I kept thinking about him all evening. He haunted me all through my homework.

Last morning I found a letter at the mailbox, an unstamped letter with only my name on the front. I thought it was an invitation to a party. But the first couple of words, I realized this was no invitation. It read.

Lana,

You're breathtaking. I have been thinking about us. I want to tell you how I feel about you. I am not afraid anymore. I realized that you are more important than the secrets I have kept for so long. Please tell me you like me, and say you'll go out with me.

I remain yours.

Clark

I stood there unmoved. Read the letter once more. Clark. Clark?

At supper Aunt noticed that I was unnaturally quiet. I assured her I was fine, but I couldn't stop feeling baffled. I don't know what is wrong with me. I was unwilling to go upstairs and shut myself in the silence of my room where I would have to think. That night my sleep was full of troubled dreams, and in the morning I was no nearer to knowing what I was going to say to Clark. I know I have feelings for him, but these are uncertain. I am not angry, which is weird. I actually liked what was written in the note. What am I thinking? I have to face him sometime. After all, he would expect an answer to his letter.

I met him with Pete along the hallway.

"Hi Lana. How's it going?" he said cheerfully.

I was thrown into confusion. He seemed relaxed and free from care. Either Clark was a good actor or he could hide his feelings very well. I suddenly thought this was just a joke. But Clark would never do such thing. Nevertheless I decided to ask him about the note.

"Can we talk?" I asked. I looked at Pete to get the signal that we needed to be alone.

"I think I'll go ahead Clark. Bye Lana." said Pete.

"Something wrong Lana?" Clark looked concerned.

"Maybe we can talk somewhere else private." I said.

He nodded and we walked across the building in silence until we reached the shed.

"Clark, it's about – about the note." I said hesitating.

"Note?"

"Yes. I got it yesterday. I thought it over carefully. And I wanted to tell you nicely that – that – I don't think it will work."

"It wouldn't?" He sounded more confused than hurt.

"I am sorry Clark. These past few weeks have been really tough, and I don't think I can handle a relationship with you right now."

"Relationship with me?" Clark's eyes were more startling green than ever. His face looked flushed and was turning red.

"I – I really wish I could, but I can't. It's just that I can never hurt Chloe's feelings. You know how much you mean to her, and I don't want to ruin your friendship. Especially now that Chloe and I are getting along. Plus the Talon, I still have a lot of things to fix there. You see, maybe it's not yet time." I said explaining.

"Let me get this straight," he said. "You got a note asking you to go steady with me --?" he said smiling.

"Is this your idea of a joke Clark? Because if it is – it's not funny." I said angrily.

"Lana," he said kindly, looking straight at me, "I did not send you any note."