CHAPTER 3: THE SCHOOL DARE
INT. - CLARK'S BEDROOM - DAY
Clark Kent sits at his computer, pouring over Internet news articles. One headline reads, "Fastest Man Alive", another "5-Year-Old Boy Lifts Truck Off Father". Smirking to himself, Clark's research is suddenly interrupted by the voice of his adopted mother, Martha. "Clark, get down here! You're gonna be late for school!" "Not likely", he calls back. "I can reach the building in 15 seconds flat." Martha's voice sounds again, slightly more irritated. "Not in broad daylight, young man!" Groaning with exasperation, he powers down his computer and walks downstairs.
INT. - KENT FARM KITCHEN - DAY
The inside of the Kent family's farmhouse is warm and inviting, a mix of classic tradition with a few modern technologies. Coming down from his second-floor bedroom, Clark is greeted by Martha, her voice still annoyed. "How can you be fast as lightning and slow as molasses, all at the same time?" she asked. Dumbfounded, Clark just shrugged. "Practice?"
Hearing the discussion, Jonathan Kent entered the room. "Morning, son" he said simply. Bending slightly to kiss Martha, he smiled. "Hey, babe." Seeking to diffuse the moment, Clark cleared his throat. "I gotta catch the bus." Grabbing a pastry from the kitchen table, Clark headed outside.
EXT. - DIRT ROAD BY KENT FARM - DAY
Clark reached the stop moments before the bus arrived, and got on board. Seated near the back were his friends Pete Ross and Chloe Sullivan. Pete was black with dark eyes and very short hair, while Chloe was white with blonde hair in a short and wavy style. Seeing Clark approach, Pete simply nodded. "Pay up, Chloe." Grunting, she reluctantly pulled a five-dollar bill from her pocket, and handed it over. "You suck, Ross." Pete just smiled, satisfied with himself. Seeing the expression, Clark was almost afraid to ask. "What did you guys bet on now?" Chloe was not amused. "Pete took me for another five when I said you'd miss the bus again." Ross just put up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, it ain't my fault you picked the one day he actually showed." Nodding to his friend, he added a sincere "No offense, Clark."
EXT. - SMALLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
After pulling up to the curb by the school's main building, the bus doors open, and the students pour out. As usual, Clark is last, not wanting to hurt anyone by shoving his way through the crowd. Dutifully, Pete waits for his friend, while Chloe looks around absent-mindedly. "Just waiting for everyone's favorite raven-haired cheerleader...in three, two, one..."
At that precise moment, Clark saw her come around the side of the building. Lana Lang was 15 years old, just like Clark, Pete, and Chloe. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she carried a stack of schoolbooks. Around her neck was a necklace with a sparkling green gem. Clark had sworn more than once, that the forest-colored rock got brighter around him...but no one else ever seemed to notice. Heading in their direction, Lana simply smiled. Chloe and Pete returned the gesture, while Clark blushed and looked away. The moment she's out of earshot, both Clark's friends turn toward him, their expressions equally determined. Clark knows what's coming; they've launched into this routine before.
"You need to quit blushing, and talk to her", said Pete. Clark simply replied, "Not happening...no matter how often you say it. Besides, I get sick when I'm near her; you both know that." Chloe simply speaks her mind. "You're pathetic. This has been going on for three years, and now we're in high school. She's gonna end up with the first dumb jock who crosses her path...and if you ask me, he'd at least respect her enough to be honest with his feelings." Clark's expression changes, to one of genuine surprise. "You're pulling out all the stops this time, Chloe; don't hold back on my account." Defiant, she glares at him. "Okay, that's it - I've had it. If you won't tell her how you feel, I will. I'll also tell her you're a coward, and she deserves better. Now, I'm off to first period, which gives you an hour to make up your mind. Lana and I share second period this semester." Smiling with confidence, she leaves Clark standing outside with Pete. Looking at his friend, the latter speaks up. "I don't think she's bluffing this time, Clark. She's never shared a class with Lana before, and she's not wrong about you being chicken."
Clark sighs, fed up with this whole thing. "Fine...I'll tell her. No stalling, no running away. I just have to get her alone." Seeing a smirk on Pete's face, Clark is quick to shut him down. "Get your head out of the gutter; we got class, too. Let's join Chloe."