Clark walked out of the farmhouse before his parents even arose for the
day. He wasn't in the mood for breakfast, so he left a note on the kitchen
table explaining that he wanted to get in early to finish a report for the
Torch he had promised Chloe. It wasn't a total lie, Chloe did want the
report today, but Clark had finished yesterday afternoon and wanted to
leave it in the office for Chloe before she got in.
Clark swung into The Beanery for a quick cup of coffee. The sleep he was supposed to have gotten last night consisted mostly of tossing and turning and painful thoughts of 'not' thinking about Lana, which Clark recognized was strangely similar to what it was like thinking about Lana before yesterday, only way more painful. As he was ordering a familiar voice crept up behind him.
"Classic Kent work ethic, up at the crack of dawn," Lex remarked as Clark turned.
"Hey Lex!" Clark said feigning some excitement to see his friend.
~ Jesus, I totally forgot about Lex. But how was I supposed to avoid him anyway? He shows up when he wants to. ~
"You look like hell, Clark. What are you doing up so early?" Lex inquired.
"I could ask you the same question Lex, except for the looking like hell part that is." Clark wanted to make sure to qualify his response for his friend, Lex was dressed very sharply as always in his usual all black motif.
"I have a meeting in Metropolis early and just stopped by to get an eye opener before the drive."
"Cool," Clark responded looking for more words to add but failing miserably.
"You sure you're alright Clark, you look concerned about something."
"Nah, just y'know, teen angst stuff. It'll pass," Clark responded. ~ Not fast enough for me, though. ~
"Does it have to do with La-"
"No," Clark cut him off fast, Lex frowned in disbelief.
"You're an awful liar Clark, it doesn't suit you."
Clark just stood there silent. He was busted already, but Lex was gifted for exposing people's vulnerabilities. Clark simply could not defend himself even if he wanted to.
"Alright, I'm not going to press the issue, but I'll be back from Metropolis this evening. Why don't you come over and we'll play some pool, get your mind off all things Ms. Lang for a while."
Clark nodded to Lex as he picked up his coffee from the counter. "Alright Lex, I guess I'll talk to you later."
"I'll call you when I get back in," Lex waved to Clark as the distressed teen left the coffee house.
1 Later…
It was the last class period of the day, and Clark had managed to escape having to interact with anybody that day. This was made remarkably easier by the fact that Chloe was absent from school, presumably ill from something non-meteor related he hoped. Pete was around today, but only in body as his latest romantic interest kept him away from Clark for most of the day. He spent lunch outside in the quad, where nobody he knew intimately would be likely to cross paths. Clark had managed to stay away from all the usual spots that he favored, including the bleachers, everyone seemed to know he might be there recently so he decided not to chance it.
The real test was yet to come though.
The last period of the day was Algebra, formerly one of his favorite classes because he shared it with Lana. Today he was not looking forward to it as much. In order to avoid the temptation of talking to her before class he slipped in to class moments before the bell rang. Clark had always lamented when the year began that the teacher had sat everybody in alphabetical order. That placed Lana right behind him.
~ It sucks no matter the context. When I was happy to think about her, I was unable to look back and stare without the teacher busting me. Now I'm going to have to think of an ingenious way to avoid talking with her as we leave. Well I have an hour to plan it out. ~
As he walked into the class he caught Lana out of the corner of his eye.
~ Don't look Clark. Spare yourself this time. For the love of God don't look. ~
He could tell Lana was giving her usual friendly smile at him, but he couldn't bear to meet her gaze as he turned his back and slid into the desk. He could still feel her stare, like her line of sight was burning a hole in his back. Clark was miserable, absolutely shot with anxiety.
~ She won't even acknowledge that you didn't look back, Clark. She'll be dreaming of Whitney or worrying about the Talon in a matter of seconds. Shake it off. ~
~ Clark is looking so beside himself. I wonder what's on his mind? ~
Lana Lang couldn't believe her friend didn't even say hi as he walked into the class. In the years that she had known him, Clark was always happy to see her. The only one with such a brilliant track record, actually. And she appreciated the fact that even while she and everyone else in Smallville could be upset about something Clark carried himself with a perpetual optimism.
That is why she began visiting him in the barn more regularly. She had to know how Clark could be so upbeat even when he is so alone. She still couldn't believe Clark had pushed her away that one almost kiss in the barn, still couldn't quite believe that he had done it to help Whitney, the same guy that had made him the infamous Scarecrow.
~ I still can't believe Clark forgave him for that. I still haven't forgiven him for that. ~
2 About an hour later…
The class was winding down as every student in the class had managed to lock their sights on the clock waiting for the final minute to strike and the weekend to officially commence. Clark had the entire hour to figure out an escape plan that would successfully dodge Lana without it looking like he was running away in a panic. But he couldn't think of anything outside of making a very brisk exit from his desk and walking hurriedly out the door with urgency like he needed to use the restroom.
~ Speed of a locomotive, brain of sloth. Go me. ~
Clark watched the final minute of class die and grabbed his already packed book bag and headed for the door. As he passed the threshold of the door he heard what he hoped he wouldn't.
"Clark," Lana had called to him as the other students swirled around and between them. Lana attempted to catch up to him, but hoped to get his attention by yelling instead. Clark's mind froze, although his body kept going. Not turning to recognize her, not looking back for fear of falling back on the same old habit.
~ Ironic that I'm walking away from her this time. Not 'ha ha' ironic, unfortunately. Wish I could say this was some sort of victory. ~
He exited the school building and continued to walk briskly home until he was clearly out of eyesight of anybody. Super speed took care of the rest as he found himself back in the Fortress of Solitude in a matter of seconds. His chores were done this morning, and he was in no mood to get his homework done.
It was quiet in the loft, eerily quiet in fact. Clark looked around at what he might do to pass the time. There was his telescope pointing towards the sky.
~ No. Too much temptation still. Besides she probably isn't home – stop it Clark. Stop thinking about her! ~
"I've got to avoid this place for a while too I guess," Clark said to himself as he walked out of the loft and into the farmhouse. The house was quiet too, and Clark had noticed his Dad's pick up truck was gone. "Maybe they went to town to shop?" Clark reasoned as he dropped his bag on the counter and headed towards the fridge, which had a hastily prepared note hanging by a magnet on the door. Clark pulled it off and read it.
Dear Clark,
You're father and I went to Metropolis to talk with a loan agency and we will probably stay the night. The south fence needs to be fixed again, and the woodpile needs to be tossed in the chipper. Please don't do what you did last time you were next to it. We left money on the counter. Please no parties this time, we're begging you. We'll call you later with the number where we're staying.
Love you,
Mom
"Great, now I can sulk in peace," Clark remarked as he turned the stereo on and slumped onto the couch. He was tired, emotionally at any rate. But it was enough at that point to make him close his eyes…and drift…
Clark opened his eyes, slowly at first, but then quickly as he discovered Lana staring straight back at him. He was still sitting on the couch, and apparently she had joined him by straddling his waist and waiting for him to wake up. Her face was just inches away as she stared at him curiously.
"It's about time you woke up," Lana said as a mischievous smile began to form on her face.
"Lana…what…how…how did you get in?" Clark asked as he attempted to break from her stare. It didn't really make him feel less tense. Lana had managed to start the fire in the fireplace and light a few candles around the house while Clark had slept. The mood at least seemed romantic.
~ What the hell is going on here? ~ Clark anxiously thought.
"Does it really matter?" she replied as she drew her head closer to him, causing him to flinch and meet her gaze again.
"I guess not but…"
"Clark, do you like me?"
"Uh…of course…I mean…you're a really good…friend," he conceded the last word. The dreaded 'friend' title.
"No, not like that," Lana replied as she placed her hands on Clark's shoulders, "Do you think about me when I'm not around?"
"I…can't…say…I can't answer that Lana," Clark looked away ashamed again.
~ Please stop this. Please. ~
"C'mon Clark. Why keep it bottled up any longer? You have to know that I wonder about it. Why else would I have asked you about it after the strip show that I gave you next to the pool?" she inquired as she moved her hands down from his shoulders and began unbuttoning his shirt.
"Wait you told me you forgot about that…about everything," Clark was embarrassed, noticeably.
"I may not have been able to control myself, but I definitely remember everything," she responded lustfully. "I remember the look on your face as I removed my clothes, the way you stammered at every question I asked, the way your lips felt as they pressed against mine filled with desire. I liked it so much in fact…" she stopped playing with his shirt and drew in closer. Clark began to shiver as her lips approached his.
"Lana, I love-," Clark began to whisper until the phone rang, waking him up from his slumber. Frustrated he buried his head in his hands while the phone continued to ring. He finally got up and walked over to it.
~ That was the best and the worst dream I've ever had. I'm doing so well not thinking about her. ~
"Hello?" Clark answered the phone still rubbing his head as he attempted to join the waking again. It was still the afternoon, or what was left of it anyway.
"Hi Clark, its Mom. We're you napping?" the sweet familiar voice came through the other end of the phone.
"Hey Mom, yeah I was. Sorry it took me so long to get to the phone," Clark replied.
"That's okay honey. Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
"Yeah it was just a really long day. No big deal."
"Okay, well you found the money on the counter right?"
"Sure did."
"Good your father and I are at the Metropolis Marriott in room 783."
"Okay, I got it,"Clark answered as he wrote down the information.
"We'll be back tomorrow around noon we think."
"I'll be here when you get back," Clark said.
~ Where else would I be? ~
"Okay, love you."
"Love you too, Mom."
They exchanged good byes and Clark hung up the phone. He walked over to the fridge and looked around for something to drink. His afternoon dream left him sweaty and dehydrated. "I should've just done my chores if I wanted to stink myself up this bad."
Clark discovered a soda can in the back if the fridge, hastily opened it, and downed it. After it was completely consumed he crushed it in his hand effortlessly and tossed it into the recycle bin. He removed his flannel shirt and went outside to the barn, picked up a toolbox and went down to the south fence that needed mending. Normally he would hyper-speed out there. But the lack of anything else to do for the night made him take his time. The wind had a bitter chill in it as he walked through the fields of the Kent Farm. The sun was just beginning to spiral downward. Normally he would be enjoying the sunset from the loft like he normally did. But that also dredged up memories of someone he was trying desperately no to think about.
That same someone had just picked up the phone and attempted to call Clark. Lana was still worried about him, Clark was never so despondent before. She was used to the 'weight of the world' look he normally wore on his face. But today looked as though he had accidentally dropped that weight on the floor, watched it shatter and hoped nobody would know it was he that did it. She dialed the number, nervously. She didn't know why she felt nervous talking to Clark sometimes. It just felt like he was trying to hide something, something from her specifically. The tones rang and rang.
~ C'mon Clark, I know you're there somewhere. ~
The answering machine picked up, Lana briefly considered leaving a message, but didn't want to concern Clark's parents.
~ I'll just go over there, maybe he's in his loft. I'd rather check on him face to face anyway. ~
Lana pulled her coat off the coat rack and headed out the door. It was a brisk walk over to Clark's loft. As she approached she stepped quietly to hear if Clark was in fact up there. She heard nothing but silence. She walked up the creaky wooden steps only to find the usual – his telescope, his stool, his couch. She walked over to the telescope, and looked at it pensively.
~ I shouldn't. If he fixed it at a certain spot for a reason I would hate to mess that up. ~
The sound of hammering rang out in the distance. Lana could tell it was coming from somewhere on the Kent Farm. She looked out the barn window and scanned the premises, but to no avail.
~ Screw it, he'll forgive me. ~
She swung the telescope in the direction of the sound and sure enough there was Clark, busily hammering away at the gate in just a T-shirt and jeans. She was taken aback by how muscular he was.
~ He sure goes out of his way to hide that physique. I can't imagine why. Girls would be falling all over themselves for a guy like that if he were just…I don't know…not so unsure of himself. ~
Lana continued to stare at him through the lens, studying the contours of his face and body as raised a wooden beam with one arm. She was impressed to say the least, gently biting her bottom lip as she watched him labor.
~ I really need to stop to staring. Whitney probably wouldn't appreciate this. I'll just sit and wait for him here. ~
Lana made herself comfortable on the couch and looked around. The loft was comfortable, always. Even in the winter it managed to trap heat with the barn doors wide open. She totally understood why Clark was here most of the time. Part of her was envious that he had such a place. Lana wished to have something similar, but the cemetery was the closest thing to it, and that was just to morbid.
Her eyes scanned the room and came across a crumpled piece of paper that just didn't get to the garbage can. Clark had never disposed of the lyrics to the song that reminded him of his adoration for Lana. Lana un- crumpled the paper and read the lyrics. It was definitely Clark's writing she thought as she read aloud:
Maybe I'd impress her
By being in a band
Maybe if I act real tough
She'll let me hold her hand and
Maybe I'll win her heart
By writing this song about her
Sometimes I sit at home
And wonder if she's
Sitting at home thinking of me
And wondering if I'm
Sitting at home thinking about her.
Or am I just wasting my time?
Lana looked further down the note to see Clark's response. Her heart broke as he saw the hasty way he had scribbled the words – "Yes you are". Lana wasn't sure that it was her he was writing about. If she had found it a couple of weeks ago, she might have bet serious money that it was. But the way Clark had been acting lately, she couldn't be so confident in that theory.
The hammering stopped and Lana got up off the couch to look through the telescope again. Clark had finished his chore and was walking back. Lana couldn't confront him after reading the note. She didn't quite know enough behind it to start asking questions, and Clark had no reason to confide in her something that personal. Lana quickly scampered down the stairs and sprinted towards her house. It wasn't until after she had rushed into her room and closed the door behind her that she had noticed that she still had the note in her hand.
"Oops," Lana whispered to herself as she attempted to catch her breath.
Clark swung into The Beanery for a quick cup of coffee. The sleep he was supposed to have gotten last night consisted mostly of tossing and turning and painful thoughts of 'not' thinking about Lana, which Clark recognized was strangely similar to what it was like thinking about Lana before yesterday, only way more painful. As he was ordering a familiar voice crept up behind him.
"Classic Kent work ethic, up at the crack of dawn," Lex remarked as Clark turned.
"Hey Lex!" Clark said feigning some excitement to see his friend.
~ Jesus, I totally forgot about Lex. But how was I supposed to avoid him anyway? He shows up when he wants to. ~
"You look like hell, Clark. What are you doing up so early?" Lex inquired.
"I could ask you the same question Lex, except for the looking like hell part that is." Clark wanted to make sure to qualify his response for his friend, Lex was dressed very sharply as always in his usual all black motif.
"I have a meeting in Metropolis early and just stopped by to get an eye opener before the drive."
"Cool," Clark responded looking for more words to add but failing miserably.
"You sure you're alright Clark, you look concerned about something."
"Nah, just y'know, teen angst stuff. It'll pass," Clark responded. ~ Not fast enough for me, though. ~
"Does it have to do with La-"
"No," Clark cut him off fast, Lex frowned in disbelief.
"You're an awful liar Clark, it doesn't suit you."
Clark just stood there silent. He was busted already, but Lex was gifted for exposing people's vulnerabilities. Clark simply could not defend himself even if he wanted to.
"Alright, I'm not going to press the issue, but I'll be back from Metropolis this evening. Why don't you come over and we'll play some pool, get your mind off all things Ms. Lang for a while."
Clark nodded to Lex as he picked up his coffee from the counter. "Alright Lex, I guess I'll talk to you later."
"I'll call you when I get back in," Lex waved to Clark as the distressed teen left the coffee house.
1 Later…
It was the last class period of the day, and Clark had managed to escape having to interact with anybody that day. This was made remarkably easier by the fact that Chloe was absent from school, presumably ill from something non-meteor related he hoped. Pete was around today, but only in body as his latest romantic interest kept him away from Clark for most of the day. He spent lunch outside in the quad, where nobody he knew intimately would be likely to cross paths. Clark had managed to stay away from all the usual spots that he favored, including the bleachers, everyone seemed to know he might be there recently so he decided not to chance it.
The real test was yet to come though.
The last period of the day was Algebra, formerly one of his favorite classes because he shared it with Lana. Today he was not looking forward to it as much. In order to avoid the temptation of talking to her before class he slipped in to class moments before the bell rang. Clark had always lamented when the year began that the teacher had sat everybody in alphabetical order. That placed Lana right behind him.
~ It sucks no matter the context. When I was happy to think about her, I was unable to look back and stare without the teacher busting me. Now I'm going to have to think of an ingenious way to avoid talking with her as we leave. Well I have an hour to plan it out. ~
As he walked into the class he caught Lana out of the corner of his eye.
~ Don't look Clark. Spare yourself this time. For the love of God don't look. ~
He could tell Lana was giving her usual friendly smile at him, but he couldn't bear to meet her gaze as he turned his back and slid into the desk. He could still feel her stare, like her line of sight was burning a hole in his back. Clark was miserable, absolutely shot with anxiety.
~ She won't even acknowledge that you didn't look back, Clark. She'll be dreaming of Whitney or worrying about the Talon in a matter of seconds. Shake it off. ~
~ Clark is looking so beside himself. I wonder what's on his mind? ~
Lana Lang couldn't believe her friend didn't even say hi as he walked into the class. In the years that she had known him, Clark was always happy to see her. The only one with such a brilliant track record, actually. And she appreciated the fact that even while she and everyone else in Smallville could be upset about something Clark carried himself with a perpetual optimism.
That is why she began visiting him in the barn more regularly. She had to know how Clark could be so upbeat even when he is so alone. She still couldn't believe Clark had pushed her away that one almost kiss in the barn, still couldn't quite believe that he had done it to help Whitney, the same guy that had made him the infamous Scarecrow.
~ I still can't believe Clark forgave him for that. I still haven't forgiven him for that. ~
2 About an hour later…
The class was winding down as every student in the class had managed to lock their sights on the clock waiting for the final minute to strike and the weekend to officially commence. Clark had the entire hour to figure out an escape plan that would successfully dodge Lana without it looking like he was running away in a panic. But he couldn't think of anything outside of making a very brisk exit from his desk and walking hurriedly out the door with urgency like he needed to use the restroom.
~ Speed of a locomotive, brain of sloth. Go me. ~
Clark watched the final minute of class die and grabbed his already packed book bag and headed for the door. As he passed the threshold of the door he heard what he hoped he wouldn't.
"Clark," Lana had called to him as the other students swirled around and between them. Lana attempted to catch up to him, but hoped to get his attention by yelling instead. Clark's mind froze, although his body kept going. Not turning to recognize her, not looking back for fear of falling back on the same old habit.
~ Ironic that I'm walking away from her this time. Not 'ha ha' ironic, unfortunately. Wish I could say this was some sort of victory. ~
He exited the school building and continued to walk briskly home until he was clearly out of eyesight of anybody. Super speed took care of the rest as he found himself back in the Fortress of Solitude in a matter of seconds. His chores were done this morning, and he was in no mood to get his homework done.
It was quiet in the loft, eerily quiet in fact. Clark looked around at what he might do to pass the time. There was his telescope pointing towards the sky.
~ No. Too much temptation still. Besides she probably isn't home – stop it Clark. Stop thinking about her! ~
"I've got to avoid this place for a while too I guess," Clark said to himself as he walked out of the loft and into the farmhouse. The house was quiet too, and Clark had noticed his Dad's pick up truck was gone. "Maybe they went to town to shop?" Clark reasoned as he dropped his bag on the counter and headed towards the fridge, which had a hastily prepared note hanging by a magnet on the door. Clark pulled it off and read it.
Dear Clark,
You're father and I went to Metropolis to talk with a loan agency and we will probably stay the night. The south fence needs to be fixed again, and the woodpile needs to be tossed in the chipper. Please don't do what you did last time you were next to it. We left money on the counter. Please no parties this time, we're begging you. We'll call you later with the number where we're staying.
Love you,
Mom
"Great, now I can sulk in peace," Clark remarked as he turned the stereo on and slumped onto the couch. He was tired, emotionally at any rate. But it was enough at that point to make him close his eyes…and drift…
Clark opened his eyes, slowly at first, but then quickly as he discovered Lana staring straight back at him. He was still sitting on the couch, and apparently she had joined him by straddling his waist and waiting for him to wake up. Her face was just inches away as she stared at him curiously.
"It's about time you woke up," Lana said as a mischievous smile began to form on her face.
"Lana…what…how…how did you get in?" Clark asked as he attempted to break from her stare. It didn't really make him feel less tense. Lana had managed to start the fire in the fireplace and light a few candles around the house while Clark had slept. The mood at least seemed romantic.
~ What the hell is going on here? ~ Clark anxiously thought.
"Does it really matter?" she replied as she drew her head closer to him, causing him to flinch and meet her gaze again.
"I guess not but…"
"Clark, do you like me?"
"Uh…of course…I mean…you're a really good…friend," he conceded the last word. The dreaded 'friend' title.
"No, not like that," Lana replied as she placed her hands on Clark's shoulders, "Do you think about me when I'm not around?"
"I…can't…say…I can't answer that Lana," Clark looked away ashamed again.
~ Please stop this. Please. ~
"C'mon Clark. Why keep it bottled up any longer? You have to know that I wonder about it. Why else would I have asked you about it after the strip show that I gave you next to the pool?" she inquired as she moved her hands down from his shoulders and began unbuttoning his shirt.
"Wait you told me you forgot about that…about everything," Clark was embarrassed, noticeably.
"I may not have been able to control myself, but I definitely remember everything," she responded lustfully. "I remember the look on your face as I removed my clothes, the way you stammered at every question I asked, the way your lips felt as they pressed against mine filled with desire. I liked it so much in fact…" she stopped playing with his shirt and drew in closer. Clark began to shiver as her lips approached his.
"Lana, I love-," Clark began to whisper until the phone rang, waking him up from his slumber. Frustrated he buried his head in his hands while the phone continued to ring. He finally got up and walked over to it.
~ That was the best and the worst dream I've ever had. I'm doing so well not thinking about her. ~
"Hello?" Clark answered the phone still rubbing his head as he attempted to join the waking again. It was still the afternoon, or what was left of it anyway.
"Hi Clark, its Mom. We're you napping?" the sweet familiar voice came through the other end of the phone.
"Hey Mom, yeah I was. Sorry it took me so long to get to the phone," Clark replied.
"That's okay honey. Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
"Yeah it was just a really long day. No big deal."
"Okay, well you found the money on the counter right?"
"Sure did."
"Good your father and I are at the Metropolis Marriott in room 783."
"Okay, I got it,"Clark answered as he wrote down the information.
"We'll be back tomorrow around noon we think."
"I'll be here when you get back," Clark said.
~ Where else would I be? ~
"Okay, love you."
"Love you too, Mom."
They exchanged good byes and Clark hung up the phone. He walked over to the fridge and looked around for something to drink. His afternoon dream left him sweaty and dehydrated. "I should've just done my chores if I wanted to stink myself up this bad."
Clark discovered a soda can in the back if the fridge, hastily opened it, and downed it. After it was completely consumed he crushed it in his hand effortlessly and tossed it into the recycle bin. He removed his flannel shirt and went outside to the barn, picked up a toolbox and went down to the south fence that needed mending. Normally he would hyper-speed out there. But the lack of anything else to do for the night made him take his time. The wind had a bitter chill in it as he walked through the fields of the Kent Farm. The sun was just beginning to spiral downward. Normally he would be enjoying the sunset from the loft like he normally did. But that also dredged up memories of someone he was trying desperately no to think about.
That same someone had just picked up the phone and attempted to call Clark. Lana was still worried about him, Clark was never so despondent before. She was used to the 'weight of the world' look he normally wore on his face. But today looked as though he had accidentally dropped that weight on the floor, watched it shatter and hoped nobody would know it was he that did it. She dialed the number, nervously. She didn't know why she felt nervous talking to Clark sometimes. It just felt like he was trying to hide something, something from her specifically. The tones rang and rang.
~ C'mon Clark, I know you're there somewhere. ~
The answering machine picked up, Lana briefly considered leaving a message, but didn't want to concern Clark's parents.
~ I'll just go over there, maybe he's in his loft. I'd rather check on him face to face anyway. ~
Lana pulled her coat off the coat rack and headed out the door. It was a brisk walk over to Clark's loft. As she approached she stepped quietly to hear if Clark was in fact up there. She heard nothing but silence. She walked up the creaky wooden steps only to find the usual – his telescope, his stool, his couch. She walked over to the telescope, and looked at it pensively.
~ I shouldn't. If he fixed it at a certain spot for a reason I would hate to mess that up. ~
The sound of hammering rang out in the distance. Lana could tell it was coming from somewhere on the Kent Farm. She looked out the barn window and scanned the premises, but to no avail.
~ Screw it, he'll forgive me. ~
She swung the telescope in the direction of the sound and sure enough there was Clark, busily hammering away at the gate in just a T-shirt and jeans. She was taken aback by how muscular he was.
~ He sure goes out of his way to hide that physique. I can't imagine why. Girls would be falling all over themselves for a guy like that if he were just…I don't know…not so unsure of himself. ~
Lana continued to stare at him through the lens, studying the contours of his face and body as raised a wooden beam with one arm. She was impressed to say the least, gently biting her bottom lip as she watched him labor.
~ I really need to stop to staring. Whitney probably wouldn't appreciate this. I'll just sit and wait for him here. ~
Lana made herself comfortable on the couch and looked around. The loft was comfortable, always. Even in the winter it managed to trap heat with the barn doors wide open. She totally understood why Clark was here most of the time. Part of her was envious that he had such a place. Lana wished to have something similar, but the cemetery was the closest thing to it, and that was just to morbid.
Her eyes scanned the room and came across a crumpled piece of paper that just didn't get to the garbage can. Clark had never disposed of the lyrics to the song that reminded him of his adoration for Lana. Lana un- crumpled the paper and read the lyrics. It was definitely Clark's writing she thought as she read aloud:
Maybe I'd impress her
By being in a band
Maybe if I act real tough
She'll let me hold her hand and
Maybe I'll win her heart
By writing this song about her
Sometimes I sit at home
And wonder if she's
Sitting at home thinking of me
And wondering if I'm
Sitting at home thinking about her.
Or am I just wasting my time?
Lana looked further down the note to see Clark's response. Her heart broke as he saw the hasty way he had scribbled the words – "Yes you are". Lana wasn't sure that it was her he was writing about. If she had found it a couple of weeks ago, she might have bet serious money that it was. But the way Clark had been acting lately, she couldn't be so confident in that theory.
The hammering stopped and Lana got up off the couch to look through the telescope again. Clark had finished his chore and was walking back. Lana couldn't confront him after reading the note. She didn't quite know enough behind it to start asking questions, and Clark had no reason to confide in her something that personal. Lana quickly scampered down the stairs and sprinted towards her house. It wasn't until after she had rushed into her room and closed the door behind her that she had noticed that she still had the note in her hand.
"Oops," Lana whispered to herself as she attempted to catch her breath.