Smallville Town Hall was packed when the Kents, Lexy, and Larry walked in. Lana stood up and waved them over. They sat with her, her husband, Pete, their triplets, and Darrin Ross. The band, the 'Kansas Astras,' formed from locals in age from high school to retired, began a new song, Darrin asked Lexy to dance. She danced with him several times. He was very interested in her, but she thought him superficial. Some people were fascinated by her otherworld origin, and she thought Darrin was one of them.

He asked many questions about her home world, and she answered them while his eyes kept drifting to younger women. When Pete asked her to dance, Darrin asked a girl from the local technical college. He danced with the young woman and her friends the rest of the night. Lexy joined in some of the line dances, and danced with a few men Lana knew.

When the dance was over, Jon drove home through the silent, starlit night, past quiet farmhouses with a light or two on, and fields of wheat ripening. Jon parked the car by the farmhouse. Larry had dozed off, head resting on Lexy's shoulder. She woke him up and they went into the farmhouse.

"I li-ike it here, Smallville," Larry told her through a yawn, as Jonathan unlocked the door. "New Barzon is a large city, and, well, run by Kryptonian science. I like it here, though, the open spaces. The Kents would be like my grandparents if I had them."

"They're so warm," Lexy said. "I'm happy I decided to stay here until the end of July." Larry yawned, a big one. "We've got to get up early tomorrow, so let's get some sleep. Good night, Larry."

"Good night, Lexy."

*

Clark arrived early on June 30, and spent the day helping his father and Larry on the farm. After dinner he sat with Lexy and Larry on the porch, watching the sunset. "Did you go to the dance, Lexy? Did you enjoy yourself?

"I had a good time. Pete and Lana are great. The next dance is July 2. You're coming with us, aren't you?"

"Wouldn't miss it. Larry, how'd you like the dance?"

"Loved it. I danced with Lana's daughters and a couple of other girls. Also lots of line dancing. We don't do that on New Barzon."

"Kryptonian dancing is different. I haven't seen Darrin in a while. Is he still in Smallville?" Clark waited for the answer.

"He went back to Minneapolis," said Lexy. Clark managed to breathe normally and smiled slowly.

"Yeah, he danced with Lexy and Lana for a while, but when some college girls came in, he danced with them," said Larry. 

"Darrin has always been a ladies' man," said Clark, relieved Darrin found new playmates. "We'll have a good time this Saturday." They chatted until stars appeared before going in the house.

The Rosses, minus Darrin, and some old friends came to celebrate Clark's 32nd birthday at the farm. Clark and Pete cooked with fire, hamburgers, sausages, and chicken breasts on the grill, while Martha, Lana, and Lexy fixed sides and drinks. The crowd left around sunset, and the Kents cleaned up, helped by Lexy and Larry.

Everyone but Lexy went to bed afterwards, but she sat in the kitchen, drinking tea and filling out more forms Barry had sent her. She was almost done when Clark came in quietly. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. She knew he could push the sleeves of his Superman uniform up to wear short-sleeves. He smiled, and said, "Sending a report to Barry?"

She nodded. "Are you going somewhere, Clark?"

He nodded. "To Metropolis. I have to patrol. Fortunately, I don't need much sleep. I'll be back before dawn. Hopefully nobody but Ma and Pa will be up. Larry can't find out my secret. He'll be going to Kandor before school starts here, so that problem will be solved."

"OK." Lexy emailed her forms and closed her laptop. She stretched. "Be careful." She grinned. "I mean, I know you're usually safe, but there are things that can harm you."

"I'll be careful, Lexy. I have a lot to live for. Want to walk outside with me?" She got up and they walked into the back yard, and they stood in the moonlight, waiting for everything and nothing.

"I've got to be off. In a blur, Superman stood before her. He rose slowly in the air, waved and flew away. She waited till he was out of sight before returning to the house.

*

Clark came down to breakfast last, dressed for a day's work on the farm. Martha and Lexy served breakfast, and the Kent men and Larry left to work on the chicken coop. Larry let the three elderly hens out, and Lexy scattered food for them. The hens scratched and clucked in contentment and took dust baths while the men worked.

They were almost finished when Martha called Jon to the phone. He left, telling the other two to finish up and come in for lunch. "Grilled cheese and Martha's homemade tomato soup today."

Larry had said very little during the morning. He hadn't perked up at the mention of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, one of his favorites. Clark was sure something was bothering the boy.

"Larry, is something going on? Is something bothering you?"

"Well, I don't know. Things have changed so much lately."

"Are you worried about Kandor? You said you want to go. Your uncle Zor-El and his wife are eager to meet you. Barry says everything will be ready soon."

"Yeah, Uncle Zor is fine. Dad talked about him a lot. I'd like to meet Kara before I go."

"Ask Superman when you see him next. He can arrange it."

Larry looked away, over the wheat fields. "Clark, did you know I can run 100 yards in 4 seconds now?"

"No, I hadn't heard your latest results." Clark grinned, and put his hammer in the toolbox. "Your powers are beginning to develop. Eight or nine more years, and you'll be like Superman. Young Kryptonians have to mature to develop full powers."

"Superman and Dr. Allen told me what to expect. Of course, in Kandor that won't matter." Larry fell silent again, looking at his hands, the ground, and the horizon. "Clark, I need to talk to you about something. It's real important, but you may not like it."

"Tell me, and we'll see what we can do."

"I can run about two and a half times as fast as the fastest human. I can count the grains on the nearest ears of wheat. I can fly a few yards." Larry gulped. "My strongest ability is my hearing."

"OK," said Clark.

"Last night I was awake and heard you go downstairs. I thought maybe you were going to talk to Lexy. You like her a lot, right?"

"I do like her. Very much."

"I heard the door shut when you went outside. Then I saw Superman fly away. Clark, are you Superman?" Larry watched Clark, blinking nervously.

Clark looked at his brother, and hoped his answer was the right one. "Yes, Larry, I'm Superman."

"Is it OK? I mean, that I know? I won't tell, and I'll be in Kandor soon."

"Of course it's OK. I am concerned about your safety, and the safety of my family and friends, but I'm glad you know." He put his arm around Larry's shoulders, and the two brothers went to lunch.

*

Town Hall was packed, as usual, for the weekly dance. The Kent party found a table, sharing it with Pete and Lana's family. The Kansas Astras played again, and people got up to dance. Lana claimed Clark for the first dance, and Lexy danced with Pete. Larry vanished and danced with a sophomore he'd met at the previous dance. Several dances went by, and Clark was claimed for all of them by several women he'd grown up with.

Lexy danced a few times, and joined the line dancing. She kept trying to catch a glimpse of Clark, wondering if she'd ever have a dance with him. Perhaps his interest in her was only because she would be gone soon, out of his life and world, and he'd be safe. I love him whatever he feels for me. I will be home soon, and he can go on with his life. Better if his feelings for me are temporary. I will always remember this summer.

She went to the ladies' room to freshen up. She stared at herself in the mirror. Long face, blue eyes, plain brown hair pulled back, average figure, not thin, not fat. Nothing to stand out from the crowd. Merely pretty. Story of her life. Nice sundress, floaty and perfect for dancing. She spritzed one puff of perfume, decided she was hungry and left to get something to eat.

Clark was dancing with a clinging brunette, who looked much like Lois. Lexy's stomach lurched, but she went over to the refreshment table. You are a blip on Clark's radar, if he even really notices you. Get some chocolate cake to feel better.

She saw Clark talking to the band as she got a soda and two plates of German chocolate cake. She balanced the cakes on her arm as she dodged dancers on her way to the table, when she saw Clark heading her way. He got stopped by an elderly woman who wanted to introduce him to her granddaughter, a beautiful blond. Lexy looked away and stumbled. One plate wobbled. "Oh, no, no." The cake would ruin her dress. The plate dipped dangerously and began to fall.

Clark's hand caught it. "I'll help you carry these, Lexy. Is one slice for me? How did you know German Chocolate is my favorite?

"I, I, didn't. I just got two. One is yours if you like."

"Dance with me first, Lexy." He was standing close and his blue eyes gazed warmly into hers. "I told Mrs. Carruthers and her granddaughter this was our dance. I hope it is. I've been trying to dance with you all night, but old friends want to catch up. Will you dance with me?" You're talking too much. Just ask her to dance. Then dance.

"Yes," Lexy said. Her eyes didn't leave Clark as she tried to put cake and soda on their table. He put the slice he carried down, and, taking the soda and cake from her, put them on the table. He held out his hand and led her to the dance floor.

The band began a slow dance and Lexy moved into Clark's arms. He pulled her close, and they danced till the song ended. Another song began and they danced. Several songs later they returned to their table.

Larry was eating the last few bites of cake. He drained the soda. "Good cake. I wonder if there's any more." He looked at the refreshments and Clark noticed he used his super vision. "Yep, three slices. You two want some?"

"We can share a slice, right, Lexy?" Clark asked. He needed to tell Larry to be careful using his abilities. People would notice when he could see or hear things they couldn't. "I'll go with you."

They walked away, and Clark whispered a warning to Larry. The boy's eyes widened, and he nodded. They got refreshments and took them to the table.

Clark and Lexy danced together until the last dance. The lights dimmed and the band played a love song. Clark held Lexy close, and kissed her.

Lexy sat between Clark and Larry on the ride home, feeling the warmth of the brothers. Larry and Clark talked about Smallville and Kandor. Lexy was silent, trying to figure what had happened that night, if anything. We danced. He kissed me. Second kiss. I leave in a month. Maybe he's flirting because he knows it will end and then he can go back to longing for Lois. Maybe not. Then, why? Just a summer fling? Not for you. OK, OK. She took a deep, steadying breath. Clark looked at her, but she said nothing. Summer will end, but you will keep memories of Summer.

"Did you have a good time tonight, Lexy?" Clark asked.

"The best time. I'm going to remember tonight and this summer." She smiled at Clark and he smiled back.