INT: CLARK'S FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - DAY
Clark looks through his telescope at Lana reading a book on her porch. Chloe quietly walks in and stands there for a moment. She wonders if Clark will ever see her as more than a friend. She pretends to cough and Clark quickly turns around.
CLARK
Chloe! What's going on?
CHLOE
(jokingly)
You know Clark there are stalker laws.
CLARK
Very funny.
CHLOE
Why don't you just go over there and have a conversation with Lana Lang? Geez, she's not Britney Spears. Although, I guess in your mind she might as well be.
CLARK
Did you come all the way over here just to give me a hard time?
CHLOE
No Clark, as much as I love busting your balls on the unrequited love front, I actually have some disturbing news. You better sit down for this.
Clark looks worried for a moment and sits down on a bail of hay. Chloe stands in front of Clark and looks intense. Clark seems even more taken aback and stands up to put his hands on Chloe's shoulders.
CHLOE
(pushes Clark back)
No. Sit. I just need to take a moment.
Clark raises an eyebrow and slowly sits back down.
CHLOE
(takes a moment)
Okay, that girl we found in the woods. Her name was Heather Howell. She was a freshman at our school.
CLARK
Yea, we talked about it in my first period class. Did you know her?
CHLOE
No, but I overheard Tad Murray and Brian Speaker talking in the hallway.
(pauses)
Clark, they had something to do with her death.
The look on Clark's face changes and the thoughts in his mind begin to race. He thinks about the fact that Tad and Brian might have been exposed to parts of the meteorites. What kind of freakish powers they might possess and how he'll stop them.
CHLOE
Clark?
(snaps her fingers)
Clark!
CLARK
I was just thinking, do you think that they might have been exposed to the meteor?
CHLOE
I don't know. But I'm going to find out.
CLARK
Not without me.
INT: COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT
Clark and Chloe sit at a table and discreetly watch an elite senior clique that Tad and Brian belong to and all of them are sitting across the room. MELISSA IRVING, JENSEN WRIGHT, BRETT NOBLE, JULIE KELLY, TABITHA DONAH.
CLARK
Looks like they're in a heated debate.
CHLOE
(sarcastically)
They're like the popular Stepford jocks and cheerleaders.
CUT TO:
The senior clique sits closely together in hushed conversations. Tad's voice begins to rise before Melissa hits him in the shoulder to keep him in check.
TAD
Look, it's too bad that it had to happen. But I'm not risking my future because nimrod can't keep it together.
BRIAN
Shut up Tad. I'm handling it.
TAD
Was that you handling it in the hallway? I'm telling you to keep yourself under control or ...
BRIAN
Or what? Is that some sort of threat?
Brian begins to get up but Brett holds him back.
BRETT
Alright, alright. Damn, can we just figure out what we're going to do?
MELISSA
We keep quiet. We're almost out of this stupid town anyway. We'll all go to college and just forget this ever happened.
CUT TO:
Chloe takes a sip of her coffee and her eyes wonder back to the clique. Clark gets another refill from the waitress.
CHLOE
I wish I could hear what they're saying.
Clark looks over at Julie who seems upset. Clark's eyes narrow and he seems to be in a zone. He suddenly finds himself hearing what is being said.
CUT TO:
Tears come from Julie's eyes and she shifts uncomfortably in her seat.
JULIE
(remorseful)
But what about the guilt? I mean don't you guys even feel guilty for killing Heather? She was my little sister.
Tad quickly grabs Julie's arm and she jumps at the sudden attack.
TAD
Shut up. You knew what this clique was all about when you were let in.
CUT TO:
Clark's eyes widen in surprise and he shakes his head. Chloe gives Clark a strange look. She puts her hand on his arm in concern.
CHLOE
What's wrong?
CLARK
Heather was Julie's little sister?
CHLOE
What? No, I mean not exactly. They were part of that Big Brothers/Big Sisters program this semester. Where'd that question come from?
CLARK
Julie just said it.
CHLOE
You heard her say it?
Clark realizing what he's just said quickly covers his mistake.
CLARK
No, I read her lips.
CHLOE
Since when do you read lips?
CLARK
She said it really slow, like she was upset. I mean it wasn't that hard to make out her saying, "Heather was my little sister," you know. It isn't the longest sentence in the world.
CHLOE
Okay, someone's had way too much coffee.
CLARK
You were right about something going on, but I think that whole group is involved.
CHLOE
Do you really think so?
CLARK
They're acting too weird not to be hiding something.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - DAY
Stacks of papers and folders are piled up on his desk. Lex Luther is jogging on his treadmill breaking a sweat. He checks his pulse and increases the settings. The treadmill speeds up and Lex in now at a brisk run. His eyes seem to be distant as his mind concentrates on nothing but the run. He increases the settings again and this time he's at a full sprint. The phone rings and Lex is forced to stop.
He attempts to catch his breath, grabs a towel and wipes the sweat off his head and face. He reaches for a bottle of water and opens it. He pushes the speakerphone button.
LEX
Father.
LIONEL
How did you know it was going to be me?
LEX
Because I did my job. There will be 30,000 people out of a job and Kansas City's local economy is sure to take a nosedive. What a great gift before the holidays.
Lex takes a long drink of water and paces around his desk.
LIONEL
Lex, you'll thank me one day for all the things I've made you do.
LEX
No father, I believe I will continue to hate you. But that's beside the point isn't it. Because in business there are no emotions. Just a bottom line.
LIONEL
Hate is such a strong word.
LEX
(throws the towel down)
But appropriate nonetheless.
LIONEL
I can tell you're angry son, but it'll work out in the end. Mark my words.
LEX
I've marked many of your words father. Little mental notes to remind me of who I never want to be.
LIONEL
You'll thank me one day. Goodbye son.
Lex hangs the phone up. He drinks the rest of his water and throws the bottle across the room and goes over to the treadmill. He turns it on and begins to jog, pushing the settings up so that he can quickly get back to his sprint.
EXT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe and Clark research the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. Chloe takes out a list of names.
CHLOE
These are all the freshmen girls and boys that participated this year.
CLARK
Did you do it last year?
CHLOE
Nah, because the only goal was to be paired up with popular kids. And you know me Clark; I'd never want to be part of the beautiful people.
CLARK
Yea, being a lowly freak like the rest of us is way more appealing.
CHLOE
(smiles)
That's right and it's a hell of a lot more interesting.
(imitating)
Oh I sure hope Brett Noble asks me to the homecoming dance.
Clark smiles as Chloe hams it up by walking over to him and batting her eyes.
CHLOE
(continues to imitate)
Oh Brett, you're such a hottie. It'd make my whole year just to stand next to you.
Clark plays along and takes her in his arms, looking into her eyes.
CLARK
Why Chloe, your eyes are blue like the..like the...
CHLOE
Ocean?
CLARK
Yes, that's it. I've dreamt of a girl like you all week.
CHLOE
Why Brett, what an attention span you have.
CLARK
(flexing)
Yes, and have you seen my muscles?
CHLOE
Oh, Brett!
CLARK
Oh, Chloe!
Clark dips Chloe over and she has to hold onto his arms to keep her balance. They both laugh and Chloe stares into Clarks eyes and smiles. He smiles back at her and the mood seems to slightly change.
Suddenly Chloe feels a twinge of emotion towards Clark as she lies there in his arms. She quickly gathers herself to her feet and Clark seems a bit confused.
CHLOE
We better get back to work.
Chloe hands Clark a list of senior names.
CHLOE
Here are the names of all the seniors that participated.
Clark takes a look at the list then stops on page two.
CLARK
You know all the girls in that clique are on this list.
CHLOE
(looks at the list)
Why doesn't that surprise me? I'll interview the two freshmen girls that were paired up with Melissa and Tabitha.
CLARK
Be careful Chloe.
CHLOE
Why Clark your concern touches my heart.
CLARK
Can you be serious? I don't want anything to happen to you.
CHLOE
You don't?
CLARK
Chloe, you're my best friend.
CHLOE
(hiding her disappointment)
Right. No worries, I'll be careful.
EXT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
All the students are leaving to go home and Chloe hangs around the hallway until she sees KAMMI LANDON and DAWN CHANDLER walking towards her. Chloe makes a beeline for the two of them and follows them outside.
CHLOE
Kammi! Dawn!
The two girls stop and turn around to face Chloe. They give quick glances at one another and seem nervous.
CHLOE
Hey, I'm writing a tribute to Heather for the school paper and I was wondering if I could interview you two.
KAMMI
We really don't want to talk about it.
CHLOE
Look, I understand that it's a hard subject for you. But it's for Heather. I know you guys were hanging out together this semester because didn't you guys have Melissa Irving, Julie Kelly and Tabitha Donah as Big Sisters.
DAWN
Heather was such a great person, if Brian wasn't such a jerk...
Kammi hits Dawn to get her to shut up, but Chloe can see that Dawn's visibly shaken by more than the hit.
CHLOE
If there's something you want to tell me, I can help you.
KAMMI
You can't help us. You aren't anyone.
CHLOE
(defensively)
Excuse me?
DAWN
We're just still upset. Heather was a good friend that's all. We're going miss her.
CHLOE
Look, I may not be one of the popular people, but it doesn't mean I can't help you.
Tad walks out of the school and sees Kammi and Dawn talking to Chloe and gets visibly agitated. Kammi can see Tad motioning to her and she quickly wraps up the conversation.
KAMMI
You know if I were you, I'd just write the story and leave it alone.
Kammi grabs Dawn's arm and leads her over to Tad, who's been joined by the rest of the clique. Chloe looks over at all of them and Tad stares straight at her. Pete comes up from behind Chloe and taps her on the shoulder and she jumps up in surprise.
PETE
Geez, what the heck is wrong with you.
CHLOE
Can you just stop sneaking up from behind me? You're going to give gray hairs.
PETE
Am I going to be told what you and Clark have been up to?
CHLOE
Pete, you're going to have to sit down.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - NIGHT
A private investigator stands before Lex and hands him an envelope. Lex takes it and quickly scans the contents.
PRIVATE EYE
It was good doing business with you Mr. Luthor. I'm sure you'll find some of the files rather interesting.
LEX
Your flight is scheduled to leave in two hours. I don't ever want to see you again.
Lex hands the private investigator an envelope of money and the guy nods his head yes, fingering the money that's in his hands.
PRIVATE EYE
Absolutely. It was nice never to have met you.
The man walks out the door and Lex walks over to his desk and takes the papers out of the envelope. He sits down and begins to look through them.
He happens upon a several pieces of paper with the name EVAN SULLIVAN. Lex reads the attached articles that the man had written about Lionel Luthor.
LEX
EVAN SULLIVAN looks as though you weren't my father's biggest fan.
Lex leans back in his seat and a slow smile comes across his face.
INT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe works on writing another feature article for the paper. She opens the newspaper layout software and cut and pastes the story in place. The phone rings and Chloe answers it.
CHLOE
Hello?
(silence)
Hello?
CLICK and she hears a dial-tone. Chloe dismisses the call and goes back to work. She rearranges the picture of the school choir singing in a holiday competition. The phone rings again. Chloe just stares for a second, then picks it up.
CHLOE
Hello?
(silence)
Hello!
CLICK and yet another dial-tone can be heard. She puts the phone back on its receiver and rolls her eyes. She looks at her watch and sees that it's 8:00 and starts to save the page she's just created. The phone rings again. She quickly snaps the phone up.
CHLOE
(yelling)
Okay, whoever this is, it's getting old.
CUT TO:
INT: KENT HOUSE - NIGHT
Clark is on the phone in his kitchen and jerks the phone away from his ear.
CLARK
Chloe?
CHLOE
Clark?
CLARK
Yea, who'd you think it was?
CUT TO:
Chloe looks at the computer monitor and closes the computer application.
CHLOE
I don't know, someone's been calling and hanging up and it's just getting on my nerves.
CUT TO:
A look of concern comes across Clark's face.
CLARK
Chloe, maybe you should go home.
CHLOE (V.O.)
I'm about to. I just had to do some work on the paper.
CLARK
You should have told. I would have kept you company. I still head over there.
CUT TO:
Chloe smiles as she hears the concern in Clark's voice. She turns the computer off.
CHLOE
No, you don't have. I'm almost done and then I'm outta here.
CLARK (V.O.)
Things don't seem right. It won't take me long to get there.
CHLOE
Clark, really. I'm heading out the door. Everything's cool.
CUT TO:
Martha walks into the kitchen and sees the worried look on Clark's face. She goes over to him.
CLARK
Okay, but use the pepper spray.
CHLOE (V.O.)
(laughs)
Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye.
CLARK
Bye.
Clark slowly hangs up the phone.
MARTHA
Clark? Is something wrong?
CLARK
No, not really. Chloe's working late at the paper and she's all alone.
MARTHA
She does that all the time Clark.
CLARK
I know, but we're working on this story and well, there are some dangerous elements to it.
MARTHA
What do you mean?
CLARK
You remember that girl they found dead in the woods earlier this week?
MARTHA
Yea, the Howell's little girl. Do you know something about it Clark?
CLARK
Well we don't have any proof, but some kids at school might know what really happened.
MARTHA
Well, Clark you have to tell the police.
CLARK
Mom, the meteorite might have something to do with it. And if that's the case, I want to handle myself.
MARTHA
You know just because you think the meteorite might have something to do with it, doesn't mean you need to put your life in jeopardy. You're still my son and I don't want to see you hurt.
CLARK
I know, but I have to believe that I need to help the people that keep being affected by the day I came to this planet.
INT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe puts a few things away. She picks up some folders and files them in a cabinet. There's a knock on the door and Chloe smiles thinking Clark has come anyway.
CHLOE
(opens the door)
Clark, I told you, you didn't have to come.
Tad stands in the doorway and Chloe quickly tries to shut the door, but he shoves his way in.
TAD
Chloe, Chloe. Didn't your parents ever tell you not to slam doors in people's faces?
Chloe attempts to run away from him, but he grabs hold of her arm and twists her back around.
TAD
Are you afraid of me? You shouldn't be afraid of me.
CHLOE
Let go of me you jerk.
Chloe tries to pull her arm away from his grasp but he increases his grip. She winces in pain.
TAD
I saw you talking to Kammi and Dawn. And I had to ask myself why? Why do you need to be such a nosey bitch?
CHLOE
I'm doing a tribute article on Heather. That's it. Now let go of me.
TAD
Why don't I believe you?
Tad pushes Chloe up against the wall and starts to shake her. His eyes become narrow slits and his voice becomes guttural.
TAD
I suggest whatever it is you know. You put out of your mind. Are you understanding me? Or should I make myself clearer.
Chloe kicks Tad in the balls and he goes down in pain. She runs out the door and down the hallway. Tad gets up and fights the pain to run after her.
She turns a corner and runs for the unlocked door. She looks back and sees Tad gaining on her. She opens the door and runs out into the parking lot. Chloe gets to her car and scrambles for her keys. She finally opens the door, but Tad comes up from behind her.
He turns her around so she faces him, slaps her with great force across the face and her head bounces off the car door. She falls to the ground. He lifts her back up and slams her against the car.
TAD
See, we're gonna have to do this the hard way. I'm gonna have to teach you a lesson.
Chloe can barely stand from the blow she's just sustained. Tad opens her backdoor and pushes her inside.
CHLOE
No!
TAD
Don't worry this won't hurt too much.
Suddenly Tad is grabbed from behind and pulled back from the car. Chloe can only make out a silhouette of someone and everything goes black.
Clark looks through his telescope at Lana reading a book on her porch. Chloe quietly walks in and stands there for a moment. She wonders if Clark will ever see her as more than a friend. She pretends to cough and Clark quickly turns around.
CLARK
Chloe! What's going on?
CHLOE
(jokingly)
You know Clark there are stalker laws.
CLARK
Very funny.
CHLOE
Why don't you just go over there and have a conversation with Lana Lang? Geez, she's not Britney Spears. Although, I guess in your mind she might as well be.
CLARK
Did you come all the way over here just to give me a hard time?
CHLOE
No Clark, as much as I love busting your balls on the unrequited love front, I actually have some disturbing news. You better sit down for this.
Clark looks worried for a moment and sits down on a bail of hay. Chloe stands in front of Clark and looks intense. Clark seems even more taken aback and stands up to put his hands on Chloe's shoulders.
CHLOE
(pushes Clark back)
No. Sit. I just need to take a moment.
Clark raises an eyebrow and slowly sits back down.
CHLOE
(takes a moment)
Okay, that girl we found in the woods. Her name was Heather Howell. She was a freshman at our school.
CLARK
Yea, we talked about it in my first period class. Did you know her?
CHLOE
No, but I overheard Tad Murray and Brian Speaker talking in the hallway.
(pauses)
Clark, they had something to do with her death.
The look on Clark's face changes and the thoughts in his mind begin to race. He thinks about the fact that Tad and Brian might have been exposed to parts of the meteorites. What kind of freakish powers they might possess and how he'll stop them.
CHLOE
Clark?
(snaps her fingers)
Clark!
CLARK
I was just thinking, do you think that they might have been exposed to the meteor?
CHLOE
I don't know. But I'm going to find out.
CLARK
Not without me.
INT: COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT
Clark and Chloe sit at a table and discreetly watch an elite senior clique that Tad and Brian belong to and all of them are sitting across the room. MELISSA IRVING, JENSEN WRIGHT, BRETT NOBLE, JULIE KELLY, TABITHA DONAH.
CLARK
Looks like they're in a heated debate.
CHLOE
(sarcastically)
They're like the popular Stepford jocks and cheerleaders.
CUT TO:
The senior clique sits closely together in hushed conversations. Tad's voice begins to rise before Melissa hits him in the shoulder to keep him in check.
TAD
Look, it's too bad that it had to happen. But I'm not risking my future because nimrod can't keep it together.
BRIAN
Shut up Tad. I'm handling it.
TAD
Was that you handling it in the hallway? I'm telling you to keep yourself under control or ...
BRIAN
Or what? Is that some sort of threat?
Brian begins to get up but Brett holds him back.
BRETT
Alright, alright. Damn, can we just figure out what we're going to do?
MELISSA
We keep quiet. We're almost out of this stupid town anyway. We'll all go to college and just forget this ever happened.
CUT TO:
Chloe takes a sip of her coffee and her eyes wonder back to the clique. Clark gets another refill from the waitress.
CHLOE
I wish I could hear what they're saying.
Clark looks over at Julie who seems upset. Clark's eyes narrow and he seems to be in a zone. He suddenly finds himself hearing what is being said.
CUT TO:
Tears come from Julie's eyes and she shifts uncomfortably in her seat.
JULIE
(remorseful)
But what about the guilt? I mean don't you guys even feel guilty for killing Heather? She was my little sister.
Tad quickly grabs Julie's arm and she jumps at the sudden attack.
TAD
Shut up. You knew what this clique was all about when you were let in.
CUT TO:
Clark's eyes widen in surprise and he shakes his head. Chloe gives Clark a strange look. She puts her hand on his arm in concern.
CHLOE
What's wrong?
CLARK
Heather was Julie's little sister?
CHLOE
What? No, I mean not exactly. They were part of that Big Brothers/Big Sisters program this semester. Where'd that question come from?
CLARK
Julie just said it.
CHLOE
You heard her say it?
Clark realizing what he's just said quickly covers his mistake.
CLARK
No, I read her lips.
CHLOE
Since when do you read lips?
CLARK
She said it really slow, like she was upset. I mean it wasn't that hard to make out her saying, "Heather was my little sister," you know. It isn't the longest sentence in the world.
CHLOE
Okay, someone's had way too much coffee.
CLARK
You were right about something going on, but I think that whole group is involved.
CHLOE
Do you really think so?
CLARK
They're acting too weird not to be hiding something.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - DAY
Stacks of papers and folders are piled up on his desk. Lex Luther is jogging on his treadmill breaking a sweat. He checks his pulse and increases the settings. The treadmill speeds up and Lex in now at a brisk run. His eyes seem to be distant as his mind concentrates on nothing but the run. He increases the settings again and this time he's at a full sprint. The phone rings and Lex is forced to stop.
He attempts to catch his breath, grabs a towel and wipes the sweat off his head and face. He reaches for a bottle of water and opens it. He pushes the speakerphone button.
LEX
Father.
LIONEL
How did you know it was going to be me?
LEX
Because I did my job. There will be 30,000 people out of a job and Kansas City's local economy is sure to take a nosedive. What a great gift before the holidays.
Lex takes a long drink of water and paces around his desk.
LIONEL
Lex, you'll thank me one day for all the things I've made you do.
LEX
No father, I believe I will continue to hate you. But that's beside the point isn't it. Because in business there are no emotions. Just a bottom line.
LIONEL
Hate is such a strong word.
LEX
(throws the towel down)
But appropriate nonetheless.
LIONEL
I can tell you're angry son, but it'll work out in the end. Mark my words.
LEX
I've marked many of your words father. Little mental notes to remind me of who I never want to be.
LIONEL
You'll thank me one day. Goodbye son.
Lex hangs the phone up. He drinks the rest of his water and throws the bottle across the room and goes over to the treadmill. He turns it on and begins to jog, pushing the settings up so that he can quickly get back to his sprint.
EXT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe and Clark research the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. Chloe takes out a list of names.
CHLOE
These are all the freshmen girls and boys that participated this year.
CLARK
Did you do it last year?
CHLOE
Nah, because the only goal was to be paired up with popular kids. And you know me Clark; I'd never want to be part of the beautiful people.
CLARK
Yea, being a lowly freak like the rest of us is way more appealing.
CHLOE
(smiles)
That's right and it's a hell of a lot more interesting.
(imitating)
Oh I sure hope Brett Noble asks me to the homecoming dance.
Clark smiles as Chloe hams it up by walking over to him and batting her eyes.
CHLOE
(continues to imitate)
Oh Brett, you're such a hottie. It'd make my whole year just to stand next to you.
Clark plays along and takes her in his arms, looking into her eyes.
CLARK
Why Chloe, your eyes are blue like the..like the...
CHLOE
Ocean?
CLARK
Yes, that's it. I've dreamt of a girl like you all week.
CHLOE
Why Brett, what an attention span you have.
CLARK
(flexing)
Yes, and have you seen my muscles?
CHLOE
Oh, Brett!
CLARK
Oh, Chloe!
Clark dips Chloe over and she has to hold onto his arms to keep her balance. They both laugh and Chloe stares into Clarks eyes and smiles. He smiles back at her and the mood seems to slightly change.
Suddenly Chloe feels a twinge of emotion towards Clark as she lies there in his arms. She quickly gathers herself to her feet and Clark seems a bit confused.
CHLOE
We better get back to work.
Chloe hands Clark a list of senior names.
CHLOE
Here are the names of all the seniors that participated.
Clark takes a look at the list then stops on page two.
CLARK
You know all the girls in that clique are on this list.
CHLOE
(looks at the list)
Why doesn't that surprise me? I'll interview the two freshmen girls that were paired up with Melissa and Tabitha.
CLARK
Be careful Chloe.
CHLOE
Why Clark your concern touches my heart.
CLARK
Can you be serious? I don't want anything to happen to you.
CHLOE
You don't?
CLARK
Chloe, you're my best friend.
CHLOE
(hiding her disappointment)
Right. No worries, I'll be careful.
EXT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
All the students are leaving to go home and Chloe hangs around the hallway until she sees KAMMI LANDON and DAWN CHANDLER walking towards her. Chloe makes a beeline for the two of them and follows them outside.
CHLOE
Kammi! Dawn!
The two girls stop and turn around to face Chloe. They give quick glances at one another and seem nervous.
CHLOE
Hey, I'm writing a tribute to Heather for the school paper and I was wondering if I could interview you two.
KAMMI
We really don't want to talk about it.
CHLOE
Look, I understand that it's a hard subject for you. But it's for Heather. I know you guys were hanging out together this semester because didn't you guys have Melissa Irving, Julie Kelly and Tabitha Donah as Big Sisters.
DAWN
Heather was such a great person, if Brian wasn't such a jerk...
Kammi hits Dawn to get her to shut up, but Chloe can see that Dawn's visibly shaken by more than the hit.
CHLOE
If there's something you want to tell me, I can help you.
KAMMI
You can't help us. You aren't anyone.
CHLOE
(defensively)
Excuse me?
DAWN
We're just still upset. Heather was a good friend that's all. We're going miss her.
CHLOE
Look, I may not be one of the popular people, but it doesn't mean I can't help you.
Tad walks out of the school and sees Kammi and Dawn talking to Chloe and gets visibly agitated. Kammi can see Tad motioning to her and she quickly wraps up the conversation.
KAMMI
You know if I were you, I'd just write the story and leave it alone.
Kammi grabs Dawn's arm and leads her over to Tad, who's been joined by the rest of the clique. Chloe looks over at all of them and Tad stares straight at her. Pete comes up from behind Chloe and taps her on the shoulder and she jumps up in surprise.
PETE
Geez, what the heck is wrong with you.
CHLOE
Can you just stop sneaking up from behind me? You're going to give gray hairs.
PETE
Am I going to be told what you and Clark have been up to?
CHLOE
Pete, you're going to have to sit down.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - NIGHT
A private investigator stands before Lex and hands him an envelope. Lex takes it and quickly scans the contents.
PRIVATE EYE
It was good doing business with you Mr. Luthor. I'm sure you'll find some of the files rather interesting.
LEX
Your flight is scheduled to leave in two hours. I don't ever want to see you again.
Lex hands the private investigator an envelope of money and the guy nods his head yes, fingering the money that's in his hands.
PRIVATE EYE
Absolutely. It was nice never to have met you.
The man walks out the door and Lex walks over to his desk and takes the papers out of the envelope. He sits down and begins to look through them.
He happens upon a several pieces of paper with the name EVAN SULLIVAN. Lex reads the attached articles that the man had written about Lionel Luthor.
LEX
EVAN SULLIVAN looks as though you weren't my father's biggest fan.
Lex leans back in his seat and a slow smile comes across his face.
INT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe works on writing another feature article for the paper. She opens the newspaper layout software and cut and pastes the story in place. The phone rings and Chloe answers it.
CHLOE
Hello?
(silence)
Hello?
CLICK and she hears a dial-tone. Chloe dismisses the call and goes back to work. She rearranges the picture of the school choir singing in a holiday competition. The phone rings again. Chloe just stares for a second, then picks it up.
CHLOE
Hello?
(silence)
Hello!
CLICK and yet another dial-tone can be heard. She puts the phone back on its receiver and rolls her eyes. She looks at her watch and sees that it's 8:00 and starts to save the page she's just created. The phone rings again. She quickly snaps the phone up.
CHLOE
(yelling)
Okay, whoever this is, it's getting old.
CUT TO:
INT: KENT HOUSE - NIGHT
Clark is on the phone in his kitchen and jerks the phone away from his ear.
CLARK
Chloe?
CHLOE
Clark?
CLARK
Yea, who'd you think it was?
CUT TO:
Chloe looks at the computer monitor and closes the computer application.
CHLOE
I don't know, someone's been calling and hanging up and it's just getting on my nerves.
CUT TO:
A look of concern comes across Clark's face.
CLARK
Chloe, maybe you should go home.
CHLOE (V.O.)
I'm about to. I just had to do some work on the paper.
CLARK
You should have told. I would have kept you company. I still head over there.
CUT TO:
Chloe smiles as she hears the concern in Clark's voice. She turns the computer off.
CHLOE
No, you don't have. I'm almost done and then I'm outta here.
CLARK (V.O.)
Things don't seem right. It won't take me long to get there.
CHLOE
Clark, really. I'm heading out the door. Everything's cool.
CUT TO:
Martha walks into the kitchen and sees the worried look on Clark's face. She goes over to him.
CLARK
Okay, but use the pepper spray.
CHLOE (V.O.)
(laughs)
Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye.
CLARK
Bye.
Clark slowly hangs up the phone.
MARTHA
Clark? Is something wrong?
CLARK
No, not really. Chloe's working late at the paper and she's all alone.
MARTHA
She does that all the time Clark.
CLARK
I know, but we're working on this story and well, there are some dangerous elements to it.
MARTHA
What do you mean?
CLARK
You remember that girl they found dead in the woods earlier this week?
MARTHA
Yea, the Howell's little girl. Do you know something about it Clark?
CLARK
Well we don't have any proof, but some kids at school might know what really happened.
MARTHA
Well, Clark you have to tell the police.
CLARK
Mom, the meteorite might have something to do with it. And if that's the case, I want to handle myself.
MARTHA
You know just because you think the meteorite might have something to do with it, doesn't mean you need to put your life in jeopardy. You're still my son and I don't want to see you hurt.
CLARK
I know, but I have to believe that I need to help the people that keep being affected by the day I came to this planet.
INT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe puts a few things away. She picks up some folders and files them in a cabinet. There's a knock on the door and Chloe smiles thinking Clark has come anyway.
CHLOE
(opens the door)
Clark, I told you, you didn't have to come.
Tad stands in the doorway and Chloe quickly tries to shut the door, but he shoves his way in.
TAD
Chloe, Chloe. Didn't your parents ever tell you not to slam doors in people's faces?
Chloe attempts to run away from him, but he grabs hold of her arm and twists her back around.
TAD
Are you afraid of me? You shouldn't be afraid of me.
CHLOE
Let go of me you jerk.
Chloe tries to pull her arm away from his grasp but he increases his grip. She winces in pain.
TAD
I saw you talking to Kammi and Dawn. And I had to ask myself why? Why do you need to be such a nosey bitch?
CHLOE
I'm doing a tribute article on Heather. That's it. Now let go of me.
TAD
Why don't I believe you?
Tad pushes Chloe up against the wall and starts to shake her. His eyes become narrow slits and his voice becomes guttural.
TAD
I suggest whatever it is you know. You put out of your mind. Are you understanding me? Or should I make myself clearer.
Chloe kicks Tad in the balls and he goes down in pain. She runs out the door and down the hallway. Tad gets up and fights the pain to run after her.
She turns a corner and runs for the unlocked door. She looks back and sees Tad gaining on her. She opens the door and runs out into the parking lot. Chloe gets to her car and scrambles for her keys. She finally opens the door, but Tad comes up from behind her.
He turns her around so she faces him, slaps her with great force across the face and her head bounces off the car door. She falls to the ground. He lifts her back up and slams her against the car.
TAD
See, we're gonna have to do this the hard way. I'm gonna have to teach you a lesson.
Chloe can barely stand from the blow she's just sustained. Tad opens her backdoor and pushes her inside.
CHLOE
No!
TAD
Don't worry this won't hurt too much.
Suddenly Tad is grabbed from behind and pulled back from the car. Chloe can only make out a silhouette of someone and everything goes black.