CHAPTER 9 - CONFRONTATIONS
INT. KENT BARN - NIGHT
The upper floor of the Kent family barn had been renovated when Clark was a young child; Jonathan had cleared much of the usual equipment and installed a hand-made staircase. Over the last few years, Clark had come to think of the loft as a place of refuge to escape the pressures of the world around him. At the moment, he was using a telescope to watch the stars...when the sound of footsteps alerted him to a visitor. Turning from his place near the barn's window, Clark sees Lana ascending the stairs. She'd visited a few times in years past, but now she knew the truth.
"Hey, Clark; sorry to barge in like this. I really wanted to clear the air, though." Her words cause Clark's expression to change; he is obviously uncomfortable but trying to hide it. Lana speaks carefully, trying to help him understand. "Clark...I want you to know I care about you a great deal. I've had a few hours to think it over, and I don't blame you for the death of my parents. You were a helpless child, with no choice or control." Clark sighs, resigned to this conversation. "Lana...don't you think I've told myself that? Day and night for years on end, but I still feel like a murderer. What saved my life crippled yours; how do I live with that knowledge?"
Lana looks down, her eyes starting to tear. Clark touches her shoulder, attempting to be of comfort. Lana shakes her head, and tries to explain. "I'm not upset with you; its actually a relief." Clark now looks confused. "How so?" "I have spent the last 12 years, thinking no one understood the pain I have carried since the meteor shower. But the truth is through all that time, you've carried a similar one. I'm not alone in this anymore, Clark...and neither are you." She hugs him, her tears giving way to slight laughter. "Thank you, Clark; your trust means the world to me." He wants to say something else, but decides its best avoided for now. Instead, he keeps things simple. "You're welcome; let's watch the stars." She nods, and they both return to the telescope.
INT. - LUTHOR MANSION LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Lex Luthor sits on a couch in his spacious home, near a lit fireplace. Ordinarily, he'd be reading "The Art of War" again, or some boring volume on international business practices...but the video on his laptop holds his attention completely. The images show Lex's car plowing into young Clark Kent, shoving them both into the river...and moments later, Clark dragging Lex to shore. Its security camera footage, from the Loeb Bridge crash! Entranced, the younger billionaire simply keeps staring at it. "Something's wrong", he muses to himself. "We shouldn't be alive...neither of us."
Suddenly, the door from the main hall swings open, causing Lex to close the computer. Entering with no lack of boldness is the strong and powerful businessman, Lionel Luthor. He's older now, but his composure and face show no reduction of authority or determination. "Lex, my son; I'm very happy you survived that crash." Not believing for a second, the younger Luthor stands. "I'm sure...so much that it took you a full day to arrive. What happened, Dad - get lost on the road from the crap factory?" Chuckling, Lionel smiles. "Your witty humor is still intact as well; such a wasted effort, Lex." "What can I say, Pops - it keeps me humble and sane. No thanks to you, on either one."
Suddenly, the older Luthor lashes out, punching his son in the stomach. Lex doubles over, in pain yet still defiant. "It feels different; you must be getting weak after all." One more swing from Lionel, this one to Lex's face. He hits the floor of the room, his father towering over him. The man's tone now clearly darker, we hear Lionel speak again. "Your reckless driving is yet another example of your inability to control your emotions." "Says the man who beats his own son," Lex groans. "Mom was right to hate you." "Lillian knew the life she chose, and stayed by me until the day she died. She was loyal, unlike you." Lex speaks again. "That was fear, Dad...not love. You wouldn't know the latter if it struck you to the ground."
"You will remain in Smallville, until you have proven yourself worthy of my help. Your resources will be limited to what was stipulated in your mother's will, and what you can salvage from the fertilizer plant. Do not fail me again; you know I value respect over blood." "So much that your own cold heart has none for others; get out, Dad." Lionel turns, and leaves in silence. Standing to his feet, Lex wipes the blood from his bruised face. "Magnificent bastard, as usual. Glad to know he's at least consistent. Approaching a nearby table, he pours some water and grabs a bottle of aspirin.