-1Chapter Four-Shopping

Clark sat in the back of the stretch limo and thought over his current situation. He'd picked out the largest room on the end with the balcony, just in case he needed a quick escape. The room was bare except for the queen size bed. He'd been amazed by the size of the room. It could have been a apartment, with its master bathroom and living area.

He didn't know what to think about this really. This was the best place he'd been in so far. All of his other 'homes' had hardly even given him a bed. Some just offered pain and suffering. He pushed those thoughts away and focused out the window.

Smallville didn't look any different. The town still had that old vibe and the shops hadn't changed. Of course there was a new electronic store where Nell's old flower shop had been. He was surprised to see the old theater running and rather busy. The limo stopped and the driver got out of the car. Clark was just about to open the door when the driver did it for him. He sighed and stepped out.

"Thanks." He said and the driver just nodded to him.

He hated this. He didn't need anyone to open the door for him. He was capable enough himself, at least Lex had been right about that. Clark brushed past and entered the electronic store "Mark and Sparks". How original. He looked around and found a few things he could put in his room. After all if he was busy in his room, he wouldn't have to deal with Lex. Plus, maybe he could put a dent into the Luthor credit score.

An hour later and half the limo full, Clark smiled as the bill ran up to a high number. After all he'd bought a big screen TV, stereo system, gaming system, a few games, and the best laptop in the store. Mark the owner smiled and shook hands with Clark, "Anytime sir, just stop on by."

Clark had to leave that store before Mark made him anymore uncomfortable. He hated being touched and that greasy slime ball had hardly let go of his hand when he shook it. Instead of getting back into the limo, which he knew was full of large boxes, he walked across the street and to the fashion store that was open.

He held his hand up to the red bug that stopped from nearly hitting him. He didn't turn to apologize for making them stop and burn her tires and brakes. He jumped the curb and opened the doors to the store. Inside was actually nicer than the appearance outside. It held all of his favorite clothes. He picked out a few pairs of jeans, and image t-shirts that he could stand wearing. He even found the coolest leather jacket to top off the attire. Of course once he got to thinking about it, he thought he would need a few nicer clothes since he was the 'son' of a billionaire.

He left the bags in the limo with the other items and found his way to the Men's Warehouse. Even if Luthor approved, Clark thought he would actually like wearing some of these clothes. He'd never had anything this nice. Normally just some cotton jackets and flannel shirts. That's what happens when you're a farmers son. He picked out some khaki pants, along with a few polo shirts. Even a few nice suits. He found a few silk shirts of his normal dark red, blue, and black. Even with the khakis he picked out some black slacks. No need to not go all out. After all, this wasn't his bill.

He smiled carrying the rest of his bags to the limo. He barely had room to sit as he got in. He smiled at his triumph and waited to get back to Luthor Manor. After all he had to move in.

Clark looked the room over and smiled at the turnout. When you walked in you were faced with a couch, coffee table and big screen TV with the x-box hooked up. To the left was the queen sized bed and side tables with his alarm clock that housed an Ipod. His dresser was loaded full of jeans and t-shirts, the closet his more fancy clothes. To the right was the master bathroom which could have been a spa. The shower was huge and had body sprays. He looked forward to one tonight.

He was actually starting to like it here. He'd never had any living like this. He'd normally be stuck in a room with a twin bed and a closet . He'd literally lived out of his backpack at his other foster homes. He sighed and stretched out on the couch and turned on his laptop.

He password protected it and worked on creating a email account. He had a feeling when Morgan Edge, his crime boss, found out about his current situation he'd want to work something out. Over the phone would be too risky. He didn't trust Lex to not tap his phone, or a cell phone if he asked for one. The least he could do was work out an email with the code they'd been forced to memorize.

Morgan Edge was a careful man. Being in the millions of dollars like he was, his employees of the darker business were forced to learn a code to communicate. They were well paid, if the job was a success. Clark however hadn't been a part of big jobs like that. He'd mostly been muscle and hunted down the slime's that tried to sneak off with Edge's money. Any sting's he'd been a part of were small and you got paid from what was taken.

Clark hadn't thought he'd get into the gangster life, or be a criminal at all. He had just wanted to live a normal life, but his first foster home had damaged him enough that those plans were terminated. Clark wanted out of the situation and into something he was in control of. To be honest, he liked the control of having you pinned against the wall with his fist posed to break someone's face.

Once done setting up his computer, he showered and changed for bed. He was going to Smallville High in the morning and needed his rest. Metropolis had a rough high school, but no one had messed with him. Mainly since he beat up the quarterback and his goons when they tried picking on him. Now he was in a new school, bargained to try out, and it was his hometown. He could only imagine what tomorrow would be like, if anyone knew him or knew about him.

Sure thing was, Clark wasn't afraid to kick anyone's ass that dare mess with him. He set his alarm clock and rolled over onto his stomach. Within minutes he was asleep.