Chapter 10 [Ten Minutes Earlier]
Clark leaned back in Chloe's back seat. His eyes watched Smallville's holiday decorations. Introspection tried to gather his thoughts. Priorities seemed to jangle up against one another. Schoolwork demanded attention. Chores remained a constant concern. Lana needed support. He needed support. Torch demanded its time too….
…talk about brain meltdown….
I should set priorities. But how can I do that when everyone thinks they're most important? He bowed his head. How does Chloe manage it? She used to do everything by herself. Could I work with Nadia and Jill since they have experience? Maybe I can let Diego run with Sports? He could work with Pete.
Chloe glanced at him. "You okay over there, Clark? Everything's coming together. Just take a breath." Despite Reassurance's words, she could relate to his feelings. I don't like handing over the Torch either. But can I handle everything else? Balancing working for the Planet and school? Dealing with Dad and my feelings for Lex? What happens if Dad moves? I can't just leave Smallville with a semester to go. What about Sam? She can't just move away. We're far enough from Wichita as it is! And then there's her deal with Pete. And how do I talk to Lex? I….
Lex….
"I can totally understand, Clark. Mom and I are just putting the pieces together." Jill steepled and unsteepled her hands. "I mean Mr. Reynolds, the teachers and you all are so great. I just want to do my share."
He puzzled over that notion. "Jill, you've been in Smallville for a month. Want to know something? I think you're doing great. We're figuring everything out for the Torch. Be patient with yourself and everyone else. My Dad says that sometimes the pieces don't come together as we expect or want. They just do."
Chloe nodded. Isn't that the truth? "I had my way of doing things, Jill. Clark's going to do his thing. Whoever takes over after we graduate will do their thing. At least, we're all here to help each other. Right?"
"I guess." Jill sucked in a deep breath. She studied the back of his head again. I wish I could just talk to Clark and Lana about the telepathy stuff. What's going on with them? They feel different than everyone else. She ground her teeth. There I go again! How can I know that? I wish I understood. Mom doesn't get any of this. "I'm glad that you let me on the paper. At least I have that piece of Tynesboro. I guess, Sam, it's like you with the music?"
"Exactly!" Sam sucked in a deep breath. "I've been here since last summer. I'm still trying to figure everything out. Nadia's kind of the same. At least you're not trying to figure out how to balance Wichita and Smallville. Mr. Sullivan and Chloe are great. Lana's so nice as a boss. I just wish I could do the Torch too. I just have to choose."
"Your performing is the main thing. I'm not getting in the way of that, Sam." Purpose set his eyes and jaw.
"I know, Clark. Thanks. And everything's going to be okay with Lana and you. I worry about Pete having to bounce back and forth. He's so tired. His Dad's around less and less. He's got school and the farm." Sam shook her head. "I wish I knew more about farm stuff. I'd help." Her eyes rolled. "He won't let me."
"What I just said. Pete knows you want to help, Sam." A shrug raised and lowered his shoulders. "Lana and I have talked to him about that. Sorry. We don't mean to butt in. You two are dating. Makes sense that you two should help each other out too. He knows how important your playing is to you."
"I think it's great that Pete and you are dating. I'm still waiting for the right guy." Her poker face allowed Chloe to keep her feelings to herself. She spied the Talon just ahead. "And I've got the Planet and school. Right? No time right now."
He nodded. Once again, he picked up on Chloe's feelings. Or you have and aren't telling anyone. Don't get involved. That's between Lex, Mr. Sullivan and her.
"Well, I hope Mom and I can settle here. Tynesboro was really small. This is a lot nicer. I can tell that already!" Jill perked up.
"Everyone here is a lot nicer to me than in Wichita. I can definitely relate to that." Sam watched Chloe turn into the Talon's parking lot. She glanced at her watch. "Glad I told Lana that I'd be late. Once again, just another way she's a great boss."
"You've been great too, Sam. Lana and I appreciate it. Lex does too. Sorry. Part of the whole engaged thing." A frown darkened his face. "Too bad we didn't decorate this year. Especially with the whole Holiday theme and festival this week."
"Just figuring that out now?" Sass elicited Chloe's smirk and a slight edge. "Never too late, Clark. A few garlands and some decorations can make a world of difference."
"Yeah well. I didn't want to put Lex out." He planned it out for himself. I could run to Wichita or Metropolis and get some. I'd be back before anyone's the wiser. Jonathan's objections put the kibosh in that simmering plan…
…last thing he wanted was to rock that particular boat…again…
"Why don't you ask him, Clark? All he can do is say no. Right?" Chloe pulled into her spot. "Okay! All out for great coffee and treats! By the way, Sam, I'll come and get you tonight after work. That work?"
"Thanks, Chloe. I wish I could give you more for gas." Sam bit her lip.
"Just like what Clark said. You help plenty. Besides, I get to listen to your practice." Chloe's face brightened. She got out of the car and pulled the bucket seat forward. "I'll bet Lana's waiting. Hope your Mom likes it, Jill."
"I hope so too. It's great that she has a full time job." Jill took a deep breath. Tension knitted itself on Renee's brow and manner. Uncertainty lent an edge to the elder woman's moods and tone. "I know she's looking for a place for us to live too."
"Maybe you can talk to Mrs. Parker? She's going to be student teaching at Smallville High starting next month. She and her husband, Peter, are looking for a place too." Chloe watched Sam and Jill climb out. "They're really great too."
"Mrs. Parker was awesome as an intern last year! Peter works for the Daily Planet. You saw him at the assembly last week. He and Chloe got that award." Sam watched Nadia, Diego and Alicia coming toward them. "We're great now. Nadia and I can take over for Sandra and your Mom."
"Let's get inside." Clark held the door open for them.
"That cappuccino was a hit, Chloe. Anything else that's good in here?" Diego took in the crowd. "Buena suerte finding a table in here."
"I see one. We'll be over in the corner." Clark headed toward the corner booth. He threw his coat down on a seat. "This is set for us."
"See you guys up there!" Nadia followed Sam toward the backroom and its waiting time clock. "Clark, text me? Sorry I can't talk right now."
"I can fill Lana and you in. Thanks, Nadia! I appreciate it!" Clark watched Sam and her reach the counter. "You all should get your coffee. I'll wait a sec."
"Thanks, Clark. I'm dying for one of those peppermint mochas. Be right back. Come on, Diego." She and Diego wove their way toward the counter. "Let's see what Lana's got going today!"
Clark sank back into Booth's cushions. "I can't believe we have people."
"Better believe it, Clark. Lana and I keep telling you not to sell yourself short." Chloe watched the others up at the counter. "Gotta say. That's some group."
"Thanks." Clark turned toward his recruits. He watched their interactions with one another, Lana and Renee. "Who's the lady with Lana and Sandra?"
"Her? That Jill's Mom." Chloe assessed Renee. Instinct nagged at her. Something felt off for some reason. The latter's
"I know that look." Clark coughed into his hand. "What's going on, Chloe?"
Chloe frowned. "Why does anything have to be going on?" Defensiveness stiffened her. She narrowed her eyes.
"Because I know you." Clark watched Renee walk out the door. "Sam just made her happy about something. Let's leave it at that. Meantime, we can figure out who's covering the Festival here in town. I'm storied out for the week."
"Yeah. I'd say so." A smirk spread across Chloe's face. "Four stories in one week from you, Clark? Wish I knew what the secret was." Despite Teasing's barbs, she knew Necessity's driving him to that point. "At least you have reinforcements. I'm doing the Toy Drive for the Planet. Sorry. That takes me out of it. Alicia or Nadia might be your folks."
"We'll see." Clark saw Diego and Alicia coming toward him. "Guess we're good. I need that coffee." He got up and headed toward the counter.
This is going to be interesting! Chloe headed that way as well.
Fitting pieces together and adding perspective always is….