Bless the Broken Road

[Cardinal]

Bless the Broken Road

I've decided to go ahead and start this new fic. If you read my current fics, don't worry, I'm finishing them both. This is an idea I've had for a while and I want to get started on it.

Please have patience, this won't be updated much until my other two stories are finished.

Introduction

This story has no real connection to the “Smallville” storyline. Clark did come to Smallville in the meteor storm, but after the adoption was complete, the Kents sold the farm and moved to Metropolis as an added layer of protection for their son’s identity. They bought a Victorian-style house that had a large storm cellar underneath and a large attic where Jonathan built Clark a Fortress of Solitude.

The spaceship was hidden in the storm cellar until Clark was able to take it to the real Fortress of Solitude. Jor-El is nothing more than an advisor to Clark, and that only on the occasions he visits the FOS. No elements, no requirement that Clark achieve his destiny, no Kawatche caves. Clark is in full control of his abilities, including cold breath and flying.

Jonathan became a construction worker. Once Clark was old enough to be by himself for an hour or two (12 yrs. old) after school, Martha went back to work, using her dad's contacts to eventually end up as an office manager for a big law firm.

Growing up in Metropolis, Clark was best friends with a young Chloe Sullivan. She saw one too many accidental uses of his nascent powers, so an adolescent Clark Kent let her in on his secret shortly after he found out about it himself in the sixth grade. Chloe and Clark have been such good friends for so long that Chloe never sees Clark in a romantic light. Instead, he’s her brother from another mother.

Just like in “Smallville,” Chloe moves to Smallville in the eighth grade, where she does a lot of the same stuff as in Smallville: works at the Torch and becomes close friends with Pete (closer than in the show since Clark isn't there to blind her). Eventually Chloe becomes good friends with Lana after Lana's disenchantment with the high school popularity process (cheerleading, etc.). Chloe and Pete date a little bit in high school, but it doesn't work out.

Without Clark there to motivate Lex and to prod Lana, the Talon didn't get saved. On the other hand, Lana’s first job at The Beanery worked out well and she held that job throughout high school.

All during Chloe's stay in Smallville, she and Clark kept in touch through e-mails and rare visits back and forth.

Yes, Clark made a few short visits to Smallville. During a couple of his visits he briefly met Lana. The first time, she was waitressing at The Beanery. That went well since Lana wasn't allowed to wear jewelry at work, but when Clark visited the next time, Lana came over to work on a school project with Chloe and Clark was inexplicably sick to his stomach whenever he got near Lana.

Lana dated Whitney during her freshman year at Smallville High, but since he didn't join the Marines and instead took a football scholarship to Division II Emporia State University, Lana was at the spring formal with Whitney instead of being sucked up by the tornado of 2001. They broke up when Whitney went to college as Lana didn‘t feel for him what he felt for her. Lana occasionally dated after Whitney left, but had no romantic relationships of note.

When they graduated from high school, Chloe and Pete went to Metropolis U. where Chloe reunited with Clark and introduced him to Pete. Clark is different just by growing up in the city. He doesn't have as many soft edges as Smallville Clark does. He's less inclined to trust without good reason, he’s more cynical, and he’s definitely more insistent, more upfront. Inside, though, he’s still the Clark Kent we know.

He got his parents to cave on football as a high school freshman and was the star quarterback in high school. He took a scholarship to play for Met U after being recruited nationally, but has kept away from the free cars and the football-crazed sorority girls.

Lana went to the Chicago School of Art for two years. Feeling homesick and deciding on a more practical degree like interior design or maybe architecture where she can put her artistic abilities to use, Lana transferred to Met U at the start of her third year.

With her and Clark both being friends with Chloe and Pete, it's only a matter of time before they meet. They have only the vaguest of memories of each other from their brief meetings in Smallville. After all, it was a minimum of three years ago when they met.

The story begins at the start of their third year in college.

[rosewolfe87]

ooooh, I'm intrigued. Continue!

[EyeluvTom]

I am also intrigued! PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

wow very interesting set up Cardinal! Can't wait to read more!

PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 1 - Moving In

The last dish put away, Clark looked around the orderly townhouse, relieved to be finished unpacking. As he broke down the boxes and stacked them by the front door, a squeal of worn brakes made Clark look outside. Smiling to himself as Pete climbed out of an electric-blue ‘69 Camaro, Clark realized that if there was one thing he had learned about Pete and cars in the two years of their friendship, it was that whatever car Pete owned, it would be electric-blue and would probably be from the 60s.

Shutting the car door, Pete reached in through the open window and leaned on the horn. “Clark, get your lazy butt out here and help me with this stuff.”

Opening the front door on his way to the curb, Clark shouted back, “Me? You’re calling me lazy? I’ve already moved in and put my stuff away. Where the heck have you been, Mr. Punctuality?”

“In case you didn’t notice, my Camaro doesn’t come with the cargo space that your truck does. So I had to hire some movers to haul my stuff over here.”

Looking down the street in both directions, Clark asked, “Where are they?”

“Don’t worry, they’ve got the address. I just couldn’t wait for those slowpokes, so I raced on ahead.” Stepping around to the curb side of the car, Pete held out his left hand like a Price Is Right showgirl and asked, “How do you like my new ride?”

“You do realize that car is almost as old as you and me combined, don’t you?”

Waving a hand back and forth with small, rapid movements as if to wipe away Clark‘s misguided statement, Pete said, “Clark, Clark, this car is a classic! Chicks dig muscle cars like this.”

“Pete, if you’d driven up in a rust-encrusted station wagon instead of a ‘69 Camaro, you’d still be telling me that your ride was a ‘classic.’”

“Well it’s definitely better than the old beater you’re driving.”

“The truck is practical. Besides, not all of us need a hot car to attract the ladies.”

“Yeah, well, we can’t all be the starting quarterback.”

“Hey! Girls like me for me, not just because I’m a football player.”

“Sure! Whatever you want to delude yourself into believing, Clark. Just keep thinking that tonight at the back-to-school party when a couple of tri-Alphas try to drag you upstairs.” Picking up a box out of his trunk, Pete said, “Now, let’s gets this stuff inside before the movers get here.”

Carrying a box toward the door, Clark asked, “Where’s Chloe, Pete? I thought she’d be here to see my first home away from the folks.”

“She told me to tell you she would’ve been here to help, except she helped a friend of ours named Lana Lang move into a new apartment yesterday, so Chloe’s kind of sore today.” Pete shifted his box to his other arm in order to hold the door open, and said, “Plus, she wanted to see if Lana needed anymore help getting settled. Chloe’ll be over tomorrow to see the new ‘bachelor pad.’”

“Who’s this Lana Lang? I don’t remember hearing you or Chloe talk about her before.”

“Oh, she’s from Smallville like me. Chloe and Lana were pretty tight during high school. Chloe says Lana’s been going to some fancy art school for the last two years.”

--------------------

Meanwhile…

“Hey, Chloe, thanks for coming! I’ve never spent much time in Metropolis before and I’d be lost without you.”

Stepping into Lana’s first-floor apartment, Chloe gave Lana a firm hug and said, “What are friends for?”

As she prepared to give Chloe the grand tour of her just decorated apartment, Lana said, “Thanks again for helping me find this place. If I hadn’t found something I could afford, I’d have to live with Aunt Nell and Dean, and you know how much I would love that!”

“No problemo,” said Chloe. “This is really close to my place and Pete’s place is only a few blocks away.”

“Pete Ross? Cool,” said a smiling Lana, “that just doubled the number of people I know here at Met U.”

“Pete would’ve been here to meet you, but he’s just getting moved into his townhouse.”

“Pete can afford a townhouse? How?”

“He’s rooming with my oldest and closest friend, Clark Kent. Clark’s here on a football scholarship and I got the distinct impression that his scholarship money is taking care of the lion’s share of the rent.”

Tapping her lower lip with her forefinger, Lana scrunched her nose in concentration and asked, “Kent…Clark Kent…why does that name sound familiar?”

“I don’t know…maybe it’s because you met him a time or two in Smallville when he came to visit me.”

“You sure? Maybe I‘ll remember later.” Leading Chloe from room to room, Lana played the tour guide and said, “Now, here we’ve got the kitchen…the dining area…the bathroom…the bedroom…and, finally, the living room.”

Admiring Lana’s sense of style, Chloe said, “You sure know how to make a small apartment look like something special, Lana.” Chloe looked at some prints hanging on the living room wall and asked, “Who are these by?”

“The one you’re looking at is a Chagall and the other print is a Renoir.”

“Nice. I wish I could decorate like you.”

“And I wish I could write like you, so we’re even.” Lana’s stomach took that as being the proper time to emit an unladylike rumble, “I’m hungry,” she said, “do you think we can grab Pete and your friend Clark and get some take-out Chinese for dinner?”

“Nah. Pete said he and Clark would be going to the party for the football team that the tri-Alphas always throw at the start of the school year.”

“Pete’s on the football team?” Surprised, Lana asked, “As what, third-string waterboy? I remember Pete Ross and football; he was always on the team in Smallville but almost never got to play.”

“Pete’s not on the team, but if Clark gets into a party, Pete will be right behind him.” Plopping herself down on Lana’s futon, Chloe said, “In fact, Pete probably makes Clark go to some parties he’d rather not attend.”

Eyes opening wide as the proper memory came to the surface, Lana said, “High school football. That’s where I remember the name Clark Kent from. He’s the jerk that almost single-handedly led Metropolis Washington to victory over Smallville in the state semifinals our senior year. He threw for something like 340 yards that day. I wanted to run out there and break his right arm.”

As Lana took a seat next to Chloe, Chloe thought, Good luck with that, Lana. You could do chin-ups on Clark’s upper arm and he wouldn’t even notice you were there. Then she said, “Nearly three years later and you still remember that? I didn’t know you were that big of a football fan.”

“I wasn’t until I dated Whitney.” Absentmindedly rubbing the bare skin just below her throat, Lana said, “Spending a year with a quarterback will either make you hate football or love it. I happen to love it. Speaking of which, is the football team here any good?”

“Are you kidding?” asked Chloe. “With Clark as the starting quarterback last year, the team went 13-1, won the Big 14 conference championship and just missed out on being in the national championship game. Stupid B.C.S. They ended the season ranked number two in the country behind Auburn. How could you love football and not know that?”

“Well, I don’t really follow the sport, I just love watching it.”

“If you’re like any of my girlfriends here at Met U, you’ll definitely like watching Clark.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“All I see when I see Clark is my best friend and the brother I never had,” said Chloe. “The girls around here, though, act like they’re carnivores and he’s a side of beef.”

“That nice, huh? You’ll just have to re-introduce us someday.”

“Okay. I’ll take you over tomorrow when I go to see the new place that he and Pete just moved into. It’ll be a good chance for you to see Pete again at the very least.”

[lanaland]

Another Cardinal fabuleous fic, I am intrigued too! PPMS...

[NYC300Z]

Nice set up for Clark and Lana to re-meet. Let's hope it goes well!

PPMS!!

[rosewolfe87]

okay, I am officially addicted. You have to write more of this story!!!

[SmallvilleMan]

THANKS A LOT CARD, now instead of updating my fics i have to read this. :\

[EyeluvTom]

I need more!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 2 - Party Like It’s 1999

“Clark, let’s go!” said Pete. “The party’s already underway.”

“Where’s the fire, Pete?” replied Clark. “Don’t get too excited, the tri-Alphas will be there all night long. In any case, you should just be happy they’ve lifted the ban against you.”

“How’d you swing that anyway?”

“I talked to Elaine and explained my position: that I believed the ban had served it’s purpose of punishing you. Elaine has a lot of pull in that sorority and she worked her magic.”

“Elaine…Elaine…I seem to remember hearing you talk about her before.” Giving Clark a speculative look, Pete asked, “Is there something going on between you and this Elaine? If there is, that’s great ‘cause I think it’s about time you started dating again. I know you loved Lori, but this constant moping crap has got to stop. The only way to push her out of your heart is to find someone else to take her place.”

“Fat lot you know about heartbreak, Pete. When was the last time one of your ‘girlfriends’ lasted more than three dates?” Theatrically pretending to search his memory, Clark leveled his gaze at Pete and said, “Oh, I remember, it was that transvestite during freshman year.”

“That was a low blow, Clark. You promised you wouldn’t bring that up again. Besides, how was I supposed to know that wasn’t a girl? Even you thought he was a her.”

“I’ll make you a deal, Pete. You stay out of my dating life and I won’t bring up yours.” Holding his hand out, Clark asked, “Deal?”

Grabbing Clark’s hand and shaking it, Pete reluctantly said, “Deal.”

--------------------

Clark knocked on the front door of the tri-Alpha house, a big Georgian-style red brick building, and waited with Pete. Pete was nervous, occasionally wiping the palms of his hands on his pant legs. Someone apparently heard Clark’s loud knock over the din that could be heard coming from inside, since the door swung inward and a tall, strikingly beautiful, brown-eyed, and redheaded woman stood before them.

“Clark!” she said, eyes and smile both indicating how welcome he was.

“It’s good to see you, Veronica,” said Clark.

She stepped forward, and gave him a warm hug while saying, “Come in, come in. We were beginning to think you weren’t going to make it.” Finally releasing Clark, she turned her attention to Pete as Clark made his way inside.

“Well, well, well. Have you learned your lesson, Pete? No more dissing the sisters?”

“Yes, Veronica. I promise, that was a one-time occurrence. It’ll never happen again.”

Smiling, she said, “See that it doesn’t, or not even Clark’s influence will get you back in.” Looping her arm through Pete’s, she said, “Come on in, Pete. I know several of the sisters have missed you.”

“As long as they keep their hands off my boy, I won’t have any problem with them.”

“What? Is he still messed up over that crippled girl, What’s Her Name?”

“Her name is Lori, Lori Lemaris, and yeah, she wrecked him good. I innocently asked him today if there was something going on between him and this Elaine he mentioned, and he tore my head off. Flat out told me to stay out of his love life.” Pausing as Veronica shut and locked the door, Pete said, “It’s been, what, nine months or so?”

“You ought to know, Pete. It’s the same as the length of time that you’ve been banned from the tri-Alpha house.” Leaning close to Pete’s ear as she resumed her loose hold on him, she whispered, “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but some of us agreed with you last November, Pete. Clark should have been given time to get over her.”

Straightening back up, Veronica said, in her normal voice, “Don’t worry about Clark, Elaine will make sure no one hits on him.”

“Who’s this Elaine? Do I know her?”

“Her name is Elaine Thompson. She’s our sorority Vice-President and will likely be the President next year.”

Asking what he really wanted to know, Pete leaned in and whispered, “Is there something going on between them?”

“I don’t know. She really likes Clark, but I don‘t know if he returns her affections.” As Pete gave her a questioning look, Veronica explained by saying, “When I say she likes him, I mean she likes Clark Kent the man, not just the fact that he’s the quarterback. When you got banned last year, she took what you said to heart and began running interference for Clark, keeping some of the more predatory sisters off of him. Now…any social we have for the football team, you can find Clark and Elaine hiding in a corner somewhere.”

“Making out?”

“Nope. Just talking.”

As they each grabbed a beer and found a secluded corner of their own to sit in, Veronica asked, “What has Clark said about Elaine?”

“Nothing specific. You know Clark, he’s always been reticent when it comes to talking about his feelings, and it’s only gotten worse since Lori dumped him.”

“The reason I ask is that we all think the world of Elaine. She’s not the usual tri-Alpha.” Shaking her head in amusement, Veronica said, “How a shy, quiet, reserved girl like her got into a sorority like this, I’ll never know.”

Looking Pete directly, Veronica became very serious and said, “What I’m getting at is this, I believe she’s falling for Clark in a big way. They’ve never gone out on a date, or even so much as kissed, but you can see it in her eyes every time Clark leaves. She’s…starry-eyed. We don’t want to see her get hurt.” Taking a swallow of beer, she asked, “Do you think there’s a chance he’ll ever come out of his shell and ask her out?”

“Maybe. I don’t remember anything specific, but he’s obviously said enough to make me wonder. After all, I did ask him about her today.” Finishing off his plastic cup of beer, Pete said, “When do I get to meet this woman? If she’s angling for my boy, I have to check her out. Plus, Clark says that when he told her I had been punished enough, she got me back in here. So, I have to thank her.”

“That’s sort of true, but Clark left out one very important piece of information.”

“What?”

“After saying you’d been punished enough, Clark told Elaine he wouldn’t come back to any place where his roommate wasn’t welcome. The thought of not seeing Clark again made Elaine mad enough to badger the sorority president into rescinding the ban.”

“Who is the prez this year?”

“Candy Morgan.”

“Oh, crap!”

“Yeah, you couldn’t have picked a worse tri-Alpha to vent your spleen on last year if you had tried.”

“Now, I really have to thank Elaine.”

“We’ll find her later.” Finishing off her own beer, she said, “I remember you being a good dancer, Pete. Let’s go see if you’ve learned anything new.”

Following her onto the dance floor, Pete said, “As always, I’m yours to command.”

[rosewolfe87]

Buffer!

[Cardinal]

--------------------

“Do you want to dance, Clark? I see your friend Pete out there with Veronica.”

“I don’t know about dancing, Elaine. I always feel like everyone is staring at me out there.”

“Please? For me?”

A smile coming to his lips, Clark said, “For you? Sure. Anything for you.” Standing up in front of Elaine’s chair, Clark bowed to her, held out his hand and, using his most courtly voice, asked, “May I have this dance, Miss Thompson?”

Holding up a paper napkin as if it were a lace fan, Elaine fluttered it in front of her face as she said, in her best faux southern accent, “Why, Mr. Kent, I should be delighted.”

Clasping his hand as she rose out of her chair, Elaine and Clark giggled together as they headed for the dance floor.

“Would you look at that!” Veronica said as she spotted Clark and Elaine step out onto the parquet dance surface.

Facing the wrong way, Pete couldn’t see, so he asked, “What? What’s going on?”

“One of those two finally worked up the nerve to take a step forward.”

“Let me take a look.”

They turned as they danced, so Pete could finally get a good look at the mysterious Elaine. She looked to be about 5’8” tall. Her dark blonde hair was down to the bottom of her shoulder blades and wildly curly as only naturally curly hair can be. Her face had a peaches and cream complexion, marred only by a few freckles over the bridge of her nose. He wasn’t close enough to see the exact color of her eyes, but they appeared to be brown or hazel. Kissably plump lips and a wonderful bone structure completed her face. Below the neck, a white tank top with a conservative neckline, a pair of knee-length khaki shorts, and a pair of sandals did nothing to hide what Pete considered to be an excellent bod.

Not noticing Pete’s careful examination of her sorority sister, Veronica said, “I think the whole house would erupt if they kissed, and if they date, every girl in the house will be waiting when Clark comes to the door.”

--------------------

As Pete and Clark walked home from the party, Clark looked at Pete and smiled, saying, “This is the first time I’ve seen you leave a party sober in quite some time.”

“Yeah. I guess I didn’t want to do something stupid and get kicked out for good. Veronica would not be happy with me if I did.”

“Veronica, huh?”

“That’s off limits, Clark. You said so yourself.” Smiling back at his roommate, Pete said, “Now, if you decide to tell me about that blonde you were holed up with all night, I might tell you about Veronica.”

“Hmmm…” said Clark as he mulled over this offer for a quid pro quo exchange. “I’ll think about it.”

“By the way, Clark. Not only did I have to thank your Elaine for getting me back in, it appears I need to thank you for my readmission to tri-Alpha parties.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Veronica said you lit a fire under your girlfriend…”

Cutting Pete off with a glare and a slightly raised voice, Clark said, “Pete, you really don’t want to continue with the girlfriend comments. That’s a road that ends with nothing but endless knuckle sandwiches for you.”

“Okay…your friend who is a girl?”

“Better.”

“Anyway, Veronica said you lit a fire under your friend who is a girl by threatening a boycott of your own.” Holding his clenched fist out to the side Clark was walking on, Pete said, “Thanks, Man, for sticking your neck out for me.”

Hitting the top of Pete’s clenched fist with his own, then waiting for Pete to return the gesture, Clark said, “It was the least I could do. Elaine finally told me what you had done to get kicked out. Thanks for protecting me, that kind of sacrifice is rare.”

“Happy to do it, Clark, happy to do it.”

As they turned the corner onto their street, Clark’s cheeks became red and his smile grew as wide as possible as he said, “Also, thanks for inadvertently setting me up with Elaine. I, umm, just asked her out, and she said yes.”

“Ahhhhh! I knew it. I bet the tri-Alphas are going nuts right now. The ones that are still conscious that is.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Veronica says the tri-Alphas have been secretly rooting for you and Elaine for a long time now. Elaine’s shy and you’ve been pre-occupied, so it’s taken a little while.”

“Yes. Veronica. There’s a story there, now give.”

“We’ve always had an eye for each other, but I think she was impressed that I was willing to take on certain members of the sorority over, umm, what happened last year.”

“You can say her name, Pete. I’m mostly fine with what happened now.”

“That’s nice to hear. Anyway, being a younger member of the sorority, Veronica couldn‘t go against the ban. Especially not for a guy she wasn‘t even dating. Now…we‘ll see.”

[rosewolfe87]

Buffer

uh-oh...I smell an evil sorority!

[Cardinal]

Thanks, Rosewolfe!

[SVsleuth]

Woah! Cardinal! You posted more than you said you would! Looks like it's a hit. Keep writing! :)

[ajfinn]

Awesome!! Yippee, this is going to be a hot item on the fic board!! It's different and very fresh! Nice job, Card! Looking forward to more!!

Lana's got competition. I really like that :)

[rosewolfe87]

lol, yes but we all know who will win out! PPMS!! PLEASE!!

[Cardinal]

Funny you should use the word 'fresh,' aj. That's the tentative title for the next chapter. :D

[LanasLover16]

Oooo!!! cant wait to read where this is going!!!!

[ILoveSmallville4ver]

I love this story, it's one of my favorties.

[rosewolfe87]

It's one of my favorites too. Which is sad, because MY fanfics should be a favorite...but their not...weird.

[NYC300Z]

oh man Card you got me worried...but I know you well enough that I know your going to work this out somehow!

PPMS!

[4EverSmallville]

:( There's no more? :lol: I was all smiles when I scrolled down to see that buffer. Excellent start, Cardinal. This definitely sounds like a story worth telling. I can't wait to see what happens when Clark and Lana meet, what happens with Clark & Elaine, and what Pete said and or did to get a ban. I'm piqued :).

Fresh? There are so many different ways to use that word though :lol:.

Bless the Broken Road. I've been thinking about different ways this can be interpreted too, I really want to know what this is about. Broken Road...hmm. You're making me think, Card. Always a plus :D.

[rosewolfe87]

lol, i'm still smelling an evil sorority.

[SVsleuth]

Hey, Cardinal, what do you think of 4Ever's avitar? Hmmmm..... a White Sox fan...... you know, if the Cardinals win tooo.... uh...oh!!!!! I guess we could have an interesting World Series week on the Clana boards!

And to stay on topic... Great story, like I already said. Looks like a winner!

[Cardinal]

I've already told 4Ever that the smack will be coming should the Cardinals play the White Sucks in the World Series.

Actually, as a guy that was born in Oak Lawn, and who spent the first six years of his life near the intersection of 79th & Western, I wouldn't be too upset if the White Sucks were to win.

[4EverSmallville]

Originally posted by Cardinal
I've already told 4Ever that the smack will be coming should the Cardinals play the White Sucks in the World Series.


Okay, buddy. I think you need to check your spelling up there :mad:. If you want to start early then let's go :p.

[EyeluvTom]

:rotfl:

[SmallvilleMan]

Don't worry 4ever, we all know the sox got the cards number. Just like how the sox destroyed them last year, it's just a different color now:p

[rosewolfe87]

lol, i'm not a baseball fan, but I would like the White Sox to win. ( Cardinal, White sucks! That just cracks me up.)

[MOOman0618]

Card...figures you would post your new story the one weekend I didn't have access to a computer!! But that’s ok, I had two nice long chapters to read. I really do like this story a lot. Like a few people said already, it is taking the Clana in a different direction...not jumping right into it. Making them work for it a bit. I am very curious to see if there is going to be friction between Elaine and Lana...that could be very interesting.

And like I told you before, your title is one of the only country songs that I can stand to listen too. :p

[Cardinal]

I remember watching the S1 episodes with the commentary tracks turned on. TPTB said that they wanted Whitney to be a worthy boyfriend for Lana. That's kind of what I have in mind for Elaine, that she'll be a worthy girl for Clark.

Yes, this IS a Clana fic, it'll just take a while. :)

[linn]

this is a great fic wanna read some more,ppms!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 3 - Meet Cute

“Come on, Lana, let’s go,” said an agitated Chloe.

“What’s the rush?” answered Lana. “It’s Saturday and it’s not even noon yet. From what I remember about football parties during high school, those two guys will both have hangovers and won’t appreciate a visit anytime before oh…say…Christmas.” Besides, she thought, I haven’t had time to put my face on yet. If Chloe thinks she’s introducing me to some new guy with me looking like I‘ve just gotten out of bed, she’s kidding herself.

“That’s just it. I’ve known Clark since kindergarten and I’ve never seen him either drunk or hungover, this may be my chance, and Pete is always fun when he’s hungover.”

“Chloe, if you want to go over and harass those guys, be my guest. I’ll be staying right here. If, on the other hand, you’d be kind enough to give them some time to get themselves together, I’d be happy to go. It’ll be good to see Pete, and this Clark guy sounds interesting.”

“Interesting?” asked Chloe as she wiggled her eyebrows.

“Not like that,” said an embarrassed Lana. “But he is your best friend, and Pete likes him well enough to room with him, so you might say he comes highly recommended as a potential friend.”

Then, softly, Lana said, “I’ll take all of the friends I can get right now.”

“Keep it up with the ‘I don‘t have any friends’ routine, Lana, and Clark will take you under his wing. By the end of the first month, you’ll either have developed a phobia about meeting new people, or you’ll know half the people on campus.”

“Oh, really?”

“I’m not kidding. Clark knows just about everyone. He’s the B.M.O.C.”

“B.M.O.C.?”

“Big man on campus,” Fidgeting with her cell phone, Chloe said, “The guys want to be him and a lot of the girls want to be with him.”

“Great, with that kind of attention, he’s got to be an egomaniac!”

“Nope. Not Clark. He’s the nicest, most grounded guy I know.”

“Holier than thou?”

“Wrong again. You’ll just have to meet him.”

“Okay.” tossing Chloe the T.V. remote, Lana said, “Here, find something to watch while I get ready. We can go out for lunch and then we can visit the guys. Okay?”

“Oh, all right, you big party pooper.”

--------------------

A few minutes after 2 p.m., Lana and Chloe walked to the front door of a non-descript townhouse. Reading a handwritten note and then the number on the building, Chloe said, “Well, this must be it.”

Stuffing the note back into her purse, Chloe reached up and briskly knocked on the front door. Much to her surprise, the door was answered quickly by a bright-eyed Pete Ross.

Opening the door, Pete said, “Chloe! How are you, Girl?”

Chloe stepped into the open doorway and shared a bearhug with Pete. Stepping back from this embrace, she nodded her head to the side and said, “Look who I found.”

“Lana?” asked Pete.

Giving a small, shy wave, Lana replied, “Hi, Pete.”

“Talk about a sight for sore eyes! Come here you.” Lana then received the same hug that Chloe just got. Upon breaking the clinch, Pete took a long look at Lana and said, “Damn, Woman, you were fine in Smallville, but two years in the big, bad world made you even more beautiful.”

Smiling widely, Lana said, “Thanks, Pete. You’re not looking bad yourself.”

“Umm…Pete,” said Chloe, “do you think we might move this reunion inside? It’s kind of hot out here.”

“Oh yeah, sorry.” Moving to one side, Pete gestured with a hand and said, “Come on in.”

Looking around, Chloe said, “Nice! I see you two have chosen to decorate using the Early American Bachelor style.”

“Laugh it up, Chloe,” replied Pete. “I‘d be surprised if your apartment has any furniture besides a rickety old bed, a couple of folding chairs, and a deluxe computer desk.”

Chloe grinned and attempted to backhand Pete in the gut as Lana said, “This is a large place. It dwarfs my apartment.”

“I’m sure it does, Lana,” said Pete, “but there’s two of us, and we’re both a lot bigger than you are. We need the extra space.” Closing the door behind them, Pete said, “Let me show you ladies around.”

“Not to sound ungrateful for the offer, Pete,” said Chloe, “but where is Clark?”

“He went out for some groceries. He usually eats with the football team in the cafeteria since he’s on scholarship and has a meal plan and I bought a meal plan this year, too. All you can eat for one price is hard to pass up. Despite that, the cafeterias don’t open ‘til Sunday, so we need some food. Plus, we both want to have some munchies here anyway. Clark was bored since the football team has the weekend off to get moved into their living arrangements, so, he volunteered to go.” Checking his watch, Pete said, “He should be back any time though.”

“Well, while we wait for your friend, Chloe,” said Lana, “we could take that tour.”

First, Pete showed them the second floor, which consisted of Clark’s bedroom overlooking the front of the townhouse, Pete’s bedroom at the back, and a full bathroom. The girls were suitably impressed with the general neatness exhibited by the guys. The only negative reaction was when Chloe saw a framed photo on Clark’s bedside table of a short-haired brunette in a wheelchair. Damn, she thought, isn’t he ever going to put her behind him?

Lana, on the other hand, had seen something else out Clark’s window: a tall, obviously athletic young man heading up the walk, arms laden with bags of groceries. I remember him now, she thought. That’s the guy that kept trying to puke on me at Chloe’s house in Smallville. A closer look caused her to purse her lips in appreciation. He had wavy black hair, a chiseled face, and nicely-shaped eyes. She was too far away to tell the color of his eyes, beyond knowing they were light-colored, but that didn’t matter to her at all. My, oh my, she thought, he’s definitely one smoking-hot man!

Heading back downstairs, they heard the door creak open and saw what appeared to be two bags of groceries and a pair of denim-clad legs come through the door.

“I need some help here, Pete,” said Clark.

When Pete hustled down the stairs and grabbed the bag that looked most likely to fall, it became apparent that two bags were actually four. Chloe followed quickly and grabbed the next one, causing Clark to say, “Is that you, Chloe? Thanks!”

A third bag started to move and he squeezed it tighter until he heard a soft voice say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this one.” Releasing the bag, he wondered who else was visiting. It definitely isn’t Elaine, he thought, she would have called before coming over. It can’t be Veronica, she doesn’t sound anything like that.

When the bag dropped low enough to reveal the face that produced the voice, Clark noticed her big hazel eyes and an even larger smile, which brought out small dimples in her cheeks that he found absolutely adorable. His first thought was, Wow, the face of an angel with the voice of a late-night radio DJ.

“Thanks,” said Clark, “when that bag started moving, I thought I was dropping it.”

"It's my pleasure," replied Lana.

Clark and Lana went to the kitchen where Pete and Chloe had already set down their bags. Pete started to put the groceries away as Chloe turned her attention to Clark. She ran around the counter to hug Clark from behind and asked, “Miss me much this summer?”

“I didn’t have much of a chance to miss you, now did I?” Setting his bag on the counter next to the first two, Clark turned in her arms to return the hug, and said, “You kept my e-mail inbox full all the time. I’ll bet your diary doesn’t get a workout like that.”

Pausing a second to ruffle her hair, Clark said, “I will say it was a lot quieter around here, though.”

Laughing at that, Chloe said, “There’s someone I want to introduce you to.”

“Well, it couldn’t be Pete, so it must be…” said Clark, as he turned to face Lana, “…her.”

Stepping in between the two, Chloe said, “Clark, I’d like you to meet Lana Lang. Lana, this is Clark Kent.”

At that, Clark and Lana exchanged hellos as Clark took the last bag from Lana and placed it on the counter,

And so it began.

[4EverSmallville]

First things first :).

That was definitely a cute meet, or was it meet cute :lol:. Excellent update, I can't wait to find out what has begun.

[ajfinn]

Excellent!! So when is the Zug zug? :lol:

[MOOman0618]

Super update! :)


Originally posted by Cardinal
I remember him now, she thought. That’s the guy that kept trying to puke on me at Chloe’s house in Smallville. :lol:

I'm glad Lana doesn't have the necklace anymore, or their first meeting would have been very interesting. But I am definitely excited to see where this is heading.

[SVsleuth]

Yeah, I was wondering about the necklace too. When did Lana stop wearing it? Or might she still wear it sometimes?

Okay, off to finish your other stories, then back to this one, right? I guess you'll be bust keeping up with three! ;)

[akuma]

Awesome update, looking forward to more!!

[linn]

Hehe.... thaT WAS AWESOME.......ppms!

[LanasLover16]

amazing update!!!! ppms!!!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
I'm glad Lana doesn't have the necklace anymore, or their first meeting would have been very interesting. But I am definitely excited to see where this is heading.

Maybe she does have it and maybe she doesn't, I'm not sure yet. :p Obviously, she doesn't wear it all the time if she does have it.

[NYC300Z]

very nice Card. I can see this being a long fic. Clark is going to somehow move on from one relationship to another, but I can see it being a long road. PPMS!

[rosewolfe87]

UHHH!!!! Everytime I actually get enthralled in a fic, it ends before I want it to!! This bites!!

Oh well, at least now I have something to look forward too. PPMS!

[EyeluvTom]

This is an awesome story Cardinal! PPMS!

[4EverSmallville]

PPMS.

[Cardinal]

Chapter 4 - First Impressions

As soon as the groceries were put away, Pete reminded the girls that the tour hadn’t been completed.

“You’ve already seen the kitchen, the dining area and the living room.” Leading the girls down the back hall, Pete said, “Here, we’ve got a small bathroom, no shower or tub, just a toilet and sink.”

Looking at a door to the side, Chloe asked, “What’s in there?”

Smiling wide as he opened the door, he said, “The basement.” Pete led the girls down the stairs and said, “We’ve got plenty of room for storage and we’ve also got a washer and dryer for doing laundry.”

To two girls who were having to use commercial laundry rooms for their laundry, this was the best feature of the whole townhouse.

“This is so cool,” said Chloe. “I know where I’m coming to do my laundry from now on.”

“Me, too!” said Lana.

“Wait a minute,” said Pete, “I don’t remember giving you two an invitation to use our laundry room.”

“Yes, but you were going to,” said Chloe, tapping Pete lightly on the cheek. “We just saved you the inconvenience of having to say anything.”

“But…I…” said a bewildered Pete.

“That’s very sweet of you, Pete,” said Lana.

“Crap! Clark’s gonna be real happy with this,” said Pete, mumbling to himself.

Heading back upstairs, they found Clark making a pitcher of instant tea. A pitcher of lemonade was already sitting on the counter.

“Anyone want a drink?” asked Clark. “We’ve got water, tea, and lemonade.”

After everyone got a glass of their favorite drink, they headed into the living room to sit on two worn, mismatched, but very comfortable couches.

With the girls on one and the guys on the other, Lana said, “Actually, this isn’t the first time we’ve met, Clark.”

“What?” asked Clark. “I’ve met you before and forgotten about it? That’s embarrassing. Normally, my memory is really good…especially where beautiful women are concerned.”

Lana blushed slightly as Chloe said, “Yeah, Clark, as far as I can remember, this is the third time you’ve met Lana. The first time you and I were shopping for swimsuits, or something like that, and we stopped in The Beanery for something to drink. Lana was our waitress. You kept trying to hit on her, but she was so busy, she didn’t have time to notice. It was actually pretty funny to watch.

“The second time, however, is likely the time that Lana remembers. You were visiting me during Christmas break and Lana came over so we could get a head start on our semester project in World History. You were watching TV in the living room with Dad while Lana and I worked in the kitchen.” With her smile getting bigger the longer her story went on, Chloe said, “You must have come into the kitchen a dozen times trying to get a glass of water, but every time you did, you keeled over like someone had hit you in the gut with a baseball bat. We had to give you a glass water ’cause you never were able to get near the sink.”

“That was a strange night,” said Lana. “At first I thought you were trying to catch my attention, then I thought you were getting back at me for interrupting your visit with Chloe. Finally, Chloe convinced me you were actually sick and we took pity on you.”

“I remember now,” said Clark. “That’s the first time in my life I can remember being sick. The weird part was that I only felt sick when I went into the kitchen.”

Chloe said, “I’ve never heard of a location-specific illness unless it involved an allergy.”

“It couldn’t have been that,” said Clark, “I went back to the kitchen later that night and I was just fine.” Pausing to think, Clark asked, “Chloe, I didn’t get sick when I met Lana at The Beanery, did I?”

“Not that I can recall, Clark,” answered Chloe.

“Nor I,” said Lana. “So he’s not allergic to me, either.”

“You mean you remember that meeting too, Lana?” asked Pete.

“Not until Chloe mentioned it,” said Lana. “It was weird, though. There was this cute guy hitting on me, but he came in with Chloe and I thought he was a boyfriend of hers or something. I was so embarrassed and I was trying very hard to ignore him.” Looking over to Clark she said, “Sorry, Clark.”

“That’s nice to know,” said Clark, “at least I wasn’t losing my touch.”

After a short silence, everyone took turns acquainting the others with their summer vacations. Clark spent the summer taking three classes and participating in off-season workouts with the Met U football team, Pete had interned with the re-election campaign of his local U.S. Representative, Chloe had gone to Gotham City for a newspaper internship, and Lana had spent the summer moving to Metropolis from Chicago and becoming reacquainted with her Aunt Nell and Dean.

For the benefit of Lana and Pete, who hadn’t received the volume of e-mails he had, he asked, “So, Chloe, how’d you like Gotham City? Did you get to hunt down the infamous ‘Dark Knight?’”

“Who?” asked Lana.

“Batman,” said Chloe. “He’s a vigilante who’s becoming quite famous. To answer your questions, Clark. I loved Gotham City and I didn’t even get to see Batman. Apparently, he doesn’t frequent the areas of the city I lived and worked in.”

“I thought you wanted to work for the Daily Planet, Chloe,” said Pete. “It’s been Perry White this and Perry White that for years.”

“I’m keeping my options open,” said Chloe. “Besides, Lois just started there as a reporter. I’m not sure I want to follow in her footsteps.” Turning to look at Clark, she said, “Our boy Clark could have interned at the Planet if he had wanted, but it seems football is more important to him than gaining experience in the field he’s studying.”

“I’m just a reporter for the sports department, Chloe,” said Clark. “You know that. Since I’m a football player, I don’t have time to devote to journalism beyond the occasional article and my classes.”

Rolling her eyes at Clark, Chloe said, “Some people have their priorities screwed up.”

Shortly after this, the conversation wound down and the girls thanked the guys for their hospitality. On their way out, the girls also thanked Pete for inviting them to use the laundry room.

Shutting the door, Clark turned to Pete and asked, “You did what?”

“Well…I…umm…not really, Clark. Chloe invited herself, Lana joined in and they wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“That won’t be so bad, Pete, as long as they use their own soap and fabric softener,” said Clark. “Also, they’ll need to know that their use of the machines will be limited by our use of them.” And if their use of the machines brings a petite brunette over here, that won’t be so bad either, now will it?

[dreammaster]

awesome update

[SVsleuth]

BUFFER! (Wake up, Cardinal! - Okay, well, since you posted at 4 A M, we'll allow you some sleep, but we'll be checking for the rest later....)

Very humorous discussion about Clark getting sick - and even HE doesn't know he's allergic to meteor rocks!). I guess Clark can't wait for Lana to have some laundry to do. So has Elaine dropped out of his memory? PPMS!

[ClanaLover]

"And if their use of the machines brings a petite brunette over here, he thought, that won’t be so bad either, now will it?"

Oooooooo! Can't wait for Lana to have some laundrey! ;) :D

“I didn’t have much of a chance to, Chloe,” said Clark. “You kept my e-mail inbox full all summer long. I bet your diary doesn’t get a workout like that.”

...Clark said that 2 times... :p Oh well.

:lol: Great story! I just caught up. I saw my mom reading some of it and I liked it so I read the whole story so far. I loved it! PPMASAP!

[Cardinal]

--------------------

As the girls walked home, Chloe asked, “So, what did you think?”

“It’s a nice place they’ve got there.”

“That’s not what I was asking, Lana.”

“Okay, Pete looks to be doing just fine these days.”

“Umm…that’s still wide of the mark, Lana, and you know it. If you don’t come clean, I’ll turn around and let Clark know the truth about that long ago study session for our so-called ‘semester project.’”

“You wouldn’t!”

“Try me.”

“Oh, all right, you dirty blackmailer. Hmm…I didn’t remember his name, but as soon as I saw his face, it all came rushing back to me. God, he’s even better looking now than he was then, and now that he’s able to talk, he seems to be nice, too.”

“There,” said Chloe, “that wasn’t so tough, now was it?”

“Do you know if he’s taken?”

“I don’t think so. Last time I checked, he was still moping over his last girlfriend. That’s one subject Clark doesn’t like to talk about.”

“You could ask Pete.”

“Yeah, I could, but why should I?”

“Because you really want to know,” said Lana. “The Chloe I know wants the answer to everything. Besides, you know I can‘t ask, that would be way too forward of me. If I‘m going to do that, I might as well just jump in his lap and get it over with.”

“Okay. Since you came clean, I’ll ask for you.”

“Thanks, Chloe.”

--------------------

RRRIIIIIIINNNNGGGGGG!!!!!!!

“Hey, Pete, can you get that?”

“Sure thing, Clark.”

“Hello? Pete Ross speaking. Who…oh, hi Chloe. What‘s up?”

“Tell her it’s none of her business, Pete,” shouted Clark. The rapid pounding of footsteps coming downstairs heralded Clark’s approach.

Putting his hand over the receiver, Pete asked, “What’s none of her business?”

“What do you think, she wants to know what I think of Lana. Chloe probably brought her over to try and set us up. It wouldn’t be the first time she’s tried that since…since Lori left me. There, I said it.” It didn‘t hurt as bad as I thought it would, either.

“How’d you know what she asked me?”

“I know Chloe, Pete. She’s the most insatiably curious person on the planet, especially where my love life is concerned.”

Holding out the handset, Pete said, “I think you need to talk to her, Clark.”

Accepting the handset from Pete, Clark put it to his face and said, “What can I do for you, Chloe?”

Whispering now, Chloe said, “Damn super-hearing, I can’t sneak anything by you, can I, Clark?”

“Not likely.”

“Well, I saw that the picture of Lori is still on your bedside table and I was wondering if you were going to be able to move past her.”

“You mean,” said Clark, “do I have a girlfriend yet?”

“Well…”

“Pete told you this morning, didn’t he?”

“Told me what, Clark?”

“That I’ve got a date next weekend.”

“This is great!” shouted an excited Chloe. “With who? Is it someone I know?”

“I don’t think you know her, Chloe. Her name is Elaine Thompson and she’s a tri-Alpha. When Lori…left, Elaine helped keep the rest of the available tri-Alphas off of me, and our relationship just…happened. It wasn’t anything I was looking for, but we talked privately at every social over there since and before I knew it, I was thinking of Elaine, not Lori.”

“Oh, Clark, you don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say that. I’ve watched you crawl inside your shell before, but this time, I was wondering if you’d ever come out.”

“Thanks for being there and supporting me, Chloe. As always, you’ve been my rock.”

“No thanks necessary, Clark. That’s what best friends do.”

--------------------

After Clark hung up the phone following a long conversation, Pete came back downstairs and said, “Okay. Maybe you didn’t want to tell Chloe, but spill it. Tell me what you think of Lana.”

“What are you, Pete? My romantic confessor?”

“Come on, Clark, it’s what guys do, talk about girls, cars, and sports.”

“Okay. Let’s see…on short acquaintance, all I can say is that she seems to be very nice, somewhat quiet, and one of the most physically attractive women I’ve ever met. She pulls off the rare double of being both drop-dead gorgeous and incredibly cute.”

Then, almost as an afterthought, Clark said, “I wonder if the woman inside matches what I see on the outside.”

Meanwhile, Chloe called Lana and said, “The answer to your question is: he’s started dating again, but he’s not taken…yet. If you’re interested, you need to get moving, ‘cause the way he was talking, he might not be available for long.”

[SVsleuth]

1st! Super update, Card! I just LOVED it! this is getting SOOOO good! PPMS!

[ClanaLover]

Oh no! Make a move Lana make a move fast!!! Great update Card! PPMASAP!

[4EverSmallville]

Things are picking up :D. But where are they off to? I'd love to know...soon please :).

[dreammaster]

awesome update

[linn]

lolz.this is getting better and better...so muck excitement...make a move Lana make a move!!!ppms!

[akuma]

Great update, Lana needs to make her move!!

[MOOman0618]

Lana needs to jump on that!! Literally or figuratively...take your pick. I hope she gets to him before he becomes too infatuated with Elaine. But then again this is a Clana fic...so I shouldn't worry too much. :) POST MORE SOON!!!

[NYC300Z]

Super update Card! I like what Chloe said to Lana at the end! There is hope! :D

PPMS!

[rosewolfe87]

Great update!!

PPMS!

[ClanaLover]

Card where are you? It's been 2 days! Please update soon!!! :( I like this story alot. :D

[Cardinal]

I'm desperately trying to finish off my other two stories. That way, I'll be able to concentrate on this one. ;)

[linn]

OKAY THAT IS A GOOD THING TO DO, BUT I STILL LOVE YOUR OTHER STORIES

[NYC300Z]

yeah i'll be pretty sad to see the other ones go but I like this one alot too...oh well PPMS!!

[EyeluvTom]

I really like this one! PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Just letting you know, there will be an update on this thread later this evening!

Thanks for your patience as I attempt to finish off my other stories.

[MOOman0618]

YEAH!!! UPDATE TONIGHT!!!! :D

[SVsleuth]

WHO is it that complains about non-update posts? :lol:

Actually, I enjoy them, in between real posts. At least we know what you're planning, & get to talk to you. I'll be watching for tonight's update. Ummm... check your e-mail for my last question.

[akuma]

*waits patiently for an update*

[Cardinal]

Chapter 5 - Campus Tour

Sunday afternoon rolled around and Clark could finally smile as he had just e-mailed his articles for the back-to-school issue of The Metropolitan, the school newspaper at Met U, to his editor. A journalism major, Clark was a sportswriter for The Metropolitan, but he did not have time to write more than the occasional article for the weekly paper, as his time was consumed with his studies and a seemingly endless series of football practices, football classroom work, and weight-training for football. Like that weight training is doing me any good, he thought. Oh well, anything to keep up the pretense that I’m nothing more than human.

Intending to enjoy his last free day before practice resumed tomorrow with the official start of school, Clark went to ask Pete if he had any plans for the day. Apparently, he did, since he wasn’t anywhere in the apartment. Heading to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat, Clark found a note from Pete stuck to the refrigerator door. Ah, he thought, Pete’s out with Veronica again. Shaking his head and smiling, Clark murmured softly, “Go, Pete!”

Munching on a ham sandwich, Clark was pondering his options when the phone rang. Maybe it’s Elaine, he thought. She still hasn’t come over to see the apartment yet.

Picking up the phone, Clark said, “Kent and Ross residence. Clark speaking. Who’s calling?”

“Hi, Clark, it’s Chloe.”

“What’s up, Blondie?”

“You don’t want to know…but since you asked, I’ll tell you anyway,” Chloe said. “Mike Jones hasn’t made it back to campus yet. He sent an e-mail saying he was having family problems. With the back-to-school issue needing to be done tonight, I’m having to do his job as sports editor to get the paper out on time.”

“Did you get my season-preview articles on the men’s and women’s volleyball teams?” asked Clark.

“Yes, no problems there. That’s not what I’m calling you about, though. I need some help.”

“Sure, name it.”

“Having to add sports editor duties to my editor-in-chief duties is eating up all of my time. I had promised to give Lana a tour of campus this afternoon to help her find her classroom buildings and stuff, but I’m swamped. Could you step in and give her the tour instead, Clark?”

“That wasn’t the way I’d planned to spend today, but sure, I’d be glad to help, Chloe.”

“Thanks, Clark,” said Chloe, “you’re a real lifesaver! Be here at the Metropolitan offices at 6 p.m. That’s when and where Lana was going to meet me. Bye now, I’ve gotta run.”

Checking the wall clock in the kitchen as he hung up the old-fashioned corded telephone, Clark noticed it was already 5:30 p.m. Clark went upstairs and changed from his t-shirt and board shorts to a blue oxford and Levi’s before heading over to meet Lana. Leave it to Chloe to make my plans for me, he thought. There’s nothing like waiting ’til the last minute to ask, though.

Stepping off the elevator on the second floor of the student union a few minutes later, Clark headed for the newspaper offices. He was in something of a hurry as Chloe’s late call required him to rush to make it on time. As Clark rounded the first corner, he was moving too fast to avoid the person coming the other way. The other person went down in a pile of limbs and papers.

Chagrined at his lack of awareness, Clark stooped to help and noticed he had run into Lana. Oh great, he thought, her tour might start with a trip to the infirmary for a broken nose.

“Lana, are you all right? You’re not injured are you?”

Looking up from collecting her paperwork, Lana looked into Clark’s blue-green eyes, gulped and thought, What’s he made of? Steel? I hit him head on. I’m on the floor wondering why I’m not bleeding and he’s standing there like nothing happened.

“I’m sorry, Clark, I should have been watching where I was going,” Lana said.

Helping Lana collect her papers, Clark then helped her to her feet, saying, “It wasn’t your fault. If I had stayed on the other side of the hallway instead of cutting the corner, nothing would have happened. It’s entirely my fault.” Looking around on the floor, he asked, “Do you have everything?”

“Yeah…I think so anyway.” Stopping to catch her breath, Lana asked, “Where were you going in such a big hurry, Clark?”

“Didn’t Chloe tell you? I’m going to be your tour guide since she’s pulling double duty trying to get the paper finished for tomorrow. Apparently, the sports editor hasn‘t made it back to school yet.”

“I see. Chloe forgot to mention that to me.” This had better be a legit excuse, Chloe, or your ass is grass! Brightening up, Lana said, “In that case, the collision is Chloe’s fault.”

“Chloe’s fault,” Clark said, smiling, “that sounds perfect.”

Pointing Lana in the right direction, the two of them headed down the hallway toward the Metropolitan offices, Clark said, “We’ll just check in before we go. Otherwise Chloe will think something bad happened.”

Opening the wood and glass door, Clark waited for Lana to enter and then he followed her into the room. They were greeted by a chorus of “Hi, Clark” from various staff members around the room. Asking a quick question of the closest person got him Chloe’s current location: her office. Pointing out their destination, Clark said, “She’s in there.”

A knock on Chloe’s door was answered with a cheery, “Come in!” from Chloe. Clark pushed open the door and held it for Lana. Following her inside, Clark shut the door behind them.

“Hi, Guys,” Chloe said, as she turned away from her computer screen. “I see you two have found each other.”

“Yeah, we ran into each other out in the hallway,” Lana said. “Literally ran into each other, that is. My paperwork went flying and I fell on my butt.”

“I tried to apologize,” Clark said, “but then we agreed it was your fault for getting stuck in here in the first place.”

“My fault? Well, as long nobody’s hurt, I’ll accept the blame.” Shaking a finger at them, Chloe said, “Just this once mind you. Now, get out of here. I’ve got a huge amount of work to do.”

“See ya, Chloe,” said Clark.

“Bye,” said Lana.

As Clark closed the door to the hallway behind Lana and himself on their way out of the Metropolitan offices, Chloe called one of the staffers into her office and said, “Wait five minutes and tell Mike Jones he can come out of hiding and get his butt back to work.” All I can do is give them a chance, Chloe thought. What they do with it is their business.

[akuma]

BUFFER!!!

[MOOman0618]

BUFFER!

[Cardinal]

Walking out the front doors of the student union, Clark said, “Let me see your schedule.”

Finding her schedule, Lana handed it over. While looking it over, Clark asked, “Are you going to be walking to class, Lana?”

“I intend to, unless the weather’s really bad,” Lana replied.

“In that case, your schedule’s looking pretty good. Most of your classes are on this side of campus, within easy walking distance of your apartment. The only one that’s a stretch is your Astronomy class. Trig, Communications, American History, and Drafting are all nearby.”

Continuing down the granite steps, they turned east and then south in quick succession and headed farther into the campus. Going down the concrete walk between the student union on the right side and a girls’ residence hall on the left, Clark said, “Pete told me you attended a prestigious art school for two years and you said yesterday you‘d been in Chicago, so what school was it?”

“Amazingly enough,” said Lana, “it was the Chicago School of Art.”

“Ask a stupid question…I hope you don’t mind me asking, but, what made you leave there and come back to a regular school like Met U?”

“I was hoping to work in fashion design. Something like that anyway. After two years of study, I decided fashion design was too ephemeral. I want to use my artistic abilities to create something lasting. The only area of design I know of that involves permanence is architecture.”

“That would explain the drafting class.”

“The trigonometry is also architecture-related,” Lana said. “There’s a lot of math involved in becoming an architect. I haven’t had math since Smallville High, so I need to refresh my skills before I go on to Calculus.”

Looking up at her guide, Lana smiled and asked, “What are you studying here? Underwater basket-weaving like most of the football team?”

Returning her look with an incredulous stare, Clark said, “Underwater basket-weaving? I’ll have you know I’m set to graduate after only three years, summa cum laude mind you, with a degree in journalism.”

“I’m impressed.” Looking at the dorm passing by on her left, a red-faced Lana gathered her thoughts and said, “I’m sorry for implying you might not be a real student. I should have known Chloe wouldn’t be best friends with someone like that.”

“Apology accepted, but you’re right. Some of my teammates really aren’t students. They take just enough easy classes to stay eligible for football.”

As they neared the administration building, Lana asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, what got you into journalism?”

“Well, I’d have to blame Chloe. It was her passion for finding the truth in any situation that really got me thinking about journalism as a career. That’s what I want for myself, something I can be passionate about. Fighting for truth and justice, speaking for those that don’t have a voice, that seems like a worthwhile career to me.”

Looking at Lana, he said, “Like you, I want to leave my mark. I want people to remember me long after I’m gone.”

As they continued walking, Clark pointed to the building immediately south of the administration building and said, “That’s Rand Hall, where your Trigonometry class is. Over here on the other side of the walkway is Richards Hall. That’s where your American History class will be held.”

Turning to the east, they followed a walkway that went along the north end of Richards Hall. To pass the time, Lana said, “Tell me something about Chloe. What was she like as a kid? Has she always wanted to be a reporter?”

“Chloe has always known who she wants to be.” A smile creasing the corners of his mouth as he warmed to his subject, Clark said, “In junior high, she worked on the school paper both years…until she moved to Smallville, that is. Even as a little kid, Chloe used her computer and Microsoft Word to create a newsletter for the neighborhood, and I got roped into helping her.”

Lana laughed at the image of a little Chloe digging up the latest news from the neighborhood, dragging a little Clark along with her.

Clark continued, saying, “Chloe and I lived one street apart from the time my folks moved to Metropolis until Chloe moved away in eighth grade. Even more so than now, she was an irrepressible bundle of energy and perpetual motion. I used to get tired just watching her go.”

Reaching the first building east of Richards Hall, Clark told Lana her Drafting class would be held in this building, known as Edwards Hall. Turning to face south, Clark pointed out a building to the south that could be seen through the gap between Edwards and Richards Halls. “That’s McIntosh Hall, that building holds the language arts department. Your Communications class is in there.”

As they began to retrace their steps and head for the newer buildings on the west end of campus to find the science building, Clark asked, “What were you like as a kid, Lana?”

“Me? Oh, nothing special. I was a normal kid, I suppose. The one thing I did differently was to ride horses competitively. I got pretty good and won some ribbons at horse shows from Denver to Oklahoma City to Metropolis.”

“Wow. Your folks must be well-off to afford horses.”

“Not my parents, my Aunt Nell. My parents died when I was three.”

“I’m so sorry, Lana. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

“That’s all right, you didn’t know.”

“It’s just that I know what it’s like to have to start over at that age. That’s how old I was when my parents adopted me. Right after that, we moved from Smallville to Metropolis.”

With the administration building drifting by to their right, Lana looked up at Clark, completely startled by what she had just heard, and asked, “You used to live in Smallville?”

“Yeah, my folks used to have a farm on Hickory Lane a little ways out of town. We moved to Metropolis just after my adoption was completed. Chloe says that was just after the famous Smallville meteor storm.”

Lana started shaking her head in wonder as she said, “Tell me your dad’s name isn’t Jonathan, please.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, Lana, but my dad’s name is Jonathan and my mom’s name is Martha.”

“Oh my God! If you had stayed in Smallville, we would have been neighbors. The house my aunt used to own in Smallville is barely a mile away from what she referred to as the ‘old Kent place.’ Why’d your parents leave Smallville anyway?”

“I don’t really know,” said Clark, “but it wasn’t because of meteor damage. Dad says the farm came through the storm unscathed.”

“What does a Smallville farmer do for a living in Metropolis?” asked Lana.

“He’s a construction worker. He says he makes a better living this way than he ever did on the farm.”

Heading down the south side of the wide, grassy mall that is the focal point of this side of the campus, Clark and Lana passed a 1930s-era basketball gym on their right and the track and field stadium on the left.

Clark gestured at the gym and said, “If you ever have P.E. here at Met U, the locker rooms for the students are in there. They don’t use it for basketball games any more, those are held in the big arena next to the domed football stadium downtown.”

Finally passing the sports facilities, they walked across an old, brick-paved street and came to a stop. “There, to our left, is the science building, Thompson Hall. Obviously your Astronomy class meets in there. Over on the right, we have Luthor Library, where you will spend many happy hours during your stay at Met U.”

Turning to face each other fully for the first time since the tour began, Clark said, “There you have it, the locations of every class. Did you write those names down in case you forget which building is which?”

“Yeah, I’ve got it squared away. Thanks.”

[MOOman0618]

BUFFER!!

[akuma]

BUFFER!

[Cardinal]

Checking his watch, Clark saw it after 7 p.m. He asked, “Hey, it’s getting late. Do you want to go get something to eat?”

“Normally, I’d love to, but I’ve got something cooking in a slow-cooker at home,” she said.

Hands in his pockets, Clark shrugged his shoulders and said, “Okay, I thought I’d ask.”

Smiling back up at him, Lana said, “You can, however, walk me to my car. It is getting late.”

“Which lot are you parked in, Lana?”

“Umm…I wrote it down.” Rummaging in her purse, Lana found a small note pad, read it and said, “Lot 24A. I know it’s across from the north end of the student union, but I’m not sure where, exactly.”

“Come on, we’ll find it.”

As they trudged across various cross-connected pathways to reach the north end of the student union as quickly as possible, Clark pointed out a series of red telephones that were placed along the walkways all over campus. There was one every fifty yards or so.

“I’ve been noticing those, what are they for?”

“They’re all linked into the campus security office. Just picking one up will get an immediate response from a crisis team. You can’t dial those phones, but a security operator will answer immediately to take your information. The crisis team will likely arrive before you finish describing the nature of your problem.”

Stopping to turn and face Lana, Clark looked at her with eyes as serious as death and said, “If you only listen to one thing I say the whole time we are acquainted, let it be this: If you’re being attacked or you see someone else being attacked, heck, if you even think someone is following you, get to one of these phones and pick up the handset. Security won’t punish you for being wrong, but if you’re right, and you don’t use the phones, you will be punished by the wrong people.”

Resuming their walk, Clark said, “Even with these phones and the speedy response of the crisis teams, you’re best defense is to travel in groups as much as possible, especially at night. Please remember that, Lana.”

Face tight with concentration, Lana finally asked, “So, are women assaulted here on a regular basis?”

“Not anymore.”

“But they were, often enough, that they needed to institute these security measures.”

“Yeah, I suppose so,” said Clark. “Though I will say these measures were in force before I came to Met U. I was just warning you as a precaution. Forewarned is forearmed.”

“Thank you, Clark.”

“It’s the least I can do, Lana.”

Finally reaching the north end of the student union, Clark lead her to Lot 24A and her maroon GMC Yukon SUV.

“Well, this is it, Clark,” she said, smiling up at her very own tour guide. “Thank you very much for agreeing to step in for Chloe. Not many people get a personal tour from the starting quarterback.”

“Believe me, Lana, it was my pleasure. If you need anything else while you’re here, just call me.”

“How, I don’t have your number?”

“Got something to write with?”

Lana quickly pulled out a black pen and said, “Ready.”

As Clark gave his number, Lana wrote it the back of her hand.

“Now remember, Lana. That number isn’t just to be put in your phone book and forgotten, it’s to be used. I hope to hear from you now and then…okay?”

“Okay, Clark. Thanks again.”

After they checked the seats to assure both Lana and himself that no one was lurking inside, Lana opened the door, climbed in, locked the door, and drove off with a wave and a smile for Clark.

--------------------

Clark slowly made his way across campus, not really caring where he walked. He just wanted a few more minutes to savor her smell, her sound, the way her hair bounced as she walked, the swing of her hips. Clark decided he could easily become foolishly fond of every part of her.

Lana was similarly impressed, though from hard-won experience in Chicago, she knew not to give too much credence to a dazzling first impression. Upon reaching the safety of her apartment, she had one call to make. Picking up her cell phone, she dialed the number in the campus phone book for The Metropolitan offices. When her call was picked up, Lana asked if Mike Jones was available. Assured he would be able to come to the phone in a minute, Lana told them not to bother and hung up.

Chloe, she thought, you sneaky little so and so.

Another call, this time to Chloe’s cell phone.

Looking at her caller id, Chloe pressed send and said, “Hi, Lana! What’s up?”

“Don’t ‘what’s up’ me, Chloe Sullivan. I understand your Mike Jones made a miraculous return to the newsroom tonight.”

Oh crap, Chloe thought, somehow Lana found out.

“While I appreciate the effort, please don’t get involved trying to set me up. Clark, I am fairly sure, would feel the same way.”

“He doesn’t know?”

“Nope, but I’m sure you don’t want me to tell him, do you?” Smiling at what thoughts must be going through Chloe’s mind, Lana said, “Good night, Chloe.”

“Good night, Lana.”

--------------------

Finally reaching home after his aimless walk across campus, Clark was surprised to find Pete already home from his date with Veronica.

“Clark, Clark, Clark.” Giving Clark a head-to-toe scan, Pete said, “Going by that smugly satisfied expression, someone must have gotten some lovin’ tonight!”

Still off in his dream world, Clark replied, “No. Just a very pleasant evening, Pete. Walking and talking with a lady.”

“Man, you must have it bad for Elaine then.”

“Not Elaine this time, Pete…Lana.”

Eyes bugging out at this, Pete said, “Elaine and Lana? Damn! A week ago we couldn’t get you near a woman and now you’re thinking about two!”

Coming out of his fog, Clark decided to change the subject, “Why are you back this early, Pete? Did you break up with Veronica already?”

“Hold your jets, Clark. We’re not even dating yet. We just had dinner together and neither one of us wanted to get drunk with school starting tomorrow.” Taking a sip from his beer, Pete continued, “If we had gone back to the sorority house, we’d have taken a lot of flack from the sisters while snuggling in her room, so we took a pass on that. I didn’t want to come back here either, ‘cause you would have given me grief.”

“Pete, this is your place, too. I would have gone up to my room and waited…as long as there wasn’t any NC-17 action going on down here. Then, I would douse you two with cold water. Save that stuff for the privacy of your room and we’ll be fine. Deal?”

“It’s a deal, Clark.”

[akuma]

BUFFER!! Maybe??

Awesome, i like that Clark seems to be already more attracted to Lana than Elaine and hopefully they get together soon!!

[Cardinal]

Nope, that's it for tonight! Thanks, though!

[MOOman0618]

awesome stuff!! Clark and Lana getting closer by the minute. I liked their reactions to learning they could have been neighbors. And Clark should have just told Lana that if she was being attacked to just call out his name and he would be there before any security could hope to be! AND...how much mischief will Chloe be getting herself into with the whole setting them up game? I hope a lot! :)

[SVsleuth]

Wow! Awesome and happily LLLOOOOONNNNGGGG update! I loved it! Loved Chloe tricking them into spending time together, & Lana figuring it out. Loved Clark putting Lana right in the running with Elaine - soon, it will be, "Elaine Who?" I'll bet. And Clark giving Lana his phone number. I wonder how long it will take for her to find an excuse to call him?

Thanks for the teriffic update - and before midnight, like you told me. Super! :):):):):)

[NYC300Z]

Yeah that was a really good chapter Card! Can't wait for more!:D:D

[ajfinn]

Great story Card!!! I seriously can't wait for more, so hurry it up!!

PPPPPPPPMS!!!! :D

[clana4ever]

where is lana

[Cardinal]

Umm...she's currently at her apartment just having gotten off the phone with Chloe.

[clana4ever]

plese continue if u can

[SVsleuth]

Time for more here - can't let it be on page 2... PPMS!

[MOOman0618]

Yeah...we could definitely use an update here! :)

[ClanaLover]

Yay! Long update! PPMASAP! Aww, no laundry yet? Oh well. Maybe Lana will have laundry tomorrow. :p

[SVsleuth]

No update yet? Well I was hoping...
PPMS!

[ajfinn]

*play Jeopardy theme song*

PPMS!!

[MOOman0618]

WE WANT AN UPDATE!!!!

[NYC300Z]

jeopardy theme song :lol:

[Cardinal]

Chapter 6 - Dirty Laundry

Now that school was officially starting, Clark’s days were about to start seeming much longer. He had to be up at 5:30 a.m. to be in the weight room by 6 a.m. for an hour and a half workout. After a shower and a leisurely breakfast, it was off to three straight classes starting at 9 a.m. and going until 12 noon. After lunch, came football. First they spent more than an hour in film study preparing for their first opponent, Utah State. Even though the first game wasn’t until the end of next week, the coaches were already putting in the game plan.

Following the film session, the team went to the locker room to dress for practice. Players needing tape jobs headed to the trainers first. Clark just pulled on his white practice uniform and then pulled his orange ‘hands off' jersey over the top. Being a quarterback, Clark was considered to be too valuable to be hit during practice, so the bright orange jersey warned the other players to not hit him.

Practice continued until 4:30 p.m. The team hit the showers and headed to their various dinner destinations. Clark went to the cafeteria in the first floor of the student union. Who should he see waiting by the door but Elaine. A warm smile swept over his face. Clark was delighted she was waiting for him. Seeing Clark, Elaine smiled also and asked him how he was feeling after practice.

“The same as usual, Elaine. Thanks for asking, though. Most people don’t care how I feel, they just want to know how many games I’m going to help Met U win this year.”

Holding her finger tips to his forehead, Elaine said, “At least you’ve cooled off. It’s still awfully hot out there.”

Reaching up to grasp her fingers with his own, he said, “Yeah, the end of August in Kansas still means 95 degrees and high humidity. The coaches make sure, however, that we take in plenty of fluids.”

Holding hands as they walked to the cashier, Elaine paid her six dollars and waited for Clark. He pulled out his student id which was pulled through a card reader to allow him in the cafeteria.

Elaine made her own version of a Cobb salad and picked up a glass of pink grapefruit juice, while Clark loaded down with a heaping pile of stroganoff, two vegetable side dishes and three glasses of chocolate milk.

“Chocolate milk?” she asked, as they sat together near some other football players.

Taking a deep drink which left the telltale mustache, Clark licked his lips and said, “Yeah. Mom never bought it at home, and I can use all the calories I can get during football season.”

“I can’t tell you how jealous that makes me, Clark,” Elaine said. “All I have to do right now is look at something fattening and - presto! - I’ve gained five pounds.”

Making it obvious he was checking her out, Clark said, “I seriously doubt that. To look as good as you do, Elaine, you have to work out nearly as hard as we do on the football team.”

“Why thank you for noticing, Clark. I do workout some and it’s nice to know that it’s paying off.”

“A man would have to be blind to not notice your beauty.”

“Clark Kent,” Elaine said, blushing, “you say the sweetest things. You’ll turn my head if I’m not careful.”

Looking at her eyes, and waiting for her gaze to return to his eyes, Clark said, “I’m not being sweet, Elaine, I’m just being truthful. You’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met.”

They ate the rest of dinner in a companionable silence. One of the things Clark had come to appreciate most about Elaine was that she knew the value of silence. If she had something to say, she said it clearly and concisely, but she was not afraid of silences if neither one of them had anything to say.

After Clark finished dinner by polishing off two slices of strawberry cheesecake, they left the cafeteria, once again holding hands.

“Did you drive?” Clark asked.

“No, I know you walk to class and I wanted to walk home with you.” Declining Clark’s attempt to carry her backpack along with his own, Elaine said, “You have to be tired and a little bit sore after a long day like this, so I’ll carry my own books.” Looking up at him shyly, she said, “I thank you for asking, though. It was a sweet thing to do.”

Returning her look with an easy smile of his own, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “Okay, carry your own books. I will have to be content with walking you home.”

By the time they reached the imposing tri-Alpha house one street west of campus, Clark and Elaine had decided to watch a movie together at Clark’s place. Not a date as such, their first date was set for Friday night. It was, however, the first time they would be doing something together outside of her comfort zone in the sorority house.

Dropping Elaine off at the door to the sorority house, Clark pulled out his cell phone and called Pete to be sure the living room would be available for him and Elaine. Finally reaching home after a long first day of school, Clark wondered how many people realize the amount of work college athletes put in every week. Especially those that are also real students.

Clark only had some reading for homework today which would take him a matter of seconds and Elaine had finished the light amount of homework she had been given while waiting for football practice to get over, so she would come over as soon as she showered and changed clothes. Following her lead, Clark headed for his room to put on something else and to dab on some cologne.

As he was just finishing pulling on a faded pair of Levi’s 501s and a short-sleeved, dark blue, button-up shirt, the doorbell rang. This has to be some kind of world record, he thought. I’ve never known a girl that could get ready that fast, even for a non-date date. Sliding his feet into a comfortable pair of leather slippers that looked like regular shoes, Clark hurried down stairs. The one thing he didn’t want to do was keep Elaine waiting, especially when she had gone to the extra effort of getting ready so quickly.

Reaching the door, Clark ran his fingers through his hair one more time in a last ditch attempt at straightening it and opened the door, saying, “Hi, Elaine, come on…in.” His voice trailed off as he realized the person at his door was not Elaine, but was, instead, Lana.

Wearing a pale green blouse, blue jeans, and having her hair carelessly piled up in a messy knot on the back of her head, Lana wasn’t dressed for show, but Clark did not care. She shouldn’t be allowed to look that good, Clark thought. It’s way too distracting.

“Hi to you too, Clark, though my name is Lana, not Elaine.” Smiling at his obvious distress, she said, “I thought you knew that by now.” Waiting a beat, Lana asked, “Are you going to let me in, or not?”

“Oh yeah, right.” It was only then Clark realized she was carrying a basket which was full of clothes. He stood to one side and held the door open as Lana made her way inside.

“From the expression on your face,” Lana said, “I take it Pete forgot to tell you I was coming over tonight.”

Closing the door behind her, Clark said, “Yeah, Pete left out that little detail. I called him to ask if the living room would be free tonight and he said yes. I guess I should have been a little more thorough in my questioning.”

“The living room?” she asked, as she set her basket down on an end table. “Do you have someone coming over?” Answering her own question, she said, “Of course you do. You were expecting someone named Elaine and you smell great.” Picking her basket back up, Lana said, “I’ll comeback some other time. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your date.”

“It’s not a date,” Clark said, taking the basket out of her hands and placing it back on the end table. “Though we are going on a date this Friday.”

“Still, without Pete here,” she said, once again attempting to reclaim her laundry basket, “I wouldn’t feel right staying and maybe making your girlfriend uncomfortable.”

Fending off Lana‘s attempts at picking up her basket, Clark said, “What is it with everyone? She’s not my girlfriend. We haven’t even gone on our first date yet. Besides, Pete is here. He’s upstairs in his room studying.”

“Really? He told me he was going to the library to study.”

[MOOman0618]

BUFFER!

[rosewolfe87]

lol, uh-oh, I smell trouble a-brewin'! PPMS!

[Cardinal]

“I think he was until he learned Elaine was coming over. He says he wants to meet her. At the party we went to Friday night, he tried to introduce himself, but every time, one of the tri-Alphas was there to turn him away.”

“Why would they do that?”

“Apparently, they wanted to give Elaine and I some privacy.” Grimacing slightly, Clark said, “According to the girl Pete spent most of the evening with, Elaine’s very popular in her sorority and they wanted to ‘help us along.’”

“You have that problem, too, do you? I had a friend of mine recently try to set me up with a guy.”

Curious, Clark asked, “Really? What happened?”

“Well, he was very handsome and we got along quite well…I was just annoyed with my friend for doing that without asking me.” Shrugging her shoulders in an expression of helplessness, Lana said, “Now I don’t know if I should pursue a relationship with this guy or not. I’d feel like I was being pushed into it and I’ve had enough of that in my life already.”

“Do you like this guy? I mean, could you see yourself with him?”

If he only knew who we are talking about, Lana thought, he’d flip! Looking at her feet as she thought, Lana finally returned her gaze to Clark’s eyes, and said, “You know what, I do like him. So far at least.”

“Then go for it,” Clark said. “I didn’t go after Elaine because of the efforts of the tri-Alphas. Even the fact that Pete and Chloe have been after me to start dating again didn’t affect me. Instead, I asked her out only because she’s a woman I want to spend time with.”

Pausing to make sure he had her full attention, Clark said, “So if you like this guy, don’t let your friend’s interference turn you away from him, you never know what you might miss out on.”

Okay, she thought, you’re asking for it, Bub!

“Tell Pete I’m here, then,” she said with a wicked grin, “I’ll be downstairs doing my laundry.”

Clark had to try three times to clear his throat so he could talk after watching Lana pick up her clothes basket and saunter down the hallway to the basement stairs. “Pete…PETE!!!”

“What, Clark?“ Pete’s voice rang hollowly down the stairs.

In a somewhat strangled voice Clark said, “You’ve got a visitor.” One that should not be allowed to walk like that, he thought.

“Who?” Pete asked, as his feet slowly thumped down the stairs.

“Lana, she’s in the basement doing her laundry.”

“I’m sorry, Clark, I forgot she was coming over.” Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Pete looked at Clark and asked, “Is something wrong, Clark? Your face is all red.”

“Something was choking me up, but it’s gone now.”

At this moment, Lana came back up the stairs empty-handed and saw Pete. “Hi, Pete, thanks for letting me use the laundry room.”

“I’m happy to help, Lana.”

She walked up to Pete and gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. “I’ll be back in a second, I’ve just got to go out to my car and get my detergent and fabric softener.”

Both guys moved out of her way as she opened the door and headed out. Reflexively, the guys watched her head out the door. Pete spoke first, “Mmm, mmm, mmm. Lana’s always had the ability to do that.”

“Do what?” Clark asked.

“Draw the eye of every guy in a room, whether he’s taken or not.” A slight chuckle came from Pete before he continued by saying, “I’m not even sure if she does it on purpose, but she’s always had that ability.”

“Did you ever try to go out with her in Smallville, Pete?”

“No, I always thought she was a little too far out of my league. Besides, I’m not sure she’s my type anyway. She’s too quiet, too reserved. I like women that can have fun with me, women that can take it when I give them a hard time and can dish it right back.”

The door opened at that moment and Lana walked back inside with a bottle of Tide in one hand and a box of Bounce in the other. Lana headed down the hallway and, again, the guys watched her until she disappeared from sight.

The guys spent a minute standing there, shooting the breeze, when KNOCK, KNOCK, came the sound from the open doorway. Both heads whipped around, and Clark’s face erupted in a smile. “Elaine, you made it,” Clark said.

Clark stood between them and said, “Elaine, I’d like you to meet my roommate, Pete Ross. Pete, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Elaine Thompson.”

“I’m pleased to meet you at last, Pete,” Elaine said, “Clark has said so much about you.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Pete replied. “I’d also like to take this chance to thank you for having the tri-Alpha ban lifted, you didn’t have to do it.”

Looking at Clark with a slight smirk on her face, she said, “Oh, yes I did.”

Turning to Pete, Elaine smiled sweetly and said, “Pete, two of my sisters walked me over here and would be quite unhappy if they had to return to the house alone. Do you think there’s something you could do about that? One of them is Veronica.”

Taking this as his cue to leave, Pete said, “Don’t wait up, Clark.”

As soon as Clark shut and locked the door, Elaine asked for a tour of the townhouse. Just like Pete did with Chloe and Lana, Clark started on the second floor. He pointed out Pete’s room, the upstairs bathroom and his own bedroom. Elaine’s eyes teared up at the sight of Lori’s photo on Clark’s bedside table.

Heading back to the first floor, Clark walked Elaine through the living room, dining room and the kitchen and then headed for the hallway that led to the basement. Clark pointed out the small bathroom, with just a toilet and a sink, before he headed for the basement.

“What’s down here that you want to show me, Clark?” Elaine asked.

“Nothing much, just ample storage room and our very own laundry room.”

“Really? Then maybe I’ll have to get you to invite me to do my laundry here. There are some days when it’s nearly impossible to get a machine in the sorority house.”

Walking down the last couple of stairs, Clark said, “In that case, you can come over whenever you like, Elaine.”

Hearing the sound of a washing machine in use as they approached the door to the small room, Elaine asked, “Are you washing a load right now? I hope Pete didn’t get dragged away if those are his clothes.”

Clark suffered a slight jolt of panic as he suddenly remembered Lana was down here. As Clark opened the door, Elaine looked in and gasped in surprise. “Who is that, Clark?”

Clark walked through the doorway and made the introduction. “Elaine, meet a new friend of mine, Lana Lang. Lana, this is the woman I told you about, Elaine Thompson.”

Lana was embarrassed at being found here by Elaine, but she wanted the chance to size up her rival.

Each held out her hand for a quick, impersonal shake, for if there’s one thing Elaine knew from the unguarded look Lana gave Clark as he entered the room, it was that she definitely had competition.

[SVsleuth]

Yow! An update! Off to read it...


Done reading. That was super, Cardinal! your writing gets better all the time. This is getting very interesting! C'mon Lana, you can steal him from Elaine for sure. Oh, I can't wait to see this...
PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Yow! An update! Off to read it...


That was super, Cardinal! your writing gets better all the time.

Well, I hope so. Someone famous once said, we get better or we get worse, we never stay the same.

[NYC300Z]

oh wow a cat fight Card? hmmm ionos....let's just say i'm rooting for Lana!:D

[MOOman0618]

That was some good stuff!!

LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!

heehee...I can't wait to see how the two girls treat one another. Will it be subtle or will it be full blown cat fight? hmmm...either would be very interesting! I am going to have to vote for Lana though...This is a Clana thread after all. :)

I don't think Clark has any idea of what he has just gotten himself into. But there are much worse places to be than between two beautiful women. *that sounded dirtier than I intended*
:p

[Cardinal]

A Clark sandwich, huh?

Anyone here volunteering to be a slice of bread?

[rosewolfe87]

I'll be a slice of bread!!!

but, I would rather be the meat in between Clark and Lex, Lana is so lucky...*sigh*

[ajfinn]

Hmmmmm........ now this is gonna make for some interesting stuff. Lana jealous, two girls fighting over Clark, but Clark seems only a bit interested in Lana. She better find a way to turn his head quick. :) Fun Fun!!

ppms!

[Cardinal]

For those of you who think Lana is a slam-dunk choice for Clark, think again.

Here's a pretty good analysis by another reader of mine, named Max, who posts on another site.

Quote:

I wouldn't be so cocky. Clark and Lana just met. Clark and Elaine were pretty good friends long before they started to date. Elaine has done alot for Clark helping him get over Lori. She's also be very patient with him in waiting until he was ready to start dating again - she was extremely supportive for him and didn't try to push him into anything with her. Elaine's got alot of things going in her favor that give her a big advantage over Lana. Clark's not one to cheat or intentionally lead someone on and he's already made date plans with Elaine. The stronger Lana comes onto him, the more she'll push Clark Elaine - she'll have to sneaky about it.

Damn, none of this even factoring in the fact he's an alien - I hope Lana doesn't try wearing her good luck necklace anywhere around Clark

Nothing it ever simple or easy for Clark, pffft yeah poor Clark too many hot chicks want to jump him.

End Quote.

[akuma]

CATFIGHT!!! Sweet catfights r awesome!! GO LANA!!! Awesome update!!

[SVsleuth]

Ooo... Liked that analysis by Max. So true. This won't be easy for Lana, will it. I guess that just makes for a looooonnnnggg fic???

[NYC300Z]

Card is tring to worry us with that quote!

[linn]

ooooooooooooooo..............that was a awesome update....Elaine vs. Lana..PPMS!

[Cardinal]

At least no one said, "Elaine vs. Lana - P.M.S.", 'cause that would make an even rougher fight!

[SmallvilleMan]

I don't know, Lana has that thing about her that catches Clark's eye and always has. Elaine may have had the inside track, but Lana always gets in, when it comes to clark(no pun intended).

[Cardinal]

Lana's already caught his eye, now she needs to catch his heart.

That'll be a more difficult proposition.

[rosewolfe87]

oooh, now this is going to be interesting! Of course, not to give out any spoilers or anything, but, this is a Clana thread, so obviously Lana's gotta win right?

Because you know......if Lana DOESN'T win...Cardinal is going to have an angry mob on his hands. *Gets pitchfork* Now you don't want that.....do you? *grins evily*

[NYC300Z]

pitchforks huh?

[SVsleuth]

And when will we get another update here?

[Cardinal]

Hmm...I've put 4Ever in charge of the production schedule on this thread, so you never know! ;)

[akuma]

U know Cardinal, us Clananators stick together *goes and grabs another pitchfork joining rosewolfe* so u best update soon!!

[Cardinal]

Ah, the warm and fuzzy feelings I get from reading my reader feedback.

I feel like Dr. Frankenstein in his castle wondering what that glow is that keeps working its way up my road.

[akuma]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Ah, the warm and fuzzy feelings I get from reading my reader feedback.

I feel like Dr. Frankenstein in his castle wondering what that glow is that keeps working its way up my road.

HAHA that was good!! We're just so into this story we get a little..excited about getting our updates

[binkys711]

dude! just read this story and it's totally awesome!!!! I must know what happens next! It's gonna be aaaa....GIRL FIGHT! jeje...I like this story! It's a lot different than the Smallville we all know! PPMS!!! your doing a great job on it!

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Hmm...I've put 4Ever in charge of the production schedule on this thread, so you never know! ;)


HAHAHA!!!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:


That is awsome! You are so mean to her! heehee. But funny non the less. :) Now, you better have an update planned her pretty soon or I may just be picking up a torch and pitchfork myself. :D

[Cardinal]

Chapter 7 - Moving On

Apart from the long hours he put into football, Clark’s first week went by in a blur, a whirlwind of new classes, old friends, and social obligations. As Chloe said, Clark knew a lot of people at Met U, and it seemed like half of them had thrown ‘welcome back’ parties that week. Clark made appearances at as many as he could, staying for longer periods only at those thrown by his closer friends.

Friday night rolled around and Clark was preparing for his date with Elaine. Pete felt strangely like he was watching a little brother get ready for his first date. Clark fussed over his clothes like a girl, trying on several different combinations of shirts and pants until Pete snatched a black-on-black ensemble of pleated slacks and a short-sleeved, button-up shirt, shoved it in Clark’s hands, and said, “Here, you’re wearing this.”

The process was repeated when Clark tried to decide on which cologne to wear. Clark was sniffing samples of each of his different colognes on pieces of paper, when Pete finally tired watching it and grabbed them out of Clark’s hands. Taking one quick sniff of each, Pete chose one, read the name off the paper, and said, “It looks like you’re wearing Versace Blue Jeans tonight my friend.”

As he started to leave Clark’s room, Pete stopped and asked, “Are there any other decisions I need to make for you tonight, Clark? You know, like what restaurant to choose, or what you’re going to do afterward?”

Smiling slightly, Clark said, “Sorry, Pete, I’m just really nervous tonight.” Dabbing some cologne on his neck and wrists, he added, “I thought I was more comfortable with Elaine than this. I thought I was ready.”

“Nerves are understandable, Clark. This is the first date you’ve gone on since…” Still hesitating to be the first to mention her name, Pete just pointed at Clark’s bedside photo of his lost love.

“Yeah.” Clark took a deep breath, looked over Pete’s shoulder with an unfocused stare, and let his breath out slowly. As his eyes refocused on Pete, Clark said softly, “It’s my first date since Lori rejected my marriage proposal, almost 10 months ago.”

Astounded by this revelation, Pete said, “You proposed? I thought she just dumped you, withdrew from school, and left town.” Trying to gather his thoughts, Pete asked, “Why haven’t you told me about this before now?”

“Simple, Pete,” Clark said, a sad smile evident on his face, “It hurt too much. If I could pretend she had just dumped me, I thought it would somehow seem less painful, and less personal, than being told she loved me but could never marry me.”

“Why couldn’t she marry you?”

“Now’s not the time to get into that, Pete.” You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, anyway, Clark thought. Leaving his room, Clark pulled the door closed behind him, and said, “At some point, I just have to move on with my life. Lori’s not ever coming back.”

--------------------

Checking the caller ID on her home phone, Lana smiled as she picked up the cordless handset and said, “Hi, Chloe.”

“Hi yourself, Lana.”

“I haven’t heard from you in days!”

“Yeah, well, after getting chewed out for trying to set you up with Clark, I thought you might not want to hear from me for a while.”

“That’s over and done with, Chloe.” Pulling some loose strands of hair behind her ear, Lana said, “It’s just, that tends to be a sensitive subject for me. Several different girlfriends in Chicago tried to set me up with ‘the perfect guy,’ and the results ranged from poor to truly awful.”

“I’m sorry, Lana, I really am,” Chloe said, apologetically.

“Don’t worry about it, you didn’t know.”

“I take it you and Clark didn’t get along?”

“No…we got along just fine. Better than fine, actually.”

“So…”

“…am I interested?” Lana asked. “Definitely. I just…don’t know what to do.”

“About Clark?”

“Yeah.”

“I thought ‘doing something’ would be too forward for you, Lana.”

“That was before I found out I was in a race, and the other contestant had a head start. If I want to win, I’ve got to do what it takes to catch up.” Pausing to pour herself a glass of milk, Lana took a swallow and said, “I met my competition on Monday.”

“Really? Where?”

“Over at Clark’s place. I had called to see if their laundry room was available. Pete told me to come on over. When I got there, though, Clark was home and was expecting a girl named Elaine to visit. I tried to leave, but Clark wouldn’t hear of it. I stayed since Pete being there provided Clark with an excuse to use when Elaine showed up.”

“How’d you meet her?”

“Clark was giving her a tour of the townhouse. Apparently he had forgotten I was there, since she was surprised to see me when their tour reached the laundry room.”

“Hold on a sec, Lana.” Chloe turned off her TV and curled her legs beneath her and then said, “Okay, go ahead.”

“Clark introduced us, we shook hands very quickly, and then just stared at each other like two strange cats.” Taking another drink, Lana said, “From the look on her face, she knew I was interested in Clark, and she wasn’t happy about it.”

“What about Clark?”

“What about him?”

“Did he notice?”

“Mr. Oblivious? Not that I could tell. He was smiling like a door-greeter at Wal-Mart.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Unfortunately, she’s gorgeous.”

“What else happened?” Chloe asked.

“On my way out, I saw them watching a movie. Elaine was snuggled up next to Clark with her head resting on his shoulder.”

Lana’s next comment was mumbled, but Chloe thought she had said something like, “I hope she got a crick in her neck.”

Lana took another drink and said, “Just then, Clark turned, smiled at me, and said ‘See you later, Lana.’ Having a smile like his ought to be illegal, Chloe. A girl doesn’t stand a chance against that smile. Anyway, as I was about to return his smile, Elaine turned her head and shot me the most venomous look.”

“If looks could kill, huh?”

“Yeah. If looks could kill, my funeral would have been today.”

Her thoughts turning to practical matters, Chloe asked, “How do you plan to go about making Clark yours? Do you think he might return your interest somewhat, or are you having to start on the ground floor?”

“I don’t know. As far as I can tell, I’m not just starting on the ground floor, but I’m having to put in the foundation, too.” Shrugging her shoulders helplessly, Lana said, “When it comes to what to do, I’m completely lost. I’ve never had to chase a guy before. It has tended to be the other way around.”

“Let me think about it. I want Clark to be happy, but I also want you to be happy, and if you two can be happy together, then so much the better.” Chloe shifted position on her couch so that her head was on an armrest and she was stretched out full-length, staring at her ceiling. “Beyond having fallen for the charming Mr. Clark Kent, how has your first week gone, Lana?”

“Not bad, except for Trigonometry. I know it’s been a while since my last math class, but I don’t remember it being this hard.”

“What else are you taking?”

“Communications, Drafting, American History, and Astronomy.”

“Astronomy?”

“Yeah, stars, planets, the whole nine yards.”

Astronomy, Chloe thought, what can I do with that? Clark’s only the biggest astronomy nut I know, what with that telescope he has in the attic at his folks’ place. If she can get him talking about that…it’s one of the few topics of conversation that can be reliably counted upon to keep Clark talking for hours.

But how to bring up the subject? She can’t just go over to his place and say, ‘Hey, Stud, tell me about space,’ there’s got to be a way to subtly introduce the topic.

With a sudden grin so wide that Lana should have been able to see it from her apartment, Chloe sat up and began waving her free arm as she talked, “LANA! I’ve got it! All we need to do is ask Clark to give you some tutoring help with Trigonometry. Knowing you, there won’t be a need for much help, but you’re going to act just a little bit dense and get a lot of help from Clark.”

“Why would he tutor me? He’s got to be one of the busiest guys on campus right now.”

Waving her hand as if Lana’s point was of no consequence, Chloe said, “Clark has an almost pathological desire to help a friend in need. By now, you should definitely qualify as a friend, of sorts anyway.”

“Okay, I’ll bite. How does me looking like a math moron help me win him over?”

“Simple. There are few subjects in the world that get Clark worked up like Astronomy. Take your Astronomy textbook to a tutoring session and put it out where he can see it, like just sticking out of your backpack. Then, when he asks how the class is going, you can talk about whatever heavenly objects you saw on your weekly midnight lab session at the Meyer Observatory.

Picking up speed as she went along, Chloe said, “Make sure every math session includes some Astronomy. Pretty soon, in his mind, he will unconsciously associate you with one of his favorite subjects. After you get him to talk to you freely about that, it‘ll be easier for him to talk to you about other things. You know, like wishes, dreams, feelings.”

[MOOman0618]

BUFFER!!

[SVsleuth]

ohhhh! It's here! :)

[Cardinal]

“He’s been rather talkative so far, Chloe.”

“Really, about what?”

“During the campus tour, I found out Clark is from Smallville. He said his folks moved just after the meteor shower and that he used to live a mile from where I lived with Aunt Nell.”

Not bad, Lana. Not bad at all, Chloe thought, if Clark’s giving up personal information already, you may have a better shot than I thought.

“Just try my idea, Lana. Getting him used to talking to you, really talking to you, is likely to be the hardest part for you in a potential relationship with him. For someone like you that is in a tearing hurry, I think this may be your best shot.”

“Will you call him and ask? If I call, he might start to suspect me.”

“Yeah," Chloe said, "I think I can ask Clark for a favor.” When has that big lummox ever been able to resist helping a damsel in distress?

--------------------

Unlocking his front door at the conclusion of his first date in a long time, Clark strolled in, locked the door, and headed for his bedroom to change into shorts and a t-shirt.

Pete intercepted him at the top of the stairs, wanting to hear all about the date. Clark wanted to hold off a little while, hoping to extend the blissful feelings he was having right now.

Pete wasn’t having any of that, however, saying, “Come on, Clark. You know Elaine’s over there right this second reliving each and every minute of your date with her entire sorority. They’re all dying to hear about it and so am I. So give already!”

“Okay, let me change and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

“That’s my boy!”

After Clark changed, Pete and Clark sat on opposite sides of their small dining room table, sharing a carton or orange juice as Clark prepared to talk.

“After having my truck washed, I picked up a small bouquet of flowers and headed over to her sorority house. Heading up that walkway, I don’t know if it was me or what, but it felt like there was this air of…expectation. When I knocked on the door, it was opened almost instantly by a girl I didn’t recognize, probably a freshman. She formally escorted me a whole five steps. At that point, I noticed that, not only was there a significant number of tri-Alphas waiting ahead in the Great Room, but they were lining the stairs and the second floor landing. They must have had every available sister there to entertain me while Elaine finished prepping.”

“Veronica said there would likely be a crowd waiting to see you two off on a date.”

“She wasn’t lying, Pete. I took a good-natured ribbing for several minutes as the girls took turns asking me questions about my intentions toward their sister. Finally, the girls at the top of the stairs began to move aside, like the parting of the Red Sea. Elaine slowly made her way downstairs, never once taking her eyes off of mine the whole way. I was entranced.”

“Impressive, huh?”

“Oh yeah. I couldn’t have told you what she was wearing to save my soul, ‘cause I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her face. I’ve never seen her look more beautiful and made sure to tell her that as soon as I gave her the bouquet. She blushed, the girls roared their approval and we were on our way.”

“Where did you go?” Pete asked.

“Some restaurant…I forget which.”

“What did you eat?”

“Food. At least that’s what the waiter said it was,” Clark said. “I’m sure I would have remembered what it tasted like if I had been paying attention to anything other than her. When we were at the movie, all I could think of was the way her heartbeat felt through her wrist as we held hands.”

“Oh man, do you have it bad or what? Go take a cold shower or something.”

Clark went upstairs to sift through his memories of the evening in peace and quiet. Shutting his door behind him, Clark sat on the edge of his bed and contemplated the framed picture of the only woman he’d ever loved. A woman who was now, finally, his past.

He picked up the picture, looked into her eyes, and said, “I don’t know if you can hear me right now, Lori, if you can still read my thoughts. I’ve waited for you, hoping beyond reason that you might come back, that you might think us worth the difficulties. I’ve finally accepted your decision. It’s time I moved on.”

At this, Clark picked a CD out of his storage rack, placed it into a slot on his CD changer and pressed play. He skipped forward to the track he wanted and then he sat back down, holding the picture, willing the message of the song to reach his beloved over the vast distance that separated them.

I’m Movin’ On - Rascal Flatts

I've dealt with my ghosts and I've faced all my demons
finally content with a past I regret.

I've found you've found strength in your moments of weakness, for once I'm at peace with myself.
I've been burdened with blame
trapped in the past for too long
I'm movin' on.

I've lived in this place and I know all the faces
each one is different but they're always the same.
they mean me no harm but its time that I face it;
they'll never allow me to change.

But I never dreamed home would end up where I don't belong
I'm movin' on.

I'm movin' on,
at last I can see (at last I can see)
life has been patiently waiting for me
and I know there's no guarantees.
but I'm not alone.

There comes a time,
in everyone's life
when all you can see
are the years passing by
and I have made up my mind
that those days are gone.

I've sold what I could and packed what I couldn't,
Stopped to fill up on my way out of town
I've loved like I should but lived like I shouldn't;
I had to lose everything to find out;
Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road;

I'm movin on.
I'm movin on
I'm movin on.

When the song stopped, Clark took the picture frame, placed it face down on his table, turned off his stereo, left his room, and his old love, in search of something new.

[rosewolfe87]

BUFFER!

(don't know if you need it.)

[MOOman0618]

GREAT UPDATE!! I am so loving this story. I am really looking forward to the plot Lana has cooking. And I will be sad to see Elaine get beat, but not that sad. ;) It was really good to get some insight into Lori and Clark's past. The marriage proposal was a surprise. Post more soon!

[ajfinn]

Bringing in some good ol' mythology! Great update :D I can't wait to see how you turn Clark's heart in the right direction!

[SVsleuth]

Oh, that was so good, Card! This story is super! Can't wait to see if Lana tries Chloe's plan or devises another...
:lol: at this:

Lana’s next comment was mumbled, but Chloe thought she had said something like, “I hope she got a crick in her neck.”

...And several other things as well. PPMS!

[binkys711]

That was great Card! I loved it! boy Clark is really entranced with Elaine, tough comepetion for Lana but our girl can handle it! I missed being present on updates:p:D I also cracked up at the part quoted by SVsleuth and other stuff also. It was all awesome! PPMS!!!

[akuma]

Come on Lana, Clarks a sucker for an astronomy buff, hop to it!!
Love the update Card, hope the next one is coming real soon!!

[i love u tom]

awesome story. keep it goin!

[NYC300Z]

awesome update Card! Lana sure does have a lot of work to do, but I like Chloe's assumption Chloe's guess are always bang on!

PPMS!

[pacifichic]

"But how to bring up the subject? She can’t just go over to his place and say, ‘Hey, Stud, tell me about space,’ there’s got to be a way to subtly introduce the topic."

That was so funny!

Please post again soon!

[MOOman0618]

Ok, so AJ is sick of me picking on her, so she told me to pick on you. I don't think that is very nice, but I will do it anyways.


ummmm....I got nothin


POST MORE SOON!!!

[ClanaLover]

Wow. 3 or 4 updates I've missed. I have to come here more. Though, I couldn't earlier today because my dad grounded me off the comp for the rest of the day for staying on the comp for 5 mins after he told me to go do my school. After I did all I could do of it, and after dinner, I asked and he let me back on. (Yay!!!) So I Checked my e-mail and read this when I was done. :p Anywho, great updates Card! And all for me? Aww, that's so sweet of you. =) *in a sarcastic voice* How did you ever know I wanted Lana to have laundrey? PPMASAP! Oh no! Lana hurry! MAKE A MOVE!!!!!!!! Come on Lana! This is a Clana fic and it's turning more into a Claraine fic!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by ClanaLover
This is a Clana fic and it's turning more into a Claraine fic!

Never in life!

[ClanaLover]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: OMG! That's so funny Card! I can't stop laughing! I think I'm going to pass out! I'm getting all hot and sweaty...*can't breath*

-------

Ok. I can breath now. And I cooled off. Card, you have to stop being so funny. :mad:

J/K! Be AFAP! (As Funny As Possible) :p

-------

Great. Now I have a head ache. Thanks a lot Card. -.-

P.S. You can still be funny, but you're gonna have to start buying me Ibuprofen. :D

[linn]

oo loved it...ppms!

[ClanaLover]

PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP!

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!!;)

[sandy]

wow, awesome update! PPMASAP! thats some funny stuff!

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by ClanaLover
PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP! PPMASAP!


exactly!!!

[Cardinal]

Definitely no update tonight. I work until 9 p.m. Central and have to be back at work by 7 a.m. Central.

I'll will write after work tomorrow, but have no idea which thread will get the update.

[NYC300Z]

ok i hear u hope u get plenty done tomorrow!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

I just read the first part. WOW! Gotta love your fics Card. You write clana the way it should be written! PPMS, cos I'm planning on catching up tonight!

Man, I actually caught up. That sucks, cos now I've to wait. I love this story! This is gonna be the mother of all catfights. I can't wait :) PPMS!!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 8 - After Further Review

Saturday was a free day for the football team since they didn’t play a game this week. Clark started his game-day routine anyway, getting up at 8 a.m. to clean up and head over to the school cafeteria for breakfast. On game days, for home games anyway, the whole team would meet outside their practice facility locker rooms. Then they’d line up, team captains in front, and march over to the cafeteria together in a show of team unity.

Being a team captain this year, Clark was looking forward to traditions like this. His role as a captain gave him more to do that just being the quarterback. He was a team leader and was expected to set the example for “how things are done” on the Met U football team. When things weren’t going right, it would be his job to help correct them.

As he headed out the front door on his way to breakfast, Clark was surprised to see Chloe just climbing out of her bright red Volkswagen Beetle. She walked around the car, reached into the passenger side, and pulled out two insulated cups of coffee and a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

“Hey, Chloe, what brings you over here this early? Was my story on the wrestling team’s dual match with Oklahoma State that bad? I’d expect a chewing from Jonesy if it sucked, but getting one from the Editor-in-Chief is a surprise.”

Handing the doughnuts and one coffee to Clark, Chloe smiled and said, “You know very well why I’m here, Clark. It has nothing to do with your excellent reporting skills.”

“So, why are you here, Chloe?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Mr. Kent. My best friend has his first date in something like ten months, and his first with a non-amphibian in who knows how long, and I’m not supposed to be curious? I’m here for the, pardon the expression, ‘blow-by-blow’ replay of the big event.” Picking a doughnut out of the box and stuffing it into Clark’s gaping mouth, Chloe said, “And you are here to give me that replay.”

Clark walked over to his pickup and set the doughnut box down in the bed. He then reached up, grabbed the doughnut out of his mouth, and took a bite followed by a swallow of coffee from the cup in his other hand. Finishing off that first doughnut, Clark lowered the tailgate and sat down on it, inviting Chloe to do likewise with a wave of his hand.

Chloe sat, never taking her eyes off of Clark’s face. She knew Clark might take a while to gather his thoughts, but he would always tell her the truth and would let her know if there was something he wasn’t quite ready to share with her.

Finally finding his voice, Clark said, “Last night, while in the midst of the fog of excitement that surrounded my first date, I thought I had found the woman of my dreams.” Shrugging his shoulders, he said, “Now, with that fog gone like mist in the morning light, I’m not so sure.

“The date itself was nice. We ate at Lucchesi’s. The food was great and so was the conversation. After that, we went to the movies to see the new Nicholas Cage film. I really liked it and I think Elaine did too. We held hands all throughout the film and shared a bag of popcorn. At the end of the movie, I drove her home.”

“Did you kiss her?”

“No.” Clark turned away from Chloe, agitation plain to see on his face. “I wanted to, but, it…didn’t…quite…feel right.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. Ever since Lori left, Elaine’s been great. With you gone to Gotham City this summer, she’s been my biggest supporter. I thought maybe…well, I don’t know what I thought.”

“Do you still want to date her?” Chloe asked.

“I’m not sure, but we’ve got another date set for Wednesday.”

“Why Wednesday?”

“Our first game is next Saturday. It’s going to be on ESPN2, so we have to be available for brief interviews with their people on Friday night. Thursday’s off limits ‘cause I have two tests on Friday, plus I have to go watch the girls’ softball team so I can write an article for some rinky-dink paper called ‘The Metropolitan.’” Answering Chloe’s sudden smile with one of his own, Clark said, “So, Wednesday it is.”

“One piece of advice, Clark.”

“Yeah?”

“If you decide this Elaine girl isn’t what you want, let her know right away. Failing to tell her would be cruel.”

“Telling the wrong girls ‘no’ has never been a problem, Chloe. Saying ‘yes’ to the right ones, that’s where I have difficulties.”

“If this next date goes well, Clark, I’ll expect to be introduced to this woman.” Hopping up from her seat on the pickup’s tailgate, Chloe brushed doughnut crumbs off of her blouse and asked, “Can I ask you for a favor, Clark?”

“Of course,” Clark replied, “what do you need?”

“It’s not for me, it’s for Lana.”

“What, did she forget where her classes are located?”

“No, she’s taking Trigonometry and she’s having a little trouble getting back into the swing of taking a math class.”

“You want me to tutor her?”

“Yeah, she’s smart and shouldn’t need much help, but her confidence is low after more than two years away from math.”

Looking at the ground for a second, Clark kept his head down but raised his eyes back to Chloe’s face. Looking at Chloe from under his lowered brows, he said, “If she needed help, why didn’t she just call me and ask for it herself? I gave her my number.”

“Well…” Chloe said. With no plausible lie coming to mind, she went with the truth. “She’s really shy around people she doesn’t know all that well. She knows you better than almost anyone she’s met here in Metropolis, and she’s still too nervous to call you.”

“Okay, when?”

“How about Sunday night?”

“Sunday’s fine. Have her call me to set a time.” Before Chloe could protest, Clark said, “That’s my price. Lana has to call me.”

“Okay.” As she began to climb into her VW, she noticed Clark was getting into his truck instead of going inside the townhouse. She then remembered he was already on his way out the door before she showed up. Wondering where he could be going this early, Chloe asked, “Where are you headed, Clark?”

Clark turned before he climbed into the cab of his pickup and said, “The cafeteria. Once I’m done with breakfast, I’m heading over to the library to study.”

“Study what? It’s only the first week of school.”

“It’s not for class. There’s a comet that’s nearing the Earth. The Astronomy Department is having a lecture followed by a viewing at the Meyer Observatory that is open to everyone. I just want to see if the library has anything on this comet so I’ll be ready when I go out to the observatory.”

Chloe’s smile was near to laughter by the time Clark had finished his explanation. He noticed and asked, “What’s so funny? You know I love astronomy and you know why, too.”

“Normally,” Chloe said, “the only star-gazing I would expect a football player to do is driving his girlfriend up to Inspiration Point for some ‘star-gazing’ which would immediately turn into a make-out session. You’re so different from the stereotypical jock that the differences are sometimes funny.”

A thought came to her as she watched Clark’s face relax, I’ve got to let Lana know about this. This might end up being a better opportunity than tutoring. As she put the remaining doughnuts and her trash into the VW and prepared to leave, she asked, “When is the lecture?”

“9 p.m. tonight in the lecture hall they have at the observatory.” Looking at her strangely, Clark asked, “Why do you want to know? I know you don’t like science.”

“Oh…I just want to make sure our Science & Technology Editor gets someone out to cover this event. It’ll make the Astronomy Department happy.” I sure hope Maria already has someone assigned, Chloe thought, or else she’ll be pissed when I make her send someone out there at the last minute.

[SVsleuth]

BUFFER!

[Cardinal]

--------------------

Chloe drove from Clark’s place straight over to Lana’s, completely heedless of the time. Minutes later she was banging on Lana’s door. Where could that girl be, Chloe thought, I can see her Yukon in the parking lot.

A bleary-eyed Lana opened the door a minute later wearing nothing but a sleep shirt and a frown. “Chloe,” Lana said, that being all the courtesy she was capable of this early on a weekend.

“Hi, Lana!” Chloe said.

God, she’s too perky, Lana thought. I couldn‘t do that this early on a Saturday without a complete transfusion of Starbucks. “Chloe, if this isn’t an emergency, you’re going to die right here on my threshold.”

Pushing her way past Lana and heading into the living room, Chloe sat down and said, “Well, I don’t think it qualifies as an emergency, but it is good news.”

Count to ten, then kill her, Lana thought. “Oh, pardon my manners, Chloe. Please come in.” Shutting and locking her door, Lana followed her ‘guest’ into the living room and sat down.

“Chloe, it’s Saturday. It’s 8:30 a.m. on a Saturday. Why am I not still sleeping? I wasn’t planning on getting up before noon, at the earliest. And that early only if I was feeling industrious.”

The two young women sat quietly and stared for a few moments until Lana said, “You aren’t leaving, are you?” Crap! she thought. “Well, if I’m not going to be allowed to go back to sleep, at least let me make some coffee.”

Minutes later, Lana downed her first cup of coffee and returned to the living room with two more cups and offered one to Chloe.

“Is this really important, Chloe?”

“Not in the overall scheme of things perhaps, but it is about the eminently eligible Mr. Clark Kent.”

Chloe was watching Lana intently and so noticed the way Lana’s eyes opened ever so slightly wider, the way she straightened up in her seat as if Clark was here to see her bad posture, and several other little visual clues that by themselves meant nothing but together, allowed Lana to transform from disheveled to devastating. No one should be allowed to be this beautiful while hungover, Chloe thought, it’s just not fair to the rest of us.

Her mind focused completely on Chloe for the first time since waking up, Lana asked, “What?”

“Has your astronomy professor said anything about a comet coming near Earth?”

“Yeah, he gave a short lecture on it and said there’s some kind of open house at the observatory tonight. I’d get extra credit if I go, and it sounds cool, but I think I’m staying here. I’ve got homework to do and the gas to drive out there and back once a week is brutal enough.” Pausing for a second, Lana asked, “What’s this got to do with ‘tall, dark, and handsome’ anyway?”

“He’s going to be there. I just talked to him, to ask about the big date he had last night and when he left, he told me he was going to look up information in the library on this comet so he’d be prepared for tonight.”

“The date? What happened? Details, Woman, give me details!”

Smiling her biggest smile, Chloe said, “I can’t tell you. When Clark tells me things like this, I hold them in confidence.”

“Why tell me about it if…” she finally took in the fact that Chloe’s smile was all out of proportion to her news. “The date didn’t go well?” As the smile shrunk somewhat, Lana said, “Or maybe it just didn’t go too well. This is good news. I guess I’ll review my Astronomy notes and go to that open house after all.”

As Lana looked for her Astronomy folder, Chloe said, “By the way, I’ve set up your first tutoring session with Clark for tomorrow night.”

Surprised, Lana looked back to Chloe and asked, “For when?”

“I don’t know. You have to call and discuss that with him.”

“I…I…oh, Chloe, do I have to?”

Pretending to consider the question for a few seconds, Chloe said, “Yes. You do.”

“Or,” Lana said, thinking out loud, “I could talk to him tonight at the observatory.”

“However you do it’s fine with me…just as long as you actually do it.”

[cufcchic]

great update! ppms!

[sandy]

wow, amazing! i need more, so PPMS!!

[NYC300Z]

yes really good update! I thought for sure Chloe would tell her that Clark said him self that Lana has to call him! that would have given Lana something to think about! oh well still a great update!

PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Remember, NYC, Chloe says she can't talk about what Clark said to her, so she can't say that. :(

[NYC300Z]

No she said she can't give any detail about his date! Clark specifically that that's his price for Lana to call him. So why would that be off limits?

[Cardinal]

I'm thinking Chloe considers the whole conversation to be off limits. Especially since, in her mind, Lana is part of the dating equation.

Also, she might think telling Lana that Clark was requiring Lana to call could make Lana more nervous, instead of less.

Who knows? I'm making this up as I go, so I don't.

[NYC300Z]

:lol: lol you are the only one who would know! And you should know because it's your fic! lol oh well I guess i'll just have to wait and see how this pans out! I hope I don't have to wait too long! :);)

[SVsleuth]

That was really great, Cardinal. You're doing a fantastic job with this story. I can't wait for the meeting of Clark & Lana at the observatory & the tutoring. OOOoooo 2 days in a row. Will Elaine get jealous? She has to wait all the way till Wednesday. PPMS!

[akuma]

Need more Card, this fic is amazing and addicting!!

[binkys711]

Originally posted by Cardinal
--------------------
“Chloe, if this isn’t an emergency, you’re going to die right here on my threshold.”

Count to ten, then kill her, Lana thought.

Lana said, “You aren’t leaving, are you?” Crap! she thought.

Chloe was watching Lana intently and so noticed the way Lana’s eyes opened ever so slightly wider, the way she straightened up in her seat as if Clark was here to see her bad posture, and several other little visual clues that by themselves meant nothing but together, allowed Lana to transform from disheveled to devastating. No one should be allowed to be this beautiful while hungover, Chloe thought, it’s just not fair to the rest of us.

“The date? What happened? Details, Woman, give me details!”



dude! That update was hilarious! These lines made me rotfl! :rotfl::rotfl::lol::lol::lol::rotfl: I couldn't breath! I swear! sooo funny!

I'm loving this story so much! It's so great! I can't wait to see how the Astronomy and tutoring goes!....PPMS!!!ASAP!:D

[pacifichic]

PLEEEEEEASE POST!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 9 - Stargazing

As Chloe turned to leave, she looked back over her shoulder, and said, “I hope you get over that hangover quickly. I’d hate for you to be miserable tonight.”

“Hangover? I haven’t had a drink since I came back to Metropolis, and I‘ve never been drunk in my life,” Lana said.

Chloe turned back to Lana, and said, “Then why did you look like ‘death warmed over’ when I showed up this morning, huh?”

“Nell and Dean had a big party last night…”

“See, booze,” Chloe said, as she folded her arms. It’s always fun giving the ‘good-girl’ a hard time, she thought.

Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Lana said, “Yes, but not for me. I was helping out as a hostess. The party ended up running late, and Nell was a little too ‘fitshaced,’ as she put it, to help clean up, so I did that and didn’t make it back here until after 4 a.m.”

“Where was Dean, why didn’t he help out?”

“He would have, I’m sure, except he had been passed out for at least an hour by the time the last guest left.”

Somewhat upset for Lana’s sake, Chloe said, “That was rather rude of them to get wasted and leave you with the clean up.”

“Mmm…not really,” Lana said, “I was there as a hostess so they could enjoy their own party. So they enjoyed it a little more than they intended. After all they’ve done for me, I don’t really mind helping them out like this.”

“Well, as long as you don’t mind it, I guess I won’t either.” Heading back to the door, Chloe said, “See ya’ later, Lana, and have fun stargazing!”

--------------------

That evening, having reviewed her class notes on the comet, Lana was puzzling over what to wear.

Oh, Lana thought, I don’t want to dress up like it’s a formal occasion and look out of place, but it is a special night. Most of the guests will likely be adults and it would be nice if I could catch Clark’s eye. Maybe if I show a little leg.

That thought sent her rummaging through her skirts until she found a nice grey wool skirt that came to just above her knees and had a short slit in the back. She reached into her closet and pulled out a white linen, button-up blouse to pair with the skirt, and thought, Match this outfit up with a pair of black pumps and sheer hose, and I should definitely be able to gauge his level of interest.

A couple of hours later, Lana had eaten a spare dinner, had done her hair three times before she was satisfied, and had dressed and was hurrying out the door, with an ankle-length coat over her arm in case the weather turned chilly.

Clark, on the other hand, was just turning his eyes toward his closet. He reached in and grabbed a blue blazer, a white oxford, and pair of khaki Dockers. No tie tonight, he thought. As soon as I find my brown loafers, I’ll be ready to go. Clark located the missing shoes under his bed using x-ray vision and then he super-sped into his clothes and was headed out the door toward his truck.

Soon, Clark was out of the city and heading down Kansas State Highway 40, heading for the observatory. For once in his life, this was going to be a social occasion he’d arrive at early instead of late. No sooner did that thought cross his mind, however, than he saw an SUV pulled over on the side of the road with its hazard lights blinking.

Fighting the urge to drive on and let someone else handle the problem, Clark pulled over a few feet behind what turned out to be a maroon, late-model GMC Yukon. Getting out of his truck, he took off his blazer and left it sitting on the seat as he headed toward the Yukon.

As he approached, he could tell from the silhouette of the driver’s hair that he was dealing with a woman and from looking at her vehicle that her problem was a flat left-rear tire. At least changing a tire won’t take me very long, Clark thought.

Rapping lightly on the driver’s window to announce his presence, he saw the woman was on her cell phone. When she turned his way in response, both sets of eyes popped wide open.

They just stared at each other until Lana remembered she was still on the phone with AAA. “Never mind sending someone out to me,” she said. “A friend just showed up. Thanks!” She then pressed end on her phone and slid it into her purse before climbing out of her Yukon and saying, “Clark! Thanks for stopping. I just ran over something and heard a loud pop. Luckily, I was able to get it stopped without wrecking, but it was a bit hairy for a couple of seconds.”

“Lana, what are you doing out here? The only thing going on out here, that I know of, is the comet open house at the…” Finally taking in how well she was dressed and not just how gorgeous she looked, he asked, “Are you going to the observatory tonight?”

“Yeah. Well, I was before this happened. What about you?”

“I wouldn’t miss something like this.” Turning to business, he asked, “Do you have a spare and a jack?”

“Mmm-hmm. They’re in the back.”

“If you’ll unlock the back door for me, I’ll have your tire changed in a couple of minutes and we can be on our way.”

Lana smiled her widest smile, the one that brought out her dimples, and said, “Really? Thanks!”

She walked around to the back of her Yukon and opened the door while Clark returned to his truck to turn on his headlights so he could see what he was doing. After rolling up his shirt sleeves, he told Lana to wait inside her vehicle and he would be done shortly. Lana declined, not wanting to pass up the opportunity to watch Clark in action.

Five minutes later, the tire was changed and Clark was lifting the old tire into the back of Lana’s Yukon. “I’m going to leave this tire out where you can see it so you will remember to have it replaced.”

Clark dusted his knees off and was going to roll his sleeves down when he saw how filthy his hands had become. As Clark pulled the door shut, Lana locked it and turned to her savior, and said, “Thanks, Clark, you’re a real lifesaver.” At that, she stood on her toe tips, put one hand behind his neck, pulled his head down, and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

To Clark‘s mind, the heat from her lips seemed to burn his skin in a way the sun never could. As Lana headed for the cab of her Yukon, Clark forgot all about the dirt on his hands as his left hand crept toward his face to feel the spot where Lana’s lips had been. His fingertips traced the spot slowly. Wow, he thought, she kisses likes she looks.

Looking back as she reached the door, she smiled when she noticed his hand on his face, and said, “Hurry up, Clark. You don’t want to be late, do you?” Lana’s soft voice served to bring him out of his reverie and he quickly pulled his hand back down to his side, embarrassed at having been caught.

“I’ll see you there, Clark,” she said, “If I get there first, I’ll save you a seat.”

As Lana eased back onto the road, Clark took a good look at himself in the glare of the headlights. He had more than dirt on his knees, he had muddy stains. There was also a black smudge on his white shirt, just above the right elbow. Oh great, he thought, I’m a mess!

Turning off his headlights, Clark took off his socks and shoes, left them sitting on the seat, locked his truck, and super-sped back to Metropolis to change. Back home, Clark panicked when he realized that he had no more khaki Dockers that were fit to wear. He settled for a light-gray pair that looked close to the ones he had on. After changing shirts as well, he sped back to his truck, grateful Pete had been out of the house while Clark was changing clothes.

He arrived at the observatory only five minutes after Lana. Spotting her Yukon he parked his truck as close to it as he could, locked up, and went inside. The lecture hall, small by Met U standards, was just to the left of the entrance. Stepping inside, Clark looked back and forth for Lana until a slender arm shot up and waved, catching his attention and making him smile.

Easing his way down the aisle with apologies to those he disturbed, Clark settled into his seat, and murmured, “Thanks.”

“It’s the least I could do,” Lana replied, “Looks like you made it just in time, too.”

The house lights dimmed and the lecturer stepped up to the lectern. As he described the comet and its statistics, Clark noticed Lana was furiously taking notes. She wrote down its orbital inclination and eccentricity, absolute magnitude, semi-major axis length, perihelion date and distance, and orbital period.

His whispered question brought the reply that this was not only interesting to her, but it was extra-credit for class.

When the lecture wound to a close, the guests were invited into the observatory proper to see the comet themselves. The comet was almost at its nearest point to Earth and there were no clouds in the sky, so everyone was expecting a great view.

[binkys711]

BUFFER:D

[Cardinal]

Two hours later, everyone was heading for the parking lot happy. Clark escorted Lana to her Yukon which was only three spots away from his truck. Upon reaching it, Lana turned to him and said, “I have..” just as Clark said, “I’d like…” Both of them blushing, Clark said, “You go first.”

Lana looked him in the eyes and said, “I have to thank you again for replacing my flat tire. Who knows how long it would have taken the AAA mechanic to get here.”

“I was pleased to be able to help,” Clark said. More than you know, Lana, more than you know.

“Chloe told me she’d asked you to help me get on track with Trigonometry tomorrow. What time would be best for you?”

“I’ll be happy with any time as long as I can get in bed by 10 p.m.”

“How about seven in the evening?”

“That’s fine…where at?”

“I’ll be in the library doing some research for a speech in Communications, so how about there? I’ll meet you at the front door.”

“The front door of the library at seven, got it, sounds like a date.” Oh crap, did I just say ‘date?’

Lana’s face lit up like the a Las Vegas hotel when she heard that. “Date, huh?” She nudged him with her hip and said, “I kind of like the sound of that.” If he was red before, he was now a threat to glow in the dark.

Lana then asked, “What did you want to say, Clark?”

“I was just…umm…wondering if maybe you were hungry and would like to get something to eat on our way home?”

“Maybe just a piece of pie and a cup of coffee.”

She wasn’t really hungry, but his answering grin was more than worth whatever weight one slice of pie might bring. “That’s great,” he said. “There’s this diner near my parents’ house that serves the best apple pie a la mode. Their coffee’s not bad either. Follow me and I’ll show you the fastest way to get there.”

“Just in case we get separated,” she said, “give me the name and address of this diner. I don’t want to get lost.”

--------------------

A little more than an hour later, Clark held the front door of Lew’s Diner for Lana and then followed her inside.

The place was a lot cleaner than Lana had expected. Clark asked her if she preferred to sit at the counter or in a booth. Lana asked for a booth. Clark chose a booth and she eased herself in one side and Clark took the other. A small stack of menus was standing upright behind the napkin dispenser. They each grabbed one. Lana wanted to see what was on the menu, Clark was just interested in which kinds of pie were currently available.

In the end, Lana ordered a decaffeinated coffee and a piece of French Silk pie, while Clark ordered a regular coffee and an apple pie a la mode just like he said back at the observatory. Waiting for their food, Clark asked, “Lana, why are you interested in astronomy?”

“Why?”

“Well, most girls I know are more interested in astrology than astronomy, and I‘d really like a chance to get to know you better. We‘ve spent some time together, but except for the campus tour, I haven‘t really been able to listen and talk to you.”

“Okay, I’ll tell if you do also,” Lana said.

“Fair enough.”

“Well, my interest in the sky dates back to the Smallville meteor shower. You told me during that tour of campus that you lived in Smallville until just after the meteor shower and then you moved to Metropolis. For me, it was just the opposite. I was born in Metropolis and lived here until I was adopted by my aunt. I told you my parents died when I was three. What I didn’t tell you was that they died during the meteor shower. Since that day, I’ve always had an interest in what’s out there, whether it’s more meteors coming to Earth, or a comet passing by, or even little green men.”

“Little green men, huh?” Clark asked. “What if the aliens look like us, what would you think then?”

“I’d be surprised.” Taking a moment to think, she said, “With all of the planets surrounding the billions of stars in countless galaxies, it would be strange if the first aliens we see look like us. I mean, what are the odds? It would make me wonder if we are related to them in some way.”

At that moment, their coffee and pie showed up and they spent the next few minutes immersed in delicious desserts. Finishing their last bites, each one got a coffee refill and sat back to relax.

“Why are you interested in astronomy, Clark?” Lana asked.

“My dad gave me my telescope when I was little. He said it had been given to him by his dad. It’s not a lot of use inside Metropolis, the light pollution is too severe, but it was enough.” Clark looked off into the dark of Metropolis as a light rain began to fall.

Softly, almost in a whisper, he continued, “Astronomy is the most solitary of sciences. At first, it was something for an only child to do when his best friend was busy. Later, it became a fascination in its own right when I…came to the conclusion there had to be other life out there…somewhere.”

Shortly afterward, they finished their coffees and Clark paid the bill, leaving a decent tip. When Lana protested, Clark said, “You can get the check next time.”

“You think there’s going to be a next time, do you?”

“I’m counting on it.” When they stood up, he helped her into her coat. As she turned around, something caught her notice. She could have sworn his pants were khaki-colored when he changed her tire, but she must be mistaken. There had also been a black smudge on his shirt just above the elbow, but that was covered by his blazer.

Clark noticed her sudden distress and asked what was wrong. Not letting her get away with ‘nothing,’ Clark got her to say what was troubling her.

“This is going to sound stupid, Clark, but I was sure you were wearing khakis when you changed my tire.”

Surprised as the conversation took a quick turn in a dangerous direction, Clark said, “Well, you can plainly see that the pants are gray.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just strange.”

As Clark turned to the door, Lana asked him if he’d take his blazer off for a second.

Knowing where this was leading, Clark hesitatingly took off his blazer and held it out to the side and said, “What’s wrong now? Did you think I was wearing a ribbed A-shirt when I changed your tire?”

“No,” Lana said, “but I was positive you had a smudge on your shirt and now it’s gone.”

Thinking quickly, Clark lied, saying, “It must have been a shadow. One bright light source in otherwise total darkness…shadows can play tricks on you.”

“I guess so.”

Clark then walked Lana to her Yukon and checked the seats for intruders before letting her in. Waving to her as she pulled out of the parking lot, Clark thought, Why did you have to be so observant, Lana? I don’t want to have to lie to you.

[ILoveSmallville4ver]

Great chapter!

[binkys711]

yay! read it! That was great! and a close call for Clark! jeje....they both want to go out again BOOYAH! and can't wait to see how the tutoring goes! PPMS!!!:D

[SVsleuth]

Alright! A Clana "sorta-date"! That was good, Card. Oh, but the lying had to start so soon? Hmmm... wonder how long that will last.

I can't believe you got so few replies in a whole hour & a half! Everyone must be out - like I was.

PPMS!

[SmallvilleMan]

I'm a silent reader and couldn't think of anything funny to say;) Cards is nice as always.

[NYC300Z]

yeah couldn't he have just said he had an extra shirt in the car? Yeah it's nice to see them getting along so good, and the kiss Lana gave him on the check sure left an impression!:D Yeah can't wait to see how the tutoring goes! Hope the date with Elaine doesn't go so well or maybe it wont happen if she catches him tutoring Lana!

PPMS!

oh and Card I love your new avi! When you stop using it I might have to!:D

[Cardinal]

How many college guys carry an extra white oxford around in their trucks?

That would be a less believeable lie, IMHO. :)

[NYC300Z]

lol yeah i guess but it sounds more believable then it was just a shadow! :lol:

[akuma]

damn sweet avi card, (KK so hot:p), ugh what can i say, everyone who has a KK avi has a sweet avi!:D Love the story, keep it comin!

[sandy]

this fic is definitely one of my faves! ppms!!

[MOOman0618]

I FINALLY got to catch up on your two awesome updates now that k-site is done being stupid, and I found an extra 5 minutes. Great stuff...I can definitely see the Clana coming around! Good stuff...goooood stuff.


POST MORE SOON!!

[cufcchic]

back to the lying. i hope clark tells her soon! PPMS!

[SpeedyKate91]

great updates!!
PPMS!!!!

[SVsleuth]

Back to page 1! PPMS!

[ClanaLover]

Super great fantabulas updates Card! Sorry I didn't get to read them until a few hours ago. It took me SO long to catch up on Hidden becuase SV updates so freakin much! It's annoying! Anyways, PPMASAP! :D

[Cardinal]

Here I thought the problem was you had too much homework to do! :lol:

[SVsleuth]

ClanaLover - you're complaining about frequent updates? Aren't you the person who always posts PPMASAP? Doesn't ASAP mean AS SOON AS POSSIBLE? Geez, make up your mind! ;)

[Cardinal]

Chapter 10 - Home

Early Sunday morning found Clark in the football offices for some extra film study. He was hoping to find something in the defensive schemes of Utah State that he would be able to exploit in the game this Saturday at the MetroDome.

A pen in one hand, and a remote control in the other, Clark watched a film of the game Utah State played the day before against the University of Idaho. He wanted to know how they responded to certain formations, what coverages they liked to use, and how often they blitzed.

Taking a sip of coffee from the Styrofoam cup sitting on the table next to him, Clark made some notes on the clipboard set in front of him, then reran the play he had just watched to check for other details.

By 10:30 a.m., Clark was finished and it was time to go to his parents’ house to have lunch with his family and watch the first week of the NFL season. The Metropolis Sharks were starting the season on the road against Tampa Bay, so their game would be on TV at noon here in Metropolis.

Making the drive in just under a half an hour in the light Sunday morning traffic, Clark parked his truck in the driveway and climbed the stairs to the wraparound porch. Using his key to open the door, Clark had barely crossed the threshold when he was mugged by a little blond blur.

“Hey there, Kathy, did you miss me?” Clark said, as he messed her unruly blond curls with his hand.

“Clark, you’re home!” Kathy said, her face buried in Clark’s chest as she wrapped her arms around him as far as they would go. Then she turned her face toward the rest of the house, and shouted, “Mom, Dad…Clark’s home!” Wrapping his hand around one of hers, Clark allowed his little sister to drag him into the kitchen where Martha was putting the final touches on Sunday dinner.

Clark held up his free hand and gave a small wave as he said, “Hi, Mom.”

Martha set her spatula down on the counter and walked over and kissed her son. “Hi, Clark, how was the first week of school?”

“Not bad. Long, but not bad.”

“How’s living on your own working out?”

“The food’s not as good, but not having to fight Metropolis traffic every day just to get to school more than makes up for it.” Looking back down at his little sister, Clark asked, “How’s your school year going, Punkin? Do you like Ms. Crabapple?”

“It’s Ms. Crabtree, Little Brother,” Kathy said, “and yes, school is fine.”

“Where do you get Little Brother from? You don’t get to call me that until you’re 6’4” tall.”

“As if I’d ever want to be that tall,” Kathy said, as she rolled her eyes. “Then the boys would never like me. As for the name Little Brother, I’ve decided since you‘re my only brother, that makes you my smartest brother and my dumbest brother, my handsomest brother and my ugliest brother, my biggest brother and my littlest brother…you’re all my brothers rolled into one.”

“Pretty smart for a small fry.” As Kathy ran off to find Jonathan, Clark asked Martha, “Did she just say something about boys?”

Pulling a tray of crescent rolls from the oven, Martha smiled and said, “Oh yes, your little sister has discovered boys in a big way. The current one she’s set her heart on is someone named Jeffrey. To hear her tell it, he looks like a Greek god and has the brains of Albert Einstein.”

“She’s got it that bad, huh?”

“Don’t worry, girls at that age change crushes almost as fast as they change socks.”

“I’m sure you and Dad can handle the task of filtering out the losers, Mom.” Seeing Kathy come back into the kitchen with her father in tow, Clark said, “Of course, I don’t know if any of those boys will be good enough for my little sister.”

“My thoughts exactly, Son,” Jonathan said.

“HEY!” Kathy shouted.

“Speaking of members of the opposite sex,” Martha said, “have you met anyone yet, Clark?”

Suddenly wary, Clark said, “Maybe.”

“Maybe what?” Martha asked. “You’re not sure if she’s a girl, you’re not sure if you like her…what?”

“Martha,” Jonathan said, in an exasperated tone of voice, “Clark just got here. Give him a chance to breathe first. There’ll be plenty of time for interrogations later.”

“While I’m waiting for that time,” Martha said, “the kids can set the table and you, Jonathan, can slice the roast for me.”

After a fine meal of roast beef with potatoes and carrots and tiramisu for dessert, Clark and Kathy cleaned the table, Jonathan went to the den to turn on the TV, and Martha turned on the TV in the living room and picked a movie from one of the many channels on Direct TV.

As the kids put the dishes in the dishwasher, and put the roasting pan in the sink to soak in hot, soapy water, they talked. Speaking softly, so as not to be overheard by their parents, Kathy asked, “So…have you met a girl, Clark?”

“You’re as bad as Mom, you know that?”

“Yeah, so? Answer the question.”

“Just like I told Mom…maybe,” Clark said. Nodding his head from side-to-side, Clark gave in and said, “I went on a date Friday night.”

“You what?” Kathy asked, squealing with delight.

“Shush! Keep it down or Mom will come back and I’ll never get to see the game.”

“Who was it? Do I know her?” Then, her smile turning into a small frown, Kathy asked, “Why does a date mean ‘maybe’? Was the date that bad, or are you just not sure?”

“The date was okay and the girl was fine, it’s just that…well, there’s another girl.”

“No way! Two? So you’re finally over…”

“Lori?” Clark asked. “Mostly. Enough that I’ve decided to see who else is out there.”

Hugging her brother, Kathy said, “That’s great. Now, tell me all about these two girls.”

“Later, the game’s about to start and I don’t want to miss it.” Snapping her butt with a dish towel, Clark said, “Besides, if I remember right, you’re a pretty big Sharks fan, too.”

They each poured themselves a glass of tea, Clark grabbed a cold Budweiser out of the fridge for his dad, and they walked into the den to watch the game. Kathy curled up on the worn leather couch with Jonathan and Clark stretched out on the floor, resting his head and shoulders on the front of the couch.

Tampa Bay was coming off a playoff season while the Sharks were in the midst of a rebuilding program. The final score of Buccaneers 31, Sharks 19 wasn’t a big surprise, but the three Kents were unhappy nonetheless.

“Maybe you’ll get drafted by the Sharks, Clark,” Kathy said. “Then you can replace the piece of garbage that’s quarterbacking them now and lead them back to the Super Bowl.”

“I don’t know about the ‘piece of garbage’ part, Kathy,” Clark said. “You’ve gotta know he doesn’t have much talent to work with on that team. Too many players got old all at the same time after that loss in the Super Bowl two years ago. Now they need to fix too many positions at once.”

He went on to concede that it was his dream to play for the Sharks. He had wanted that since he knew what football was. As they waited for the 3 p.m. game to start, Martha brought in a tray of snacks and drinks. Not having a particular rooting interest in the game between Chicago and San Francisco, the game was turned off when it became a blow-out in the third quarter.

Taking the mostly empty snack tray back to the kitchen, Clark saw his mom and said, “‘Maybe’ means I went out on a date with Elaine on Friday night. We’re going out again on Wednesday.”

“That girl you told me about from the sorority? She seems so nice.”

“She is nice. She helped me through a very difficult time and is one of my best friends. That’s why I hope it works out.” Washing his hands at the sink, Clark said, “On the topic of friends, I have already made a new friend this semester. Chloe and Pete knew her in Smallville.”

“What is her name?”

“Lana Lang. According to her, our old farm was just down the road from where she lived.”

“Lana Lang, Lana…oh, wait a minute, I remember her,” Martha said. “I only met her once, but it was the day of the meteor shower and I tend to remember everything about that day. Your dad and I were buying flowers at Nell’s Flower Shop and she was there since her parents were at the homecoming game. For some reason, she was wearing a fairy princess costume. When Nell went to get our flowers, Lana asked me if I’d like to make a wish. I said yes, she waved her magic wand, and minutes later, you crash-landed into our lives. Yes, I remember Lana Lang very well.”

Looking at his watch, Clark said, “Speaking of Lana, I’d better hurry. I need to be at the library by 7 p.m. I’m supposed to be tutoring her in her math.”

Clark hustled back to the den, and interrupted a wrestling match between father and daughter to say his goodbyes. After a firm handshake with Jonathan, Clark said, “I’ll see you three this Saturday at the game, right?”

Jonathan replied, “Sure will,” but Kathy said, “Nope. I’ve got a Girl Scout camping trip, so I won’t be there.”

“Okay,” Clark said, “that means I have one extra ticket to give away in the family section." Dad, Mom, Pete...who will be the fourth?

Hugging his sister as he kissed her on the forehead, Clark moved to the door to the den, waved goodbye and headed back to his townhouse.

Kathy caught him at the front door, however, to remind him he owed her a description of the two girls. He told her to give him a call tonight, before 10 p.m. and he’d tell her all about them.

[MOOman0618]

Whoa...Clark has a little sister! That is crazy! Awesome update...I am excited to see how this 'tutoring' goes! Post more soon!!

[SVsleuth]

Nice update. It's nice to see Clark with a sister. And he tells her more of the truth than he tells Martha. Cute. Wonder how the tutoring session will go.


Also liked how Martha told him about the fairy princess incident. I wonder if he'll mention it to Lana? PPMS!

[linn]

Thats great Clark has a little sister.....adn the two Martha and Kathy wanting to know who the two ladys are...PPMS!!!!

[NYC300Z]

yes bring on the tutoring session!:D I hope things go well between Clark and Lana. Then when he tells his sister about the two his sister can tell him he ought to get with Lana! :lol:

PPMS!

[ajfinn]

GREAT update!! I loved seeing a different family dynamic than what we're so familiar with. Are you sure you don't want JK saying, "Clark, we don't know anything about these girls. Clark, I've raised you to make the right decisions, son, but two girls at the same time. Clark . . . " ha ha ha just kidding.

Kathy is very cute. How old is she? Is she adopted too? Did I miss those answers, sorry if I did.

[cufcchic]

great update! clana soon! PPMASAP!

[LanasLover16]

I love this story!! It's my favorite!! PPMS!!!

[pacifichic]

wow!! I'm so happy you finally updated...this is a GREAT story! Please don't wait too long till your next update...:)

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by ajfinn
Kathy is very cute. How old is she? Is she adopted too? Did I miss those answers, sorry if I did.

Just like I mentioned on the pink site, those answers will be coming up soon. Since they're not vital to any surprises, I'll include that info here.

Kathy is in sixth grade (age 11, going on 12). She is the biological child of JK & MK. Her only 'special ability' is making Clark smile. :)

[SmallvilleMan]

Pink site? Wha.... That the site i'm thinking about?

[Cardinal]

Probably. It's a really sweet place to go. :p

[NYC300Z]

:lol:

PPMS!

[Cardinal]

More tonight, probably late.

[NYC300Z]

How late is late?

[Cardinal]

11 p.m. to midnight, Central time is the most likely timeframe.

[NYC300Z]

okay then I'm going to have to stay awake for it then!:D

[NYC300Z]

Cardinal it's after midnight Eastern time! What happened?

[LanasLover16]

YEAH!?

[Cardinal]

First of all, i was talking about Central time.

Second of all, here comes the update.

[SVsleuth]

BUFFER?

[Cardinal]

Chapter 11 - Falling

Clark reached home in plenty of time to make something to eat (Sunday night being the only meal not covered by the meal plan as the cafeterias are closed) and to get ready for the his tutoring session. After plowing his way through a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Clark headed upstairs to change. Off came the short-sleeved shirt, jeans, and boxers as Clark prepared to take another shower.

Stepping out of the shower after drying off and wiping the excess moisture off the walls, Clark headed back to his room to dress. Minutes later, he was decked out in a form-fitting black t-shirt and a fresh pair of jeans. He headed out the door with plenty of time to spare for a nice, slow walk over to the library.

Lana was sitting at a table, wading through a disorganized pile of 3x5 index cards, looking for pieces of information to bolster the main points of her speech for Communications class. The alarm on her digital watch went off at 6:45 p.m., leaving just enough time to pick up her clutter and go into the restroom to freshen up.

When Lana stepped up to the restroom mirror, she checked her makeup, brushed out her hair, and adjusted her clothes. She hadn’t dressed too well tonight. After all, she thought, this wasn’t an actual date or anything. Still, he did use the word date. Her last act was to carefully align her prized meteor-rock necklace so that the stone hovered just above the hollow between her breasts. She only wore that necklace on special occasions these days, but trying to catch and hold Clark’s attention was occasion enough.

She picked up her math textbook and the folder containing her research materials and headed for the front door. No backpack tonight, she thought. This way, maybe I can get him to carry my books as he walks me to my SUV. Not wanting to appear anxious, Lana waited just outside the Luthor Library doors, a good ten feet away from the top of the stairs that led up to the second floor entrance.

Lana reached her spot just in time. Clark was coming into view from the west as he walked along the north edge of the grassy mall. Clark spotted Lana seconds after she saw him and lifted his head toward her as he waved.

Clark began to hustle up the steps and Lana timed her walk forward to meet him just as he reached the top of the steps. Three-quarters of the way up the steps, Clark began to feel strange. Another step and he broke out in a light sweat as his chest constricted and his legs weakened, beginning to wobble. One more attempted step and Clark started to fall, desperately reaching for the handrail to catch himself.

By this time, Lana was close enough to see his distress and do something about it. She dropped her books and took a step forward, trying to grab him by the shirt. The t-shirt was too tight to offer her something to grip, however, and her fingers scrabbling across his chest merely served to push him backwards down the concrete steps.

Lana’s last view of his face as he tumbled back down the stairs was of a man at once confused and afraid. The people two steps behind him might have broken his fall, but they reflexively jumped out of his way. After that, there was no stopping him short of the bottom of the steps. Lana raced down the stairs as fast as she could, reaching his sprawled body only seconds after he landed.

She screamed out for someone, anyone, to call 911 and campus security, all the while trying to comfort him without moving his body. “It’s going to be all right,” she whispered, as she lightly stroked his forehead. Clark was struggling to breathe, his muscles were knotting with cramps, and Lana was near panic, but she held it in. He needs me to be strong right now, she thought. “I’ll stay here as long as you need me, Clark.” At that, she leaned forward over his prostrate body to place the softest of kisses on his cheek and her necklace swung down, the meteor rock touching Clark on the forehead.

At the spot where the stone touched, thick green lines shot out along his veins in every direction under the surface of his skin and his signs of distress increased. When Lana straightened up, she got a quick look at the spider web of green lines just before the meteor rock left his skin. She was stunned when the lines disappeared the second the meteor rock broke contact with him.

By this time, a growing ring of onlookers had formed to see what had happened and who it had happened to. When someone recognized Clark, a hush fell over the small crowd as they waited for help.

Lana looked from the necklace to his face and back to the necklace in dawning horror. Just then, a campus security team arrived with a first aid kit, having been summoned by a student using the callbox at the foot of the stairs. Lana was hustled out of the way by security as she ripped the necklace from her throat and hurled it far into the bushes lining the front of the library.

As security attempted to ascertain Clark’s condition, his breathing eased, his muscles relaxed and his face lost its look of fear. Lana let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding and smiled in relief. I’ve never seen anyone allergic to meteor rocks before, she thought. How weird is that? He got within feet of me and then…

Someone on the other side of the crowd had seen the whole incident and saw it in a different light. Two tri-Alphas were talking to a member of the security team while pointing emphatically at Lana.

“She did it,” the blonde said. “We saw her push Clark down the stairs. Didn‘t we, Angie?””

“That’s right, Candy,” Angie said. “He was near the top of the stairs and she walked up, planted her hand in the middle of his chest, and knocked him backward.”

“Then she tried to cover her tracks by running down to ‘help’ him,” Candy said.

“Which one?” the burly security man asked, as he pulled a small notebook out of his shirt pocket.

Taking a look at his name tag, Candy said, “Bob, it’s the little brunette right there in the jeans and green Henley.”

“The cute one?” he asked.

“Yes, the cute one,” Candy replied, rolling her eyes in exasperation. “Grab her before she gets away.”

“You two stay right here,” Bob said, “I need to talk to her.”

Meanwhile, Clark was feeling perfectly fine and tried to get up, insisting that nothing was wrong with him. Security, however, held him down, requiring that he stay in position so the paramedics could check him over. While the argument continued, Bob approached Lana and said, “Can I talk to you, Miss?”

“Sure, what would you like to know?” Lana asked.

“I’m collecting information on what happened here.”

Lana related everything that happened except for her conclusion about what caused the incident in the first place. At the end of the interview, Lana pulled out her student ID and showed it to him so he could copy her information in case they needed to contact her again.

By the time the paramedics showed up, with their ambulance sitting next to the library on the brick-paved street, Bob had taken down contact information from the two tri-Alphas and was getting as much information from the other onlookers as he could. Most of them were of no use, having only turned to watch after Clark was already tumbling head over heels. Those that did maintain they had seen the incident had conflicting stories. Most of which could be construed as supporting either Lana’s statement or the statement made by Candy and Angie. We’ll have to pull the tapes from the security camera on the front of the building, he thought. Maybe they’ll have conclusive proof.

Clark had just had a brace placed around his neck and they were carefully sliding him onto a backboard to ready him for transport. Lana’s eyes were tearing up and the two tri-Alphas were staring daggers at her. When Clark was lifted onto the gurney and pushed into the back of the ambulance, Candy and Angie trapped Lana between them and started berating her.

“We saw what you did, B!tch!” Candy said.

Confused, Lana said, “But, I…”

“What’s the matter?” Candy asked. “Did Clark turn you down? Did you find out he’s already taken?”

“Yeah,” Angie said, “he’s going out with our sister. If it wasn’t for campus security, you’d get what’s coming to you, right now!”

“But I didn’t do anything except try to catch him when he fell,” Lana replied, bewildered at this verbal assault.

“Tell it to the judge, Little Girl,” Candy said. “We told security and they’ll pass this along to the cops. You could have killed him back there with that stunt of yours! What were you thinking?”

These girls are serious, Lana thought. They think I actually tried to hurt Clark!

Lana got scared and started to leave, wanting only to get away from her tormentors. Heading east in the general direction of her SUV, Lana looked over her shoulder to make sure she wasn’t being followed and almost ran into Chloe who was charging the other way, digital voice recorder in hand, to cover the accident.

[SVsleuth]

BUFFER!

[Cardinal]

“Lana, what happened?” Chloe asked. “I was in the office and heard over a radio scanner that someone was hurt in an accident outside the library. The other staffers had already gone home, so I have to cover it. Did you see?”

Grabbing Chloe by the arm, Lana pulled her in the other direction, and said, “Not someone, Chloe. Clark.”

“Clark? Clark got hurt? Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure. I was standing at the top of the steps when it happened. He stumbled and started to fall. I dropped my books and tried to catch him, but his t-shirt was so tight I couldn’t get a grip on him and he fell all the way down the steps.”

Pulling Chloe farther away from any eavesdroppers, Lana said, “Worse, I think I caused it to happen. I think Clark’s allergic to my meteor rock necklace.”

“He’s what?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but when I got to the bottom of the steps, he was in bad shape. I leaned over to give him a quick kiss and when the meteor rock touched his skin, a mass of green lines shot out along his network of veins and he took a turn for the worse. When I straightened up, the rock moved away from his skin and the green lines disappeared. Not only that, but his muscles stopped cramping and his breathing became easier.

“When security hustled me out of the way, I ripped off the necklace and threw it into the bushes to get it away from him. As soon as that happened, he said he felt fine and started arguing with security about the need for a trip to the hospital.”

Chloe remained silent as she tried to process this new information. Clark’s allergic to meteor rocks? That makes sense. If he gains strength on Earth, I guess his home planet could take it away.

“We need to go back and find that necklace before someone else does, Lana. It could be bad for Clark if anyone found out about his allergy.”

“Huh?”

“You know, opposing teams might start using meteor rocks to weaken him during games or something.” Stopping to tap her forefinger against her lips while she thought, Chloe said, “On second thought, you go look for the necklace while I call his parents and let them know Clark is going to the hospital.”

An hour later, while everyone else was on their way home, or to the hospital, Bob was examining the tape from the security camera mounted over the library door. He had already made a copy of the tape and locked the original in the safe in the campus security offices.

He played the tape back and forth, back and forth. All he could see was the Kent boy begin to stumble followed by the Lang girl dropping her books, reaching out with both hands and…seeming to push Mr. Kent down the stairs. The angle of the shot was from above and directly behind the - assailant? - and kept her hands out of view at the critical moment.

I’ll be damned, he thought. Those tri-Alpha bimbos may be right after all.

He reached over to his phone and dialed the local police precinct. When the desk sergeant answered, Bob said, “This is Bob Thomas from Met U security. We’ve got a live one that we’re handing over to your people.”

When the call went out over the police radios that Clark Kent was in the hospital and the police were investigating, the news media descended on the Met U campus like a storm. What The Daily Planet and all five local network affiliates wanted to know was: who attacked Clark Kent.

[SVsleuth]

1st! Oh boy! Lana knows about the meteor rock before Clark, right? And they might arrest her? Clark better come to her defense. I wonder if security cameras also caught Lana looking for the necklace? And all the news media there...this will get interesting! PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

2nd sorry Card fell asleep last night!:lol:

wow so much happened in that update! Lana finding out could be a good thing or a bad thing at the moment hopefully good in the long run and then the police are getting involved? I hope Clark gets out of the hospital soon so he can clear this up!

PPMS!!

[maroon09854]

wow amazing update hope Lana dosen't end up going to jail and that Clark gets out of the hospital and clears it up. And Lana's gonna be in even more trouble when Elaine finds out what happens and Lana has to explain that they were studying and Elaine gets pissed at Lana and Clark for hanging around her.

[sandy]

wow, u seriously need to update, and soon! great writing and ideas!

[linn]

I don't even know what to say....PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

When do we get the next update, Card?

[Cardinal]

Umm...don't know.

I'm not thinking about that right now since this is a day off from writing.

[MOOman0618]

NOO!! Lana can't be punished for this! And thank goodness you made her observant and actually smart! Making the connection right away. I am excited to see what happens!


...I also think she should Lana-Fu those Tri-Alphas :)

[ajfinn]

Excellent twist. Very fun stuff :) Those naughty sorority wenches. Lana needs to think of a way to get even ....... oh, I know. She can steal Clark, ha ha!!!

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by ajfinn
Those naughty sorority wenches.


HAHAHA!!!!:rotfl: :rotfl:

[Cardinal]

I'll update here late tonight or early Wednesday. :)

[NYC300Z]

I hope it's tonight so when I get done from my thanksgiving travels I can sit down relax and read your story at around 2am Eastern!

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Looking forward to the update! :):):)

[baldy92]

please update soon this story is awesome!

[Cardinal]

In case anyone was wondering, there will be no update tonight. :(

I keep rewriting what I've already got written down, instead of writing new material, so the update will have to wait until Wednesday. Hopefully before noon Central time.

[SVsleuth]

Okay, I will be watching. Mine is almost ready too, so maybe we'll be exchanging updates tomorrow morning. :)

[NYC300Z]

Sounds like a plan to me!:D :lol: you two should hurry up!;)

[Cardinal]

Chapter 12 - Admissions

“…any pair of pajamas will do, Pete,” Clark said, speaking into his cell phone. “Bring them to Room 212.”

“Do you want more than one set of PJs, Clark?” Pete asked.

“No, they’re just keeping me here tonight for observation. I‘ll be back home tomorrow.”

“Will you be okay for football?”

“Yes, I’ll be able to play on Saturday, Pete. Like I said, nothing’s wrong but everyone involved is covering their butt, so, I have to be a good little boy and stay here tonight.”

“I’ll see you in an hour or so, Clark.”

“Thanks, Pete.”

Sitting on top of the sheets of his hospital bed with his upper body propped up by pillows and the head of the bed, Clark was still dressed in his t-shirt and jeans. The t-shirt had suffered a few small tears during Clark’s tumble down the steps, and all of his clothes were now somewhat dirty, but Clark refused to change into a hospital gown even for a short while. When he finished the call to Pete, Clark pressed end on his cell phone and turned his attention back to the visitor occupying the chair pulled up next to his bed.

“Sorry about that, Chloe,” Clark said, “but if I didn’t get Pete up here pretty soon, I would end up spending the night wearing nothing but a drafty hospital gown.”

“Oh please,” Chloe said, rolling her eyes at the ceiling, “you and I both know drafts don’t bother you in the least.” Giving Clark a devilish grin, she said, “Someone getting a good look at your ass? Now that’s a different story.”

“So how’d you find out about my mishap?”

“I was in the Metropolitan offices when the call came over our radio scanner that someone had fallen down the steps in front of the library. They said a security team was on the way and that they were calling an ambulance. Since I was the only one in the office at that time, I grabbed my digital recorder to cover the story. On my way to the library I ran into, quite literally, none other than Lana.”

“How is she?” Clark asked, “The look of panic on her face as she tried to catch me was hard to watch.”

“I suspect it was somewhat harder for her to watch you fall down the steps.” Drumming her fingers on the arm of her bedside chair, Chloe said, “You’re not going to like hearing this, but, umm, the police are investigating to see whether or not Lana pushed you down the steps.”

“What? That‘s crazy! She tried to catch me, not push me.”

“All I’ve been able to learn so far is that someone claims to have seen the whole thing and they said you were pushed by Lana. Every news organization in the city is on this story. They’ve all got reporters downstairs, but the hospital won’t let them come up.” Luckily, I’m best friends with the ‘victim’ or I would be stuck down there with them.

“Where is Lana anyway? I was hoping to see her.” When Chloe responded to this by raising her eyebrows in surprise, Clark said, “Not like that!” As Chloe waited patiently, Clark looked away to stare blankly at a spot on the far wall, and said, “Well, not like that yet, anyway.”

A grin spread quickly across her face as she said, “Are you actually interested in her?”

“I…I’m not sure…but, umm, I think so.” Quickly looking back at Chloe, Clark said, “You can’t tell anyone about that, Chloe. That’s just between us.”

Not wanting to push him after that breakthrough admission, Chloe said, “Don’t worry, Clark, your secret’s safe with me…all of your secrets are safe with me.”

At this reminder of Chloe’s long-time fidelity, Clark smiled, secure in the knowledge that Chloe would always protect him, just as he would do for her.

“As to your question, Lana’s at my apartment. She had stayed in the Metropolitan offices while I called in a reporter to take over the story. Lana and I were going to come over here together to see you, so she wanted to drop off her SUV at her place before we came on over in my car.

“Apparently, when the local media got to campus, someone leaked Lana’s name to them because when we got to her complex, there were two camera crews set up outside her door already, just waiting for her to come home. Lana never even slowed down and we went to my place. Right now, that’s a safe place for her to hide since they don‘t know that I‘m a connection between you two.”

“Thanks, Chloe.”

“It’s my pleasure, Clark.”

“Now, if I could only figure out what caused me to collapse like that.”

“Lana has a theory about that, but that’s her story to tell.” Getting up from her chair, Chloe said goodbye and was headed out the door, when Clark stopped her with a request.

“Chloe,” he said, “could you find out who is running the investigation for the Metropolis P.D.?”

Chloe whirled around and said, “Yeah, that’ll only take a couple of minutes.” Tilting her head to the side, she asked, “What for, Clark?”

“Well, maybe you could pass a message that I’d like to speak to him soon.”

“How soon is soon?”

“As soon as possible. Now would be fine, ten minutes ago would be better.” Trying to explain his hurry, Clark said, “If I can let him know Lana didn’t attack me, maybe the detective will clear Lana before her name gets dragged through the mud.”

“Oh, Clark, how sweet of you,” Chloe said, sadness evident in her voice and face, “but it’s far too late for that. At least two local TV stations broke into their regularly scheduled programs to cover your fall. According to what I’ve heard, both of them mentioned Lana as being ‘a person of interest’ in the police investigation. In case you‘ve forgotten, that’s the police department’s polite way of naming her a suspect.”

“But…you said there are members of the media downstairs? What are they waiting for?”

“An impromptu press conference about your condition,” Chloe said. “The school has to get you to sign a release because of the privacy laws, and then they can tell the media how you are doing.”

“How about I do it myself?” Clark asked. “I can head down there, show them I’m okay, and let them know I fell on my own. That ought to help clear Lana. A public statement that she had nothing to do with my fall.”

“If you’re going to do this, here’s a piece of advice: don’t even mention Lana’s name unless someone else brings it up. The less often her name is mentioned in connection with this event, the better for her it will be.”

“Gotcha.”

“Is the hospital going to let you go downstairs, Clark?”

“Who says they have to know? I’ll be back in a flash!” Getting up off the bed, Clark slipped on his shoes and said, “I shouldn’t really say that, I suppose. That’s Bart’s exit line these days.”

“Bart Allen? I still can’t believe I let you talk me into going on a date with that guy. His feet aren’t the only part of his body that is fast.

"His hands,” Chloe shuddered, “it was like fighting off an octopus.”

“You did straighten him out though.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t fast enough to slap him, but he never saw the pepper spray coming,” Chloe said. “Remember Clark, when the time comes, you owe me one for that date.”

“Wait here, Chloe. I’ll be back soon.”

[sandy]

update!

[Cardinal]

Thanks, sandy!

--------------------

After super-speeding down the stairs to the first-floor conference room Chloe had said was being used for the media, Clark stopped, ran his fingers through his perpetually unruly hair, and went inside.

He made it most of the way to the lectern before he was noticed. As cameras began flashing, the electronic media got their floodlights turned on, and Clark stepped up to the microphones.

“Are these on? Can you folks hear me?” Waiting a few seconds for a negative response, Clark then said, “If you’re all ready now, I’ll start this news conference.

“I know the university promised to send someone to brief you on my condition. When I heard about that, I decided to come down here and handle it myself. Basically, I’m fine, I have no injuries, not even a scratch or a bruise. I’m just staying here overnight to make the M.D.s happy. I’ll be at school tomorrow attending classes and participating in football practice, guaranteed. Any questions?”

A junior sports reporter for the local NBC affiliate spoke up, asking, “Come on! You really expect us to believe you aren’t hurt at all? Those steps outside the Luthor Library are concrete.”

“They say seeing is believing, so…” Clark stepped from behind the lectern and pulled off his t-shirt. He held his arms straight out and turned slowly so everyone could get a good look at his unblemished torso. Completing his turn, Clark asked, “Satisfied?”

“Amazing!” the NBC reporter said.

Then one of his female colleagues said in a low voice, “Yeah, I’ll say he looks amazing,” which caused the whole room to break up in laughter, including Clark.

“What’s your name, Miss?” Clark asked, directing his question toward the young woman who had just spoken up.

“Lois Lane, I’m a reporter for the Daily Planet.” Looking at her notepad, she looked back up at Clark and asked, “The story going around is that you didn’t fall at the library. It’s said you were pushed by an, as of yet, unknown assailant.”

“I’m glad you asked that Miss Lane.” Clark’s expression darkened as he looked out over the assembled media. “Let this be perfectly understood, I tripped, all by myself and fell down the stairs. No one pushed me. As athletic as I am, I can stumble just like anyone else.”

Another reporter, this one from the UPN station, asked, “So this…Lana Lang…didn’t have anything to do with it?”

“No,” Clark said, “the young woman in question dropped her books and tried to catch me. That she failed is due to the tightness of my t-shirt, how far away from me she was when I fell, and the fact that she’s not very big to start with. Miss Lang is a friend of mine and would never try to hurt me. Anyone who has reported otherwise, before troubling themselves to ascertain the facts, should be ashamed of themselves.”

Smiling again, Clark said, “Thank you for your time, I bid you a good evening.” As soon as the door closed behind him, Clark sped back up the stairs to his floor, only stopping when he came to the door of his room. When he stepped inside, he noticed he had two women waiting for him, Chloe and Elaine.

Elaine shot up out of her chair and wrapped a surprised Clark in a big hug. When she released him and stepped back, Clark could tell she had been crying.

“Are you crying because of me?” Clark asked. “I’m fine. Honest!”

“Really?” Elaine asked. “You’re not hurt at all? It’s just that Candy and Angie explained what happened. They were coming out of the library and saw you get pushed. I’m surprised you didn’t break your neck.”

“Elaine, I didn’t get pushed. I fell, all on my own. Lana was just trying to catch me after I tripped.”

“LANA? That…that…oooh!” Seeing the normally placid Elaine get wound up would normally have been entertaining for Clark, except it was directed at him. “What was she doing there? Is she stalking you or something?”

“Calm down. Lana and I were meeting at the library. She needed some help with Trigonometry, so I was going to tutor her.”

“That’s what she told you, anyway.”

“Elaine? Are you getting jealous about me seeing Lana?”

“Jealous? Me?” Wiping a tear from her cheek, Elaine said, “Well, maybe just a little bit. You and I have just started dating and here comes this beautiful girl, seemingly out of nowhere, and she seems to spend an awful lot of time with you.”

Oh wow, Clark thought. We’ve only gone out on one date, but she already thinks we’re “dating.” How to change the direction of this conversation?

Seeing Chloe waiting patiently, Clark asked, “Elaine? Have you met Chloe yet?”

“We haven’t been formally introduced yet,” Elaine replied, “but she did say she’s an old friend of yours.”

“Well, let me take care of that right now.” Taking Elaine by the hand, he brought her over to Chloe and said, “Elaine, meet my oldest and dearest friend, Chloe Sullivan. Chloe, this is Elaine Thompson, the woman who almost single-handedly got me through my depression after Lori left.”

Chloe stood up and held out her hand. As they shook hands, Chloe said, “I’ve been wanting to meet you for days now, ever since I found out you two were going on a date.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Chloe. Clark has mentioned you many times.”

“Anyone that could drag Clark out of the shell he’d crawled into after Lori left, is all right by me,” Chloe said. “I was beginning to think he’d never come around.”

Pulling Chloe into a far corner of the room, Elaine said, “Can I tell you a secret? I sometimes feel that any woman wanting to get close to Clark doesn’t have to live up to a standard set by Lori, she has to live up to one set by you. That’s how important you are to Clark.”

Then, very softly, very sweetly, Elaine said, “I hope I’m that woman.”

[sandy]

wow, amazing update! I wonder if Lois is gonna become part of the plotline...ppms!!

[NYC300Z]

:D

[NYC300Z]

:D

[NYC300Z]

:D Cardinal sorry about that, my k-site messed up!

Want to stay great update! I liked that Clark is coming around and mentioned to Chloe that he's interested in Lana now! Oh but now he has to some how get out of a relationship with Elaine! That's going to be tough for Clark. I like how you put Lois in their I just hope she doesn't play any bigger of a part than she already has. Does Chloe know her cousin is down their?

PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Super update, Cardinal. You're doing a great job with this fic. Lois had to be the one to mention Lana. And Elaine jealous, & Clark feeling like she's being too possessive after only one date. Clark modelling for the media.... So when's he going to hand out the spare ticket to the football game? Can't wait to see what happens if he gives it to Lana and Elaine finds out... And can't wait for Lana to tell Clark her theory about the necklace....PPMS!

[binkys711]

woohoo! caught up! I LOVE THIS STORY! it has quickly gotten pretty complicated, and poor Lana being called an "asailant" and blmaed for what happened!:lol: and great introduction for Lois! it was funny! and dang Clark has a little sis, good for him!;) great update Card! your story is awesome as always:DPPMS!

[baldy92]

Loved the update Cardinal PPMS!!

[HP_DRAGON]

this is so good i need more PPMS

[pacifichic]

WoW!!! This story is so good!!! Please post soon!

[maroon09854]

wow so many twists and turns glad Clark cleared Lana's name and clark finally admitting he likes Lana PPMS!!!!

[akuma]

I think this has become my favorite story ur writing Card, but the others are also so good!!!:D Gosh u r an amazing writer, keep ur the good work!!

[cufcchic]

i LOVED the update! ppms!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 13 - The Day After

When Clark left the hospital Monday morning, no one was there to pick him up and take him home. It was not because he had been forgotten. Rather, he had told his parents to stay home and Chloe needed to get to her classes so, he decided to stretch his legs a little with a short morning run. Seconds later, Clark came to a stop at the back of the football team’s workout facility behind a giant green trash dumpster. From there, it was a quick jog to his townhouse.

Hustling through the door, Clark thought he had just enough time to get dressed and have breakfast at the cafeteria before his first class started at nine. At least he didn’t have to workout this morning. Being required to stay overnight at the hospital excused him from that today. Now that it was a game week, they were only using the weights Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with Sunday being the one day a week they had completely off from any football-related activities as mandated by the N.C.A.A.

As he hurried across campus on his way to the cafeteria in the Student Union, he couldn’t help but pass by the library. Looking at those steps as he passed along the mall, he wondered again about what could have made him fall. He had only felt weak like that once before in his life. Strangely enough, Lana had been present for that event, too. Great, he thought, maybe I’m allergic to her. No, that doesn’t make sense. It’s only happened twice and I’ve been around her more times than that. I wonder…oh well, Chloe said Lana has a theory. I guess I’ll have to call her and see what she has to say, besides, I still owe her a tutoring session.

In the locker room before practice that afternoon, Clark was approached by a number of players and most of the coaching staff, all of whom wanted to know the same thing: how was he feeling? All but one, that is.

Graduate Assistant Coach Whitney Fordman approached Clark just before the team went out to the practice fields and asked a whole new question. He wanted to know if the Lana Lang from the night before was from Smallville.

When Clark answered in the affirmative and then asked Coach Fordman why he wanted to know, all Whitney would say was, “Be careful with her, Clark. She breaks hearts faster than you break passing records. I know…she did it to me.”

Clark knew Whitney was from Smallville, but the age difference between him and Lana meant Whitney would have been a high school senior when Lana was a high school freshman. Did they really date each other? This could be more than awkward if it’s true since Coach Fordman had been brought on as a Graduate Assistant, after a stellar career as a quarterback at Division II Emporia State, to help mentor Clark in his role as starting quarterback.

Practice did not go well and the team was looking sluggish heading into their first game against Utah State. The Aggies had won their first game handily over Idaho, but the Met U Bulldogs started the season ranked #2 in the nation in both major polls behind the defending national champion Auburn Tigers. The Bulldogs were favored by 35 points in this game, though, as a college athlete, Clark would never admit to knowing the Vegas point-spread on his game.

When he reached home after practice, Clark’s first thought was to call Lana to see how she was doing and to ask if she wanted to reschedule their tutoring session. When he remembered he didn’t have Lana’s number, he called Chloe to get it.

“Hey, Chloe, what’s up?”

“Nothing much, Clark, I’m just plowing through some homework. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

“Besides the opportunity to hear the dulcet tones of your voice…”

“Dulcet tones?“ Chloe asked, snickering madly all the while, “Do you use lines like that on all the girls, Clark?”

“Nah, I try them all out on you first, Chloe.”

“Gee, thanks,” Chloe said, as she rolled her eyes, “I feel so special that I’m your trial horse.”

“You should feel special,” Clark said. “It’s an honor to get to suffer like this.”

“So, what were you looking for besides the chance to hear my ‘dulcet tones?’”

“I was hoping to get Lana’s phone number from you.”

“Oooh, is the BMOC going to ask my friend for a date?”

“Noooooo,” Clark said. At least not yet. Some indication of definite interest would be nice before I leap off that cliff. “I need to reschedule the trig tutoring session. Also, I really need to know what made me collapse last night. If she thinks she knows, I’m all ears.”

“Okay, Clark. Given your overriding need to safeguard yourself, I’ll give in. Here’s her number…”

“Thanks, Chloe.” After jotting down the number in his personal phonebook, Clark said, “Now that I’ve got what I called for, I’ve got a question for you.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Remember that cousin of yours that just started working for The Daily Planet? What’s her name?”

“Lois Lane,” Chloe said. “What does she have to do with anything?”

“She was at my impromptu news conference last night. She was very slick and managed to make sure she got to ask the question she wanted to ask.”

Her curiosity piqued, Chloe said, “Okay, I’ll bite. What happened?”

“When that dork from the local NBC affiliate decided to call me on my claim of not being bruised or scratched, I took off my shirt and slowly turned around so everyone could see my unblemished skin.”

“I bet half the men in that room last night joined health clubs today, Clark,” Chloe said. “And at least three-quarters of the women had fantasies about a man that looked a lot like you.”

“Gee thanks, Chloe,” Clark said, afraid his blush would somehow be transmitted over the airwaves. “Anyway, when the NBC guy said it was ‘amazing,’ Lois jumped right in and said, ‘Yeah, I’ll say he looks amazing.’ Everyone was laughing but the thing I remember is that she said it just loud enough to make sure everyone heard. When my head whipped around to see who said it, she caught my eyes with a big smile. She definitely wasn’t flirting, but she had succeeded in getting herself noticed by the interviewee, me, and so I took the next question from her.

“It was a very impressive display. I wonder how many people in the room even noticed how deftly she manipulated the situation to her advantage. This is just my opinion, Chloe, but that cousin of yours is going far in the newspaper field.”

“Lois has always been able to get what she wants,” Chloe said, “Maybe it’s a by-product of hanging around her daddy, Lieutenant-General Sam Lane.” After shifting position in her chair, Chloe asked, “Anything else you wanted to talk about, E.T.?”

[SVsleuth]

:) BUFFER! :)
BUFFER!

[Cardinal]

“Yeah. Kathy’s not going to the game Saturday ‘cause she has a Girl Scout camping trip so I have an extra ticket to the game…I know you don’t usually go, but do you want it?”

“Nah. I’m going to the game, but I’m using my press pass so I can sit up in the press box with Jonesy and whoever he assigns to cover the game.”

“Jonesy, huh? Are you going to watch the game or to watch a man?”

“Both,” Chloe said, and the impudence in her voice let Clark know just how big her smile was on the other end of the call.

“At least you two already spend a lot of time together,” Clark said. “You won’t have to wedge him into your schedule.” Struck by a sudden thought, Clark asked, “Does Jonesy know about this yet?”

“I shouldn’t think so. Why tell a man about a relationship before it actually starts? It just makes him nervous.”

“Thank God you never set your sights on me then!”

“Oh jeez, Clark, that would be like dating a family member…gross!”

“Thanks, I think…anyway, do you know anyone else that would use the extra ticket? Mom and Dad are coming to the game, Pete already has the third ticket spoken for, and I can’t give the last ticket to Elaine ‘cause she has to sit with the tri-Alphas in the student section.”

“Yeah,” Chloe said, “I do have a friend that likes football, and I’m sure she’d love to take advantage of a seat in the family section. Those seats on the thirty yard line aren’t bad at all.”

“Who is it?” Clark asked.

“You’re about to call her.”

“Lana likes football? Little-bitty soft-spoken Lana is a football fan? I’d picture her at gallery openings, orchestra concerts, and fashion shows, not screaming her lungs out with 74,000 other crazies in the KONDome.”

Chloe was laughing on the other end and finally asked, “KONDome…where the heck did the building get a ridiculous name like that?”

“Didn’t you hear, Chloe? Kansas Oil and Nuclear bought naming rights to the Metropolis Dome for the next ten years. Unfortunately for them, no one had thought out what could be done with that name. Some wisecracker took the company’s initials and made an informal name which is already much more popular than the official one, the Kansas Oil and Nuclear Dome.”

“Back on topic. Trust me, Clark. Lana is definitely a football fan. When I first told her about you at the beginning of the semester, she remembered you, but not from your two meetings in Smallville. She remembered you at first from some football playoff game in high school. She said you almost single-handedly led Metropolis Washington to a win over Smallville and that, furthermore, she had wanted to run out on the field and break your arm.”

She can tackle me anytime she wants, Clark thought, before coming back to Earth. “One more thing, Chloe. Can you tell me anything about Lana’s relationship with Whitney Fordman in high school?”

“How’d you learn about that, Clark? How do you even know who Whitney Fordman is?”

“Whitney’s a graduate assistant on the team this year. He heard about last night and warned me to be careful with Lana. He said she’s a heartbreaker and that he had reason to know.”

“Wow! That’s a name I haven’t heard in quite a while,” Chloe said. “Whitney and Lana dated when she was a freshman in Smallville. She was impressionable and Whitney was the BMOC there, much like you are here at Met U. Even with the status that came with dating the star quarterback, she was done with him midway through the school year but wouldn’t dump him because his dad was suffering with heart problems. She didn’t want to bail out on him while he needed someone to be there for him.

“His dad died in the spring, and when Whitney left to go to Emporia State to sign up for summer classes and participate in summer workouts, he wanted Lana to wait for him. She didn’t feel for him what he felt for her, so she dumped him.” Pausing for a second to take a breath, Chloe said, “I have since been told that Whitney was crushed and became rather bitter about the whole experience.”

“Thanks for the heads-up, Chloe. It’s always nice to have more than one perspective on a situation. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Clark.”

Two more phone calls to make, Clark thought. Who do I call first? Kathy, ‘cause I still owe her a phone call from last night, or Lana? One call will have my heart in my throat, while the other one will hopefully be a balm for raw nerves.

Smiling to himself, Clark thought, Looking at it that way, there’s only one order possible. I’ll call Lana first.

[SVsleuth]

1st! Super update, Card! I love this story. You are doing such a great job on it. Bringing Whitney in - interesting... Can't wait for Lana to tell Clark her theory.... PPMS!

[SmallvilleMan]

wat she said^^^^^^^

[sandy]

wow...an awesome update would be an understatement!!! update soon!

[cufcchic]

great update! ppmasap!

[maroon09854]

wow awsome update cant believe Whitneys back in the pic and what Lana will say when Clark calls her :) PPMS!!!!

[linn]

that was a awesome update....im glad that i caught up.....PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

interesting news for Clark to find out about Lana's relationship with Whitney. Now I'm very curious to read about Clark's phone calls! The first with Lana and then he has to spill his guts to his sister....oh I can't wait!

PPMS!

[nellie2]

yeah cant wait for the update! this is an awesome fic.

PPMS !!!!!

[Cardinal]

Thanks, nellie2 and welcome to the K-Site Clana board! :)

[dreammaster]

that was awesome

[Cardinal]

Chapter 14 - E.T. Phone Lana

Lana’s Monday did not go as smoothly as Clark’s did.

At first, everything was fine. When Chloe called to tell her to watch the late news Sunday night, she turned on Chloe’s TV and caught the brief press conference Clark held. When it came to the part where Clark pulled off his t-shirt, Lana sucked in a deep breath in appreciation of the sight before her. My, oh my, she thought. He looks better than an all-day sucker…you just lick and lick and…oh, what dirty thoughts I‘m having. Get your mind out of the gutter, Lana!

When that reporter from The Daily Planet said what Lana had been thinking, Lana erupted in a fit of giggles. As Clark continued the news conference and made it quite clear that she had nothing to do with his injury, Lana thought, Well…not exactly correct, Clark. But at least I wasn’t pushing you down the stairs…and it’s sweet of you to make sure everyone knows that.

After Chloe returned home, Lana stayed the night as a precaution, just in case someone decided to stay outside her apartment all night in the hopes of getting a quote. Chloe got up the next morning and made a few calls. By the time Lana left, Chloe had confirmed the police had dropped the investigation of Clark’s accident. The eyewitness reports were conflicting and the security camera tape wasn’t conclusive one way or the other, so basically, it was a case of Lana’s word against that of the two tri-Alphas. When the supposed victim unequivocally stated that Lana was the one telling the truth, that was all the investigators needed to hear.

Lana then returned to her place to shower and dress for school. Her first order of business was to go by the library and see if anyone found her folder and math textbook. By the time she had located her meteor-rock necklace in the shrubbery and returned to the top of the stairs the night before, her stuff was gone. A missing $70 textbook was all she needed, not to mention having to redo the research for her speech.

Luck was with her. Someone had picked up her stuff and turned it in to the librarians. She was able to claim her belongings at the library’s lost-and-found. From that point on, however, her day went to hell in a handbasket.

It was all related to Clark. At first, she didn’t have any problems because no one knew who she was. As she got to her first class, however, where people did know her name, the rude comments and muttered slurs began. It was just a few at first, but as more and more people became aware of who she was, and as the story of what “happened” the night before spread, the comments became louder, the slurs more vicious, and Lana could no longer pretend to not hear them.

By the time her last class for the day was over that afternoon, Lana was in tears. Head down, she walked home as fast as her legs could carry her and didn’t stop crying until she buried herself in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream. She wanted to call Chloe to relate what had happened, but Chloe’s cell phone was busy.

Minutes later, her phone rang. She set down her spoon into the half-eaten carton of ice cream and checked the caller ID. Clark? How did he get my number? In her distracted state of mind, Lana began trying to straighten her hair and dab the tears from her face before answering the phone, as if Clark could actually see her. Finally ready, she pressed send and placed the phone to her ear.

“Hi, Clark,” Lana said, her voice still quivering slightly from crying.

“Hi, Lana.” Not normally the most perceptive person, Clark was still able to tell Lana was really upset, so he changed what he had been about to say, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. I just had a bad day at school.”

“Bad day, huh? Would you like to talk about it? My ears are yours for as long as you need them.”

“I wouldn’t want to burden you with my petty problems, Clark. I’m sure you have enough things on your plate already.”

“Right now, my only concern is you,” Clark said. “If you’re having a problem, I want to know about it. Even if the only help I can give is to let you cry on my shoulder for a little bit.”

“Are you sure you want to hear it?” Lana asked.

“Positive. Listening is the least I can do for the woman who tried to save me from falling down the steps last night.”

“That was nothing.”

“It isn’t nothing to me,” Clark said quietly. “I bet you still haven’t thought about what would have happened had you succeeded in grabbing me.”

“Well, I would have kept you from falling down those stairs, for one thing.”

“No, you wouldn’t have. Had you managed to grab onto my shirt, my weight would have pulled you down with me,” Clark said. “You can’t weigh more than 100 pounds. I’m twice that and you were standing above me in a terrible position to try and hold that much dead weight.” Pausing to shake his head in wonder, Clark said, “You can’t know how much I admire the selfless courage it took to try and save me, and how horrified I would have been had you succeeded in grabbing onto me.”

“Tell that to our fellow students,” Lana muttered.

“What do you mean?”

“Apparently some of the people in my classes heard the news reports from last night. I was originally listed as a suspect in your fall. The stories got wilder from there and every time I heard something, the story had mutated farther and farther away from the truth. By the time I left the campus today, I felt like I was a baby killer or something.”

“I’m so sorry, Lana,” Clark said. “You know you aren’t to blame and I know it, too.”

“But it’s so unfair,” Lana said, sobbing into the phone. “I didn’t do anything wrong and yet I’m being crucified.”

“Well…at least you won’t have to read about these slanders in The Metropolitan. Chloe will kill any story that even suggests you hurt me. She’ll do it so fast, it’ll make your head spin.”

The thought of Chloe stomping all over any writer unlucky enough to submit such an article brought the first real smile to Lana’s face in some time. “Yeah, Chloe might have to allow an article like that if there was a reasonable chance it might be true, but when she knows it isn’t true, I have no doubt you’re correct.”

“Are you okay? Are you going to survive this?”

“I suppose so,” Lana said, as she finished off the last of the Chunky Monkey.

“Good,” Clark said, “then let me officially thank you for trying to save my butt last night.”

“You’re welcome, Clark, but I’m sure you’d try to save me if our roles were reversed.”

“Oh sure.” Not quite sure how to broach the subject her really wanted to talk about, Clark dithered a few seconds and then just went ahead and asked. “Chloe says you have a theory about what made me fall last night.”

[SVsleuth]

BUFFER!

BUFFER!