1 Ultimate Superman
Chapter 1: Decisions
Smallville, Kansas
April 12, 2001
A spring wind swept through across the plains, blowing dust through the cloudless sky. On a small hill sat the aged redbrick building that was Smallville High. It was a modest building, a holdover from a time when simplicity had equaled elegance. The hill was dotted with lush green trees and hedges, and overlooked the well-worn football stadium.
Inside, it was 3:00, and nearing the end of the school day. The senior class was listening intently to the lecture of their English teacher when a voice came over the intercom.
"Clark Kent, please report to the counselor's office."
Clark raised his hand and the teacher, a kindly older man named Mr. Gray nodded.
"Just sign the hall pass before you go, Clark."
Clark was one of the most popular students at Smallville High. Shortly after he had joined the football team at running back, he'd begun to earn the respect of the more. athletic classmates. But having come under such close scrutiny in general, the more studious among his peers had noticed that Clark Kent was not the typical jock either. Senior year had brought everything that Clark had waited for as a child. Small and weak when he was young, he was suddenly the first invited to the parties and everyone's first shot when it came time to hunt down a date for a dance.
He knocked on the door to the counselor's office and heard the soft voice from within.
"Come on in, Clark."
"Thanks, Ms. Carr."
A kindly older woman was seated at the desk in front of the window. Maggie Carr had been at Smallville high for years, and delighted in helping her students achieve their dreams.
"So Clark. How are your classes coming?"
"All right so far. What's this about, ma'am?"
"That's one thing I like about you Clark, you go right to it. So will I. This would ordinarily go to Coach Dumpert first, but I pulled some strings so that I could give it to you."
She pulled an envelope from her desk drawer and handed it to him. On the front was a large purple Wildcat, the mascot of Kansas State. Clark ran a finger under the edge of the envelope and tore it open.
"Give an old lady a thrill and read it out loud, please."
Clark sighed and began to read. " 'Dear Clark, it s our distinct pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to enter the class of 2005 at Kansas State University. We are also pleased to inform you that after review by our athletic commission and financial aid office, that we are honored to offer you an athletic scholarship covering your full financial need.' Is this for real?"
"It is, Clark. Congratulations."
Ms. Carr stood and walked around the desk, giving Clark a surprisingly vigorous hug.
"Congratulations, Clark. Now go home early and tell your mother."
Clark walked home alone that afternoon. Here he was, living the dream of almost every kid who had ever played football in Kansas. But something was wrong. Clark knew what he was, and had known for some time. His parents had objected at first to his playing football, but they knew how much he loved the game. At first he had seemed just an outstanding athlete, but as he got older, his abilities grew far beyond those of even the most outstanding athlete. He had known then that the ride had to end. It was one thing to enjoy the game in high school, but it would just be wrong to have that kind of advantage in the college arena.
He looked around him as he walked the last mile of country road to the farm. All around him were the sights and sounds of spring on the prairie. He would hate to leave it. Leaving was the one thing he was certain about. As he approached the simple farmhouse, he saw Lana waiting for him on the stoop.
"Hiya Clark."
"Hey."
"I heard. Everybody's heard. So why the long face?"
"I can't go, Lana."
"Why not? You don't have to pay. You get to play, and everybody knows that you'll do great."
"There're other things going on."
"What other things?" She frowned. "Look, if you're worried about me, don't. I'll go wherever you go, Clark. I love you."
"I know. and I love you. I just can't go."
She moved up close to him and put her hands on his cheeks.
"If you don't go Clark, I won't understand, but I'll still be with you."
He kissed her and drew her close. He wasn't sure about the future. He knew that it wasn't in Smallville, but it was comforting to know that there was at least one other certain thing in life. Closing his hand around Lana's, he walked into the house, where his parents were seated at the kitchen table waiting for him.
"We heard."
"Seems everybody has."
"Well?"
"Well, it seems I have another option." Clark pulled a rumpled envelope from the pocket of his jacket.
Chapter 1: Decisions
Smallville, Kansas
April 12, 2001
A spring wind swept through across the plains, blowing dust through the cloudless sky. On a small hill sat the aged redbrick building that was Smallville High. It was a modest building, a holdover from a time when simplicity had equaled elegance. The hill was dotted with lush green trees and hedges, and overlooked the well-worn football stadium.
Inside, it was 3:00, and nearing the end of the school day. The senior class was listening intently to the lecture of their English teacher when a voice came over the intercom.
"Clark Kent, please report to the counselor's office."
Clark raised his hand and the teacher, a kindly older man named Mr. Gray nodded.
"Just sign the hall pass before you go, Clark."
Clark was one of the most popular students at Smallville High. Shortly after he had joined the football team at running back, he'd begun to earn the respect of the more. athletic classmates. But having come under such close scrutiny in general, the more studious among his peers had noticed that Clark Kent was not the typical jock either. Senior year had brought everything that Clark had waited for as a child. Small and weak when he was young, he was suddenly the first invited to the parties and everyone's first shot when it came time to hunt down a date for a dance.
He knocked on the door to the counselor's office and heard the soft voice from within.
"Come on in, Clark."
"Thanks, Ms. Carr."
A kindly older woman was seated at the desk in front of the window. Maggie Carr had been at Smallville high for years, and delighted in helping her students achieve their dreams.
"So Clark. How are your classes coming?"
"All right so far. What's this about, ma'am?"
"That's one thing I like about you Clark, you go right to it. So will I. This would ordinarily go to Coach Dumpert first, but I pulled some strings so that I could give it to you."
She pulled an envelope from her desk drawer and handed it to him. On the front was a large purple Wildcat, the mascot of Kansas State. Clark ran a finger under the edge of the envelope and tore it open.
"Give an old lady a thrill and read it out loud, please."
Clark sighed and began to read. " 'Dear Clark, it s our distinct pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to enter the class of 2005 at Kansas State University. We are also pleased to inform you that after review by our athletic commission and financial aid office, that we are honored to offer you an athletic scholarship covering your full financial need.' Is this for real?"
"It is, Clark. Congratulations."
Ms. Carr stood and walked around the desk, giving Clark a surprisingly vigorous hug.
"Congratulations, Clark. Now go home early and tell your mother."
Clark walked home alone that afternoon. Here he was, living the dream of almost every kid who had ever played football in Kansas. But something was wrong. Clark knew what he was, and had known for some time. His parents had objected at first to his playing football, but they knew how much he loved the game. At first he had seemed just an outstanding athlete, but as he got older, his abilities grew far beyond those of even the most outstanding athlete. He had known then that the ride had to end. It was one thing to enjoy the game in high school, but it would just be wrong to have that kind of advantage in the college arena.
He looked around him as he walked the last mile of country road to the farm. All around him were the sights and sounds of spring on the prairie. He would hate to leave it. Leaving was the one thing he was certain about. As he approached the simple farmhouse, he saw Lana waiting for him on the stoop.
"Hiya Clark."
"Hey."
"I heard. Everybody's heard. So why the long face?"
"I can't go, Lana."
"Why not? You don't have to pay. You get to play, and everybody knows that you'll do great."
"There're other things going on."
"What other things?" She frowned. "Look, if you're worried about me, don't. I'll go wherever you go, Clark. I love you."
"I know. and I love you. I just can't go."
She moved up close to him and put her hands on his cheeks.
"If you don't go Clark, I won't understand, but I'll still be with you."
He kissed her and drew her close. He wasn't sure about the future. He knew that it wasn't in Smallville, but it was comforting to know that there was at least one other certain thing in life. Closing his hand around Lana's, he walked into the house, where his parents were seated at the kitchen table waiting for him.
"We heard."
"Seems everybody has."
"Well?"
"Well, it seems I have another option." Clark pulled a rumpled envelope from the pocket of his jacket.