INT: CLARK'S FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - NIGHT
Clark walks up the stairs to the barn's loft to find Lana sitting there waiting for him. He seems surprised and takes a seat next to her.
CLARK
What are you doing here.
LANA
I wanted to check you. To see if you were okay.
CLARK
I'm calm.
LANA
That's good to know. I was worried about you, Clark. I've never seen you so angry before.
CLARK
I know. I don't know what came over me. All of sudden I see Chloe's hurt and I just see flashes of red.
LANA
Is Chloe okay?
CLARK
She'll be just fine. That's the thing about Chloe. She takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.
Lana looks at Clark strangely.
CLARK
Those are her words. Not mine. But, it's true. Chloe's unbelievable sometimes.
LANA
She is?
CLARK
I remember when we were kids and we wanted to run away and join the circus.
Lana laughs and Clark smiles as he reminisces about the story.
CLARK
We packed a duffle bag of clothes and off we went. It took us about two hours to get lost in the woods. Nightfall came and she wasn't afraid.
Clark looks as if he can remember that night as if it were yesterday.
LANA
What happened?
CLARK
We kind of set up camp and we fell asleep. My dad found us the next morning. Turns out we weren't that far from home. Man, did we got in trouble.
LANA
Sounds like you and Chloe have a pretty long history together.
CLARK
We do. She's like my best friend.
Lana looks at Clark and pangs of emotion seem to come over her.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - NIGHT
The doorbell rings and Lex opens the door to find Chloe standing before him. He looks to see if Clark is with her.
LEX
Is something wrong? Is it Clark?
CHLOE
No. I just wanted to stop by. Is that okay?
LEX
Sure, come on in.
Lex let's Chloe in and they walk into his living room. Chloe takes a seat on the couch and Lex sits next to her.
LEX
Do you need something?
CHLOE
I just wanted to talk to someone.
LEX
Well, you can talk to me. Do you want to go to the police? Tell them what happened? I'll tell them what happened.
CHLOE
No, I can't.
Lex moves closer to Chloe. He has a look of concern and disbelief.
LEX
Chloe, you can't let this guy get away with what he did? I know abusive relationships happen in high school, but you can't cover for this guy because you care about him.
CHLOE
He's not my boyfriend.
LEX
Now I'm confused.
CHLOE
He killed a girl.
LEX
The girl they found in the woods? Now I'm really confused.
CHLOE
It's complicated.
Lex stands up, walks to his desk and picks up the phone. Chloe turns to look at him.
LEX
There's nothing complicated about this. You have to call the police. You have to tell them what you know.
CHLOE
I don't have any proof. I just overhead them talking about it. They could deny everything.
LEX
It's up to the police to find out the truth.
Chloe sits up and rushes over to Lex. She sets the phone back down.
CHLOE
No, I can find out the truth.
LEX
Chloe, this isn't an investigative story about the mystery meat they serve for school lunches.
CHLOE
I know. I know. But he hurt me. And I want to be the one to take him down.
LEX
I don't think that's a good idea. The police can handle this.
CHLOE
Tad and Brian will get off. They'll hire a team of lawyers and they'll get off.
LEX
How do you know that will happen?
CHLOE
Lex, you of all people know the power of money. They have it. They'll get off.
LEX
Well, then I'll go to the police.
Chloe reaches for Lex's hand.
CHLOE
Don't! Lex, please. Let me do this. Clark and I can get the story.
LEX
Are you telling me, you're putting your life in danger for a story?
CHLOE
I'm telling you that I need to do this for closure. To help me get past what he did. I refuse to be a victim.
LEX
Chloe...
CHLOE
Lex, please. I need to do this my way.
Lex slowly nods his head yes and looks into Chloe's determined eyes.
LEX
If you have any trouble at all, you tell me.
CHLOE
I will. And thank you.
Chloe suddenly gives Lex a hug and he's taken back by it, but he suprisingly feels himself putting his arms around her.
INT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
Clark, Chloe and Pete eat their lunches. Pete notices Clark and Chloe watching Tad and his crew at one of the other tables. Tad catches Chloe's stare and defiantly holds his arms out in a "come get me kind of way."
CHLOE
Oh, what a jerk.
CLARK
Are you okay?
CHLOE
I just can't stand the fact that he thinks he's so untouchable.
PETE
Is somebody going to tell me what's going on?
CLARK
Nothings going on Pete.
PETE
Give me a break. You two have been giving Tad death stares the entire time and you want me to believe nothings going on?
CHLOE
We just don't want to get you involved Pete.
PETE
Look, if you guys need my help, just tell me what's going on. We're supposed to be friends. I've helped you guys before. Don't shut me out.
Clark and Chloe look at one another.
PETE
Come on guys.
CHLOE
It's about Heather.
PETE
What about her?
CLARK
We have reason to believe Tad killed her.
PETE
What!? Why? How?
CHLOE
We don't know?
CLARK
But we're going to find out.
CHLOE
I think all we need to do is get someone within the group to talk.
CLARK
Well, they're all too scared.
CHLOE
But Brian could crack. I mean, I heard him in the hallway.
CLARK
No, if he had something to do with it, he's not going to talk.
Tad and the rest of his crew walk over to where Clark, Chloe and Pete are seated. Clark quickly gets up.
TAD
Take it easy there Kent. I just wanted to say hi. And I forgive you for trying to start a fight with me. Didn't your parents tell you fighting never resolves anything?
CLARK
Well, Tad at least I don't pick fights with girls.
Tad turns to Chloe.
TAD
Chloe, dear. You haven't been telling lies have you? Because in the end it's always going to be my word against yours.
Clark grabs Tad by the letterman's jacket.
CLARK
Don't think you can get away with it Tad. You're not as smart as you think you are.
Clark pushes him into his buddies and Tad tries to lunge back at Clark, but Julie steps in the way.
JULIE
Enough! That's it. We've got class.
Tad raises his hands in surrender and smirks.
TAD
You're not worth it anyway. Come on, let's get out of here.
They walk away and Clark sits back down.
CHLOE
Julie seems pretty upset. Fed up even. In fact, she didn't seem too happy at the coffee shop.
CLARK
She was running away from the group when I got there. And Heather was her little sister.
CHLOE
Maybe she just needs a little push to clear her conscious.
CLARK
Maybe.
EXT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
The school day has ended and everyone is going home. Tad walks up to Julie's locker as she puts her books away. Clark and Chloe watch from afar.
TAD
Okay, lets go.
JULIE
Just leave without me. I've got to meet with one of my teachers.
TAD
I don't think that's a good idea.
JULIE
Well, I don't care what you think.
TAD
Julie, don't be so difficult. You're just as guilty as me. You brought Heather into the group. Just remember that.
Tad kisses Julie on the forward and she looks as if she's about to puke. He grabs a history book out of her locker and holds it in front of her.
TAD
Don't forget, we've got a quiz tomorrow.
She grabs the book out of Tad's hand and he walks away. Julie seems flustered and throws the history book back into her locker and slams it shut. She walks down the hallway and Clark and Chloe stop her.
JULIE
God! What do you guys want?
CHLOE
We know the truth Julie. We know Tad and Brian killed Heather.
JULIE
I don't know what you're talking about.
CHLOE
Tad beat me up. He tried to rape me! To get me shut up.
Julie looks both shocked and terrified.
CLARK
He's out of control and you know it. You're not a bad person Julie. I know you must be feeling a lot of guilt for knowing what you know.
CHLOE
Just come forward. Tad's the guy that's going to jail.
JULIE
You don't know that! You don't know the whole story.
CHLOE
Well then tell us, so we can help you. Don't you think Heather deserves some justice. Don't you think her killer should pay for what he did?
Julie begins to break down, tears fall from her eyes and she can't wipe them away fast enough.
CLARK
You need to do the right thing. What if Tad kills someone else? Is your entire clique going to protect him? He's a killer. He needs to be stopped.
JULIE
That's just it. We all killed her.
Clark and Chloe are expressionless for a moment. They stare at one another in complete horror.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - NIGHT
Lionel Luther marches in on Lex practicing a game of pool. Lex ignores his father, sinks the six ball into the corner pocket. He takes aim at the seven, but his father picks up the cue ball before Lex can take a shot.
LEX
Do you mind? I was on a roll.
LIONEL
What do you think you're doing?
LEX
I'm trying to play some pool.
Lionel stands there obviously containing the hostility Lex can see on his father's face. Lex sets his cue stick on the pool table, crosses his arms.
LEX
Let me guess, I've disappointed yet again. And yet again, I don't know what I've done.
LIONEL
Why are you asking questions about Evan Sullivan? Why do you seem to find this man so intriguing?
LEX
I'm just doing a little research father. Why do you care so much?
LIONEL
I want you to stop. I don't see a reason to do any sort of research on that man.
LEX
And why is that? What are you trying to hide?
Lionel takes a few steps away from his son. Lex appears agitated by his father's avoidance.
LIONEL
Why are you being seen with Chloe Sullivan? She's teenager Lex. Alittle too young for you, don't you think?
LEX
She's Clark's friend. I was helping her out. But, you're still avoiding the question. What are you trying to hide?
LIONEL
Lex, you'll soon find that some things need to be hidden in order for your own survival.
LEX
What did you do father?
LIONEL
If you continue to pursue this. I will stop you.
Lionel tosses the cue ball at Lex, who catches it. He then turns his back on his son and walks away. Lex squeezes his hand around the cue ball in frustration, slams it on the pool table.
INT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Tad taunts a young freshmen girl then laughs as she runs away. He gets a hi-five from Brian and Brett. Melissa, Jensen, and Tabitha join in the laughter.
Tad sees two policemen and the principle walking towards them and his laughter quickly subsides. The entire group glances at one another in fear. The two policemen face Tad and Brian, who looks absolutely terrified.
POLICEMEN #1
Tad Murray and Brian Speaker, you're under arrest for the murder of Heather Howell.
They proceed to read them their rights and put them in handcuffs despite their protests. The rest of the group remains silent.
CUT TO:
Clark and Chloe witness the entire situation from across the hall. They see the principle motion to the rest of the group to follow him to his office. Clark watches Tad and Brian escorted out the school doors just as Julie walks through them.
She doesn't acknowledge Tad's screams of revenge on her and keeps her head down until they have passed. She finally raises her head, looks over to Clark and Chloe for a moment then walks in the opposite direction. Pete comes up to the two of them and waits for an explanation.
PETE
So, tell me was that whole clique some meteor worshiping cult?
CHLOE
Nope.
PETE
Tad and Brian weren't affected by something contaminated by the meteorite?
CLARK
Nope.
PETE
Well then what?
CLARK
They were using the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program to recruit new members into their clique. Something that's been going on for a pretty long time.
CHLOE
The senior girls would tell their freshmen counterparts if they wanted in, then they needed to sleep with one of the senior guys in the group.
PETE
What? You're kidding?
CLARK
Things got out hand this time and they all agreed to just look the other way, in order to protect themselves.
CHLOE
Sometimes you don't the influence of a meteorite to commit evil acts.
INT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe finishes typing up the story about Tad and his crew. Clark reads her finishing paragraph over her shoulder. She looks up at him to see what he thinks.
CLARK
Wow. That's really good. I think you've finally found that investigative piece you've always wanted.
CHLOE
With your help Clark. You should consider journalism in your future. I think you'd be great at it.
CLARK
Well, not as great as you.
CHLOE
Well, of course.
Clark sits across from her and just smiles.
CLARK
You know, it's so weird how I thought that the meteorite was behind this. It just seemed like it had to be associated some way.
CHLOE
Maybe it's just too hard to believe that people we go to school with would do such an unspeakable act without the influence of something.
CLARK
I wish we could've saved Heather though. If we would've been at the park sooner, then maybe we would've heard something. Maybe she'd be alive.
CHLOE
Clark. We can't feel guilty for not knowing. You can't save everyone. It's not your job.
CLARK
But what if I could?
CHLOE
Could what? Save people's lives?
Clark seems hesitant for a moment, thinking of what would happen if he told Chloe the truth about him. He opens his mouth to respond, but Lex walks into the Torch office. Chloe quickly stands up to greet him. She rushes over to him and Clark notices her enthusiasm.
LEX
Congratulations. I heard about what happened.
CHLOE
I told you I'd get him.
LEX
I know.
CLARK
I want to thank you Lex, for saving Chloe.
LEX
Well, Clark sometimes you can't be everywhere.
CHLOE
Lex, don't fuel his complex. He already thinks he should be everyone's superhero.
Clark smiles at the two of them as they have a good laugh at her comment. Lex puts his hand on Chloe's shoulder. She seems shocked by the physical gesture.
LEX
Chloe, I'd like you to work for me. Part time of course.
CHLOE
Are you serious?
LEX
I was thinking about writing a book and I was hoping you'd help me.
CHLOE
But you could get way better writers than me.
LEX
I don't want any other writer but you. I trust you.
Chloe playfully touches Lex's arm. Clark looks a bit jealous.
CHLOE
I'd love to. I'm done for the night. We could go get a cup of coffee and talk about it.
LEX
Well, if you and Clark aren't doing anything.
CHLOE
No. No. I'm free.
Chloe grabs Lex's elbow and begins to escort him out the door. Clark does a double-take, his brow furrows.
CLARK
What about the paper? I mean, are you going to have enough time to do all this?
CHLOE
I think I can find the time for the guy that saved my life.
Chloe stares in Lex's eyes and he smiles. The two of them walk out the door arm in arm and Clark follows them. Lex turns back.
LEX
Do you want to join us Clark?
Clark looks over to Chloe, who's eyes plead with him not to go.
CLARK
No, I've got homework.
LEX
Are you sure?
CLARK
Yea. Oh, yea. I've got a lot of homework to do.
CHLOE
Alright. See you later Clark.
Clark stands in the darkened hallway, watches with uncertainty at Lex and Chloe walking away arm in arm.
FADE OUT....
Clark walks up the stairs to the barn's loft to find Lana sitting there waiting for him. He seems surprised and takes a seat next to her.
CLARK
What are you doing here.
LANA
I wanted to check you. To see if you were okay.
CLARK
I'm calm.
LANA
That's good to know. I was worried about you, Clark. I've never seen you so angry before.
CLARK
I know. I don't know what came over me. All of sudden I see Chloe's hurt and I just see flashes of red.
LANA
Is Chloe okay?
CLARK
She'll be just fine. That's the thing about Chloe. She takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.
Lana looks at Clark strangely.
CLARK
Those are her words. Not mine. But, it's true. Chloe's unbelievable sometimes.
LANA
She is?
CLARK
I remember when we were kids and we wanted to run away and join the circus.
Lana laughs and Clark smiles as he reminisces about the story.
CLARK
We packed a duffle bag of clothes and off we went. It took us about two hours to get lost in the woods. Nightfall came and she wasn't afraid.
Clark looks as if he can remember that night as if it were yesterday.
LANA
What happened?
CLARK
We kind of set up camp and we fell asleep. My dad found us the next morning. Turns out we weren't that far from home. Man, did we got in trouble.
LANA
Sounds like you and Chloe have a pretty long history together.
CLARK
We do. She's like my best friend.
Lana looks at Clark and pangs of emotion seem to come over her.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - NIGHT
The doorbell rings and Lex opens the door to find Chloe standing before him. He looks to see if Clark is with her.
LEX
Is something wrong? Is it Clark?
CHLOE
No. I just wanted to stop by. Is that okay?
LEX
Sure, come on in.
Lex let's Chloe in and they walk into his living room. Chloe takes a seat on the couch and Lex sits next to her.
LEX
Do you need something?
CHLOE
I just wanted to talk to someone.
LEX
Well, you can talk to me. Do you want to go to the police? Tell them what happened? I'll tell them what happened.
CHLOE
No, I can't.
Lex moves closer to Chloe. He has a look of concern and disbelief.
LEX
Chloe, you can't let this guy get away with what he did? I know abusive relationships happen in high school, but you can't cover for this guy because you care about him.
CHLOE
He's not my boyfriend.
LEX
Now I'm confused.
CHLOE
He killed a girl.
LEX
The girl they found in the woods? Now I'm really confused.
CHLOE
It's complicated.
Lex stands up, walks to his desk and picks up the phone. Chloe turns to look at him.
LEX
There's nothing complicated about this. You have to call the police. You have to tell them what you know.
CHLOE
I don't have any proof. I just overhead them talking about it. They could deny everything.
LEX
It's up to the police to find out the truth.
Chloe sits up and rushes over to Lex. She sets the phone back down.
CHLOE
No, I can find out the truth.
LEX
Chloe, this isn't an investigative story about the mystery meat they serve for school lunches.
CHLOE
I know. I know. But he hurt me. And I want to be the one to take him down.
LEX
I don't think that's a good idea. The police can handle this.
CHLOE
Tad and Brian will get off. They'll hire a team of lawyers and they'll get off.
LEX
How do you know that will happen?
CHLOE
Lex, you of all people know the power of money. They have it. They'll get off.
LEX
Well, then I'll go to the police.
Chloe reaches for Lex's hand.
CHLOE
Don't! Lex, please. Let me do this. Clark and I can get the story.
LEX
Are you telling me, you're putting your life in danger for a story?
CHLOE
I'm telling you that I need to do this for closure. To help me get past what he did. I refuse to be a victim.
LEX
Chloe...
CHLOE
Lex, please. I need to do this my way.
Lex slowly nods his head yes and looks into Chloe's determined eyes.
LEX
If you have any trouble at all, you tell me.
CHLOE
I will. And thank you.
Chloe suddenly gives Lex a hug and he's taken back by it, but he suprisingly feels himself putting his arms around her.
INT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
Clark, Chloe and Pete eat their lunches. Pete notices Clark and Chloe watching Tad and his crew at one of the other tables. Tad catches Chloe's stare and defiantly holds his arms out in a "come get me kind of way."
CHLOE
Oh, what a jerk.
CLARK
Are you okay?
CHLOE
I just can't stand the fact that he thinks he's so untouchable.
PETE
Is somebody going to tell me what's going on?
CLARK
Nothings going on Pete.
PETE
Give me a break. You two have been giving Tad death stares the entire time and you want me to believe nothings going on?
CHLOE
We just don't want to get you involved Pete.
PETE
Look, if you guys need my help, just tell me what's going on. We're supposed to be friends. I've helped you guys before. Don't shut me out.
Clark and Chloe look at one another.
PETE
Come on guys.
CHLOE
It's about Heather.
PETE
What about her?
CLARK
We have reason to believe Tad killed her.
PETE
What!? Why? How?
CHLOE
We don't know?
CLARK
But we're going to find out.
CHLOE
I think all we need to do is get someone within the group to talk.
CLARK
Well, they're all too scared.
CHLOE
But Brian could crack. I mean, I heard him in the hallway.
CLARK
No, if he had something to do with it, he's not going to talk.
Tad and the rest of his crew walk over to where Clark, Chloe and Pete are seated. Clark quickly gets up.
TAD
Take it easy there Kent. I just wanted to say hi. And I forgive you for trying to start a fight with me. Didn't your parents tell you fighting never resolves anything?
CLARK
Well, Tad at least I don't pick fights with girls.
Tad turns to Chloe.
TAD
Chloe, dear. You haven't been telling lies have you? Because in the end it's always going to be my word against yours.
Clark grabs Tad by the letterman's jacket.
CLARK
Don't think you can get away with it Tad. You're not as smart as you think you are.
Clark pushes him into his buddies and Tad tries to lunge back at Clark, but Julie steps in the way.
JULIE
Enough! That's it. We've got class.
Tad raises his hands in surrender and smirks.
TAD
You're not worth it anyway. Come on, let's get out of here.
They walk away and Clark sits back down.
CHLOE
Julie seems pretty upset. Fed up even. In fact, she didn't seem too happy at the coffee shop.
CLARK
She was running away from the group when I got there. And Heather was her little sister.
CHLOE
Maybe she just needs a little push to clear her conscious.
CLARK
Maybe.
EXT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
The school day has ended and everyone is going home. Tad walks up to Julie's locker as she puts her books away. Clark and Chloe watch from afar.
TAD
Okay, lets go.
JULIE
Just leave without me. I've got to meet with one of my teachers.
TAD
I don't think that's a good idea.
JULIE
Well, I don't care what you think.
TAD
Julie, don't be so difficult. You're just as guilty as me. You brought Heather into the group. Just remember that.
Tad kisses Julie on the forward and she looks as if she's about to puke. He grabs a history book out of her locker and holds it in front of her.
TAD
Don't forget, we've got a quiz tomorrow.
She grabs the book out of Tad's hand and he walks away. Julie seems flustered and throws the history book back into her locker and slams it shut. She walks down the hallway and Clark and Chloe stop her.
JULIE
God! What do you guys want?
CHLOE
We know the truth Julie. We know Tad and Brian killed Heather.
JULIE
I don't know what you're talking about.
CHLOE
Tad beat me up. He tried to rape me! To get me shut up.
Julie looks both shocked and terrified.
CLARK
He's out of control and you know it. You're not a bad person Julie. I know you must be feeling a lot of guilt for knowing what you know.
CHLOE
Just come forward. Tad's the guy that's going to jail.
JULIE
You don't know that! You don't know the whole story.
CHLOE
Well then tell us, so we can help you. Don't you think Heather deserves some justice. Don't you think her killer should pay for what he did?
Julie begins to break down, tears fall from her eyes and she can't wipe them away fast enough.
CLARK
You need to do the right thing. What if Tad kills someone else? Is your entire clique going to protect him? He's a killer. He needs to be stopped.
JULIE
That's just it. We all killed her.
Clark and Chloe are expressionless for a moment. They stare at one another in complete horror.
INT: LEX LUTHER'S MANSION - NIGHT
Lionel Luther marches in on Lex practicing a game of pool. Lex ignores his father, sinks the six ball into the corner pocket. He takes aim at the seven, but his father picks up the cue ball before Lex can take a shot.
LEX
Do you mind? I was on a roll.
LIONEL
What do you think you're doing?
LEX
I'm trying to play some pool.
Lionel stands there obviously containing the hostility Lex can see on his father's face. Lex sets his cue stick on the pool table, crosses his arms.
LEX
Let me guess, I've disappointed yet again. And yet again, I don't know what I've done.
LIONEL
Why are you asking questions about Evan Sullivan? Why do you seem to find this man so intriguing?
LEX
I'm just doing a little research father. Why do you care so much?
LIONEL
I want you to stop. I don't see a reason to do any sort of research on that man.
LEX
And why is that? What are you trying to hide?
Lionel takes a few steps away from his son. Lex appears agitated by his father's avoidance.
LIONEL
Why are you being seen with Chloe Sullivan? She's teenager Lex. Alittle too young for you, don't you think?
LEX
She's Clark's friend. I was helping her out. But, you're still avoiding the question. What are you trying to hide?
LIONEL
Lex, you'll soon find that some things need to be hidden in order for your own survival.
LEX
What did you do father?
LIONEL
If you continue to pursue this. I will stop you.
Lionel tosses the cue ball at Lex, who catches it. He then turns his back on his son and walks away. Lex squeezes his hand around the cue ball in frustration, slams it on the pool table.
INT: SMALLVILLE HIGHSCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Tad taunts a young freshmen girl then laughs as she runs away. He gets a hi-five from Brian and Brett. Melissa, Jensen, and Tabitha join in the laughter.
Tad sees two policemen and the principle walking towards them and his laughter quickly subsides. The entire group glances at one another in fear. The two policemen face Tad and Brian, who looks absolutely terrified.
POLICEMEN #1
Tad Murray and Brian Speaker, you're under arrest for the murder of Heather Howell.
They proceed to read them their rights and put them in handcuffs despite their protests. The rest of the group remains silent.
CUT TO:
Clark and Chloe witness the entire situation from across the hall. They see the principle motion to the rest of the group to follow him to his office. Clark watches Tad and Brian escorted out the school doors just as Julie walks through them.
She doesn't acknowledge Tad's screams of revenge on her and keeps her head down until they have passed. She finally raises her head, looks over to Clark and Chloe for a moment then walks in the opposite direction. Pete comes up to the two of them and waits for an explanation.
PETE
So, tell me was that whole clique some meteor worshiping cult?
CHLOE
Nope.
PETE
Tad and Brian weren't affected by something contaminated by the meteorite?
CLARK
Nope.
PETE
Well then what?
CLARK
They were using the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program to recruit new members into their clique. Something that's been going on for a pretty long time.
CHLOE
The senior girls would tell their freshmen counterparts if they wanted in, then they needed to sleep with one of the senior guys in the group.
PETE
What? You're kidding?
CLARK
Things got out hand this time and they all agreed to just look the other way, in order to protect themselves.
CHLOE
Sometimes you don't the influence of a meteorite to commit evil acts.
INT: THE TORCH NEWSROOM - NIGHT
Chloe finishes typing up the story about Tad and his crew. Clark reads her finishing paragraph over her shoulder. She looks up at him to see what he thinks.
CLARK
Wow. That's really good. I think you've finally found that investigative piece you've always wanted.
CHLOE
With your help Clark. You should consider journalism in your future. I think you'd be great at it.
CLARK
Well, not as great as you.
CHLOE
Well, of course.
Clark sits across from her and just smiles.
CLARK
You know, it's so weird how I thought that the meteorite was behind this. It just seemed like it had to be associated some way.
CHLOE
Maybe it's just too hard to believe that people we go to school with would do such an unspeakable act without the influence of something.
CLARK
I wish we could've saved Heather though. If we would've been at the park sooner, then maybe we would've heard something. Maybe she'd be alive.
CHLOE
Clark. We can't feel guilty for not knowing. You can't save everyone. It's not your job.
CLARK
But what if I could?
CHLOE
Could what? Save people's lives?
Clark seems hesitant for a moment, thinking of what would happen if he told Chloe the truth about him. He opens his mouth to respond, but Lex walks into the Torch office. Chloe quickly stands up to greet him. She rushes over to him and Clark notices her enthusiasm.
LEX
Congratulations. I heard about what happened.
CHLOE
I told you I'd get him.
LEX
I know.
CLARK
I want to thank you Lex, for saving Chloe.
LEX
Well, Clark sometimes you can't be everywhere.
CHLOE
Lex, don't fuel his complex. He already thinks he should be everyone's superhero.
Clark smiles at the two of them as they have a good laugh at her comment. Lex puts his hand on Chloe's shoulder. She seems shocked by the physical gesture.
LEX
Chloe, I'd like you to work for me. Part time of course.
CHLOE
Are you serious?
LEX
I was thinking about writing a book and I was hoping you'd help me.
CHLOE
But you could get way better writers than me.
LEX
I don't want any other writer but you. I trust you.
Chloe playfully touches Lex's arm. Clark looks a bit jealous.
CHLOE
I'd love to. I'm done for the night. We could go get a cup of coffee and talk about it.
LEX
Well, if you and Clark aren't doing anything.
CHLOE
No. No. I'm free.
Chloe grabs Lex's elbow and begins to escort him out the door. Clark does a double-take, his brow furrows.
CLARK
What about the paper? I mean, are you going to have enough time to do all this?
CHLOE
I think I can find the time for the guy that saved my life.
Chloe stares in Lex's eyes and he smiles. The two of them walk out the door arm in arm and Clark follows them. Lex turns back.
LEX
Do you want to join us Clark?
Clark looks over to Chloe, who's eyes plead with him not to go.
CLARK
No, I've got homework.
LEX
Are you sure?
CLARK
Yea. Oh, yea. I've got a lot of homework to do.
CHLOE
Alright. See you later Clark.
Clark stands in the darkened hallway, watches with uncertainty at Lex and Chloe walking away arm in arm.
FADE OUT....