Chapter 18

Plans

Later that day Clark and Pete were shooting hoops; something that hadn't happened in a long time. In the short time that their lives had become complicated this seemed like a vacation for the two friends. But even this small escape wasn't big enough to block out the trouble that was impending on the horizon.

"So, have you decided on a collage yet?" Pete asked.

"I was thinking about commuting to Central Kansas." Clark replied.

"W-w-why?" Pete asked. "Chloe and I are both going to Met U, and even Lana is thinking about it since everything that's been going on with Lex. And aren't the two of you finally a couple?" Pete said while arching his eyebrows up and down displaying that player side he had to him. "This relationship took four years to form, so do you really want to stress it with a long distance relationship? Especially after what happened with her and Whitney?"

"Well, I had considered staying close by to be near my parents, now I'm not sure I want to." Clark replied.

"Clark, your parent are awesome, there're practically my second pair. But most kids want to get as far away from their parents as possible once they turn eighteen, and you want to be next door? Please tell me that's it's not because you don't think they can handle the farm without you." Pete said.

This brought back memories of the argument he had gotten into with his parents, he had convinced himself that, that wasn't the reason he was sticking around, but now that Pete had brought the subject up again, he wasn't sure that his reasons were genuine.

" Of course not." Clark replied

"Good, then prove it." Pete said as he pulled out a Met U application out of his back pocket. "And, if you're worried about tuition money you're a shoe in for a grant with those stellar grades of yours.

"Fine." Clark said as he took the application from Pete and filled it in.

"Thank you." Pete replied looking at the application to assert its authenticity. "And just think this can keep you one step ahead of Lex. He can keep pretty close tabs on you here, but in Metropolis you can just disappear." Pete said as he sunk the perfect jump shot from downtown.

" I hope so. I'm going to need all the help I can get." Clark replied