Chapter 10
Walking down the hall to my locker the following morning, I think about the previous evening. I haven't stopped smiling since I woke up. It was amazing how comfortable I felt with the Kents. Even after dessert, we had all just sat around the table chatting amiably, and to Clark's relief, we didn't even have to do any more dishes.
Opening my locker, I take out my books for my first class and untying my sweater from around my waist, shove that into my locker. Seeing Clark approaching, I grin at him. "Hey, how's it going?"
Leaning against the locker, he greeted me. "Hi Liz. Did Nell say anything about you getting back so late last night?"
Last night, Lex had visited for over an hour. He said that he had come by to catch up, since he hadn't seen the Kents in a while. Following that, Clark and I had managed to finish our homework, intermingled with a lot of banter before he finally drove me back to Aunt Nell's house.
"No, I managed to sneak in quietly, and then disappear while Aunt Nell was in the shower this morning." I laugh. "I'm going to have to pay the piper though, and it's not going to be good. If Aunt Nell is anything like my mom, I'll probably not be able to leave the house for over a month. Thank God, dad is not around, he goes completely ballistic."
"Actually, I'm impressed. I've never been able to sneak into the house, without mom or dad or both catching me."
Placing my books in my bag, I close my locker and turn to Clark, folding my hands. "Oh really? And what were you up to that you had to sneak back into the house?" Watching him, I notice that his cheeks have gone red. "Clark, are you blushing?"
"No–"
"Hi Clark."
Clark pushes himself off the locker and stands up straight before turning around. Only then do I see a black guy standing behind him.
"Hey Pete," Clark greeted, patting the boy on the back. "Liz, this is my best friend, Pete. Pete, this is Liz. She moved here from Roswell."
"He forgot to mention that I'm the bane of his existence…" I smirk at Clark, before turning to Pete again. "Hi Pete, it's nice to meet you."
I see him give Clark a measuring glance before facing me again. "Hi Liz."
"So Pete, how long have you and Clark known each other."
"Um, practically our whole lives."
"Really, how could you possibly stand it… he's a complete–" Faster than I could blink, his hand was on my mouth.
"Remember short stuff, I already owe you one. You want to make that two?"
Pulling his hand away from my mouth, I laugh at him. "Oh please, you're all talk, no action."
"So Roswell, huh? Why come to Smallville? I'm sure Roswell is much more exciting." Pete asks, obviously perplexed.
"Nope, unfortunately not. Roswell is a small town just like Smallville. Practically nothing to do and the most exciting thing is the annual Crash Festival."
Pete snorts, "The Crash Festival? What the hell is that?"
"Well, Roswell was a really small town, a hole in the desert kind of place, until one fateful day in 1947 when an alien spaceship crash-landed on Pohlman's Ranch. Of course, the government covered it up entirely saying that it was a weather balloon. And I, a native of Roswell, can tell you that we have the most consistent weather year round. What could they have possibly been measuring?" Seeing that I still had his attention, I continued. "Anyway, every July the town holds a festival – with food stands and games. There is also a major party, everyone dresses up like aliens, or what they believe aliens to look like, and then they re-enact the crash."
"Okay, that's really weird." Clark nodded, agreeing with Pete.
"Well, if you think that's weird, just remember that for the rest of the year, we still have to put up with the alien theme. The UFO museum on the main street… My best friend's mom makes tiny alien figurines and sells alien purses and bags and T-shirts and sweaters… And my parents own The Crashdown Café, where we make things like a Sigourney Weaver, a Will Smith, a Blood of an Alien Smoothie…" Watching them pull their faces, I laugh. "Yep, one day I'll take you guys there so that you can get the full picture."
Hearing the bell ring, I pick up my bag and start walking away from them. "Bye guys, I've got to get to class. Clark, I'll see you in Math."
Two classes later, I find myself continuously looking at the clock. It's really remarkable how time barely moves when you're looking forward to something. Like my next class with Clark… Like dinner tonight… Lex had surprised me last night by inviting me along with the Kents, to dinner at his house tonight.
"Um, thanks Lex, but you barely know me and didn't you say that this dinner was for family."
He looked at me and smiled. "No, I insist. You must come, any girl that can put my surrogate brother in his place is well worth knowing."
"I really don't want to intrude." I was very hesitant, and very briefly, the thought of Lana crossed my mind.
"Please Liz, this is definitely no intrusion. Besides we have so much space, we could have the whole UN attending, and there would still be enough space and food for a tiny girl like you."
Hearing Clark snickering next to me, I jab him in the side, and smile at Lex. "Thank you very much, Lex. I would love to attend."
"That's wonderful. Should I send a car?"
"Um, send a car?"
"No Lex, don't worry. Liz can come here after school, and we will all go together." Mr. Kent answered. "Is that all right with you, Liz? Otherwise, we can send Clark to come and pick you up."
"Actually, I'd rather Clark come and pick me up if you don't mind. It will give me time to finish up on my homework. Besides I also want to call my folks tomorrow. I haven't spoken to them in a few days."
"Then it's settled." Lex stood up to leave, before kissing the back of my hand. "It was certainly a pleasure to meet you, Liz. See you tomorrow."
I must admit that the chivalrous gesture had surprised me a little. I hadn't realised that men still did that in this day and age of gender equality. And of course, Clark made fun of me, teasing me about the apparent blush that I had sported.
"Right class, homework." Ignoring the groans, Professor Atkins continued. "I want a comparative study on the ten different systems in the human body, with particular emphasis on the way they work together. Please make sure to include all references and label diagrams appropriately. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade. This project is due in 3 weeks and will count toward your final grade. The person who hands in the best project, will also then get the opportunity to present it to the class, for the chance to earn extra credit."
Finally the bell rings, and I pack my bag and leave the class, heading to Math and to Clark. Entering the class, I see him at the back, and take the empty seat next to him.
"Hey. What time are you picking me up tonight?"
Seeing the head next to Clark turning to stare, I realise that it's Pete. "Hey Pete, I didn't know you took this class as well. Why didn't I see you yesterday?"
He was still looking at Clark incredulously. "Oh, I uh wasn't feeling well."
"Oh, are you okay?"
Pete finally turned his attention to me and answered, "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks."
"Cool. So Clark, time?"
"I'll be there at about 7. I'll have to do chores at home first."
"Alright. That's fine with me. Oh, remind me to give you my number later."
"Don't worry, I have Nell's number."
Forcing a smile, I reply. "No Clark, I meant my cell phone number."
"Oh, okay."
"Good Morning Class." Mr. Fuller entered the classroom. "Please take out your Calculus books and turn to page 10. Today, we will be continuing with the graphing of functions…"
The rest of the class went by quickly with both Clark and Pete seemingly paying attention, unlike me. After that, we all went our separate ways. Both of the guys mentioning that they were going to the Torch inviting me along, but I declined, wanting to set up a timetable to practice my powers. I also needed to find a place, or rather push Clark to help me find one. So it was with that mindset that I found myself sitting alone in the deserted football stadium.
The way I figured, the least obvious power to practice, should anyone be watching, was projection. Now I had to just find my trigger. I never did this again after reaching Max the last time. Who could I project to? Only the aliens? Only Max? Did I need a connection? Could I project to a place as opposed to a person? Could the projected me interact with people and objects? It appeared as though distance wasn't a problem, because let's face it Roswell to New York is quite far. But, did I need alien help to achieve that distance? And maybe I'm over-thinking the whole thing…
The blasting would definitely have to wait. That was too visible to be done anywhere except in complete privacy. Like the projection, I've done this one, so I know how it works… it just means building up your power to unbelievable proportions, or losing control, which is something I don't want…
With the changing of molecular structure, I can practice at Nell's house in my room. That one was easy, I only needed some T-shirts and sweaters, some fruit, a glass of water and maybe a flower or two. That covered most of the senses – sight, taste, touch and smell…
The premonitions are a bit touch and go, so I might have to practice those on inanimate objects or maybe try to call up the premonition when touching someone. I'd rather have control of it than have the premonitions catch me by surprise.
As for the dream-walking, mind-warping and healing, those would have to come at a later stage. I would rather practice the powers I do have until they are second nature before starting something new.
Taking out my journal, I jot down everything I've decided. With a plan of action in hand, I feel a lot lighter and determined. Smiling, I check my watch and make my way back to the school – I have a few minutes to go pass the Torch before my next class starts.
Walking into the office, the conversation stops immediately. Looking around quickly, I see the only people in the office are Chloe, Clark, Lana and Pete. Does nobody else work at the newspaper?"Hi guys, I finished a little early and decided to join you for a bit before my next class."
No one answers, and I start to wonder if something's wrong. Chloe and Lana are frowning. Pete is staring at me and Clark looks upset. "Am I interrupting?"
Clark steps forward. "No, Liz. It's fine. Come in. We were discussing whether an article should be placed in the next issue of the Torch."
"Okay." I still feel as though I'm missing something or that I should be leaving…
Suddenly, Chloe asks, "So, is everyone going to the Talon after school?"
"Yeah, unfortunately, I have to work." Lana grimaces. "And late as well, we are really short-staffed."
"Oh Lana, that's too bad. Well, we can all come over this afternoon and keep you company." Chloe offers.
"Yeah, why not. You can take advantage of the 2 for 1 Latte special." Lana agrees.
"Um, I'm sorry. I won't be able to go today. I have a huge project to start for Bio, I've got to call my folks and then I'm going out for dinner tonight." I shrug and gesture apologetically. "Sorry Lana."
I see Pete look at me before turning to Clark to look at him expectantly. Curious, I look at Clark.
"Sure Lana. I'll meet you there, but I can't stay long. I have chores to do at home and then I'm going to dinner as well." Clark answered.
"With who?" Lana was frowning fiercely. "Are you and Liz going out together?"
"No. Not in the way you mean. Lex came by last night and invited us to dinner, and since Liz was there, he extended the invitation to her as well."
The silence was deafening, no-one said a word. Chloe is now also frowning. Pete is just looking at Clark, who has gone red in the face and Lana is staring at me.
Her eyes not leaving mine, Lana starts toward me. "Could you guys excuse us? Liz and I have something to discuss." The tone was cold – matching the look in her eyes.
Looking back at Chloe, I don't see any kindness but at least the aggression is not as evident as it is with Lana. Lana marches to the exit, her stony silence screaming across my nerves. Leaving my bag on the nearest desk, I follow Lana. Finally walking outside, we end up at the empty baseball pitch.
"Liz, what is going on with you and Clark?"
Are my feelings that obvious?"Nothing. We are just friends."
"That's such bull, Liz. You come here and then almost immediately move in on my boyfriend. What the hell? Do you think I haven't noticed how you come on to him? How you are constantly finding ways to stand close to him? To touch him? Whispering in his ear?" Her voice is getting louder, and I'm thankful that there are no witnesses to this. "Yesterday you disappear from the Talon and return to Aunt Nell's near midnight, being dropped off by Clark. And then, what do I see this morning, you trying your damndest to flirt with him."
"Lana, you are overreacting." This is ridiculous. Okay, maybe I do have a crush on Clark, but I've never actively pursued him. I know that he's going out with Lana, a fact which is seriously holding me back.
"Is this why you left Roswell?" The exact opposite, actually…
"Listen to me," her finger practically in my face. "I won't have you coming to Smallville, staying in my house and then behaving like a complete slut in your attempts to steal him away from me."
What the hell!I've been fighting to be friends with him, pushing my hurt feelings aside, and ignoring these emotions that threaten to overcome my morals, simply because he is going out with Lana. So to be attacked in this way is completely unfair. And I will not take it, family or no. I had enough from Isabel, and I vowed that I would not accept it again…
"Lana!" Speaking firmly, I make my feelings known. "First of all, lower your voice when you are talking to me. I am not a child. Second, take your finger out of my face before you lose it. I do not appreciate you attacking me because of your petty insecurities. If you don't trust Clark, then you shouldn't be going out with him. Third, you know nothing of my life in Roswell, and for you to assume anything regarding my motives is completely ridiculous. I won't be made the scapegoat because of your inability to have faith in your own boyfriend. And finally, don't you ever call me a slut again."
I see stunned disbelief on her face, and would have laughed if I wasn't so mad. What did she think – that I wouldn't fight back! Well, screw that…
All of a sudden, I feel the slap across my face and staring at Lana, my anger sky-rockets. I make a move towards Lana, before I start hearing the crackle of electricity and stop dead. Oh no, please…The air feels like there is an electric storm approaching.
Obviously, she can hear and feel as well. "What in the name of…" She screams, backing away from me.
Her fear was palpable; grating on my nerves, making an already bad situation worse, and feeling the intense need to blow something up, I know I have to get away from Lana fast before I end up doing something I regret. Seeing Lana rushing back to the school, I turn away and quickly run/walk to the other side of the field, where I see a lot of trees. At this stage and in my state, meditation will not help. The pain is starting, the fire beginning to burn and I'm starting to see the green sparks rising off my skin. When I feel as if the pain is going to tear me apart from the inside, I finally reach the copse of trees and race through them until I reach a river. Unable to walk any further, I collapse on the ground, hold out my hand and let go.
The blast is powerful enough to rival Michael's, the white stream of light clearly visible, and I hope that there is no-one around to see this display. My hairs are standing up on my arms, and it feels as if there are millions of ants crawling over my skin. With the release easing the pain, I slowly breathe out and close my eyes. When it finally stops, I realise that I couldn't allow this to happen, determined that I wouldn't lose control again, especially when there were people around. Who knew what the consequences would be, and I would hate to hurt anyone because I didn't know how to handle my powers. Opening my eyes, I look up and I'm shocked – there across the river, where a few trees had stood were a few piles of ash. Oh God… I feel the need to throw up… My stomach is churning, and yet I still can't tear my eyes away from the destruction that I had caused. Oh God… it could have been Lana…At the thought, I bend over and start dry heaving, and then crumple on the ground, curled up in a foetal position, still staring across the river.
"Liz?" The soft whisper comes from behind me.
Ignoring it, I stay curled up on the grass, appalled by what I had done, tears falling down my face.
"Liz?" The voice comes again, before arms gently pick me up. I whimper as the touch is abrasive across my sensitive skin. Turning me away from the evidence of my actions, I glance up at a blurry Clark, who is staring at me, concerned. His arms gather me closer until my face in buried in his neck, and then unable to stop myself, I start sobbing.
I don't know how long we stayed in that position, but by the time I had stopped crying, I realise that Clark is rocking me, and at the same time running his hand up and down my back.
Taking stock, I notice that the white T-shirt beneath me is wet from my tears; my left hand is holding his jacket in a firm grip, while my right hand is around his back. My stomach hurts, my throat feels like there's a ball lodged in there and my eyes feel gritty. All in all, I guess I must look a mess. "I'm sorry." My voice sound hoarse.
"How are you doing?" Clark hasn't moved one inch and is still soothing.
My eyes start watering again, but I fight the tears. I'm not going to cry again. That's not an option at the moment, especially as I know I'm going to have a lot to explain. Shifting, I sit up, letting go of his jacket. "I'm okay, considering." Forcing myself to move out of his arms, I stand and with no small amount of resolve, I turn around and look across the river again. It doesn't look any better…
Clark comes to stand next to me, and grabbing his hand, I squeeze tight. "Clark." Not daring to look at him, I instead keep my eyes on the destruction brought about by own hand. "I suppose you want an explanation, huh?"
"An explanation would be great, but maybe not now. Come; let's get you away from here." He gently tugs on my hand.
"I hadn't realised that it was so…" I couldn't stop looking at it. "I'm scared, Clark. I'm not even a hybrid. It shouldn't have been so… much! What would have happened if someone had been around? I didn't even want these powers. Maybe, I should have died…"
"Liz." Using his free hand to turn my face towards his, he squeezes my hand and moves closer. "Liz, I don't understand what you are saying. But, we need to get out of here, before someone comes okay?"
It hit me like a sledgehammer – a helluva light show – of course, somebody was going to notice. These kinds of events always bring trouble down on our heads, and usually in the form of the FBI. Shit! This was no time to break down! That could come later…Pulling Clark's hand, I start moving towards the school.
"Come Clark, we don't want to be caught here. If anyone asks, we were just walking on the grounds, okay? I got into a fight with my cousin, and was upset. You decided to come and comfort me… Don't mention Lana unless completely necessary, otherwise you will have to answer as to why you were comforting me instead of Lana, okay?" Walking faster, I continue to drag him along. "Also, if someone pushes, just tell then that we saw the bright light, but it freaked us out so we decided to go back. Otherwise, we know nothing. Deny, evade and then get the hell out of dodge."
I was so busy towing him behind me that I didn't see the sharp look or the raised eyebrows at my quick justification for being in the area… So frantic that I didn't hear the muttered, "Liz, you have a lot of explaining to do."
On reaching the door heading into the school, I remember one last thing. "Oh, whatever you do, just act normally." As I begin to take a step, I stop dead, my head spinning. Turning around slowly, I plead with him. "Clark, please don't tell anyone about me. I promise, I will explain, but I can't afford to have anyone know about me. Please, I don't even know if Lana saw anything and I don't know what she will be doing with that information. Just please, don't say anything."
"Liz, you don't have to worry. After school, come over to my house and we'll talk, okay?" Searching his eyes, I see only sincerity and relief fills me.
"Thanks, Clark." Fighting the urge to just sit down on the floor, it finally occured to me, "Oh shit, how do I look?" Frantic now, I stare down at my arms. Okay, not so bad, just a couple of bruises. I could see the blood-filled veins, but it wasn't as bad as the last time.
"Huh, what?" Clark looks mystified.
"Clark, lend me your jacket. I'll return it as soon as I get my sweater from my locker." I wipe my face, and hope I don't look like a complete ghoul when we go inside. Taking the denim jacket from Clark, I put it on, practically drowning in it. His smell surrounds me, and I close my eyes to savour it, wrapping the jacket tighter around me.
Fighting the urge to keep my eyes closed, I finally force my eyelids open. I look at Clark ready to thank him when I sense my body swaying. I feel weak and light-headed. Lifting a hand to my head, I see the shaking and then experience the weakness in the knees. It's like I could feel each individual part of my body collapsing. Trying to understand it, I see Clark frowning. His lips are moving, but I can't hear him. Finally becoming aware that with the adrenaline rush gone; my body now fully depleted of energy, was ready to give in. Opening my mouth, I try to explain to Clark what was happening, but nothing comes out. From a distance, I hear my name being called before the blackness overcomes me completely.