Lana's POV

My heart goes out to the Kents. They've been through so much…it isn't fair that another obstacle has been laid down in their path. But then again, when has life ever been fair?

Ever since that devastating phone call from his mother, Clark has taken to wandering the house like a zombie. I've tried to reach out to him numerous times in the past hour, but he either ignores it or tells me that he doesn't want to talk. The groceries that I've brought over for dinner are still sitting in the fridge and cabinets, unused. I've lost my appetite and I'm pretty certain that Clark has too.

Martha Kent should be arriving soon to pack and pick up her overnight bag. Over the phone, she informed Clark that she would be following her husband to Metropolis. There's no word on if Clark is following her too.

I hear a noise at the door and after sending a glance in Clark's direction; I get up and open the door.

"Hello, Lana."

If Martha Kent looks surprised to see me here, she doesn't show it. Instead, she hugs me tightly.

"Mom?"

We pull away from the hug and Martha goes over to hug Clark who is now standing behind me. I shut the door and instead of following them to the living room, I go to the kitchen and make a pot of tea.

I take my time doing this task to allow time for Clark and his mother to speak. As great as the Kents have been to me over the years, I'm not exactly family yet, although Clark insists that I am.

Once I hear the kettle whistling, I go over to the stove to pour three cups of tea. After setting them in a tray that I find in the cabinet overhead, I make my way into the living area where Clark and his mother are still quietly conversing.

I clear my throat, announcing my presence. "I made tea."

"Thank you, Lana," Martha says in a grateful, but tired tone. Her eyes are red from crying and there are bags under her eyes. I glance away, not wanting her to find out that I've been staring.

I set the tray on the coffee table and take a seat in the armchair a little ways from the couch that Clark and his mother are perched upon. Martha and I both reach for a cup of tea, but Clark's cup is left untouched.

"Lana, honey, would you like to stay here for the night or return to your apartment?"

I lower my cup from my hands and again, glance at Clark. His eyes are unfocused and staring at the ground. It doesn't even seem like he heard the question.

"If it's okay with you, I would like to stay here," I answer, looking at Martha.

After tearing her eyes away from her son, she replies, "It's fine with me." She looks relieved and offers me a small grateful smile.

A moment of silence passes, and finally, Martha sets her half empty cup on the table. "Clark, did you pull out my overnight bag from the closet?"

It takes him a moment to respond. "Huh?"

"My overnight bag. The one that I told you to pull out over the phone."

"Oh, yeah. It's upstairs in your room."

Martha excuses herself and leaves the room, heading upstairs.

After debating some more, I stand and sit next to Clark on the couch. I reach out and hand him his cup of tea still sitting on the tray.

He hesitates, but finally accepts it, taking a sip before lowering it to his lap.

"How are you holding up?" I ask gently.

"I guess that I'm still in shock," Clark admits.

"I think that we all are." I manage a small smile and reach over to his lap for his cup. I take a sip, having finished mine due to nerves. I set it on the table and take both of his hands into mine.

"Mom's going to stay with my granddad in Metropolis for a few days. That's why she's upstairs packing," Clark says quietly.

"Are you going with her?"

He shakes his head. "Mom won't let me. She says that I should finish out these few remaining weeks of school before making any rash decisions."

I look at our joined hands and back up at him. "She only wants what's best for you, Clark. I'm sure that she's already told you this, but these few remaining weeks are crucial…the school could take away your diploma if you lose too many credits…even if it's the end of the year."

"I know, Lana." Clark sighs and gently squeezes my hand. "I'm just afraid that if I wait too long, he won't be there anymore…."

I bite my bottom lip, not quite knowing what to say to that.

"Your dad is going to pull through this, Clark. He has to," I whisper to him, but they're empty words.

Clark's POV

I rub my face with my hands and lean back in the chair, exhausted. I was barely able to get to sleep last night, especially with Lana upstairs in my room. Add to the fact that my dad could die if he doesn't get a heart transplant soon, and you have the perfect concoction for the worst night of sleep in your life.

I yawn and drain the last of my coffee. I glance over to my right at my dad. He's still sleeping. I wish that he would wake soon because I really don't want Mom to find out that I skipped school today to visit Dad.

I glance at the clock hanging on the far wall; thirty minutes passed eight. Mom should be coming in soon….

I sigh and debate whether or not to wake him. All the same, I don't want him to have another heart attack when he wakes to see me sitting by his side.

With a furtive glance at the clock on the far wall, I decide that it doesn't seem like my dad is going to wake anytime soon. Standing, I gather my things and prepare to leave, disappointed that I won't get to talk to him until this afternoon.

I stretch and crumple the empty Styrofoam cup in my hand. As I am doing this, I hear a moan.

I turn quickly to my dad in time to see him stir.

"Dad," I say in surprise.

"Clark?"

Hastily, I take a seat again so that I will be somewhat level to him.

"Son, what are you doing here?" Dad croaks out. I look to my left for the pitcher of water and pour him some, helping him get it down. At the same time, I allow myself to think up of various replies to his question.

"I came to talk to you," I answer slowly. "Umm…I only have a half day of school today because the dance committee needs the afternoon to set things up for prom tonight."

Instead of reprimanding me for skipping school, Dad says, "You're going to prom with Lana, aren't you?"

I blink and nod.

"Good…good. Life's too short to miss out on things like that, Clark," Dad says, a glazed look on his face.

I swallow the lump growing in my throat. Not quite knowing how to respond to that, I tell him, "I'll be sure to have Chloe snap some pictures of me and Lana for you…."

"Thanks, son."

I wring my hands in my lap nervously. Silence falls upon us before my dad finally speaks again.

"Clark, I heard the doctor and your mother talking a heart transplant."

I look up in surprise.

"Clark─"

"Dad," I interrupt, "they…the doctors are searching for donors right now…they'll find a new heart for you soon."

"I'm not worried about that, Clark. I'm worried about you and your mother." He sighs and closes his eyes, tired. I remain silent, letting him finish what he has to say.

"Clark, listen to me: if anything happens to me─"

I stop him, shaking my head. "Dad, nothing is going to happen to you," I say loudly. "You're going to get better and get out of here."

"Clark, please."

"Dad…"

"Clark, promise me that you'll look after yourself and your mother. Sell the farm if you have to…" He trails off and I can't help but notice how fragile and weak he looks, lying in the hospital bed. I take a shaky breath and allow him to continue.

"Clark, you and I both know that there's a narrow chance of me getting a transplant before my heart gives out. Just promise me that you'll do this."

"Of course," I answer automatically.

I wait a while to se if he has anything to add, but he doesn't. His breathing has slowed to a deep rhythmic pattern. I rise, knowing that my mom would be arriving soon from Granddad's house.

As I gather my backpack and empty coffee container, I come to the realization that I don't want to head back to school as I had originally planned. The office would ask a dozen questions as to why I missed most of first period and not only that, but Chloe would probably be hounding me all day about the article that was due yesterday. And Lana…

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of voices outside the door. After a quick glance at Dad, I super speed out the door, back to Smallville.

Lana's POV

Somehow, I manage to squeeze my way through the crowd of prom enthusiastics gathered at the bottom steps of Smallville High. After weaving through several more cliques and groups, I finally make it to my car.

After some digging in my purse, I finally fish out my keys and nearly drop them when I hear my name being bellowed from behind.

"Lana! Lana!"

Spinning around, I spot a bob of blonde hair pushing its way through a group of over achievers.

"Hey, Chloe," I greet, noticing a manila folder in her hand. "Do you need a lift home?"

"No, I drove my car here this morning," Chloe responds, a little out of breath. "I actually need to ask you for a favor."

"Okay, shoot," I say, assuming that she wants me to help her with her hair or something for prom.

"If you see Clark before tonight, can you tell him that I need to talk to him? If not, I'll just find him tonight."

"Sure. I'm on my way to the farm right now," I say, curious about what Chloe and need to talk about.

"Thanks, Lana," Chloe says, sounding relieved. "I would have told him myself, but I haven't seen him all day."

"Yeah, I haven't seen him today either," I comment, omitting the fact that I spent the night at the Kent's.

"That's strange."

"I think that he might have gone to Metropolis this morning to visit his Dad," I offer, fumbling with my keys.

Chloe nods and I begin to unlock my car door.

"Well, thanks again, Lana," Chloe says, sensing the end of our conversation.

"No problem." I pull open the door and slide in. After starting the engine, I lower the window.

"I'll see you tonight, Chloe," I say, smiling slightly, looking over her shoulder. "It looks like someone else is waiting for a chance to have a word with you." I point and Chloe turns.

"Tim!" Chloe exclaims, clearly surprised.

I chuckle and pull out of the parking lot.

Fifteen minutes later, I'm in the Kent's driveway, the tires of my car spewing up gravel as I pull to a stop. It was only this morning that I was here.

Slamming the car door shut, I make my way to the yellow farm house. It's obvious that no one is inside; the windows are shut, the curtains drawn. I check the time on my cell phone and conclude that Clark must have made it back from Metropolis by now.

Instead of entering the house, I turn and make my way to the barn. Once I reach the top of the steps, I immediately spot Clark sleeping on the couch, a blanket drawn over him.

I sit the on the edge of the couch and call his name. I hate to wake him, but I need to talk to him.

"Clark?" I stroke his hair and get an immediate response.

"Lana?" He stirs and blinks several times to get his surroundings.

"Hey."

Clark sits up to allow room for me to sit next to him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you," I respond, smiling slightly at his mused up hair. "I missed you at school today."

Clark yawns, still a little disoriented. "I was in Metropolis visiting my dad."

"How is he doing?"

Clark glances at me before lowering his gaze. "Not so good."

"I'm sorry," I say quietly, knowing that there's not much I can say to console him. I hesitate before reaching over and grabbing his hand.

We sit for a while in silence before I break it.

"Didn't sleep well last night?" I comment, nodding at the blanket.

"Not with you upstairs and Dad in the hospital." Although his tone is grave, Clark manages a small smile.

I force a smile back for his sake. "Have you eaten anything today?"

"Not since breakfast."

"I'll go inside and warm up something." I suggest, beginning to stand, but Clark tugs on my hand.

"Lana, wait─"

"Yes?" I sit again and look at him. He's staring at our joined hands.

"Lana, about prom─"

"Clark," I cut him off, "if you're not up to it, I understand."

"No, it's not that," Clark says hastily, raising his hands. "I just haven't gotten a tux yet or a limousine…and well…"

"Oh." I try to keep my expression neutral, but he sees through it.

"But I'm sure that I can talk to Lex and─" He stops abruptly and a dark expression overcomes his features.

"What's wrong?" I squeeze his hand.

Clark shakes his head, the darkness in his expression fading.

"It's nothing…."

I continue to stare at him, nonetheless, trying to read his thoughts.

"You know, I can always tell when you're being less than truthful," I say, recycling on of my lines that I used on him that fateful day under the oak tree.

Clark smiles at the memory and confesses, "Okay…so maybe there is something…."

"I thought so."

Clark shifts in his seat and glances down at our still joined hands before starting. "Lana…do you remember the day that my dad had a heart attack?"

"How could I forget?"

"Well, you probably remember that we were down in the storm cellar. We were arguing over fertilizer─"

"Fertilizer?" I question, bewildered as to why Clark and his father would be fighting over something as trivial as that.

"Well, just not any fertilizer—Lexcorp fertilizer. You see, Lex approached us around the end of last year and asked if we would be willing to be part of trial-run that he was conducting with a new batch of fertilizer." He pauses and I give his hand a quick squeeze. This seems to give him the strength he needs to continue.

"Mom and Dad didn't want to do it, but I managed to convince them for the sake of my friendship with Lex," Clark says in monotone.

"The past year, Lex and I haven't been doing so good…our friendship is falling apart, as much as I hate to admit it. It's not like I avoided him or anything, but…with Lex in Metropolis taking over his father's company and me concentrating on finishing out my last year of high school…things just aren't what they used to be between him and me."

"Clark…you and Lex can still work things out."

"No…I don't think so…not anymore…" Clark says, shaking his head.

"Well, why not? I mean, you and I drifted apart and I came back from Paris…and look at us now."

"Lana, that's different…."

"How?"

Clark smiles at my attempt to cheer him up. "Well, for starters, I'm not in love with Lex and even if I was—which will never happen, trust me—I would never forgive him for what he did."

"And what's that?" I ask, almost afraid to find out.

"He lied to me. He lied to me and my family. And you know why he did it? For money…so he could get his stupid fertilizer approved."

I stare at his clenched fists, unable to get words out.

Clark sighs and suddenly finds the floor interesting. "Lana…Lex told me that there wasn't any trace of Kryptonite in his fertilizer."

"Kryptonite?" I inquire tentatively.

"Another name for the meteor rocks."

I shake my head, thoroughly confused. "Clark, I don't understand…the fertilizer contained…kryptonite, and that led to your father's heart attack?"

"Well, that's partly it…but I can't prove it," Clark says, sighing. "Lana, before I add more to Lex and the fertilizer, I need to tell you something."

I exhale, wondering what he has to say.

"Kryptonite…the meteor rocks…well, not only can it give normal people powers, but it's the only thing that can hurt me. And…I'm pretty sure that if I'm exposed long enough to it, it can kill me."

I continue to gawk at him, unable to process his words. Then, something strikes me. "Oh, Clark…my necklace."

My free hand instinctively goes to my collarbone where the rock used to sit upon so many years ago. And I used to think there was good luck left in that rock.

"Lana…it's okay. You didn't know."

"But I should have." Thinking back, now I remember all the times that Clark tripped around me. I used to think that he was born clumsy or that he was so smitten with me he was simply too busy staring at me to bother watching where his feet were carrying him.

Clark, sensing that I need a couple of minutes to reflect and gather my thoughts, remains silent until I'm ready.

"So, Lex lied and put fragments of kryptonite in the fertilizer," I say slowly, recapping out loud. "But you and your parents had no idea and continued to use it?"

Clark shakes his head. "I thought the same, but the day of my dad's heart attack, I learned that my dad had actually been sneaking in store bought bags and storing Lex's fertilizer in the storm cellar."

"So you got mad at him?"

"Actually, no. I was relieved that he didn't use the fertilizer on any of the produce because whenever I was near the stuff, I felt sick around it. I should have told my parents about it, but I didn't." He stops and his face stiffens. "Maybe if I had told him sooner…Dad wouldn't be in the hospital."

I shake my head fiercely, not believing a word. "Clark, you can't blame yourself for this. You didn't know."

"But that's the thing, I should have. I mean, the only I get sick or feel even remotely sick is when I'm around kryptonite. Only when I told Dad about this in the storm cellar, he got mad at me…."

Clark trails off and I wait for him to continue.

"Lana, when I told my dad that I felt around the fertilizer, he demanded to know why I didn't tell him or Mom before. I argued back and I guess things started to spiral downward from there. He started coughing and that's when it happened…."

"Oh, Clark, it wasn't your fault," I say gently, scooting closer to him on the couch and turning his face in my direction.

"Lana, if I had never convinced my parents to accept Lex's fertilizer, maybe my dad wouldn't need a new heart or my mom wouldn't be so worried about him."

"Clark, it's easy to say that if things hadn't gone a certain way, then the outcome would be different, but it's not always the case. Fate has a funny way of finding a person, no matter what the circumstances are." I lean over and kiss him briefly on the lips. "And besides, if this hadn't happened to your dad, then maybe that fertilizer would be approved. What if hundreds others die at the hands of that fertilizer?"

This gets the wheels in his head spinning, but not in the way that I had hoped.

"But, that's the thing—I don't have any proof that Lex actually put Kryptonite in the fertilizer. I'm not even sure that my dad had a heart attack because of the fertilizer and not because we were arguing. Don't you see, Lana, it doesn't matter—Lex will find a way to get that fertilizer approved—with or without our signatures."

"Clark," I begin, taking his face into my hands, "if you really want to stop Lex from getting his fertilizer approved, talk to Chloe. If anyone can help you bring him down, then it's her."

"I already have," Clark admits. "I gave her a sample of fertilizer to analyze, but she hasn't reported anything back to me yet."

I open my mouth, and then close it, suddenly remembering. "Clark, Chloe asked me to tell you that she needed to talk to you. She said to see her tonight at prom or at Lex's senior bash afterwards."

Clark's frustration diminishes and a look of determination replaces it.

"Maybe she has something…."

I nod and suddenly pull out my cell phone. An hour and half has passed since I arrived here.

"Clark, can you still find a tux before tonight?"

He looks taken aback by the urgency in my voice. "Yeah, I think that I can manage."

"Good." I stand and kiss him again, this time a little longer than the last.

"Where are you going?" Clark calls as I begin to descend the steps.

"To get ready for tonight."

"But…it's only three."

"I know," I call back, waving 'good-bye' to him.