INT. KENT HOUSE – KITCHEN
Chloe sits at the table staring blankly ahead at nothing in particular, as if Clark and Pete weren't even there. They wait for her to say something. After several seconds, she finally blinks.
CHLOE
Wow. That's a lot of information.
She stands up from the table. Clark and Pete follow suit.
CHLOE
I think I need a nap.
They follow her into the living room.
INT. KENT HOUSE – LIVING ROOM
Like a wide-eyed zombie, Chloe walks over to the couch and lies down. She stares straight up at the ceiling at nothing in particular. Clark and Pete look worried and rightfully so.
PETE
Yo, Chlo... Sup?
CHLOE
I can't sleep.
She sits up and blinks again.
CHLOE
I'm thirsty.
She stands up from the couch and its back to the kitchen.
CLARK Chloe...
INT. KENT HOUSE – KITCHEN
She ignores Clark and heads straight for the refrigerator. Opening it up, she grabs the carton of milk and pours herself a... bowl. She puts the carton back... in the microwave... and leaves the bowl on the counter.
CHLOE
I think I need some fresh air.
Clark and Pete each shrug as Chloe heads for the door. They follow her, not expecting her to make a quick pivot. She sits back down at the table, again staring straight ahead at nothing in particular.
Clark and Pete sit across from her at the table.
CLARK
Chloe...
Whatever she sees in the abyss she's staring into, it has her complete attention.
PETE
Chloe... Earth to Chloe...
Pete takes his hand and waves it in front of her face. She doesn't flinch.
CLARK Chloe, are you all right? Do you want me to get you something? Something to eat? Something to drink? Water?
PETE
Ritalin?
Clark shoots Pete an angry glance.
CLARK Chloe, please say something. You're starting to worry me.
PETE
You know, this is the first time I've ever seen Chloe speechless. Quick, what else ya got?
CHLOE The man I love is an alien. I mean, not that it should surprise me or anything. It makes perfect sense really.
CLARK
It does?
PETE
It does?
CHLOE
Well, yeah. My cousin always used to tell me I have trouble identifying with other members of my own species. It makes sense that I would fall in love with someone who wasn't. Even when I was growing up, my best friend was a little white rabbit I found at the zoo.
PETE
You "found" a rabbit at the zoo?
CHLOE
His name was Tommy, little Tommy Brokaw. I used to sleep with him ya know.
After getting no reaction at all from Chloe, Pete turns to Clark.
PETE
That is getting weird on so many levels.
CHLOE
Then it died. He jumped out the window, but that didn't kill him. He bounced when he hit the ground, landed on his feet in the driveway. That's when my Dad ran him over with the car. That didn't kill him either, though. He just sorta flew through the air... and landed in the neighbor's yard... with Butch the Doberman. He tore him to shreds.
PETE
That's the most horrible thing I've ever heard.
CHLOE
It was a bad day. I had to go to therapy for three months. He was a good little bunny... except to old ladies with hats. He didn't like hats.
She huffs.
CHLOE
You know, I was watching the news the other night and there was this report about this woman who accidentally locked her kid in her car with the keys. This kid was like three years old and he turned the car on and the car actually started moving, but because of all the adrenaline and endorphins running through her system she had this like super strength and actually tore the door right off the car.
She looks at Clark.
CHLOE
If you can really do all those things, prove it. I mean, anybody can knock over a tree.
Pete looks confused.
PETE
What kind of crowd you been hangin' out with?
CLARK
::shakes head:: Chloe...
CHLOE
Humor me... Please, for the love of God, humor me. I mean, I've known you for years, and I'm a reporter. These kinds of things don't get by someone with my observational and investigative skills. This is just one big joke. You can't really do all those things. If you could...
She glances around the room before settling her eyes back on Clark, a new grin on her face.
CHLOE
You'd be able to tell me what color underwear...
Pete smiles.
PETE
::nods:: Oh yeah...
CHLOE ... Pete's wearing.
Pete's smile quickly disappears.
PETE ::shakes head:: Oh no...
He looks over at Clark.
PETE
Don't even think about it.
Clark stares at Pete and Pete stares right back. Clark's eyes begin to wander to the right and Pete sticks his finger in Clark's face.
PETE
Nuh uh! Keep 'em up!
Clark's eyes wander to the left.
PETE
Clark, man, I'm warnin' you! You hear me? I ain't playin' with you!
CLARK Look, I'm not gonna do it, okay.
PETE
Damn straight you're not.
Clark looks back at Chloe.
CLARK
You want me to light him on fire instead?
Pete jumps up from the table.
PETE
No, man, this ain't right!
Clark looks over real quick, then back at Chloe.
CLARK
Dark blue.
Pete takes a quick look down. He throws his arms into the air.
PETE
Da, man! Come on!
He sits back down at the far end of the table. He shoots Chloe a dirty glance as she giggles in her seat.
PETE
Not cool. That is not cool.
CHLOE
That's hysterical.
CLARK
Pink.
Chloe chokes on a giggle and becomes suddenly silent. Her eyes widen, looking back at Clark. He's smiling.
Pete smiles too.
PETE
Aw, yeah. That's right...
He pulls a napkin from the napkin holder and dabs the sides of his mouth.
PETE
A nice dish of cold revenge. That was good. I liked that. That was nice.
She blushes and folds her arms across her chest, receding back in her chair.
CHLOE
Okay, so you've got the powers. You're sure you're an alien, though? I mean, you're sure you're not just some kind of super meteor rock freak?
CLARK
Yeah, I'm sure.
CHLOE
Really sure?
CLARK
Really, really sure.
CHLOE
Oh.
A long, awkward, pause... Clark is the first to break the silence.
CLARK
So...
CHLOE ::nods:: So...
CLARK
Any thoughts?
CHLOE Oh, I have lots of thoughts. I have tons, a whole slew of thoughts. I'm just not really sure which one to run with, that's all. I mean, how am I supposed to feel right now? How am I supposed to react? It's not like there's some sort of rule of thumb, some sort of standard I can go by here. What am I supposed to say? What am I supposed to do? I don't know, Clark. I just don't know. This is...
She searches for the right word.
CHLOE
... incredible! This is... mind-boggling. What do I feel? How do I react to this? I've gone out with freaks before, but never freakin' E.T.
She shakes her head, practically hyperventilating on her own thoughts.
CHLOE
The little girl in me thinks this is the coolest thing ever. I'm in love with He-Man for crying out loud! The reporter in me wants exclusive interview rights. On the other hand, the human being in me is scared out of her mind because there's an alien overlord trying to take over the world!
CLARK
That's not going to happen. I won't let it happen.
CHLOE
That's another thing. Why the hell is that so reassuring? I look at you, and you say that, and it's like nothing's wrong. I'm worried, but I'm not afraid. Then, I look away, or I blink, and suddenly I'm terrified... because I don't know who you are.
CLARK
Yes, you do.
CHLOE
::shakes head:: No, I don't. How could I? I mean, I'd like to think I do. I'd like to think you're the same Clark Kent from school, the same Clark Kent I've known for years, but how can I be sure? How can I be so sure you are who I think you are when I didn't even know the most important thing about you?
PETE
Chloe, listen, when I found out about all this, I'll be the first to admit that I freaked out too. It blew me out of my shoes. But I'm telling you, with Clark Kent what you see is what you get, regardless of where he's from or what you know about him. He's the same dude... there's just a little more to the story.
CHLOE
Yeah, a "little more"... the same way the New Testament is just a "little more" of the Bible.
CLARK
Chloe, you have to believe me, I didn't want to keep this from you.
CHLOE
Then, why did you? Didn't you trust me?
CLARK
It's not a matter of trust. It never was. My secret... it can be more of a burden than it is a gift. Yeah, it may be "cool" to be able to lift a car up over your head, until someone turns around and wants to exploit it, turn you into a sideshow or a science experiment... or worse. I just... I didn't want to lay that burden on you.
CHLOE
Well, that is the same old Clark Kent, I guess, trying to protect everyone again. I'm a big girl.
CLARK
I know... but you're not invulnerable. That's why you should go. You should go with your father to Gotham City. You'll be safer there.
CHLOE I think that's the first time anyone's ever said that about Gotham City.
CLARK
Just the same. Please, just do it. Do it for me.
CHLOE
Well, that's the real question, isn't it? You're going to be here. It sounds to me like the safest place to be is right here, with you.
Clark says nothing, even turns away. Confused by his reaction, she reads all she needs to know off of Pete as he tries to avoid eye contact with her.
CHLOE But you're not going to be here... are you?
His silence is all the answer she needs.
CHLOE
Oh. All good things, huh?
CLARK
I have no choice. I have to leave. I have to stop him. Besides, it's me he wants. Once I leave, he'll leave Smallville alone.
CHLOE
Speaking of alone... If you leave, what's going to happen to your mother?
Clark looks back at Chloe, as if the thought had never even occurred to him.
CHLOE
She's going to be all alone, Clark.
Clark hangs his head and looks to the stairs.
Chloe sits at the table staring blankly ahead at nothing in particular, as if Clark and Pete weren't even there. They wait for her to say something. After several seconds, she finally blinks.
CHLOE
Wow. That's a lot of information.
She stands up from the table. Clark and Pete follow suit.
CHLOE
I think I need a nap.
They follow her into the living room.
INT. KENT HOUSE – LIVING ROOM
Like a wide-eyed zombie, Chloe walks over to the couch and lies down. She stares straight up at the ceiling at nothing in particular. Clark and Pete look worried and rightfully so.
PETE
Yo, Chlo... Sup?
CHLOE
I can't sleep.
She sits up and blinks again.
CHLOE
I'm thirsty.
She stands up from the couch and its back to the kitchen.
CLARK Chloe...
INT. KENT HOUSE – KITCHEN
She ignores Clark and heads straight for the refrigerator. Opening it up, she grabs the carton of milk and pours herself a... bowl. She puts the carton back... in the microwave... and leaves the bowl on the counter.
CHLOE
I think I need some fresh air.
Clark and Pete each shrug as Chloe heads for the door. They follow her, not expecting her to make a quick pivot. She sits back down at the table, again staring straight ahead at nothing in particular.
Clark and Pete sit across from her at the table.
CLARK
Chloe...
Whatever she sees in the abyss she's staring into, it has her complete attention.
PETE
Chloe... Earth to Chloe...
Pete takes his hand and waves it in front of her face. She doesn't flinch.
CLARK Chloe, are you all right? Do you want me to get you something? Something to eat? Something to drink? Water?
PETE
Ritalin?
Clark shoots Pete an angry glance.
CLARK Chloe, please say something. You're starting to worry me.
PETE
You know, this is the first time I've ever seen Chloe speechless. Quick, what else ya got?
CHLOE The man I love is an alien. I mean, not that it should surprise me or anything. It makes perfect sense really.
CLARK
It does?
PETE
It does?
CHLOE
Well, yeah. My cousin always used to tell me I have trouble identifying with other members of my own species. It makes sense that I would fall in love with someone who wasn't. Even when I was growing up, my best friend was a little white rabbit I found at the zoo.
PETE
You "found" a rabbit at the zoo?
CHLOE
His name was Tommy, little Tommy Brokaw. I used to sleep with him ya know.
After getting no reaction at all from Chloe, Pete turns to Clark.
PETE
That is getting weird on so many levels.
CHLOE
Then it died. He jumped out the window, but that didn't kill him. He bounced when he hit the ground, landed on his feet in the driveway. That's when my Dad ran him over with the car. That didn't kill him either, though. He just sorta flew through the air... and landed in the neighbor's yard... with Butch the Doberman. He tore him to shreds.
PETE
That's the most horrible thing I've ever heard.
CHLOE
It was a bad day. I had to go to therapy for three months. He was a good little bunny... except to old ladies with hats. He didn't like hats.
She huffs.
CHLOE
You know, I was watching the news the other night and there was this report about this woman who accidentally locked her kid in her car with the keys. This kid was like three years old and he turned the car on and the car actually started moving, but because of all the adrenaline and endorphins running through her system she had this like super strength and actually tore the door right off the car.
She looks at Clark.
CHLOE
If you can really do all those things, prove it. I mean, anybody can knock over a tree.
Pete looks confused.
PETE
What kind of crowd you been hangin' out with?
CLARK
::shakes head:: Chloe...
CHLOE
Humor me... Please, for the love of God, humor me. I mean, I've known you for years, and I'm a reporter. These kinds of things don't get by someone with my observational and investigative skills. This is just one big joke. You can't really do all those things. If you could...
She glances around the room before settling her eyes back on Clark, a new grin on her face.
CHLOE
You'd be able to tell me what color underwear...
Pete smiles.
PETE
::nods:: Oh yeah...
CHLOE ... Pete's wearing.
Pete's smile quickly disappears.
PETE ::shakes head:: Oh no...
He looks over at Clark.
PETE
Don't even think about it.
Clark stares at Pete and Pete stares right back. Clark's eyes begin to wander to the right and Pete sticks his finger in Clark's face.
PETE
Nuh uh! Keep 'em up!
Clark's eyes wander to the left.
PETE
Clark, man, I'm warnin' you! You hear me? I ain't playin' with you!
CLARK Look, I'm not gonna do it, okay.
PETE
Damn straight you're not.
Clark looks back at Chloe.
CLARK
You want me to light him on fire instead?
Pete jumps up from the table.
PETE
No, man, this ain't right!
Clark looks over real quick, then back at Chloe.
CLARK
Dark blue.
Pete takes a quick look down. He throws his arms into the air.
PETE
Da, man! Come on!
He sits back down at the far end of the table. He shoots Chloe a dirty glance as she giggles in her seat.
PETE
Not cool. That is not cool.
CHLOE
That's hysterical.
CLARK
Pink.
Chloe chokes on a giggle and becomes suddenly silent. Her eyes widen, looking back at Clark. He's smiling.
Pete smiles too.
PETE
Aw, yeah. That's right...
He pulls a napkin from the napkin holder and dabs the sides of his mouth.
PETE
A nice dish of cold revenge. That was good. I liked that. That was nice.
She blushes and folds her arms across her chest, receding back in her chair.
CHLOE
Okay, so you've got the powers. You're sure you're an alien, though? I mean, you're sure you're not just some kind of super meteor rock freak?
CLARK
Yeah, I'm sure.
CHLOE
Really sure?
CLARK
Really, really sure.
CHLOE
Oh.
A long, awkward, pause... Clark is the first to break the silence.
CLARK
So...
CHLOE ::nods:: So...
CLARK
Any thoughts?
CHLOE Oh, I have lots of thoughts. I have tons, a whole slew of thoughts. I'm just not really sure which one to run with, that's all. I mean, how am I supposed to feel right now? How am I supposed to react? It's not like there's some sort of rule of thumb, some sort of standard I can go by here. What am I supposed to say? What am I supposed to do? I don't know, Clark. I just don't know. This is...
She searches for the right word.
CHLOE
... incredible! This is... mind-boggling. What do I feel? How do I react to this? I've gone out with freaks before, but never freakin' E.T.
She shakes her head, practically hyperventilating on her own thoughts.
CHLOE
The little girl in me thinks this is the coolest thing ever. I'm in love with He-Man for crying out loud! The reporter in me wants exclusive interview rights. On the other hand, the human being in me is scared out of her mind because there's an alien overlord trying to take over the world!
CLARK
That's not going to happen. I won't let it happen.
CHLOE
That's another thing. Why the hell is that so reassuring? I look at you, and you say that, and it's like nothing's wrong. I'm worried, but I'm not afraid. Then, I look away, or I blink, and suddenly I'm terrified... because I don't know who you are.
CLARK
Yes, you do.
CHLOE
::shakes head:: No, I don't. How could I? I mean, I'd like to think I do. I'd like to think you're the same Clark Kent from school, the same Clark Kent I've known for years, but how can I be sure? How can I be so sure you are who I think you are when I didn't even know the most important thing about you?
PETE
Chloe, listen, when I found out about all this, I'll be the first to admit that I freaked out too. It blew me out of my shoes. But I'm telling you, with Clark Kent what you see is what you get, regardless of where he's from or what you know about him. He's the same dude... there's just a little more to the story.
CHLOE
Yeah, a "little more"... the same way the New Testament is just a "little more" of the Bible.
CLARK
Chloe, you have to believe me, I didn't want to keep this from you.
CHLOE
Then, why did you? Didn't you trust me?
CLARK
It's not a matter of trust. It never was. My secret... it can be more of a burden than it is a gift. Yeah, it may be "cool" to be able to lift a car up over your head, until someone turns around and wants to exploit it, turn you into a sideshow or a science experiment... or worse. I just... I didn't want to lay that burden on you.
CHLOE
Well, that is the same old Clark Kent, I guess, trying to protect everyone again. I'm a big girl.
CLARK
I know... but you're not invulnerable. That's why you should go. You should go with your father to Gotham City. You'll be safer there.
CHLOE I think that's the first time anyone's ever said that about Gotham City.
CLARK
Just the same. Please, just do it. Do it for me.
CHLOE
Well, that's the real question, isn't it? You're going to be here. It sounds to me like the safest place to be is right here, with you.
Clark says nothing, even turns away. Confused by his reaction, she reads all she needs to know off of Pete as he tries to avoid eye contact with her.
CHLOE But you're not going to be here... are you?
His silence is all the answer she needs.
CHLOE
Oh. All good things, huh?
CLARK
I have no choice. I have to leave. I have to stop him. Besides, it's me he wants. Once I leave, he'll leave Smallville alone.
CHLOE
Speaking of alone... If you leave, what's going to happen to your mother?
Clark looks back at Chloe, as if the thought had never even occurred to him.
CHLOE
She's going to be all alone, Clark.
Clark hangs his head and looks to the stairs.