CHAPTER 2: BEAUTY & TRAGEDY
INT. - NELL'S FLOWER SHOP - DAY
Jonathan and Martha Kent drove their old pickup truck down Smallville's main street, stopping at Nell Porter's flower shop. Martha knew her husband had dated Nell in the past, but rested peacefully in knowing he'd married her. She'd turned down prosperous business offers in Metropolis, Gotham, and Central City to live as a farmer's wife, but had no regrets. Jonathan had earned her trust long ago, and the only thing making her sad was learning she was barren. They'd tried artificial methods, and wanted to adopt, but opportunities weren't plentiful in remote locations like this. Still, she hoped for a miracle every day, and tried her best to think of other things. Opening the door for her, Jonathan entered the shop second, an example of chivalry to the end.
Looking up, Nell recognized them immediately. Jonathan had broken up with her several years ago, but it still hurt a bit for her to see him, especially when Martha was around. She'd never been good at letting things go, which had strained her attempts at romance many times. Taking care of her 4-year-old niece Lana was a great comfort, since her sister Laurel was considering a return to the workforce.
Lewis Lang, Lana's father, was a kind and supportive man, always thinking of others before himself. She envied both Laura and Martha for having good husbands, but tried not letting it show.
Seeing Martha approach the register, Nell tensed slightly, but still maintained a professional attitude. "Afternoon, Martha; what can I get for you today?"
"I'm looking for some red tulips, but it seems you're out", Martha replied, gesturing to an empty section nearby.
"No offense, but don't you get tired of having the same flowers?" Nell asked.
"What can I say? I guess I'm just traditional that way," Martha said, shrugging.
Nell sighed, a small bit of frustration evident in her voice. "Well, this town certainly is full of that."
Hearing the conversation, Jonathan approached the counter.
"What's up, Nell?" Looking briefly in his eyes, she quickly glanced back down.
"Just wishing Smallville was a little more lively, that's all. Martha's after her usual, but I sold the last bundle to some teenager yesterday for his 6-month anniversary."
Looking at his wife, Jonathan spoke. "You sure you won't stand for something else, honey?"
"No, thanks", she said. "Could you place another order for me, Nell?"
Visibly resigned, the woman nodded. "Sure, just come back in 3 days, like usual."
Suddenly, a little girl ran onto the sales floor, the back of her pink dress open. Wearing a plastic crown and holding a wand prop, she leaped into Nell's arms.
"Calm down, Lana", Nell said, putting her down. "You're getting heavy."
"Auntie, I need help with my zipper!" the girl protested.
"Okay, sweetie; turn around." Finishing, she smiled.
"Excellent princess, as usual."
Noticing Martha in the store, Lana's eyes glowed with joy.
"Hey, Miss Kay!" she squealed, waving gleefully.
"Nice to see you too, Lana", Martha replied. "Let me guess...fairy queen?"
Nodding, the cutie hugged Martha's leg.
"Yup", she smiled. "Just waiting for Mommy and Daddy to get back."
Sensing the question, Nell said, "They're at the Crows game; it should be over soon."
"Well, we're outta here", Martha said. "See ya in a few days".
EXT. - SMALLVILLE MAIN STREET - DAY
Opening the door again, Jonathan escorted her out. Getting back in the truck, she turned to her husband. "Such a sweet little angel," she said, sighing.
"Don't you worry, baby", Jonathan smiled. "Our day will be here before you know it".
EXT. - SMALLVILLE OUTSKIRTS - DAY
Driving through the Kansas countryside was an enjoyable hobby for the Kents. They'd only been married two years, but had known each other since college.
Jonathan was studying agricultural history in Metropolis, while his late father Hiram tended the family farm. Martha had studied business strategy, first meeting Jonathan in a shared literature group. She'd asked for his notes on T.H. White, and without refusal, he'd handed them over. Confused, she'd asked how he'd know she'd return them, and he'd smiled.
"I prefer to think the best of people", he'd said that day...not knowing Martha already had her own notes, and was just feigning laziness to meet him.
He'd asked her out a few weeks later, and after a year of courtship, they'd become husband and wife. Martha was happy, though her father thought she was crazy for marrying a farmer.
Coming back from Nell's shop on the edge of town, their truck was jolted by a sudden road tremor.
"Kansas doesn't have earthquakes; what's happening, Jonathan?" Martha asked.
Suddenly, both their eyes went wide, as giant rocks with yellow and red fire trails darted across the sky.
Racing down the side roads like a madman, Jonathan floored the truck's accelerator, squealing the tires with every hairpin turn.
Finally, the ground shook again, this time causing Jonathan to lose control of the vehicle. Careening into a ditch, the truck flipped upside down. Checking Martha's conditon before his own, Jonathan relaxed.
"Thank God for seat belts."
Unclipping themselves, gravity pulled both Martha and her husband to the reversed ceiling turned floor. Scrambling out of the cab, Martha noticed something in her peripheral vision...a small pair of feet. Grabbing Jonathan's shoulder to get his attention, she pointed in the proper direction.
What they both saw was nothing short of a miracle. A massive trench marred the ground where an object the size of a small car had skidded to a halt. A young boy walked slowly toward them, wrapped from the waist down in a blanket of primary colors. He seemed oddly at peace with the devastation around him, until seeing Martha not far away. Moving toward both adults, the boy stopped. Looking directly into Martha's eyes, he said one word: "Lara".
Confused, Martha asked Jonathan what it meant. "I have no idea" came his reply. Turning her attention back to the boy, he looked at her again, and smiled.
"Well, we can't just leave him here, Jonathan", she said.
"Okay", he sighed. "Let's take him to the farm, and call Ethan. He'll have some ideas."
"What about that?" she asked, pointing to the craft.
"Leave it", her husband replied. "We'll come back with the trailer".
EXT. - SMALLVILLE MAIN STREET - DAY
Fires had consumed several small buildings, where other meteors had landed. Many cars in the street were also on fire, some with charred bodies behind the wheel. Among the chaos stood Nell Porter, a sobbing young princess held in her arms.