Seven.
"Your shot, Clark."
Clark blinked, looked around the room. Stained glass, fireplace, bookcase, pool cue in hand. Lex stood on the other side of the pool table, pool cue in one hand, bottle of water in the other, watching Clark expectantly.
Clark dropped the cue, backing away from the table. "Lex? What's going on?"
"It's your shot. Are you feeling alright?" Lex came over to Clark, a worried look on his face.
Clark continued to back away, eyes wide never leaving Lex.
"Clark…what's wrong?"
"Uh…I'm not sure." Clark wiped his face with a shaky hand. "I think I need to go home."
Lex cocked an eyebrow at him. "Clark," he spoke slowly, quietly, dropping his gaze to the floor. "This is your home."
Clark blinked at Lex, confused. "What do you mean? Where's my mom and dad?" he voice shook, afraid of the answer.
Lex set the cue and water on the pool table. "Your parents died, Clark. Three months ago."
"No…no. I was dreaming…it was a dream, Lex," he looked around, not seeing, buried in his memories. He turned to Lex, vehemently accusing, "My dad was right about you. You tricked me, you…" rubbing his left wrist "and then your father…" looking straight at Lex, eyes wide "I…Lex, please say it's all a dream!"
Holding his hands out, unthreatening, "Clark, it's alright," slow step towards his friend "I didn't trick you. I know your just confused. "
At Lex's call, three large men in black suits rushed through the door. Lex motioned them to Clark, while turning to his desk.
Lionel Luthor strolled into the room, standing shoulder to shoulder with Lex. "Well, well, well, young Mr. Kent."
Turning back, Lex handed a green metal wrist band to his father. Mr. Luthor turned to Clark, an evil grin lighting his face.
The guards had Clark effectively pinned to the floor. He looked at Lex, brow furrowed in confusion. "Lex, I…" his eyes widened as a wave of nausea hit him "wait…I." He desperately tried to wiggle out of the grasp of the security men. Eyes tearing, he watched Mr. Luthor approach, "Please, Lex…"
Pain erupted from every nerve as the wrist band was secured. 'Oh, God, what's happening to me?'