Chapter 18

(Lana is sitting on her bed, staring at the wall, trying to process the maelstrom of thoughts swirling around inside of her head.  She is wearing the same clothing from last night, and it is apparent she hasn't slept.   Clark walks into the room quietly and sits down on the bed next to her.)

Clark: "Lana?"

(She looks over at him like she doesn't believe he's actually there.  Clark stands to leave after she remains silent for several more minutes.)

Clark: "Lana, I can go if-"

Lana (Snapping out of her daze, she grabs Clark's hand): "No!  Clark, I'm sorry...  Don't go... please..."

(Clark sits back down on the bed next to her, still holding her hand.  She looks down at his hand.)

Lana: "It's just..."

Lana (Looking back up at him): "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Clark (Standing up, letting go of her hand): "Lana, every person that ever found out has looked at me like I'm some sort of freak...  I couldn't stand to have you look at me like that."

Lana (Standing up and taking his hand again): "Clark, you're not a freak."

Clark (Hesitating slightly, then speaking): "Then why did you cry last night?  Why haven't you slept yet?"

Lana (Turning away from him and taking a step closer to her bed): "I've just been thinking that, every time you've been there to protect me, you've lied about it.  That time in the twister, at the carnival, God, even with Adam too."

Clark (Taking a step closer to her): "Lana, I'm sorr-"

Lana (Turning back around to face him): "Clark, it's alright.  I know why you had to lie to me."

(They look into each other's eyes for several seconds, unwavering.)

Lana: "What I don't know is why you had to wait so long to tell me."

(Clark opens his mouth to speak, but she puts her finger on his lips, drawing herself closer to him.) 

Lana: "Clark, I can't imagine what you've put yourself through.  All this time, all these things... you've faced them alone.  I'm not going to let you do that to yourself anymore."

(They draw closer to each other, and Clark places his hand under her chin, raising her lips up to his.  They slowly come together.  Their noses gently rub against each other as their lips meet.  They passionately, slowly, lovingly kiss.  After several minutes, the kiss ends and their lips part.  Lana's mouth is still slightly open; her eyes remain closed.  Clark is looking at the top of her head.  Gently, Clark raises her face up to his again and her eyes flutter open.)

Clark: "Come on, I still owe you a date."

(Putting his arm around her, they exit her room.  The camera pans in on a picture of Clark and Lana on her bedside table.)