Later in the day Clark is in his house finishing up some of his cleaning chores when the phone rings.
Martha - Clark! Can you get that?
Clark – Sure thing mom.
Clark – Kent residence.
Chloe – Clark! It's Chloe.
Clark – Hey how's it going?
Chloe – Good. I have some strange news to tell you. Meet me and Pete at the beanery after dinner.
Clark – Sure, but aren't you going to let me know something. Trying to play the ignorant friend knowing full well what her news is.
Chloe – Great. Love to talk more but I got to go.
Clark - ok…I'll see you later.
A curious smile comes across Clark's face as he is privy to an intrigue. An intrigue that didn't really involve him or meteor fragments for a change.
Jonathan walks in from his deliveries to see the smirk on his son's face.
Jonathan - What are you smiling at son?
Ckark – Well Chloe just called inviting me to the beanery later so she can tell me that Lex has arranged a type of tutor to come to Smallville and help her out. However, she doesn't know that I know this, and I only know this because Lex told me.
Jonathan gives a look of concern, of disapproval, of distrust. The same look he always gives when the names of Lex, Lionel or Luthor are brought up.
Clark – Dad, Lex is a good guy. He's just being really nice. Besides what could possibly happen?
Even though Clark believed Lex was his friend, he too had his reservations about Lex and his motivations. It was like a fragment in his mind, he couldn't place what exactly it was about Lex so Clark mostly disregarded this feeling.
Later at the Beanery
Clark strolls in the beanery in his standard jeans and flannel shirt. He looks around the room, not just for his friends but as well for his angel. Before Clark gets a chance to finish look over the coffee house for her, he hears…
Chloe - Clark!
Clark turns around to see Chloe and Pete sitting in a booth. Clark flashes one of his trademark smiles. A smile that shows his happiness at seeing his friends but to also hid his disappointment because he hasn't see Lana today. Well not in person. Questions pop in his head as he makes his way over to his friends. "What is she doing now?, who with?, where?, will she show up here?, if so with who?, what will I say?…Clark give your head a shake." With that Clark sits down.
Chloe - What was that?
Clark puzzled by her comment stares back at her blankly.
Clark - Not as feel good as 'Hey Clark good to see you' but I'll forgive you.
Chloe - Nice sarcasm. But best leave that to us professionals. Seriously why did you shake your head like that?
Clark didn't even realize that he actually shook his head as he had figuratively thought. Using some quick thinking he came up with:
Clark - I saw this beautiful blond calling me over. I couldn't believe such a girl would be calling for me so I had to give my head a shake to make sure I wasn't dreaming..
Chloe's cheeks turned red as a lobster as she was blushing to the very flattering comment. She always wished Clark would say and feel that way when he looked at her. She knew he didn't see her more than a friend, but deep down she desperately wanted him to see her as she saw him.
Pete - Clark man! Who are you talking about, Chloe was the only one calling you.
The comment snaps Chloe out of her daze as she hits Pete in the stomach.
Chloe - Thanks a lot
Lex - Or maybe he was trying to shake a certain brunette off his mind.
All three friends turn to see Lex Luther swing around from the next table with coffee in one hand and a paper in the other.
Clark - Lex!? I didn't see you there. He replies trying to hide the fact that Lex was bang on.
Clark couldn't believe he didn't see his friend sitting at the next table. Especially with Lex's shiny bald head.
Pete - When is Clark not thinking of Lana?
Clark - I do not think of Lana that much.
Chloe - Oh come on Clark. You are 1 step short of Tina Grier status.
Lex - On that note, when are you going to act on your obsession?
Clark - Remind me why you are my friends?
All three of his harassers snicker at their obviousness success at poking fun.
Pete - So why are we here?
Chloe - Well Mr. Luthor here…
Lex - Lex! Call me Lex miss Sullivan.
Chloe - Only if you call me Chloe
Pete and Clark roll their eyes as they see Chloe attempting to flirt.
Clark - Chloe, Lex, Pete and Clark. Yes we all know each others names.
Everyone looked over at Clark in disbelief. He was never one to be impatient. This sudden out burst was very out of character of him.
Chloe - O…k…well Mr…I mean Lex.
Lex gives her a nod
Lex - Go ahead tell them.
Chloe - Lex presented me with a gift/opportunity. He has arranged for that gossip columnist from the inquisitor to come down to Smallville to spend some time with me to help with my journalism skills. And then in the summer I will go do some "practise" when I work for the inquisitor in Metropolis.
Pete looks all puzzled while Clark tries to act surprised.
Lex - I have some pull there.
Pete - So wait…who is this person?
Lex - The Kat.
Pete - The Kat?
Clark - You know the one that write about teen celebrities.
Pete - Who?
Chloe - Pete you read her article every week.
Pete still looks puzzled. Chloe takes a picture out of her back pack and slaps it down in front of him.
Pete - Oh yeah, she's hot.
Chloe - You're such a pig. So Clark you haven't said much there. What are you thinking?
Clark - It's great. It will be quite the experience. Something that will give you a heads up on the competition.
Chloe frowns at him. This doesn't sound like Clark.
Chloe - Well that sounds…very adult of you.
Clark - To tell you the truth I knew about this hours ago. Lex came by and asked if you'd be up to it?
Chloe wrinkles her face. She wanted to surprise her friends with this and perhaps get a hug from Clark.
Lex - What can I say I like to control things.
Clark - It doesn't matter how I found out. This is going to be wicked.
"Did Clark Kent just say wicked? Something is definitely odd about him today." Lex thought.
Pete - So when do we get to meet her? Rubbing his hands as he appears to be getting a present at Christmas.
Chloe - I don't think so Pete. But you bring up a good point when is she coming to town?
Lex - Well she is due…
Clark holds his ear
Flash to a young red haired woman standing across the street whispering herself.
Kat - Lex owes me for this. As she spots the Beanery
Clarks turns his head slightly as he hears her.
Clark - In about 20 seconds.
The Kat enters the local hangout wearing a very tight fitting dress which showed off her curvaceous 18 year old frame. Everyone turns to take a look at this fiery red head. She stops in her tracks as she sees everyone staring at her.
Kat - Damn small towns. She says with disdain.
Lex - Kat over here.
As she makes her way over…
Lex - Clark how did you know she was just about to come in through the door?
Clark was at a lost for a second as he tried to think of a good excuse.
Clark - Call it the power of observation.
Everyone look at him in disbelief.
Kat - Where have you brought me Lex? As she stands next to Lex
Lex - Hello to you too. Kat this is…
Kat - Clark Kent I presume. Lex told me you were cute, but he never said handsome.
Clark blushes.
Lex - And this is Chloe to one you are going to help and her friend Pete.
Kat - Right Chloe and Paul. As she turns her attention back to Clark.
Pete - It's Pete!
Kat - Whatever! Not even turning to face Pete, keeping her eyes locked on Clark like a "cat" hunting it's prey.
Lex pulls her back forcing her into a chair next to him.
Lex - Easy! I don't want you to play with him on your first night here. He whispers to her.
Lex - So Clark finish your explanation. Powers of observation was it?
Chloe - Yeah I'm interested in how you knew that.
Clark - uh…Well it is like putting pieces of a puzzle together. First of all when has Lex Luthor ever hung out at the Beanery on a Saturday night wearing a freshly pressed suit? At first I thought maybe you were going to take Victoria out, but she doesn't seem like she would like a small town atmosphere.
Lex - Very perceptive but that's hardly conclusive.
Clark - Add all the times you were looking at your watch, the paper you have in your hand is the inquisitor no doubt turned to one of her articles and the second place setting at your table.
Chloe - All circumstantial Clark.
Pete - Since when are you into hard facts?
Chloe - Since I had the run in with Principle Kwan.
Lex - Clark?
Clark - Oh and I saw her walk from across the street. Clark smiled.
Chloe and Pete joined him as it was quite amusing. Lex grinned only to hide his disbelief as he knew Clark was lying since he is sitting with his back to the entrance and could not see Kat coming without making a straining twist.
"Add one more thing to the mystery that is Clark Kent". Lex thinks to himself.
Kat - With that settled…Clark you seem quite slim and in shape from what I can see. What do you do to work out?
Clark - I…uh…just help my parents on their…uh…farm. Not quite your traditional type of…uh…workout but you can work up quite a sweat. He answers shyly.
Kat - Ooh, sounds like quite the hot workout. She coyly says with a slight sensual undertone
Chloe looks at her distastefully. Here was a beautiful girl trying to flirt with HER Clark. Here was another girl who can make Clark blush and nervous. The only other girl who can make Clark blush is…
Pete - Lana! Over here!
Another wave of nervousness comes over Clark as he adjusts himself to make sure he looks good for his Angel.
Clark - Lana! Hi! As she sits down next to him
Lana - Hey Clark! Hi everyone.
Lex - Where's my manners? This is Kat.
Pete - She's going to help Chloe.
Lana - Help Chloe with what?
Chloe - Investigative journalism.
Lana - That's great
Lex - So where's you lesser half?
Lana looks over to him trying to ignore the meaning of the question as she is used to such things from Lex
Lana - He's out with his friends. I CAN live out without him.
Lex smiles cruelly with enjoyment. Lana realizes what she just said. Not know hot to get out of it she just looks at Lex with contempt. Sensing the tension…
Clark - So what brings you to your former place of employment?
Lana - Well I went over to your house seeing if you wanted to take a walk with me. Your parents told me you were here.
They smiled and blushed as a reaction to the sparks that fly whenever they are close to one another.
Lex - Well…I better get Kat settled in. I'll see you later Clark.
Kat - But I want to stay with…aah. As Lex pulls her with him.
Lex - Chloe, Kat will see you Monday at the Torch after school.
As Kat and Lex walks off, Lex gives Clark a wink as a sign of encouragement in the whole Lana odyssey.
Kat - Bye Clark!
Chloe - You know Pete and I should go too.
Clark & Lana - You don't have to leave. They say in unison.
Lex was just about to exit when he heard the promising couple speak in unison. He chuckles.
Lex - Well isn't that cute. He yells out as he exit's the door.
Chloe and Pete both laugh at the comment and quickly follow suit out the door.
Clark and Lana look at each other than shy away again. Both can sense the magic that is happening between them, but neither of them have the courage to take a hold of it. With a lengthy moment of silence.
Lana - So how did Chloe get hooked up with her own tutor no less.
Clark - Lex of course.
Lana - Right. Who else is there?
Lana - She seems familiar, do we know her?
Clark - She's from the inquisitor.
Lana - Kat?! Oh "THE Kat".
Clark - Apparently Lex has some contacts there so he set this whole thing up. Chloe also gets a summer job at the Inquisitor.
Lana's facial expression turns from cheerful to gloomy.
Clark - What's wrong? Was it something I said?
Lana - Yes…I mean no…I mean it isn't you. I guess hearing about Chloe makes me feel…feel…
Clark - You can tell me Lana.
Lana - I guess I feel sad. Don't get me wrong I am happy for Chloe. It's just that…well it reminds me that I have nothing really going for me right now. I'm done with cheerleading, I tried waitressing and now I'm helping out with the paper, even though I'm not doing much to help.
Clark giggles as she finishes her sentence.
Lana - What are you giggling at Clark?! I thought I could confide in…. she says angrily with tears swelling in her eyes before she is interrupted
Clark - Hold on there Lana. I'm sorry. I just can't believe my ears. Lana Lang is jealous of Chloe Sullivan.
Lana struggles to give a weak smile as she sees some humour in her confession. She knew Clark would never intentionally make fun of her.
Lana - If you're done.
Clark - Sorry…please continue.
Lana - Of course I'm jealous of Chloe. She's strong, determined and knows her path in life.
While I'm the little princess who has quit the 2 extra-curricular activities I've tried.
Clark - You shouldn't be too hard on yourself. You are one of the strongest people I have ever met. And I know that when you find your path in life, you'll be great at it.
Lana smiles coyly.
Lana - Thanks Clark that's sweet of you to say. But what if…
Clark - No ifs or buts about it. You will find your purpose in life and it will be beautiful like you are.
A look of surprise crossed not Lana's face, but Clark's. Sure he wasn't very good at hiding his feeling when it came to Lana but he has never really said such a thing to her before. He looks over to her. No reaction like she didn't here the last part. Seeing this Clark quickly changes the subject back
Clark - I can't believe you're jealous of Chloe. I would have never have thought.
Lana - Well why not? She gets to spend all that time with you.
Lana smiles uneasily as she always does when such displays of affection are made by Clark toward her. But this time it was the other way around. "I can't believe I just said that. Why did I say that? I hope Clark doesn't think…" Lana thinks to herself. Clark sees her reaction to her own comment.
Clark - I enjoy spending time with you too. It's great to have a friend like you.
Lana gives Clark one of those smiles that makes him completely weak almost as if she were kryptonite itself. The only thing Clark could do was return that smile, even tough it pained him to reiterate the fact that they were friends. With all his powers, he couldn't find the power to really openly tell this girl how he felt about her. How she has been the one who has given him the strength to do all the heroics he has done over past few months. She brightens his thoughts when he is down and out. She…
Lana - I know I've said this before but you always seem to understand me.
Clark understood her better than anyone she ever knew. Everyone else treated her so superficially. The only one who came close to knowing her was her Aunt Nell, but even she was a distant second when compared to Clark. He somehow managed to find a way into her mind, heart and soul. Of course she was still with Whitney, something she questioned more and more with each passing day, with each fight. As much as she tried to deny herself, she did have feelings for Clark.
Clark - Magic! Remember.
Lana - Right!
They share another moment of silence, not for a lack of conversation topics, but an avoidance of the one topic that could bring them together. As they look into each other's eyes…really look. Perhaps for the first time. They unconsciously move closer together. Both appear as they want to say something.
Lana - I…
Tap, Tap, Tap. They both snap around to see Whitney at the window.
Lana - I..I've..I've got to go. Thanks for the talk. Hey how about tomorrow we go for that walk I wanted to take.
Clark - That's sounds great. I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Goodnight Lana
Lana - Good night Clark. She says sweetly.
As she starts to walk away she overhears Clark whisper to himself.
Clark - That DAMN Whitney! What a jerk-off.
She snaps her head around, shocked to hear anything of the kind from Clark. He's usually more reserved. She's about to head back and say something but Whitney taps the window again. As she turns to head out, something catches her eye. A brilliant red light coming from the table. She looks down and sees the light is coming from a red ring. It appears to be a ruby. She picks it up and examines it a little. She heads for the counter so they could return it if the owner should ever return. She takes one step and runs straight into…
Lana - Whitney!
Whitney - Lana we have to talk!
Lana - Whitney. What's wrong.
Whitney - This isn't the place for this. Come with me.
Lana - Alright. Hey! As Whitney grabs her arm and pulls her out the door.
The Homecoming couple exit with a few eyes on them, as locals spot tension between Smallville High's royal couple. Lana puts the ring in her pocket subconsciously. As they exit, Clark shakes his head again, only this time he feels relieved. He curiously wonders why since he couldn't be relieved Lana was gone. His ears ring again.
Lana - What was that? As she swings her arms from his grips.
Whitney - Do you enjoy making a fool out of me.
Lana - Whitney what are you talking about?
Whitney - You or more specifically you flirting with Clark Kent.
Lana - I wasn't flirting. Clark and I were just talking. It was totally innocent. You are over reacting as…
Whitney - As what? As usual. Well it didn't look so innocent to me. Why do you have to do this to me?
Lana - To you? I'm not doing anything to you.
Whitney - This little friendship of yours with Kent is damaging my reputation. How do you think I feel when the football team and hell the rest of the whole school snicker and make fun of me around me back about how my girlfriend is giving it up to the geeky farm boy.
Lana swells with anger.
Lana - What do you think Clark and I are doing when we are together. Do you really think that low of me that I would cheat on you. I can't believe you think of me as a…as a..I can't even say it.
Something in Whitney's head clicks as he hears Lana's response.
Whitney - That's not what I meant.
Lana - Of course that's what you meant. Don't back down now. So fierce on the field, so full of it off the filed. You know what this conversation is over.
Whitney - Lana wait…Let me at least drive you home.
Lana - No thank you. I rather walk. She says as she turns around and tears flow down her face.
Whitney hit's the nearest car in frustration. He turns as his first thought it to confront Clark, but stops himself as he realizes that it would probably get back to Lana and make things even worse.
Clark overhears the entire conversation. He's conflicted. On one hand he is delighted that the king and queen had a fight, but on the other hand it had hurt Lana and he was partly responsible for that.
After the long walk Lana reaches her home. Instead of going inside and letting Nell see her with tears in her eyes she sits down in her reading chair upon the porch. She couldn't deal with "parental" advice right now. The only one she wanted or could talk to right now is…Clark. "But it's my relationship with Clark that has caused this in the first place. Never mind that, Clark would be very comforting right now to have here with me." She says to herself. She reaches in her pockets for a tissue to wipe away the tears. She feel something poke her finger. She pulls out the object. "Ooops. It's the ring from the Beanery. I didn't get a chance to return it. Hey…it doesn't seem to be shining like it did before. Hmpf…maybe it was just the lighting." She thinks to herself.
Martha - Clark! Can you get that?
Clark – Sure thing mom.
Clark – Kent residence.
Chloe – Clark! It's Chloe.
Clark – Hey how's it going?
Chloe – Good. I have some strange news to tell you. Meet me and Pete at the beanery after dinner.
Clark – Sure, but aren't you going to let me know something. Trying to play the ignorant friend knowing full well what her news is.
Chloe – Great. Love to talk more but I got to go.
Clark - ok…I'll see you later.
A curious smile comes across Clark's face as he is privy to an intrigue. An intrigue that didn't really involve him or meteor fragments for a change.
Jonathan walks in from his deliveries to see the smirk on his son's face.
Jonathan - What are you smiling at son?
Ckark – Well Chloe just called inviting me to the beanery later so she can tell me that Lex has arranged a type of tutor to come to Smallville and help her out. However, she doesn't know that I know this, and I only know this because Lex told me.
Jonathan gives a look of concern, of disapproval, of distrust. The same look he always gives when the names of Lex, Lionel or Luthor are brought up.
Clark – Dad, Lex is a good guy. He's just being really nice. Besides what could possibly happen?
Even though Clark believed Lex was his friend, he too had his reservations about Lex and his motivations. It was like a fragment in his mind, he couldn't place what exactly it was about Lex so Clark mostly disregarded this feeling.
Later at the Beanery
Clark strolls in the beanery in his standard jeans and flannel shirt. He looks around the room, not just for his friends but as well for his angel. Before Clark gets a chance to finish look over the coffee house for her, he hears…
Chloe - Clark!
Clark turns around to see Chloe and Pete sitting in a booth. Clark flashes one of his trademark smiles. A smile that shows his happiness at seeing his friends but to also hid his disappointment because he hasn't see Lana today. Well not in person. Questions pop in his head as he makes his way over to his friends. "What is she doing now?, who with?, where?, will she show up here?, if so with who?, what will I say?…Clark give your head a shake." With that Clark sits down.
Chloe - What was that?
Clark puzzled by her comment stares back at her blankly.
Clark - Not as feel good as 'Hey Clark good to see you' but I'll forgive you.
Chloe - Nice sarcasm. But best leave that to us professionals. Seriously why did you shake your head like that?
Clark didn't even realize that he actually shook his head as he had figuratively thought. Using some quick thinking he came up with:
Clark - I saw this beautiful blond calling me over. I couldn't believe such a girl would be calling for me so I had to give my head a shake to make sure I wasn't dreaming..
Chloe's cheeks turned red as a lobster as she was blushing to the very flattering comment. She always wished Clark would say and feel that way when he looked at her. She knew he didn't see her more than a friend, but deep down she desperately wanted him to see her as she saw him.
Pete - Clark man! Who are you talking about, Chloe was the only one calling you.
The comment snaps Chloe out of her daze as she hits Pete in the stomach.
Chloe - Thanks a lot
Lex - Or maybe he was trying to shake a certain brunette off his mind.
All three friends turn to see Lex Luther swing around from the next table with coffee in one hand and a paper in the other.
Clark - Lex!? I didn't see you there. He replies trying to hide the fact that Lex was bang on.
Clark couldn't believe he didn't see his friend sitting at the next table. Especially with Lex's shiny bald head.
Pete - When is Clark not thinking of Lana?
Clark - I do not think of Lana that much.
Chloe - Oh come on Clark. You are 1 step short of Tina Grier status.
Lex - On that note, when are you going to act on your obsession?
Clark - Remind me why you are my friends?
All three of his harassers snicker at their obviousness success at poking fun.
Pete - So why are we here?
Chloe - Well Mr. Luthor here…
Lex - Lex! Call me Lex miss Sullivan.
Chloe - Only if you call me Chloe
Pete and Clark roll their eyes as they see Chloe attempting to flirt.
Clark - Chloe, Lex, Pete and Clark. Yes we all know each others names.
Everyone looked over at Clark in disbelief. He was never one to be impatient. This sudden out burst was very out of character of him.
Chloe - O…k…well Mr…I mean Lex.
Lex gives her a nod
Lex - Go ahead tell them.
Chloe - Lex presented me with a gift/opportunity. He has arranged for that gossip columnist from the inquisitor to come down to Smallville to spend some time with me to help with my journalism skills. And then in the summer I will go do some "practise" when I work for the inquisitor in Metropolis.
Pete looks all puzzled while Clark tries to act surprised.
Lex - I have some pull there.
Pete - So wait…who is this person?
Lex - The Kat.
Pete - The Kat?
Clark - You know the one that write about teen celebrities.
Pete - Who?
Chloe - Pete you read her article every week.
Pete still looks puzzled. Chloe takes a picture out of her back pack and slaps it down in front of him.
Pete - Oh yeah, she's hot.
Chloe - You're such a pig. So Clark you haven't said much there. What are you thinking?
Clark - It's great. It will be quite the experience. Something that will give you a heads up on the competition.
Chloe frowns at him. This doesn't sound like Clark.
Chloe - Well that sounds…very adult of you.
Clark - To tell you the truth I knew about this hours ago. Lex came by and asked if you'd be up to it?
Chloe wrinkles her face. She wanted to surprise her friends with this and perhaps get a hug from Clark.
Lex - What can I say I like to control things.
Clark - It doesn't matter how I found out. This is going to be wicked.
"Did Clark Kent just say wicked? Something is definitely odd about him today." Lex thought.
Pete - So when do we get to meet her? Rubbing his hands as he appears to be getting a present at Christmas.
Chloe - I don't think so Pete. But you bring up a good point when is she coming to town?
Lex - Well she is due…
Clark holds his ear
Flash to a young red haired woman standing across the street whispering herself.
Kat - Lex owes me for this. As she spots the Beanery
Clarks turns his head slightly as he hears her.
Clark - In about 20 seconds.
The Kat enters the local hangout wearing a very tight fitting dress which showed off her curvaceous 18 year old frame. Everyone turns to take a look at this fiery red head. She stops in her tracks as she sees everyone staring at her.
Kat - Damn small towns. She says with disdain.
Lex - Kat over here.
As she makes her way over…
Lex - Clark how did you know she was just about to come in through the door?
Clark was at a lost for a second as he tried to think of a good excuse.
Clark - Call it the power of observation.
Everyone look at him in disbelief.
Kat - Where have you brought me Lex? As she stands next to Lex
Lex - Hello to you too. Kat this is…
Kat - Clark Kent I presume. Lex told me you were cute, but he never said handsome.
Clark blushes.
Lex - And this is Chloe to one you are going to help and her friend Pete.
Kat - Right Chloe and Paul. As she turns her attention back to Clark.
Pete - It's Pete!
Kat - Whatever! Not even turning to face Pete, keeping her eyes locked on Clark like a "cat" hunting it's prey.
Lex pulls her back forcing her into a chair next to him.
Lex - Easy! I don't want you to play with him on your first night here. He whispers to her.
Lex - So Clark finish your explanation. Powers of observation was it?
Chloe - Yeah I'm interested in how you knew that.
Clark - uh…Well it is like putting pieces of a puzzle together. First of all when has Lex Luthor ever hung out at the Beanery on a Saturday night wearing a freshly pressed suit? At first I thought maybe you were going to take Victoria out, but she doesn't seem like she would like a small town atmosphere.
Lex - Very perceptive but that's hardly conclusive.
Clark - Add all the times you were looking at your watch, the paper you have in your hand is the inquisitor no doubt turned to one of her articles and the second place setting at your table.
Chloe - All circumstantial Clark.
Pete - Since when are you into hard facts?
Chloe - Since I had the run in with Principle Kwan.
Lex - Clark?
Clark - Oh and I saw her walk from across the street. Clark smiled.
Chloe and Pete joined him as it was quite amusing. Lex grinned only to hide his disbelief as he knew Clark was lying since he is sitting with his back to the entrance and could not see Kat coming without making a straining twist.
"Add one more thing to the mystery that is Clark Kent". Lex thinks to himself.
Kat - With that settled…Clark you seem quite slim and in shape from what I can see. What do you do to work out?
Clark - I…uh…just help my parents on their…uh…farm. Not quite your traditional type of…uh…workout but you can work up quite a sweat. He answers shyly.
Kat - Ooh, sounds like quite the hot workout. She coyly says with a slight sensual undertone
Chloe looks at her distastefully. Here was a beautiful girl trying to flirt with HER Clark. Here was another girl who can make Clark blush and nervous. The only other girl who can make Clark blush is…
Pete - Lana! Over here!
Another wave of nervousness comes over Clark as he adjusts himself to make sure he looks good for his Angel.
Clark - Lana! Hi! As she sits down next to him
Lana - Hey Clark! Hi everyone.
Lex - Where's my manners? This is Kat.
Pete - She's going to help Chloe.
Lana - Help Chloe with what?
Chloe - Investigative journalism.
Lana - That's great
Lex - So where's you lesser half?
Lana looks over to him trying to ignore the meaning of the question as she is used to such things from Lex
Lana - He's out with his friends. I CAN live out without him.
Lex smiles cruelly with enjoyment. Lana realizes what she just said. Not know hot to get out of it she just looks at Lex with contempt. Sensing the tension…
Clark - So what brings you to your former place of employment?
Lana - Well I went over to your house seeing if you wanted to take a walk with me. Your parents told me you were here.
They smiled and blushed as a reaction to the sparks that fly whenever they are close to one another.
Lex - Well…I better get Kat settled in. I'll see you later Clark.
Kat - But I want to stay with…aah. As Lex pulls her with him.
Lex - Chloe, Kat will see you Monday at the Torch after school.
As Kat and Lex walks off, Lex gives Clark a wink as a sign of encouragement in the whole Lana odyssey.
Kat - Bye Clark!
Chloe - You know Pete and I should go too.
Clark & Lana - You don't have to leave. They say in unison.
Lex was just about to exit when he heard the promising couple speak in unison. He chuckles.
Lex - Well isn't that cute. He yells out as he exit's the door.
Chloe and Pete both laugh at the comment and quickly follow suit out the door.
Clark and Lana look at each other than shy away again. Both can sense the magic that is happening between them, but neither of them have the courage to take a hold of it. With a lengthy moment of silence.
Lana - So how did Chloe get hooked up with her own tutor no less.
Clark - Lex of course.
Lana - Right. Who else is there?
Lana - She seems familiar, do we know her?
Clark - She's from the inquisitor.
Lana - Kat?! Oh "THE Kat".
Clark - Apparently Lex has some contacts there so he set this whole thing up. Chloe also gets a summer job at the Inquisitor.
Lana's facial expression turns from cheerful to gloomy.
Clark - What's wrong? Was it something I said?
Lana - Yes…I mean no…I mean it isn't you. I guess hearing about Chloe makes me feel…feel…
Clark - You can tell me Lana.
Lana - I guess I feel sad. Don't get me wrong I am happy for Chloe. It's just that…well it reminds me that I have nothing really going for me right now. I'm done with cheerleading, I tried waitressing and now I'm helping out with the paper, even though I'm not doing much to help.
Clark giggles as she finishes her sentence.
Lana - What are you giggling at Clark?! I thought I could confide in…. she says angrily with tears swelling in her eyes before she is interrupted
Clark - Hold on there Lana. I'm sorry. I just can't believe my ears. Lana Lang is jealous of Chloe Sullivan.
Lana struggles to give a weak smile as she sees some humour in her confession. She knew Clark would never intentionally make fun of her.
Lana - If you're done.
Clark - Sorry…please continue.
Lana - Of course I'm jealous of Chloe. She's strong, determined and knows her path in life.
While I'm the little princess who has quit the 2 extra-curricular activities I've tried.
Clark - You shouldn't be too hard on yourself. You are one of the strongest people I have ever met. And I know that when you find your path in life, you'll be great at it.
Lana smiles coyly.
Lana - Thanks Clark that's sweet of you to say. But what if…
Clark - No ifs or buts about it. You will find your purpose in life and it will be beautiful like you are.
A look of surprise crossed not Lana's face, but Clark's. Sure he wasn't very good at hiding his feeling when it came to Lana but he has never really said such a thing to her before. He looks over to her. No reaction like she didn't here the last part. Seeing this Clark quickly changes the subject back
Clark - I can't believe you're jealous of Chloe. I would have never have thought.
Lana - Well why not? She gets to spend all that time with you.
Lana smiles uneasily as she always does when such displays of affection are made by Clark toward her. But this time it was the other way around. "I can't believe I just said that. Why did I say that? I hope Clark doesn't think…" Lana thinks to herself. Clark sees her reaction to her own comment.
Clark - I enjoy spending time with you too. It's great to have a friend like you.
Lana gives Clark one of those smiles that makes him completely weak almost as if she were kryptonite itself. The only thing Clark could do was return that smile, even tough it pained him to reiterate the fact that they were friends. With all his powers, he couldn't find the power to really openly tell this girl how he felt about her. How she has been the one who has given him the strength to do all the heroics he has done over past few months. She brightens his thoughts when he is down and out. She…
Lana - I know I've said this before but you always seem to understand me.
Clark understood her better than anyone she ever knew. Everyone else treated her so superficially. The only one who came close to knowing her was her Aunt Nell, but even she was a distant second when compared to Clark. He somehow managed to find a way into her mind, heart and soul. Of course she was still with Whitney, something she questioned more and more with each passing day, with each fight. As much as she tried to deny herself, she did have feelings for Clark.
Clark - Magic! Remember.
Lana - Right!
They share another moment of silence, not for a lack of conversation topics, but an avoidance of the one topic that could bring them together. As they look into each other's eyes…really look. Perhaps for the first time. They unconsciously move closer together. Both appear as they want to say something.
Lana - I…
Tap, Tap, Tap. They both snap around to see Whitney at the window.
Lana - I..I've..I've got to go. Thanks for the talk. Hey how about tomorrow we go for that walk I wanted to take.
Clark - That's sounds great. I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Goodnight Lana
Lana - Good night Clark. She says sweetly.
As she starts to walk away she overhears Clark whisper to himself.
Clark - That DAMN Whitney! What a jerk-off.
She snaps her head around, shocked to hear anything of the kind from Clark. He's usually more reserved. She's about to head back and say something but Whitney taps the window again. As she turns to head out, something catches her eye. A brilliant red light coming from the table. She looks down and sees the light is coming from a red ring. It appears to be a ruby. She picks it up and examines it a little. She heads for the counter so they could return it if the owner should ever return. She takes one step and runs straight into…
Lana - Whitney!
Whitney - Lana we have to talk!
Lana - Whitney. What's wrong.
Whitney - This isn't the place for this. Come with me.
Lana - Alright. Hey! As Whitney grabs her arm and pulls her out the door.
The Homecoming couple exit with a few eyes on them, as locals spot tension between Smallville High's royal couple. Lana puts the ring in her pocket subconsciously. As they exit, Clark shakes his head again, only this time he feels relieved. He curiously wonders why since he couldn't be relieved Lana was gone. His ears ring again.
Lana - What was that? As she swings her arms from his grips.
Whitney - Do you enjoy making a fool out of me.
Lana - Whitney what are you talking about?
Whitney - You or more specifically you flirting with Clark Kent.
Lana - I wasn't flirting. Clark and I were just talking. It was totally innocent. You are over reacting as…
Whitney - As what? As usual. Well it didn't look so innocent to me. Why do you have to do this to me?
Lana - To you? I'm not doing anything to you.
Whitney - This little friendship of yours with Kent is damaging my reputation. How do you think I feel when the football team and hell the rest of the whole school snicker and make fun of me around me back about how my girlfriend is giving it up to the geeky farm boy.
Lana swells with anger.
Lana - What do you think Clark and I are doing when we are together. Do you really think that low of me that I would cheat on you. I can't believe you think of me as a…as a..I can't even say it.
Something in Whitney's head clicks as he hears Lana's response.
Whitney - That's not what I meant.
Lana - Of course that's what you meant. Don't back down now. So fierce on the field, so full of it off the filed. You know what this conversation is over.
Whitney - Lana wait…Let me at least drive you home.
Lana - No thank you. I rather walk. She says as she turns around and tears flow down her face.
Whitney hit's the nearest car in frustration. He turns as his first thought it to confront Clark, but stops himself as he realizes that it would probably get back to Lana and make things even worse.
Clark overhears the entire conversation. He's conflicted. On one hand he is delighted that the king and queen had a fight, but on the other hand it had hurt Lana and he was partly responsible for that.
After the long walk Lana reaches her home. Instead of going inside and letting Nell see her with tears in her eyes she sits down in her reading chair upon the porch. She couldn't deal with "parental" advice right now. The only one she wanted or could talk to right now is…Clark. "But it's my relationship with Clark that has caused this in the first place. Never mind that, Clark would be very comforting right now to have here with me." She says to herself. She reaches in her pockets for a tissue to wipe away the tears. She feel something poke her finger. She pulls out the object. "Ooops. It's the ring from the Beanery. I didn't get a chance to return it. Hey…it doesn't seem to be shining like it did before. Hmpf…maybe it was just the lighting." She thinks to herself.