Faith
DJ Dubois
October 2006

Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the WB. Miri is my character. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

Summary: Where the watch is concerned…Lana takes matters into her own hands. (Spoilers for “Vengeance”)


Chapter 1 [Kent Farm] [A/N: The dialogue’s a little different but the spirit’s there.]

Lana parked her Explorer in the dirt driveway and looked around the quiet farm. Despite the clear and relatively warm weather in western Kansas, the farm had been quiet—too quiet really. What’s with Clark? She sighed…mentally smacking herself in the head.

Of course she knew better than anyone what was going on with Clark. He missed his father.

She knew because of her own parents’ deaths almost a decade and a half earlier.

He has to talk sometime! Noting the light in the house, she got out of the vehicle and hurried to the door. Finding it ajar, she pushed it open.

In front of her, her boyfriend stood, obsessing with the usual battle….his father’s absence and the emotions. He turned. “Lana?”

“Hi, Clark. Sorry. The door was open,” she noted with a bit of sheepishness.

“Sorry but I need to go to the hardware store. Have to catch it before it closes in half an hour,” he excused himself.

She grasped his left arm and looked into his eyes. “It’s okay, Clark. Really.”

He shook his head; the emotions clearly burning in his eyes. “No, Lana, it isn’t.” He gently freed his arm from her hand. “Sorry.”

She stood in his path, clearly not letting him run out this time. “Clark, it’s okay to be angry and lost. But you can’t hide behind those feelings. Believe me; I’ve tried.”

While he wanted to get away, he did appreciate her attempts to help him. “Then why does it feel so empty?”

“Your Dad and you were really close, Clark. It’s going to take time,” she assured him. Before she could offer to give him a ride, they both saw his mother walk into the house. “Mrs. Kent?”

As she came into the light, he demanded, “Mom? What happened to you?”

Martha braced herself against the stove. While she would’ve liked to have concealed the bruises from her ordeal earlier that evening, she knew he would have seen them eventually. “Two men jumped me outside of the homeless shelter earlier tonight.” She put her head down so as not to let them see the tears welling there. “They took your father’s watch.”

Lana looked between the mother and son, wanting to make frantic offers of assistance but fearing further rejection by the latter.

He frowned. “This is my fault. I couldn’t even look at that watch. If I just taken it as he wanted me to, this wouldn’t have happened!”

“You can’t say that, Clark,” his mother disagreed. “That might be why I’m alive right now.”

He shook his head, determining to do something about the situation.

Both women looked at each other and then at him. It was definitely going to be a long night.





Chapter 2 [Smallville Cemetery—an hour later]

After following Martha over to Smallville Medical Center and making sure that the older woman would be all right, Lana headed for the cemetery. She needed some time to herself to think and deal with the developing situation with Clark. Maybe I should just give him more space. She shook her head. Why is he trying so hard to push me away? WHY?

For a minute, she hesitated, suddenly feeling less than worthy of being there. Six months had passed since she had last visited with her own parents at length. And she still felt the sting of Clark’s increasing pushing away from her. “What have I done? WHAT?”

The cool night air mixed with her tears, chilling her cheeks.

It’s not what you’ve done. It’s what Clark’s doing to himself.

She shivered with fear, recognizing the sound of the voice. “Mr. Kent?”

Come to the stone and see.

She gulped anxiously, wondering if the night could get *any* stranger. She slowly crept through the darkness toward the gravestone in question…and stopped dead in her tracks at the sight floating in front of her.

Jonathan smiled warmly at her. “Yes, Lana, it’s me.”

“But, Mr. Kent, you’re dead….we…well…we….” She took a step back, trying not to surrender to her urge to run away.

He shrugged. “Unfortunately, Lana, it was my time. I heard what you said to Clark earlier. You were so right on target.”

“I was?” she doubted. “Then why won’t he listen to me? Why is he pushing me away?”

“For the same reason he always does, Lana. And for that, I’m sorry,” he apologized.

She stared at him in confusion. “What do you have to be sorry about?”

“For not trusting you. Martha and Clark want you to know. But I was afraid of what might happen,” he admitted sheepishly. “Clark has a secret, Lana—one that you’re entitled to know before it’s too late. I know that now.”

“You both should know you can tell me anything, Mr. Kent,” she affirmed.

He nodded. “I know. Watch then and see.” He opened his mind to hers.

She gasped at the kaleidoscope unfolding in front of her mind’s eye. There she saw Clark in various instances, displaying ability after ability.

…fending off the frat boys during sophomore year

…freezing Sasha’s swarm of bees in the Talon by blowing on them

…emerging from a fire without a hair being singed

…outrunning the bullet Adam had fired at her in order to save her life

…and to cap it off, she saw herself in the cab of her truck once again heading higher and higher into the twister. She saw Clark cradling her and keeping her safe.

“He really did that!” she realized.

“Yes. He wanted to tell you then as well. I told him not to,” he admitted.

“I would keep that Secret with my life. I love Clark. What are you both so afraid of?” she demanded desperately.

“That it would kill you to know,” he continued. Seeing her eyes go wide, he explained, “He did tell you actually, Lana. And then he proposed to you.”

“Proposed?” she asked. “Really?”

“He proposed and you accepted. It made Martha and me very happy,” he reported. “Then Lex messed everything up.” He waved his hand again. “See for yourself.”

Lana watched the kaleidoscope again. In that vision, she saw herself in the Loft, standing with Clark. Then in a flash of light, she and Clark were in the Fortress of Solitude. She saw them on an icy ledge before he somehow squeezed a lump of coal into a diamond and made a ring with fire from his eyes. “How?”

“Watch,” he advised.

Mesmerized by this sight, she nodded blankly.

The vision started again, playing out the scenario from the election party, the confrontation at the mansion and the high speed chase down Route 40.

…She saw Clark lament over her body and scream in frustration.

….Then she saw him implore Jor-El into giving him a chance to save her.

“He did that for me?” she inquired.

“He did. Lana, Clark loves you more than words can say.”

“Then you’re saying we can’t be together?” she guessed.

He shook his head, trying to be patient with her. “Just the opposite, Lana. He and Martha need your quiet and patient strength. It’s for you to be with them.” He produced a folded handkerchief. “Take care with this.”

“What is it?” she queried.

“Give it to Clark and tell him to open it when the time comes. Now, it’s time for you to head for Metropolis. Thank you, Lana,” he concluded before disappearing into the darkness.

She stood there for a minute, grasping the cloth in her sweaty palm. “Metropolis. The watch. Right.” She nodded, shutting her eyes in determination. “I won’t let you down, Mr. Kent. I won’t let any of us down.” With that, she got back into the Explorer and drove down the road toward Metropolis.




Chapter 3 [Five hours later—Suicide Slums, Metropolis]

Lana stepped out of her Explorer in front of a pawn shop, feeling distraught over a lack of success. After testing (more like exceeding) the speed limit down Route 40 to Metro, she dove right into her task. Using a printed Internet directory list, she had eliminated the first four shops in rapid fashion. Nobody had any word on the watch…or even a potential seller.

Terrific! She shivered both from fear and the cold. From a number of sources—most recently, Mrs. Kent—she had heard of this place’s less than welcoming attitude. She kept her cell phone ready in case of trouble. Who could live here? With a skittish glance at her less than welcoming surroundings, she headed into the establishment with its shelves brimming full of hocked wares.

In front of her, a heavy set white haired man in a frayed flannel shirt and blue jeans looked at her with surprise. “Evenin’, Miss. Little out of your territory, ain’t ya?”

She steeled herself. “You might say that. My boyfriend’s mother was robbed earlier tonight. I was wondering if anyone tried to sell you a watch?” Recalling Martha’s description, she added, “Brown leather wristband—analog face—numbers on its face. I’m sorry to trouble you but that watch has a lot of sentimental value to the family.”

He shook his head, effectively dismissing the notion. “Nope. Nothin’ tonight. It’s been really quiet. Nobody’s been here sellin’ anythin’.”

She sighed in disappointment. While she didn’t want to leave empty handed, she knew better than to push her luck there. “Thank you.” She hefted her purse and left the shop. Another dead end!

In back of her, she heard a foot splash in a puddle.

She turned to find four goons with greasy hair and leather biker jackets watching her. “Sorry.”

“You’ve got that right.” An Oriental male with the number 13 tattooed on his neck stepped forward with a jackknife in his hand. “You wanna be here, pay the price.”

She shook her head, trying to back toward her vehicle. “I don’t want trouble. Really.”

“Too bad,” one of the other attackers cracked joining his friend. “Cuz you just found it.” He looked her over. “You’re gonna pay in so many different ways.”

Even as she had tried to talk to the two goons, the others had cut her off from the Explorer. She tensed, recalling her karate skills. Since it was obvious these guys wanted trouble, she’d do what she could to give it to them…at least before they beat on her or worse.

The quintet heard a shrill whistle coming from the awning above the shop. They looked up to see what seemed to be another female figure clad in jet black; her face concealed under folds of black cloth.

“Cripe! They’re comin’ outta the walls now!” Oriental scowled.

In a heartbeat, the woman landed alongside Lana. “Back to back. Just like Lex and I showed you.”

Lana shook her head, recognizing the voice immediately. “You didn’t have to tail me down here, Miri.”

“Mrs. Kent called me after you and Clark disappeared. We both figured you’d be on a mission,” her best friend noted. “We can talk later.” Miranda charged two of their attackers, taking them down with a kick apiece.

For her part, Lana dealt with one attacker, pepper spraying him before finishing the job with a karate chop to the back of his neck.

“Behind you!” Miranda hissed as she took down the last attacker. “Let’s get out of here. My van’s around the corner. Drive me back there and we’ll finish the job together.”

“Maybe we can sack out at Nell’s if we don’t find anything by sunrise?” Lana supposed.

“Or Chloe’s place,” Miranda countered, not really wanting to deal with Nell or Dean if she didn’t have to. “Let’s get moving.”

Lana started the Explorer and headed back toward her friend’s vehicle. “Thanks, Miri.”

The other quirked an eyebrow while revealing her face. “As if I’d let you kill yourself? Get a grip.” She rubbed the other’s arm. “Let’s find that watch.”


****


[Three hours and eight more shops later]

Fortunately for the duo, they managed to avoid any more trouble. Forming a mini convoy, the Explorer and minivan wound their way through the less than desirable sections of Metropolis. They hit store after store, inquiring if anyone had bought or heard about the watch.

Lana sighed while glancing at her cell phone’s display again. “4:30. Sunrise won’t be long in coming now.”

“We still have an hour. Come on, Lana; give yourself a break. We’ve been at this all night.” Miranda glanced at the list. While most of it was crossed out, there was one last place left. “Let’s hit MacDougall’s. After that, breakfast’s on me.”

The former cheerleader nodded. “I would hate to disappoint Clark though.”

“The farm boy may be acting like an idiot but he knows how you feel about him,” the sensei countered. “MacDougall’s and then breakfast.” She pointed down the block at the lit sign down the street. “Let’s go.”

They walked down the sidewalk warily, watching for still more trouble. Upon entering the last shop, they found a surprise.

The watch sat in a glass display behind the counter.

“That’s it!” Lana exclaimed, recognizing it from the description.

“What’s it?” an elderly lady wondered while stepping out of the back room. “You’re here at a weird hour, Ladies.”

“Sorry, Ma ‘am,” Miranda apologized. “A friend of ours lost a watch down here earlier tonight. We’re looking for it. It looked a lot like that one.”

The storekeeper blanched. “I bought that around midnight fair and square!”

“We don’t doubt it,” Lana assured her. “How much you want for it?”

The older woman glanced at the duo. If the watch in question was hot, it would mean trouble for her. “Fifteen dollars.”

Lana nodded while taking a twenty out and handing to the woman. “Here you go. Thank you.”

The store keeper considered the money and then took the watch out of the display. “Here you are. No questions asked?”

“None. Keep the change,” Miranda agreed.

Lana grasped the watch, feeling a sensation of relief washing over her. We found it! We really found it! “Thank you.” With that, she walked out of the establishment.

Miranda glanced at their surroundings. “Let’s head for Bartleford’s on the highway. The sooner, we put this place behind us, the better.”

“No argument here,” Lana concurred as they returned to their vehicles and drove away.





Conclusion [Kent Farm—an hour past sunrise]

Lana stopped just short of the driveway and looked out at the newly-relit sky awash in deepening blues with puffy white clouds floating in their midst. I did it, Mr. Kent! I got your watch back!

You did indeed. May you and Clark be happy, Lana, Jonathan wished in response. Thank you.

The van pulled up alongside the Explorer. Miranda leaned toward her. “Go on ahead and collect your reward, Hero.”

“You mean our reward, Miri,” Lana countered.

Miri shook her head. “We both know why that watch is so important.” She noticed that the Loft’s light shone brightly. “Besides the Farm Boy’s brooding again. Put a stop to it. Tell him. And don’t mention me. I want you to take the credit.” She smiled warmly at her friend. “Just tell me what happened.”

“Miri!” She blushed. “Thanks.”

“No problem. I need a night out anyhow,” Miranda concluded before driving off.

You and Clark are both ones of a kind, Miri. I’ll never be able to repay this favor. She felt the bundle in her coat pocket. Time to face the music. She turned into the driveway, heading for destiny.


****


[Twenty minutes later--Loft]
[A/N: Yes, I did a major rewrite on this scene for the Clana Goodness. Enjoy!]

Clark climbed the stairs to the Loft still feeling under the weather. During the previous evening, he and Chloe had dealt with Andrea with little success. While the latter had eliminated the thieves, he had saved Lionel again. If he didn’t know before, he knows the Secret now. Great. And I’m no closer to the watch! As he reached the top of the stairs, he stopped cold.

On the small table in front of him, his father’s watch glistened at him, inviting him closer.

“How?” he wondered, studying it closely to ascertain that for himself. Then hearing a creak of the floor boards behind him, he turned to see Lana looking out the window. “Lana? Do you know about this?”

She shrugged, letting her eyes glisten into his. “Yes, Clark. I searched practically every pawn shop in Metropolis for it.” She considered it in his hand; her smile growing wider with each passing second.

He struggled to digest that insight. Even as Chloe and I tried to deal with it, she did too! “Lana….”

She sighed. “Clark, don’t tell me that I shouldn’t have.”

He shook his head. “I was just going to say thanks. I can imagine what you went through to get this back. I’m sorry that I shut you out lately. I wish I could repay you.”

She kissed him gently. “Just love me, Clark. That’s all the repayment I’ll ever need.”

He nodded before turning to the view through the Loft window. “It still feels frozen, you know? I still can’t believe he’s gone.”

“It’s going to take time.” She grasped his hand. “I’m here. Remember that.”

He nodded before turning back to her. “I know. I wish I could talk to my Dad again. I wonder what he’d say?”

“That he’s proud of you, Clark,” she indicated while reaching into her pocket. “Promise you won’t get mad at me but I had something weird happen to me even before I left for Metro.” She winced.

“Lana, what is it?” he queried in surprise.

She handed him the kerchief bundle. “I was in the cemetery last night after I dropped your Mom off at the Med Center. Somehow….” She wiped her eyes. “Somehow, he was there.”

“He?” Clark wondered.

“Your Dad, Clark. He was there.” She took a deep breath. “He told me everything. I guess it was his last task or something like that.”

“Everything?” Clark felt fear clawing at his gut.

She smiled. “I know about your gifts and…well, about your previous proposal. He gave me the bundle for you and asked that you open it.”

He stared at her again. “You’re taking this well.”

“To be honest, Clark, I’ve been a little preoccupied with the watch. But I know you did try to tell me before. And I know you love me.” She grasped his hands. “I admit that it’s going to take some time for me to get used to the whole you but I want to. Just have faith in me…in us.”

“I couldn’t stand it, Lana…if you were hurt. You died before,” he argued.

“And you saved me. Your Dad made it possible for us to know, Clark. He gave us this second chance. We just need to be careful and you need to trust me. Okay?” she pointed out.

He relented, “Okay. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say those words.” He removed the watch from his wrist and replaced it with his father’s. “Feels right.”

She giggled. “It looks great. Your Dad will be really happy.”

“You’ve got that right, Lana,” Jonathan agreed as he appeared in the corner.

“Dad!” Clark exclaimed. “So Lana was right!”

“About this and a great many other things. We all need to have faith. Go ahead and unwrap your bundle, Clark. I want to watch,” the angel replied after they embraced.

Seeing the pair’s eyes on him, Clark opened the cloth to find the wedding ring from before glittering at him. “How?”

“It was lying around upstairs you might say,” his father commented. “There is a better place for it though if you get my drift?”

The younger man nodded, suddenly feeling his heart race due to nerves. “It doesn’t get any easier on the third time.” He kneeled before his love. “Lana, since my arrival, I’ve seen a lot of this world both good and bad. On the good side, I come to know that I can count on you for everything. Since you know about my gifts, I want to share everything else with you too. Will you marry me so I can do that?”

She smiled. “My answer is the same as before. Of course.” She held her right hand out. “Put it back on there, Mr. Kent.”

He slid the bauble on her third finger and kissed her hand. “Thank you. And thanks….” He turned to find his father had vanished. “Where’d he go?”

“I think he accomplished what he set out to do. He knew we were supposed to be together. Now we are again.” She locked eyes with him. “Whatever waits for us, I’ll be there at your side, Clark. Have faith in us.”

“I will,” he agreed while stuffing the kerchief into his pocket. “Should we let Mom know?”

“I think she could use some good news,” she agreed while taking his hand and leading him down the stairs and to the house.

As they entered, they found Martha watching television. In particular, she had old home movies of Clark and Jonathan playing on the VCR.

“Mom, Lana’s back,” he announced.

“She is? Thank goodness,” his mother agreed while collecting herself and standing up. As she saw them, she stopped; her eyes frozen at the watch on his left wrist and the ring on her right hand. “Where did you…?”

“I found the watch, Mrs. Kent. You might say that someone left the ring for Clark and me,” Lana explained.

“Someone what?” Martha inquired in shock.

Clark held up the handkerchief. “I didn’t believe it either, Mom. Guess Dad’s still looking out for us.”

“He always did,” the older woman agreed. “And the watch looks great. So does that ring.”

He hugged his mother. “Mom, I….” As he did, he felt the tears coming.

“Let it out, Baby,” she soothed, feeling relieved that he was finally letting go.

“Lana?” he gasped.

“I’m here for both of you,” his fiancée noted, joining the embrace.

“Thank you,” Martha expressed before kissing the younger woman’s forehead. “Welcome to the family.”

Lana looked at them, not being able to stop the smile from forming underneath the tears. While she helped Clark to deal with his pain, he was letting her do so.

And that was all she had ever wanted…and would want now and forever.


THE END
 

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