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Chapter 7 - To Grandma’s House We Go

The three arrived home and Lois told Jason to go pick out a few things he wanted to take on vacation to see his grandma Kent. As the little boy happily went to work filling up a little travel bag, Richard began preparing the plane and Lois started packing what he would need for several days away from home. Lois and Richard had decided to stay with Jason only until he was sufficiently settled and they were comfortable with leaving him, then they would head back home. Lois had been insistent that she needed to stay on the job to help track down Luthor. Richard had reluctantly agreed.

As Lois stuffed a suitcase with the clothes and medicines he would need for several days it had suddenly hit her full force. I’m about to meet Superman’s mom. Somehow it felt more like she was about to meet an ex-mother-in-law that she had never met while married.

Richard came up behind her and mistook her body language for apprehension or fear. He immediately wrapped his arms around her in hope of reassuring her. “Honey everything is going to be alright.”

Lois took a deep breath then responded to his surprise. “What is that woman going to think of me?”

Richard laughed relieved that was what was bothering her most right now. “Lois, she obviously accepted and loved an alien child. I would think if anything, she has an open mind.”

“I guess you’re right. I still have a hard time believing that he arrived when he was so young. Why didn’t I know that before?”

She thought for a moment then continued. “It explains a lot of why he’s so secretive. His parents must have been terrified he would be taken from them and God knows what would have happened to him if he had been discovered as a child or adolescent.” She looked over at Jason as she spoke, chills running up and down her spine. Then she noticed he was attempting to stuff in his little bag half his room full of toys including several of his favorite videos and games.

“Whao, Jason, you are only going to be there for a couple days. You can only take what will fit in that little bag, no over stuffing.”

“But Mommy. Then I can’t take hardly nuthin.”

Lois rolled her eyes. “It will all be here when you get back. Besides, there will be all sorts of things to do on a farm. Plus I bet your Daddy Clark will be there part of the time.”

He took a deep breath pouting as he dumped the overflowing bag out and reluctantly started all over trying to pick out just what he could take.

Soon they were in the air heading to a small town none of them had ever been before. Jason was in his own happy little world. He didn’t know why he was suddenly going to visit a grandmother he never even knew he had until a couple days ago, all he cared about was that he was. He grew more excited every minute and kept jumping around in his seat wanting to know every two minutes when they would get there. Not only was he going to grandma’s house but grandma was Superman’s mommy. How cool was that.

Even though they were concerned with the reasons for the visit Jason’s excitement was spilling over onto Lois and especially Richard. He was growing more and more curious as to just how that bigger than life man had grown up and excited to be about to find out.

As the small town came into view Jason suddenly started squealing with delight bouncing up and down in his seat. Superman had just streaked up to within a few feet of his window and waved at him. Speeding up he flew past them then abruptly pulled up, stopping in mid air a short ways ahead of them. He just seemed to float in the sky suspended.

Richard’s eyes bugged out, “How does he do that! That is just too cool for words!” He seemed every bit as excited as Jason turning in his seat to high five the youngster still squealing behind him.

Lois smiled but turned away from them trying to contain her own memories threatening to spill out into the daylight. She knew just what it felt like to be in that man’s arms as he did those amazing moves. She had to keep those feelings and memories at bay repeating over and over to herself that they had no place in her current life, especially when she was awake.

Richard turned back to the controls and once again gave the unbelievable sight ahead of his plane his full attention. Superman was motioning down to a farmhouse just up ahead and then a small body of water nearby. Richard nodded and prepared to go in for a landing. He never even noticed that Lois was looking anywhere but at the hero flying just ahead of the plane. He was too busy with the controls and sharing the excitement of the day with Jason.

The plane landed easily and taxied over to a small dock. Superman touched down on the dock, grabbed a rope and then jumped onto one of the planes platoons in nearly seamless movements. Almost before he had the plane tied up Jason had pushed his way past Lois who had opened up the door and was jumping into his arms. “Take me flying, will you take me flying like that?”

Superman chuckled but then became more serious as he answered. “I would love to take you flying but we’ll have to see what your mom says about it first.”

He stepped onto the nearby dock and sat the little boy down then turned back to give Lois his hand to help her exit the plane. She hesitated so he pulled back to give her the room she needed to jump down onto the platoon without assistance. Then once again unassisted she stepped up onto the dock next to Jason who was still barely containing his excitement.

After waiting to make sure Lois was safely on the dock he turned back to the open door of the plane. Richard handed him a suitcase. “Anything else?”

“No, I can handle the other one.” He grabbed the small bag Jason had packed and jumped out the door closing it. Soon they were all walking towards an ancient red pickup truck parked nearby. Richard stopped once again hardly believing his eyes. “This is your truck?”

Superman laughed, “Well actually it’s my mom’s. It kinda has history and she’s refused over the years to get rid of it. But, don’t worry, it is remarkably reliable.” As he spoke he placed the suitcase in the back and opened the passenger door.

Richard raised his eyebrows shaking his head placing the smaller suitcase next to the other one as Superman continued. “The truck won’t hold all of us so just follow this road to the bend and you’ll see the post box labeled Kent. Turn onto that road and it will lead right to the farmhouse. Mom and I will be waiting to greet you.”

“Can I ride in the back?” Jason said already trying to climb into the truck bed.

“NO!” All three voiced as one. Superman had the quickest reflexes and grabbed the little boy sitting him in the truck cab instead.

Lois looked up at Superman as he stepped back allowing her to climb in next to Jason. “Thanks.” She smiled, “I just hope your mother can still keep up with a five year old.”

Superman returned the smile, “She kept up with me, I’m sure she’ll be fine.” He closed the door. “See you in a few minutes.” He took to the air as Richard climbed in and started the truck no doubt surprised when it actually turned over and hummed to life.

Landing on the porch he glided smoothly into the house. Hearing her upstairs he called out. “Ma, they’ll be here in just a few minutes. Is there anything else you want me to do?”

Martha came out of one of the rooms and started to make her way down the stairs, “I think I’m ready.” I was just putting a few things out in your old bedroom. I thought that little grandson of mine would enjoy some of your old toys from the attic.” She headed for the mirror near the door and checked her reflection adjusting her hair slightly.

Clark now in jeans and a flannel shirt smiled. “Mom, you look great and it smells wonderful in here. Are you baking some pies?”

“Well, I figured they didn’t have time for lunch and well, I’ve never gotten to bake a pie for my little grandson before and if he is anything like his father, he is going to love pie.”

Clark laughed, “You’re probably right on both counts, but unfortunately Jason is not that much like me in some respects. I expect Lois has a long list of things ready to tell you about that Jason can’t have.”

“Oh posh, he can’t be your son and be as delicate as you make him out to be.”

“Mom, he seems to have a lot of allergies. I hate to think it but perhaps it’s due to the incongruent mix of Human and Kryptonian genes.” As he spoke his attention was diverted to the end of the driveway and the truck just turning in towards the house. “They’re here.” He smiled at his mother as he put his arm around her back to usher her out onto the porch to greet the company.

The vehicle pulled up and stopped. Clark stepped down from the porch and walked to the truck opening the door. Lois stepped out and before she could grab him Jason launched himself right into Clark’s arms. Once again Clark’s quick reflexes enabled him to react and catch the determined boy easily. A dog came running up sniffing at the little boy’s feet, its tail wagging happily.

Lois backed up slightly into the still open truck door seeing the dog approach. Clark looked over at her reassuringly. “It’s alright. Shelby wouldn’t hurt a fly unless he was protecting someone from harm.” He turned back towards the house still holding Jason comfortably in his arms, never getting enough.

Martha stood on the porch smiling, waiting, her heart pounding in her chest just watching her son hold his own precious son in his arms.

Richard came around the truck and joined Lois as she closed the truck door and the two of them slowly followed Clark to the porch. Lois felt the butterflies going crazy in her stomach. Why was she so afraid of an old woman, well older, she corrected to be politically correct in her own mind? Get a grip Lane she said to herself as she stepped up onto the porch.

“Mom, this is   Lois Lane and her fiancé Richard White. Lois, Richard, this is my Mother, Martha Kent.” He turned from his mother to Lois and Richard smiling with Jason still in his arms.

Lois extended her hand but Martha was having none of it. She reached in and pulled Lois into a full embrace. “Darling, handshaking is for strangers, you are the mother of my grandchild. That makes you and yours family.” She looked over at Richard patting his shoulder, “That includes you. Welcome to my home.”

Then she pulled away and turned to Clark who was smiling behind her with Jason still in his arms. “This is Jason, you’re grandson.”

She put her hand over her heart, “I would know this little one anywhere.” She took his little hand kissing it then ran one of her hands in his hair to comb it out of his eyes. “You are so very like your father.”

Jason looked up at his father then back at the silver haired lady. “You’re my grandma? Do you like little boys even if they make a mess?” He remembered how he had constantly gotten into trouble visiting his other daddy’s parents.

Martha laughed outright. “Honey, from what I remember that is what little boys do best.” She smiled up at Clark who shrugged smiling sheepishly clearly admitting she had good cause for making the statement.

Lois couldn’t help but smirk wondering just what it had been like raising a child with super abilities at the same time worried that she was soon to find out first hand.

“Please come on in, I have lunch ready, I figured you would all be hungry.” Martha opened up the screen door motioning for Lois and Richard to enter. She followed them inside with Clark entering last with Jason.

Lois looked around sensing the love that abounded within the walls of the quaint farmhouse. Everywhere she looked there were pictures showing signs of a happy loving family over many long years. She noticed the piano and the warm comforting homey décor. The aromas coming from the kitchen made her mouth water.

Lois saw the older woman was once again doting on the little boy as Clark sat him down in the house. “Oh you shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble, but I have to say, it smells marvelous. Can I help you finish getting anything ready?”

Soon they were all seated around the table. Jason was hungrily eating a chicken leg. “Did you get this from KFC? It’s better’en the one by us.” He bit off another bite as if in testament to the fact.

Richard smirked looking over at Lois. “I’m afraid we specialize in take-out at our house most nights.” Lois blushed but clearly had no comeback. “But Jason is right, this is delicious. I think I envy his staying here for a few days.”

Martha looked up. “Well all three of you are welcome if you want to change your mind and stay. Food is always better fresh grown and raised on a farm.”

“It must be hard keeping a farm running all alone.” Richard queried.

“Clark has always helped but while he was gone I wasn’t able to keep much of the place up on my own. I did manage to keep up my little vegetable garden in the back. A neighbor, Ben Hubbard, is farming a good portion of our farmland adjoining his fields in return for helping me maintain the house and barn animals.”

She looked over at Clark seeing his discomfort remembering all he had forsaken to go on his quest. Hoping to ease his mind if just a little she continued, “It seems Clark asked him to look after me before he left home that first time many years ago. I think perhaps Clark was a little surprised at just how well that worked out over these last long years.”

“Mom...mm!”

Richard who had just taken a drink all but spit it out trying to control his reaction. Lois laughed outright saying. “I think I’m going to like you a lot Martha.”

Clark sighed deeply then his attention was diverted as he turned his head hearing something urgent. “Sorry, I need to leave but this will give you some time to get better acquainted. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” With that he blurred and was gone.

They all looked to the door as it closed in the wake of his sudden departure. “Has he always done that?” Lois asked as she looked at the older woman.

Martha just laughed. “It started in his teens but even when he was younger he was always eager to help anyone or for that matter anything in need whenever he could.” Martha got up from the table clearing a few plates off. “Now who would like some apple pie or peach cobbler, hmmmm?”

Richard stood up helping her clear the remaining plates. “Do we have to choose?”

Martha laughed. “Not in my kitchen you don’t”

Jason chimed in, “Me too Grandma.”

“After we finish, I’ll show you all around. I know it must be disconcerting to leave your child with an old woman you’ve just met. I want you to be sure you’re comfortable.”

Lois smiled seeing where Clark had gotten so much of his graciousness and down home charm. “That would be nice. It is a little scary, but it’s starting to feel better the more I get to know you.”

After they finished Martha smiled at Jason. “Would you like to see your room? It’s your father’s old room.”

Jason nodded excitedly running ahead racing up the stairs. Lois followed behind then the two waited to be directed to the right room. Martha following close behind Lois showed them the doorway and then entered behind them. Lois was surprised to see a room that looked very much like a young boy’s from the bed linen to the toys scattered around neatly.

Noticing Lois’ reaction and then Richard’s as he too entered she laughed. “I went up into the attic this morning and brought down all of Clark’s old things. I never gave up on a grandchild, just like I never gave up on having a child of my own. Did Clark tell you how we found him?” Lois shook her head.

“Jonathan and I were on our way home from trying to adopt a child. We were told that we were too old and not well off enough to support or take care of a child. Our old truck was run off the road by something that looked like a meteorite streaking down almost hitting us square on.”

Lois and Richard exchanged glances. Jason had already made himself at home sitting on the rug pulling out and examining several of the toys. He immediately latched onto a toy tractor.

Martha continued. “That was the happiest day of my life. It turned out to be his tiny starship and he was the sweetest little thing I had ever seen until I saw this little one.” She kneeled down and cupped Jason’s chin in her hand. “Both gifts from God, I say.” She had to blink back the tears as she stood back up. “Well, I'm sure you would like to see the rest of the place.”

They were out in the barn with Martha showing Jason the loft area where Clark had loved to play when they heard his voice call out from below then he was in their midst before he’d finished half laughing. “Ma, you can’t show them all my secrets.”

“Well, I think you’re safe there, I don’t think even I know all your secrets.”

Clark took a deep breath, “I don’t really have any important secrets from any of you anymore.”

They walked out of the barn and Clark walked over to the truck and easily picked up both the larger and small suitcase as they headed back into the house. “I’ll just take these up to Jason’s room.” Clark said as they entered the house.

Lois stopped him, “Wait, I need to get something out of the big bag first.” She pulled out a zipper bag filled with inhalers, medicine and various other bottles. She held the bag up and headed for Martha ready to explain everything. She even had it all typed up neatly with explicit instructions.

Clark’s eyes caught on one large pink bottle. As Lois was just starting to explain the ones in her hand he interrupted her pulling the pink bottle out. “Lois, this is 55+ block sunscreen.”

Lois looked up at him quizzingly. “Yes, he’s fair skinned, I don’t want him to burn.”

He looked at the bottle again reading it instantly then at Jason then back to Lois almost pained. “How often do you use this on him?”

“Everyday, why?”

Clark exchanged looks with his mother. “Do I look fair skinned to you?”

“Well yes, but I just figured that you don’t tan, after all you told me you get your powers from the sun.” Then it seemed to hit her. She looked closely at Clark then Jason sitting nearby playing with the toy tractor he had been carrying around since leaving the room upstairs earlier.

“Lois, I get a lot more than just my powers from the sun. It heals me and helps sustain my life. Kryptonians are a photosynthetic race, Melanin production in my skin cells or sunscreen topically applied would be a disadvantage to my survival and possibly Jason’s as well.”

Richard stood up joining the conversation. “Are you saying that may be why Jason’s not healthy?” He was suddenly sick to his stomach with the realization that their overprotective ways might have been partly to blame for their son being so fragile.

Clark stared at his son looking deep into his structure examining him at the cellular level. “When did you last apply that stuff?”

“This morning before he got dressed,” Lois answered “like always” she seemed disheartened. What had she done to her baby?

Clark grabbed him up not bothering to ask permission he whisked him off. Lois, Richard and Martha only saw a red and blue flash by as the tractor dropped and bounced on the floor where the little boy had been.

Superman flew up straight into the sky. Jason was taken off guard by the swiftness but soon was screaming in delight. He was getting his flight after all. Superman stopped and floated in mid air facing the sun. He let the little boy’s excitement calm down then slowly rotated around till he was almost in the full sun. Watching closely and looking deeply into Jason’s eyes for any sign of discomfort he asked. “How do you feel?”

“I feel good Daddy, I feel real strong and warm, I like it.” He closed his eyes and smiled contently.

“Me too.” He smiled back, “The sun is making you strong and I think it may make you healthy.”

The little boy opened his eyes and asked earnestly, “Is it going to make me as strong as you?”

Superman laughed, “Maybe when you’re as big as me you’ll be even stronger.” After a few minutes he returned to the farm house where he found the others waiting on the porch.

He handed Jason off to Lois who examined the little rosy cheeked boy smiling at her happily and possibly healthier looking than she had ever seen him look before. She looked up at Superman. “I didn’t know.”

“How could you have ever known Lois?”