I'm finally catching up with this one after having the dumb stupidity to fall behind. I was planning on just reading to the end and then commenting, but I discovered as I read this segment that I had so much to say I needed to post on it alone.
I had a great time with this segment, Laura. I was alternately rolling my eyes, sticking out my tongue, wanting to whack her upside the head with a 2x4 and laughing out loud during Penny's obsessive thoughts about her plans and Superman. It was all superbly written!
And poor, poor Clark. But, again, a beautifully written scene with him waking up worried and contrite and Lois's obviously well thought out and intricately planned birthday presents were a delight <waffy sigh>
I'm so glad that you wrote and posted this. There aren't enough S4 stories around for this reader. Thank you for sharing. It's quite made my weekend already.
LabRat