Chapter Thirty-One

Clark was doing tai chi out in the yard. It felt good to be outside and doing something active. He had begun reading his diary to see if it helped him remember anything. Nothing was coming back to him. It was almost like reading the words of a stranger. His earlier self had mentioned how he had begun tai chi and it was helping him receive mastery over his powers.

The year in Dreamland must have done a number on him physically. None of the positions felt familiar to him. Still, he went through the motions according to the book he found on his bookcase. Same with the fencing, this was a way for him to exercise and felt like a workout.

Clark was keeping one leg extended in front of himself. It was easy for a while, but then he started to sway a little. This was different than balancing crates of produce in his hands. He was working against his own body, requiring himself to focus.

"Afternoon, Julian." Lex said as he came over.

"Hi, Lex."

"I must go to Metropolis for a meeting next week. I was thinking you could join me. We'll stay at the penthouse and we could take a tour of Excelsior while we're there."

"Excelsior?"

"Excelsior Academy. I thought it would be beneficial for you to get familiar with the place before Fall Orientation."

Clark brought his leg down. "Why?"

"That's where you'll be going to school. I figured you'd prefer to go to an actual school instead of homeschooling."

"Well, yes, but I want to go to Smallville High."

"Excuse me?"

Clark looked hard at Lex. He didn't look mad. Not yet, but there was the beginning of a frown forming. "Lex, Smallville's a good school."

"I agree. But you have the opportunity to go to a better one." Lex stepped closer and smiled. "I know it's scary going to a new school and not knowing anyone. But you have nothing to be afraid of. I'm sure you'll make new friends in no time."

"My friends are at Smallville." Clark insisted.

"Why don't we talk about this later." Lex sighed and turned to leave.

"You're not my dad. You can't make me." Clark felt himself begin to panic and clenched his hands into fists.

"I am your legal guardian, and I can."

"I'm not going to a stuffy prep school!"

"Yes, you are and that's final!" Lex's calm façade faded. He spun around, face red, and glared at the young boy. They locked eyes and stood there for a long time in silence.

Clark left using his superspeed and went into the conservatory. With a huff he sat on the sofa to think. He and Lex hadn't really fought before. On one hand, he felt a little bit like a brat. After Lex had spent the day buying him everything he said he liked, it seemed silly to be arguing over a school. One that had to be exclusive and expensive to boot. Still, maybe Lex had done that as a bribe for him to accept going to Excelsior.

The idea of going to a new school where he didn't know anyone was terrifying. But not for the reason Lex may think. After he had woken up to this strange place where nothing was like he remembered, the thought of going to Smallville High next year had been a comfort. The one familiar thing that could connect him with his dreamed-up life. If he went to Excelsior, it was like the last line connecting him to Clark Kent would be gone.

Clark sighed. If he was back in Dreamland, he would go to Lana. She'd listen patiently to him talk about what was bothering him, then cheer him up. Maybe she'd even share a story of her own life and how she could relate. Then Lana would give advice on what he could do. And she'd call him out on if he was in the wrong.

But there was no Lana.

Jeff, Chloe, and Lois were in school right now taking their finals. It would be another hour or two later for them to get out. Maybe longer since Chloe would have to close the Torch for the summer. Clark's mind drifted to the Kents. He hadn't been to the farm ever since they denied he was their son.

Maybe a visit wouldn't be too bad. He could say he came to order some pies. And it was probably a good idea to apologize to them for how he had acted. Then, maybe, he could bring up the fight he had with Lex and they'd be able to offer some advice.

The idea of visiting the Kent farm cheered him up considerably. Clark sped to the garage, eager to see the Kents again.

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Lex poured himself a scotch in his study. He didn't care how early it was. Lex felt terrible. Clark was mad at him. And he was mad at himself. He had yelled, actually yelled, at Clark.

Had he been so naïve to think things would stay this way? That the days ahead would be nothing but shopping sprees and trips of recreation? This was Clark's life now, and that meant he had to go to school and start thinking about his future. Clark needed to be challenged. And that would happen at Excelsior.

Lex sighed and sank into the chair at his desk. He had to think of how to fix this situation. Lex knew how Lionel would have handled it. How he did handle it; have a tough chauffer driver throw him in the back seat of a limo and drive him to the school where he was dragged to his dormitory room and practically locked inside. Headmaster Reynolds trying to calm his child self down until Lex refused to go to class, refused to eat, refused to leave the room and Lionel had to be called. Instead of hugs, Lionel in no uncertain terms explained Lex would stay here and do well or not be allowed home at all.

No, Lex shook his head. He could never do that to Clark.

Lex found himself thinking of how Jonathan Kent might handle the situation. Jonathan would listen to Clark's concerns, of course. But would he give in? Allow the choice of schools to be decided by Clark?

An image of Jonathan and Clark flashed in Lex's mind.

Please, Dad? Why can't I have it?

It's irresponsible, that's why. Jonathan had answered, his voice an octave higher.

Everyone else gets one! I can't go out for football. Or basketball. Or softball. Or the swim team. Why can't I have this?! Clark's voice matched Jonathan's.

Fine. Jonathan huffed. It's your decision to make.

Thank you, Clark said. The family returning to their dinner in awkward silence.

Lex went back to the table and fumbled as he poured himself another glass of scotch to sedate his anger. He clenched his fists, grit his teeth, until the image disappeared.

How would he, Lex, handle the situation?

He would want to ensure Clark that he meant him no harm, Lex reasoned. So a peace offering was required. His mind drifted back to their shopping spree. Of everything Lex had offered him, the boy was content with flannel sheets.

"If ever I was feeling down, my mom would make cookies." Clark's voice echoed in his head.

That was it. Lex would bake some cookies so Clark would know he didn't mean any ill will and they'd have a conversation. Lex went down to the kitchen and started to bring out the bowls, spatulas, and ingredients he would need.

"Can I help you, Mr. Luthor? I mean, Lex." Benji said as he entered the kitchen.

"Sorry to intrude on your domain. I wanted to bake Julian some cookies. We had a fight." Lex explained.

"What about? If you don't mind me asking."

"Where he's going to school next year. I don't like him mad at me."

"That's gottta be hard. I mean, in your situation, you're Julian's guardian. Not just his brother. That means you have to make some hard decisions he may not like."

"Exactly." Lex's mind drifted to something Benji knew nothing about. "I did know better. I do know better. This is all for his own good."

"Then, that's the decision you have to go with. Even if he doesn't like it."

"Thank you." Lex hesitated. "Does Julian seem…happy?"

"Yeah," Benji nodded. "He seems like a happy, ordinary teenager."

Lex sighed in relief. "Good."

"Should I change the menu tonight from Beef Wellington to pizza and homemade chocolate ice cream?"

"Please."

"Don't worry, Lex. I'll make a duck confit pizza just for you." Benji smiled. "Oh, and for the cookies, I recommended a dash of cinnamon."

We need to take a moment and appreciate that Smallville really is a good school. They have a winning football team, Reynolds used to be the headmaster at Excelsior so he's got good credentials, their drama teacher went to Julliard (from the Smallville novella "See no Evil") and apparently there's an awesome chemistry teacher we were never introduced to. Not only did Jeff create an ACTUAL INVISIBILITY SERUM freshman year, there's also the cheerleaders from season four who made an effective love potion. Seriously, who was their chemistry teacher? If any fanfictions are written about this mysterious person, please let me know.