Perry Part 2

At Smallville High…

"Way to go, Kent!"

Clark registered a hard clap to his back as he rushed down the hallway. The mornings car episode made him miss the first two classes, since he needed to stay behind and give his testimony. Sure enough, the driver had been intoxicated, and he had rambled about seeing Clark stand among the power lines and rip the car door off with his bare hands.

But the man also talked about a penguin wearing a tutu in the passenger seat.

After that, the EMTs and Sherriff Adams didn't pay him any mind.

The Sherriff gave Clark a ride to the school, and with her testimony, he didn't get in trouble with Principle Reynolds, who was very strict on rules. Time between classes was needed to talk with his teachers from the classes he missed, making it impossible for Clark to socialize. But Clark found it odd how almost every jock in Smallville High had stopped to congratulate him. And when he was sitting in class, Clark caught girls staring at him and giggling. It was an unusual feeling to be "seen".

"Chloe," Clark said, finally able to catch up at her locker. The next item on his list was to talk about the after school meeting at the barn.

"Okay, spill. I want to hear everything."

"Why? What's the big deal?"

"Clark, this is high school. It's a huge deal." Chloe emphasized as she put away her books.

"It's not like it was my first time."

The answer made Chloe's eyes grow wide. "Really?"

"You know that. There's been…" Clark paused to remind himself of the rescues Chloe knew about, "Lana. And Lex."

"With Lex!"

Clark got confused from the way Chloe's mouth hung open and her eyes ready to pop out. "What are we talking about?"

"Umm…you and Alicia getting caught in your bedroom."

"She told you!?"

But to Clark's dismay, Chloe shook her head.

"Um…why did my mom call you about that? My dad?" Clark's stomach churned as Chloe shook her head to the other two witnesses. "No, no, no. See, Chloe, we were the only ones there. So, if they didn't tell you and Alicia didn't tell you and I didn't tell you, that means…"

Clark gulped as he looked around the hallway. The stares and congratulations made so much sense now. The school rumor mill usually revolved around other people. He was not used to attention. And this, this was not getting caught kissing under the bleachers during class.

Lana. What did she think?

"I guess she's not as secretive as you."

Clark felt his face turn hot under Chloe's smirk. More students stopped to stare as Alicia walked over.

"There's my hero. My sexy nerd."

Clark was all too conscious of the eyes looking at them as Alicia wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a kiss.

"Alicia, h-how does the entire school know about this morning?"

"Oh, it's gotta be the whole town by now." Chloe quipped.

Alicia giggled. "I don't know. I was getting coffee. Megan was there and I guess I might have mentioned it."

"There's the lovebirds." Pete walked over.

Clark hunched his shoulders and looked down at the ground, wishing he could disappear. He hadn't interacted with Pete since his so-called "friend" had yelled at him. Between Pete's presence, Chloe's smirking, and the entire school staring at him, Clark wished the ground would swallow him up. Clark's one comfort was Alicia holding onto him.

"We'll save you guys a seat." Chloe said, pulling Pete towards the cafeteria.

"We'll catch up." Alicia ran a finger over Clark's lips.

"Alicia," Clark managed to get out after Chloe and Pete left, "we really need to talk about what happened."

"I completely agree."

In the blink of an eye, the empty hallway faded away and Clark found himself in a home kitchen. The dinner table was set with fine China and cloth napkins. A steaming peach pie was on the counter, and the room smelled of savory cooked meat.

"I made us a picnic. I figured we'd want some privacy."

Clark's stomach growled. "That smells amazing."

"Have a seat. I'll fix you a plate."

Clark did. Then he noticed the table only had one setting. Alicia came over with a plate holding a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and a small bowl of five-bean salad. He took a huge bite. This food was fresh and hot, not the processed bologna and boiled pale vegetables that was the common school lunch.

"Aren't you going to eat?"

"You care about me." Alicia murmured as she grabbed Clark's hand. "Look." She pointed out the glass orb acting as a centerpiece. Inside the orb was a blooming red rose.

"It's the flower you gave me. It'll stay fresh and blooming forever. Just like our love. It lost two petals, though."

"It happens." Clark said gently. He could sense the bauble was important to Alicia. "It's pretty."

Alicia beamed at the praise. Clark tried to process everything in that was happening. He regrettably put the sandwich down. "You know, my parents will definitely be talking with me after school about what happened. They might want to talk with you, too. They found it weird how you left."

"Did you tell them?"

"No! I would never do that. But they know somethings up."

"Yeah. Not my smartest decision. It's just that…you gave me that flower. We spent the night cuddled together, looking out at the stars. I just didn't want it to end. I had to see you before school. You looked so cute sleeping there, and…I just couldn't resist you."

Alicia's hand moved to Clark's inner thigh, causing his throat to close up. Her hand was nowhere near his knee.

"I didn't want to scare you. I wanted to surprise you. I wanted you to know that, that I'm yours."

"Well," Clark coughed, "I was surprised."

"You surprised me, too." Alicia giggled. "So, does this mean every time I kiss you, there's a chance the building will burn down?"

"Yeah, about that. My eyes…give off heat."

"That's incredible. I assume you didn't mean to share that with me just yet. But I want you to know I appreciate all the trust you're putting in me." Alicia leaned in closer.

Clark gulped. Considering the morning antics, Clark wasn't sure where this conversation was going to go. But Alicia looked more frantic and remorseful than flirtatious.

"Remember how I said I had secrets of my own? I think you deserve to hear them."

Clark turned so he was facing Alicia and made sure to hold her wandering hand. "Okay. I'm listening."

Alicia sniffed and took in a deep breath. "I need to tell you about Adam."