DISCLAIMER

Smallville belongs to the WB, which will soon be the CW. I only own characters you don't recognize.

The next morning, Clark Kent and Chloe Sullivan were sitting at a couch in the back corner of the Talon. On the table were college brochures.

"So, where do you think you're gonna go? Met U?" Clark questioned.

"Oh, I don't know," Chloe answered. "Well, I---I mean, I know Lois will be there so I'll have someone to show me around and I'd probably be able to room with her," she continued.

"All valid reasons for going," Clark commented.

"But on the other hand, Kansas A&M is closer to home and I can get here quickly if my dad ever needs me and stuff," Chloe pointed out.

"Chloe, your dad wouldn't want you to stay here out of obligation and if you go to Met U, you're closer to the Planet," Clark reminded.

"Right. You're right," Chloe replied. "Okay, then. Metropolis University it is," she declared.

"Good," Clark grinned. He blew out a breath. "Now, if I could just figure out where I'm going," he stated.

"What are you talking about?" Chloe asked.

"Well, I turned down the scholarship to Met U and there's no way I could afford it. In fact, we probably can't even afford A&M," Clark sighed dejectedly. Chloe patted his knee sympathetically. Just then, Lana Lang came over with two cups of coffee in her hands.

"Oh. How did you know?" Chloe asked in surprise.

"The look on your faces. I figured you guys could use a fix," Lana replied, as she placed the drinks on a clear spot on the table.

"Thanks," Chloe said. Clark reached into his pocket and pulled out some cash and Chloe did the same.

"So, how are things between you and Jason?" Clark wondered. Lana's face clouded.

"Strange. He's been acting funny ever since that thing with his mom," she admitted.

"Funny as in Clark-Kenty funny?" Chloe queried. Clark glared. "What? You have to admit Clark, you're not exactly one to over-share," she defended herself. Lana chuckled. Then, Chloe froze.

"What? What is it?" Lana asked. She turned around to see the young. "Whoo. He is cute," she breathed.

"I'll say," Chloe breathed. The boy walked up to the counter and said something to Mrs. Kent. Minutes later, he was handed a beverage.

"Well, I don't know about you two, but I'm gonna go introduce myself," Chloe declared. She grabbed her coffee and walked up to him.

"Well, well, well. Looks like someone's taking the initiative," Lana commented.

"Yeah. Looks like," Clark agreed. Well, it's good to see Chloe moving on, he thought to himself. Though he had to admit, it hurt just a little that she was looking at someone else.

"Hi," Chloe introduced herself.

"Hey," Jake responded with interest.

"You're new here, aren't you?" Chloe asked.

"Yeah, I'm Jake," Jake introduced himself.

"I'm Chloe," Chloe replied. "So, you just moved here?" she questioned.

"Yeah, with my...parents," he answered. Chloe looked at him, puzzled by the unease in his eyes, but for once, kept her mouth shut. Jake and Chloe continued to talk. They were so engrossed with each other that they didn't even notice when Sheriff Nancy Adams walked in. Martha Kent watched as the woman approached her.

"Sheriff, you look absolutely flummoxed," Martha noted, as she made the law woman's usual latte, which was given to her shortly.

"I am. I just can't figure out how these robberies are being pulled off," Sheriff Adams replied, taking a small drink. Across the room, Jake stiffened.

"Jake, what is it?" Chloe queried.

"Uh...nothing," Jake lied. He refocused his attention on her and tried to ignore the sheriff, but he could hear her voice loud and clear.

"I mean, whoever it is, knows exactly what they're doing and what they're looking for," the woman stated. "They're in and out faster than cookies at Christmas time," she continued.

"Congratulations, sheriff. Your first country phrase," Martha joked.

"Do me a favor. Don't tell anybody," Sheriff Adams requested.

"Our little secret," Martha promised with a grin. The women chuckled.

"Jake, are you okay?" Chloe questioned.

"Huh?" Jake asked.

"I asked you if you were okay," Chloe repeated.

"Fine. Uh, listen Chloe, I gotta take off. My parents are probably starting to worry," Jake told her. Then, he took off. Clark and Lana who had seen the whole thing, walked up.

"What was that all about?" Clark wondered.

"I have no idea," Chloe replied.