry, Jimmy, Jonathan and Martha Kent, Lois and Clark, and the Kryptonians all shared the profit equally.
***
One morning Lois had finished her story and was relaxing when the doorbell rang. Lois sighed and went to the door.
When Lois opened the door she saw who was behind it.
It was…Claude.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, annoyed.
"Lois! What are you doing here?" Claude asked shocked.
"I live here," Lois answered dully.
"No you don't. The El family lives here. I'm here from the Metropolis Star. I made an appointment with someone named Laurel El. I have an interview," Claude said.
"Come in. I'll ask Laurel. Come with me into the kitchen," Lois said as she and Claude went to the intercom system in the kitchen to call Laurel. Lois pushed a button.
"Laurel, did you agree to an interview with the Metropolis Star?" Lois asked into the speaker.
"Lois? Is that you?" a masculine voice asked back
"Clark, what are you doing at the factory? I thought you had to finish your story," Lois asked her husband.
"Laurel needed some help. Ty and Jimmy went to that Pearl Jam concert in DC or she would have asked them," Clark said. Then he continued in a sarcastic voice. "Plus I wanted to get to know my DARLING sister better."
Just then another voice was heard. "I know you just didn't say that about me," it said. "Lois, do you mind if I kill your husband?"
"No Laurel, go ahead. But do it fast because you have to be interviewed by the Metropolis Star in five minutes," Lois told her sister-in-law.
"Oops. I forgot. Clark! I'm warning you. If you don't STOP tickling me I'm gonna tell your mom to send you to bed without dinner," Laurel yelled to her brother.
"Clark, I'll need you to answer some of the questions," Lois said.
"Sure. I'll be up there in two minutes," Clark said.
Lois backed away from the intercom and looked at Claude. "Well it seems I'm going to be answering the questions for the moment. Let's go into the living room," she said as she led Claude into a giant room. It had several couches, a giant TV, a pool table, a pinball machine, and an air hockey table. Lois led Claude to two couches that were facing each other with a coffee table separating them.
"Sit down," Lois said. Claude did as he was told. A few minutes later Clark came out of a hall. He went over to Lois and Claude, and sat next to Lois. Claude took out a small tape recorder.
"Okay, first question. What's your relation to the Els?" he asked.
"They're my biological relatives. I was adopted when I was a baby," Clark answered.
"How does it feel to be part of the biggest computer company in the world?" Claude asked.
"It's great. The company seems to be doing well. In the future we will be making other items as well, but for now it's just computers," Lois answered.
"How many people live in this house?" Claude asked.
"Well there's Jimmy, Ty, Laurel, Jordan, Lara, Monica, Kora, Jeff, Clark and myself, our two kids, and Jonathan and Martha," Lois answered.
Just then they were interrupted when Jonathan came into the living room.
"Clark, Lois, Perry just called and wants your stories on the fire at the New Troy Hotel. He needs them by 7:00 tonight," Jonathan said and then left.
"Thanks, Dad," Clark said to his father.
"I think you have enough for your story, so if you'll leave," Lois said, and showed Claude to the door.
Once Claude was gone Lois and Clark went to work on their stories.
And they all lived happily ever after (well…until I can think of another story to write)
THE END
… OR IS IT THE BEGINNING???