Chapter 93 [Smallville High—Lunch Time]
Clark meandered out of Biology class. Despite the previous afternoon and evening's healing, for some reason, he still limped a bit. His shoulder and back throbbed. It's not like that creep used that stuff on me like Spider-Man. I don't…
THE CREATURE DID, KAL-EL, Jor-El declared.
What? Clark opened his locker. He swapped the morning's books out for the afternoon's. But I didn't see or feel anything.
YOU NEED TO BE MORE AWARE, KAL-EL. OUR ENEMIES ARE ALL AROUND US. THEY ARE ALWAYS WATCHING. MAGIC CONCEALS. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO JARA-SA'S AND LANA LANG'S ANCESTOR?
I get it. Clark closed the locker door. He started walking toward the cafeteria. Experience verified Jor-El's insight. He definitely understood.
IT IS WELL THAT YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND. WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FRIEND COULD HAPPEN TO YOU. DUBOIS WILL TELL YOU OF HIS MISADVENTURES. YOU SHOULD TAKE HEED.
"Mr. Kent!"
Clark frowned. Got to go. Sorry.
YES. WE WILL TALK SOON, KAL-EL, Jor-El concluded.
With bells on I'm sure. Clark put on his best smile. "Mr. Reynolds? What…can I do for you? Sorry. I haven't had much opportunity to help Miss Stacy. Too bad about Mr. Parker. I was going to go see him after school."
Reynolds nodded. "That would be a very good thing for you to do, Mr. Kent. As for the help, it is understandable. Perhaps there will be another opportunity to assist her in the classroom once she begins student teaching. You are still planning the astronomy sessions?"
"Yeah…yes! Yes I am. Just need a date and place. We'll get it done." Clark nodded. He was glad that he still had something to offer.
"Let me work on that, Mr. Kent. I appreciate your enthusiasm. It is a most welcome change. Perhaps you might speak with Miss Sullivan?" Reynolds motioned for the cafeteria. "Have a good rest of your day."
"You too." Clark frowned. Now what? He hefted his backpack and rushed toward the cafeteria. There he found Chloe, Lana and Pete already digging into their lunches. "Hey, Guys! How's everything?" He slipped into the chair at Lana's side.
"Man! I just can't believe it! Mr. Parker got screwed over!" Pete groused.
"What?" Clark's eyes went wide. "What happened?" He saw Chloe bow her head.
"That jackass Jameson fired him! Well technically he can't fire him because he's freelance. But Jameson told him to get lost! He doesn't want Mr. Parker around the Bugle for work! It was because of my article!" Chloe shook her head. "All I did was announce the sale. Ms. Travers and I made sure it was a fair story!"
"It's really awful. If Nell still had the shop, I'd say we'd get something nice. Too bad your Mom doesn't have her tulips in yet, Clark." Lana bit into her sandwich.
"Yeah it's really harsh." Clark grunted.
Lana turned toward Clark. "Are you all right? You've been like this since yesterday."
"Is this usual for him after…you know?" Chloe looked around.
"Nope." Pete shook his head. "Clark, what's going on?" He leaned close and whispered, "You still hurting from yesterday?"
"Pete." Clark winced. "Yeah I am." He stretched his left arm. "Just stiff more than anything."
"That limp's more than just being stiff, Clark. Maybe you should go home after school and take it easy?" Lana pointed out.
"Wish I could. I was going to stop by the mansion and see Mr. Parker. Maybe I can catch a ride with Lex and Gwen?" Clark stretched his back. "I wish I knew what was going on."
"Dude, if I thought it would do any good, there's this great doc in Wichita. He'd stretch you out real good." Pete shrugged.
"We'll keep that in mind. Thanks." Lana rubbed Clark's arm. "You just take care. All right?"
"You too. I know you've been giving Miranda extra time off to be with her aunt and uncle. You need some time too." Clark insisted.
"She's covered me over the years. It's really no big deal. I remember how it was when Henry came back into my life. I just don't want her to lose that connection. You know?" Lana sighed. Loss stabbed at her heart yet again.
"Mr. Small made his choice, Lana. We know you're great." Clark grinned at her.
"Thanks, Clark. That's means a lot." Lana squeezed his hand.
"Guys, Reynolds is watching with his PDA radar. Just saying." Pete crunched into an apple.
"Yeah. Reynolds wanted me to talk to you, Chloe. Said there was something going on?" Clark shifted his thinking back to the business at hand.
Chloe nodded. "Reynolds thinks that when I'm working on articles for the Planet, I'm letting the Torch slide. He 'suggested' I appoint an assistant editor."
"I told you, Chloe." Pete shook his head.
"I know, Pete!" Chloe grimaced. "I know Lana's got the Talon. You're going back and forth to Wichita for Sam. That's why I suggested Clark might take the reins at those times. You both still get your say. I just think he can handle it."
"Chloe, I don't know about the paper like you do! I'll run the Torch into the ground!" Panic paled Clark's face.
"You'll do fine. It's not like I'm not going to be around. Maybe look at it as a learning opportunity?" Chloe pointed out.
"I'll have to run it by my folks. They have wanted me to do something like this. Just no meet and greets." Clark glanced at Pete.
"Hey! Don't look at me! You're the one corrupted by the dark political side." Pete slapped Clark on the arm. "Sorry but I need to text Sam before the next class."
"Yeah. See you later." Clark considered the girls again.
Why did things have to get so complicated?
