Chapter 39

[Smallville High—Forty-Five Minutes Later]

Lana closed her locker. Much as with Clark and everyone else, she'd had a blast on the previous night. She savored the distinct poems, images and expressions. She treasured that everyone had fun. Seeing the Talon in its full glory sent her heart and imagination soaring. She had finished typing the article for Chloe later. Even Clark seemed to take it in the festivities.

Pity Nell couldn't be bothered….

She wants her life in Metro. Fine. I have my life here. Why is that so bad? She shook her head. Dean isn't that great. He's more important than me? Seriously? She sighed. Mom had dreams for that shop and the theater. Why doesn't Nell care about that? She shook her head.

"Hey." Clark walked up to her. "Are you all right?"

"Just dealing with Nell and her big agenda—whatever that is." She shook her head. "Everything okay with you?"

"My Dad's as bad as your Aunt is with you. Just be glad she doesn't know about the new stuff. You know?" he informed her.

She winced. "Your Dad's being really mean about this. It's not like you can help what you are, Clark."

"Mom just said to give it time. It's going to be okay. It may not feel like that but it will be, I guess," he told her.

"Just be patient. Everything will take its course." She frowned. "I wish it was that easy." Then she saw Reynolds lumbering toward them. "Good morning, Principal Reynolds."

"Good morning, Miss Lang. Hello, Mr. Kent. I trust you're enjoying the day so far?" Reynolds queried. Expectation glittered in his eyes.

"It's going all right. How are you?" Clark replied.

"Going well. Thank you." A rare smile spread across his face. "I have to congratulate you both on helping to organize a tremendous event last night. I was truly inspired by the depth and quality of the poetry read there. I trust that it will be the beginning of something more?"

"We'll do our best. I'd like to open the theater to movies and other cultural events like that. I hope the town supports it," she agreed.

"I believe Smallville is ready for something like this. It even inspired me to call Lex Luthor and give credit where it's due." Reynolds frowned at that concession. "Perhaps Mr. Moore and Princess Jasmine would be open to doing more readings in that regard? I plan on encouraging them."

"Maybe. That's up to them. I'd like that too though." She could well imagine that her friends would be glad for such opportunities.

"You see, Mr. Kent? Don't ever discount the power of an idea. No matter how insignificant it may seem, it can be the start of something bigger. Remember a pebble starts an avalanche. A trickle leads to a mighty river. Consider that. Have a great day." Reynolds turned and strode back toward his office.

"Wow. If I hadn't just heard that, I would never have believed it." Shock and Disbelief slackened Clark's jaw. "Did he just compliment Lex and me in the same sentence?"

"As he said, give credit where it's due, Clark." Her eyes sparkled at him. "Shall we get to home room? I'll want a rain check for practice later."

"Count on it…after the Torch meeting," he agreed. He squeezed his hand in hers. Then they headed for the room in question and another day's beginning.

[Torch—After School]

Chloe typed away on a feature article. The newspaper's next issue literally overflowed with material. Lana and she had interviewed the session's participants. Pete had taken great pictures on the previous night. Dave and Angie Dubois had collaborated on a guest write up of the event from the presenters' point of view. Jasmine and Clark had worked together on an article concerning exotic coffee choices for the Talon's palates.

Sparks like fireflies in the rural night so to speak. She'd take them any time…..

Maybe it's the start of something? We can hope! Her fingers drummed their journalistic march across the keys. Her mind had already honed in on its next cause. She wouldn't let that go without a fight.

"Hey, Chloe!" Lana cheered. She and Clark walked into the newsroom.

Disappointment still lingered over Chloe. Granted she struggled to move on. Still she conceded the happy moment for all concerned. "Hey, Guys! Just getting the last article typed up for the next issue. This is going to be something else!" Her eyes lit up at that prospect. "Your piece is great, Lana. Thanks for getting it to me so fast."

"Glad to hear it, Chloe. This works for everyone. We get a great issue. The Talon gets great press. Artistic expression gains its foothold here. Byron, Jasmine and Mr. Dubois all get their due," Lana noted.

"More so than you know." Chloe smirked. "Word has it that the town library job just opened up. Wonder how that happened?"

He shrugged. "Lex probably made a couple of calls. Maybe Mr. Dubois and his wife want to move here? Miranda will love having them around. Dr. Dubois' a really great doctor."

"Try a world class oncologist, Clark," Chloe clarified. "I'm sure the hospital will pony something up too. Love local politics."

"Not everything's a conspiracy, Chloe. They've dealt with a lot according to my parents. Lex would know too. As my Mom told me this morning, Mr. Luthor gave Mr. Dubois a bad time when he was our age. Maybe an opportunity like this might be good? Besides you get great copy out of it," he disagreed.

"There is that," Chloe conceded. "I'd be surprised if Mrs. Dubois leaves her position though."

"Never say never, Chloe. Never underestimate the power of an idea or sentiment," Lana suggested. She glanced at him and squeezed his hand in emphasis.

He nodded. Other than the rift with Jonathan, everything seemed to be all right. He could only hope things would continue. Still he had Lana's affection and a small bit of happiness.

Not anything to underestimate. That was for sure…..