Clark watched Larry as he raced around the farmyard in a blur. Larry ran to Clark and stopped. "I can outrun Pa's car easily. I can fly, sort of, about 40 feet, from a running start." He leaned forward. "Once I jumped over the barn. I'm pretty tough. I broke a brick in half with my hands."

"Great, Larry, just great. You're beginning to develop your super abilities. I'll give you some of the exercises that helped me learn to control them. And some advice on how to keep your secret. Our secret."

Larry looked away. "There's something I wanted to ask you about." He hesitated. Clark waited. "My sight is getting really...I can see through things sometimes, and I don't know how to handle it." Clark knew what he was worried about, but waited patiently.

"I mean, sometimes I look at people and I can see through their clothes. And their bodies. It's awkward. I don't want to, you know, ogle girls, or like that, but I don't know how to control my sight. Hearing's ok, for some reason. I can turn it on or off as I please.

"It was the same with me. Come to my room, and I'll give you something to help."

They walked into the house and up to Clark's room. He opened a drawer in his desk and took out a pair of plain glasses and a pair of sunglasses. He handed them to Larry. "These have lead in the lenses. They'll control your vision until you learn to control it. It just takes practice."

Larry tried the glasses on. "Wow! They really work. Thanks, Clark. Is that why you wore glasses?"

"One of the reasons. It shouldn't take you long to learn how to control your vision. I'll give you some exercises that helped me."

*

Clark and Lexy went to dinner at Pete Ross's diner in Smallville that night. "Our first date," Clark said. Pete came over to talk to them, and they invited him to sit down.

"Just for a minute," he said. "Business is pretty good, and I'm going to work out a new menu. I wish I could think of something easy and popular that's not everywhere. The bakery next door has been empty two years. I rent the patio in front and put tables there in the summer. Popular with tourists and regular customers."

Lexy said, "Do you know what I haven't seen in Metropolis, or on this world, that's big business in my world?"

"What?" Pete asked.

"Coffee shops."

"I already sell coffee. Lots of it."

Lexy shook her head. "I mean premium coffee. Espresso, macchiato, premium brews, freshly ground and fixed to order for customers. Also teas, and blended flavored drinks. Maybe not everything here in the diner, but if you tried some special coffees, they might catch on. Also small snacks and meals that go with the drinks.

"Espresso? Macchiato." Pete looked thoughtful. "When Lana and I went to Europe, we stopped in coffee shops a lot. I'll think it over. Good idea. Thanks, Lexy. How are you two doing? Clark, will you be here for the Saturday dance?

"No, I'm going back to Metropolis in the morning. Lexy and I are just enjoying some down time."

"I've got to get back to the kitchen," Pete said. "Lexy, I hope everything goes well with you."

"Call me if you want any suggestions about coffee shops."

He went through the swinging doors into the kitchen.

"Want to take a walk?" Clark asked. Lexy nodded and they paid.

They walked past the Town Hall, and the Smallville High School, arriving at a small park. They walked past a church and back to the truck. Clark drove out of town and headed to the farm. "Tonight's our last night together here. I won't be able to come back out before Jimmy and Lucy's wedding. Too much going on with the League."

Lexy put her hand on his knee. "We have tonight. Your room?" Clark nodded.

"Martha and I will be in Metropolis on the 25th, with Larry. Cat is giving Lucy a bridal shower on the 27th, and she and I are invited."

"Would you stay in my apartment when you come? Till you leave for home?"

"I'd like that. I'm going to miss you, Clark, more than I can say. I want things to go well for you, and I really hope you find someone you can share your life with."

I found her, but can't tell her. We can't be together, so there's no use making it harder. "I'll always remember you, Lexy. We'll have a few days in Metropolis and a big night at the wedding."

*

About twenty women attended the bridal shower at Cat's penthouse, including Lucy's mother, Estelle, her sister Lois, Martha and Lexy. Lexy marveled at the luxurious condo, and the beautiful views of Metropolis. From the living room she recognized the Daily Planet building and the STAR Labs compound and the imposing LexCorp building.

Lucy unwrapped many luxurious gifts before a catered dinner was served. Lexy felt a little out of her league in this company, but Cat saw that the party was relaxed and comfortable, and Lucy was warm and friendly. After dinner, the women mingled and talked. Lexy was checking the view over the park when Lois came over to her.

"Hello, Lexy. We talked at Perry's cocktail party." She offered her hand and Lexy shook it. Lois was stunningly beautiful, and radiated presence and charisma. Lexy understood why she made a good TV anchor and attracted so many men.

"That's right, Ms. Lane."

"Call me Lois, please."

Lexy smiled, nervous with the brilliant Lois, trying to examine Clark's erstwhile two-faced love. She understood why he fell in love with her,  "I'm Lexy."

"Lucky Cat got the interview with you tomorrow. I really wanted that." She made it sound as though the interview was hers and Lexy had cheated her of it. Lexy couldn't tell if the look on her face was rueful or jealous. She'd heard gossip that Lois was jealous of Cat's success and former relationship with Jerry.

"That offer was first and seemed the simplest. I've seen your show. It's marvelous. No wonder you've won so many prizes."

"Thank you, but they're awards, not prizes, like ribbons in a state fair. " Lois was watching her carefully. "Martha tells me you and Clark are dating. He's a good man. Salt of the Earth."

Lexy's lips twitched. Salt of Krypton, if you only knew. "Yes, we're dating, but I'm..." she paused, not mentioning her pending return to Earth, as Barry had told her not to talk about it. "I'm not yet sure what I'll do."

"Clark is always so predictable," Lois said. "Always does the things he ought. Of course, that's his upbringing, and he's a good man, but I want somebody unique. Who can surprise and thrill and surprise me. I found him in Jerry."

Insulting, insufferable woman. Clark doesn't know how lucky he is you dropped him for Jerry. "Lucky you."

Lois chuckled. "Lucky Jerry. I've got to find Mom. Nice meeting you."

She turned and walked off as Lexy said to her back, "Nice to meet you."

*

Clark dropped Lexy off at the Galaxy studios at six the next morning, on time for her interview with Cat. They kissed goodbye, and she went inside. An intern escorted her to a green room. Cat poked her head into say hello. Soon the intern escorted her to makeup, to talk with producers, and to wait till she was called to the interview.

The interview lasted about 15 minutes, and Cat seemed pleased. Lexy didn't mention her return to Earth, and afterwards met Clark at the Planet. Clark finished a follow-up article about her. He mentioned he'd write a last article after she returned to her home.

They walked around the blocks near the Planet, looking in store windows. After a while, they turned back and headed back to the subway. Lexy had never walked down these streets and she was interested in the specialty stores and boutiques—gourmet foods, goods imported from other planets, and a store selling advanced electronic equipment. They walked past a toy store with marvelous toys and games. They stopped to look at them. Lexy gasped when she saw the name of the proprietor and toy inventor—Winslow P. Schott.

"What's the matter?" Clark asked. "This is just one of the most expensive toy stores in Metropolis. Winn Schott will design one-of-a-kind toys, if you can afford him. He also makes robots, dolls and action toys that kids everywhere want."

"Clark," Lexy said.

"Yeah?"

Lexy searched for words. The toy store was a wonderland. As they stood there, parents took children in and other children came out clutching red, yellow and green Toymaker bags. "I don't know what to say. Let's walk on." The door to the store opened again, and Winn Schott himself ushered a father and his son out, the boy clutching a small robot toy.

"We're always trying to design new toys and games for children. We love children," Winn said.

"Thank you, Winn," said the father. "We'll be back for his birthday in January." Winn saw them and smiled warmly. Lexy nodded, staring at him. She blinked, and looked at the window.

"Hello," said Winn. "Clark Kent! Hello. Are you looking for the special, one-of-a-kind toy for a little one? You've come to the right place."

"No," said Lexy. "We don't have children. Not married. Just...window-shopping. Let's go." She took Clark's arm and hurried down the street.

"What's the matter?" Clark asked, looking back to see Winn staring after them. "You were very abrupt."

"I don't know, Clark." Lexy thought. "In my world, in Superman stories, Winn Schott, the Toymaker has serious mental issues and is very dangerous." She looked at him, worried.

"He's never done anything here except make children happy and tons of money."

"If you say so. Schott always scared me in the stories. Please, just keep an eye on him. If I'm wrong about him, good."

"OK," Clark. "I'll tell Kara and Barry."

"Batman, too."

"Batman, too. There's a big Schott store in Gotham. Schott and his wife are fine people. I've interviewed him for the Planet. His wife is one of the sweetest people you'd want to meet. Utterly devoted to her husband. They don't have children. Maybe that's why Schott is so dedicated to making children happy."

Lexy stopped and looked at Clark. "He has a wife, Mary? And she's a real person?"

"Of course she's real, Lexy. What else would she be?"

"In my books, Mary was a robot Schott built."

Clark started to laugh but stopped when he saw Lexy meant what she said. "She's not a robot, Lexy, I promise you. I've met her, and I'd have known. These eyes, ears, and senses would have noticed it."

Lexy took a few deep breath, forcing herself to relax, wanting to believe him. "I'm glad. Please, Clark, keep an eye on him. If he loses his wife, he may become disturbed."

"I promise. Let's go home."

*

Lucy and Jimmy's wedding was held in a large cathedral in Midtown Metropolis. Lucy walked down the aisle on General Lane's arm in a designer gown with train and her mother's wedding veil. Jimmy was handsome and couldn't take his eyes off his bride.

A reception for 200 was held in the Park Hotel Ballroom, which would have been the Plaza in New York City. Waitstaff carried trays with caviar, pate and rich appetizers throughout the cocktail party that preceded the formal dinner. More waitstaff carried trays of champagne and other drinks. Lexy had appetizers and a glass of champagne till Clark escorted her to dinner.

After a dinner that involved four courses, steak, lobster and more champagne, the speeches began. General Lane, Fred Olson, and the best man spoke.

Then Lois stood up. "My only sister, Lucy, married her love, Jimmy, in a beautiful designer gown, surrounded by family and friends" She looked around the room, smiling proudly.  Lucy, I wish you and Jimmy every happiness now and in the future. You and Jimmy were meant to be together, from the day I introduced you to him. I could see how he fell in love with you at first sight." Jimmy looked at Lucy lovingly, but she kept watching Lois.  Lois paused, looking at people until all eyes were on her. "And I can add to the family by announcing Jerry White and I are engaged."

Lucy stiffened, and Jimmy looked shocked. General Lane looked away from his older daughter, but many of the guests applauded. Jerry stared at the table, hiding his shock at the bad timing. Lois smiled and nodded as the applause continued and sat down. She turned to Jerry and whispered something to him. He shook his head.

That was the last speech. Dancing began and Lucy danced with Jimmy, then with her father as Jimmy danced with his mother. Guests joined for the third dance and Lexy danced with Clark.

Lois milled around, receiving congratulations from many of the guests. Lucy and Jimmy ignored her. Jerry spoke with Lucy and Jimmy, congratulating them, and Lucy hugged him. "I'm glad you're going to be my brother-in-law." She smiled at him. "Life with Lois is going to be interesting, but if anybody can live with Lois, it's you."

Jerry kissed her hand. "I'm glad you're going to be my sister-in-law."

Lois and Jerry danced by. Lois said, "Switch partners? I haven't talked with you in ages, Clark." Lexy danced off with Jerry. "Congratulations. I hope you and Lois will be very happy."

"Thanks." He didn't seem happy. "I'll always love Lois." Lexy blinked. It seemed an odd statement for a man newly engaged, especially to a woman like Lois.

Clark danced off with Lois. "You seem very happy with your new girlfriend. She is pretty, isn't she?" Lois said " I understand she's working at STAR Labs."

"She worked there until she stayed with my parents for a while. She's back here now. Jerry is a lucky man. You have so much talent, and such a future for the two of you."

"I told you the day I broke up with you, Clark, that Jerry is the only man I ever met who could make me forget Superman. As much as I can forget him. You'll find the right woman someday. Probably."

Clark said, "Here's Lexy and Jerry. I'll see you, Lois." He led Lexy back to their table and they sat.

"Jerry is really nice. Lois is lucky."

"Yeah, Jerry's great. They work well together."

"Do you miss her? If she comes to her senses and wants you back, would you?"

"Lois is the queen of Superman groupies. I'm not Superman, I'm Clark. Lois won't be my queen. Thank Eldirao. Superman is something I do, like a fireman has a life he lives, and fighting fires is one part of what he is and does. The woman I love has to love all of me.

"Clark, dearest." I'd love you more if that were possible. "Let's dance. There's only a few more dances till they cut the cake," Lexy put her hand on his arm.

She and Clark danced until General Lane announced. "Last dance, everyone. After this we'll cut the cake and send the newlyweds  on their honeymoon in Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam."

Lexy gasped and took Clark's hand. She looked at him, searching his face as if she wanted to remember this moment forever. "This is our last dance, my dearest Clark."

Clark pulled her close and they began to dance slowly. "We'll make it our best dance, beloved."