“I like Lois, very much. I… I’m in love with her.”
“No,” Becca whispered. “No! You can’t love her. You love me! Me!”
Like somebody already pointed out, this is so like a child. They think that there just isn't enough love to go around, so that a man can't love two persons at the same time.
She pulled away from him, easily so, since he didn’t want to hurt her physically when he had already been so cruel to her otherwise.
Somebody pointed out that Clark hadn't been cruel to Becca, and I agree. He was very considerate and respectful. Of course, I like him for wanting to be such a perfect father to Becca.
*Just tell her that you will give up on Lois* a tiny voice in his head pleaded for mercy as he watched Becca.
I'm so glad that he didn't listen to that inner voice of his. In my opinion, it would have been plain wrong of him to give up on Lois just because his relationship with Lois might not sit well with Becca. An adult person who is not in a relationship, and who is practically a widow or a widower, has a right to seek a new relationship. Of course, the widow or widower has an absolute obligation to choose a new partner who will be at least a reasonably good stepmother or stepfather to the other person's child or children.
“But I’m not your daughter, you could leave me. You don’t need to care for me!” she cried helplessly, her voice sounding accusing as if she was speaking about a given fact. As if this was something that was irrevocably going to come now that Lois had stepped into their lives. Clark swept her in his arms, shocked by her statement.
But this is very moving. I can see that this is exactly what a child in Becca's situation might think.
“Don’t ever think that, Becky. Don’t you ever think that! I am your father and that will never change, no matter what Child Services or anyone else says. I’m your dad and you’re my girl.” Clark held her tightly, feeling the sobs that shook her body violently. “This won’t change because I have feelings for Lois. I love both of you, with all my heart. What makes you think that it would matter to me that you have another father?” he asked softly, pressing her against him firmly.
I love this. I think Clark is describing the situation to Becca very well. He is telling her the truth and reassuring and consoling her at the same time. And I think he is giving her a solemn vow, too.
“Will… you… marry Lois?” Becca asked between sobs.
“I don’t know, Becky, honey. Maybe,” Clark replied softly and wiped away her tears. “But this will need time. Lois and I need to find out if we really want to live with each other. Real life is not like what you read in fairy tales. When real princes meet their princesses, they don’t always know right away that they will live together happily ever after. They have to get to know each other. I don’t know everything about Lois and she doesn’t know about me. Maybe we fit together perfectly and maybe we don’t. I want to find out. I didn’t want to confront you with the accomplished facts. I’m in love with Lois, so we might kiss and embrace each other. That’s the reason I’m telling you, Becca. Whatever it is that will happen in the future, you are my little girl. I promised your mommy that I would take care of you and love you like you were my own child. And I do. Nothing is ever going to change that.”
I think he is telling her this very well, too.
“If you and Lois get married, will I have to call her Mom?” Becca wanted to know.
“You don’t have to, honey. That is your decision. You can call her whatever you want to, though…” he made a pause, looked into her eyes, and harrumphed before he continued. “…personally I’d prefer if you give her nice names.”
Becca managed a weak smile. “Okay, Daddy. I’ll try.”
This is quite funny, and it made me think of names that Becca could conceivably call Lois.
“You know you can come to me, whatever it is that is on your mind. If there ever is a problem, don’t be afraid to be honest with me, pumpkin. I will listen. And if I refuse to listen, then remind me of today.” Clark said.
“Promise?” Becca pleaded, her teeth chattering.
“Scout’s honor!” Clark replied and held two fingers up into the air to emphasize his words.
I like this, too.
As for the two-fingered salute, I think I remember that from the brief time a million years ago when I myself was a scout. Maybe it's a European thing.
“I don’t have to be happy about it, do I?” Becca asked.
Clark chuckled. “No, you don’t.” He brushed a strand of her hair back under her cap and smiled at her. “I bet you’re hungry. Let’s find a place that is a little less windy and have some breakfast.”
Well, good. Now Becca knows, at least. I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more romance now... so why do I have the feeling that you are about to hit us with a ton of A-plot now?
Ann
