Chương 42: Chapter 42 (edited)
For this exclusive interview with Bruce Wayne, Kara did an excellent job, though it wasn't easy. Bruce, after all, is a man accustomed to suffering.
The two had a good rapport, which led Bruce to agree to Kara's interview request. However, Kara's sharp questions quickly made him uncomfortable. It didn't help that Kara harbored a slight grudge against Bruce. Lately, he'd been seen dating celebrities and socialites, which left her best friend, Jennifer Walters, visibly upset.
Kara and her other close friend, Dani, often felt helpless when it came to Jennifer's feelings for Bruce. During their college years, Jennifer and Bruce had barely interacted, yet Jennifer seemed infatuated with him now. It was baffling.
Later that evening, Bruce invited Kara to dinner, but she declined and chose to drive back to her home in Metropolis. She didn't want to exacerbate Jennifer's sadness by spending more time with Bruce.
Jennifer's jealousy amused and annoyed Kara in equal measure. Why did Jennifer think she was competing for Bruce's attention? If anything, Jennifer should be concerned about someone else: Rachel Dawes, Gotham's assistant district attorney.
Rachel, like Jennifer, was dedicated to justice, though her position was not as high-ranking as Jennifer's. As the chief prosecutor in Metropolis, Jennifer had authority to issue search and arrest warrants—a power Rachel lacked.
Kara couldn't help but admire how far her friends had come. Both Jennifer and Diana had climbed the ranks to hold influential positions, proving their unparalleled skill and determination.
Before Kara left Gotham, she encountered Rachel, who had arrived at Wayne Manor bearing a gift for Bruce. His birthday was the next day, and Rachel mentioned she wouldn't have time to celebrate. Kara, realizing she wouldn't be around for the occasion, gave Bruce a quick hug.
"That's your gift?" Bruce teased, unimpressed.
Kara smirked. Considering you're the first guy I've hugged outside my family, you'd better be grateful, you jerk.
After Kara left, Rachel's curiosity got the better of her. "Is she your new girlfriend?" she asked, her tone tinged with something close to jealousy.
Bruce quickly explained, "She's an old college classmate who works for the Daily Planet. She interviewed me today. Honestly, I'm just hoping the article isn't too critical."
Rachel didn't respond, but her expression suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.
The next morning, Kara returned to the Daily Planet office with her completed article and four additional columns ready for publication. Perry White, her editor, skimmed through the material and let out a knowing grunt.
"I knew you had something like this up your sleeve," he said, impressed but unsurprised.
Kara shot him a warning look. "Don't release everything at once, Perry. As I mentioned, I'm taking a vacation this month, and I'm serious. Call me if you want, but I won't answer."
Perry sighed, frustrated. "You're killing me, Kent. I was hoping to get a second or third column from you."
"It's not happening," Kara replied firmly, crossing her arms.
Defeated, Perry changed the subject and reviewed her exclusive with Bruce. After a cursory glance, he admitted, "Only you could get such detailed insights from someone like Wayne."
Kara shrugged nonchalantly. Of course, Bruce hadn't divulged everything—he was far too private for that—but her sharp instincts had done the heavy lifting.
With her job done, Kara was ready to leave Metropolis and head to her adoptive parents' farm in Smallville. She debated whether to drive or take the train, lamenting the ongoing payments on her car loan.
"Will you reimburse my gas money?" she asked Perry on her way out.
Perry didn't miss a beat. "Not a chance. You can claim your travel to Gotham, though."
Kara rolled her eyes. The distance from Metropolis to Gotham barely made it worth the paperwork. "Stingy," she muttered under her breath.
Still, a month-long paid vacation was enough to lift her spirits. With everything set, she drove directly to Smallville, bypassing her apartment entirely.
Hours later, Kara arrived at the Kent family farm. Her adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan, along with her younger brother, Clark, greeted her warmly. Even the family dog, Krypto, was ecstatic to see her.
The once-small puppy had grown significantly and now jumped up to hug her waist, a baseball in his mouth.
Kara laughed and took the ball, tossing it into the distance with minimal effort.
Krypto stared after the ball, momentarily stunned, before whimpering and retreating to Clark's side.
"Kara, don't bully him," Martha scolded gently, pulling her daughter into a hug. "He adores you, you know."
Kara grinned and crouched to ruffle Krypto's fur. The dog wagged its tail enthusiastically, all previous grievances forgotten.
Jonathan emerged from the fields, boots caked in mud. He noticed Kara's car parked nearby and, after a brief greeting, silently swapped his boots for clean shoes and grabbed his keys to head into town.
"I'm off to buy something special for dinner," he announced, though he couldn't resist adding, "You didn't have to come back if you're so busy with work."
Martha shot him a disapproving glare. "My daughter came back to see us, Jonathan."
Jonathan grumbled but didn't argue further.
Clark approached his sister with a smile. "Welcome home, Kara."
"Good to be back," Kara replied, then called out to her father, "I already bought groceries in town. Clark, grab the bags from the car, will you?"
Without hesitation, Clark retrieved the supplies, finding a large bag that included a whole chicken.
"Chicken curry?" he guessed aloud.
Martha raised an eyebrow. "You know how to make that, Kara?"
Kara flushed and glared at Clark. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Clark bit back a laugh, realizing he'd let her secret slip. Kara preferred her mother's cooking but had taught herself a few dishes over the years—something she wasn't eager to admit.
As the family prepared for dinner, Kara couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. Though her life in Metropolis was fast-paced and demanding, there was something grounding about coming home to Smallville. Here, amidst the open fields and familiar faces, she could truly relax—if only for a little while.
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