Chapter 63

A week passed by and the weather turned colder. Clark Kent and Jason Lane-White attended father-son day at Jason’s school and for the first time, in a very long time, Clark Kent felt like he belonged on Earth. Perhaps it was the fact he had a son and could spend time with him almost every day, perhaps it was the fact he was back at work and very busy, or perhaps it was the simple fact that time heals all wounds.

And there were wounds to heal. His heart still ached at the parting of Kandor and Valia, but he knew he’d made the right decision. His life was here, on Earth, and always would be.

These thoughts filled his mind as he flew to England. He’d arranged a meeting with Richard White. There were things he needed to tell the man who’d been a father to Jason for five years.

Superman alighted on the patio and greeted Richard. “How’s your mother?” the Man of Steel asked with genuine concern.

“Better, but she still has a long way to go.” Richard looked tired. “So, how are Lois and Jason?”

Superman smiled. “They’re both fine and Jason constantly asks about you. He misses you.”

Richard brightened at the mention of Jason. “I miss him, too.” He smiled and sat on the low retaining wall surrounding the patio. “So, I hear you’re back at the Planet.” Seeing Superman’s confused expression Richard added, “I mean as Clark . . . you know, Clark Kent.”

“I . . . I don’t . . ,” Superman started to deny the allegation, but finally said, “How did you figure it out?”

“It seemed sorta obvious . . . I mean . . . Clark leaves, Superman leaves, Clark returns, Superman returns . . .” Richard’s voice trailed off.

Superman looked at the ground, shook his head then looked at Richard and asked, “Why can’t Lois figure it out?”

Richard shrugged and chuckled softly, “I don’t know, I think part of her doesn’t want to know . . . but . . . well, sometimes it’s hardest to see what’s right in front of us.”

Superman cleared his throat. “That’s very true and partly why I’m here.” He took a deep breath and continued, “I wanted you to know that I think you’ve been a great father to Jason . . . and I hope you continue to be a father to him.”

A very surprised Richard stared at the imposing figure standing before him. “Are you sure? I thought maybe . . . I mean, I don’t want to get between you and your son. There’s a lot of things he can only learn from you . . .”

“But there are lot of things he can only learn from you,” Superman countered sincerely. “There are a lot of things he’s already learned from you. You’ve given Jason a wonderful start . . . and I don’t want that to end.”

Superman paused and looked at the snow covered mountains rising in the distance. They reminded him of his arctic home, a home, created especially for him by his father. It and the father crystal were the greatest gifts he’d ever received. They were irreplaceable and one day he would leave them to Jason.

Over his shoulder Superman said, “I never met my biological parents, I have halo-graphic images and recordings of them . . . but still, there’s an emptiness. In some ways, I feel Jason’s life is mirroring my own. He didn’t meet me until he was five.”

Superman gazed upon the mountains again. “I was raised by an Earth couple who found me in a spaceship. They took me in without hesitation, an alien infant they knew nothing about. I became their son … they gave me their name and taught me about humanity . . . they taught me a sense of right and wrong.”

He turned to face Richard. “I learned so much from Jonathan and Martha Kent. And Jason has learned so much from you. I can never properly thank you for all you’ve done. You’ve been a father to him.”

Richard was overwhelmed by Superman’s heartfelt speech. Here stood the strongest man on the planet thanking him for doing something he’d do again without a moment’s hesitation. All he could mutter was, “I . . . I’ve been honored to raise him. And . . . I’m truly thankful you still want me to be part of his life. That means a lot to me.”

“It means a lot to me, too.” Superman’s eyes drifted to the mountains again.

A/N: Sorry my updates seem to get farther and farther apart. I know this chapter is short, but I feel it has a powerful message. I really hope to wrap up this story soon.

A very big, sincere 'thank you' to everyone who's left a review or put this story on their alert or favorites! You've made my day and kept me writing. ;)