[A/N: Big Day! First of all, Happy Clana Day, Everyone! Secondly, twenty years ago tonight, I posted this story's original version online. My first "straight" (non-crossover) Smallville story. Thanks, Everyone.]

Chapter 5 [Lockers]

Pete walked toward his locker. Despite only knowing Clark's real Secret for a few weeks, he felt its true weight bearing down on him. He'd evaded Classmates' Questions about Clark on the previous day. Chloe pressed him in class and at lunch on that score. Man, I get it! Clark, Dude, I really wish you had listened to your Dad and not bought that ring! Frown creased his face. He grabbed History, Chemistry and English books for Morning's classes. Can't believe I'm actually thinking this but even Mrs. Kowalski is better than dealing with this stuff! He rolled his eyes at that thought.

"Pete?"

He froze. His mind vapor locked for a split second. He turned to find Lana watching him. "Lana! Hey! How's everything at the Talon?"

She sucked in a deep breath. "Talon's fine, Pete. Thanks. I…was hoping you could let me in on something." She looked all around to make sure nobody remained in earshot. "What's going on with Clark?" She set her jaw. "Yesterday, he and I talked twice."

"Twice? Wow." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. Clark texted me after he and his folks got back from Metro. Glad he found you. I know he was really beating himself up over things." He noted her manner and mood. Maybe talking to her wasn't such a great idea, Clark. "So how'd it go?"

"How did what go?" She rolled her eyes. "Pete, please! Don't evade my question. I need to know what's going on with Clark." She leaned close to him. "I saw him toss those 300 pound bouncers at the Wild Coyote. I mean what the Hell?"

He took a deep breath. "Yeah, Lana. Well, whatever was affecting him, I figure it really made him Hulk out, you know? I mean he nearly put his Dad through a truck door. Come on! Does that sound like Clark to you?" He plotted Evasion's next strategy. He sensed Suspicion in Lana's tone. "Since when does Clark ride around on a motor cycle in leather? I mean he barely knew that girl and he dissed you for her? That's not our guy."

She conceded that point. "Come to think of it, it was like night and day. Didn't he start acting like that when he put that class ring on? Chloe's looking into it. There's got to be something to it." She produced her own ring. "I wonder…"

Nerves raced through his gut. Her line of reasoning really raised the stakes. "Yeah well you know how stress can gang up on someone. Look. I really need to get to home room. Maybe we can catch up and get to those theories later?" He felt like a heel. Assessment noted how she needed to talk to someone. Moreover, she'd witnessed Clark doing the super stuff. Now this stuff's affecting me! Dang it! While he wanted to share his insight, he swore to Clark and his parents not to do so. Clark, Dude, we are going to get some things straight! I hate this! "I'm sorry!"

"Come on, Pete! Not you too!" Lana rubbed her forehead. She bowed her head. "Clark and his Mom won't tell me anything. I mean you're his best friend. You have to know something. I…." She watched him make a less than graceful exit. "Yeah whatever. Clark claims to love me. Still, he can't trust me." She dragged herself down the hall and toward her own locker. She'd barely slept herself on the previous night.

Nell's ever observant eye tracked her on the previous night and that morning. Vendetta burned in the elder woman's eyes. Pestering Questions nagged at Lana. Account of Clark's actions had reached her ears. She'd all but spat on Clark's half-baked apology and Martha's evasions. She told Lana to stay away from the Kent Farm and especially Clark.

All around her, Rubberneckers' Eyes turned toward her. They witnessed Time's Cover Girl's resurgent drama show yet again. Whispers went from one girl's mouth to another's ear. Giggles cut toward Lana's ear and ego. Entertainment, it seemed, was worth another's pain.

Yeah. You just keep thinking that way! Lana slammed Locker's door shut. She hustled toward Home Room's Sanctuary away from Rumors and Gossip's venom.

Not a good start to the day….