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Jon was alone. It was something that he was coming to realize would be his new normal. He thought once Morgan Edge was dealt with, that things would calm down. That he’d be able to spend more time with his family. But then Natalie Iron fell from the sky and crushed those dreams.
It’s been weeks and he’s never felt more alone. He feels isolated from his family in a way he hasn’t before. His mom has been spending most of her time at either the gazette or with Natalie. Both of them have been trying to deal with their unique situation, and their slowly getting used it. Natalie, understandingly, has been trying to get used to her new reality. She spends her time in the barn with John Henry and sometimes his mom, and she’s made it clear she isn’t ready to get to know the Kents yet.
His dad has been spending his time either with Jordan or being Superman. They’ve bonded even more over both being possessed by evil Kryptonian consciousnesses. They’ve gone on a lot of trips to the fortress practicing Jordan’s powers and learning about Krypton; something his dad hasn’t asked him to join in on. And he thought with his parents so occupied that he’d get to spend more time with Jordan. But when he’s not with dad, he’s out with Sarah all day.
So, he just spends most of his day alone in the house or wandering round town. It’s not that he’s not happy for his family, he is. But he’s not he can do this anymore. He’s spent so long being needed by them, that he’s not sure what to do when they don’t. Although a part of him knows it’s wrong that they only seem to remember he’s there when they need him, it’s all he’s got.
Ever since he can remember, he’s had to be there for everyone else. He’s never once put himself first. His parents always put Jordan first, due to his anxiety and then because of his powers, and he understands. He does, and he’s never once resented his brother for it. But then it always seemed like their jobs came second, and that Jon came last. He knows they love him, he’s sure about that. But he’s just not sure that they ever really notice him. They always just assume he’s fine, but he knows if they paid attention that they’d realize that wasn’t true.
He honestly can’t remember the last time someone was there for him, there for his problems. He’s tried in the past, to bring attention to what he was going through, but he was always brushed aside for someone else’s more important problems. So, he’s stopped trying. And now he feels like he’s just there, waiting for the next time for someone else to need him. But he’s gotten tired of waiting; tired of everything if he’s being honest.
For once he wants to be selfish. He doesn’t want to put everyone else before himself. He wants someone to put him first for once in his life. So, he’s decided to go to the one person whose always out Jon first. Whose never asked Jon to put himself last.
It’s late Saturday morning and he’s alone in the house, but he can’t bring himself to care right now. He already packed his bag last night, grabbed schoolwork for the drive, and has all the money he’s been saving. He doesn’t bother leaving a note; he has his phone on him anyway. And because he wants to see how long it’ll be before someone texts him. Before someone notices he’s gone.
He pushes that thought out of his mind and starts the long walk into town. The hour walk to the bus station goes by fast luckily and he doesn’t have to wait long before the bus comes. He’s already had this planned for a couple of days now, so he already bought his ticket and is ready to go when the bus arrives. He sleeps the two hours it takes to get to Metropolis and is able to get a cab fairly easy when he arrives.
A part of him wonders if he could have called before he started his journey, but he can’t dwell on it too long. The cab pulls up to the small house on the outskirts of Metropolis, and he quickly pays the guy before exiting. He spots the car in the driveway and lets out a sigh of relief that he won’t have to wait for them to get home. He knocks on the door and waits.
His grandfather opens the door, “Jon? What are you doing here? Did something happen?”
He can’t blame his grandfather for being surprised. After all, he’s never made a surprise visit like this before and with everything that’s happened, his mind probably went to the worst-case scenario.
“Um, no everything is fine,” is all Jon can say.
Sam relaxes and then gets a better look his grandson. He notices the backpack and duffel bag draped over the shoulder and starts to understand the situation a little bit more.
“Why don’t you come inside, and we can talk?” Sam says, letting Jon into the house.
Sam goes into the kitchen to get some drinks and Jon follows after setting down his stuff by the front door.
“So, what’s going on?” Sam said, getting straight to the point like always.
Jon smiles a little, grateful for his grandfather’s bluntness, before saying, “I was wondering if maybe I could stay with you for a while?”
Sam has a look of shock on his face, but before he can say anything Jon speaks up again.
“Dad said to give Smallville another chance, and I did. Plenty of second chances actually. But it’s just not working. I hate it there, and no one seems to care. They all love Smallville so much, and don’t care that I don’t. So, I was thinking maybe I just live with you, while they stay in Smallville,” Jon says quickly.
Sam lets out a breath and replies, “Let me guess, they don’t know about your plan do they? I’m guessing they don’t even know that you’re here.”
Jon shakes his head and keeps his gaze at the floor. Sam knows that he should call his daughter and let her know what’s going on, but he can’t. He knew when they moved how much Jon would suffer for it. But he also knew that Jon wouldn’t say anything. That he was always one to put his feelings last. Always making sure everyone else was happy, at the expense of his own well-being.
So, instead he says, “Okay. I’ll call your parents and tell them you’re here and explain the situation. Hopefully we can come to an agreement, but I’m not making any promises. Now go put your things away in the guest room.”
Jon looks and smiles before running over to hug his grandfather, before heading upstairs looking more excited than he’s been in quite some time. Sam smiles at his grandson’s enthusiasm before looking at the time. It’s already close to dinner time and he decides to call for take out before calling Lois.
Sam and Jon spend the next two hours eating, watching TV, and talking about everything Jon’s been going through lately. It’s getting close to 7pm when Jon’s phone goes off. It’s Jordan, asking where he is. Jon’s heart clenches when he realizes that it took them this long to notice, especially since he knows mom never works later than 5pm on weekends.
Jon looks at his grandfather who sighs and gets up to go get his phone. He mentally prepares himself before dialing, knowing that this will be a long conversation that will involving a lot of yelling. But he knows he must do it. For Jon. Because if no one else will look after his grandson, then he will. So, he dials Lois’s phone number and waits for her to pick up.