Chapter 4: Party Crasher
The next morning at the Kent house, Martha Kent holds up Clark's torn up shirt caused by the shotgun bullet. Clark looks at it shrugs his shoulders. "So now you're bulletproof?" Martha asks.
"I don't know what to tell you mom, that's news to me." Clark replies.
"I saw the news this morning, sad about John Melville…" Martha says as she puts the shirt down on the table and takes a seat next to it.
"If only I would have been there just a few minutes earlier…he would still be alive." Clark says.
"Clark, you can't start blaming yourself for things like this." Jonathan Kent says as he walks into the room.
"He's right, just because you have these gifts doesn't mean you'll be able to save everyone from things like this." Martha says.
"Yeah…I know." Clark says.
"I think a change of subject would be a good idea. Clark, that party tonight…" Jonathan Kent starts.
"Don't worry about it, dad, I won't get into any trouble if that's what you're thinking." Clark says.
"Who's throwing this party?" Martha asks.
"It's at Janie Carmichael's house, mom." Clark replies.
"Her parents will be there?" Martha asks.
"Um, I think so." Clark replies.
"I don't know about this…" Jonathan says.
"Dad, don't worry…besides, I have to go, I promised Lana." Clark says.
"Aw…Lana, I see. Clark, Lana is a great girl, but I don't want to see you getting your hopes up." Martha says.
"We're just friends, mom…now can we end this party conversation? Please?" Clark says.
"Sure, Clark, now…you've got to make some deliveries." Jonathan says.
"Right, dad…" Clark says as he walks out of the room.
At the Luthor Ancestral Home, Lex is just coming outside after seeing Clark coming with deliveries of produce. "Clark, nice to see you, especially with some Kent Farm goodies." Lex says as they meet outside.
"Hey, Lex. How's your Saturday?" Clark asks.
"I had a meeting in Metropolis, but it was cancelled…so, I decided to just spend the day relaxing, then I got a call inviting me to that party tonight." Lex replies.
"Oh yeah? Are you going?" Clark asks.
"Sure, what else am I going to do?" Lex says as Clark hands him a couple of bags of produce.
"So, you've made quite an impression on the kids in town. You're pretty popular around here." Clark says.
"Heh…maybe with the kids, but most of the adults around here wouldn't mind seeing me vanish off the face of the earth. I don't think you have time to chat, so I'll leave you with this. The party tonight…it's one of those rare moments in life that if you miss you'll regret it forever. Tell Lana how you feel, don't worry about Whitney or what she might say…just tell her. Trust me, you'll feel a lot better." Lex says as he holds the two bags. Clark doesn't respond, he thinks about what Lex has said and nods his head as he walks back to the truck.
"Bye, Lex…I'll see you around." Clark says as he opens the driver's side door. Lex watches Clark leave, wondering what's going to happen at that party…then, he walks back into his very large home.
After Clark has finished up his last few deliveries, he begins driving home, but takes the longer way home past Lana's house. He drives slower as he passes, he sees her face through a window and thinks about how much she means to him. After a couple of moments, he speeds up and heads home.
Hours later, around 7p.m. Clark is trying on outfit after outfit for the party. Martha Kent is in his room helping him out. "What about this one?" Martha asks Clark as she holds up a red, long sleeved shirt with blue stripes.
"I don't think so, mom." Clark replies as he continues to look through all of his clothes. A few moments later, Clark and Martha hear a knock on the front door.
"I wonder who that could be?" Martha says as she exits Clark's room and heads down the stairs. Martha opens the front door; Chloe Sullivan stands in the doorway. "Oh, hello Chloe, what are you doing here?" Martha asks.
"Hey, Mrs. Kent, I just stopped by to talk to Clark about that party tonight. Clark comes down the stairs and sees Chloe, who is now in the kitchen after Martha has let her in.
"Hey, Chloe, what's up?" Clark asks.
"Clark, you can't go to that party tonight." Chloe says.
"What? Why not?" Clark replies.
"Because, I did a little digging and found out that Janie's Carmichael's dad is Peter Carmichael…another of Doug O'dell's childhood friends." Chloe says.
"Come on, Chloe. If it was him, there would be no party tonight, they would be in that safe house." Clark says.
"You know, Janie, she's a spoiled brat. She's had this party planned for months and not even the chance of her dad being killed is going to stop her from having it. They've got cops and security guards everywhere around that house, he's gonna get in that house, Clark. I've tried telling the other kids to stay away from the party but that only makes them want to go more, but I know I can at least keep you from going." Chloe says. Clark thinks for a moment before saying anything.
"I'm going Chloe, I have to…I promised Lana." Clark says.
"Oh come on, this is more important than her. I don't want to see you getting hurt." Chloe says.
"I'm going to be ok, and if Doug decides to come around…I'll be ready for him." Clark says.
"What do you mean by that?" Chloe asks.
"Sorry, Chloe, I gotta get going. You coming?" Clark asks as he grabs his jacket and walks towards the door.
"(Sigh)…fine, Clark, you got me. I'll once again tag along, but don't say I didn't warn you when that shadow guy shows up." Chloe says. Clark smiles as they walk to the truck.
Clark and Chloe arrive at Janie Carmichael's huge house after a ten minute drive. Chloe wasn't kidding; there are guards and police officers surrounding the house, even checking the kids before letting them inside. "You see now, Clark? This is serious…I've got a bad feeling." Chloe says as they pull in to park.
"I'm sure it will be alright, look at all these cops." Clark replies.
"I know you're barely listening to me right now, I know all you're doing is thinking about little Miss Lana Lang." Chloe says. The two take off their seat belts and get out of the truck, walking past the large fountain and flower gardens.
"Jeeze, this is the first time I've been here. Why don't the Carmichael's just move to Metropolis like all the other rich people do?" Clark asks.
"They enjoy the country life, I guess." Chloe says as they stand in a line of kids waiting to get inside.
"You know you're wrong about me and Lana, Chloe. I know she's going out with Whitney, that's why we're just friends." Clark says.
"What if she wasn't going out with Whitney, would you still be just friends?" Chloe asks as they move up a little in line. Once again, Clark is slow to respond.
"Hey, look, we're already at the front of the line." Clark says as two police officers scan him with metal detectors and pat him down. A moment later they clear him and he walks into the house. Chloe goes through the same procedure.
"Hey! Watch your hands, buddy!" Chloe says as she is patted down. Soon, she is cleared as well and walks in after Clark. Inside, the party mood is high, everyone seems to be having a great time. Music plays throughout the house and only gets louder as Clark and Chloe move further into it. A band is playing some rock music while the kids jump up and down with drinks in their hands. "Remind me why I came here with you again?" Chloe asks.
"Let's move over here." Clark says as he walks down a hallway to a quieter party area where softer music plays and kids sit on couches and on chairs conversing and joking around. Clark sees Lana at the end of the room looking out a window at the night sky alone. He stops and looks at her, not knowing what to do.
"Oh great…" Chloe says.
"Chloe I think I'm gonna go talk to Lana for a second…" Clark says as he starts walking towards her, slowly.
"Of course…might as well start walking home." Chloe says.
"Hey, Chloe! I know you! Come join the party!" A guy holding a drink says as he signals her over by him and a few friends. Chloe is hesitant, but than thinks "what the hell?" She goes and joins a group of people, dancing around and having a good time. Clark approaches Lana, very nervously.
"Hi, Lana." Clark says.
"Hey Clark, I was thinking you might not show up." Lana says.
"Of course I showed up, I promised." Clark says.
"I've heard that before." Lana says.
"So, have you been here long?" Clark asks.
"Not really, I've only been here for about ten minutes." Lana replies. Clark nods his head, not sure what to say. An awkward silence comes next, but Clark quickly tries to blurt something out.
"Lana…I really, really like…that sweater." Clark says, quickly scorning himself in his mind for saying that instead of what he really wanted to say.
"Thanks…is there something you want to tell me Clark, you just have that look on your face like you want to say something…but can't." Lana says looking into his eyes. Clark looks at her, he knows he has to tell her.
"Yeah, there's something I've been wanting to say for a long time…Lana, I…" Clark stops when he looks over her shoulder and sees something not right. He sees the shadow man, Doug O'Dell, moving down the hallway.
"What is it, Clark?" Lana asks.
"He's here…Lana, I have to stop him…" Clark says as he runs off down the hallway. Lana watches him move away, deep down wishing he would of finished that sentence. Clark moves down the hallway, following the shadow as it moves from room to room. He runs into the biggest room, where most of the kids are jumping up and down partying and drinking. Clark begins switching on every light he can find. The kids begin to yell at him and ask him just what the hell he's doing.
"Listen! Everyone! Turn on every light you can find! This is serious! You gotta turn on the light…no darkness!" Clark yells out.
"Shut up!" A kid yells.
"Get out of here, Nark!" Another yells. Clark gets cups and garbage thrown at him until he's forced to get out of there. He walks down another hall, still flipping on light switches. Clark reaches a flight of stairs leading up to another floor, where it is much quieter. Clark moves up the stairs, everything is dark except for a light at the end of the hallway. Clark gets to the door with the light inside and uses his x-ray vision to look inside…its Janie's dad, working in his study.
"You should be dead." A voice from directly behind Clark whispers. Clark turns around and is immediately grabbed by…darkness. He is picked up and thrown down the hallway. Clark gets up and tries to switch on the light…but it doesn't come on. "Sorry, kid…not this time." The "Shadowman" says as he walks closer to Clark. It's pure blackness all around him…Clark can't see him. Clark slowly walks back towards Peter Carmichael's study to warn him, but is once again grabbed and pulled all the way by the stairs. The darkness takes form, the form of Doug O'Dell. "I don't know how you survived that gunshot…but you won't survive this." Doug says as he throws Clark over the staircase. Clark lands hard on the wood floor below, some kids take notice.
"Holy crap! You see that guy?!" A kid yells out as several of them move around him to see if he's all right. Clark gets on his feet and looks up at where he just fell.
"Everyone get out of here! Go home!" Clark yells. The kids begin to leave, still having no clue of what's happening. Clark rushes back up the stairs towards Peter Carmichael. Clark sees Doug O'Dell holding Peter next to a large, opened window.
"It's too late now, kid, you can't save him! Now after all these years I'll have my revenge! And there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it! Goodbye, Pete…oh, and it was nice to see you again." Doug says as he pushes Peter Carmichael out the window towards the sharp, steel gate that circles the house.
Clark darts down the stair and out of the house in a blur. Clark's super speed lets him catch Peter just before he lands on the gate. "No! That's impossible!" Doug yells. Doug begins to walk down the hallway, but Clark stands in his way. "No…how did you…no!" Doug yells.
"You've got to stop this, Doug. I know what happened to you in the past, but it wasn't their fault, it wasn't anyone's." Clark says.
"You don't know anything!" Doug says as he takes his shadow form and goes right through Clark and down the stairs, trying to flee. As Doug makes it towards the door the lights flick on, making him drop to the floor in pain…burning. Clark goes after Doug and sees him evaporating, then looks to the left…its Lana Lang who has flipped the light switch.
"Lana?" Clark says.
"What's happening to him?" Lana asks.
"There's no more darkness for him to hide in…no more shadows." Clark says as he watches the last of Doug O'Dell vanish into thin air. Lana moves over to Clark.
"This has been quite the party." Lana says. Clark looks at her and smiles.
"Let's get out of here." Clark says as they both walk through the front door away from Janie's.
The next day, at The Beanery, Clark and Lex are having a conversation over a cup of coffee. "So I didn't see you at the party last night." Clark says.
"No, something actually did come up at the last minute…but from what I hear it was a night to remember." Lex replies.
"Yeah…it was something." Clark says.
"So, did you tell Lana how you feel about her?" Lex asks. Clark looks out the window and sees Lana passing by with Whitney. She looks in and smiles and waves at him, he waves back.
"No, I didn't…but I like where we're at now, some nice place in between her knowing and not knowing. And that's good enough for me." Clark says.
The End
This Fanfiction Copyright 2001 Rich Wheeler
The next morning at the Kent house, Martha Kent holds up Clark's torn up shirt caused by the shotgun bullet. Clark looks at it shrugs his shoulders. "So now you're bulletproof?" Martha asks.
"I don't know what to tell you mom, that's news to me." Clark replies.
"I saw the news this morning, sad about John Melville…" Martha says as she puts the shirt down on the table and takes a seat next to it.
"If only I would have been there just a few minutes earlier…he would still be alive." Clark says.
"Clark, you can't start blaming yourself for things like this." Jonathan Kent says as he walks into the room.
"He's right, just because you have these gifts doesn't mean you'll be able to save everyone from things like this." Martha says.
"Yeah…I know." Clark says.
"I think a change of subject would be a good idea. Clark, that party tonight…" Jonathan Kent starts.
"Don't worry about it, dad, I won't get into any trouble if that's what you're thinking." Clark says.
"Who's throwing this party?" Martha asks.
"It's at Janie Carmichael's house, mom." Clark replies.
"Her parents will be there?" Martha asks.
"Um, I think so." Clark replies.
"I don't know about this…" Jonathan says.
"Dad, don't worry…besides, I have to go, I promised Lana." Clark says.
"Aw…Lana, I see. Clark, Lana is a great girl, but I don't want to see you getting your hopes up." Martha says.
"We're just friends, mom…now can we end this party conversation? Please?" Clark says.
"Sure, Clark, now…you've got to make some deliveries." Jonathan says.
"Right, dad…" Clark says as he walks out of the room.
At the Luthor Ancestral Home, Lex is just coming outside after seeing Clark coming with deliveries of produce. "Clark, nice to see you, especially with some Kent Farm goodies." Lex says as they meet outside.
"Hey, Lex. How's your Saturday?" Clark asks.
"I had a meeting in Metropolis, but it was cancelled…so, I decided to just spend the day relaxing, then I got a call inviting me to that party tonight." Lex replies.
"Oh yeah? Are you going?" Clark asks.
"Sure, what else am I going to do?" Lex says as Clark hands him a couple of bags of produce.
"So, you've made quite an impression on the kids in town. You're pretty popular around here." Clark says.
"Heh…maybe with the kids, but most of the adults around here wouldn't mind seeing me vanish off the face of the earth. I don't think you have time to chat, so I'll leave you with this. The party tonight…it's one of those rare moments in life that if you miss you'll regret it forever. Tell Lana how you feel, don't worry about Whitney or what she might say…just tell her. Trust me, you'll feel a lot better." Lex says as he holds the two bags. Clark doesn't respond, he thinks about what Lex has said and nods his head as he walks back to the truck.
"Bye, Lex…I'll see you around." Clark says as he opens the driver's side door. Lex watches Clark leave, wondering what's going to happen at that party…then, he walks back into his very large home.
After Clark has finished up his last few deliveries, he begins driving home, but takes the longer way home past Lana's house. He drives slower as he passes, he sees her face through a window and thinks about how much she means to him. After a couple of moments, he speeds up and heads home.
Hours later, around 7p.m. Clark is trying on outfit after outfit for the party. Martha Kent is in his room helping him out. "What about this one?" Martha asks Clark as she holds up a red, long sleeved shirt with blue stripes.
"I don't think so, mom." Clark replies as he continues to look through all of his clothes. A few moments later, Clark and Martha hear a knock on the front door.
"I wonder who that could be?" Martha says as she exits Clark's room and heads down the stairs. Martha opens the front door; Chloe Sullivan stands in the doorway. "Oh, hello Chloe, what are you doing here?" Martha asks.
"Hey, Mrs. Kent, I just stopped by to talk to Clark about that party tonight. Clark comes down the stairs and sees Chloe, who is now in the kitchen after Martha has let her in.
"Hey, Chloe, what's up?" Clark asks.
"Clark, you can't go to that party tonight." Chloe says.
"What? Why not?" Clark replies.
"Because, I did a little digging and found out that Janie's Carmichael's dad is Peter Carmichael…another of Doug O'dell's childhood friends." Chloe says.
"Come on, Chloe. If it was him, there would be no party tonight, they would be in that safe house." Clark says.
"You know, Janie, she's a spoiled brat. She's had this party planned for months and not even the chance of her dad being killed is going to stop her from having it. They've got cops and security guards everywhere around that house, he's gonna get in that house, Clark. I've tried telling the other kids to stay away from the party but that only makes them want to go more, but I know I can at least keep you from going." Chloe says. Clark thinks for a moment before saying anything.
"I'm going Chloe, I have to…I promised Lana." Clark says.
"Oh come on, this is more important than her. I don't want to see you getting hurt." Chloe says.
"I'm going to be ok, and if Doug decides to come around…I'll be ready for him." Clark says.
"What do you mean by that?" Chloe asks.
"Sorry, Chloe, I gotta get going. You coming?" Clark asks as he grabs his jacket and walks towards the door.
"(Sigh)…fine, Clark, you got me. I'll once again tag along, but don't say I didn't warn you when that shadow guy shows up." Chloe says. Clark smiles as they walk to the truck.
Clark and Chloe arrive at Janie Carmichael's huge house after a ten minute drive. Chloe wasn't kidding; there are guards and police officers surrounding the house, even checking the kids before letting them inside. "You see now, Clark? This is serious…I've got a bad feeling." Chloe says as they pull in to park.
"I'm sure it will be alright, look at all these cops." Clark replies.
"I know you're barely listening to me right now, I know all you're doing is thinking about little Miss Lana Lang." Chloe says. The two take off their seat belts and get out of the truck, walking past the large fountain and flower gardens.
"Jeeze, this is the first time I've been here. Why don't the Carmichael's just move to Metropolis like all the other rich people do?" Clark asks.
"They enjoy the country life, I guess." Chloe says as they stand in a line of kids waiting to get inside.
"You know you're wrong about me and Lana, Chloe. I know she's going out with Whitney, that's why we're just friends." Clark says.
"What if she wasn't going out with Whitney, would you still be just friends?" Chloe asks as they move up a little in line. Once again, Clark is slow to respond.
"Hey, look, we're already at the front of the line." Clark says as two police officers scan him with metal detectors and pat him down. A moment later they clear him and he walks into the house. Chloe goes through the same procedure.
"Hey! Watch your hands, buddy!" Chloe says as she is patted down. Soon, she is cleared as well and walks in after Clark. Inside, the party mood is high, everyone seems to be having a great time. Music plays throughout the house and only gets louder as Clark and Chloe move further into it. A band is playing some rock music while the kids jump up and down with drinks in their hands. "Remind me why I came here with you again?" Chloe asks.
"Let's move over here." Clark says as he walks down a hallway to a quieter party area where softer music plays and kids sit on couches and on chairs conversing and joking around. Clark sees Lana at the end of the room looking out a window at the night sky alone. He stops and looks at her, not knowing what to do.
"Oh great…" Chloe says.
"Chloe I think I'm gonna go talk to Lana for a second…" Clark says as he starts walking towards her, slowly.
"Of course…might as well start walking home." Chloe says.
"Hey, Chloe! I know you! Come join the party!" A guy holding a drink says as he signals her over by him and a few friends. Chloe is hesitant, but than thinks "what the hell?" She goes and joins a group of people, dancing around and having a good time. Clark approaches Lana, very nervously.
"Hi, Lana." Clark says.
"Hey Clark, I was thinking you might not show up." Lana says.
"Of course I showed up, I promised." Clark says.
"I've heard that before." Lana says.
"So, have you been here long?" Clark asks.
"Not really, I've only been here for about ten minutes." Lana replies. Clark nods his head, not sure what to say. An awkward silence comes next, but Clark quickly tries to blurt something out.
"Lana…I really, really like…that sweater." Clark says, quickly scorning himself in his mind for saying that instead of what he really wanted to say.
"Thanks…is there something you want to tell me Clark, you just have that look on your face like you want to say something…but can't." Lana says looking into his eyes. Clark looks at her, he knows he has to tell her.
"Yeah, there's something I've been wanting to say for a long time…Lana, I…" Clark stops when he looks over her shoulder and sees something not right. He sees the shadow man, Doug O'Dell, moving down the hallway.
"What is it, Clark?" Lana asks.
"He's here…Lana, I have to stop him…" Clark says as he runs off down the hallway. Lana watches him move away, deep down wishing he would of finished that sentence. Clark moves down the hallway, following the shadow as it moves from room to room. He runs into the biggest room, where most of the kids are jumping up and down partying and drinking. Clark begins switching on every light he can find. The kids begin to yell at him and ask him just what the hell he's doing.
"Listen! Everyone! Turn on every light you can find! This is serious! You gotta turn on the light…no darkness!" Clark yells out.
"Shut up!" A kid yells.
"Get out of here, Nark!" Another yells. Clark gets cups and garbage thrown at him until he's forced to get out of there. He walks down another hall, still flipping on light switches. Clark reaches a flight of stairs leading up to another floor, where it is much quieter. Clark moves up the stairs, everything is dark except for a light at the end of the hallway. Clark gets to the door with the light inside and uses his x-ray vision to look inside…its Janie's dad, working in his study.
"You should be dead." A voice from directly behind Clark whispers. Clark turns around and is immediately grabbed by…darkness. He is picked up and thrown down the hallway. Clark gets up and tries to switch on the light…but it doesn't come on. "Sorry, kid…not this time." The "Shadowman" says as he walks closer to Clark. It's pure blackness all around him…Clark can't see him. Clark slowly walks back towards Peter Carmichael's study to warn him, but is once again grabbed and pulled all the way by the stairs. The darkness takes form, the form of Doug O'Dell. "I don't know how you survived that gunshot…but you won't survive this." Doug says as he throws Clark over the staircase. Clark lands hard on the wood floor below, some kids take notice.
"Holy crap! You see that guy?!" A kid yells out as several of them move around him to see if he's all right. Clark gets on his feet and looks up at where he just fell.
"Everyone get out of here! Go home!" Clark yells. The kids begin to leave, still having no clue of what's happening. Clark rushes back up the stairs towards Peter Carmichael. Clark sees Doug O'Dell holding Peter next to a large, opened window.
"It's too late now, kid, you can't save him! Now after all these years I'll have my revenge! And there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it! Goodbye, Pete…oh, and it was nice to see you again." Doug says as he pushes Peter Carmichael out the window towards the sharp, steel gate that circles the house.
Clark darts down the stair and out of the house in a blur. Clark's super speed lets him catch Peter just before he lands on the gate. "No! That's impossible!" Doug yells. Doug begins to walk down the hallway, but Clark stands in his way. "No…how did you…no!" Doug yells.
"You've got to stop this, Doug. I know what happened to you in the past, but it wasn't their fault, it wasn't anyone's." Clark says.
"You don't know anything!" Doug says as he takes his shadow form and goes right through Clark and down the stairs, trying to flee. As Doug makes it towards the door the lights flick on, making him drop to the floor in pain…burning. Clark goes after Doug and sees him evaporating, then looks to the left…its Lana Lang who has flipped the light switch.
"Lana?" Clark says.
"What's happening to him?" Lana asks.
"There's no more darkness for him to hide in…no more shadows." Clark says as he watches the last of Doug O'Dell vanish into thin air. Lana moves over to Clark.
"This has been quite the party." Lana says. Clark looks at her and smiles.
"Let's get out of here." Clark says as they both walk through the front door away from Janie's.
The next day, at The Beanery, Clark and Lex are having a conversation over a cup of coffee. "So I didn't see you at the party last night." Clark says.
"No, something actually did come up at the last minute…but from what I hear it was a night to remember." Lex replies.
"Yeah…it was something." Clark says.
"So, did you tell Lana how you feel about her?" Lex asks. Clark looks out the window and sees Lana passing by with Whitney. She looks in and smiles and waves at him, he waves back.
"No, I didn't…but I like where we're at now, some nice place in between her knowing and not knowing. And that's good enough for me." Clark says.
The End
This Fanfiction Copyright 2001 Rich Wheeler
