Chapter 1: "Normal" Life in Smallville

"You're going to be fine," Lex told me for the millionth time in the car as it idled outside of Smallville High School, home of the Crows.

"I know, but it doesn't make it any easier." I said sullenly, watching as groups of other kids made their way inside for the morning.

"Clark and Chloe promised to help you find your classes."

"I know."

"I need you to get out of the car, Maddie." Lex smiled coyly as I gave him a dark, smoldering look.

It had been a month since my arrival in Smallville, and I since had caused a stir with the infamous Smallville Prowler. I survived a plot to kill me by a nefarious cosmic being from my reality named Zeed. It wasn't a pleasant adventure, but I found that I wasn't alone. I had my personality characters, Dagon and Craven, who had found a way into Zeed's strange world. They had arrived in my time of need, told me to suck it up, and reassured me that Watt was being helped too.

Now here I was, sitting in Lex Luthor's car outside of Smallville High School. It was September, and school had been in session for three weeks. Lex had waited to get me into school for the sole reason of helping me feel settled in Smallville. That, and a major deal had gone down at the plant that required all of Lex's attention. I didn't mind, I really did need the time to update a few things, like my wardrobe. Lex had been kind enough to borrow some clothes from citizens in town, namely Chloe and Lana, but I wasn't really a girly person. I settled for more things like t-shirts and jeans, keeping a hold of the frillier shirts for special occasions.

"Okay, bye," I said resignedly as I opened the door and pushed myself out. I waved goodbye to Lex as he ease out of the school parking lot and to work.

A dozen different pair of eyes followed me as I walked up the front steps of the school. They had all seen Lex and his fancy car, and now all attention was riveted to the person who had gotten out: me. I pretended not to notice the eyes following me and entered the school. It was strange, seeing as in my world I was way, way done with school. In all reality, I was a middle school English teacher, and now I was back to being a student!

I did feel a little excited about being back at school. In the months leading up to my most recent depressive episode, I had pined for my life as a student: not worrying about bills, adult choices, or other worries. However, I had pined for my college days, and not high school days, and being faced with it now made me extremely nervous.

"Maddie!" I heard my name the moment I entered the building and looked around.

I found Clark waving at me from down the hallway and hurried over to him, pushing past a small group of students and apologizing as I went. Chloe was standing next to him, rummaging through her locker and putting items in her messenger bag.

"Good morning!" I smiled and waved as I got closer to them.

"Schedule please!" Chloe closed her locker and held out her hand. I hastily pulled out the folded paper I had received the day before detailing my class schedule and locker placement.

During my month of settling into Smallville Clark had introduced me to his best friends: Chloe and Pete. Chloe an investigative journalist in the making, and Pete a football star. They had instantly included me in their little friend group, which had made both me and Lex rather happy. Chloe had also written a piece about my experience with the Smallville Prowler. Lex and I received a copy the moment it was printed. Lex thought it was funny, but I was extremely embarrassed by it. Now everyone knew I had gone crazy and knee-capped a crazy person.

Chloe poured over my schedule, muttering out loud as she did so. "Okay, A-day," She dragged her finger down the list. "English first, good, then history. Oh, creative writing! That sounds fun, and oh no," I had been looking down the hall as Chloe read through my schedule, and when she said that I snapped my head back to her.

"What?" I asked apprehensively.

"Chemistry with Mr. Winters, that's rough." She shrugged her shoulders as she gave me back my schedule.

"There's nothing wrong with that," Clark shot Chloe an angry look as he tried to calm me down.

"What? He's notorious for failing people for one mistake on a test!"

"I have Chemistry when?" I bit my lip as I looked over my schedule again. All I wanted was for the day to go smoothly, and this teacher did not sound promising.

The bell rang and the mass of students around us began heading to their first period class. Clark led me to my first class: English, and I was comforted to know that I was at least starting the day with my favorite subject. Clark stopped me outside the door and gave me a pat on the shoulder.

"See you at lunch, okay?" I nodded and he went on his way to his own first hour class.

The first half of the day went by uneventfully. In each class I was introduced to everyone, assigned a seat, and plunged into the learning material. In every class people would stare at me, or whisper behind their hands. It was a little uncomfortable, but my mantra was "make it to lunch."

Clark and his friends were one grade ahead of me, which meant that I was a freshman, and they were sophomores. I found that to be terribly annoying, and cursed Zeed for what had to be the millionth time since coming to the Smallville universe. His changing my age had given me more problems than any of his other stupid plans. I swallowed my pride for the time being, and tried to stay positive throughout the school day.

At the end of each class, Clark sought me out to help me to my next class. I was grateful for his help, but I felt a little self-conscious following Clark around all day. He didn't see all of the eyes following us through the halls; I worked to memorize the routes so that I wouldn't need him to lead me around for the rest of the week. Plus, I wanted to show Clark that I was a quick learner, and maybe impress him just a little bit.

My first three classes went by in a complete haze, and lunch could not come fast enough. I found myself sitting dazed at a table with a plate of school lunch in front me.

"She survived!" Chloe declared loudly as she, Clark, and Pete came to sit with me. She had been loud enough that people at the tables around us gave her crazy looks. I slumped a little more to hide.

"Barely," I muttered as I took my plastic spork and stirred around the corn on my plate.

"What's the homework damage?" Pete asked and I leaned my face into my hands.

"I need to read at least half of The Odyssey by Wednesday, review algebraic expressions and complete twenty practice problems, and write an autobiographical piece about myself to make up a major story that was assigned last week." I listed everything off while covering my eyes. In all seriousness, the work would not be a problem to complete. It just felt overwhelming to get it done all before Wednesday. Plus, I was pretty sure my Creative Writing teacher just wanted to know more details about my time with the Smallville Prowler.

It was hard jumping into classes already in session in an established school year. Though it was still the very beginning of the year, it was my first day and I was already a little behind. I wasn't too anxious about it yet, but I still had to go to the chemistry class Chloe had successfully made me nervous for. And all of today's classes were just for A-Day. I still had my B-Day schedule tomorrow with a whole other set of classes for me to worry about.

"That sounds rough," Clark put in, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Understatement of the year, but I'll be fine." I waved him off and started digging into my lunch. "I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill."

"That's the spirit!" Chloe smiled and I laughed.

We all continued talking about the day and upcoming events. It felt good when Clark, Chloe, or Pete invited to me to things like pep rallies and study sessions at the Talon. I pounced on the study sessions and said that I would ask Lex about the pep rally. Lex would probably jump at the chance of me getting out of the mansion, so I wasn't really worried about getting permission for that.

All throughout lunch Chloe did keep mentioning my upcoming chemistry class with Mr. Winters. I racked my brain to remember what kind of science class as a freshman, and realized that it was not chemistry. I took that as a senior! It made my nervous energy rise a bit, and I had trouble telling myself that this wasn't my reality, and that Zeed probably changed things like classes around too. Between my frantic thinking and Chloe explaining the hellish time I might have in that class. I prayed against all hope that Chloe was just over exaggerating.

The bell for the end of lunch rang, and everyone around us began cleaning up their lunches to head to their last class of the day. I hesitated, staring at my mostly eaten lunch as my three new friends stood up with their trays.

"Maddie?" Clark asked with a level of concern.

"Good job Chloe," Pete said as he turned and headed off to class. "You've scared her half to death about Mr. Winters' chem class!"

Chloe made a face at Pete as I stood up and gathered my things. "It's fine, it's just first day jitters." I put on a brave face, smiling at Chloe and Clark.

I said goodbye to Chloe and Pete and followed Clark out of the lunchroom. We didn't say much as we navigated the hallways. I was focused on remembering the way to class and almost collided with Clark when he stopped outside of my classroom.

"This is it," Clark said, motioning to the open door. I watched a few student walk in and then looked at Clark. "It's going to be fine," He reassured me.

My enthusiasm for the day had waned terribly by now, despite how many times I told myself to stay optimistic. For one thing, I was getting tired of the word "fine", and how that was basically defining my day. Everything was going to be "fine", and don't worry, and don't stress. I shook my head to try and dislodge the negative thoughts rooting around in my head. I was letting little things get to me, and I needed to remain positive. There was only one more class for the day, and Chloe was just blowing hot air. Her experience with Mr. Winters didn't mean that it would be the same for me. I was determined to make this class a good ending to my day.

The moment I thought that the universe had other ideas. It turned out to be the longest class of my life.

Mr. Winters was a man with crew cut blond hair and icy blue eyes. Like, almost unnaturally icy blue eyes. Their hue made me think of the vampires from the supernatural movie Underworld, they were that blue. When I walked into class, he looked me over and then glared at me. From there I knew the class was going to be hell. When he introduced me to class, he made a point of emphasizing that I was Lex Luthor's ward, saying it with an intense amount of cynicism that many students in class gave each other odd looks. Then, class started.

With no review, no checking to see what I already knew, Mr. Winters threw me right into an experiment, which I failed miserably. Since I made the class an odd number, it was decided that I would do the experiment by myself, which added to the total confusion that grew on me. All of these factors led to me failing miserably at every turn. With every failure, Mr. Winters would come by and make snide remarks about my intelligence, and how I could probably get Lex to come pay for my grade so I could avoid failure. I had to bite my tongue to keep from lashing out at the man, telling myself that I could not afford to get in trouble on my first day of school. I was also starting to really relate to my problem students from my reality. I had self-control, but I understood the need to set things right.

After my fifth failed attempt at getting any sort of reaction or result, I cleaned up my lab area and sat in my chair. There were twenty minutes left in class, and I was just done. Everyone around me was getting results of some kind, working with their partners, and getting the worksheet filled out. Watching everyone work together while I had to work by myself made me feel extremely bitter, and the feeling only grew in my chest. This was all sorts of screwed up! Three o'clock felt like it was miles away, and I was intent to make it there with little fuss, if Mr. Winters would let me.

"Give up, did we?" Mr. Winters came around and leaned against the counter next to me. My heart thumped in my chest as I tried to think about things that made me happy. Perhaps those thoughts would keep me from smacking this man.

I looked him blankly. Every part of me wanted to make some sort of scene, but I knew that I couldn't. I felt that I had at least a decent amount of respect yet to give, despite how this man was treating one of his students. Also, what the crap did he want me to say?!

"I wouldn't have the necessary time to run the experiment one more time and complete my assignment." I explained to him, slightly surprised at how calm I sounded.

"Yes, but I am the teacher, and I tell you to clean up. You try the experiment one more time." He slapped the counter and smirked at me. I closed my eyes and took a measured breath.

"Excuse me, but I'm having issues running the experiment because you have failed to teach me the concepts. Plus, whenever I need help, you ignore me, or come over and say mean things to me. This is my first day here, and all you're interested in is watching me fail and telling me that my guardian will pay for my grades. I take great offense to that, because I'm a good student, and I've given you a lot of respect you obviously don't deserve."

The room went suddenly quiet, and I was aware of how loud I had gotten near the end of my rant. A couple of seconds ticked by as the awkward silence settled in, and everyone watched with bated breath. I widened my eyes a little in sick surprise, but kept my stern expression, I was determined to stand strong because I had the moral high ground. Mr. Winters just glared back at me; his face flushed in a deep, angry red shade. It felt like ages before he finally pointed to the door.

"You can end class in the principal's office." He said quietly, and I hurriedly and got my backpack and left the room.

XXXX

Lex did not look angry as he came striding into the front office, and I was a little relieved. He joined me in Mr. Kwan's office, taking a seat and waiting for my school principal, who was currently talking to Mr. Winters about my in-class behavior.

"Not going to lie, but I am surprised you got sent to the principal's off on your first day." He said amusedly. I looked to the floor in minor embarrassment. "Maybe your second day." He nudged me with his elbow, and chuckled as I shook my head at him in disbelief.

It was well after school now, and I had sat in the office with my heart practically in my throat the whole time. Clark had heard about what happened and stopped by to see if he could offer any moral support. Mr. Kwan just shooed him off, telling him that the matter didn't concern him. So, I stewed in my misery until Lex showed up from the plant.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Luthor." Mr. Kwan shook Lex's hand and then sat behind his desk, looking at me and then my guardian.

"I understand that Maddie had an issue in her chemistry class, Mr. Kwan." Lex said and the principal nodded.

Lex didn't seem too bothered to be here with me, but I still twitched a little in anxiety. Never in my regular life had I ever been sent to the principal's office for a behavior issue. I was practically a loveable teacher's pet! This was all new to me and I hated it.

Mr. Kwan asked me to explain the situation to Lex, and I did so in a matter-of-fact tone. I left out no details, and tried to be as nonbiased as I could be. I also told him how sorry I was, and that it being my first day had just kind of stressed me out. Lex didn't seem too pleased to hear that Mr. Winters was loudly telling me that he would pay for my grades.

"I believe it to be a big misunderstanding," Mr. Kwan said when I was finished. "I've discussed the matter with Mr. Winters who agreed that he may have missed some steps with Maddie. Though he denied saying anything about payment and grades." I gulped, that did not sound good to me.

"I did, however, talk to some of the other students in the class at the time, and they had the same things to say as Maddie did." I raised my eyes at that, suddenly glad for my nameless peers.

Lex nodded as he took everything in. He looked to be and then back to Mr. Kwan before speaking. "And what are you going to do about this? Mr. Winters specifically targeted my ward, and on her first day here, no less." His tone of voice made it sound like he was in an intense negotiation.

I just closed my eyes then and tried to block out the rest of the conversation. I wasn't used to this, having someone come and take care of issues like this. Even though I looked fourteen, I knew that if I was my true age, I could have taken care of everything. I remembered how I had spoken to Mr. Winters in class, so concise and accurate, like the adult I actually was.

I opened my eyes again when I felt a bit of a sting on top of my left hand. I took a sharp breath when I saw that I had scratched a portion of my hand completely raw. It was a small area on top of my hand, but it was bright red, and it looked patchy and wet. My brow knitted into an expression of worry when I realized what I had done.

"Maddie, does that sound okay?" I blinked and looked at Lex and Mr. Kwan. They both gazed at me, waiting for some sort of response.

"I'm sorry, I missed that," I covered the scratching wound with my other hand and leaned forward a little.

"We're going to switch you schedule a little. Luckily your Study Hall period on B-Days can easily be switched across with A-Day chemistry. So, those two classes will be switched, and you'll have a different teacher for chemistry.

I slumped a little. "I'm going to have chemistry again tomorrow?" I realized how whiny that made me sound and quickly shook my head. "I mean, yes, that's fine. Thank you." I inwardly cringed at the use of my new hated word.

After Lex ensured that Mr. Winters would also get reprimanded for how he treated me, we left to go home. Even though he laughed off the whole office experience, I couldn't help but feel a little upset about it. I kept it inside, not wanting to burden Lex with my thoughts about the whole thing. I could only imagine what sort of looks and whispers I was going to get about this tomorrow. The emotions I was feeling were so familiar to me, and because of that familiarity, I began to worry a little.

I was clinically diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my world, and took medication for it. But, whenever Watt took me on a Marvel Cinematic Universe adventure, I never had to worry about medication or monitoring my mental health. That was the whole reason I was there in the first place: to get it back to normal and feel better mentally. Zeed obviously didn't allow that; not only did I have to keep my asthma in check while I was here, but I would have to do the same thing with my mental issues.

I didn't know how to breach the topic with Lex, because for all I knew, no one in the Smallville universe suffered from depression or anxiety. There was never any talk about taking anti-depressants or struggling with staying happy all the time. I decided not to tell Lex just then, reflecting back on his family's stance on weakness and power. Depression and anxiety were weaknesses, and I had already proven to Lex that I wasn't weak. I didn't want to give him a reason to doubt that.

As we neared the mansion, I swallowed down the deepening feeling of bitterness, and tried to put my mind at ease. The school day was over, and tomorrow would hopefully be better.