Open on a shot of a female hand being held up in the air, palm facing it's owner. On the middle finger of the hand, a shiny ring glitters.
Chloe: (offscreen) Nothing says "School Spirit" like a ring that looks like it was jacked from P. Diddy.
We pull back to see Chloe, standing in the school hallway. Over her shoulder, a larger banner reads "Class Ring Day". Chloe flips her hand over and looks at her class ring, unimpressed. Across from her, Pete and Clark look on eagerly.
Clark: I think it looks great, Chloe.
Chloe: (Sarcastically as she studies the ring) Yeah, I think we'll be lucky if the glue holds through graduation. I wonder if the ruby's even real.
Chloe gets a look of curiosity on her face, and walks off, presumably to do a background check on her ring. Clark and Pete head for the table where the class rings are being distributed.
Pete: You sure you're gonna do this?
Clark: I'm here, aren't I?
Pete gives Clark a look that says, "It's your funeral."
Clark: (off Pete's look) What?
Pete: (Shaking his head) I believe your dad's exact words were, "$350 dollars is a lot of money to spend on something you really don't need."
Clark: (Matter of factly) I earned that money. Besides, my dad said that it was my decision to make.
Pete: Which means that you're *really* not supposed to buy it.
Pete continues toward the table and hands his order form to the girl at the table.
Cut to a close-up of a blonde girl's face. It's Jessie, a new girl at Smallville High. From her appearance and dress as she walks down the hall, Jessie is a little wilder than the average Smallville High student--her makeup is dark and heavy, and she's wearing a sheer, sleeveless, black midriff top and very low slung, tight pants. Jessie looks around in disdain as she gets a tour of the school from Lana.
Lana: (offscreen) I know the first day at a new school can be kind of rough, so if you have any questions, just ask.
Jessie: (Sarcastically) So what do you Crows do for fun? Between the tractor pulls and the hoedowns?
Lana is taken a bit aback by Jessie's attitude, but tries to be friendly and helpful.
Lana: Uh...there's the Talon.
Jessie: (Unimpressed) Which is?
Lana: A coffeehouse, and a really cool place to hang out. But, I'm kinda biased because I sort of own it.
Jessie: (Unenthused) Gee, I'll have to check it out.
Jessie's gaze falls on Clark and Pete at the table, picking up their class rings, and she stops dead in her tracks.
Jessie: (Impressed) Whoa. Who is the major hottie in primary colors?
Lana: Uh, that's Clark Kent.
Jessie: (Eyes trained on Clark) No offense Lana, but maybe I could get him to show me around.
Jessie and Lana stand and watch Clark as he picks up a class ring box and looks at the ring inside. Jessie is looking at Clark like he's her next meal, while Lana is looking slightly uncomfortable as well as slightly jealous.
Back at the table, Clark picks up his ring. It's a standard men's class ring with a red stone in the center. He slips it onto his ring finger. As he does so, the veins in his hand begin to ripple, just as they do when he is exposed to green meteor rocks...only this time they ripple red. Also, the rippling effect is in motion...it quickly moves up Clark's hand and up his arm, under his shirt sleeve, leaving no visible traces of it's existence behind.
Cut to a shot of Clark's face. He has his eyes closed, and inhales deeply. As he opens his eyes, we see them quickly flash red, almost bloodshot, before returning to normal. Clark lets his breath out slowly, almost sighing in pleasure. Pete looks over at Clark, slightly concerned.
Pete: You feeling alright?
Clark: (Surprised) Yeah, I feel great.
The moment is interrupted by a male voice off screen.
Mr. Gibbons: Excuse me.
As Clark looks toward the direction of the voice, we see a middle aged man--possibly the principal, Mr. Gibbons--approaching Lana and Jessie, who are still standing in the hallway.
Mr. Gibbons: It's Jessie, isn't it?
Jessie nods.
Mr. Gibbons: Perhaps Miss Lang didn't tell you, but there's a dress code here at Smallville High.
Jessie: (Defiantly) Lame and lamer?
We cut to a shot of Clark and Pete, who are watching the exchange with interest. As Jessie gives her opinion of the dress code, Clark bursts out into loud laughter, which catches not only Jessie and Lana's attention, but that of the principal as well.
Mr. Gibbons: You think that's funny, Mr. Kent?
Clark simply grins, and Jessie turns back to the principal.
Jessie: (Matter of factly) By the way, I'm not changing.
Mr. Gibbons: Well, perhaps you'd like to discuss your attitude in my office.
The principal turns to walk down the hall, and Jessie rolls her eyes and turns to follow him. Clark calls out after them.
Clark: (Walking toward them) Excuse me, Mr. Gibbons...
The two stop and turn back toward Clark.
Clark: I think she looks really hot. And I think that your dress code...sucks.
Mr. Gibbons: (Stunned) Excuse me?
Lana and Pete look on with expressions of shock. Jessie looks on with a grin.
Clark: I mean, come on...it's her first day. Cut her some slack. (Looking Mr. Gibbons up and down) Besides, I don't think you should be the one giving fashion tips.
Mr. Gibbons, Pete, and Lana's eyes widen in shock at the change in Clark's normal demeanor.
In the background, the bell rings.
Mr. Gibbons: (To Jessie) Tomorrow, young lady...proper attire, or you're going straight home.
Mr. Gibbons leaves, and Jessie stands there, looking at Clark with a look of extreme interest. Clark returns her gaze with one of his own. Lana walks over and breaks up the starefest.
Lana: I guess we can finish our tour.
Jessie gives Clark one last look, and walks down the hall, Lana hurrying to catch up. Clark shrugs and watches them go, as Pete walks up from behind him.
Pete: (Amazed) Whoa. Where did that come from.
Clark: (Smiling) I dunno...
We cut to a shot from Clark's POV of Lana and Jessie walking down the hall. From the angle of the shot, it's not their backs he is admiring.
Clark: (Confidently) But I think I liked it.
Cut to a shot of a city skyline at night. The camera pans over the city of Metropolis, before cutting to a closeup of a prom picture. It's Jessie, clad in a blue prom dress. A teenage boy stands behind her, clad in a tux. We then pan up to a shot of a middle aged man's face. He's got a serious look on his face, and is showing the picture to someone across from him.
Cut to a shot of a teenage boy, lounging in a locker room whirlpool bath. He is the young man in the picture with Jessie.
Kyle: (Shrugging and unconcerned) I'm telling you man. I don't know where she is.
The man lowers the picture.
US Marshal: Look, Kyle. I know that you want to do the right thing, but Jessie and her father are fugitives now. It's my job to bring them in.
Kyle: What kind of US Marshal are you, anyway?
US Marshal: The kind that gets results.
The man reaches into his belt and quickly whips out a gun. He cocks it and aims it at Kyle.
Kyle: (Fearful) Okay!
US Marshal: Okay. Okay what?
Kyle: I've heard from her once or twice. She called me collect from some place in Kansas.
US Marshal: Where in Kansas? It's a big state.
Kyle: (Scared) All over. They..they were from pay phones. Check my phone bill. That's all I know. You have to believe me.
The man pulls the trigger of the gun. The hammer clicks and Kyle flinches, but no bullet comes out. The gun is empty.
US Marshal: Relax. I believe you.
The man turns slowly and walks over to a nearby portable-shelving unit.
Kyle: (Hopeful) So...you'll let me go now?
The man flips on a small portable stereo sitting on the shelves, and rock music fills the room.
US Marshal: Oh, I would, but Jessie might call...
The man begins wheeling the shelving unit toward the whirlpool.
US Marshal:...and you might decide to warn her.
Kyle's gaze falls on the stereo. The man knocks the stereo into the water, and electricity crackles. Kyle thrashes around as he is electrocuted. As Kyle slips under the water, the man throws the prom picture into the whirlpool. The camera cuts to a closeup of Jessie in the picture as the water washes over the picture.
[Opening Credits]
Cut to a shot of the entrance to Smallville High. Students file out, chatting amongst themselves. Clark and Pete are among them. Clark is carrying a yellow paper flyer, which he hands to Pete as they descend the school steps.
Clark: All right, so this is what I was talking about--it's right over the county line, and they don't check IDs.
Pete: (Handing the flyer back) You know, this is like, a bar.
Clark: (Exasperated) I know! Hey, aren't you the one who says if you wanna have fun, you got to take some risks? (Studies the flyer) We can go this weekend.
Pete: The day Clark Kent decides to break the rules, I'll be there.
Clark: Alright.
From behind them, Jessie calls out. The boys stop and turn around, as Jessie jogs to catch up to them
Jessie: Clark, right? Jessie Brooks.
Jessie's eyes fall on the flyer in Clark's hand.
Jessie: (Indicating the flyer) That place rocks...I checked it out on my way into town. Are you planning a road trip?
Clark: (Interested) Well if we do, I'll let you know.
Clark and Jessie lock eyes for a moment and smile slightly. Jessie reaches over into Pete's backpack and pulls out a pen. She then takes Clark's hand and flips it palm side up.
Jessie: (Writing on Clark's palm) You'll need to know how to get in touch with me.
Jessie hands the pen back to Pete, who looks surprised. Clark looks intrigued. As Jessie walks away, Clark glances down at the phone number scrawled across his palm.
Pete: In case you require translation that was her hitting on you.
Clark: (Watching Jessie) She is kinda hot.
Pete: (Joking) But aren't you married to Lana in your imagination?
Clark considers this for a moment, but before he can answer, Lana approaches the boys.
Lana: Clark! You and Jessie seem to be making fast friends.
Clark: I'm just trying to make the new girl feel welcome.
Clark pauses.
Clark: (Flirty) Don't worry Lana. I haven't taken my eye off you all day.
Pete looks surprised at Clark's boldness, while Lana simply studies Clark, trying to figure out why the change from his normal behavior. She decides to let is pass and change the subject.
Lana: So...are we still on for that cram session tonight at the Talon?
Clark
" src="http://foreverdreaming.org/images/smilies/frown.gif"> Still flirty) If you're still going to be there, absolutely.
Lana looks surprised at Clark's continued flirting.
Pete: I'll be there.
Pete gives Lana a smile, Lana smiles back and gives a little embarrassed laugh, before turning and heading back to where she came from. Pete just looks at Clark and shakes his head.
Pete: (Chuckling) Oh, man...
Cut to a shot of the Kent barn. We go inside and see Jonathan polishing his motorcycle with a cloth, while Martha stands nearby with a cup of coffee.
Martha: So as soon as you get this shined to your liking, I get the first ride.
Jonathan: Yep, and all the others can just take a number.
Martha chuckles and hands Jonathan the cup of coffee as he stands up.
Jonathan: Hey, where's Clark? He's really late.
A sudden whooshing sound is heard, and a blur streaks into the barn. A grinning Clark skids to a stop in front of his parents.
Clark: Looking for me?
Martha and Jonathan smile in amusement.
Jonathan: Yeah. Weren't you supposed to be here with me, working on that garage door?
Clark: (Rolling his eyes) Dad, that'll take like, two seconds.
Jonathan nods, then frowns as his eyes fall on Clark, who is holding his hand out admiring his class ring.
Jonathan: (Sternly) And I thought we agreed that you weren't gonna buy that ring.
Clark: I thought we decided it was my decision to make.
Clark turns his back on his parents, fiddling with something on the workbench.
Jonathan: That's because I assumed you'd make the right one. Clark, that ring costs a lot of money...
Clark: (Upset as he turns back to face them) And I'm tired of worrying about every nickel and dime around here!
Jonathan looks stunned by Clark's sudden outburst. Martha attempts to diffuse the situation.
Martha: (Calmly) Clark, why don't you go get washed up for dinner.
Clark: (Stubbornly) I'm not hungry. (Bitterly) Besides, I have chores to do.
Clark zips off in a burst of super speed, leaving Martha and Jonathan standing there unsure of what just happened.
Jonathan: What was that all about?
Martha: (Shrugs) I think our not so normal son might be going through some classic teenage rebellion.
Jonathan: Well, I think I liked dealing with heat vision a lot better than that.
Martha just smiles, amused.
Jonathan: (Seriously) Martha, that was a bad decision he made.
Martha: But it was his to make. (Knowingly) I seem to recall a certain young man who defied his father and spent $500 on an old motorcycle. Challenging him is only going to make it worse.
Jonathan just sighs and shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips.
Cut to a shot of the interior of Luthor Mansion. As Lex walks down the hall, he gets a puzzled look on his face as he hears noises in the background--hammering, drilling, strange voices. He quickly strides toward his office, stopping as he takes in the scene before him.
Lionel sits behind Lex's desk, conferring with a young woman holding several file folders. Workers scurry around, installing new computer equipment and furnishings in the office. Lex walks toward his desk.
Lex: (Annoyed) When I got up this morning, I was pretty sure this was *my* office.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Lex. I thought you wouldn't mind if I had a few changes made since I'm going to be staying here a while. (To the woman standing beside him) Go on.
The female designer begins to continue to discuss the office plans with Lionel, but is interrupted by Lex.
Lex: (Stonily) What I mind is not being consulted.
The designer pauses, looking uncomfortable. Lionel looks upset, and grabs his cane, climbing to his feet and walking out from behind the desk.
Lionel: (Offended) I didn't realize I'd need my son's permission to try to make my situation a trifle more bearable.
Lionel walks past Lex and heads out of the office, using his cane to guide his way around the workers.
Lionel: (Continuing as he exits) I've lost my sight. Allow me to retain at least a modicum of dignity.
At his father's words, Lex gets a guilty look on his face, and turns to the designer.
Lex: (Resignedly) Give him whatever he wants.
Cut to a shot of a payphone, and a list of phone numbers. We see from the list that the number on the payphone--620-555-0145--is on the list. It belongs to a place called the Wild Coyote. As a man's hand circles the number on the list, we see his reflection in the chrome on the payphone. It's the US Marshal who electrocuted the young man in Metropolis.
The Marshal hangs up the phone and makes his way over to the bartender
US Marshal: Barkeep, I'm looking for a girl.
Barkeeper: (Dryly) Aren't we all?
The marshal pulls a copy of Jessie's prom picture out of his coat pocket.
US Marshal: (Sighing in annoyance) The girl in this photo used that phone over there.
Barkeeper: Any crime in that?
Marshal: (Pulling his badge from his pocket and flashing it) No, but she is a teenager and be both know the legal drinking age in Kansas is 21.
The barkeeper just nods in understanding as he looks at the picture, and we cut to a close-up of the picture.
US Marshal: She comes back in, you call me. The number's on the back.
The barkeeper flips the picture over and looks at the number.
Cut to a shot of the Talon at night. The marquee advertises a "Monster Movie Marathon" coming up. We go inside and see Lana, Pete, and Chloe sitting at a table, studying. A knock sounds on the door, and the three friends look up. Lana gets up to unlock the door and answer it, while Pete and Chloe quietly discuss the plan of attack on the homework.
Pete: I think we should start in the middle...
Lana pushes open the door and sees Clark standing outside.
Lana: Hey, Clark...glad you made it. (Indicates Pete and Chloe) Uh, we're just doing American History--the Red Scare.
Lana begins walking back to the table, but Clark remains in the doorway.
Clark: Hey, um, can we do that tomorrow?
Lana: (Walking back to Clark, concerned) Why, is something wrong?
Clark: No, it's really nice out tonight. Let's go for a drive
go dancing.
Lana: (Shocked) Are you asking me on a date?
Clark: (Intense yet flirty) I'm asking you to have some fun with me.
Lana is unsure how to react.
Lana: This is, uh...a little unexpected to say the least. But we really have to study.
Clark: (Amused) Did you know when you get all serious, your nose crinkles up? (Seriously) It's really sexy.
Lana simply looks at Clark, a bit confused.
Lana: Pete and Chloe are waiting for us.
Lana turns and heads back to the table, a look of shock on her face, and Clark follows suit. Chloe and Pete are still discussing the study material in the background. Clark sits next to Pete, grabbing a chair, flipping it backwards, and straddling it.
Chloe: (Looking at Pete's notebook) What did you get for number 5?
Pete: (To Clark) Hey man. (Nudges Clark with his elbow) Where are your books?
Clark: (Suddenly) You guys wanna go to a bar?
Lana looks up with a worried expression.
Chloe: (Scoffing) Clark, you can commit academic Harikari, but the rest of us *really* need to cram for this test.
Clark: (Grinning) You guys, high school is supposed to be fun. This is not fun. Come on, my treat.
Pete: (Jokingly) Clark, when did you and the money truck hook up?
Clark: Since I decided there's no percentage in playing poverty.
Chloe: (Grabbing her mug and standing up) I'm gonna get a refill and I'm gonna get *you* some decaf.
Lana: (Standing up also, looking at Clark with concern) Yeah, I'll give you a hand.
Clark watches the two girls head for the counter. Pete simply nudges him with his elbow again, chuckling, before turning back to his books.
Clark begins staring intensely at Chloe, who is leaning over the counter, her back to the boys, as she talks to Lana. Clark's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and a pleased look crosses his face.
Clark: (To Pete) Did you know that Chloe had a birthmark on her cheek.
Pete: (Not looking up from his books) No she doesn't.
Clark: (Dryly as he continues to stare) Not that cheek.
Pete looks up in shock as he realizes what Clark must be doing. He sees Chloe leaning over the counter, her backside right in Clark's eyeline.
Pete: (Shocked) Are you doin' what I think you're doin'?
Clark doesn't answer, simply continuing to stare with a pleased smile on his face.
Pete: (Annoyed) Clark, that's *Chloe* you're scooping, man!
Clark: (Still grinning) Not just Chloe...
We pan over and see Lana is now standing next to Chloe, her back turned to the boys as well. Pete reaches over and uses his hand to cover Clark's eyes, attempting to block his X-Ray vision. Clark just grins and looks away from the girls.
Clark: Come on, let's go have some fun.
Pete: (Chuckling in disbelief) Clark, this test is half our grade. Now, if you want to party this weekend, I'm with you, but right now, *I* need to do this. (Indicates his books)
Clark: All right...well, when you're through with, uh, Boring 101, give me a call.
Clark claps Pete on the shoulder and stands up, leaving the Talon. As he does so, Chloe and Lana look up, and Pete turns to watch Clark. The three friends watch Clark leave all three wearing matching confused expressions.
Cut to a shot of the Kent farmhouse on a sunny morning. Inside, Martha is cooking a breakfast of pancakes and sausage links, while Jonathan is talking on the telephone.
Jonathan: (Disbelieving) You're kidding! Thank you.
Jonathan hangs up the phone, and Martha turns from the stove.
Martha: What's wrong?
Jonathan: That was the credit card company. They were calling to verify some charges that were made on our card? Last night?
Martha and Jonathan both look confused. The confusion grows even more when the strains of loud rock music come drifting through the window over the sink. Both adults move to look out the window. The window directly faces the barn, which is the source of the loud music. Also, a small satellite dish is attached to the barn, near the window of Clark's loft.
Martha: When did we get a satellite dish?
Cut to a shot of the interior of the barn. As the loud rock music blares, the camera pans over, we see some expensive toys...a jet-ski draped with expensive clothes, and all sorts of stereo equipment wires hanging down from the loft, as well as boxes for other items strewn everywhere. Martha and Jonathan enter the barn, looking around in shock. Martha grabs a shirt off of the jet ski, while Jonathan looks at the wires.
Martha: (Shouting to be heard over the music) This is silk!
The Kents climb the stairs to Clark's loft. As the camera pans up, we see more expensive toys...a new stereo, strobe lights, more expensive clothes. And in the middle of it sits Clark, playing with a new video game system on a new large projection screen TV.
Jonathan: (Shouting) Clark!
Martha: (Also shouting) Clark! Where did you get all this?
Clark looks at them briefly, before turning back to his game.
Clark: Discount Eddie's in Metropolis. Open all night!
Jonathan: (Angry) You mean to tell...
Jonathan decides he's tired of shouting over the music and video game noises, and grabs for the remote.
Jonathan: (Continuing) You mean you took our credit cards... (Struggles with the remote)...credit cards, and you bought all this...
Clark grabs the remote from his father and switches off the stereo with the flick of a button.
Jonathan: (Continuing, normal voice) You bought all this junk?
Clark: Yeah! I figured it was time I had all the same cool stuff everyone else has.
Jonathan: (Angry) Clark Kent, you stole from us.
Clark: (rolling his eyes) No. I used your credit cards. (Gets up from his seat) What's the big deal? We don't have to pay for it right away.
Martha gasps in disbelief, looking from Jonathan to Clark with a stunned expression. Jonathan reaches down and grabs a leather motorcycle jacket, tossing it to Clark angrily.
Jonathan: Well, I'll tell you the big deal. The big deal is you're gonna take all this garbage back right now! Come on!
Clark: (Scoffing) Yeah, right.
Jonathan: (Mocking angrily) 'Yeah, right!' And then after you've taken all this garbage back, you and I are going to have a nice long conversation about this new attitude you've developed!
Clark shrugs on the leather jacket.
Clark: (Dismissive) Well, Dad, you can talk all you want. I'm out of here.
With that, Clark superspeeds out the window of the loft, landing on the ground below next to Jonathan's motorcycle. He climbs aboard and starts the engine.
Jonathan: (Yelling from the loft window) Clark! Clark, come back here!
Clark just ignores his parents, pulling a pair of expensive looking sunglasses from his jacket pocket. He puts them on, guns the motorcycle's engine, and tears off down the driveway in a cloud of dust and down the road as his parents watch in shock.
Martha: Oh...
Martha begins to cry and Jonathan hugs her.
Cut to a shot of Jessie's back as she walks down the road, dressed in the same type of outfit she was warned about previously. Behind her, a car horn honks. The car pulls up next to her and a male voice belonging to Jessie's father calls out.
Mr. Brooks: You're not going to school dressed like that.
Jessie continues walking, not slowing her pace at all. Behind her, we hear a motorcycle approaching in the distance
Jessie: Okay. Then I just won't go.
Mr. Brooks: (Pleading) Jessie, please. You're a smart girl. You know we can't afford to draw attention to ourselves.
Jessie simply turns around and sticks out her thumb to hitch a ride with the approaching motorcycle. As she does, we see Clark pull up on his father's motorcycle. Jessie's father stops his car, and Clark stops the motorcycle next to Jessie.
Clark: Need a ride?
Jessie: (Surprised) Clark?
Clark pulls off his sunglasses as Jessie walks over to the motorcycle. Her father steps out from his car.
Mr. Brooks: Jessie...
Jessie climbs on the back of the bike and pulls on a small helmet as Clark puts his sunglasses back on.
Jessie: (To Clark) You're my hero.
Mr. Brooks: (Insistently) Jessie, I need you to...
Mr. Brooks is interrupted as Clark revs the engine on the motorcycle. With a defiant look at Mr. Brooks, Clark tears off down the road, leaving Mr. Brooks standing exasperated next to his car.
Cut to a shot outside Smallville High. Students, who are standing around talking, quickly scatter with cries of surprise as Clark drives the motorcycle down the sidewalk. The girls' looks of surprise quickly turn to interest as they watch Clark and Jessie ride by. Clark continues down the sidewalk, riding right past a very surprised looking Chloe, Lana, and Pete.
Chloe: Okay, what planet is that guy from, and what did he do with Clark?
Clark smoothly pulls the motorcycle into a parking place, and Jessie climbs off, pulling off her helmet.
Jessie: (Flirty) Well, Clark...Thanks for the ride.
Clark: (Taking the helmet) Anytime.
Jessie gives Clark a coy smile, before walking off. Meanwhile, Chloe, Lana, and Pete approach Clark.
Lana: So much for the shy and retiring Clark Kent.
Clark: I was just giving her a ride to school. (Suggestively) Say the word and I'll save you the return trip.
Lana looks both interested and shocked by the new forward Clark. Pete looks impressed. In the background, the bell rings, and Chloe and Lana turn to leave.
Lana: (To Clark) Catch up with you later.
Chloe walks off quickly, and Lana catches up with her. Pete and Clark watch them go.
Pete: Clark Kent, chick magnet. What's wrong with this picture?
Clark: (Seriously) People change, Pete.
Just then, the Kents' red pickup truck pulls up and Jonathan calls out to Clark through the passenger window.
Jonathan: (Firmly) Clark, I'd like a word with you please.
Clark: (Dismissive) Not right now Dad.
Clark starts to walks past the truck as Jonathan climbs out.
Jonathan: (Authoritative) Get in the truck, son.
Clark just continues to walk away.
Clark: Give me one reason why I should.
Angry, Jonathan reaches out and grabs Clark's arm, spinning him around so he is facing his father.
Jonathan: (Displeased) Because I am your father and I just told you to get in the truck.
Clark: (Scoffing) You're not my father.
Jonathan steps back, stunned by the words.
Clark: (Coldly) You never were.
With that, Clark uses his strength and shoves Jonathan away. Jonathan flies backwards and lands against the open drivers side door of the truck, slamming it shut and denting it from the impact.
As he slides to the ground, Jonathan winces in pain. Pete looks on in shock and fear, while Clark looks on in amusement. He shrugs, and turns around to leave as Pete rushes over to help Jonathan.
Pete: You all right, sir?
Clark simply walks off, as Jonathan and Pete watch him in confusion.
Cut to a shot of the Kent farm. We pan over and see Jonathan, standing shirtless, on the front porch. He wheezes and grunts in pain. Martha approaches, bringing a bag of frozen vegetables to use as an ice pack. She places the ice pack on his back.
Martha: Here you go.
Jonathan grunts in pain, and Martha winces before continuing.
Martha: I can't believe Clark would do that.
Jonathan: (Sighing) Ah, it's like he's a whole different person.
Martha: How are we going to get him home?
Jonathan: (Shaking his head) I dunno. Fact is, if he doesn't want to come home, there isn't much either one of us could do about it.
Jonathan pulls his shirt back on and takes the ice pack from Martha.
Jonathan: I'll get that.
He places the ice pack on his side and sighs.
Jonathan: Takes your whole teenage rebellion theory to a new level doesn't it?
Martha leans against the porch railing next to Jonathan.
Martha: This is more than teenage rebellion. A change this drastic doesn't happen overnight.
Jonathan: (Matter of factly) Martha, it's Clark. All of his other abilities cropped up overnight.
Martha: (Concerned) Do you think this is part of his development?
Jonathan: (Looking out into the distance) I don't know. From what he said, uh...(Pauses, a bit upset) ...I guess those feelings have been boiling up inside him for a while.
Martha: (Rubbing his shoulder reasuredly) No, Jonathan. Clark loves you. But there's something seriously wrong with him.
Jonathan: (Sadly) I don't think another father and son talk is gonna help this time.
Martha: (Thinking) Maybe Pete can help.
Jonathan just shakes his head.
Martha: (Hopefully) They're always together. We should talk to him, find out if he has any idea what's causing Clark's behavior.
Jonathan: (Walking into the house slowly) Well, we got to do something.
Martha watches Jonathan go
a look of concern on her face.
Cut to a shot of a coffee cup topped with whipped cream being set down. We see Lana, inside the Talon, getting an order together. She looks up as she's finishing the drinks, and sees Clark striding toward her purposefully.
Clark: Lana. We need to talk.
Lana: (Sprinkling cocoa powder on the drinks) Clark, please, I really need to get these orders done.
Clark: (Firmly) Your coffee can wait.
Lana stops what she is doing and crosses her arms, a little annoyed.
Clark: I got the impression that you were jealous when you saw me with Jessie.
Lana: (Shaking her head) Don't be ridiculous. You can spend time with anyone you want.
Lana picks up the tray and starts around the counter to deliver the orders.
Clark: Don't get me wrong, I was happy you were jealous.
Lana stops at the edge of the counter.
Lana: Clark, what is going on with you?
Clark: I've decided to tell you the truth Lana.
Lana pauses, studying his face.
Lana: (Unsure) About...about everything?
Clark: Try me. What do you want to know?
Lana: (Setting the tray down) Well for starters, how about what happened the day the twisters hit?
Clark: (Smiling wryly) We'll get there. But right now, we should concentrate on more important things, like...(Pauses, then continues sincerely)...I've had feelings for you for a long time. And I know you have feelings for me too.
Lana simply looks shocked, but doesn't deny what he is saying is true. Clark just smiles.
Clark: So I think we should stop pretending.
Lana: (Clearing her throat nervously) So...so what...is this supposed to be some, um, all new Clark Kent?
Lana laughs nervously and picks up the tray. She starts to head out to deliver the orders, but Clark reaches over and pulls the tray out of her hands, setting it back on the counter.
Clark: Well
that depends.
Clark gets up off the stool and comes to stand right in front of Lana, leaning in until their faces are inches apart.
Clark: (Intensely) Do you like him?
Lana doesn't say anything, and Clark leans in, kissing her passionately. Lana is shocked at first, but soon begins returning the kiss. The two break apart and Clark leans his forehead against Lana's, while she stands there, eyes closed, trying to catch her breath. Finally, Lana opens her eyes and looks at Clark.
Lana: (Out of breath) Clark, I, um...what about Jessie?
Clark: (Tucking a strand of hair behind Lana's ear) Jessie who? You're the one I want to be with.
Clark caresses Lana's face as she looks into his eyes.
Clark: (Suddenly) I'll pick you up at eight.
Lana nods slowly, and Clark turns and walks away, leaving Lana standing there looking hopeful, stunned, and a little embarrassed all at the same time.
Cut to a shot of Smallville High. We go inside the Torch office and see Chloe sitting at her desk studying a large rock. Embedded in the rock is a piece of a red, gemstone-like substance. Chloe looks up as Pete enters the office.
Chloe: (Excitedly as she stands up) Pete! You are not going to believe what I found out! Our El Cheapo class rings are in fact, fake.
Pete: (Seriously) Chloe, there's something wrong with Clark.
Chloe comes out from behind her desk.
Chloe: (Amused) More than usual?
Pete: Last night at the Talon, the motorcycle...
As Chloe leans over her desk to retrieve the rock, Pete's gaze falls on her backside.
Pete: (Continuing)...Other stuff...
Chloe: What kind of other stuff?
Pete: (Frustrated as he takes the rock from Chloe) The kind of that has Mr. and Mrs. Kent calling my house. They're really worried. It's like, they think he's on drugs or something.
Chloe: (Chuckling) Clark would have to be on drugs to be on drugs. (Glances down to see Pete casually tossing the rock back and forth between his hands) Uh, just be careful with that. (Takes the rock back)
Pete: (Attempting to pull the rock out of her hands) What is it anyway?
Chloe: (Proudly) My expose. (Walks back behind her desk) See this lovely $350 piece of school spirit? (Holds out the hand with her class ring on it)
Pete nods.
