Chapter 5

[Early the Next Morning—Sullivan House]

Lana stared at the ceiling. Sleep had eluded her throughout the night. She tossed and turned under her pink comforter. Her eyes burned. Exhaustion weighed on her arms and legs. Her brain churned over and over. Question and Revelation jarred and shook it over and over again.

Clark had strange powers….

Clark was an alien…really…he was an alien…

He really is those things. No wonder those guys wanted him so bad! She forced herself to sit up in bed. She ran her hands through her hair. For a few heartbeats, Blame wanted to snap at him for the meteors' intrusion into their lives. She squashed those impulses. Clark lost his home and parents just like I did. She smiled. Yet another way we're bonded. She pulled herself out of bed and into her favorite robe.

Shower first, then breakfast and the new day for what that was worth….

[Smallville High—About Forty Five Minutes Later]

Lana drove through the open gate and into the parking lot. The drive across town helped to clear her head. Maybe Clark and I can talk more after my shift. She pulled into her designated parking space. Another deep breath composed her thoughts. No tests or papers due. It would figure that there'd be a pop quiz. She rolled her eyes. I could use an easy day for once. She stretched easing Exhaustion's stiffness from her arms and back. Then she walked into the building.

"Hey, Lana!"

She froze in her tracks. Her eyes skittered this way and that. She turned to find Pete watching her. "Wow. Hi, Pete. Sorry it was a real long night. I'm still really tense."

"Yeah. Clark texted me. That must've been some talk at the farm. I can imagine Clark's Dad. Wow." He grimaced.

"Mr. Kent wasn't too bad to deal with, Pete. Clark's still getting used to the idea. I'm working through my own things." She glanced around again to make sure that the coast was still clear. "I found out about where he came from too."

Surprise widened his eyes. "Dang! You sure got the whole deal last night. Sure glad you get how big of a secret this is."

"After what I've been through since Lex's rehearsal dinner, I get it, Pete. I told him that he needs to be more careful." She rubbed her forehead.

"More power to you, Lana. I sure hope you get that through his head. And for the record, I told him not to put that ring on. I tried to talk him out of it. He was so lost. When he gets like that…." He shook his head.

"Thanks, Pete. You're a great friend. As long as we're careful, can I ask questions about Clark? I want to understand. It's really overwhelming." She grimaced to further make her point.

"No sweat. We can support each other and keep watch for Clark. I'm sure relieved that you finally know. Now you two won't have secrets. Hey umm…maybe Clark and you can do me a favor?" He glanced around again. "I've got a friend coming to town for the weekend." He cleared his throat.

"Friend?" She noticed Shyness and Hesitation dogging him. The lights reflected off of the sweat on his forehead. "Someone I know?"

"She's not from around here." Pete shrugged. "Mom dragged me to the Wichita Symphony a couple of months back. I thought it'd be this boring old people place. It was better than I thought. There's actually someone our age playing violin with them. So anyhow, next day, I'm in Knollas picking up a pizza. There she was by herself at the corner table. The other kids were giving her a hard time. So I called my Mom and told her what happened. Then I asked that girl if she'd like to eat dinner with Mom and me just as friends. She was all nervous. Hey! We were cool by the end of the meal."

"Violin?" Incredulity widened her eyes. "You mean Samantha Cooper? Pete! She's like a genius!"

"So Chloe tells me." He sighed. "Lana, Sam's just a regular person like us. She just wants to see Smallville and meet everyone. I've already booked a room for her at the inn. I'm keeping this on the up and up."

She nodded. "That sounds really nice. Hey! Umm…if you bring her by the Talon, her drink and dessert are on me. Think she can bring her violin?" She reached into her knapsack and pulled out the Finnigan flyer. "St. Finnigan's was looking for people to offer their services. I was thinking maybe I could get the old theatre cleaned up."

"I'll ask her. She's really into community service. Apparently the Symphony is too from what Mom says. I'll text Sam at lunch. That cool?" He relaxed. "What I'd like to do is ask Mrs. Kent for dinner. Sam…well…her Dad's not home a lot. She's just about on her own. I'd like her to get the whole red carpet deal."

"Like I said, we have you both taken care of at the Talon. Just text Mrs. Kent. I'm sure she'll be great with it." She hefted her backpack. "Chloe was already gone when I got up. Kind of weird. I hope she's all right."

"Probably working on the next article knowing her." He shook her head. "Just remember, we have to be really careful around Chloe. I wish Clark could tell her. He won't."

"Yeah. I got that last night." She shook her head. "I'm sure glad I can talk to you."

"Anytime, Lana. You know I'm here for Clark and you. I just want Sam to have friends here." He sucked in another deep breath. A draught from his travel mug chased that down his throat. "We're getting set for home room. I'll let you know about this weekend."

"Thanks, Pete." She followed him up a flight of stairs toward their lockers. There books, notebooks and worries awaited the new school day.

At least though, Normalcy could be had there….