Title: A Hero Arrives (3/?): Sequel to 'A Fallen Hero'
Author: DCForever
Contact: dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Archiving: Archiving is permitted as long as I know of where it will be posted and that all the above info stays intact.
Disclaimer: Lets get this straight...I'm not affiliated with anyone...don't have anything of major value. Think that about covers it.
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Lex barged through the two large, oak doors, leading into his dad's penthouse like office on the top floor of the LexCorp Building.
"What is the meaning of this Lex? I'm dealing with some very important overseas accounts."
"Just thought you might like to hear.."
Cutting his son off. "I don't want to hear anything. If I lose these global accounts you will have hell to pay. Now leave...this very moment."
Lex turned and walked back to the door with his hand raised and waving a stack of paper. Before exiting, he turned back towards his work-aholic dad.
"Guess LexCorp stock don't mean much to you then." Upon hearing his son's comment, Lionel Luthor flipped off his communication monitors, thus ending his talks.
Screaming across the office floor, "What about our stocks? If you know something then spill it."
Grinning as he made his way back towards his father's desk and huge plate glass window that allowed a city wide view. "I just got the news...LexCorp just lost another 12% of their stock."
"Lex, what do you mean by another? What's going on son?"
"Two days ago, a new company bought up a few small shares of the company. At the time we didn't think anything of it, but since its initial purchase, they have bought out 4 more of our stockholders. It wasn't until this morning that we realized that there was something seriously wrong with our numbers. In three days, we have lost 32.8% of our stock. It seems there is a new player in town. And they go by 'Siminex', sir."
"Siminex? Who are they? Where did they come from? Who's backing their rise? I need this information on my desk in an hour."
Leaning over and throwing a stack of legal papers on his father's desk, "I've already seen to it. I had my personal people check into the matter. Seems we may have a mole in the company."
"If you think there is a mole...handle it!"
"Consider it done...father."
"I knew me bringing you back to Metropolis was the right thing. You will run this company someday, Lex...possibly better than I. Your day will come...you'll see."
Whispering in a soft voice while turning to leave the office, "Sooner than you think."
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, Clark was standing in front of a eight foot tall English brick wall, reading the contents of an embedded sign. "Welcome to Metropolis University (Where potential is reached and the strong survive.) He walked through the archway that was to the left of the sign and was awe struck at the magnificent scene before him. 2-mile, old brick drive lead its way up to the nearest building on campus. On each side of the drive, was acres and acres of well groomed grass pastures, where at the moment was being used by new and old students registering for classes and playing Frisbee and football. The place was packed with students. Concession stands after concession stands lined either side of the drive. Free food from around the world was being served to the incoming freshman class. Representatives from fraternities, sororities, help groups, and other groups intermingled with the new students as they registered and signed in for their dorm room assignments.
Clark looked around and couldn't believe the number of students there were. "And I thought Smallville High was big."
A blonde haired, peppy spirited girl taps him on his shoulder. "Excuse me, did I just hear you say Smallville? I have some relatives that live there. Maybe you know them."
Clark couldn't believe his luck. I needed to find a way out of his current situation. "Oh Its not what you think...I'm sorry...what's your name?"
"Sandra. Sandra Fordman."
Clark's eyes grew in size at hearing the girl's name. "Sandra, that's a very pretty name. I'm Cla..I mean Christopher...Christopher Clark."
"Well, its nice to meet you, Christopher Clark. Do you know the Fordmans there? Maybe you went to school with my cousin, Whitney. He was their star quarterback."
"I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression. I just happen to pass by Smallville on my way to Metropolis."
"Oh, my bad. So where are you from?"
"That I can answer...from a far off place. I guess you could say that I really don't know...I go with the flow wherever I'm at, at that given moment."
"So you're a spur of the moment kind of guy? That's promising."
"Why's that...if you don't mind me asking?"
The girl's cheeks turned rosy pink. "Oh, nothing...nothing at all. I didn't mean to bother you. I'll leave you alone so you can register...you are here to register, right?"
"Most definitely."
Smiling at the much taller young man, "Then I guess I'll see you around then. Have fun getting used to the grind of things. I promise, you will be worn out after the first three days of orientation."
"I'm looking forward to it...that and orientation." The girl closed her eyes and giggled before returning her sight to Clark. She couldn't bring herself to say anything else so she walked off, still giggling.
Clark looked over his shoulder as Sandra made her way towards a group of giggling and starry eyed girls. He couldn't help but to take in Sandra's beauty. She was about 5'4" tall, no more than 115 pounds, long curly blonde hair, had eyes that sparkled when looked upon, moderate, but not too endowed chest, and possessed a hip sway that could mesmerize any guy. Clark watched as the backside of her tight pants swayed from side to side with each step she took.
Clark's concentration was broken when he felt the weight of another person riding on his back. His immediate reaction was to grab a hold of the legs on each side of the person.
Leaning his head towards Clark's. "Name's Ray. Friends call me X-Ray...mainly cause I see all, hear all, and know all; and that my friend is the stunning Sandra Fordman. She was born and raised in Metropolis. Straight 'A' student, president of her class, assistant to the dean, close friend of the new president's daughter. End of freshman year she dumped her boyfriend for cheating on her. Sophomore year, she dated Stephen, Tom, and Sam; all jocks, cocks, and rocks. Lets just say it wasn't her type of crowd. She dated a girl named Lisa for better part of the summer before her junior year. Since that summer she's dated a few fellows and one or two girls, but been single going on a little over a year now. She's sweet, sexy, smart, and ripe for the right fellow."
Hopping down off of Clark's back, "Now you...I know nothing about...and that is rare. My man, I've done my research and you don't exist...never have...and probably never will. So what's your secret?"
Reaching out a friendly hand, "Name's Christopher. Christopher Clark."
"Good to meet you, man. Now that the pleasantries are out of the way...so who are you?"
Clark turned his head from side to side and leaned in and whispered in the other guy's ear. "I'm in hiding."
Whispering in back. "So, you're like in a witness protection program or something?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"Righteous, dude. Well Christopher...wait up. I can't be going around calling you Christopher. Name sounds so gay. How about Chris...or better yet, Clark? That's definitely a man's name."
"Never liked that name. Brings back to many bad memories. You know, getting picked on in school and all."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to get bullied all the time until this one time in the fourth grade. Ever since, I've stood up for myself and have called the biggest jocks my friends."
"So what happened?"
"Well, before my dad got canned, I used to live in this small town and one day at school these two big bullies cornered me. I thought I was going to be toast and ducked my head against my body for protection, but when nothing happened I looked up and there stood this pudgy looking, curly haired kid. I turned and saw the bullies running down the hall as fast as they could. I don't know what he said or did, but they never messed with me again. A few weeks later, we moved here...to Metropolis. I never got the kid's name. And I hate to admit it, but he was at least a year younger than me."
Clark looked on with a smirk as he remembered back to that day. "So what did you say the name of the town was?"
"I didn't say, but it was a town called Smallville. You've probably never heard of it."
"No, actually...I've seen the town quite a bit. Plus, Sandra just told me that one of her cousins goes to high school there. Small world huh?"
"Yeah, you can say that again...figuratively of course. Well, Chris, we really have to come up with a better nickname than that...I guess I'll be seeing you around." Looking down at the two duffle bags on the ground. "I see a camera in there. You a photographer or something?"
"Borderline on the more something side. Did some work for a small school newspaper. I'm going to be taking journalism this semester."
"I guess I will be seeing you even more than I thought. You're looking at the editor and chief of MU's newspaper staff. Have you thought about checking us out?"
"I was contemplating swinging by there, but now that I know you run the show...I'm not so sure anymore." Ray struck Clark's arm with a blow from his fist.
"You're kidding right?"
"Yeah, man. I'll come by sometime during orientation and check things out."
"Well, I see some of my homies...check ya later." Walking away, he held his hand in pain. "What did I just hit?" Ignoring the pain, he ran over and jumped on one of his friends' back.
Clark turned a full 360 degrees taking in the layout of the land and all of the people that were probably just as nervous as he was. Spotting the registration sign-in table, Clark started walking towards it.
An older lady, probably in her early 40's, late 30's, spoke to the young man without raising her head. "And you are?"
Quickly scanning through the registration sheets, fading page at a time, he came to his name. He wanted to make sure nothing was out of place or incorrect with his fake identity. His dad's friend came through when they needed him the most. "I'm sorry...I was just captivated by your beauty." The older lady raised her head at the comment.
"Why, thank you, young man. Name's Leslie Thomas. Nice to meet you."
"Did you say Thomas? Where have I heard that name before?"
"Probably from my husband...he's the new president of MU."
"Oh right." Thinking about the previous night. "Oh, righttt...I'm so sorry. She'll be okay."
The woman held back her tears as she realized what Clark was referring to. "I sure hope you're right, son. And thanks."
"I just wish I could have been there." He had left out the word 'sooner,' but inside he had been repeating that word since leaving his hotel this morning.
"Your name?"
"Christopher K. Clark, ma'am."
Flipping through the sheets, "Aw yes, he you are. Ahh, looks like someone has some connections. It's not often that a freshman gets a single dorm room."
Smiling at the lady. "Just luck I guess."
Clark showed his new fake id and signed where Mrs. Thomas had showed him to sign. As he started to hand the pen back to her, his instincts took over, dropping the pen, he threw his hand out to catch a football that was online for Mrs. Thomas's face. The woman stared at the young man's fingers as they engulfed the football.
"Thank you, Christopher."
"My pleasure." Clark and Mrs. Thomas turned to see some of the past and possibly new football team members looking in their direction.
Yelling back at the two. "We're sorry, Mrs. Thomas. It slipped." The jocks turned around and started laughing at the situation.
Clark wasn't amused and thought they needed to learn a lesson on manners. Looking over at the lady, he smiled before looking back in the direction of the jocks that happened to now have their backs turned. Clark lightly flipped the ball in the air and then rifled it through the air, across a large portion of the green pasture, nailing the largest jock in the back of the head. The big guy dropped like a fly. The team's football coach saw his star linebacker from a year ago collapse to the ground. Tracing the direction of the ball back to his source, he just smiled and shook his head at the tall, built young man that stood by the wife of the university's new president.
The other football players helped their buddy regain his footing. He turned and faced Clark. With an anger intense look, he started running towards Clark. The coach saw his player and immediately started yelling and running after him...hoping he was able to cut him off before getting to his target.
Quickly turning to Mrs. Thomas, "What's his name?"
"Murphy...Blake Murphy. All-Defense for the last 3 years."
"Thanks. I better move away...wouldn't want you to get hurt or anything." The woman looked stunned as Clark moved a short distance away. By now, many of the registering students could hear the coaches yelling and the grunting noise Murphy was making as he approached Clark's location. As the jock neared him, Clark stepped forward, bending his knees so he could have some absorption when he took on the jock's attack. The All-Defense Linebacker hit Clark with all his momentum and strength; yet, he was the one left lying on the edge of the grassy pasture. Looking around, Clark realized he had made a big mistake and quickly remedied the situation by slightly rocking back and forth before falling to the ground himself. Holding his neck as if he had experienced whiplash, Clark rolled to his side and slowly sat up. Murphy was sitting up as well.
Looking at Clark. "How in the hell did you just do that?" He looked like he was in a dazed state of mind.
"I now see why you were All-Defense...you hit hard."
"So, you follow the game?"
Lying through his teeth, "Only when you're winning."
Smiling at Clark, "So I guess you followed every game last season?" They both chuckled as Clark carried on with his acting and laid his head back down on the grass. The football team's coach ran to the two boys' side. "Are you two okay? Murphy! We got some talking to do."
Hanging his head, "Yes, sir." Murphy managed to get to his feet while Clark faked resting on the ground. Looking down at Clark. "See you around, kid."
Smirking back at the hard-nosed jock. "Back at ya!" Coach Reynolds walked off with one of his star players, giving him a piece of his mind.
Before Clark realized it, a small, smooth skinned hand reached out to him. Following the arm upwards, he saw that it belonged to Ms. Fordman.
"Can I give you a hand?" Clark reached out, accepting her hand, and allowed the young woman to think that she lifted him to his feet. "Thanks, Sandra!"
"My friends call me Sandy...you can do the same."
"Then Sandy it is."
"Are you okay? Did Blake do any serious long-term damage? He's known for that you know?"
"No, no damage. You probably wouldn't believe me, but I've been hit harder and have lived to see another day. I'm talking to you aren't I?"
"Yes, you are. CK, you are something else."
"CK? I like it. Why not CC though?"
"Sounds too much like a girl's name." Clark laughed as he nodded his head in agreement.
Mrs. Thomas approached Clark and thanked him for saving her life. She still didn't know how he was able to react so fast and stop the leather pigskin ball from striking his face. "Thank you so much, young man. I just wanted to say that to you and to mention that the tour you signed up for began about fifteen minutes earlier. They are probably already at the school. I guess you need to sign up for the next tour."
Stepping back over to the registration table, Clark retrieved his duffle bags from the ground and walked back over to Mrs. Thomas and the helpful girl. "Its quite alright. I can just run and catch up with them."
Sandra tapped him on the arm. "You do know its right at two miles to the school?"
"No, I didn't, but that really doesn't matter. I'll be there in a flash. It was nice to meet both of you and hopefully none of us will be strangers. Well, I best be off." The two females watched as Clark started running down the road.
Turning to each other and speaking in unison. "He's fast too!"
Clark knew the limits of what speeds he could run in public, but even that speed would have left most runners in the dust. He gradually increased his speed when no one was in his immediate sight. And then it happened. Someone passed him. The shock brought Clark to a stop as he watched the runner disappear out of sight. He shook his head and started back towards the direction of the tour group. As he neared the group, he spotted the same black jacket that the guy that just passed him was wearing.
Walking over to the young man. "You know...you're pretty fast."
The guy turned and gave Clark a confused look. "Sorry, no idea what you're talking about."
"You passed me back there on the drive. Actually you flew by me. Just wanted to praise your ability that's all."
"I'm sorry, you must have me confused with someone else." The jacket wearing young man couldn't figure out how Clark was able to see him. No one has ever seen him in the past.
"Name's Christo...CK, for short."
"Barry Watson. 18. Central City."
"Same. Well, at least in age. Nice to meet you." It seemed to Clark that there was something more to this Watson character.
"Likewise, I'm sure. Now would you mind shutting up so I can hear the tour guide? Thanks." Barry turned his attention back to the guide.
Clark couldn't seem to concentrate on the speaker so he let his eyes wander. Deciding to take a peek into the school, he concentrated his vision on a focal point on the stone exterior and waited for the walls to fade out, but to his amazement he wasn't able to penetrate their surface. "Lead," he thought to himself. Feeling disappointed, he decided to entertain himself by the one thing that usually passed time pretty good. He started scanning the crowd of young men and women, fading in on skirts, blouses, pants, dresses, and anything else that seemed to interest him. He may have looked the part of a grown man, but he still had the desires of an adolescent teenager.
(To be continued)
Author: DCForever
Contact: dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Archiving: Archiving is permitted as long as I know of where it will be posted and that all the above info stays intact.
Disclaimer: Lets get this straight...I'm not affiliated with anyone...don't have anything of major value. Think that about covers it.
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Lex barged through the two large, oak doors, leading into his dad's penthouse like office on the top floor of the LexCorp Building.
"What is the meaning of this Lex? I'm dealing with some very important overseas accounts."
"Just thought you might like to hear.."
Cutting his son off. "I don't want to hear anything. If I lose these global accounts you will have hell to pay. Now leave...this very moment."
Lex turned and walked back to the door with his hand raised and waving a stack of paper. Before exiting, he turned back towards his work-aholic dad.
"Guess LexCorp stock don't mean much to you then." Upon hearing his son's comment, Lionel Luthor flipped off his communication monitors, thus ending his talks.
Screaming across the office floor, "What about our stocks? If you know something then spill it."
Grinning as he made his way back towards his father's desk and huge plate glass window that allowed a city wide view. "I just got the news...LexCorp just lost another 12% of their stock."
"Lex, what do you mean by another? What's going on son?"
"Two days ago, a new company bought up a few small shares of the company. At the time we didn't think anything of it, but since its initial purchase, they have bought out 4 more of our stockholders. It wasn't until this morning that we realized that there was something seriously wrong with our numbers. In three days, we have lost 32.8% of our stock. It seems there is a new player in town. And they go by 'Siminex', sir."
"Siminex? Who are they? Where did they come from? Who's backing their rise? I need this information on my desk in an hour."
Leaning over and throwing a stack of legal papers on his father's desk, "I've already seen to it. I had my personal people check into the matter. Seems we may have a mole in the company."
"If you think there is a mole...handle it!"
"Consider it done...father."
"I knew me bringing you back to Metropolis was the right thing. You will run this company someday, Lex...possibly better than I. Your day will come...you'll see."
Whispering in a soft voice while turning to leave the office, "Sooner than you think."
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, Clark was standing in front of a eight foot tall English brick wall, reading the contents of an embedded sign. "Welcome to Metropolis University (Where potential is reached and the strong survive.) He walked through the archway that was to the left of the sign and was awe struck at the magnificent scene before him. 2-mile, old brick drive lead its way up to the nearest building on campus. On each side of the drive, was acres and acres of well groomed grass pastures, where at the moment was being used by new and old students registering for classes and playing Frisbee and football. The place was packed with students. Concession stands after concession stands lined either side of the drive. Free food from around the world was being served to the incoming freshman class. Representatives from fraternities, sororities, help groups, and other groups intermingled with the new students as they registered and signed in for their dorm room assignments.
Clark looked around and couldn't believe the number of students there were. "And I thought Smallville High was big."
A blonde haired, peppy spirited girl taps him on his shoulder. "Excuse me, did I just hear you say Smallville? I have some relatives that live there. Maybe you know them."
Clark couldn't believe his luck. I needed to find a way out of his current situation. "Oh Its not what you think...I'm sorry...what's your name?"
"Sandra. Sandra Fordman."
Clark's eyes grew in size at hearing the girl's name. "Sandra, that's a very pretty name. I'm Cla..I mean Christopher...Christopher Clark."
"Well, its nice to meet you, Christopher Clark. Do you know the Fordmans there? Maybe you went to school with my cousin, Whitney. He was their star quarterback."
"I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression. I just happen to pass by Smallville on my way to Metropolis."
"Oh, my bad. So where are you from?"
"That I can answer...from a far off place. I guess you could say that I really don't know...I go with the flow wherever I'm at, at that given moment."
"So you're a spur of the moment kind of guy? That's promising."
"Why's that...if you don't mind me asking?"
The girl's cheeks turned rosy pink. "Oh, nothing...nothing at all. I didn't mean to bother you. I'll leave you alone so you can register...you are here to register, right?"
"Most definitely."
Smiling at the much taller young man, "Then I guess I'll see you around then. Have fun getting used to the grind of things. I promise, you will be worn out after the first three days of orientation."
"I'm looking forward to it...that and orientation." The girl closed her eyes and giggled before returning her sight to Clark. She couldn't bring herself to say anything else so she walked off, still giggling.
Clark looked over his shoulder as Sandra made her way towards a group of giggling and starry eyed girls. He couldn't help but to take in Sandra's beauty. She was about 5'4" tall, no more than 115 pounds, long curly blonde hair, had eyes that sparkled when looked upon, moderate, but not too endowed chest, and possessed a hip sway that could mesmerize any guy. Clark watched as the backside of her tight pants swayed from side to side with each step she took.
Clark's concentration was broken when he felt the weight of another person riding on his back. His immediate reaction was to grab a hold of the legs on each side of the person.
Leaning his head towards Clark's. "Name's Ray. Friends call me X-Ray...mainly cause I see all, hear all, and know all; and that my friend is the stunning Sandra Fordman. She was born and raised in Metropolis. Straight 'A' student, president of her class, assistant to the dean, close friend of the new president's daughter. End of freshman year she dumped her boyfriend for cheating on her. Sophomore year, she dated Stephen, Tom, and Sam; all jocks, cocks, and rocks. Lets just say it wasn't her type of crowd. She dated a girl named Lisa for better part of the summer before her junior year. Since that summer she's dated a few fellows and one or two girls, but been single going on a little over a year now. She's sweet, sexy, smart, and ripe for the right fellow."
Hopping down off of Clark's back, "Now you...I know nothing about...and that is rare. My man, I've done my research and you don't exist...never have...and probably never will. So what's your secret?"
Reaching out a friendly hand, "Name's Christopher. Christopher Clark."
"Good to meet you, man. Now that the pleasantries are out of the way...so who are you?"
Clark turned his head from side to side and leaned in and whispered in the other guy's ear. "I'm in hiding."
Whispering in back. "So, you're like in a witness protection program or something?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"Righteous, dude. Well Christopher...wait up. I can't be going around calling you Christopher. Name sounds so gay. How about Chris...or better yet, Clark? That's definitely a man's name."
"Never liked that name. Brings back to many bad memories. You know, getting picked on in school and all."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to get bullied all the time until this one time in the fourth grade. Ever since, I've stood up for myself and have called the biggest jocks my friends."
"So what happened?"
"Well, before my dad got canned, I used to live in this small town and one day at school these two big bullies cornered me. I thought I was going to be toast and ducked my head against my body for protection, but when nothing happened I looked up and there stood this pudgy looking, curly haired kid. I turned and saw the bullies running down the hall as fast as they could. I don't know what he said or did, but they never messed with me again. A few weeks later, we moved here...to Metropolis. I never got the kid's name. And I hate to admit it, but he was at least a year younger than me."
Clark looked on with a smirk as he remembered back to that day. "So what did you say the name of the town was?"
"I didn't say, but it was a town called Smallville. You've probably never heard of it."
"No, actually...I've seen the town quite a bit. Plus, Sandra just told me that one of her cousins goes to high school there. Small world huh?"
"Yeah, you can say that again...figuratively of course. Well, Chris, we really have to come up with a better nickname than that...I guess I'll be seeing you around." Looking down at the two duffle bags on the ground. "I see a camera in there. You a photographer or something?"
"Borderline on the more something side. Did some work for a small school newspaper. I'm going to be taking journalism this semester."
"I guess I will be seeing you even more than I thought. You're looking at the editor and chief of MU's newspaper staff. Have you thought about checking us out?"
"I was contemplating swinging by there, but now that I know you run the show...I'm not so sure anymore." Ray struck Clark's arm with a blow from his fist.
"You're kidding right?"
"Yeah, man. I'll come by sometime during orientation and check things out."
"Well, I see some of my homies...check ya later." Walking away, he held his hand in pain. "What did I just hit?" Ignoring the pain, he ran over and jumped on one of his friends' back.
Clark turned a full 360 degrees taking in the layout of the land and all of the people that were probably just as nervous as he was. Spotting the registration sign-in table, Clark started walking towards it.
An older lady, probably in her early 40's, late 30's, spoke to the young man without raising her head. "And you are?"
Quickly scanning through the registration sheets, fading page at a time, he came to his name. He wanted to make sure nothing was out of place or incorrect with his fake identity. His dad's friend came through when they needed him the most. "I'm sorry...I was just captivated by your beauty." The older lady raised her head at the comment.
"Why, thank you, young man. Name's Leslie Thomas. Nice to meet you."
"Did you say Thomas? Where have I heard that name before?"
"Probably from my husband...he's the new president of MU."
"Oh right." Thinking about the previous night. "Oh, righttt...I'm so sorry. She'll be okay."
The woman held back her tears as she realized what Clark was referring to. "I sure hope you're right, son. And thanks."
"I just wish I could have been there." He had left out the word 'sooner,' but inside he had been repeating that word since leaving his hotel this morning.
"Your name?"
"Christopher K. Clark, ma'am."
Flipping through the sheets, "Aw yes, he you are. Ahh, looks like someone has some connections. It's not often that a freshman gets a single dorm room."
Smiling at the lady. "Just luck I guess."
Clark showed his new fake id and signed where Mrs. Thomas had showed him to sign. As he started to hand the pen back to her, his instincts took over, dropping the pen, he threw his hand out to catch a football that was online for Mrs. Thomas's face. The woman stared at the young man's fingers as they engulfed the football.
"Thank you, Christopher."
"My pleasure." Clark and Mrs. Thomas turned to see some of the past and possibly new football team members looking in their direction.
Yelling back at the two. "We're sorry, Mrs. Thomas. It slipped." The jocks turned around and started laughing at the situation.
Clark wasn't amused and thought they needed to learn a lesson on manners. Looking over at the lady, he smiled before looking back in the direction of the jocks that happened to now have their backs turned. Clark lightly flipped the ball in the air and then rifled it through the air, across a large portion of the green pasture, nailing the largest jock in the back of the head. The big guy dropped like a fly. The team's football coach saw his star linebacker from a year ago collapse to the ground. Tracing the direction of the ball back to his source, he just smiled and shook his head at the tall, built young man that stood by the wife of the university's new president.
The other football players helped their buddy regain his footing. He turned and faced Clark. With an anger intense look, he started running towards Clark. The coach saw his player and immediately started yelling and running after him...hoping he was able to cut him off before getting to his target.
Quickly turning to Mrs. Thomas, "What's his name?"
"Murphy...Blake Murphy. All-Defense for the last 3 years."
"Thanks. I better move away...wouldn't want you to get hurt or anything." The woman looked stunned as Clark moved a short distance away. By now, many of the registering students could hear the coaches yelling and the grunting noise Murphy was making as he approached Clark's location. As the jock neared him, Clark stepped forward, bending his knees so he could have some absorption when he took on the jock's attack. The All-Defense Linebacker hit Clark with all his momentum and strength; yet, he was the one left lying on the edge of the grassy pasture. Looking around, Clark realized he had made a big mistake and quickly remedied the situation by slightly rocking back and forth before falling to the ground himself. Holding his neck as if he had experienced whiplash, Clark rolled to his side and slowly sat up. Murphy was sitting up as well.
Looking at Clark. "How in the hell did you just do that?" He looked like he was in a dazed state of mind.
"I now see why you were All-Defense...you hit hard."
"So, you follow the game?"
Lying through his teeth, "Only when you're winning."
Smiling at Clark, "So I guess you followed every game last season?" They both chuckled as Clark carried on with his acting and laid his head back down on the grass. The football team's coach ran to the two boys' side. "Are you two okay? Murphy! We got some talking to do."
Hanging his head, "Yes, sir." Murphy managed to get to his feet while Clark faked resting on the ground. Looking down at Clark. "See you around, kid."
Smirking back at the hard-nosed jock. "Back at ya!" Coach Reynolds walked off with one of his star players, giving him a piece of his mind.
Before Clark realized it, a small, smooth skinned hand reached out to him. Following the arm upwards, he saw that it belonged to Ms. Fordman.
"Can I give you a hand?" Clark reached out, accepting her hand, and allowed the young woman to think that she lifted him to his feet. "Thanks, Sandra!"
"My friends call me Sandy...you can do the same."
"Then Sandy it is."
"Are you okay? Did Blake do any serious long-term damage? He's known for that you know?"
"No, no damage. You probably wouldn't believe me, but I've been hit harder and have lived to see another day. I'm talking to you aren't I?"
"Yes, you are. CK, you are something else."
"CK? I like it. Why not CC though?"
"Sounds too much like a girl's name." Clark laughed as he nodded his head in agreement.
Mrs. Thomas approached Clark and thanked him for saving her life. She still didn't know how he was able to react so fast and stop the leather pigskin ball from striking his face. "Thank you so much, young man. I just wanted to say that to you and to mention that the tour you signed up for began about fifteen minutes earlier. They are probably already at the school. I guess you need to sign up for the next tour."
Stepping back over to the registration table, Clark retrieved his duffle bags from the ground and walked back over to Mrs. Thomas and the helpful girl. "Its quite alright. I can just run and catch up with them."
Sandra tapped him on the arm. "You do know its right at two miles to the school?"
"No, I didn't, but that really doesn't matter. I'll be there in a flash. It was nice to meet both of you and hopefully none of us will be strangers. Well, I best be off." The two females watched as Clark started running down the road.
Turning to each other and speaking in unison. "He's fast too!"
Clark knew the limits of what speeds he could run in public, but even that speed would have left most runners in the dust. He gradually increased his speed when no one was in his immediate sight. And then it happened. Someone passed him. The shock brought Clark to a stop as he watched the runner disappear out of sight. He shook his head and started back towards the direction of the tour group. As he neared the group, he spotted the same black jacket that the guy that just passed him was wearing.
Walking over to the young man. "You know...you're pretty fast."
The guy turned and gave Clark a confused look. "Sorry, no idea what you're talking about."
"You passed me back there on the drive. Actually you flew by me. Just wanted to praise your ability that's all."
"I'm sorry, you must have me confused with someone else." The jacket wearing young man couldn't figure out how Clark was able to see him. No one has ever seen him in the past.
"Name's Christo...CK, for short."
"Barry Watson. 18. Central City."
"Same. Well, at least in age. Nice to meet you." It seemed to Clark that there was something more to this Watson character.
"Likewise, I'm sure. Now would you mind shutting up so I can hear the tour guide? Thanks." Barry turned his attention back to the guide.
Clark couldn't seem to concentrate on the speaker so he let his eyes wander. Deciding to take a peek into the school, he concentrated his vision on a focal point on the stone exterior and waited for the walls to fade out, but to his amazement he wasn't able to penetrate their surface. "Lead," he thought to himself. Feeling disappointed, he decided to entertain himself by the one thing that usually passed time pretty good. He started scanning the crowd of young men and women, fading in on skirts, blouses, pants, dresses, and anything else that seemed to interest him. He may have looked the part of a grown man, but he still had the desires of an adolescent teenager.
(To be continued)