Bab 3: Chapter 3
It was early in the morning as I drove peacefully towards the school, in a very good mood. There was quite a bit of good news: Whitney's van was fully repaired, so she now had her own car. Goodbye to old Betsy.
Another piece of good news is that I finally have an idea for the business I want to start. At least I want to try, but there are a few things I need to prepare.
As I got out of my truck, I heard a voice calling me.
"Clark."
"Hey Lana, what are you doing here? I thought you'd have cheerleading practice early," I said surprised.
"Waiting for you, haha. I wanted to thank you for the other day. I didn't know how to react, you know. And about practice, they'll be fine without me for a day."
"Great. And again, you don't have to worry. I saved you because I wanted to, although you should thank Lex and Pete too. They helped look for you, though just a bit," I added jokingly, noticing she wasn't wearing the Kryptonite necklace.
"Well, it looks like I should thank Lex and Pete when I see them," she said smiling as she prepared to leave.
"You know, Lex is coming to the farm for dinner tonight. If you want, you can join us," I said, stopping her.
"Really? Of course, I'd love to, as long as it doesn't bother you," she replied, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"It would be a pleasure to have you at dinner, Lana."
"Well, then it's a date... I mean, a dinner meeting, not romantic, with your parents and... well, you understand," she said, stumbling over her words, looking quite embarrassed.
"Haha, it's okay Lana, see you there. Do you want me to pick you up?" I said as I saw her blush.
"No, I know the way. I'll see you there." With that, Lana hurried off.
In a very good mood, I headed to see Pete and Chloe.
"I can't believe you attacked the coach, Chloe. "Do you know how much hate that will attract?" I overheard Pete say.
"I don't have reliable proof, but I know the coach is involved with the football team cheaters. I just need to find the evidence."
"Oh yeah? And how will you do that?" Pete asked.
"It's just a matter of someone breaking and talking," she said as she took photos of the football team.
At that moment, a ball headed straight for her face.
I caught it with one hand, preventing it from hitting her, and tossed it back to the thrower hard enough to knock the wind out of them.
"Careful, Chloe. I wouldn't forgive myself if they ruined your beautiful face," I said as I turned to my friends.
"It would take more than that to do it," she joked as she walked away.
I was about to follow her to keep teasing her, but at that moment, a deep voice called me.
"Kent, I saw you throw. Your technique is bad, but you have potential."
"Thank you, Coach Walts."
"Why don't you join the team this season? We need players in every position," he continued.
"I appreciate it, Coach, but I don't think it's for me. I have a lot of things to take care of, and practices take up too much time."
"If you're worried about your farm, I'm sure your father would understand. He was an excellent quarterback, and you have it in your blood."
"Haha, I'm adopted, Coach. But again, thank you, but no."
"Come on, son. It's time for you to man up," he said, ignoring my last comment.
That's what she said, I thought.
"Thank you, Coach. I promise I'll think about it. Okay."
"Whitney, come here," the coach shouted.
"What's up, Coach?" she said as she approached.
"How about having Kent on the team?"
"He's strong, I don't doubt it... he'll serve," she said, sweeping me with her gaze.
"There you go, Kent. I can't promise anything, but we have practice early tomorrow. I want your answer then."
"I'll be there, Coach. Thank you," I said as they walked away.
It was night at the Kent farm, and I hate to admit that I was a little nervous about dinner. Not because of the millionaire bald who was coming; he's not that handsome, haha, but because of Lana. It seems Kryptonian adolescent hormones affect as much as human ones.
Just as I was about to do the fourth check of the place, a black convertible car arrived.
"Mom, Lex is here. I'll go greet him," I shouted as I went out the door.
"You're early, Luthor."
"Secret to a good impression, Kent. Help me get some things from the trunk. I stopped to buy a cake for your parents," Lex replied.
Haha, you're really trying hard, I said as I opened the car trunk.
There were four different cakes along with a pair of fencing swords.
"Four, really?"
Haha, maybe I tried too hard, Lex commented.
With that, we entered the house carrying the cakes. My parents seemed more inclined not to judge Lex as we conversed, although my father seemed determined to tease Lex.
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
"I didn't know we were expecting someone else," said Lex.
"Haha, I invited someone. I hope you don't mind, buddy."
"Nah, of course not. For someone who tends to dine alone, having many people around is something to be valued," he replied.
I got up to open the door, and there was Lana, in a black evening dress with light makeup on her face. Her hair was down, and she seemed nervous, ready to escape at any moment.
"Lana, welcome. You look beautiful, please come in."
"Thank you for inviting me, Clark. You look nice too," she said as she crossed the threshold.
I led her into the living room where my parents were chatting amiably with Lex.
"Mom, Dad, Bald this is Lana," I said.
"Welcome, Lana. We're glad you could join us," said my mother as she got up to greet Lana with a hug.
"Alright, looks like it's dinner time," said my father.
As I headed to the table, Lex approached me.
"Haha, looks like I'm not the only one trying too hard tonight," he whispered mockingly.
"Screw you."
"Haha, x2."
Dinner was pleasant; for some reason, everything unprepared, I ended up sitting next to Lana, purely by chance. Sometimes our legs would touch or we would briefly hold hands by accident, I swear. After the initial awkwardness with Lana, I really enjoyed making jokes and discussing mundane things—normal stuff: a joke here, a blush there.
"Clark, I see you have a new ring," Lex commented.
"This? Haha, it's a trinket I found in the field. I'm not into rings, but I wanted to impress today, you know," I said as I played with the ring.
"Oh, and the swords, Lex?" I asked, remembering his trunk.
"Oh, I bought those recently. I really enjoy fencing, like my father," he said, realizing his mistake. "Although that's the only thing we share, well, that and the last name," he added.
"Haha, don't forget the long curly hair, buddy," I joked to lighten the mood.
"Seriously, Clark, that's your fifth bald joke today," Lana said, laughing.
"Puff, he's a millionaire and a good guy, I don't have much material, you know?" I commented.
"Well, Clark, how about it? Maybe a match to digest dinner. Maybe if you defeat me, you'll have something else to tease about."
"Only if you let me win."
Fencing is fun; there's something magical about wielding a sword, even a thin one. Lex and I we fight in the yard for Lana's and my parents' amusement and concern—nothing elaborate, neither of us was giving it our all, it was more like a theater performance with overly dramatic movements.
Continuing the performance, I jumped over some boxes; at that moment, I stumbled with the misfortune that the box I was on broke, sending me backwards to the floor.
"Clark!" they all exclaimed.
"Haha, I'm fine," I said as I got up.
"You're bleeding," Lana said as she ran towards me with a concerned look.
"It's nothing, just some scrapes," I said as I touched the cut on my forehead.
In the distance, I could see the worried faces of my parents, although I'm sure it was for different reasons than Lana's.
"Alright, looks like Lex won," I said, looking at my parents as I signaled that we'd talk later.
"Well, son, fun's over. Why don't you let your mother tend to those wounds while we try the cakes Lex brought?" said my father.
"Let me take care of that, Mr. Kent," Lana said as she guided me by the arm.
While my parents were in the living room eating cake, Lana tended to my head wound with a bandage and alcohol.
"Ouch, with more love," I said as I bit into a peach from the kitchen.
"Stop being a crybaby, Clark, and stop moving," Lana said as she stood in front of me.
"Good thing you're pretty, because as a nurse, you'd starve," I said, taking her hands to make her stop.
"Well, if you keep getting into trouble rescuing people, maybe I should improve soon," she said with a slight pout.
At that moment, I leaned in and planted a brief kiss.
"Raspberry," I said as Lana still stood frozen in place.
"Did you say something, son?" shouted my mother from the living room.
"Yeah, I said I hope you'll save me some raspberry cake," I replied.
"I'd like some too," Lana interjected, smiling at me. "Although I prefer peach flavor," she added.
Dinner ended on a high note, much better than I expected, I must say.
Now, I was in my truck, driving Lana home. We were both silent, but it was a comfortable silence.
"You know, Clark, I think I'll quit cheerleading," Lana broke the silence.
"Oh, really? Can I ask why?" I inquired.
"I don't know, I want to find something that truly excites me, something I want for myself. You know, my mom was a cheerleader, and so was my aunt. I just want to break the cycle, step away."
"I understand. It's funny; I was actually thinking of joining the team tomorrow. Not that I'm interested, but seeing you in a cheerleading uniform cheering me on has its charm, haha."
"Wait, seriously? You were planning to join just for that?" Lana asked, amused.
"Hmm," I shrugged.
"Men," Lana chuckled. "Well, if that's what you want, maybe I can stay for another season."
"No, no, don't worry about it. Although you might want to hang on to your uniform," I said with my best serious face.
"Haha, alright, I'll wait another season. It's the least I can do for Smallville's hero," Lana said as she opened the truck door.
"Lana," I said, causing her to turn and look at me.
At that moment, I leaned in and planted another kiss, this time longer and slower.
"Goodnight, Lana," I said.
"Goodnight, Clark," she replied with a small smile.
I was back at my parents' house. They were both sitting in the living room, looking concerned, waiting to hear what I had to say.
"So, son, what's going on?" my father asked.
"It's nothing serious, really," I said as I removed the ring from my finger, immediately causing my wounds and scrapes to heal.
"It's because of this thing here," I said, showing them the ring. It was a simple gold band, although hidden inside was a small fragment of meteorite.
"Do you know, Dad, meteors don't just contain green stones; most of them have precious metals and other things. But what's really important is this little stone here," I said, pointing to the inside of the ring.
"Is that a meteorite rock?" my mother asked.
"Kryptonite, well, that's what I call it," I replied.
"So, these stones neutralize my powers when they come into contact with my skin, nothing harmful, just a slight tingling sensation," I explained.
"Oh, I see. So, you use it to be normal," my mother commented.
"Haha, Mom, I'm always normal; this just helps me not accidentally hurt someone with my super strength. Besides, I found out that if I exercise with the Kryptonite, my powers increase. Plus, I don't need one-ton dumbbells to build muscle anymore."
"Oh, Clark, that's wonderful. Now you won't have to control every one of your reactions," my mother replied.
"And what's next, son?" asked a smiling Jonathan Kent.
"Well, I was planning to join the school football team; with this, I don't have to be careful while playing," I replied.
"Is for Lana ?," my mother said, smiling.
"Not really, I'm doing it for the love of the sport," I said, avoiding her gaze.
"Alright, son, but remember, you can't take off the ring, and you should think of a better way to hide the Kryptonite; that ring is hideous," my father commented.
"Hey, I made it myself; I'm proud of it."
"Please, Clark, it's most likely you just heated up the gold and bent it yourself and smashed in the Kryptonite," my father chuckled.
"Haha, something like that," (exactly what he did).
The rest of the month flew by; it seemed like the coach wanted me to play quarterback, but I didn't want to compete unnecessarily with Whitney, so for now, I play as a receiver. After finding out she didn't want her position, Whitney was me quite supportive, as was the rest of the team.
I might not have noticed it in the series, but Clark was quite popular—well, not popular exactly, but definitely well-liked in school. And after playing a few games as a substitute and scoring seven touchdowns, now I'm the center of attention.
Another piece of good news is that I've finally nailed down the business I wanted to start, one of many apparently. When people talk about the world's millionaires, they mention tech moguls, oil tycoons, or actors, but there's a sector that moves a lot of money and nobody knows who controls it... the food industry. So I thought, since the farm is one of my biggest assets, maybe there's a market in Metropolis.
With a little help from Pete's father, I registered my parents' property as an organic, gluten-free, eco-friendly farm friendly to Martians and all that stuff with all the certifications. It was easier than I thought. Turns out my father had tried something similar in his youth, but the studies and certifications were quite expensive. Lex helped me out with some money I earned as a consultant. I used that to pay off the farm debts and improve the facilities, although I still have enough pocket money.
Another help I got from Lex, who now owns 20% of the company, was his connections with city restaurants. Although the farm isn't enough to supply entire Metropolis, it could serve about 10 luxury restaurants with organic products. I sell to them at a premium, like an orange, for example, and they use it to create dishes they sell at a higher price. Everyone wins. Currently, my father makes deliveries once a week, although the profit margin is quite good despite it being a 6-hour round trip.
One of the reasons I leaned towards this idea is because of the land. During inspection, I spent several days collecting meteorites from around the farm. There were few left. Apparently, my father had already noticed they didn't sit well with me. But if this works, maybe I can attract more producers, then I'd have a legitimate reason to explore or maybe buy their lands.
For now, I haven't hired anyone. I can do the work of eight men as long as I don't slack off too much.
Back to school, it seems Lana broke up with Whitney, but I haven't formalized anything with her yet. I see her often at practices and games. Seeing her in cheerleading outfit is quite an experience. No more kisses, but a lot of flirting.
It was early in the morning. The coach Walts, after his thousandth victory, put more pressure on the team, everyone but me. When he realized he couldn't intimidate or bribe me with anything, he tried to threaten me. He really tried, but as soon as I said I'd quit the team, he let me stick to my normal schedule. Now, I only train occasionally.
Lana got a part-time job four days a week and she's not doing well at it, haha. Sometimes I go with Pete or Lex to laugh and flirt a bit. I managed to get permission for her to attend the Friday games. It was easy when I told the owner Lana would work unpaid. Lana doesn't know that Lex and I pay her paycheck and any damages just to keep her job and laugh at her, hahaha. But now, with the business, maybe I can offer her employment.
It was the weekend, and the team organized a gathering on the outskirts of town. The party was great. The whole team was there, full of excitement. Seems like Clark never drank, or simply couldn't, considering his Kryptonian resistance to toxins.
I really wanted to invite Lana to the gathering, but with Whitney here, it would only lead to trouble, especially since we had an unspoken truce.
"Hey, Clark," said a stunning blonde wearing a low-cut pink blouse as she pressed her breasts against my, other girl who was next to her, holding my arm.
"Hey, Jenna. Hey, Holly," I replied without moving from my spot.
"You know, Clark, Holly and I were about to go buy more alcohol in town. Do you think you could take us both? We're a little tipsy. We might have an accident," said Jenna, with clear implications.
Damn, I love these parties, I thought.
"Are you not going to ask Sean to drive you?" I asked.
"We're done with him. He's only interested in messing with me while flirting with others in front of me. So, what do you say, Clark? Or is the star receiver afraid to take two defenseless, tipsy cheerleaders?" said Jenna.
Just as I was about to accept to see where this was going...
"I'm sorry, girls, but the star receiver is already occupied," said Chloe, pulling my arm.
"Chloe, what a surprise to see you here," I said, following her.
"Coming from the homebody who doesn't like parties."
The team invited me, and I couldn't say no. "I see you're enjoying the party," he said in an annoyed tone.
"Haha, jealous, Chloe? I thought you didn't care."
"Shut up, Clark. I just want to prevent you from falling into the clutches of those harpies."
"Okay, okay, I'll pretend believe you, but since you've ruined my fun, you'll have to accompany me to the party."
I spent the rest of the night in Chloe's company. It was quite fun watching the team compete with drinks—I only drank—and when I felt bad, I took off the ring, so I could handle it without issues. Goodbye, hangover.
As I was taking Chloe home, she spoke: "You know, Clark, it was fun. Thanks for coming with me."
"Anytime, Chloe. It was good to go out again, you know..."
"On another note, I'm almost certain the coach provided the exam to your friends. I have almost everything to publish the article."
"That's excellent, Chloe. I have no love for the coach. Just be careful; if he finds out, he could do something to you."
"Haha, what would he do, Clark? This is America; journalists are untouchable."
"Just be careful, Chloe. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Don't worry, Clark, you'll save me, remember?"
"Just call me, alright?"
At that moment, we arrived at her house. Before getting out, Chloe turned and gave me a kiss. It was short, tasting of beer but great. "Does that mean...?" I asked.
"I'm still figuring it out, Clark. Now get out of here."
It was early Saturday at Smallville High School. It's fun to see the team with hangovers while I'm as fit as a fiddle, although the coach didn't like that they weren't in shape. Still, we would play in the afternoon and then celebrate the victory.
As I walked through the campus, I found Sean, one of the team players, harassing a girl, Jenna. "Is everything okay?" I asked as I approached.
"Mind your own business, Clark," Sean replied, still holding Jenna's wrist.
"Let her go, Sean," I said, gripping his forearm tightly to make him open his hand.
"Always wanting to be the hero, huh, Clark? If it's not Scabby Abby, it's fat Jodi. Some of us are tired of you meddling in our affairs," Sean said.
At that moment, I felt as if I were holding a block of ice. "Enough, Sean. I don't want to punch you. Come on, Jenna, I'll walk you to class."
With that, I left, leaving Sean throwing a tantrum.
Sean didn't play the game. I don't know where he disappeared to, but it seems he didn't bother Jenna again. After the game, the school organized a victory party. Lana wouldn't attend; she had to cover a shift at the café, so she was with Pete and Lex enjoying the bonfire and the party. Suddenly, I heard a scream from a window.
Then I saw Chloe trapped in a fire. I moved, pushing people aside as I ran towards Chloe's office.
"Chloe," I said, breaking down the door.
"Clark," Chloe said, running into my arms. The flames were less intense, so we stepped out for a moment while the smoke cleared. After a while, we tried to put out everything.
Despite how impressive the flames looked, they were only on her desk and part of the floor, nothing that would damage the structure.
"Thank God, the backing didn't burn," Chloe said, opening a drawer in her desk.
At that moment, Lex burst in. "Are you guys okay? I saw Clark running and then smelled smoke," Lex asked.
"We're fine, Lex. It seems the computer exploded," I said, continuing to search the room.
"The computer didn't explode, Clark. I'm sure it had something to do with the coach. I have photos of him creating fire out of nowhere," Chloe said.
"What do you mean, Chloe?" Lex asked.
"I have it all recorded. Wait, how silly of me! Now I realize... Greg, the coach, said something strange as he guided us to the back storage."
"Wow, impressive collection, Chloe. Who are you investigating?" Lex asked.
"It's not who, but what. Look," Chloe said, pointing at various items. "They're meteorites! They cause people to mutate. I have to write, Clark. We need to call everyone: disease control, the FBI, the media. Oh, I'll be famous for this story!" Chloe said excitedly, not caring.
"Enough, Chloe. That's it," I stopped her enthusiasm.
"What's enough, Clark? I have an article to write. Maybe I can send it to the Planet. Surely it'll get me an office," she said, about to leave.
"You won't do it, Chloe. I won't let you," I said, grabbing her arm.
"But, Clark, people need to know the truth. I'm not a journalist yet, but I know a journalist's soul is always to seek and expose the truth."
"But you're exposing yourself to danger, Chloe. Like today, you almost died."
"I don't care. The truth is bigger than me."
"I don't think you understand yet, Chloe. You're chasing an ideal without cause," I said, turning to look at Lex.
"Lex, we both know that LuthorCorp has been experimenting with meteorites for years. It wasn't a question, but here's one: How much would a company like LuthorCorp have to invest to silence all rumors of mutations and deaths caused by the meteorites?"
"Hmm, to silence journalists, politicians, the entire town's payroll... I don't know, it's too much, and there's no guarantee they wouldn't speak out."
"Exactly. Now, Chloe, why do you think there hasn't been a national search for Greg or why no one has published anything compiling Smallville's disasters?"
"I don't know, Clark. Maybe nobody cares."
"People aren't stupid, Chloe. They don't want to know. It's better to pretend nothing is happening."
"But why would they? You're dying, for heaven's sake," Chloe said, still skeptical.
"That's too easy. Let's say suddenly in a town, it's proven that most people are sick or dangerous. What would happen then?"
"The usual—they'd be isolated, monitored, or even studied if it's the place. Then the whole population would be displaced," Lex answered, understanding my point.
"Correct. The social stigma is the most dangerous. If the truth came out, the land would lose its value. People would carry the stain of being from that place, and not just them, for generations. It would be the same."
Chloe stayed silent, deep in thought.
"It's not just about you, Chloe, and don't say you're doing it for others because when they have to move or can't find work elsewhere because everyone thinks they're sick, believe me, nobody will thank you for your truth."
"So what, Clark? I shut up and pretend nothing is happening, that I know nothing?" she said angrily.
"Of course not. Look at the wall, Chloe. All those notes you collect have one thing in common—they talk about mysteries that can't be proven, about things solved miraculously. Those are the stories that get published. Do you want to help others? Or do you want to investigate and become a tragic journalist who gave her life for a story?"
"I don't understand, Clark, and I won't."
"Whatever decision you make, believe me, I'll support you and try to keep you safe. But be aware that you won't just be risking your life," I said as I walked away, annoyed.
"Chloe, I can't speak to Clark's point any more than he already has, but what I do know is that if it's known a rock can turn people into insects or control flames, it will attract anything but help. LuthorCorp specializes in genetic development, not weapons, but all it takes is for one person or government to want to build their own army of mutants for the experiments to become brutal," Lex said as he followed me outside, leaving Chloe alone.
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"Hello readers, the chapter was getting too long, so I decided to end it here. Fans of the series will notice I tweaked the appearance of the 'monster of the week' to enhance the story's development. Anyway, enjoy the chapter. I'll upload the next part on Saturday, or maybe sooner—convince me xD. Have a good evening!"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone