First Collision
Though clearly melancholy, her eyes were drained. There was emptiness within them unfamiliar to those surrounding her. Of course, they understood her current state of mind, and yet it still seemed strange to see the young Lana Lang not only in black apparel, but also expressionless. Those that knew her well found the absence of her constant smile dismaying. In fact, it was the one thing that just brought uncontrollable tears to their eyes. No one could stand to look at her stoic face gazing at the soil falling onto the coffins.
They walked past her. She sat alone, unable to move her legs or any other part of her body. She couldn't even think clearly; her head was filled with a piercing noise that refused to go away. She couldn't even tear her eyes from the ground. She was paralyzed in shock, sadness, anger, every emotion convoluted into one. So she sat alone.
"Miss, should I fetch Miss Lang?" The question had tentatively fallen from his lips as he looked onto the frail figure from afar. Albert hoped the answer would be "yes." He wanted to provide some consolation to the mistress he had served since she was born. Lana was practically like his own daughter.
The woman standing beside him allowed the question to linger. She knew she had to be strong for her niece, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to become a parent. What would a parent do in this situation? How much time do you allot a girl to grieve? She just didn't have the answers. Sighing in slight frustration, she sadly shifted her eyes from Lana to the elder man next to her, "Give her five more minutes and then tell her it's time to leave. I'll wait inside the limo."
Albert nodded his head and waited until the time was up. After glancing at his watch, he treaded the small hill and stepped behind the distressed teenager. "Miss Lang," he whispered. "Your aunt beckons your presence. She says it's time to go." Not a word in response. She simply continued to stare into the freshly covered grave. Albert's lips quivered in sympathy, "Miss Lang… I know I cannot purge your grief or hurt with mere words, but please allow an old man's memory of her mother's words grant some consolation: 'Death becomes solitude when we forfeit our memories.' Miss Lang, allow the yesteryears to console your heart."
His words finally jolted her consciousness. She turned to him with tears tainting her face. "It hurts too much," she cried softly as her head fell upon Albert's shoulders. He slowly lifted her while allowing her to fully use him as support. The butler walked her to the limousine where Lana's aunt awaited with concern. She knew the ride back to the Lang estate would be incredibly tense considering she lacked the words to comfort her niece.
But she had to try. "Lana, we'll get through this," she gently squeezed the young girl's hand. "We'll be moving to Metropolis and… and you'll have a fresh start. I've already enrolled you at Excelsior Academy, one of the finest private schools in the city."
Lana had barely heard her in the beginning, but the last few sentences seemed to ring loud and clear. She frowned, unable to contain her disappointed shock. "What? We're moving? Since when?"
"Since I decided it would be the best thing for you," her aunt replied. "With your parents gone, I have to be the one to care for you. And, I can't possibly do it from Metropolis."
"So move to our estate." Lana was gradually becoming frantic. She just couldn't believe her aunt would take her away from her home where she not only grew up in, but reminded her of her parents. "Nell, you can't do this to me."
She sighed as she shook her head in apology, "Lana, I'm sorry, but I have a job in the city that I refuse to give up. Besides, I think a change of venue is exactly what you need. The mansion and the rest of the estate will always be there for you, so it's not like you can't ever return to Smallville. And, Albert will be going along as well."
"But-"
"I'm sorry, Lana, the decision is final."
Two months later, Lana was lying on her new bed, in her new room, in her aunt's newly decorated penthouse. I can't believe I'm here, she thought to herself. She hadn't even come to terms with her parent's death when Nell was forcing her out of her own home. At least Albert was here to suffer her aunt's whims with her. "Misery certainly loves company," she sighed aloud.
Reaching for her cup of tea, her phone rang only serving to irritate her mood more so. "Hello," she muttered.
"Lana, it's your best bud," the voice on the other end sang.
Lana rolled her eyes with a smile, "What's going on, Samantha?" It was actually nice to hear a familiar voice. The last two months she had isolated herself from everyone she knew. Yet, Samantha had always been there, refusing to give her the solitude she longed for. At times it was nice and other times Lana could hardly stand it. Nevertheless, she altogether appreciated it.
"Well, I was just wondering how Metropolis is treating you? I hear there are lots of eligible bachelors just strolling down the street everywhere in sight." She giggled with excitement.
Although she knew no malice was intended in her friend's enthusiasm, Lana saddened at the mention of "Metropolis." The city's name just reminded her how far away she was from home where all the comfort laid. Not to mention all the friends she would miss.
Samantha suddenly felt the uncomfortable silence on the other end. "Lana, you still there? You know, I was kidding… right?"
"I know, Samantha. It's not that…" She took a deep breath, "I'm just not feeling well. Besides, I haven't been in the mood to go outside."
"You shouldn't be afraid. I bet you'll be meeting some interesting people out there. You never know you just might meet your dream guy."
Lana grinned at her friend's blind optimism. "Yeah, sure. If it makes you feel better, I have to meet with the Dean at Excelsior tomorrow. He says I'll need a tour of the school before the semester begins, which is the day after tomorrow. So I'll take that opportunity to venture throughout city."
In front of her stood a grand castle she could never mistake for a school. It definitely looked as prestigious as Nell made it sound. Lana instantly knew she was going to hate it. Schools like these were known to shelter the snobbiest sons and daughters of high-browsed, shrewd rich people. They were one of the reasons her parents had decided to move to Smallville and raise her there. And now, here she was… thanks to her dear aunt.
After a second look at the tall building, she went up the steps with terse haste. Lana wanted to get this tour over as quick as possible. She was in no mood to deal with some middle-aged Dean on a power trip. The truth was she just wasn't in the mood to deal with people period. Ever since her parents had died, she had felt as if all her energy had been drained, which was probably the case considering her sleepless nights full of tears and blame. Indeed, Lana blamed herself for the death of the parents for reasons she could hardly confront or let alone speak of.
As she slowed her pace once reaching the quiet and distinguished halls of Excelsior, Lana was reminded of her last family trip to France. She and her parents were visiting one of the many museums in the country. Although she couldn't remember exactly its name, an image of them turning a corner only to encounter a grand hall filled with large paintings became reminiscent. Her mother stood behind her whispering words of humor targeted at her father as they looked onto an 18th century portrait of a Frenchman. Her dad feigned anger as he jokingly chased his wife. The flashback was overwhelming; tears streamed down her face. She attempted to hold her composure as she briskly walked through the hall and tried to dry off her eyes with her sleeve.
Suddenly she felt herself ram into something. She couldn't tell with what with her eyes blurred. All she knew was that it spoke, startling her more so, "Hey… don't you look up when you walk?"
Lana looked up, finally focusing on the individual who stood before her. "I'm sorry… I wasn't paying attention," she managed to utter as she took a more analytical look at the young, handsome man who seemed to be her same age. She also couldn't help but notice that he was completely bald… and somewhat familiar. Lana hid her perplexity and decided to move on before the situation warranted further dialogue.
"No need for tears," he yielded her steps. "I'm alright though I understand your concern. Many girls don't want to hurt me."
"Somehow I find that hard to believe," she rolled her eyes. "Now if you would excuse me, I have an appointment to get to."
He perked his eyebrows, "Hmm… I do like them feisty."
"Excuse me?"
"You're excused," he smiled slyly. "Now, if I can only get you to give me a name."
Lana frowned; her agitation surfacing. "You have got to be kidding. I don't know who you are and frankly, I don't-"
"That can easily be fixed… my name is Le-"
Footsteps suddenly stopped the teenager's words. He shifted his gaze to the sound and immediately knew who was coming down the hall. "Unfortunately… that is, unfortunately for you… I have to cut our introduction short," his voice held apparent panic. "But this doesn't mean we won't meet again." He winked and began heading in another direction when he abruptly turned around, "By the way, next time we meet: no more tears."
He had left her speechless and almost… amused. She shook her head, hiding a grin as she wondered why he left so hastily. Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted by a touch on her shoulder. "Ms. Lang?"
Startled, Lana turned around, meeting the gaze of Dean Reynolds. "Yes," she gulped.
"I hope I didn't startle you, Ms. Lang." His voice was eloquent and, though assertive, kind. "I'm Dean Charles Reynolds. I was heading towards my office when I happened to see you. You appeared to be lost."
"Oh no, I was just…" She looked back to the direction where her new "friend" had disappeared. "I was just about to turn around. I caught myself making the wrong turn."
He smiled as he stepped aside, "Well then, after you, Ms. Lang."
Lana and the Dean walked side by side to his office. Upon reaching it, he began explaining to her the expectations Excelsior Academy held for students. As he went over the "regulations of utmost significance," a knock on the door yielded Dean Reynolds' speech. "Come in."
"Hi, Dean Reynolds… I'm sorry I'm late."
Lana remained seated, uninterested as to whom it could be interrupting the meeting. But her resolve would be altered. "Ms. Lang, I'd like you to meet your new friend and tour guide, Mr. Clark Kent," the Dean presented a tall, attractive young man who smiled with glistening eyes.
"Hi," he greeted shyly.
Lana gazed at him and smiled in return as she felt a comforting aura in his presence. "Hi, Lana Lang."
To be continued…