Chapter 8- What Friends are for

Smallville – Smallville High

"I'm sorry Clark, Is my lesson boring you?" Mrs. Pennyworth asked in a malicious voice.

Without realizing it Clark had been zoned out for the last ten minutes looking out the window. Not that there was anything remotely interesting going on outside, but it sure beat what was going on in the classroom.

"Yea" Clark replied looking up, causing the class to erupt in a surge of laughter. He hadn't actually meant it as an answer to the question, he was more acknowledging the fact that she had called his name. Mrs. Pennyworth however, didn't take it that way.

"Well then" she began "You can spend the rest of the period in the principles office then" she responded angrily pointing one of her long stubby fingers to the door. Deciding it was best not to argue he grabbed his things and walked out of the classroom and headed towards the main office.

When he had finally reached the office he saw his friend Lex on his way out of the building.

"Lex!" Clark called out to his friend.

Lex turned around to see Clark standing behind him. "Clark hey" he responded. "I can still call you Clark right?" he asked coldly.

Ouch. Even though the cold greeting was kind of uncalled for Clark knew he deserved it. He hadn't been by the mansion in a while and he was beginning to wonder if Lex was mad at him for it. He couldn't blame him for being angry, Clark hadn't exactly been a good friend lately.

"Sorry Lex, I know I haven't stopped by lately. I've just been busy" Clark explained.

It was true. With everything going on with Lana, everything else had kinda gotten pushed to the back of his mind.

"It's fine Clark, I understand" Lex assured him with a smile apparently feeling bad for snapping at him.

"So what brings you to the Crows Nest Lex?" In all the time Lex and Clark had been friends, Lex had only really dropped by the school once or twice.

"I was meeting with principle Reynolds. We just upgraded computer's at the Luthercorp Plant and I was thinking maybe Smallville high could put the old ones to good use" he explained.

"Thats very generous of you Lex." Clark replied genuinely. Although he did have his doubts, he decided not to voice them now. He knew Lex all too well to know he rarely did anything without having an ulterior motive. It had been one of the main issues that plagued their friendship.

"So, why aren't you in class?" Lex asked pulling Clark from his thoughts.

"I was sent to the principles office for telling a teacher her class was boring."

"Clark Kent kicked out of class." Lex replied raising his eyebrows in disbelief. "Now I have seen everything." he added with a smirk.

Clark smiled back. He didn't deny that he was a teachers pet, and that most of the teachers at Smallville high loved him. He couldn't help it if he was a good student.

"Well, as much as I'd love to stay and chat I really must get going." Lex stated. "Make sure you stop by the mansion soon. Don't be a stranger Clark." and with one last look at his friend he turned around and walked out the double doors to the Smallville high parking lot.

Clark sighed as he knocked on the door to the principles office. "Come in" he heard principle Reynolds call. Closing the door behind him he took a seat in front of the principles desk and looked around. He had to admit it was a fancy office. He found himself looking around at all the football trophies in awe.

"I didn't know you played football in high school" Clark remarked as he stared at the trophies. Apparently the principle was quite good also. Most of the trophies were for breaking what at that time were school records.

"That was ages ago" he explained with a smile. "Now Clark, Mrs. Pennyworth has informed me of what happened. Now because you have been an almost perfect student in the past I'm going to let this slide."he stated in a firm voice.

Before Clark could thank him for the compliment he continued "But, if this happens again I will have no choice but to take action. Just because a teachers class is boring you does not give you the right to not pay attention. Now that being said your free to go Mr. Kent. Have a nice day." and with a wave of his hand he dismissed Clark from his office.

Smallville High – The torch

"Wow" Chloe exclaimed looking at Lana in disbelief after Lana had finished telling her what had happened last night. "So did you guys-"

"No" Lana cut her off quickly, knowing where this was going. "I told you Chloe, Clark and I are-"

"Just friends" Chloe chimed sardonically. "Look Lana, despite what you may think, I have been friends with Clark for years, and I've never spent the night in his loft. Friends don't do that."

Lana's gut told her Chloe was right. It was obvious her and Clark were hurtling out of friends territory a lot sooner than she had expected. She had to admit, it was partially her fault.

"You're right" Lana admitted, pulling her arms tight against her chest. "But, I honestly don't know if I'm ready to give this relationship another shot just yet. I ended up getting really hurt last time, I don't know if I could deal with that again. I had to leave the country just to get over it." she finished looking to Chloe for advice.

"Look Lana," Chloe said taking a deep breath "as a friend to both you and Clark, I strongly suggest you talk to him and tell him how you feel. Just be honest and tell him you need time."

"But what if he doesn't understand?" Lana whispered nervously.

"Lana, this is Clark we're talking about" Chloe reminded her with a smile. "Trust me, he'll understand."

Feeling considerably better Lana stood up to leave. "Thanks Chloe, I appreciate the advice."

"No problem Lana." she replied walking her to the door. "Thats what friends are for."

Closing the door behind Lana with a sigh she took her seat back in front of the computer. She couldn't help but feel nervous for them. After all, love is a battle, and in battles there are always casualties.