Man of Steel: Loving Mia Jones

The Mother Boxes

Metropolis...

To say I was put under the spot was an understatement.

As soon as I stepped out of the elevator all eyes were on me.

My hair dripped wet from the rain just as my flats made a 'squishy' sound as I walked across the hard floor of the office.

I gave everyone around a friendly, small smile taking a seat at my former desk. Taking a slow breath, I lifted my eyes and gazed at the desk that sat across from me.

Empty.

Throwing my bag on the ground, I plopped down in my chair. "God," I rubbed my head, feeling a headache coming along.

"I couldn't find anyone good enough to take his place."

I looked up to see Perry standing over my desk with his hands in his pockets.

"Oh, Perry, I was on my way to your office-"

Perry raised his hand to silence me. "Mia, step into my office," Perry ordered, walking away with me following behind.

"Close my door," Perry commanded, taking a seat behind his desk. Reluctantly, I closed the door and slowly walked to a seat in front of Perry's desk. "I know you asked for a week off, but instead you took a three-week vacation."

"I..." I sighed. "I just...there was something going on in the family and-"

Perry raised his hand again to silence me. "Look, Mia, I know it may be tough to let someone you love go, but skipping work for not one, but two weeks." By the tone of Perry's voice, I could tell that he was trying to hold back his anger. My heart pounded as I feared the worst. "...However, I will...let this slide for now," Perry said, standing from his seat looking out the window.

"W-What?..." I asked, shocked.

Perry sighed, "Look Mia, let me cut to the chase...I know Clark Kent is Superman."

My eyes widen as my mouth opens in shock. Perry turned from the window to look at me with a knowing look.

"W-What...I don't have any idea what-"

"Mia, don't make me feel like a bigger dumba*s. I figured it out the night you needed the Daily Planet's news chopper to go to Gotham. At the same time, Batman and Superman were both spotted fighting that monster." Perry took a seat again rubbing a hand over his face. "I wouldn't be surprised if you knew who Batman was."

"Honestly, Mia I'm just pissed none of these so-called people I call investigative reporters didn't figure it out." Perry continued. "I'm pretty sure Clark was laughing his a*s off at how stupid we all are."

I shook my head, glancing down at my lap. "Look, I promised Clark no one will know his sec-"

"I know Jones." Perry interrupted me. "Honestly, ... you losing, Clark is the only reason I'm letting you slide...try that sh*t again Mia and I'll have you thrown out on your a*s. Understood?"

I nodded. "Yes sir."

"Good, accept my sympathies for your loss and get out." He waved his hand shooing me away.

I nodded again leaving Perry alone in his office.

RING! RING!

I lifted up the phone from my desk to see that it was Bruce calling. "Bruce?" He must be calling to see if I left Central City.