04: Adjustments
Lois, Smallville
We went to the bank first thing in the morning to find my dad had pulled all the strings. The banker handed me a card, already made with my name on it. I wondered how much arm-twisting my dad had to do in order for all of this to be ready for my use less than twenty four hours after my phone call with him. I guess it's nice to have friends in the Pentagon, I silently mused as I took the card and headed out to meet Chloe.
"Wow, you already got your card?" she asked in disbelief. "Those usually take a week to arrive in the mail! Your dad must know some important people."
"I guess so," I grinned. "So, shopping?"
"Right! There's this lovely little place called Radioactive just up the road. Let's go there first. They usually have some cute things."
Radioactive did turn out to be a good store if you're interested in clothes that were twenty years back in time from what I was used to. I didn't much enjoy the style of the late nineties but at least it was better than other alternatives. Unlike the present day where everything was rather form-fitting, the clothes of the late nineties were rather loose. Chloe made me try on so many things I felt like I'd tried on half the store before putting my foot down and buying five outfits I felt comfortable with. They were a combination of skirts, blouses, jeans, kakis, and one pair of sweats that I was adamant about owning. Chloe didn't seem to approve but I simply shook my head and muttered, "Trust me, when my little friend visits, sweatpants become my greatest ally."
After Radioactive, we went to another shop called the Blue Who. I ended up liking a lot of the stuff in this store, purchasing six more outfits to add to the ones I'd already bought at Radioactive. They were the same in styles of flowery blouses, plain blouses, skirts that started at the waist and went down to the knee, a pair of loose dark denims, and I even agreed to buy a skort.
Chloe managed to pin me down into buying three different outfits involving plaid in a store called Red-n-Happy. "This is Smallville," she argued. "Everyone has to own several plaid outfits! It's an unspoken law!"
"Fine," I caved, buying a plaid burnt orange skirt and two plaid shirts, one red, the other green. They'd match other things I'd bought from the other stores; this was the only thing that compensated me purchasing them.
We then went into a shoe store that also sold accessories of all kinds. We emerged from the place with five different pairs of shoes and a handful of colorful accessories to match the outfits I'd bought. I wanted nothing more than to curl up in Chloe's car and take a nap but the blonde insisted that we shop for several warmer weather things since winter was coming and the warm clothes were in. Dragging me into a store called Fuzzies, Chloe loaded me down with ten sweaters, three winter coats, fifteen scarves, and five hat and glove combinations. It was a good thing I liked everything she picked out because at the time I couldn't care less whether the stuff looked good on me or not. All I wanted was to lock myself in my room back at her house and be dead to the world for the next three hours.
Most graciously, Chloe got the hint and took me home. She didn't seem the least bit upset when I politely asked if I could have the next few hours to myself. In fact, she was quite happy at the suggestion. "My friends want to go see a movie tonight," she explained. "You can come if you want."
I looked at the clock. It was seven thirty. Shaking my head, I smiled. "I'm really tired, Chloe. I think I'm just going to take a shower and then be dead to the world until tomorrow."
"That's fine," she said understandingly.
"Thank you very much for today," I said, meaning it completely.
"It was my pleasure! You're fun to shop with Lois," she complimented. "It's easy to shop with someone who's so sure of what they do and don't like."
I smiled. "When you get to be my age you have things figured out about yourself pretty well."
Chloe took it as a joke. "If only all eighteen year olds could be like you," she teased, chuckling.
I laughed with her, hoping that it didn't seem panicked. I'd slipped up again! I needed to be more careful especially when I was tired! Thankfully Chloe didn't seem to think more of what I said because she left me to myself and headed off to meet her friends. Sighing, I headed for the shower and then off to bed, thinking of the coming day and secretly longing to have Clark's strong arms around me. This was the second night I'd have to spend entirely without Clark. I grabbed a pillow and pulled it close, imagining his warmth and smooth invulnerable skin.
"Good night, honey," I whispered into the pillow, kissing it softly. "I miss you."
I closed my eyes and drifted off to lonely sleep.
Clark, Metropolis
I was walking towards the Daily Planet with two coffee cups in hand when Lois's heartbeat picked up erratically. Spreading out my hearing to include her voice, I froze.
"Hey! Let go!"
Without thought, I dropped the coffee and sped off. Two men had hold of Lois and were in the process of dragging her into an alley. I had to slow down a little so as not to rip them to smithereens as I gently grabbed their arms and pushed them away from Lois. They flew into the garbage bags collected in the alley and did not reemerge. I came to a stop, skidding a few feet while leaving a trail of fire in my wake. Lois stood there with her jaw hanging open, her finger pointed at me in disbelief.
"I-It's you?" she stuttered. "You're the Blur?!"
I didn't know what else to do so I laughed, embarrassed. "Sorry I didn't say anything yesterday. I guess I just wanted to hear your thoughts first." My embarrassment passed and I searched her over with genuine concern. "Lois, are you hurt?"
She shook her head but then winced.
"You're bleeding!" I exclaimed, blurring to her side. She jumped in shock but didn't run away as I examined her shoulder. One of the men must have had a knife in his hand when I tossed him away. Using x-ray vision, I determined the cut wasn't too deep. A normal bandage would do. "I'll be back in a moment," I said and before she could even blink, I ran to the grocery store and back again with gauze in hand.
"Where did you –? You didn't steal that, did you?" she asked as I rolled up her sleeve and set to work bandaging up her wound.
"Of course not," I said evenly. "I don't steal."
"But how did you buy it so fast?" she wondered.
"I left the exact amount sitting on the counter," I said offhand.
"That's almost like stealing," Lois muttered.
I was about to say the city knew it would have been Superman buying something but then I remembered again that Superman had yet to exist. Sighing, I muttered, "Sorry. I was only thinking about making sure you were safe. I tend to act irrational when in a hurry."
I seemed to have said the right thing because her face softened. "You were worried about me?"
"Of course I was."
"How did you know I was in trouble?"
A faint blush crept up my cheeks as I admitted, "I was listening in."
Lois was perplexed at first but then her mind started working the way it usually did when trying to piece together a puzzle. "You obviously can move very fast," she muttered to herself as I finished wrapping her injury. "And from what you said you must hear things from far away…" I nodded. Her eyes began to shine with that determination I loved so dearly. "There's more, isn't there?"
"Yes, there's more," I agreed, "but I think you might want to get that article in your bag to Perry first before we talk."
"How did you –?" she began but then stopped as her eyes narrowed. "Can you read minds?"
I chuckled as I replied, "No."
"Then how did you know about the article?"
I tapped my finger off to the side of one of my eyes. "X-ray vision."
Lois got a devious little glint in her eyes. "Oh, really? What color of underwear am I wearing then?"
It took everything I had not to burst out laughing. Same old Lois. I x-rayed her and this time I almost slipped and cracked a smile.
"I'm sorry, did I embarrass you?" she teased.
This was almost an exact repeat of our first interview on the roof. The only thing missing was the scenery and the lead planter between us. I smiled kindly and shook my head. "Not at all, Lois. It's pink, to answer your question."
Lois's eyes widened like a frightened deer and she yanked her purse up to her chest.
"I'm sorry, did I embarrass you?" I asked.
Lois's temporary display of true emotion hid behind an iron mask of journalism. "Not in the slightest," she said firmly. "Can you turn that ability on and off?"
I nodded. "Don't worry Lois; I'm not a peeping tom."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Good! Because if you were…." – she cracked one set of knuckles then cleared her throat – "Come on, I need to get that article to Perry and then we really need to talk."
She turned on her heel and I followed her, grinning. Yep, same old Lois. We made it three blocks before she spoke again. "Do you like pink?" she asked, hesitant.
I smiled. Her vulnerability always shone through whenever she wanted to impress me. Even after a year of marriage, that hadn't changed. This vulnerability was part of the romantic Lois was and I adored it. We came to a stop at a crosswalk and it was the perfect moment for me to look her right in the eyes. "I like pink very much, Lois."
Her heart thudded loudly in my ears as a light blush colored her cheekbones. She looked positively endearing. Turning her gaze back to the street she muttered to the ground, "Oh, good," in a relieved sort of way.
I tried to keep the smile from my face as we went into the Daily Planet. I haunted the break room while Lois went in to talk to Perry. I decided not to eavesdrop; I trusted this Lois just as much as the one I was married to. I did keep my ear tuned in to her heart though. It was beating steadily in its usual rhythmic pattern. Several minutes ticked by and I was halfway through a cup of coffee when Lois reappeared at my side.
I smiled in greeting. "How did it go?"
"You didn't listen in?" she whispered, somewhat accusingly.
I raised an eyebrow. "Lois, just because I have the ability doesn't mean I eavesdrop. No, I didn't listen in."
She seemed surprised by that. "It went well. Perry said he'd read through it and if he likes it, it'll print."
"Great!" I cheered.
Lois, however, didn't share my enthusiasm. Taking me by the arm, she muttered, "We need to ."
I allowed her to herd me through the bullpen and into the elevator. Once the doors were closed and we found ourselves alone, she pushed the up button that would take us to the roof. How ironic! The second the doors dinged open a cool September breeze ruffled our clothes. Lois marched over to lean against the banister with her arms folded, looking at me expectantly.
Suddenly feeling myself slipping involuntarily into my Clark Kent persona under her hawk-like gaze, I stuttered slightly, "Um w-where should I begin?"
"How about the beginning?" she slightly snapped.
I rubbed the back of my head. "Well, I think it would be easier to tell you what you want to know if you asked questions."
She raised an eyebrow. "Like an interview?"
"Sure but off the record for now, if that's okay."
Lois pursed her lips but then nodded. "Okay. Are you human?"
"No."
I waited for a possible racing heart or dilated gaze but like before, she took the news in stride. "What are you then?" she asked, her tone filled with nothing but curiosity.
"I'm from the planet Krypton."
"What are you doing here?"
I walked over and hopped up to sit on the banister. She decided to join me, completely unafraid of the lethal several hundred foot drop behind us. I sighed as I looked up at the sky. Puffy white clouds lazily drifted through the hemisphere.
"Krypton was destroyed when I was just a baby. My father, Jor-El, was a scientist who saw the signs of the planet's imminent destruction. He tried to warn the Kryptonian council but they didn't believe him and made him swear to keep his opinion to himself. They also forbade him and my mother, Lara, from leaving the planet. They didn't however forbid my departure. I wasn't even a month old when my parents placed me in the spaceship that brought me here to Earth. I won't tell you where but know that I was raised like a human and consider myself to be one of you. You're the only race I've ever known and loved. My powers are a result of the yellow sun; my cells drink in its radiation and give me a super charge if you will. I've decided to use my abilities to help others and I never kill anyone. I strive merely to keep the peace since I value life a lot more than most would for obvious personal reasons."
I chanced a glance at her and found sympathy, respect, and a hint of adoration in her brilliant hazel eyes. She dared to place a hand over mine. I relaxed immediately from her touch.
"You're really brave," she said, her gaze locked with mine. "It must have been hard growing up an outsider."
I shrugged, deciding to dim down the utter loneliness I experienced in my youth. "It wasn't so bad. Sure, I was terrified as each ability developed but it was easier to deal with when I knew why I was different from everyone else."
Lois removed her hand and placed it back in her lap. "So what are your abilities exactly?"
"Well, you already know about the super speed, super hearing, and x-ray vision. I also have heat vision, super breath, and super strength. Oh, and I'm invulnerable and when I feel like it, I can fly."
Lois blinked. "You can fly?"
I nodded as a dreamy look crossed my face. "It's the best feeling in the world."
Lois bit her lip and muttered, "I'd like to know what that feels like."
I hopped down from the banister and held out my hand. "How about I give you a demonstration?"
She stared. "Now?!"
"Sure! It's as good a time as any. There are plenty of clouds so people won't see us. If I go straight up, we'll be covered pretty quickly."
Lois swallowed, her heart racing. She chewed a little on her thumbnail before making a decision and sliding from the banister onto the roof. "Okay," she muttered.
Almost as if it was instinct, she took her shoes off, placed her feet on top of mine, and gripped my forearms tightly. "Ready when you are," she muttered, her heart hammering away.
"Don't worry," I assured. "I won't let anything happen to you."
She nodded. Raw pleasure ruptured through every cell in my body as I slowly took off. Oh, how great it felt to fly again! Sure, I'd flown last night but that was different from this. Flying while the sun beat down upon my skin was so much more enjoyable than floating under a balcony window in the dark. Lois gasped and tightened her hold on me, drawing in closer to my chest. "Wow! You're really warm," she observed.
I smiled. "I guess I forgot to mention I'm impervious to the weather; I stay the same temperature all the time."
"So you don't feel that it's twice as cold up here as it is down there?"
I shook my head. "Hang on, we're about to go into the clouds."
Lois plastered herself to me and gasped unpleasantly as she was soaked in seconds. We emerged into a burst of glorious sun rays but while I relished the radiation, Lois's teeth chattered as she shivered in my arms.
"Oh, Lois, I'm sorry," I muttered, silently cursing that I didn't have a cape! It always protected Lois from this kind of thing in the past… well, future. Whatever. "Hang on," I said.
Concentrating my heat vision, I pulled her away from me just enough to get the rays all the way down her body. Lois's heart constricted before picking up speed from the strange encounter. This was the same reaction that the Lois in the future had whenever I would do this. I remembered that she told me it was a weird way she was aroused. Oops; forgot that little detail. It was obvious from the way Lois had closed her eyes that she too was fighting the feelings I'd just stirred. I decided to play ignorant.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she breathed, her response coming out in a slight gasp. Trying to distract herself, she looked around. "Wow, it's beautiful up here! You get to see this all the time?! I'm jealous."
I smiled and turned my gaze to the clouds and the sun beyond. "There's nothing like watching a sunset from this viewpoint."
"I bet. Hey, we should watch it tonight!" But then she added hastily, "That is, if it's okay with you?"
"Sure, that's fine," I said, pleased. Apparently I'd won Lois over easier than I'd thought! It had taken less than twenty four hours! Then again, I was being my true self and Lois had often told me after we were married that if she had known both personas from the beginning, she would have fallen for me a lot faster than before. That had obviously come true.
"Kal?"
"Yes, Lois?"
"Why are you sharing all of this with me?"
I looked back at her. She was staring at my chest, unable to look me in the eyes. I wanted so badly to tell her it was because I loved her more than life itself but I had to hold back. I decided to settle with the truth but not in the words I originally would have liked had the situation been different. "I don't want to be alone anymore."
I heard Lois's breath hitch as she hesitantly asked, "Have you shared this with anyone else?"
"Yes but none of them are you, Lois. You're different."
She looked into my eyes then, her hazel pools open so I could see into the deepest longing of her soul. I saw need there; a need to be reassured of how special she was particularly to me. "I am?"
I nodded fervently. "Yes. The others may know what I am but you're the first person I've ever told that has accepted me wholeheartedly from the beginning."
She smiled, clearly pleased. "As far as I can tell, you have a good heart, Kal. That's all that matters to me."
I raised an eyebrow. "You've only known me for a day, Lois."
"And I've never known anyone to show so much of who they really are in so short a time," Lois replied. "You don't seem the type to lie and besides, if you were a liar, then this is a really good magic trick." I laughed and she soon joined me. "I think we both know that's not true," she said between giggles.
I looked deeply into her eyes, unable to hide the admiration and joy she brought to me from my expression. "Thank you, Lois."
"You're welcome. You know, I hope you stick around Metropolis. This city could really use a hero."
I grinned. "Well, I'm always around."
"Good," she muttered, smiling back. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"If you can fly, why don't you do that more often? Why are you the Blur? You seem more like a Superman to me."
I nearly snorted as I tried to keep my face from splitting in two. "Well, if people saw a flying man, I'm sure they'd freak out. Not everyone is Lois Lane after all."
Lois mulled that over. "That makes sense I guess. So we'll continue to call you the Blur in any future articles we write."
"That sounds fair. But, Lois, can we keep my heritage a secret? I kind of want to remain mysterious."
"Oh, sure!" she said eagerly. "It'll make the papers sell even more – if Perry will approve of the articles that is."
I grinned, tuning in to Perry in time to hear him yelling for Lois. "I think that won't be much of a problem. Perry wants to see you."
"How do you – oh, right, super hearing. Does he sound mad?"
I shook my head. "Eager, actually."
"Then he likes the article! Kal, we need to get down there!"
"Alright, hang on tight."
She did as requested and I descended straight down. We passed through the clouds and landed on the Daily Planet roof in less than a minute. Lois was soaked again. "Um, do you want me to…?" I gestured to my eyes.
Lois didn't seem to trust herself but after a moment of indecision, she nodded. I turned on the heat vision and went up and down her body. Again, her heart picked up erratically and her cheeks flushed a brilliant pinkish hue. I tried to ignore the wild desire in her eyes as she muttered a hurried, "Thanks."
"No problem."
"Alright, I won't tell him anything about your heritage or your powers," she promised heading for the exit. "We'll figure those out as we go."
"Sounds good to me," I agreed.
She paused, her hand on the door handle. "Um, do you want to head out for lunch after I get done talking to Perry?" she asked hesitantly, her heart still beating wildly in her chest.
"I'd like that very much, Lois. I'll wait for you in the lobby downstairs."
"Okay!" she beamed.
It took everything I had to keep myself from floating as I took the elevator to the ground floor.
Lois, Smallville
My heart beat wildly in my chest. It was Monday morning. The weekend had passed in the blink of an eye – faster than I cared to admit. I never would have thought I'd be this nervous about going back to high school. The problem was I wasn't terrified of having to sit through things I'd already learned; I was terrified of a certain 6"4 tall, pale, and handsome.
"I don't think I can do this," I muttered to my reflection.
Contrary to the persona I publically displayed, I was rather weak-kneed when it came to Clark. I wasn't as strong as he was at trying to pretend. After we got married, it had taken months before I was able to put on a mask when around Superman. I shuddered, remembering the horrible rumors that spread around in the tabloids during that time. Clark and I had to make our affection for each other very publically known so as to throw people off the trail of any "cheating scandal". If it had taken months to hide my feelings for Superman and openly display my love for Clark, how on earth was I going to stop myself from leaping into his arms and kissing him senseless the moment I saw him?
"I'm in big trouble," I mumbled just as Chloe knocked on my door.
"Lois, are you ready?" she called.
"Coming!" I shouted over my shoulder. I gave myself a once over. Due to the cooler weather, I'd decided to go with a green sweater and a knee length black skirt with knee high black boots. Picking up my solid red backpack filled with binders, paper, notebooks, and pens, I opened my bedroom door to find Chloe standing on the other side.
"Wow, you look great!" she complimented.
I smiled nervously. "Thanks. So do you."
Chloe was wearing a yellow knee length dress with a long sleeved green cardigan over her shoulders. Brown ankle boots hid her feet. She looked down and wiggled back and forth, causing the dress to flow about her legs. "Thanks. Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be," I muttered.
The drive to Smallville High took ten minutes. In our past excursions with Darkseid – well the ones that took place in my past anyway – I'd seen the outside of the school several times but it was entirely different going through the gates into the parking lot as a student. Teenagers were everywhere. I groaned inwardly as I was rudely thrust back into a time period I never thought I'd have to live again. It was like living in a nightmare. With ease I determined the stereotypical groups from the jocks with their swooning cheerleaders down to the geeks that didn't seem to fit in anywhere.
Chloe pulled into an empty spot and hopped out. "The front desk is just through those doors," she said, pointing.
We didn't make it very far before being accosted by a young man with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was a little gangly for a senior, his arms and legs longer than his torso, and everything from his v-neck sweater to his second hand shoes gave no doubt in my mind where he fit in.
"Hey, Chloe!" he said cheerfully, his voice being surprisingly an attractive tenor.
"Hi, Pete," Chloe replied just as cheerfully back. "This is the new girl I was talking to you about."
Pete gave me a once over and smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you. Pete Ross."
"Lois Lane," I said, shaking his hand.
"Have you seen Clark yet Pete?" wondered Chloe.
Pete shook his head. "You know Clark. He always shows up late."
I had to hide a smile. So the Man of Steel was already fluent in that particular habit even before his debut in Metropolis.
"Looking for me?" said a deep baritone behind us.
We all whipped around and it took everything I had not to leap into his already well toned arms. Clark was as handsome as I'd ever seen him, his features as defined and prominent as the first time I laid eyes on him as Superman. What surprised me was that he didn't have glasses yet he wore his hair in the traditional office Clark fashion (slightly messy but classy in its own right). His shoulders weren't stooped either, making his 6"4 height quite intimidating. If it weren't for his kind features, I would have steered clear just from being covered in his shadow. His unearthly blues were even more perceptible from his open plaid blue button up, white tee shirt, and jeans. His bag was slung casually over one shoulder and he stood in a relaxed manner that I'd only ever witnessed once he was home from the prying eyes of the world.
"Clark! What's up, man?" Pete greeted, slapping Clark on the shoulder while Chloe stepped forward to hug him.
I'm not going to lie; I secretly wished I was the one in Clark's arms. I almost physically ached from not being able to touch him. Oh I hated being the new girl! I was going to have to reestablish our entire relationship! How was this fair?
"Clark, this is Lois. Lois, Clark."
"Hi," he greeted, flashing a set of his pearly whites.
I nearly melted in a puddle of ooze as I shook his outstretched hand. Simply touching him sent electricity coursing through my veins. "Nice to meet you," I said, laying on the charm that usually ensnared him in the past. But to my utter astonishment and confusion, a spark didn't ignite in Clark's eyes. Distraught and completely bewildered, I furrowed my brow. I couldn't deny I was hurt. Why hadn't he reacted?
The answer came not even two seconds later in the form of long red hair and freckles. Lana Lang's hips swayed back and forth, her green skirt moving in a similar motion as she drew near. Her pink top was slightly flowery with a hint of orange and her brown knee length boots clip-clopped as she came up to Clark, her eyes bright and her smile genuine.
To my dismay, the spark I was longing to see in Clark's eyes ignited into life and a breathtaking smile climbed his perfect cheeks as he reached out and embraced Lana. My stomach twisted painfully as she reached up on tiptoe and kissed Clark on the cheek to which he kissed her cheek in return. At first I wanted to vomit. Then I wanted to rush forward and slap Clark for what I felt was absolute betrayal. But both these emotions were replaced by a green monster that wanted nothing more than to gouge Lana's jugular out and toss her dead body across the lawn. It inwardly roared with indignation as I saw their hands intertwine while they headed towards the school's entrance.
Nobody told me that I'd have to compete for Clark's affections with Lana Lang! Clark himself said they dated for a short period of time their senior year and Lana admitted to it as well. It was just my luck to be sent back in time when their relationship was clearly in full bloom. Silently grumbling over my misfortune, I waved goodbye to Chloe and headed to the front office to pick up my schedule, permanently having Clark and Lana's intertwined hands burned into my retinas.
"Can I help you?"
I came out of my silent frustrations to find a middle-aged secretary peering at me over her spectacles. "Um, yeah," I muttered. "I'm a new student. My dad should have called."
"Oh! You must be Miss Lane! We've been expecting you!" The secretary pulled out a manila envelope and handed it to me. "Inside you'll find a map of the school as well as your schedule and a welcome packet to Smallville High."
"Thanks," I muttered, opening it to peer inside and fish out my schedule.
"After lunch we'd like for you to go and talk to a guidance counselor about an extracurricular activity. When you decide what you'd like to take, you can fill in your sixth period with that class."
"Where is the guidance counselor located?"
"If you go out this door to your left it's the first door on your right."
"Got it, thanks again," I said, moving away.
"We're glad you're here," she called. "Welcome to the home of the Crows!"
"Yup, I'm slowly being manipulated into a hayseed," I muttered under my breath. "Clark would laugh so hard if only he could see me now!"
My first period turned out to be math – oh joy of joys – so I headed off to building T located near the back of the high school. The teacher paused in his lecture when I arrived, consequently causing all the students to look at me curiously. Ignoring them, I marched up to him and thrust my schedule under his mustache. "I'm new," I said simply.
"Hmmm, a late starter, huh?" he asked with hidden disapproval.
"My father's in the military."
His countenance changed at once to more approving. "I see. Well, welcome, Miss Lane. You can have one of the seats in the back."
"Thank you," I muttered, walking to a desk near the window away from the where everyone could stare at me.
I didn't know anyone in this class nor did I care to get to know any of them. As far as I was concerned, I didn't even have to pay attention in class or do any of the homework. I was only here in this time period for Clark – though he seemed perfectly fine to me! Silent jealousy raged under my calm exterior as I answered questions when called upon by Mr. Butters. The math questions were almost too easy. Bored beyond belief, I finished the work assignment he gave us as well as the homework before the bell even rang.
Sighing, I pulled out my schedule. Thank goodness the next subject was English, a class I actually liked! My teacher, Mrs. Ferris, turned out to be a wonderfully energetic lady in her late thirties. She was passionate in her subject and when she saw my passion too, her eyes shown with approval. Dancing around the room flamboyantly as she went into a happy tirade of Shakespeare's Hamlet, I doodled a little on the corner of my paper absentmindedly.
English passed faster than I would have liked, my next two subjects being History and Biology. History was old news to me and I cared little for science. I actually ended up falling asleep on my textbook I was so bored. I was more than thankful when the bell rang signifying lunch time. So far none of my classes had Pete, Chloe, Clark, or even Lana! I was wondering how on earth I would even be able to get close to any of them with our schedules being so different when Chloe materialized at my side in the lunch line, dragging Pete, Lana, and Clark with her.
"Lois! There you are!" she said breathlessly. "What classes do you have?"
I pulled out my schedule for their viewing pleasure. Clark peered interestedly over Chloe's shoulder on one side with Pete and Lana on the other.
"Wow, you got Mrs. Ferris?" Pete said, impressed. "She's the best teacher ever! Wish she was mine. I have Haggar for English."
"I have Mrs. Ferris but for AP English Literature," Clark revealed. "Pete's right, she is the best."
I inwardly cursed. Clark was smart enough to more than likely be in all AP classes. I silently mourned for not caring more in school. Smallville High had probably looked at my previous grades and given me cheapo classes.
"Blake is good for History if you're into that sort of thing," Lana opined.
"And Jenkins is great at biology," Chloe said, her tone contradicting her words.
I stifled a yawn. "If you're talking about the kind of science where you're staring at the back of your eyelids, yeah, he's pretty great."
The four of them laughed, agreeing with me completely.
"Hang on, you have an empty class, Lois," Chloe said, pointing at the sixth period's space.
"Oh, yeah, I have to go talk to the guidance counselor about that," I muttered, taking my schedule back. "It's so I can pick an elective."
"It looks like the only period we all have together is seventh," Clark said.
I eagerly looked at my schedule but groaned a moment later. "Seriously? A gym class?"
Pete grinned. "It's mandatory to take one every year here."
"That is so lame," I muttered, stuffing my schedule into my backpack.
"You don't like working out?" Lana asked, appalled.
I shook my head. "It's not that. Gym class in high school is just an excuse for the boys to get a good look at the girls running around in a school uniform."
Chloe and Lana raised an eyebrow while Pete coughed into his hand. Chloe swatted his arm. "What, it's the truth!" Pete cried, massaging his arm.
Lana looked sharply at Clark who shrugged. "It's pretty standard I'm afraid."
"Oh, Clark, not you too!" she said reproachfully.
Clark shook his head. "You know I'm not into that sort of thing, Lana! Honest!"
Lana rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Come on, let's get something to eat." And she left us in the dust with her nose in the air.
"Things still rocky between you two, I gather?" Chloe muttered.
I peeked through my dark locks to see Clark sigh in frustration. "Yeah," he admitted. "I say one thing wrong and she blows up! She won't even tell me why! I wish she would. It would be nice to clear the air."
Chloe shook her head disdainfully. "If you don't see it, Clark, I think it's fair of her not to say anything." And with that final note, she took off after Lana, leaving Clark in the dust.
Clark, perplexed, looked to Pete. "What's with her?"
Pete shuffled his feet uncomfortably. After a longer pause than necessary, he shrugged. "I don't know, man."
"Like heck you don't," I muttered under my breath. Clark made the briefest glance in my direction but didn't say anything.
"Come on," Pete hedged. "Let's get some of that pizza before they sell out."
The rest of lunch was spent in relative silence, everyone appearing to be in a foul mood. I frowned as I devoured my chicken sandwich; I wasn't in the mood for pizza. What on earth was going on? There was obviously something weird in the atmosphere between these four. It didn't take an investigative reporter to figure that one out. I glanced at my watch and broke the silence. "Hey guys, I need to go talk to the guidance counselor. I'll catch up with you later."
"Okay, see you in gym, Lois!" Chloe called, being the only one to even note my departure.
I sighed. The bell rang signifying sixth period was about to begin. The guidance counselor turned out to be someone I never would have pegged for giving students advice. His name was Mr. Reppart and he looked like a man fresh out of college. His hair was black, tied back in a ponytail, displaying his pale skin over his dark grey suit. A single fang earring hung in his right ear and his eyes had the impression of one who knew more than they were letting on.
"Hello," he said pleasantly in a slightly raspy voice. "How may I help you?"
"Hi; I just started. I was told to come and see you about picking an extracurricular class."
"Ahhh, yes, you're the new girl," he said, pulling out a list of classes for me to pick from inside one of his filing cabinets. "I'm Mr. Reppart." He didn't pronounce the t at the end of his name.
"Nice to meet you," I said. "I'm Lois Lane."
He nodded. "So your record states," he muttered, pulling my record out to peruse it. "Tell me, Miss Lane, do you have an extracurricular activity you already have in mind?"
"Free lance writing," I said at once.
Mr. Reppart raised an eyebrow but nodded silently. "Very well, I'm sure there's at least one opening for that class. Ahhh, yes, here we are!" He pulled up the class on his computer and sent me a nice smile. After typing a few keys, he said, "Alright, you're all set. Head to the G building, room 614, Mrs. Tundle."
"Thank you," I said.
"Let me know if you need any more help," he called.
"Will do," I said over my shoulder.
I checked the school's map. Building G was located in the middle with H, I, and J. Walking across the courtyard, I headed down the hall and eventually found the right building. I felt dumb walking in to class late yet again but such a thing happened when you were new and starting later in the year than anybody else. Sighing, I opened the door to Mrs. Tundle's class. For once my sudden entrance went unnoticed as my fellow classmates were already busy at work in their own little world writing a story involving the subjects on the board: a Knight, an orange, and a wheelbarrow. Raising my eyebrow, I walked to Mrs. Tundle's desk.
The woman was in her early fifties, her black hair colored with streaks of natural gray. Her warm brown eyes crinkled as she sent me a kind smile. "Hello, dear. What can I do for you?"
"I just started school and I picked your class as my elective," I said, holding out my schedule.
Mr. Tundle took it excitedly. "I see! Do you enjoy writing, Miss Lane?"
"I'm planning on becoming a journalist," I divulged. It was so weird saying that when I was already a journalist and a world famous one at that! This whole trip back into the past was messing with my mind more than I cared to admit! It was more than a handful trying to keep my true identity to myself. Is this what Clark had to live with all the time while hiding the truth about him being Superman? I could never be as resilient as him.
An unmistakable scent of Kansas fields and fresh air suddenly danced through the air and my heart took off like a hummingbird's. I dared to glance next to me and found Clark standing there looking a little sheepish, clearly not wanting to interrupt our conversation.
"Clark, is there something you need?" Mrs. Tundle asked, seeing where I was looking.
Clark stepped forward, apologetic. "Sorry, I just wanted to turn in my assignment."
"Finished already?" Mrs. Tundle appraised. "I can't wait to read it! You're the best writer in the class but don't tell the others I said that," she added quietly.
Ever humble, Clark shook his head. "I'm sure there are many good writers in this class but thank you for your kindness, ma'am."
Mrs. Tundle smiled. "Always the gentleman. Clark, could you show Lois to that empty desk next to you? She's our newest addition to the writers of the future. Lois, you don't have to do the assignment today since class is already half over but I'll have you do the homework with everyone else."
"Oh, okay," I muttered, taking my schedule back. "Thanks."
Clark sent me a friendly smile before leading the way to our desks in the corner of the room. I made sure to sweep the room as I followed after him. I couldn't believe my luck! I had a class with Clark and it was Lana, Chloe, and Pete free! I didn't know of another opportunity that would be this golden for me to do what I needed to do. I silently thanked the powers that be for making this work to my advantage.
"So, I overheard you telling Mrs. Tundle that you want to be a journalist," Clark hedged as we sat down.
I smiled. Eavesdropping already huh? "Sure do," I said, collapsing into my chair. "I'm going to work for the Daily Planet in Metropolis after I graduate."
Clark's dark eyebrows rose. "That's a really bold ambition. I hear it's really difficult to get started there. Usually you have to work your way up."
I grinned mischievously and wiggled my eyebrows. "Oh, I have an in. I just happen to be acquainted with the editor, Perry White."
Clark's surprise was genuine as well as impressed. "Perry White is one of my heroes. His writing is fantastic! How do you know him?"
"We ran into each other once," I hedged, suddenly realizing I'd practically stuck my foot in my mouth again.
"Really? Where?"
I inwardly groaned. Leave it to Clark to try to be an investigative reporter at a time like this! "Look," I said a tad defensive, "I'm not the best kid, alright? I don't come from that great of a family. Perry happened to find me when I was on one of my little escapades of running away from home. He took me in for a while and after I'd calmed down a bit, he forced me to go home."
Clark sat in silence for a minute with a frown on his face. After a while his eyes softened as he muttered, "I'm sorry your home situation isn't the best. That's got to be really rough."
I relaxed a bit and nodded. "Yeah, it is. To tell you the truth, I feel more comfortable when I'm away from home. It's like I'm a bird escaping a cage."
"Chloe told us that you were staying with her while your family moved around in the area. Forgive me for prying but I take it that isn't entirely true, is it?"
I smiled. "You'd make a great reporter, Clark. Have you ever considered getting that kind of job after school?"
Clark laughed lightly, scoffing the idea. "I don't think reporting is really my thing."
I raised an amused eyebrow. "Oh, really? Why not?"
He shrugged. "To tell you the truth I never thought about it before. My current plan is to go to Metropolis University and play football. I've already been given the scholarship."
I'd totally forgotten Clark played football in high school! His powers were always something I just assumed would make sports unattainable for him as a career. I frowned. "I take it you're on the football team?"
Clark nodded, his eyes bright. He was obviously really excited about that. "I only started this year but I'm their star quarterback!" He paused to add in a softer, quieter tone, "My dad wouldn't let me play until this year."
And I fully understood why! If Clark barreled into someone with his real strength, he'd break more than just a player's ego. I decided not to pry. "Parents are usually overprotective."
Of all things, Clark hadn't been expecting that reply. Surprise evident on his face, he shrugged. "I guess you're right."
I sighed. "Look, Clark, take it from someone who's seen a lot in her short lifetime. You don't want a career as a football player. You'll only have a few years of glory and then you'll have to retire. Do you honestly think you'll accomplish the most good while running back and forth chasing after a ball?"
Clark stared at me, once again surprised. He became very quiet, his thoughts swirling in his head. How I loved that calculated expression! I hoped I hadn't said too much. After two minutes of doodling on my schedule, Clark returned to our conversation. "Thanks for the advice, Lois," he said. "I'll keep it in mind."
And from the tone in his voice I knew he wasn't just saying that. He really was going to brood over it, probably for hours on end. I knew Clark well enough to know he wasn't going to let it rest now that I'd poisoned his high school visions of the future with doubt.
"Can I ask you something?" he asked.
"Sure," I invited.
"Why do you want to be a journalist?"
I smiled and this time I didn't have to put up an act. My passion for journalism spewed forth without a filter, shining through my words like a beacon. "I just love the thrill of chasing down a story! I'm naturally curious so I tend to leap before I look when it comes to the scent of a really good article but I enjoy being able to put my life into something that will benefit others. The news can be dismal at times but I think it really helps people form their own opinions. I guess it's the way I feel I can best contribute to the world."
Clark was resting his head in his hand, his expression clouded. "I envy you, Lois. You seem to have your future all figured out. I wish I was just as sure and passionate as you on what to do with my life."
He was rather troubled as he stared down at his desk. Feeling the need to reassure him, I smiled and kindly replied, "Don't worry, Clark. You have plenty of time to figure out who you're going to be. Honestly, I have a hunch you already have a rough idea of where you need to end up too."
"Oh yeah?"
I nodded. "Call it future reporter's intuition."
That made him laugh though it didn't reach his eyes; they were still full of indecision and uncertainty. My heart clenched a little. Oh, Clark. I didn't realize you were so unsure of yourself! Dr. Fate was right. I had my work cut out for me. If there was one thing I knew I excelled in, it was encouraging Clark when he reached his lowest point. Determination welled within me. Even if I was only meant to be his friend while here, I was going to do everything I could to push him into becoming Superman and mild mannered reporter, Clark Kent. Thrilled that I finally found my purpose, I began scheming ways I could help Clark see the bright future I already knew he'd one day have.
