Martha and Audrey are sitting down at the kitchen table, engrossed in conversation.

    "I can't believe I'm sitting here talking about Clark like this" Martha says, taking a sip of her coffee, peering over the cup at Audrey.

    "I'm so sorry, Martha. I didn't think it was right to keep it from you any longer" Audrey says, a little flushed by the deep subject of the moment.

    "I guess you think we're awful for hiding his secret from the world" Martha says, her eyes searching Audrey's face for a sign.

    "I can't even imagine how hard it's been for your family" Audrey says. Adding "I know as parents you have to protect your child. You have my word that what I know about him, will never go any further than here" Audrey says, her tone sincere.

    Martha leans towards Audrey, looking deep into her pale green eyes. She asks "Can I ask how you found out about Clark?"

    Audrey swallows. Knowing she cannot go back. She lets out a sigh, straightening her back in the chair. She begins "I have a way of getting mixed up with powerful people. I guess you could say I'm poisoned with one of them" she says embarrassed. "As much as I have tried to not get involved, the deeper I seem to plunge." Every word she speaks seems to cause her pain. "But I guess you can't help who you fall in love with."

    Martha hangs on to Audrey's words, her face drenched in genuine concern.

    Audrey, realizing her digression, regains her composure, beginning again. "But none of that is what you asked me, is it?" She lets out a nervous giggle, shifting in her seat again.

Slam!

    Their conversation is interrupted by Clark coming in the door.

    "Clark" Martha says with a smile.

    Clark immediately notices something different in his mother's face. He comes over to her, kissing her on the cheek.

    Audrey smiles, looking down towards the counter in shyness. Clark looks at her curiously.

    "Clark, you remember Audrey?" Martha says, prompting the two to speak.

    "Yes. Glad to see you're feeling better" Clark says smiling.

    "Thanks" she says looking up into his eyes. "I'm sorry I scared you this morning" Audrey says with embarrassment.

    "I'm just glad that we found you" Clark adds.

    Audrey and Clark's eyes lock for a second, unblinking. Until she breaks free, looking back down at the counter.

    "I am too, or else who would be helping me with all this canning?" Martha says, trying to change the subject to one more comfortable for her visitor. She looks at Clark, who seems to be trying to read Audrey's mind.

    "Audrey, do you mind putting this batch in the pantry down the hall?" Martha asks.

    "Down there?" Audrey asks, grabbing up the box of canned preserves.

    "Yeah, at the end of the hall. Thank you so much" Martha says with a smile, her hand on Audreyís shoulder.

    Audrey leaves the kitchen with the box of jars.

    Martha goes to Clark's side, motioning for him to lean down so she can whisper to him.

    "Clark, I've been talking with her all day, and I don't think we need to be worried about anything" Martha hurriedly whispers.

    "How does she know who I am?" Clark asks.

    "I'm not sure, but I think she's scared, and she'll be safe here" Martha continues.

    "She talked with Lana and Chloe at the Talon yesterday."

    "Did you tell them she's here?" Martha asks, her voice raising from a whisper.

    Aware of her voice, she leans her head towards the hall, checking for Audrey. The coast is still clear.

    "No, but Chloe knows she's in town and she's dying for an interview" Clark says.

    "An interview? For what?" Martha asks, concerned.

    "She's an artist in Metropolis. Chloe wants to do an article on her work" Clark tells his mother.

    Martha hears Aubrey coming back down the hall and gives Clark a nudge.

    "Thanks, Audrey. I really should've made Clark do that" Martha says shaking her head.

    "Itís the least I could do" Audrey says with a smile.

    Clark grabs a peach out of the basket on the counter, taking a bite. Martha catches him and gives him a swat on the back.

    "You're going to spoil your dinner" Martha says.
 
 

*****
 
 

    Clark is laying in his bed, unable to sleep. He looks over at the clock, two-thirty. He sighs, rolling back onto his back. He closes his eyes, trying to relax.

    In the silence of the room, mixed with his concentration to fall asleep he unwillingly hears something in the distance. His eyes fly open, and he sits up. He hurries out of bed, and walks down the hallway to his parents room. He presses his ear against their door, but hears nothing. He concentrates, following the sound towards the kitchen. Perched on the steps outside the kitchen is Audrey, uncontrollably sobbing into her hands. Clark stands breathless, watching her through the kitchen door window.
 
 

*****
 
 

    The chill in the early morning air stings Audrey's tear soaked cheeks. Alone in the dark, her only comfort are the memories of a time when things weren't so complicated. When life was fresh and exciting, and she saw the world through eyes that had never cried a tear. She escapes to that time in her mind...
 

    It is a beautiful night in downtown Metropolis. The sky is a glow with what seems like a thousand stars. Audrey is impeccably dressed in a formal gown, with her hair in an elegant upsweep. She's mulling about her art gallery, which is busting at the seams with Metropolis society. Although she is the guest of honor, as it is her opening, she is at a loss when it comes to fitting in with millionaires and socialites. She takes a sip of her champagne, and allows her eyes to graze the room. Despite what she feels on the inside, a million butterflies in the pit of her stomach screaming how she does not belong in this world, Her looks and artwork say the exact opposite.

    As her eyes dance about the posh loft, she is amazed at who she sees. The 'creme de la creme' of Metropolis are all there to celebrate work she has done with her small town hands. People, who until now, have been consigned to the business and society pages of ëThe Daily Planetí. She instantly recognizes Lionel Luthor, a man whose power is so abundant she has to turn away, as though blinded by a great light. Dr. Virgil Swann, and his date Bridgett Crosby admire one of her large pieces on display. She is amazed that an event centered around her would cause even the most reclusive millionaire to attend. She swallows, trying to appear at ease among the elite.

    She looks up and her eyes catch a glimpse of the most handsome man in the room. He is swimming in a sea of women, all of whom would gladly eat out of his hand if he were to request it. Audrey is mesmerized by him. Not just by his stunning good looks and apparent charm, but by the incredible confidence he has given his present company. She moves in closer, as if lured in by his charms. She has heard of him, who hasn't? The millionaire playboy, and no doubt the most eligible bachelor in Metropolis. In normal circumstances a girl like Audrey Peyton could not get within twenty miles of Bruce Wayne, but tonight, this night, she was within feet of him. She watches him flirt and drink champagne, all the while trying to play coy. She could never be one of the girls hanging about him like a love struck school girl. She was content to just know that he was in her gallery, even if he didn't know who she was. He looks up and catches her eyes, they lock for a moment, and his eyes seem to gain more light just by looking at her. He smiles and takes a sip of his champagne, still looking through her with those magnetic eyes. She looks down, breaking free of the handsome stranger's gaze. Flushed and excited she turns, leaving the room.

    Audrey steps outside onto the terrace, enjoying the lights of the city, and crisp night air. She has arrived. Her life would be perfection if only she had someone to share it all with. She lets out a sigh, looking up at the stars.Just then, as if by magic, someone stands beside her.

    "Do you prefer it all alone, or would you like some company?"

    "Audrey, do you want some company?" Clark whispers as he stands behind her on the porch stairs.