Chapter 9 “Family”

Perry had never been close to his older sister. As children their personalities clashed and they always fought; the strong competition between them was ever present. Who got the highest marks, who finished their dinner first and who got the most attention from their dad. Confident, outgoing and stubborn, Sylvia had always had a dominant personality. It had taken Perry years to admit that she was very much like him.

No, there hadn’t been much love between the two siblings until Sylvia was diagnosed with breast cancer, 14 years ago. Perry always regretted it had taken him so long to put some effort in getting to know his sister. That was probably one of the biggest reasons why he had taken Sylvia’s death wish to heart; Take care of my boy.

Richard, 17 at that time, was an exceptionally bright, curious and investigative boy and Perry had taken him under his wing, paid his college and got him a job.

And now he was dead. Killed during a visit Perry had talked him into. And with him Sylvia had died again. He had failed her.

Richard’s death had sealed it; Perry White had no life outside the office. He and Alicia had divorced 5 years ago. Perry had no family, no friends, and no hobbies. The Daily Planet was his life now. Lois, young Jimmy and even Clark were his family. And his family was hurting. Perry saw it. Perry saw everything.

Jimmy, no longer running around with his camera but staring off into the distance. A subdued Clark shooting concerned glances at a Lois, who seemed to have lost her fiery attitude completely and worked without passion in complete silence, not even asking about the proper spelling of ‘constitution’.

Well, he had messed things up with his family, and there was nothing he could do about it. But he could make sure it didn’t happen again.

“KENT!”

All heads turned, surprised to hear the boss’ strong, loud voice again.

“You wanted to see me, Ch—Mr. White?” Clark Kent sounded even more cautious than ever.

“Yes, come in.”

He indicated the seat in front of his desk as he sat down heavily in his own.

“I want to talk to you about the issues of The Daily Planet, from the last two weeks. And I’ve been told you wrote most of it.”

“Is there a problem, sir?”

“A problem, Kent? No, I want to congratulate you on a great job. You kept the wheels of The Planet turning all by yourself. It’s people with dedication like you that this newspaper needs!”

Perry noticed Clark visibly relaxed upon hearing this.

That man is always on edge. I wonder why...

Perry grabbed one of his fat Cubans of his desk, offered one to Clark – who declined – lit it, and exhaled a great puff of smoke.

“You know, Kent, I’ll be frank with you; I’ve had my doubts about appointing you in the past. Sure, you’re a good reporter. You’re efficient and reliable, but I’ve often missed a couple of qualities in you that most reporters have.”

He shot a look at Clark who sat with his hands folded in his lap.

Exactly what I’m talking about.

“You know, the no-nonsense, confident, straightforward attitude. Like Lois. I’ve never seen you fire questions like her. And yet,”

Perry waved the smoke out of his face.

“ – And yet you manage to bring me the good stuff every single time. I don’t know how you do it, but I’ve got to hand it to you. You are one of The Planet’s greatest assets.”

“Gee, thank you, sir. That’s quite a compliment.” Clark stammered.

“Ah well, you deserve it. Hold on a moment, before you go –“ Perry held up his hand to halt Clark, who had already risen from his seat.

“I wanted to ask you how Lois is doing. She is staying with you, isn’t she?”

“Not anymore. She and Jason stayed with me for a couple of days so she could get her head around it, but she left last evening. She took Richards death quite badly, but - ”

Clark rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“- Well, you know Lois, she’ll battle through.”

The two men were momentarily silent.

“And little Jason?”

Clark sighed. “Jason is confused. He doesn’t understand why his - where Richard has gone.”

Perry nodded and sent Clark back to his story, but called after him as he stood in the doorway.

“Oh, and Kent?”

“Chief?”

“Take care of them…”