Part Six
CLARK
I watch as my father rests peacefully and thank god, that he's alright.
I just can't believe that this could happen.that I wasn't there to help him. But at least they've got the people that did this to him.
The sheriff came just after he'd woken up and dad explained the whole thing to him, leaving out the part about the stolen spaceship.
No one needs to know about that, unless it's really necessary.
The sheriff, Martin Young told us that they already had Abe and Art in custody, for trespassing on Lex's grounds.
They must have wandered onto his estate after leaving my dad in the cellar.
Then sheriff Young told us that Abe and Art were so, drunk that they'd imagined that they'd found a spaceship in our cellar. My dad and mum laughed it off, but it still made my flesh crawl, if anyone ever found out that was true.
But he didn't mention anything about the spaceship being found with them, which means that between leaving the storm cellar and getting caught at Lex's, they must of hidden it somewhere.or that it's still on Lex's grounds and he might of.
No, that's stupid.
They must have hidden it somewhere.but where?
I think I may need to talk to them later.
"Clark," my mother says softly.
I look over at her, concern on her face.
"Yes, mum," I reply.
"I think, we'd better get home," she says gently, putting her hands on my shoulders.
"But what about.," I look over at my father.
"Your father is going to be fine, he just needs some rest. Talking of rest, you need some," she replies, yawning slightly.
I nod, she's right. I need to clear my head a bit.
Plan what to do next.
***
I walk into my kitchen and feel better, being home, safe. well for now, anyway.
"Do you want some hot chocolate, before bed?" my mother asks, pulling out a mug.
"No, thanks. I think, I'll just head up," I say, giving her a quick hug and making my way upstairs.
But as I do, I pass the phone and catch the blinking red light on the answer machine.
I press the button and hear the sound of Chloe's voice, "Clark, are you there? Ok, I've got something to talk to you about. Call me when you get this. Don't forget. Bye."
"That sounds important," my mum says.
"Yeah but it's late. I'll call her tomorrow," I say, yawning.
My mother nods and I trudge up the stairs to my bed.
As I lie there, thoughts swirl inside my head.
My family, my friends, my life, everything I have right now, I could lose in a second and it's all because of that damn spaceship.
I wish, I could take it and destroy it forever, so then I can just be normal.
But that's not true is it? I'm not normal, never have and never will be.
I close my eyes and let sleep wash over me, drowning me in it's clutches.
***
I awake the next morning and look at the time, 10: 30 am. I still feel tired but know, I have to get up.
I walk down the stairs and find two pieces of toast ready made for me, with a note attached:
"To Clark,
I've gone to see your father. Meet us there when you finish up at home.
Love Mum.
p.s. Don't forget to ring Chloe back."
I smile and crunch up the note, throwing it into the bin. Then shoving the toast into my mouth, pick up the phone and ring Chloe's mobile.
"Hello?" Chloe's voice answers faintly.
"It's Clark," I reply.
"Clark!" her voice seems to be getting quieter.
"Chloe, are you ok? You sound really quiet," I say, holding the phone closer to my ear.
"Sorry, low battery. But anyway, I need to tell you about Lex and.," but before I can hear the last bit of her sentence, she's gone.
"The other person has cleared," the automated voice tells me.
I shake my head and replace the handset. I guess, I'll have to ring her later.
Now, what could Chloe have to say about Lex? I think, walking to the pick- up and driving to the hospital.
***
I walk to my father's room and as I'm approaching it, I see a familiar face, Lex.
He's walking towards me, Jameson his bodyguard by his side.
"Clark," he says, smiling at me, "how are you?"
"I'm fine. What you doing here?" I ask, happy to see a friendly face. Also, maybe I can ask him about Abe, Art and my spaceship.
"I heard about your father and just came to see if he's alright," Lex replies, a smile still on his face.
I nod.
"But he wasn't that happy to see me," Lex continues.
I suddenly become aware that Jameson is looking at me strangely and then realise that Lex is staring at me in exactly the same way.
I'd better say something, "I'm sure he appreciates that you took the time, Lex."
He nods at me but I have a feeling that he doesn't believe me.
"Anyway, at least they caught them. They were on your grounds, trespassing, weren't they?" I ask, trying to act casual about it.
"Yes, they were. I didn't see them personally, Jameson handled it," Lex says, motioning to the man beside him.
"Lex, I actually wanted.," but before I finish, Jameson makes a rather deliberate cough and indicates to Lex, that they need to leave.
"Sorry Clark, but I've got a meeting. Another time?" Lex says, putting on a rather fake, business like tone, which he's never used with me.
"Yeah sure," I reply, slightly bewildered and watch as they leave. Jameson whispers something to Lex and he nods in return.
I shake off the creeping suspicion that they know something and walk into my father's room.
I look down at my parents and see the panic on my mother's face.
"What is it?" I ask, edging towards them.
My father swallows hard, "It's Lex, son."
LEX
I lie back in my chair and think about what I'm going to say tomorrow to Jonathan Kent. So many questions to choose and so many possible answers to get.
"Mr. Luthor?" Jameson says quietly.
I roll my head towards him and look at him with mild interest, "yes?"
"The files that Mr. McDonald gave us, have been destroyed," he replies solemnly.
"Good," I reply, twirling a pen in my hands, returning to my previous thoughts.
Jameson remains where he is, as if waiting for something.
"Was there anything else?" I ask, turning to face him.
"No, not really," he answers, his eyes studying me.
"Well then, you can go."
He still stands there, his eyes focused on me.
"Jameson, you know it's rude to stare," I say, standing up.
"Sorry. It's just that. well.," he stutters.
I look at him, shaking my head.
That man can be such a waste of time, sometimes.
"It's just, should you really being going to see Mr. Kent at this stage?" he asks, his eyes to the floor.
"Why shouldn't I?" I ask, slightly annoyed.
"Because, you don't have all the facts yet," he answers.
"I need answers not facts."
"But.," he starts.
"This conversation is over, Jameson," I say coldly, walking out of the room.
Like I said before, that man can be such a waste of time.
***
I walk along the hospital corridors and look in at each room, filled with people that have so many unanswered questions about life and I suddenly feel superior to them because I'm about to get some answers.
I arrive at my chosen destination and look into the window and see Jonathan and Martha Kent talking, the picture perfect husband and wife.
"Can I come in?" I ask cautiously.
Martha smiles but Jonathan Kent's face remains as stony and cold as ever.
"Lex," Martha says warmly.
"I heard about what happened and just wanted to see how you are," I reply, trying to sound sincere.
Jonathan grunts, "what do you want really, Luthor?"
"Jonathan," Martha says, rubbing his arm.
"No, it's fine, Mrs. Kent. There is actually something which I need to discuss with your husband, in private. If you don't mind," I say, studying Jonathan's face for any clues to what he's thinking.
Martha looks hesitantly at Jonathan, who nods back to reassure her.
"I'll just go and get some coffee, shall I?" Martha asks, looking at me strangely.
Jonathan and I both watch Martha leave and the tension between us grows. I shift towards him, the tension becoming thicker as I approach.
I sit down beside him and watch the older man, the lines of age and wisdom on his forehead.
"What is it?" he asks, turning to face the window.
"I need to know if anything was stolen from your cellar?" I ask.
I guess there's no point beating around the bush.
"Why do you need to know that?" his voice sounds slightly shaken.
"It's just a question," I reply smoothly.
Jonathan Kent then turns to look at me, his face calm as the sky outside, "is it?"
This is not as easy as I thought it would be, "yes. It's just a question that needs an answer."
"Then no, there's your answer," he replies, his eyes full of hate for me.
"I don't believe you," I say, frustrated at the outcome of this conversation.
"Then that's a shame," he answers.
"I have it," I say, trying to get something more.
"Have what?"
"Mr. Kent, I don't underestimate your intelligence, please don't underestimate mine," I say, staring at him.
"I don't have anything else to say to you," he says coldly, turning away from me.
"Maybe later then," I reply, getting up, "maybe, I'll talk to Clark."
"Don't go near my son," he replies, the anger building in his voice.
"Stop me," I say, walking out. I suddenly hear a loud thump but carry on walking.
"Mr. Luthor?"
"Yes, Jameson?" I ask, stopping.
"We got the tests back."
"And?" I say, folding my arms.
"The metal of the craft matches that of the metal that you found before. Also, that it was definitely carrying something when it crashed to earth," Jameson says in a low voice.
"Good," I begin to walk again, Jameson following, "also, I want some "precautions" to be set around the Kents."
Jameson raises his eyebrows but shakes it off and nods.
Then I see him, the other Kent and smile.
"Clark," I say, "how are you?"
"I'm fine. What are you doing here?" he replies. His face revealing no suspicions unlike his father.
"I heard about your father and just came to see if he's alright," I answer, lying through my teeth.
He nods at me absentmindedly and I wonder if he suspects.
"But he wasn't that happy to see me," I continue, still trying to gauge what he's thinking about.
"I'm sure he appreciates that you took the time, Lex," Clark says, a natural sincerity in his voice.
"Anyway, at least they caught them. They were on your grounds, trespassing, weren't they?" he says, obviously trying to change the subject.
"Yes, they were. I didn't see them personally, Jameson handled it," I reply.
"Lex, I actually wanted.," he begins but I feel I need to get on with other business.
"Sorry Clark, but I've got a meeting. Another time?"
"Yeah sure," he replies.
I walk off and Jameson whispers in my ear, "do you think he knows?"
I peer back at Clark, the good natured, slightly naïve farm boy, "not a clue."
MARTHA
I walk away from my husband's room and hope that Lex is here for things that don't concern my son.
But I have a sneaking suspicion that no good, will come of this.
As I push for a coffee and watch the brown liquid fall into the cup, I wonder if things are ever going to be normal again?
But then again, define normal for me. No, ever since that day when Clark came hurtling into our lives, things stopped being normal, which wasn't a bad thing.
Abnormal was just perfect for me and now since the Luthors have entered our lives, abnormal seems such a distant memory.
I wish I could just be abnormal again.
CLARK
I watch as my father rests peacefully and thank god, that he's alright.
I just can't believe that this could happen.that I wasn't there to help him. But at least they've got the people that did this to him.
The sheriff came just after he'd woken up and dad explained the whole thing to him, leaving out the part about the stolen spaceship.
No one needs to know about that, unless it's really necessary.
The sheriff, Martin Young told us that they already had Abe and Art in custody, for trespassing on Lex's grounds.
They must have wandered onto his estate after leaving my dad in the cellar.
Then sheriff Young told us that Abe and Art were so, drunk that they'd imagined that they'd found a spaceship in our cellar. My dad and mum laughed it off, but it still made my flesh crawl, if anyone ever found out that was true.
But he didn't mention anything about the spaceship being found with them, which means that between leaving the storm cellar and getting caught at Lex's, they must of hidden it somewhere.or that it's still on Lex's grounds and he might of.
No, that's stupid.
They must have hidden it somewhere.but where?
I think I may need to talk to them later.
"Clark," my mother says softly.
I look over at her, concern on her face.
"Yes, mum," I reply.
"I think, we'd better get home," she says gently, putting her hands on my shoulders.
"But what about.," I look over at my father.
"Your father is going to be fine, he just needs some rest. Talking of rest, you need some," she replies, yawning slightly.
I nod, she's right. I need to clear my head a bit.
Plan what to do next.
***
I walk into my kitchen and feel better, being home, safe. well for now, anyway.
"Do you want some hot chocolate, before bed?" my mother asks, pulling out a mug.
"No, thanks. I think, I'll just head up," I say, giving her a quick hug and making my way upstairs.
But as I do, I pass the phone and catch the blinking red light on the answer machine.
I press the button and hear the sound of Chloe's voice, "Clark, are you there? Ok, I've got something to talk to you about. Call me when you get this. Don't forget. Bye."
"That sounds important," my mum says.
"Yeah but it's late. I'll call her tomorrow," I say, yawning.
My mother nods and I trudge up the stairs to my bed.
As I lie there, thoughts swirl inside my head.
My family, my friends, my life, everything I have right now, I could lose in a second and it's all because of that damn spaceship.
I wish, I could take it and destroy it forever, so then I can just be normal.
But that's not true is it? I'm not normal, never have and never will be.
I close my eyes and let sleep wash over me, drowning me in it's clutches.
***
I awake the next morning and look at the time, 10: 30 am. I still feel tired but know, I have to get up.
I walk down the stairs and find two pieces of toast ready made for me, with a note attached:
"To Clark,
I've gone to see your father. Meet us there when you finish up at home.
Love Mum.
p.s. Don't forget to ring Chloe back."
I smile and crunch up the note, throwing it into the bin. Then shoving the toast into my mouth, pick up the phone and ring Chloe's mobile.
"Hello?" Chloe's voice answers faintly.
"It's Clark," I reply.
"Clark!" her voice seems to be getting quieter.
"Chloe, are you ok? You sound really quiet," I say, holding the phone closer to my ear.
"Sorry, low battery. But anyway, I need to tell you about Lex and.," but before I can hear the last bit of her sentence, she's gone.
"The other person has cleared," the automated voice tells me.
I shake my head and replace the handset. I guess, I'll have to ring her later.
Now, what could Chloe have to say about Lex? I think, walking to the pick- up and driving to the hospital.
***
I walk to my father's room and as I'm approaching it, I see a familiar face, Lex.
He's walking towards me, Jameson his bodyguard by his side.
"Clark," he says, smiling at me, "how are you?"
"I'm fine. What you doing here?" I ask, happy to see a friendly face. Also, maybe I can ask him about Abe, Art and my spaceship.
"I heard about your father and just came to see if he's alright," Lex replies, a smile still on his face.
I nod.
"But he wasn't that happy to see me," Lex continues.
I suddenly become aware that Jameson is looking at me strangely and then realise that Lex is staring at me in exactly the same way.
I'd better say something, "I'm sure he appreciates that you took the time, Lex."
He nods at me but I have a feeling that he doesn't believe me.
"Anyway, at least they caught them. They were on your grounds, trespassing, weren't they?" I ask, trying to act casual about it.
"Yes, they were. I didn't see them personally, Jameson handled it," Lex says, motioning to the man beside him.
"Lex, I actually wanted.," but before I finish, Jameson makes a rather deliberate cough and indicates to Lex, that they need to leave.
"Sorry Clark, but I've got a meeting. Another time?" Lex says, putting on a rather fake, business like tone, which he's never used with me.
"Yeah sure," I reply, slightly bewildered and watch as they leave. Jameson whispers something to Lex and he nods in return.
I shake off the creeping suspicion that they know something and walk into my father's room.
I look down at my parents and see the panic on my mother's face.
"What is it?" I ask, edging towards them.
My father swallows hard, "It's Lex, son."
LEX
I lie back in my chair and think about what I'm going to say tomorrow to Jonathan Kent. So many questions to choose and so many possible answers to get.
"Mr. Luthor?" Jameson says quietly.
I roll my head towards him and look at him with mild interest, "yes?"
"The files that Mr. McDonald gave us, have been destroyed," he replies solemnly.
"Good," I reply, twirling a pen in my hands, returning to my previous thoughts.
Jameson remains where he is, as if waiting for something.
"Was there anything else?" I ask, turning to face him.
"No, not really," he answers, his eyes studying me.
"Well then, you can go."
He still stands there, his eyes focused on me.
"Jameson, you know it's rude to stare," I say, standing up.
"Sorry. It's just that. well.," he stutters.
I look at him, shaking my head.
That man can be such a waste of time, sometimes.
"It's just, should you really being going to see Mr. Kent at this stage?" he asks, his eyes to the floor.
"Why shouldn't I?" I ask, slightly annoyed.
"Because, you don't have all the facts yet," he answers.
"I need answers not facts."
"But.," he starts.
"This conversation is over, Jameson," I say coldly, walking out of the room.
Like I said before, that man can be such a waste of time.
***
I walk along the hospital corridors and look in at each room, filled with people that have so many unanswered questions about life and I suddenly feel superior to them because I'm about to get some answers.
I arrive at my chosen destination and look into the window and see Jonathan and Martha Kent talking, the picture perfect husband and wife.
"Can I come in?" I ask cautiously.
Martha smiles but Jonathan Kent's face remains as stony and cold as ever.
"Lex," Martha says warmly.
"I heard about what happened and just wanted to see how you are," I reply, trying to sound sincere.
Jonathan grunts, "what do you want really, Luthor?"
"Jonathan," Martha says, rubbing his arm.
"No, it's fine, Mrs. Kent. There is actually something which I need to discuss with your husband, in private. If you don't mind," I say, studying Jonathan's face for any clues to what he's thinking.
Martha looks hesitantly at Jonathan, who nods back to reassure her.
"I'll just go and get some coffee, shall I?" Martha asks, looking at me strangely.
Jonathan and I both watch Martha leave and the tension between us grows. I shift towards him, the tension becoming thicker as I approach.
I sit down beside him and watch the older man, the lines of age and wisdom on his forehead.
"What is it?" he asks, turning to face the window.
"I need to know if anything was stolen from your cellar?" I ask.
I guess there's no point beating around the bush.
"Why do you need to know that?" his voice sounds slightly shaken.
"It's just a question," I reply smoothly.
Jonathan Kent then turns to look at me, his face calm as the sky outside, "is it?"
This is not as easy as I thought it would be, "yes. It's just a question that needs an answer."
"Then no, there's your answer," he replies, his eyes full of hate for me.
"I don't believe you," I say, frustrated at the outcome of this conversation.
"Then that's a shame," he answers.
"I have it," I say, trying to get something more.
"Have what?"
"Mr. Kent, I don't underestimate your intelligence, please don't underestimate mine," I say, staring at him.
"I don't have anything else to say to you," he says coldly, turning away from me.
"Maybe later then," I reply, getting up, "maybe, I'll talk to Clark."
"Don't go near my son," he replies, the anger building in his voice.
"Stop me," I say, walking out. I suddenly hear a loud thump but carry on walking.
"Mr. Luthor?"
"Yes, Jameson?" I ask, stopping.
"We got the tests back."
"And?" I say, folding my arms.
"The metal of the craft matches that of the metal that you found before. Also, that it was definitely carrying something when it crashed to earth," Jameson says in a low voice.
"Good," I begin to walk again, Jameson following, "also, I want some "precautions" to be set around the Kents."
Jameson raises his eyebrows but shakes it off and nods.
Then I see him, the other Kent and smile.
"Clark," I say, "how are you?"
"I'm fine. What are you doing here?" he replies. His face revealing no suspicions unlike his father.
"I heard about your father and just came to see if he's alright," I answer, lying through my teeth.
He nods at me absentmindedly and I wonder if he suspects.
"But he wasn't that happy to see me," I continue, still trying to gauge what he's thinking about.
"I'm sure he appreciates that you took the time, Lex," Clark says, a natural sincerity in his voice.
"Anyway, at least they caught them. They were on your grounds, trespassing, weren't they?" he says, obviously trying to change the subject.
"Yes, they were. I didn't see them personally, Jameson handled it," I reply.
"Lex, I actually wanted.," he begins but I feel I need to get on with other business.
"Sorry Clark, but I've got a meeting. Another time?"
"Yeah sure," he replies.
I walk off and Jameson whispers in my ear, "do you think he knows?"
I peer back at Clark, the good natured, slightly naïve farm boy, "not a clue."
MARTHA
I walk away from my husband's room and hope that Lex is here for things that don't concern my son.
But I have a sneaking suspicion that no good, will come of this.
As I push for a coffee and watch the brown liquid fall into the cup, I wonder if things are ever going to be normal again?
But then again, define normal for me. No, ever since that day when Clark came hurtling into our lives, things stopped being normal, which wasn't a bad thing.
Abnormal was just perfect for me and now since the Luthors have entered our lives, abnormal seems such a distant memory.
I wish I could just be abnormal again.