-1Chapter Twenty Eight-Coming Days
Lana had stayed with Clark over the weekend, which he was grateful for. She had helped him with his homework on Saturday when he wasn't working in the barn. She was amazed he even found time to sleep. None of them blamed him for sleeping through the movie. They were actually glad he had drifted off, it meant he got some sleep this weekend before school started.
On Sunday, Clark worked a day shift but Lana had stayed at the farm. She offered to do what she could and Clark had refused her kind offer. The farm was his responsibility and he alone would take care of it. He didn't want to burden her with chores when she had her own life. Clark could handle this, at least he kept telling himself that.
Lana knew he was in over his head and soon learned how stubborn he could be. She stayed at the farm anyway on Sunday. She couldn't do any farm work but that didn't mean the house was in good shape. She cleaned up for him and got a lot done inside the house. She dusted, mopped, vacuumed, and washed his clothes.
When Clark finally got home, he was shocked at the appearance inside. When he saw Lana asleep on the couch he put the pieces together. He woke her up and helped fixed dinner. They talked about everything they could think of and enjoyed their time together. They both had a feeling, now with football games, they wouldn't have the same amount of time for each other.
They were right. As the week passed, they only saw each other in class. Clark and Pete did spend a lot of time together but mostly on the football field. Clark was amazed by the pile of his homework and his chores. Somewhere along the week, he had slacked and fallen behind. His teachers were understanding having learned about his situation. They gave him the weekend to turn in assignments.
Friday came and the pep rally was outstanding. The school was hyped for the game and the players could feel it. As Seniors, both Clark and Pete along with a few other guys gave the speech for how they were going to wipe the field with the rival team tonight.
Before Clark knew it, it was game time. Clark was in the locker room getting ready. Pete was so excited he'd been ready before Clark had gotten there. He was glad Pete loved the game so much, it gave him a good chance for a scholarship to his choice of College. Clark would be blessed enough for that opportunity which started with tonight.
He stretched and prepared himself for the game. The rest of the team was wild and loud in the locker room. Finally the couch came in and gave his big speech to start off the night. With cheers afterward, the team headed out to the field.
Clark looked up into the stands at the cheering crowd. He knew Lana and Chloe were up there somewhere and he smiled at the thought of them there to cheer for Pete and himself. He headed over to the warm up circle and ran through the exercises with the rest of the team before they parted into the groups.
Clark went off to warm up his arm, he was starting the game and need to be loose for his passes. He warmed up and watched the other team. Smallville was the red and yellow, their rivals were black and blue. He thought their colors were fitting to match the bruises his team was going to put on them.
Before he knew it the game began. They were to receive and the kick was made. The ball was down on the 36 yard line and he ran out onto the field for the first play. They lined up, the ball was spiked, and Clark lined up the shot. As soon as the ball left his hands, he was taken to the ground and hard. He pulled himself up and smiled at the sting in his ribs. He'd been waiting for this, a simple release of playing a rough game.
Before half-time the score was still nothing to nothing. They were just a few yards from the field goal and only ten seconds left on the clock. If they could get the touchdown, they would be leading into the next half. Clark set up the play and looked over his options, he knew where he was throwing it. He caught the ball and backed up. He fake passed before spinning to his right, throwing off a rival player, he tossed the ball to the touchdown zone. He was taken down directly after the ball left his hands. He looked up to see his teammate with the ball in his hands and the crowd cheered. Touchdown!
The game was tough but the Smallville crows pulled out on top. They slaughtered the West lions by 24 to 3. The crowd went crazy when the final buzzer rang and they were the winners. The team headed to the locker room and Clark was surprised he could hear his own thoughts the way they all screamed and cheered.
One of the teammates was throwing a huge after party but Clark ended up turning the offer down. He was so exhausted he was going to have Pete drop him off at the farm. His teammates understood and didn't give him a hard time, but they did make him swear to come to the next victory party. He couldn't say no.
Pete dropped him off at the farm and Clark dragged his feet all the way in. He dropped his bag by the door and made his way upstairs to the bathroom. He started up the shower and pulled off his clothes. The hot water was refreshing and relaxing as he washed off the dirt and grime from the game.
He ended up falling asleep in the shower, but as soon as the water chilled he woke up. He groaned and shut off the water. He changed into some sweats and headed down to the kitchen. As he turned the corner he noticed a shadow in his living room. He stopped and doubled looked. The shadow stood from the couch and walked into the light. Clark sighed when it was Max.
"What the hell were you trying to do, give me a heart attack?" Clark asked pissed.
"I didn't mean to scare you." Max said.
"Like hell, sitting in a darkened room." Clark replied.
"Look, I didn't come to argue." Max said as Clark headed to the fridge and pulled out some leftovers from the other night. He grabbed a fork and took a bite out of the mac and cheese.
"Then why did you come?" Clark asked.
"Lex's trial is next week. I wanted to make sure you were prepared." He said folding his arms across his chest.
"Look, we have enough to put Lex away for good. That means he won't come after Lana or any of us, so yes I'm ready." Clark said.
"Are you sure?" Max asked, "Lex is a force to be reckoned with. Even behind bars he can come after everyone we care about. I have a feeling he will focus on you."
"What gives you that idea?" Clark asked.
"You're his son still. Beside's you're the reason he's locked up and he knows that." Max said.
"That doesn't mean anything." Clark said.
"You'd be surprised just how much it means." Max replied.
"How did you get in anyway?" Clark asked wanting to switch the topic. He didn't like Lex and he didn't like talking about Lex.
"I jimmied the lock." Max said shrugging his shoulders.
"Don't do it again." Clark said before he finished off his dinner. He tossed the dishes into the sink and headed to the front door.
"Look, I know you're not happy about this situation. In case things get bad I'm going to have Edge set up a place in Metropolis for anyone who needs it. I have a feeling it will be you." Max said.
"I know you worry and its nice to know, but I really believe I'm fine. Lex doesn't even know where to find me." Clark said, holding the front door open for him.
"I know you feel that way but I'd rather be safe than sorry." Max said.
"And that will keep you alive." Clark said. Max stepped out onto the front porch.
"Maybe you should think that way, it might keep you alive." Max said. Clark could hear the annoyance in his voice.
"Alright, I'll take some protective measures. Have Edge set up a place and I'll meet you at the court house." Clark said rubbing his brow. He could feel the headache forming.
"Thanks, I'll be in touch." Max said.
Clark nodded and watched as he headed out to his car. He closed the door and locked it before heading up the stairs and to his room. He stretched out on his bed and thought about what Max had said. Lex was a vengeful person and it wouldn't be a surprise if he came after him or Lana from behind bars.
He would have to find out who Lex was angrier at. If it was Lana he would have to do something to keep her safe but if it was him, he had friends like Edge who would put him in a safe house until Lex was taken care of for good. All in all, this was a tricky situation that he would have to deal with. The only thing he could do was take it day by day.