Dichotic
"An S? How exactly did you come up with this, Clark?" His shop teacher asked.
Truth was, it was the S he had on his superman uniform. He rather liked it.
"It's for Smallville High," He lied. Couldn't exactly reveal its future reference. "I thought the school logo could use an update."
"You're form could use a little function," His teacher said handing it back to him.
He took it and watched as his teacher walked away. It was perfect and he knew it. His teacher just couldn't say it but it didn't bother him. He was going to walk out of high school with all A's.
"I told you. Stick with the basics," Pete said shaking his head. "You can't miss with a candlestick holder."
The bell rung and Clark heard the teacher dismiss them. He sighed and grabbed his bag. This never really was one of his favorite classes. Taking it again proved that. As they were walking down the hallway a student ran past him and Pete.
"What's bugging him?" Pete asked.
"Who knows?" He said.
They stopped at their lockers and gathered their books. Clark watched as Ian ran to his next class. Something felt off to him. Most things did so he shrugged it off and followed Pete to their next class.
Clark stood on the back of his dad's truck. He handed a light box down to Lana. He was helping her move in with Chloe. He had wanted to mention renting out the apartment above the Talon but then he remembered that it was a good thing Lana had lived with Chloe for awhile. So he stayed quiet but offered to help her move.
He reached for another box and smiled at the photo on top. It was a picture of all four of them. They had gone to the fair. It was a great memory and he loved reliving it. Some days were just better than others. It was heavier so he handed it to Chloe's dad and watched as he struggled with the weight. Lana once again thanked the man for letting her live with them.
"So how you feeling?" He asked pulling a box out for someone to grab.
"Excited and terrified at the same time if that makes any sense," She said taking a light box.
"Well, it is a big change," He said hopping down and grabbing the last box.
"Huge, and not just for me. Even though she agreed to it, Nell was kind of upset that I decided to stay in Smallville," She said.
"It's not easy when someone you love moves away," He said remembering the time his mom moved out of the farm to be a Senator.
He had the farm to himself until Kara had moved in. But then so had Lana. They connected eyes and stayed silent for a moment. They had many moments like this.
"So that looks like it's everything if you need to get your truck back," Chloe said walking up and snapping them out of their trance.
"You know, I lucked out. Mom called and said she was gonna take off early and help finish up the chores. You wanna celebrate?" He asked.
"I wish I could, but I've got to get changed and take a shift at the Talon," Lana said.
"Yeah, and I only have a second to grab a bite before I need to run over to the Torch. Sorry," Chloe said.
"Well, when you two are scheduled to take a breath, give me a call," He said closing the back of the truck, "I'll just go lift some hay bales for my dad."
He smiled softly and walked over to the door and got in.
"Thanks Clark," Lana said as he closed the door.
He leaned out the window and smiled. With a wave he drove off to head back to the farm. When he got home he noticed no lights on inside. He walked in through the kitchen.
"MOM! DAD! Anyone home?" He asked.
After a second he heard his dad calling from the barn. He sounded hurt. In a panic he super sped over. The tractor had fallen and landed on Jonathan's leg. He lifted the tractor and waited for his dad to crawl out from underneath.
"I can't move my leg," He said in pain.
He did a quick x-ray and saw that the bone was broken.
"It's broken. Hold on," He said.
He picked his dad up and carried him to the truck to take him to the hospital. It left him wondering where his mom was.
"Is he going to be alright doctor?" Clark asked watching as she finished up his cast.
"I don't see him square-dancing in the near future but if he stays off the leg, he should heal fine," She said.
The door opened and Martha walked in, "Oh my God. Jonathan."
"Stop. Martha, I'm going to be fine," Jonathan said.
"His doctor agrees. As soon as I can find you a pair of crutches, you're good to go." The doctor said.
"Thank you," Jonathan said as she was leaving the room.
"Where have you been? I left a message an hour ago," Clark asked his mom.
"I was in a closed door teleconference between Lionel and the LuthorCorp board. I wish you'd waited for me." She said.
"I did wait for you. I waited over an hour," Jonathan said.
"I'm sorry. I tried to call but the machine was on." She went on.
"What's done is done. I would just really like to get out of here. Now, please?" Jonathan asked.
Clark could tell his dad was really upset over the whole situation.
"I'll pack up your stuff," he said knowing his dad's hint.
"Okay," Jonathan said sitting up in the hospital bed.
Clark stepped outside and saw Lex talking to his dad's doctor. The sight was familiar.
"Lex, what's going on?" He asked.
"Mr. Luthor and I were just discussing the state of small-town medicine." The doctor said before walking away.
Lex watched her leave and Clark put the pieces together. She was one of Lex's future wives.
"How's your dad?" Lex asked turning back to him.
"He's okay," He said, "It's my mom I'm worried about. She blames herself for the accident."
"Well, your mom's taken on a lot and she's trying to find a balance. Believe me, it's not always that easy," Lex said.
"I believe you," Clark said knowing first hand how hard it is. Between being a journalist, a husband, and superman…he knew just how hard it was and how easy it was to make mistakes. Then vhe added with a smirk, "Guess I'm just lucky she didn't take a 9-iron to a meter maid's car."
"You heard about that," Lex said fighting off a smile.
"This town is called Smallville," He said smiling.
"I was having a bad day," Lex said in defense.
"Yeah," laughed Clark.
He went on to take his dad's stuff to the truck. Both his parents would be out soon.
After he got his parents settled he rushed over to the Talon hoping to get some one on one with Lana. When he walked in he noticed Chloe having coffee with Ian, the student from earlier.
He walked up, "Hey, Chloe."
"Hi, Clark," She said with a smile. "You remember Ian, the amazing Ian. We were just finishing up." She said standing in a rush.
Ian also stood. Clark smiled softly.
"Yeah, I'll grab the check," Ian said.
"Okay, I'll grab the car." Chloe said before heading to the door while Ian headed to the bar. Clark got another weird vibe.
"So how's your day going? I heard Frankel gave you a hard time about your shop grade." He said following Ian up to the counter.
"Yeah. He's more bark than bite. I talked to him after class and he said I nailed the A," Ian said.
Something didn't sound right to him but he wasn't about to distrust him. He had no reason to.
"Clark, thank god. I thought you'd forgotten about our math session," Lana said.
"I would never forget you Lana. I just have to run a chore for my dad," He said.
"What happened to your dad?" She asked.
"The tractor fell on him today. He broke his leg so I'm his running man till it heals," He said.
"He's okay?" She asked concerned.
"Yeah. You could come with me to get the feed? We could do the math over dinner," He asked.
He didn't want it to sound like a date but it was what he was hinting at.
"I really need to finish up here, but maybe after?" She asked.
He nodded and smiled, one which she returned.
"So. Simultaneous equations giving you grief?" Ian asked.
"Higher math and I don't seem to get along very well," She said.
"Yeah, I suffered through algebra last term. If you want, I can give you a few tips," Ian offered.
"Are you serious? Because I am totally lost," She said. "Any help I can get."
Clark smiled awkwardly and stepped back a little.
"Yeah. Yeah, definitely. When's a good time?" Ian asked.
"While Clark's gone getting the feed for his dad we could work on it. When you get back hopefully I can get it and it'll help you out, Clark," Lana said.
"Great," Ian said.
Clark looked over at Ian and went with his weird vibe feeling. He was blowing off Chloe to hit on Lana while helping her with math. He didn't like Ian.
"I'll be right back," Ian said before walking out.
"You okay, Clark?" Lana asked as she noticed him stare Ian down.
"Am I not good enough to help you with math?" He asked.
"Of course you are but if I get it before you get back, the more we can focus on dinner instead of homework," She said with a smile.
"Less study and more date. As much as I love it but Ian just blew off Chloe to help you with math. I don't think its so innocent," He said.
"Don't jump to conclusions. He's just trying to be helpful. Ian's a really nice guy," Lana said.
"Okay then. But since you have help, how about I work on the farm tonight and get a head start for tomorrow and we can hang some other time," He said.
Lana looked hurt but Clark wanted to do some digging on Ian. He didn't like the vibe he got and he didn't like how Ian was playing Chloe. Something was up with this guy.
"Yeah, of course," She said.
The next morning he was getting himself breakfast when he noticed his dad making his way to the kitchen.
"Aren't you supposed to be taking it easy?" He asked.
"I am, I slept in till 6. Besides I've got to go out and feed and water the cattle." Jonathan said making his way to a seat so he could get off his crutches.
"Done," He said pouring honey on his biscuit.
"Really? Well, did you clean out the…"
"Chicken coop?" He butted in. "Dad, I took care of it, don't worry."
He said before taking a bite of his breakfast. Jonathan smiled and they turned to the stairs when they heard Martha coming down.
"Mom, you're not dressed for work." He said.
"I thought I would stay home today. Just until things settle down," She said.
Jonathan sighed and turned to Clark.
"Sweetheart, I don't want my accident to disrupt this whole family," Jonathan said grabbing a cup of coffee from the counter.
"Dad, the couch is over there," He said pointing to the living room.
He knew what he was doing when it came to the farm. For years, he ran it by himself.
"Clark, believe me. I can take it just as easy greasing the bearings on the tractor out in the barn as I can sitting on that couch," Jonathan said.
"Believe me dad, your heart won't handle that for long. Now go lie down before I tie you down," He said.
Jonathan looked him over and didn't say a word. After a second, he hobbled over to the couch and sat down. Martha looked at him.
"Don't ask cause I can't tell you." He said.
She took the hint and looked over to where Jonathan was laying down. She looked sad for a second. Leaving him to wonder if she figured out what he was hiding.
"How's that for weird? Frankel's never missed a class before," He said as he and Pete walked down the hall to class.
"Looks like the metal shop impaired today caught a break," Pete said. "I guess I'll have to wait another day to find out my grade."
"You did great Pete. Smart to stick to the basics," He said.
"Thanks man. Hey check out Lana's new study buddy," Pete said.
He looked down the hall to see Ian and Lana leaning against the lockers.
"Yeah."
"Do I detect a hint of the J-word?" Pete joked.
"Not at all," He managed to get out but Pete knew it was forced.
"Right. I'll catch you later," Pete said before heading down the hall.
He stayed and watched Lana and Ian. When Ian moved in and kissed Lana, he stepped into action and moved forward. He didn't like Ian one bit.
"Looks like the study date went well. More date than study?" He asked leaning against the wall trying to act like it didn't bother him.
"Yeah, Ian showed me this great shortcut and after that, the study part was over. Ian's really intense. You know, in a good way," She said with a smile. "We're getting together again tonight."
"More studying?" He asked following her down the hallway.
"Actually, we're going to go see a movie." She said.
"What does Chloe think?" He asked after gripping the hand railing to hard leaving a imprint of his palm.
"What do you mean?" She asked confused as they headed upstairs.
"You saw her and Ian at the Talon last night," He said.
"Yeah, they were doing an interview," She said.
"No, they were going to go on a date. But instead he went to help you study. Then there wasn't much studying done," He said.
"Chloe and I spent an hour unpacking last night. She didn't say a word," She said.
"Lana, I swear, they…"
Lana cut him off, "Listen, this move's been tough enough. And Chloe and her dad have been great. So please, if you don't have any facts, just stay out of it."
He stepped aside and looked away. She went on to her next class. Ian was playing them both and he knew it. Now he just had to figure out how he was doing it. Maybe Chloe would be some help. He made his way over to the Torch.
"Chloe?" He called knocking on the door.
"Yeah," She called from inside. She was working on some photos for the next edition.
"Got a second?" He asked.
"Sure." She said looking up from her work.
"Primed to graduate two years early, Ian Randall is a true academic superstar." He read from her computer screen. "Well, so much for journalistic detachment."
"Believe it or not, not every story has to be Wall of Weird material," she said grabbing a file and bringing it back over to her work station. "Why am I defending myself?" She asked out loud.
"Do you like him?" He asked.
"I don't not like him. What is this about, Clark?" She asked.
"Nothing. I just want you to be careful," He said.
He didn't want her closing him out like Lana just did. He did not like Ian and it wasn't just jealousy although that was probably a big factor.
"Why?" She asked.
This wasn't going to be easy. It rarely ever was with Chloe. Or any girl for that matter.
"Look, I probably shouldn't say anything but I saw him and Lana in the hallway and they seemed pretty close." He said not wanting to mention last night.
"Oh, I get it." She said rolling her eyes and looking away, "You just want to make sure that poor little Chloe doesn't get burned. Again," She said a bit rough to him. She wasn't happy at all.
"No. Chloe," He started,
"You know what, Clark?" She cut in, "Not that it matters, but Ian already told me Lana was kind of into him but he rather be with me." She said keeping him from getting a word in edge wise. "He asked me to keep it a secret because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings."
"And you believe that?" He asked not buying it at all himself.
She stared at him for a moment, "You really can't imagine that someone would choose me over Lana, can you?"
Her words stung him. He knew that wasn't true. After all he was Pete's best man when he married Chloe.
"Chloe, wait!" He called watching her storm out of the Torch.
Why wouldn't either of them listen to him. Something wasn't right with Ian.
Later that day Clark chased Ian down outside.
"Ian, we need to talk."
If he couldn't get to Lana and Chloe maybe he could get to him instead.
Ian turned around and looked up at him, "Later, Clark, I'm busy."
"Now. It's about Chloe and Lana," He said. "I know you're playing them off each other."
Might as well get it out there.
"Must have learned from the master," Ian said trying to brush past him.
He pushed him back, "What does that mean?" He asked.
"Lana says you send off so many mixed signals you could scramble a radar," Ian explained. "Maybe they'd rather be with a guy who's going someplace. You know, after I get my scholarship, I am out of this hick town."
"So you don't care about them at all, do you? You're using them to get your scholarship," He stated seeing the facts laid out in front of him. "Chloe writes the big article and Lana gives you the fast track to Lex."
"I never said that. Why don't you just admit it. The two girls who used to like you now like me and you're jealous." Ian said. "Stay out of my life, Kent."
He watched as Ian walked away. He needed to find a way to get Lana and Chloe to see the light. Maybe Pete could help him out. He had a feeling his first clue would be checking out Frankel's office. The guy never took a sick day and suddenly when grades were to be posted he can't be found. Ian hadn't done well in the class and he figured it was connected somehow.
"Clark, for the record, this is messed up. Mr. Frankel's sick." Pete said as they snuck through the workshop.
"Actually I checked with Principal Reynolds' office. He didn't call in sick. He didn't call at all," He said. They continued looking around, "This was the last place anyone saw Frankel. There's got to be a clue somewhere."
"Fine. If you want to have a look around, we'll look around. But I don't know what you think we'll find," Pete said opening the closet to look in there.
"Find anything?" He asked.
Pete turned around, "No. This is a waste of time. Nothings here."
He turned to look at Pete and saw something heavy fall on him. When he rushed over Pete was pushing off Frankel's body. Not even a second later the shop burst into flames. He grabbed Pete and pushed him out of the way. When he looked up he saw Ian walking away.
It wasn't hard facts but Chloe and Lana had always listened to him. He'd never lie to them about something like this. They had to believe them. He knocked on Chloe's door but no one answered. He knocked again and still no response. He tried the knob and it was unlocked. Fearing that Ian might have already attacked her he burst in. The lights were off but he was able to see just fine. He moved through the house and came upon the living room. He switched on the lights and Ian pulled back from Chloe.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"What does it look like?" Ian asked.
"Chloe, he just tried to kill Pete and I. I also think he murdered Frankel." He said.
"What is this, a joke?" Ian asked.
"Yeah, Clark. When did this deadly encounter occur?" Chloe asked. He knew she was pissed but he wasn't lying to her.
"Twenty minutes ago. I came right over," He said.
"Okay, stop, that's impossible," She said waving her arms.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because I've been here for the last three hours, Clark," Ian said.
The tone that he said it struck a nerve but it made him remember. Ian could split himself in two giving him the ability to be in two places at once. He just had to prove it to Lana and Chloe.
"Lana, have you seen Chloe?" He asked walking up to her table in the Talon.
"She's at the sheriff station giving her statement," She said standing from her table and going to the counter.
"I don't remember ordering a side of hostility," He said.
She turned and faced him, "I can't believe you accused Ian of murdering Mr. Frankel."
"Lana, you have to believe me. I don't know how he did it, but he's lying to everyone," He said.
He knew Ian could split himself in two but he knew that because he'd already lived through this. He didn't have any evidence gathered yet to prove his case. But the fact that Lana and Chloe didn't believe him, bothered him.
"A boy with secrets. I'm surprised you're not fast friends," She said folding her arms across her chest.
"Don't turn this around on me. I'm sorry I'm not open about everything but believe me when I feel like telling someone my deep dark secrets, you'll be the first to know. But Ian is seeing both you and Chloe. He was at her house, she's his alibi." He snapped.
"Clark they were finishing up an interview," She said jumping to Ian's defense again.
"Does Chloe always finish up her interviews by making out with her subjects?" He asked.
She shook her head, "Ian told me that Chloe had a little crush on him but it wasn't serious."
"And he told you not to saying anything to Chloe about it, didn't he?" He asked. Her look was answer enough, "Lana, he said the same thing to Chloe about you."
"If this is all because I enjoy spending time with Ian, then you are way overreacting," She said. "If I didn't know you any better, I'd say you were jealous."
"I'm trying to be your friend. You've got to ask yourself what kind of person asks the two people he cares about to lie for him?" He didn't want to say anything else.
He was done trying to argue his case and get them to see he wasn't lying. He turned and walked away.
He sat at the kitchen table looking over some research on Ian. Class schedules and extracurricular activities…the boy had no life but yet he was able to date both Lana and Chloe. He was the meteor freak who could split himself in two. All research pointed that way.
Pete walked in, "Clark, I got your 911. I assume we're back on the Ian trail?"
"Yeah. I got Ian's scholarship information from Lex. Turn's out he was taking classes at Smallville Community College at the exact same time he was at Smallville High." He explained showing Pete the paperwork.
"Any idea how an only child can make like the Olsen twins?" Pete asked.
"He splits himself in two. Ian's a meteor freak," He said.
"Any other proof?" Pete asked.
"Doesn't Ian carry a pager?" He asked.
"Yeah, why?" Pete answered.
"I've got a plan," He said.
When Pete met back up with him and they confirmed the double Ian's they made a break for the Torch.
"Chloe! Lana!" Clark called running down the hall at normal speed so Pete could keep up.
"Clark, check this out." Pete said after they searched the Torch. Neither girls were in there but there was a message on the computer. "We've both been deceiving ourselves over Ian." Pete read. He walked over and read over Pete's shoulder. "Now the pains too much. We've gone to the dam to end our suffering."
"Pete, get help. I'm heading over there," He said.
He busted out of the room and when he was out of Pete's sight he broke out into super speed. Hopefully he'd get there in time.
He got there right as Ian dropped Chloe over the side. He jumped over the edge and caught her. Before they hit the ground he flew up and back to the road. He landed and gently laid her down. Ian looked at him confused.
He stood and watched Ian pick up a pipe. He wanted to laugh as Ian stepped up and swung. The pipe bent against the side of his head and he didn't move. He grabbed Ian by his jacket and tossed him into the concrete wall.
He then heard Lana scream and looked over to see both her and the other Ian go over the edge. He ran over and saw Lana barely holding on. He reached down and grabbed her. The other Ian lost his grip and fell. Without a struggle, he pulled her up and back over the edge.
"You okay?" He asked as she leaned into him and tried to catch her breath. She nodded. "You sure?" He asked holding her. She shook against him but otherwise seemed alright.
"Clark, any word on Lana and Chloe?" Jonathan asked as he made his way into the kitchen. He looked up from the table where his mom was working on the bills.
"They're shaken up, but okay." He said standing up so his dad could sit down.
"You sure they didn't see you use your abilities?" Martha asked.
"To be honest mom, I really don't care. Lana and Chloe were okay with my abilities. If they did see them it would make it easier to explain," He said.
He stepped back and poured himself a glass of milk and listened to his dad and mom work out their current argument. When it turned out for the better he smiled and made his way out. He needed to double check on Lana and Chloe.
He walked into the Talon and saw both Chloe and Lana sitting there. He took a deep breath and continued walking in. He wasn't sure what he was going to face with the both of them but he was sure he could handle it.
"Got your message. Is everything all right?" He asked stopping a few feet away.
"We've been up all night talking," Chloe said.
"And you were the number one topic of discussion," Lana added.
He nodded his head and came to a conclusion, "This can't be good."
"Actually, we wanted to apologize to you for the way we've been treating you. Even though you did technically use us as bait," Chloe said.
"I didn't count on it getting out of control," He said.
"The point is, you warned us about Ian and we didn't listen," Lana said.
"Yeah. You thought I was jealous," He snapped and then felt immediately guilty when he saw Lana's facial expression.
"There's a lot of water under the bridge, Clark," Chloe said.
"I know you have issues with me but you have to understand that I would never let anyone hurt you," He said.
"We know that, Clark," Lana said and Chloe nodded in agreement.
"I just find it interesting you gave Ian all the latitude in the world and I would just be immediately dismissed. So what if I was jealous? You still didn't believe a word I said," He said.
"After all the times you've been less than honest can you really blame us for having some doubts?" Chloe asked.
"You want honesty? The truth is that I expected more from both of you. I may not be open about my past and what's 'in my closet' but I've never lied to you when it comes to protecting you." He said.
"We made a mistake, but it was ours to make," Lana said.
After a moment Chloe asked, "What do we do now?"
"Well, first we can stop treating me like the jealous boyfriend. Since none of us have actually dated. If you want to be friends, lets be friends." He said with more venom in his voice than he would have liked.
"Is that what you really want?" Lana asked.
"No. What I really wanted was to take you to dinner," He said.
Chloe looked away and Lana looked down. He didn't know what else to say in the silence that was filling their time. He started to say something but stopped. Both girls noticed.
After a second he looked up from his shoes, "Good night."
He turned and walked out of the Talon. He made himself clear to Lana but his secret was still getting in the way. It still wasn't time to tell them. The only good side to this experience was that he remember Ian before things got out of hand. He had actually remembered something before. He was making progress with his memories and with Lana. With a small smile he began walking back to the farm.