CLARK, CHLOE, and PETE are walking up the steps that lead into the school. They walk into the building, and are almost knocked down by a mob of students rushing to class.
CLARK: Looks like everyone is in a big hurry.
PETE: Everyone's rushing to take their midterms.
CLARK: (to Chloe) Thanks again! The research you're doing for me is going to be such a big help.
Chloe looks a little upset, but smiles anyway.
CHLOE: Anytime, Clark! You know I don't mind helping you out.
CLARK: I really appreciate this.
Chloe nods her head in response.
PETE: I'll catch up with you two later. I have a chemistry exam that I can't be late for.
CLARK/CHLOE: Bye, Pete.
Pete walks down the hall in the opposite direction of Clark and Chloe. They reach the door of the Torch.
CHLOE: Well, this is my stop. I'll talk to you later, okay?
CLARK: Okay, later!
Chloe smiles at Clark and watches him walk off. Her smile fades into a frown. A sad expression covers her face as she walks into the Torch office and sits down at her computer. She turns on her computer and SIGHS. There is a KNOCK at her door. She turns.
CHLOE: Lana! Come to walk me to class?
LANA smiles at Chloe and enters.
LANA: Um…not really! I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor.
Chloe turns back around and rolls her eyes.
CHLOE: Sure! What is it?
LANA: I need you to scan these pictures for me. I'm no good when it comes to that stuff. I was wondering if you could do it after class. I would appreciate it so much.
CHLOE: It's no problem, Lana. We'll just come here after class and get those scanned for you.
Chloe turns around. Lana smiles and hands the pictures and a disk to her.
LANA:(excited) Thank you so much, Chloe. You are a lifesaver. Now let's go take this test.
CHLOE: Go ahead, and I'll catch up with you.
Lana heads out of the door. Chloe puts the pictures in one of the desk drawers.
CHLOE: Chloe Sullivan comes through again.
She grabs her bag and walks out of the door.
Lana is sitting in class, doodling "CLARK KENT" in her notebook. The TEACHER is walking around passing out the tests. A STUDENT, EUGENE, begins to watch Lana closely. When she notices him, he smiles at her and she smiles back uncertainly.
EUGENE: (whispering) So, Lana, I see you have a thing for Clark.
She looks down at her notebook and immediately closes it.
LANA: (nervously) No...I was just...just...being childish.
EUGENE: It's okay to be in love, Lana. You shouldn't have to hide it.
LANA: Clark is just a friend. I'm not in love with him.
EUGENE: Yeah, keep believing that. I guess you need something to get you through the day.
The teacher hands Lana a test.
TEACHER: Put that notebook away, Miss Lang.
Lana drops the notebook into her bag and stares at Eugene intently.
It's a little later. Pete and Clark are standing in front of Clark's locker. Clark is taking books out of his book bag and putting them into his locker.
PETE: So what do you want to do after school?
Clark takes a few books out of his locker and shoves them into his book bag. He SLAMS his locker shut and begins to walk away.
CLARK: (distressed) I have to help out around the farm. Since mom's pregnancy she hasn't been able to do too much. And dad is taking care of her, so I have to do a lot of the chores.
Pete begins to laugh. Clark looks at him.
CLARK (cont'd): What's so funny?
PETE: It's just that you sounded so upset, but you know it'll only take you a second and a half to finish those chores. I mean, with your super speed and strength, you'll have them finished in no time. I'll come by later and we'll play some ball.
Clark shakes his head.
CLARK: No can do, Pete. My dad doesn't want me using my abilities unless I necessarily have to. We'll just have to do something tomorrow afternoon.
Eugene is off in the distance. He is walking fast and is carrying two books in one hand. He is holding something in his other hand.
It is something that resembles a small arrow. It has a slight white glow to it. As Clark and Pete walk towards their class, Eugene, pretending to be distracted, bumps right into them, causing Pete to get poked in the arm with the arrow. The slight glowing of the arrow fades away and becomes dim. Eugene's books FALL TO THE FLOOR.
EUGENE: Oh, I'm sorry, you guys. I guess I need to watch where I'm going.
Eugene bends down to pick up his books.
CLARK: Where are you going in such a hurry, Eugene?
EUGENE: I just don't want to be late for class.
PETE: It's kinda early to be rushing to class.
Eugene stands up and shrugs his shoulders.
EUGENE: I know. Since I'm not doing that well in this class, I'm going to need every minute I can get to take this midterm.
Eugene notices Pete rubbing the part of his arm that got poked. Eugene looks upset. Pete and Clark begin to walk away.
PETE: Take it easy, Eugene...and good luck.
EUGENE: Thanks! See you guys later.
Eugene smiles as Clark and Pete walk further away.