Earth 824's Superman Begins

Dad?

The following weeks were spent distant from each other. Neither of them have spoken to each other despite Martha's attempts to get them to at least acknowledge each other. 

This morning, the tractor was busted somehow. Johnathan stayed outside to fix it. Martha looked worriedly at her husband. Though she knows he can fix it, today seems different. His left arm seems to be giving out on him because of how much he stops to massage it.

Martha:

You know your father could really use some help.

Clark looks up from his cereal and out the kitchen window to see John struggling to start the machine.

Clark:

Looks like he does.

He ignored it and went back to eating his cereal. 

Martha:

Clark, that means help him.

Clark:

I have a better idea… No.

Martha:

You can’t keep ignoring each other.

Clark stood up and towered over his mother. 

Clark:

Watch me!

Clark yelled, shoving the bowl into her hands. He dared her to make him talk to Johnathan to try.

Martha:

Do you think this makes you feel strong? To know that I can’t physically make you do something? Is that what you need? Do you need to fight?

Confused by his mothers words, Martha took this time to talk to Clark about the whole situation. About how he shouldn’t fight his father and the importance of family. She reaffirms his belief and trust in them; even though they aren’t his biological parents, “we raised you into becoming the bright and courageous man you can be.” Clark opens up to her and reveals that all he wants to do is use his powers. For “if I have them, why shouldn’t I use them?” 

Martha:

You can use your powers. It’s just that your father’s mad with the reason you used them.

Clark:

And what about you?

Martha smiled and put her hand on Clark’s cheek.

Martha:

I’m just happy you're learning more about yourself. But if I’m gonna be completely honest, your father is right to worry. We understand it’s your powers, and it’s your choice on how to use them, we just hope that when you use them it’s for the right reasons.

Clark thought about this for a moment.

Martha:

You are the only person who can make that decision. Me and your father are just here to guide you. Just remember that no matter what you choose, we will always be by your side.

And with that, she left to clean Clark’s bowl. Clark looked out at his father. Johnathan went to get tools from his shed. When he came back out, disappointed because he couldn't find any of them, he saw them in Clark's hands.

Clark:

Need Help?

Johnathan smiled at him.

Johnathan:

Why, yes, I would.

They spent the morning till noon repairing the thing, getting some laughs and giggles along the way as they went through trial and error. Finally, Clark brought it up.