Through Lana's Eye's
Chapter 3 Hothead
Lana was standing with her boyfriend and bunch of the other cheerleaders. They were having a discussion that was close to the border of an argument.
"Don't you even care about this?" she asked him.
"I don't see what the big deal is."
"You don't think it's a big deal. I think it's a big deal." She turned and walked away. As she walked past Clark and his friends she heard Chloe say,
"There's something you don't see every day. A pop-pom meltdown." 'She has no idea what we were talking about.' During the morning break Whitney caught up with her.
"Hey," he said. 'Let's see if we can work this one out.'
"Hey, Fordman. Get over here." someone called. Lana looked and saw the football coach., waving Whitney over to where he was standing with Clark and Pete.
"Hey, Clark." Lana said.
"Fordman, you're the team captain. How so you think Kent, here, would do on the field? I mean, considering our current predicament?" 'I never thought Clark would be into football.'
"He might do all right."
"He seems afraid, though."
"That's not the reason, is it, Clark?" Lana asked. 'Why is he trying to make Clark uncomfortable.'
"It's my dad . . ."
"Kent." said the coach forcefully. He walked over to directly face Clark. "There comes a time when you've got to step out of your father's shadow, and be your own man. Now, what do you say? Are you ready to be your own man?" Clark looked at the coach, then at her before he said,
"Count me in."
"Good. I will see you at practice today, 3:00. Don't be late." She and Whitney walked away.
"So, are we okay?" he asked.
"This isn't about us." she replied
"The guys made a mistake. I don't see what the big deal is."
"Whitney, they cheated. I don't know how you can support them." 'Why can't he understand?' She turned around.
"Because they're my friends, and they used to be yours. Do you want to tell me what's really going on here?"
"It's just the things that I thought I knew for sure don't see so certain anymore."
"I don't understand."
"I know how much you love football, and your great at it, and I support you. I want to find something that I'm great at." The bell rang. "I've gotta get to class."
"Let me walk you."
"No, that's ok. Besides your class is on the other side of the building, and I don't want you to be late."
"It's gym. Coach won't mind at all."
"Really, Whitney; go to class. I'll be fine." 'I need some time alone.'
"Okay, I'll see you at practice then." 'I'm not going. I've decided to quit the squad, but he doesn't need to know that yet.'
"See you later." After school, Lana went home and began packing her cheerleading stuff away into boxes. Just then she heard Nell coming up the stairs.
"Lana, you're home early. Did they cancel cheerleading practice?"
"Sort of. I quit." 'Let's see how that goes over.'
"You loved being on the squad. What happened?"
"I just think there's more to life than memorizing cheers and shaking pom-poms."
"You just decided this out of the blue."
"Some of the football players were caught cheating. Guys I know. When I told Whitney how upset it made me he said it was no big deal, that people aren't perfect. I thought, 'Why am I doing this, wearing a fake smile and a stupid outfit, for people who will do anything to win a game?'"
"Well, you can't let a couple of bad apples spoil the experience. You're part of a team, you're making friends."
"Aunt Nell, I don't want to go back." 'When will she ever listen to me?' "I want to try different things. What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing. It's just that you're on a good track. I want you to be happy. So, what are you gonna do with this newfound freedom?"
"I thought I might get a job, something part-time. Earn some extra money so I can go travel in the summer."
"Well, I suppose I could always use some help around the shop."
"Thanks, but I'm not looking for help. I want to do this on my own." Nell just smiled, and left the room. 'That went well.' Lana thought sadly. Once she finished packing up her cheerleading stuff she went over to Beanery to fill out an application. When she walked over to the counter she asked,
"Where can I get a job application?" The woman on the other side of the counter reached in a drawer.
"Here you go." The name-tag said her name was Cindy. "Between you and me, the management is really desperate; at this point they'll accept anyone. Let me go get the manager, you could get an interview instead of having to fill out the application." She disappeared through a set of doors and a few minutes later came out with the manager.
"Hi, I'm Morgan."
"Lana Lang." she replied.
"Let's make this quick. Can you make coffee?"
"Yes."
"Have you worked for anyone else before."
"Just my aunt."
"Now, we don't normally do this, but we need people to work; you can do a trial shift. If you like it, you can have the job. Can you come tonight at 7:00?"
"Sure." Lana turned to leave.
"One more thing, we have a strict dress code, no jewelry, and no open-toed shoes. Just wear nice clothes; nothing with holes in it."
"I'll be back at seven." 'Yes, I got a job, well, maybe.' She thought as she walked over to Nell's shop to tell her the great news. That night she dressed in nice clothes just as Morgan had told her and went over to work. By 7:15 she knew that it was going to be a long night; she had already broken seven cups and saucers put together and one tray. 'How is that even possible' she said to herself as she snuck into the back for a five second break. Cindy who was working the same shift found her.
"What are you doing back here?"
"Trying to find the bathroom, I've got coffee all over my hands and it's getting sticky."
"It's the next door on the left."
"Thanks."
"No problem, just don't take too long."
"Right." She sighed and went to wash her hands. When she came back out, she saw Clark, Chloe, and Pete come in. As she walked in she heard Clark say,
"I joined a football team, not a cult." 'Clearly one to them is giving him a hard time.'
"Next thing you know, I'll be joining the pom-pom brigade." Chloe said as she walked by.
"I hear there's a spot open."
"Lana, what are you doing here?" asked Clark.
"Taking your order, I hope."
"What? What is this?" Chloe asked. "Like, some sort of cheerleading charity, like, be-a-waitress-for-a-night sort of thing?"
"Yes it is, except for the cheerleading and charity parts. And tips are always appreciated."
She added trying to sound less tense than she was. She set down the tray she was carrying and gave the two men waiting their drinks.
"So you're a waitress for real?" Clark asked.
"I even got the perky nametag to prove it.
"First day?" Pete asked.
"Ever." she replied.
"Where's you're necklace?" 'He really is full of questions tonight.
"Strict dress code." she explained. "No jewelry and no open-toed shoes."
"You look very waitresslike." 'Thanks I think.'
"Now, if I could only tell the difference between a half-caf decaf and a nonfat latte."
"In that case, I'll have a regular coffee." said Chloe.
"Hey. Times three." said Pete. She walked towards the counter to get the coffee.
"Uh, Lana, you forgot this." said Clark. He had followed her over with the tray that she had left on the table.
"Thanks. That's been happening a lot today."
"First days are always rough." he sat down on a stool. "So, you just quit cheerleading?"
"You sound surprised."
"Well, it's not like you broke any state laws or anything, but I am. You always seemed so happy doing it."
"My mom was a cheerleader. So was my aunt. Figured it was time to break the vicious cycle." They both laughed.
"What did Whitney say?"
"You're his teammate now. Why don't you ask him?"
"You know, it's amazing. The same day I make the team, you quit the squad." 'Yeah that is kind of weird, but that's just the way it works out.' "I was just hoping we'd see more of each other."
"I have four shifts a week you can stop by any tome you like." 'It'll be nice to see more of him.'
"Lana, table three's been waiting for their drinks for five minutes. If they go cold it's coming out of your tips." Cindy reminded her.
"Right. Sorry."
"Don't be sorry, just be faster." Clark got up and walked back to the table while she delivered the drinks. She noticed that as some of the football players left, so did Chloe. She turned and said good bye to here, and when she turned around she bumped into someone, dropping the tray. She smiled as everyone started clapping. Clark gave her an apologetic smile. She walked over tho the counter to get a rag. 'Now I've broken ten cups and saucers.'
"That's definitely coming out of your tips." Cindy warned her as she started cleaning up. By then end of the night her luck wasn't improving much, she had broken two more cups. Cindy told her that she if she could keep the number of broken dishes for the week below fifteen she could have the job. Lana just smiled, and went home to take a shower. The next day she when she went to work she saw Lex sitting at one of the tables looking through some files. She walked over to him. He looked up,
"Lana! What happened? Did Nell put you out on the street?"
"I decided to join the work force."
"Good for you. I'm sure you'll be employee of the month in no time." 'Yeah right, but thanks anyway.'
"Right now I hold the record for most dishes broken in a single day."
"Better bring my cappuccino in a Styrofoam cup, then." He smiled at her. She rolled her eyes and turned to see Clark walking in.
"Well, if it isn't Smallville's latest football star." 'Maybe he can put me in a good mood.'
"Let's see how I don tomorrow night. Hey, have you seen Trevor tonight?"
"No, he hasn't been in."
"How are things going here?" 'Still full of questions.'
"Today is one of those days where I just want to scream."
"Well, for what it's worth, I think it's cool you got this job."
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry I'm not gonna get to see you play tomorrow. New girl gets the worst shifts." 'I really wanted to go though.' "So can I get you anything."
"May I have a cup of coffee?"
"Coming right up." 'He's so polite. Wow, the things you notice about someone when they're not around their friends.'
"Thanks." When she walked away, Clark sat down and started to talk to Lex. She listened to their conversation as she waited for the drinks. 'It look like half the parents in Smallville are disappointed in their kids this week.' She picked up the tray and walked back over.
"If it makes you guys feel better, you should have seen the look on my aunt's face when I took this job. Not that I was eavesdropping or anything." She smiled at them and sat down on the arm of Clark's chair. She leaned against his shoulder.
"I guess we're all in the same boat." he said looking up at her. 'Wow, that's a first' she thought. 'Clark Kent having to look up to talk to someone.'
"No. You both stood your ground and are doing what you want. I caved. You two have inspired me."
"Oh, yeah, joing the football team and pouring some coffee. We're a couple of real rebels."
"Long live the revolution." she said with a laugh. Lex took a sip of his drink and got whipped cream on his nose. "How is it?" she asked nervously.
"It's perfect."
"Ok." she turned and when back to work. Luckily she didn't break any more dishes. She was in good spirits when she left for the night. The next day she dressed for work wishing that she was going to the game. Business was slow, considering most of the town was at the football game. When Cindy arrived she told Lana,
"I think that you should find a better place to work that doesn't involve dishes or speed. You can keep the nametag."
"Thanks for the chance anyway." Lana replied. As she walked towards the school, she saw Nell.
"Aren't you suppose to be at work?"
"Not anymore. They thought that coffee wasn't the right thing for me."
"Maybe this is just a sign that you should reconsider cheerleading."
"Not now, Nell." She waved to her aunt as she continued walking. Once she got into the stadium all she saw was Clark standing in the middle of the field. She walked over to him,
"Peaceful, isn't it?"
"Hey, I thought you were working."
"I got let go. Apparently, I'm not waitress material."
"Sorry. How'd your aunt take it?"
"She said it was a sign that I should seriously reconsider cheerleading." They both laughed.
"Parents, what are you gonna do?"
"I heard about the coach. Pretty weird."
"He won his two hundredth game and didn't even see it."
"Are you gonna play next season?"
"I don't know if football's for me. I mean, my dad played, and my granddad played. I think it's time to break the vicious cycle." 'He's funny, using my own words to prove the same point.
"Pretty short career. Why the change of heart?"
"I don't know. Guess I got out on the field and realized my reason for playing was gone."
'I wonder what he means by that?'
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Who said life was fair?"
"You gonna be ok?"
"Sometimes I just want to scream." 'He has a good memory.'
"Why don't we?"
"Why don't we what?"
"Scream, I'm game if you are." She smiled at him.
"Are you serious?"
"Why not?" she asked. 'It'll be fun.'
"On three," he said and they both turned away from the stands. "One. . . two. . . three." They both screamed. 'His scream is more like a yell, but this is fun. I mean, how many people can say that they've stood and screamed in the middle of a football field.' Once they stopped screaming she looked at him and said,
"Now, I can check that off of the list of things I want to do before I'm fifty."
"Don't forget getting a job and getting fired from it in the same week." They both laughed. They walked out of the stadium together and Mr. Kent gave her a ride to Nell's store on his way home.
"Thanks for the ride, Mr. Kent." she said as she got out of the truck. The ride had been fun; she had sat between Clark and his dad. 'That was nice, considering they could have just let me sit next to the door.' "See you at school, Clark."
"See you." he said as he climbed back into the truck . Lana waved as they drove away. 'Another day,' she thought as she climbed into bed later that night, 'you gotta learn to love it.'