Unexpected Encounter

On the outskirts of Metropolis by the lakeside, the weekend had brought an unforeseen dilemma for Kara. Doubts crept in about trusting Jay's words, as the gathering felt suspiciously like the traditional 'meeting the parents.'

Opting for her Kara Kent persona over Supergirl seemed more appropriate for the casual affair. Her bright blouse and skirt ensemble, coupled with the spectacles, left Mr. Reynolds nearly agape.

"You're Ms. Grant's assistant?" He asked with a hint of astonishment.

"Yes, I'm Kara Kent. Nice to meet you," she replied.

Mr. Reynolds shook her hand, still visibly taken aback. Kara's image as Cat Grant's clumsy and innocuous aide hardly matched the prowess known of Supergirl. Upon closer inspection, the cumbersome glasses were the only disguise for her clear and piercing eyes.

Mr. Reynolds remarked after a lingering appraisal, "You look like a completely different person."

"That's the point," Kara smiled. "Superman once told me how effective glasses are as a disguise. I didn't quite believe him at the time."

Their conversation flowed naturally from there, a promising start. Initial restraint from the Reynolds due to the proximity of a genuine superhero, and for Kara, reasons even she couldn't fathom, soon waned. Jay was pleased to see lively chatter between Kara and his parents, who were curious about her life beyond heroics. They were amazed by anecdotes of Superman's upbringing.

Upon learning of Superman's humble origins on a Kansas farm, Mrs. Reynolds exclaimed, "He's a farm boy from Kansas?"

"Smallville, that's the name of the town," Kara added. "He's invited me to his home there."

The revelation left Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds astounded. "Well, I'll be," Mr. Reynolds said. "Jane, you and Superman hail from the same soil!"

Mrs. Reynolds beamed with pride, while her husband mused, "It makes sense, though we never thought of Superman as one of us—a man grounded on Earth with his own life, not just a god floating behind clouds."

At the mention of Superman's parents, Mrs. Reynolds interjected, "Are they still around?"

"Yes," Kara nodded, "They're still on the farm in Kansas. They're really nice people. I visit them on holidays—they're like the only family I have left."

"Maybe we could all visit someday," Jay chimed in.

"Absolutely," Kara agreed, "They'd love to meet you."

As they started preparing lunch, Mrs. Reynolds' interest veered toward details about the Kent farmstead, but it wasn't long before she delved into Kara's personal life, which felt uncomfortably interrogative.

Sensing an awkward turn, Jay interjected, "Um, I think I left some ingredients in the car. Mind helping me fetch them?"

Grateful for the escape, Kara quickly agreed.

Halfway around the lake to the parking spot, Jay rummaged through the car, uncovering a forgotten bag in the trunk. Leaning against the car, Kara sighed, "You tricked me. I can't believe I fell for that."

Jay spread his hands innocently. "I didn't lie. I said my dad wanted to meet the hero who saved his life. I never guaranteed my mom wouldn't ask probing questions."

Kara realized the truth in his words and felt slightly played. With mock indignation, she huffed, "I'm upset now. You owe me."

"Alright, alright, my lie, my fault," Jay said, lifting his hands solemnly. "How shall I make it up to you?"

Caught off guard, Kara pondered. She hadn't thought that far. "I'll let you know when I decide."

Their gazes inadvertently met, and they noticed their proximity. Jay was captivated by the mesmerizing blue of Kara's eyes, and the world around them blurred into insignificance.

His mind went idle, letting instinct guide him closer to Kara's delicate features. She gazed back, seemingly unopposed. His senses heightened, he heard her breath quicken and her heartbeat race—a compelling rhythm that matched his own escalating pulse.

Their shadows merged on the grassy shore, and Jay could almost taste the unique fragrance of her breath, his gaze drawn to her animated emerald eyes.

But just as the moment teetered on the brink of something more, a discordant rustle from the brush pierced the air, snapping them apart with mutual embarrassment. They turned toward the source.

Never could they have imagined a disheveled woman staggering out from the tranquil lakeside foliage. Clad in a worker's uniform with incongruous rubber boots, her pale face wavered between consciousness and collapse.

Exhausted by her effort to escape, she slumped to the ground, with Jay and Kara rushing to her aid.

Jay found her familiar, as if from a past encounter.

Kara, in sheer disbelief, gasped, "Lois!?"

Recognition hit Jay—Lois Lane, the legendary reporter from the Daily Planet, adorned their office walls. She was Superman's leading lady.