Fic: Not What You Think, Part 2

[sinderella81]

Title: Not What You Think, Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Clark/Lex
Disclaimer: Not Mine!  I just like to play!
Summary:  Clark's been living a lie ... but it's time for him to fulfill his destiny and become who's he's supposed to be
Warnings: Het, Character Death (Sort of)
A/N: Thanks to miche_connor[Bad username or unknown identity:  ]for the beta!!!  And while this is NOT an entry to the absolut_lex [Bad username or unknown identity:  ]Genderswap Challenge, it's part of what inspired it.

Jonathan and Martha were silent as they headed for the mortuary. In the rearview mirror, they could see Lex following. Lex had already explained what would happen. Lex had someone in the mortuary already, and had been assured that Clark was fine and well hidden. His guy had replaced Clark with a long unidentified homeless person who had been donated to science. The body had been placed in the coffin and sealed in while Clark had hidden herself away, waiting for her parents and Lex to make their arrival. 

 

Jonathan and Martha pulled in the parking lot while Lex kept going and pulled in behind the mortuary. Jonathan and Martha were somber as they entered and came face to face with Mr. Stern

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Kent, I was shocked when I discovered who it was the ME was bringing to me. Clark was so young. I understand that you wanted him cremated.”

 

“When we heard how he died … well, we think everyone would want to remember him how he was,” Martha said softly, placing her hand on Jonathan’s arm for support.

 

“Of course, of course. Now, did you want to view the cremation? Our new man Maurice can take you to the viewing room.” Mr. Stern said, gesturing to the tall man who gave the Kents a small smile. 

 

“Martha, I don’t know if that is such a good idea,” Jonathan said, playing the part of the worried husband to a tee. 

 

“No Jonathan, I need to see this. Maurice, take me and my husband to the room,” Martha said with a determined look on her face. Maurice nodded slightly, and led her and Jonathan to a small room down a long hallway. The door opened, and Jonathan and Martha were face to face with their daughter. Clark stood there, wrapped in a blanket.

 

“They took my clothes,” she said with a small pout. Martha had a hard time keeping her face somber.

 

“Go on out the back door, you’ll find Lex waiting in the dark SUV. We will be over to the Mansion as soon as we have a chance,” Martha said, gently cupping her daughters face.

 

“I don’t think I’ll be able to see you again until the day of the funeral, and then you’ll have to pretend you don’t know me. I will try to sneak over some time after the funeral. I love you guys so much,” Clark said, gently kissing her mom and dad before making her way out the back door to Lex’s SUV.

 

                                                *           *           *          

 

“Worked like a charm, didn’t it?” Lex asked from the driver’s seat.

 

“Yes, it did. Hey Lex?” Clark asked.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Tonight, will you just hold me?” Clark asked, looking at Lex with tears in her eyes. Lex’s gaze softened and he cupped Clark’s cheek.

 

“Of course,” Lex said softly. Clark smiled, and Lex put the car into gear and drove to the Mansion.

 

                                                *           *           *                      

 

Mr. Stern found Jonathan and Martha quietly weeping in the viewing room. He hated to interrupt them, but there were things they needed to discuss. He delicately cleared his throat.

 

“So sorry to interrupt, Mr. and Mrs. Kent. Maurice will be bringing the urn in shortly, but right now I needed to ask a couple of questions.  Did you have plans in place in the case of Clark's death?" 
 

“My father bought plots for myself, my husband, and my son; a morbid Christmas gift. We will bury him in his plot Friday. We spent the trip here making arrangements,” Martha said quietly. 

 

“Fine, fine Mrs. Kent. Again, my condolences,” Mr. Stern said softly as Maurice came in with a simple black urn. He quietly handed it to Martha, who stood and clutched it to her chest. 

 

“Thank you Mr. Stern,” Martha said, watching Mr. Stern nod. Jonathan quietly led her to the car, where the whole town watched him drive her home.

 

                                                *           *           *          

 

News spread fast in Smallville, and the moment Martha and Jonathan reached their home, there were people waiting for them, laden down with easy to reheat foods and sympathetic looks. Martha and Jonathan gladly let their neighbors into their home, letting them comfort the grieving parents. Martha phoned the Sullivan residence, and asked Gabe how Chloe was doing. Gabe replied that she was still sedated, and should sleep the rest of the day and night. Martha gave the information on when the funeral was going to be held, allowing time for Lana to get back in town. 

 

Finally, late in the evening, the last neighbor left, and Jonathan and Martha were finally left alone. It was still hard to believe. Martha was in awe over how easy it was for her to play the grieving parent, but then again, her son was gone. Clark would never again bound down the stairs or drink milk out of the bottle. Jonathan and Martha shared a sad look, and helped each other upstairs to go to bed.

 

                                                *           *           *          

 

The next day were spent in a whirlwind for both Jonathan and Martha and Clark. Jonathan and Martha spent the next day boxing up all of Clark’s things and moving them to the loft. It was hard, emotionally. Each memento placed in the box was another part of their son gone. When everything was finally in the loft, Martha closed the door to Clark’s old room, locked it with the key, and placed the key on her keychain. 

 

Clark’s day was just as hard. She spent most of the day finalizing her new life; signing credit cards and a debit card and a social security card. Lex made sure that no stone was left unturned in Clarissa’s life. When all the paperwork was finalized, Lex introduced Clark to the person who would help make her transition to Clarissa easier. 

 

Finn was a spitfire; flame red hair that matched her personality. She walked around Clark in a circle, assessing Clark from every angle.

 

“Great body, eyebrows need some work and what is up with her hair? A diamond in the rough if I ever saw one Lex. It should be fun,” Finn said with a smile.

 

“Well, we only have today; she has to make her appearance at a funeral tomorrow,” Lex said. Finn gave him a large smile. 

 

“Well, then we had best get cracking,” Finn said with a grin. “I’ve brought a couple of options for you to try on,” Finn said as she pulled Clark upstairs and down a long hallway to an empty bedroom. “But before you try anything on, we need to talk hair and makeup. Honey, your hair looks like someone hacked at it, and your eyebrows? And your fingernails? Girl, we have a lot of work ahead of us.” Finn took Clark’s blanket and pushed him into the shower. “Shampoo, condition, exfoliate. Use the loofah and the body scrub. Let yourself drip dry and don’t touch your hair.” 

 

When Clark came out of the shower, wrapped in a towel, she found the vanity littered with brushes, combs, scissors, hair products, nail paraphernalia and makeup. She saw a chair in front of the vanity with Finn standing behind it. Clark figured she was supposed to sit in the chair, so she did. Finn immediately began running a comb through Clark’s hair, moving it this way and that. Clark watched in the mirror and watched as Finn snipped and chopped Clark’s hair. She watched bits and pieces fall all around her. Clark was disappearing, replaced by Clarissa. Finn stepped back, looked at Clark in the mirror and smiled. She grabbed some gel and worked it through Clark’s hair, bringing out the natural curl. Finn pinned pieces of Clark’s hair away from her face, and soon pronounced Clark’s hair done. 

 

Finn attacked Clark’s face next; tweezing her eyebrows and making Clark jump in surprise. She sat and watched as Finn painted her face like it was a canvas. Then she sat patiently as Finn began to give her lessons on how to walk and talk as she gave Clark a manicure and pedicure. Clark just sat and absorbed it all. She knew that it was all information that she would need to commit to memory if she was going to be convincing as Clarissa Kane. 

 

“All right, now it’s time for clothes. I’m not even going to try to get you in a skirt right now. There’s no way you could handle it.  Here, take these,” Finn said, handing Clark a bundle of clothes, including undergarments and shoes. 

 

Clark took the clothes with a little trepidation and made her way back into the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and began to dress. The first item was a pair of black lacy underwear. Clark stared at it, thinking there was no way it could fit her. She slid the scrap of fabric up her legs and was shocked to discover that they fit. The black lace bra took a little time to figure out, and soon she was strapped in. The next item was a dark green silk button up blouse, followed by a pair of simple black trousers. A pair of black kitten heel sandals and some bracelets followed, and soon Clark was gone. She looked in the bathroom mirror and all she could see was Clarissa. 

 

She stepped out of the bathroom and came face to face with Finn. She stood still and let Finn circle her, adjusting her collar, tugging on her slacks a little. “Damn, I do good work,” Finn finally said.

 

“Clarissa Kane, nice to meet you,” Clarissa said with a small smile. She had to get used to saying it sometime. 

 

“All right, time to show the man,” Finn said with a laugh. She took Clarissa’s hand and led her to Lex’s study, where they found Lex entranced by something on his computer screen. Finn delicately cleared her throat, announcing her and Clarissa’s presence. Lex looked up and was stunned.

 

Clark, no Clarissa, stood before him in a stunning dark green silk blouse and black trousers. Every curve was accentuated. Her hair pulled back accentuated her lips and cheekbones. Lex stepped out from behind his desk and enveloped Clarissa in a long hug. He gently kissed her on the cheek. “I have a surprise for you,” Lex said with a grin. 

 

“Really?” Clarissa said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Lex grinned; apparently Clark wasn’t all the way gone. 

 

“Yes, and it you’ll follow me I’ll show you. Finn, you’re more than welcome to join us,” Lex said, leading the two women towards the garage. Clarissa and Finn followed Lex down the row of cars to one at the far end of the garage, covered in a large cloth.

 

“Oh Lex,” Clarissa exclaimed. Lex smiled, walked over to the sheet and pulled. Clarissa gasped; before her sat a Mercedes Vision CLS in a beautiful dark green. Lex dangled Clarissa’s new purse complete with valid driver’s license from his hand, as well as a set of car keys. Clarissa bounced over to him and pulled him into a deep kiss. Her hands went to the back of his head, pulling him closer. Lex dropped the keys and purse and his hands went around Clarissa’s waist and cupped her ass. Finn cleared her throat delicately. Lex and Clarissa looked to Finn, who was standing there grinning, holding Clarissa’s new purse and car keys. Clarissa blushed and took the items from Finn.

 

“Thanks Finn,” Lex said with a smirk. “There is one more gift for you Clarissa,” Lex started. At Clarissa’s confused look, Lex continued. “The only clothes you have right now are the ones that Finn has brought for you. Saturday, you and Finn will spend the day in Metropolis getting a whole new wardrobe, courtesy of the Bank of Luthor.” Finn whooped loudly and gave Lex a hug.

 

“Oh Clarissa, you and I are going to have so much fun,” Finn said with a grin.

 

“Finn, the shopping spree isn’t for you,” Lex said with a chuckle. 

 

“I don’t care, look at who I get to dress,” Finn said with glee. 

 

“All right, all right; it’s been a long day and we all need our sleep. The funeral is tomorrow at noon. Finn, you’re going to stay here because as far as everyone knows, you haven’t met Clark. Clarissa, you will wait here for a little bit, then show up fashionably late, looking for your long lost brother. I will already be there, but remember you have to pretend you don’t know me. It’ll be hard, but I know you can do it. Finn, go ahead and retire to the guest bedroom you picked for yourself, Clarissa and I are going to sleep,” Lex said, taking Clarissa’s hand and leading her towards the master bedroom. Finn watched them with a soft smile. Lex had been alone so long, Finn was glad he had finally found someone. 

 

Clarissa followed Lex through the house. They arrived at Lex’s bedroom and Lex settled down on the bed and watched Clarissa meticulously undress and place each item on a nearby chair. She needed to make sure that nothing got wrinkled so she could wear it the next day. When she was standing nude, Lex beckoned her to the bed. Clarissa went to lie down on the bed, and watched as Lex stripped, throwing his clothes haphazardly on the floor. Lex got into bed next to Clarissa and pulled her close.

 

“I’m not going to force you into anything,” Lex said reassuringly.

 

“I know Lex. I need time to get used to this body, this new life,” Clarissa said, resting her head on Lex’s chest. 

 

“I understand,” Lex said. “Things will happen in their own time; for now let’s just get some sleep.” Lex turned off the light and felt Clarissa snuggle against him. Lex wrapped an arm around her, pulled her close and drifted off to sleep. 

 

                                                *           *           *                      

 

It was unusually cold for the middle of June. The large crowd in the cemetery was huddled close together, both for heat and comfort. Jonathan and Martha sat on a couple of folding chairs, facing a pedestal with a simple black urn on it. Lex stood behind them, somber in all black. It seemed as if the whole town had shown up for Clark’s funeral. Lana had flown in the day before and stood next to Chloe, the two supporting each other. The only thing that could be heard was the sniffling and crying of the crowd. Jonathan and Martha stood up, white roses in hand, walked up and placed then in front of the pedestal. Lex, Chloe, Lana, and everyone else quickly followed suit and placed their flowers with the others. Everyone was milling around, unsure of what to do when they noticed a green Mercedes pull up. They watched as a statuesque young woman stepped out and began to walk towards the group.

 

“She looks like someone Lex would date,” Lana whispered to Chloe. Chloe watched the woman, and when she got closer, Chloe gasped. 

 

“She looks like Clark,” Chloe said, fresh tears coming to her eyes. She and Lana watched as the young woman approached Lex and the Kents.

 

“Hi, my name is Clarissa Kane, and I’m looking for Clark Kent,” Clarissa said, grimacing inside as Lana and Chloe sobbed loudly.

 

“I’m very sorry you drove all this way looking for him, but this is his funeral; he passed away Wednesday. I’m Martha Kent, and this is my husband Jonathan; we were Clark’s parents,” Martha said. Outside she was indifferent, but inside she was joyful to be speaking to and seeing her child again. She carefully looked Clarissa over and noticed how well she was carrying herself and how pretty she looked.

 

“I don’t mean to be rude, but was Clark adopted?” Clarissa asked, her gaze trained on Jonathan and Martha.

 

“Why yes he was; why do you ask?” Martha asked.

 

“My parents were just recently killed in a car crash. When they read the will, it was revealed to me that I was adopted. I was found wandering in some cornfields here in Smallville; Social Services found me and placed me with a nice family in Indiana. They told me that I had a twin brother, and that they had found him for me.”

 

“And you drove all the way here?” Jonathan asked in shock. He could see Lana and Chloe in his peripheral vision, both looking shocked.

 

“He was the last of my family; no I guess I am,” Clarissa said, tears coming to her eyes. Martha’s mothering instincts kicked in, and she wrapped Clarissa in a hug, silently joyous in the fact that she was hugging her child again. 

 

“There, there; it’s okay. Why don’t you follow us to our farm? We’re having a get together, and you can learn everything there is to know about Clark Kent,” Martha said with a smile. Clarissa nodded.

 

“I would like that a lot,” Clarissa said softly. She stole a smile at her parents and Lex, who gave small smiles in return. They all made their ways to their cars, Lex walking close behind Clarissa.

 

“Very well done,” Lex said softly as they walked.

 

“Thank you, I tried,” Clarissa replied. They reached their cars, and headed out to the Kent Farm. 

 

                                                *           *           *          

 

“Here’s another one,” Chloe said, showing Clarissa a picture of Clark. She, Chloe, and Lana were sitting up in the loft of the barn where Chloe and Lana were trying to tell Clarissa about her brother. They were shocked for a little bit; every time they looked at him they could see Clark, just a little. But, Clarissa had seemed so lost and alone, walking through the Kent house, that Chloe and Lana had taken her with them to the loft. 

 

“Wow, there are just so many pictures,” Clarissa exclaimed. “What’s this one?” Clarissa picked up a picture of Clark, probably about 7, covered in yellow paint.

 

“Oh, that was when he thought he was being helpful when Mr. Kent was touching up the paint on the house,” Lana said with a small smile. “So, what are you plans now?”

 

“Well, I think my parents would want me to stay with my brother; although now I don’t know,” Clarissa said. “I still have my senior year to go through.” 

 

“Well I meant if you had plans this weekend, but talking about school is fine too,” Lana replied.

 

“Oh! Well I’m actually going to Metropolis for the day tomorrow; I haven’t had a good shopping day in a long time,” Clarissa replied.

 

Chloe was about to comment, but was distracted by movement down below. Chloe, Lana and Clarissa watched as Lex entered the barn, found a bale of hay and sat down. Clarissa could clearly see the tears on his face. She surprised Chloe and Lana by getting up and making her way down the stairs. She softly approached Lex.

 

“Lex, right?” Lex looked up at the sound of Clarissa voice. 

 

“Yes; Ms. Kane?” Clarissa nodded and sat down next to Lex. 

 

“You miss him, don’t you?”

 

“I didn’t think it would hit me this hard; I only knew him for three years,” Lex said. He was surprised when Clarissa took his hand in hers.

 

“It’s hard when someone you care for is taken from you,” Clarissa said softly. 

 

Lex was about to reply when he heard steps in the loft. He and Clarissa turned to see Lana and Chloe come down the stairs, the pair of them looking a bit embarrassed.

 

“Hey Lex,” Lana said softly. Lex nodded solemnly. “Sorry, we hated to break the moment but we figured it was time to go back to the house.” 

 

“It probably would be best,” Lex said in agreement. He stood and offered his hand to Clarissa who quickly accepted. He led her back to the house with Chloe and Lana close behind.  They quietly re-entered the house, and made their way to the kitchen where Jonathan and Martha were seated at the kitchen table, quietly chatting with some neighbors.

 

“Clarissa, I, I mean we, have a proposition for you,” Jonathan said, looking up at her.

 

“A proposition?” Clarissa asked, confused.

 

“I don’t know where you’re staying, but it’s probably costing you a bundle. Why don’t you come and stay here? You can stay here for the summer and while you’re finishing out your senior year,” Martha said softly. 

 

“Oh I couldn’t,” Clarissa started.

 

“You’re not replacing our son, but you are a part of him, and we want to get to know you,” Martha said. “I won’t take no for an answer.” Martha placed her hand on Clarissa’s and gave it a squeeze.

                             

“All right,” Clarissa said with a soft smile. “I have one more night at the hotel and then I’ll check out. I’m spending the day tomorrow in Metropolis with an old friend.” 

 

“Then I’ll expect you late tomorrow night. Then Sunday we will go get some things to make Clark’s old room yours,” Martha said.

 

“You have no idea how much I appreciate this,” Clarissa said. “It’s a way for me to be able to get closer to my brother.” 

 

“Well, I think it’s time for us to be heading out,” Chloe said, motioning to Lana and herself. “It’s getting late.” Everyone looked out the window and noticed that the sun had begun to set.

 

“All right girls; thank you so much for coming. You’re welcome to come back any time,” Martha said. Jonathan nodded his agreement. 

 

“I should leave as well,” Lex said.

 

“Clark considered you his best friend, Lex. You’re family now. Don’t be a stranger,” Jonathan huffed quietly as Lex stood nearby.  Chloe and Lana were quick to hide their surprise; they had assumed that with Clark gone that Jonathan would go back to hating Lex. 

 

“Thank you Jonathan, I will,” Lex said, starting for the door. “Clarissa, it was a pleasure to meet you.  I hope we can become great friends." 
 

“Likewise Lex, likewise,” Clarissa said as she watched Lex leave. “And I believe it is my time to go as well. I must get everything ready if I am going to be moving in here tomorrow. Thank you so much for your generous hospitality Mr. and Mrs. Kent.” Clarissa graced her parents with a bright smile before making her way to her car.

 

                                                *           *           *          

 

“That played perfectly; Lana and Chloe seeing you comfort me, the Kents offering you a place to stay and the Kents being downright friendly with me,” Lex said, softly fingering Clarissa’s curls.

 

“I didn’t know Mom and Dad were going to do that; it’ll be nice to be back at home,” Clarissa said softly. 

 

“Are you going to paint your old room pink?” Lex asked with a chuckle. The chuckle turned into a grunt as Clarissa smacked him on the stomach.

 

“Perish the thought; I was thinking a nice soft blue or maybe lavender,” Clarissa said with a yawn. “Sleep now; I have to go shopping with Finn tomorrow.” 

 

“That’s right; you’ll need all your energy,” Lex said, kissing Clarissa softly. He pulled the covers over the two of them, turned off the light, and drifted to sleep while listening to the slow deep breaths of his love. 

 

                                                *           *           *                      

 

“You have to try this on, and this, oh and this!” Finn strode through the store, pulling random things off racks and handing them to the waiting assistant while Clarissa just followed.

 

“You know I won’t be able to wear a lot of this to Smallville High. Hell, I don’t know how to wear most of it,” Clarissa said with a sigh. They had been at this for hours now. Finn would throw things to an assistant who would put it in a fitting room for Clarissa to try on. Clarissa had tried on more clothes than she ever had when she’d been male. And, in between every clothing store had been a shoe store. Everything had been sent to the mansion where Clarissa would pack it up and have it taken to the Kent Farm. She had so many clothes now, she didn’t know if they would all fit in her old closet.  Clarissa watched as Finn took a daringly low cut red dress off the rack and passed it to the assistant. 
 

“You will look stunning in that,” Finn said as she nodded at the red dress.

 

“Finn, where will I wear that?” Clarissa said, gesturing to the dress that was making its way to the dressing room. 

 

“Who cares, you’re going to look gorgeous,” Finn said.  She dragged Clarissa to the dressing room and shoved her in.  Clarissa stared at the mountain of clothes and sighed.  

 

“Let’s make a deal,” Clarissa called from the dressing room.

 

“I’m listening,” Finn said with a smile. 

 

“Three outfits and then I get to go home,” Clarissa said.

 

Finn thought about it; they had been shopping all day, only stopping for a quick lunch. “What time do you have to be back so you can be at the Kents?”

 

“We have to leave in an hour so we can make it back in time,” Clarissa said.

 

“All right; the red dress and two other outfits and then we’re done,” Finn said with a gin. She heard Clarissa’s chuckle through the door.

 

Thirty minutes later, Finn and Clarissa were on their way back to Smallville.

 

                                                *           *           *                      

 

“Ugh,” Clarissa said, flopping down on her bed. Martha stood in the doorway, smiling at her daughter. 

 

“Just how many clothes did you buy?” Martha said, eyeing the closet.

 

“Too many; I only brought over clothes I would wear to school. Finn and I bought plenty of formal wear and club wear,” Clarissa said, looking at Martha. “As far as everyone knows I am Clarissa Kane, and soon they’ll find out that I am also an emancipated minor. I’ll be able to basically do what I want with Lex, without worry of getting in trouble. Yes I know I am still your child, but things are different now.”

 

“I know, honey," Martha said softly.  "And your father and I have discussed this and decided that you deserve your freedom.  As long as you are home at a decent hour on school nights, we'll be okay.  Just make sure to bring Lex around every once and a while for dinner."  She laughed as Clarissa bounced off the bed and grabbed her mom in a tight hug.   

 

“Thanks Mom; I’m gonna go to sleep. Don’t forget, you and I have a date to redecorate this room tomorrow,” Clarissa said with a yawn.

 

“I won’t forget; I’ll be in here bright and early to wake you up tomorrow,” Martha said, watching Clarissa climb into bed, pull the covers up, and start to drift to sleep. Martha turned off the lights, closed the door, and let her daughter sleep. 

 

                                                *           *           *                      

 

“What about pale lavender with some white wainscoting?” Martha asked. She and Clarissa were walking through the hardware store, looking at paint colors and such. 

 

“I think it would look nice; it’s mature,” Clarissa said thoughtfully. Martha grinned and grabbed a couple of gallons of lavender paint and then she and Clarissa went to grab the white wainscoting. They quickly paid for their purchase, put them in the back of the truck and headed for the department store to buy some new furniture.

 

They walked the department store slowly, chatting about odds and ends while picking out furniture. They left with a brand new larger bed, a new dresser and a vanity, all in white wood. They also bought new bed linens in pale lavender, as well as curtains. They wrangled everything into the bed of the truck and went home. Clarissa and her mom chatted all the way back, just as a mother and daughter would.

 

                                                *           *           *          

 

“I’m done,” Clarissa said, flopping down on her new bed. She had finished the room in record time, and now it looked nothing like a guy’s room though there were still touches of Clark around; astronomy posters and some pictures. 

 

“It looks very nice honey,” Martha said, admiring the room. She could still see the touches of her son in the room, but now it was definitely her daughters. “So, what are your plans?”

 

“Honestly? I just wanna sleep; Finn has decided that I need to learn how to be a woman so she has set up lessons for me,” Clarissa said with a grimace. 

 

Martha smiled. “Well, there are things that you need to know; I’m sure it will be fun,” she said with a chuckle. 

 

“Loads; but I understand that it needs to be done,” Clarissa said with a yawn.

 

“What time do you have to be at the Mansion tomorrow?”

 

“Ugh … Finn wants me there at nine,” Clarissa said. 

 

“Do you want me to come wake you up tomorrow morning?” Martha said mischievously. 

 

“I think I can manage,” Clarissa said with a chuckle. “Hey Mom,” she called as Martha started to leave. “Thanks, for everything.” Martha smiled, and closed the door, leaving Clarissa to drift to sleep.

 

                                                *           *           *                      

 

“Don’t you ever stand up straight?” Finn asked, pulling at Clarissa’s shoulders. “Shoulders back and head up! Don’t look at the floor; you need to look straight ahead!” Clarissa sighed and threw her shoulders back and put her head up. She had been at this for a while now, and still wasn’t getting it.

 

“When I was Clark I used to hide in the shadows,” Clarissa said.

 

“Well you’re not Clark anymore, now are you? You need to learn to make yourself known. Any woman who looks like you would be confident. Now what do I have to do to get you to stand straight?” Finn said. Clarissa watched as she got a mischievous look on her face. 

 

Moments later Lex walked in, took one look at Clarissa and began to chuckle. Clarissa was barefoot in a pair of shorts and a tank top, with a ruler strapped to her back and a very large book on her head. Clarissa heard Lex chuckling and spun around, causing the book on her head to come crashing down on her feet.

 

“Oh shit! Lex, what are you doing?” Clarissa asked, ripping off the ruler, plopping onto the floor and rubbing her feet in annoyance.

 

“I came to see if you guys wanted some lunch,” Lex said, walking over to Clarissa, helped her off the floor and kissed her softly on the lips. “But I can see that the two of you are busy.”

 

“She has spent most of her life trying to blend in; she needs to learn to stand out,” Finn said authoritatively. Lex nodded his agreement and smiled at Clarissa.

 

“You do need to learn confidence. Walking with your head held high is a start,” Lex said. “But, before you strap the ruler back on and plop the book back on your head, let’s have some lunch.”

 

Clarissa and Finn laughed and followed Lex down to the kitchen for a light lunch, and then it was back to posture practice.

 

Part three here