Chapter 14
"So why are you looking so much happier today?" Chloe asked Lana at school the next day.
"I've decided not to let my own personal feelings get in the way of having a good time at the Spring Formal," Lana said. "That and my mother and I picked out the perfect dress last night."
"That's great," Chloe said.
"Hey guys," Pete said as he came from leaving class just a little ways down the hall. "What's up?"
"Not much," Chloe replied.
"Are you all set for the Spring Formal?" Lana asked Pete.
"I've got my tuxedo rental picked out last night, but I was wondering if I should go with the traditional black tie or try something unique." Pete said.
"Whatever you want," Lana said. "I won't mind."
"Well what colour dress were you planning on wearing?" Pete asked. "I'm just thinking maybe we could match."
"That would be so cute," Clark said as he also came from down the hallway.
Clark then took Chloe aside to have a private conversation.
"I'm going to wear a red dress," Lana said as she strained to overhear Clark and Chloe's conversation.
Pete nodded as he also tried to overhear the conversation.
"What is it Clark?" Chloe asked him.
"Whitney has enlisted in the Marines," Clark replied. "He leaves just before the Spring Formal. He asked me if I could drive him to the bus station. I hope it's no big deal. Because if it is I can probably get my aunt to take him."
"No Clark," Chloe cut him off. "I know that Whitney is a pretty close friend of yours and if you want to see him off then by all means do so. Just try not to be too late."
Clark grinned, "Great. I'm so glad that you understand. I'll try be here as soon as I can. You'll meet me here right?"
Chloe nodded. "Yeah, I'll see you later then."
Clark waved goodbye as he left down the hall.
"Trouble in Paradise?" Pete asked Chloe teasingly.
"No," Chloe replied. "I mean I'd prefer it if he'd get some else to take Whitney to his bus but I also know that they were good friends. And in spite of all that I need to acknowledge the importance of friendship. Besides he is just going to be a little late and at least he has a good excuse."
"Yeah Pete don't try and stir up trouble," Lana interjected. "That's my job."
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Lana and Chloe were in the Torch office after school finishing off what they figured would be the final edition for the year.
"So are you at all nervous about tonight?" Chloe asked Lana.
"Not really," Lana replied. "I mean I've known Pete nearly all my life it's kinda hard to be nervous. I guess I might be a little nervous someone will spike the punch and Pete will make an ass of himself. Why are you nervous Chloe?"
"I guess I am," Chloe admitted. "I mean, I never thought I'd be going to the Spring Formal with Clark Lang. I always thought it was wishful thinking."
"Well you shouldn't be nervous," Lana said. "I'm sure that you will have a great time."
"Yeah you're right," Chloe agreed. "Well the issue is done. I should head home to get ready."
"Alright," Lana said. "I'll see you later tonight then."
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"I remember my first Spring Formal," Martha reminisced to her daughter as she was styling Lana's hair. "That was something special."
"Did you go with dad?" Lana asked.
"No," Martha replied. "I hadn't met your father yet."
"Whoa mom, pay attention or you'll mess up my hair," Lana said as her mother started undoing her work accidently.
"Sorry honey," Martha said catching herself. "I was just day dreaming there."
"Must have been a good time," Lana said with chuckle.
"Oh it was," Martha said losing herself in yet another day dream. "It was."
Lana stopped her mother from doing anything else to her hair. "I can see that you've got your mind on other things at the moment so I'll go finish my hair myself. Besides, Pete should be here in about fifteen minutes to pick me up."
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Fifteen minutes later, right on time Pete showed up to pick up Lana. He was dressed in his tuxedo with a red bow tie that just happened to match Lana's dress, even though he hadn't seen it yet.
"Wow Pete, you look very handsome," Martha commented as Pete came up the steps.
"Thank you Mrs. Kent," Pete smiled.
"Lana, are you ready?" Jonathon called up the stairs to his daughter.
"Yep, I'm coming," Lana replied from upstairs.
A few moments later Lana appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Wow," Pete managed to stammer. "You look great Lana."
Even Jonathon Kent was stunned by how ravishing his daughter looked. Her dress was a shoulder less style that went down to her ankles with a very long slit up either side. Her hair was curled into a curly ponytail at the back.
"Um, before I forget," Pete said reaching into his jacket pocket.
He pulled out a corsage which was in a plastic box. He opened the box and took the corsage out. Lana offered her wrist and Pete slipped the corsage on.
"And I've got one for you," Lana said as she pulled out a single red tulip and pinned it to breast lapel of Pete's jacket.
"Don't you guys just look so cute," Martha commented happily.
"You know I wish somebody would say something besides cute for once," Lana complained jokingly.
"Well I think you guys look great," Jonathon said appeasingly.
"Thanks Mister Kent," Pete smiled.
After Martha took a picture of what she called Smallville's "Cutest Couple" Pete led Lana out to his car. The wind had picked up a bit.
"Wow it sure is windy," Lana said as Pete opened the door for her.
"Yeah," Pete agreed.
He went around and hopped in the driver's seat. "Do you think there will be a storm?" Pete asked.
"Those dark clouds off on the horizon seem to suggest that there will be," Lana replied.
"Well at least we'll be inside," Pete said as he started the car up.
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Please Read Over:
Just another one of the usual reminders that if you want to talk to me about the story or Smallville in general. Go on IRC to the otherside servers, irc. (Port 7000) or irc. (Port 7000), channel #smallville. Hope to see some people there. If you're looking for an IRC client I would recommend X-Chat although there are many other options out there. Really, please go there to discuss any questions answers will be a lot more direct. That and it gets kind of boring talking to the same two people all the time, I need fresh opinions. Look forward to seeing some of you there.