Chapter 8: The Big Game
Clark slept in that Saturday, then went to the school in preparation for the Crows game against a team from Metropolis. Clark walked into the empty locker room and put on his uniform. He then sat on the bench with his head in his hands.
"Clark," he heard. Clark lifted his head up to see Jason standing in front of him.
"Hi Jason," Clark said.
"I thought I was the only one that came this early," Jason said.
"I just have a lot on my mind," Clark said.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Jason asked.
"I'd prefer not," Clark replied.
"Ok, I can appreciate that." Jason said as he sat on the bench. "You know one thing I always liked about football?"
"What?" Clark asked.
"It was always there for me," Jason replied. "I could be having trouble with school, family, friends, or girlfriends, but the ball was there for me to throw around. It would help me relax, calm down and focus on things. Do you have anything like that Clark?"
"Not really," Clark replied.
"Well, maybe that's why you're here." Jason said. "I'm going out to the field, if you want you can come out and throw the ball around a bit before the game."
"Thanks anyway, but I think I'll stay here." Clark said.
"Suit yourself," Jason said. "Well, you know where I'll be." He said and left the locker room.
A little later, people started arriving to see the game. Jonathan and Martha parked their truck, then started towards the field. "Hi Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent." They heard from behind them.
"Hello Chloe, and Lois." Martha said. Chloe smiled and Lois waved a little.
"You here to see Clark kick some Metropolis butt?" Chloe asked.
"Something like that," Jonathan said as they started walking.
"Hey guys, wait up." Lana said as she caught up. "Go Crows," Lana said with a smile, as they all went in.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your Smallville Crows!" A voice yelled over an intercom. Applause from the crowd then boomed as Clark led the team out on the field. Clark and the team embraced it, then he saw his father in the stands and his smile faded.
"Everyone, over here." Jason said on the side and everyone gathered around. "We're going to start with the last play we practiced, so good luck." He said and the players started to center field. "Hey Clark, the scout's watching, so give him a show. Good luck." Clark nodded, then went to center field as the game began.
"A time out have been called by Crows coach Jason Teague, with less than a minute remaining." The voice said over the intercom.
"Ok guys. We're down by three points, so it's time to break out the big guns." Jason said. "Clark, please tell me that you have another super pass like last week in you."
"I don't know," Clark said.
"Come on man, it could give us the game." Tom said.
"And give you a scholarship," Jason said. "Give it a try."
"I'll try," Clark said.
"Good, go for it." Jason said. "Try play number four, good luck." He said as the players ran back on the field. The whistle was blown and the ball was passed to Clark and then to Tom. One of the Crows was tackled to the ground, then another, then Clark casually ran down the field. He turned back to see Tom tackled to the ground as he threw the ball. Clark caught it and looked around for someone to pass it to, but the only Crow left standing was at the end-zone.
Clark smiled and lined up to pass. He then looked at the Metropolis University scout, then at his father, and down to the football in his hands. Clark held the ball and casually ran down the field. He passed the ball to his teammate as he was tackled from behind.
"And the game goes to the Smallville Crows !" The voice on the intercom yelled, as the crowd cheered. Clark looked up to see the university scout walk away from the field, then up to the stands where his father was smiling at him. Clark smiled back, then followed the rest of the team to the locker room.
Later that day Clark relaxed at the hayloft. He contemplated the day while staring out at the darkening sky. "I can see the appeal," he heard from behind him.
"What?" Clark asked, as he turned around to see Lois.
"The solitude, quit, it's nice." Lois said. "Maybe I should get a barn in Metropolis."
"I'm surprised to see you here," Clark said.
"Well I've decided to wait til tomorrow morning to leave, so now I'm bored." Lois said. "Chloe was working on a story, and I don't know many people here. So I guess that means lucky you, huh?"
"I guess," Clark replied. "What did you think of the game today?"
"Crows won, that's good." Lois said. "It was nice of you, giving up the glory."
"What do you mean?" Clark asked.
"You could have been the hero and made that pass, but you didn't." Lois said. "It takes a lot to give up the credit like that."
"I don't need any credit, as long as the good thing is done." Clark said. He then took a computer disk out of his shirt pocket and passed it to her.
"What's this?" Lois asked.
"Another story, for the Torch" Clark replied.
"What's it about?" Lois asked.
"The Luthors, Batman, possible murder." Clark replied.
"Why aren't you doing it?" Lois asked.
"I might, not sure yet." Clark said.
"Sounds really big, could make you big." Lois said.
"But I don't know if it would be right to put it out," Clark said.
"Right?" Lois asked and laughed. "You're truly one of a kind, Smallville."
"Is that a good thing?" Clark asked.
"Definitely," Lois replied. "You know Clark, when you're clothed and not giving off a 'weird vibe,' you can be a pretty cool guy."
"Thanks, I think." Clark said.
"Anyway, I should get going." Lois said. "I'll probably see you in Metropolis sometime."
"Yeah, maybe." Clark said.
"Anyway, I'll be sure to write. Enjoy your loft." Lois said as she walked down the stairs.
"I will," Clark said "Goodbye," he said as she walked out. He then turned around and watched as she walked to her car. She waived, then got in and drove away
Meanwhile Bruce Wayne and Alfred started packing in the hotel room for his trip back to Gotham. Wayne started going through his laptop and Alfred continued packing.
"Did your research on the Kent boy pay off, sir?" Alfred asked.
"A little, but not enough." Wayne replied. "Who knew information from Lionel Luthor could actually be helpful."
"Who knew that these essentially useful meteor rocks can be someone's only weakness?" Alfred asked. "It's something new to add to your database."
"Yes, it could be useful later, who knows what will become of this Clark Kent." Wayne said, then paused.
"What is it, sir?" Alfred asked.
"I've got an email from Clark Kent," Wayne replied, then started to read. "Dear Mr. Wayne. I have been naive about my former friend Lex. I no longer trust him, but neither do I trust you. I will not give you this information, but if Lex is as bad as you say he is, you will have no trouble finding more. P.S. I will respect your secret if you respect mine. If I ever see or hear anything about the amazing boy from Smallville, consider the mystery of the Batman to be solved too." Wayne finished reading. "Well Alfred, I guess this kid's not so unlike me after all."