Act 2 Scene 1

Martha comes out of the house as a car drives up. Day. Her father, Clark's grandfather, gets out of the car. He is dressed in a suit and tie and has white hair.

Martha: Hi, Dad. I appreciate you making the trip. (They hug awkwardly)

Grandfather: I was surprised to get your message. It must've taken a lot for Jonathan to ask for my help.

Martha: Jonathan is at the co-op in Grandville. He doesn't know I called.

Grandfather: Oh, I should've known. Well, I imagined this place differently. But it's not the life I wanted for you, Martha.

Martha: (They start back to the house) I'm happy, Dad, it's a good life.

Grandfather: For some people, maybe. But you had so much potential. Top ten in your class, you could have gone to any law school you wanted. I had hoped that one day you'd take over my practice.

Martha: I never wanted to be a lawyer. This is the life I chose.

Grandfather: This is a life Jonathan chose for you. You just went along for the ride.

Martha: This isn't about Jonathan. Your raised an independent daughter and you're angry because that's what you got.

Grandfather: And here you are 20 years later going behind your husband's back asking me for money. (Clark comes home)

Clark: Mom?

Martha: Clark. I thought you were at the Talon.

Clark: I finished early. What's up?

Martha: Clark, this is your grandfather. (Clark shakes his hand)

Clark: Pleased to meet you, sir.

Grandfather: Hello, Clark. I'll, uh, I'll be at the motel. I'll have a cashier's check drawn tomorrow morning.

Clark: Why don't you stay with us? We have plenty of room.

Grandfather: I don't think that would be a very good idea, Clark.

Clark: How about dinner? One meal as a family.

Grandfather: I'm sorry.

He leaves and Martha goes inside. Clark watches his grandfather walk to his car.

Act 2 Scene 2

Martha is talking to Jonathan as he and Clark work on the tractor. Day.

Jonathan: If you want to talk your father, that's fine. I just don't want him having anything to do with our finances.

Martha: Jonathan, what was I supposed to do, wait until the bank foreclosed on the farm?

Jonathan: I just wish you had said something to me about it first.

Clark: Dad, what's the harm in just hearing him out?

Jonathan: Son, you don't have to be the mediator here. Believe me, I wish things could be different.

Clark: Well, why can't they be? You always told me to look for the best in people. Maybe he's put this behind him.

Jonathan: I seriously doubt that, Clark.

Clark: What happened that was so bad? I mean, it can't be any worse than what's in the storm cellar. (Jonathan and Martha don't answer) Or can it?

Jonathan: When your mother and I decided to get married, I went down to his office to ask him for her hand.

Clark: What'd he say?

Jonathan: I remember his exact words. “I will not let my daughter throw her life away by marrying some hick farmer that couldn't possibly support her.”

Clark: That's harsh.

Martha: He was a corporate lawyer. That's the way he dealt with people.

Jonathan: When he realized that we were serious about getting married, he lost it. He tried to shove me out of his office.

Clark: What happened?

Jonathan: (Pause) I hit him. I'm not proud of that. I tried to apologize to him, but he wouldn't have anything to do with it. Your grandfather and I haven't said a word to each other since.

Clark: But that was 20 years ago. He was willing to drive all the way out here. Maybe he wants to try again.

Jonathan: Believe me, Clark, he's not here to help. He's here to gloat.

Act 2 Scene 3

Lana is watching the cheerleaders practice in the theater at the Talon. Day.

Cheerleaders: Go Crows!

Lex enters.

Lex: Hey. I got a message you wanted to see me. Everything all right?

Lana: I was wondering if you could do me a favor.

Lex: I take it Nell couldn't identify the mystery man?

Lana: If she could, she wouldn't tell me anything. I just-- I want to know who it is.

Hands Lex the pictures.

Lex: Well, that shouldn't be hard to find, but coming to terms with it could prove to be more complicated.

Lana: What do you mean?

Lex: Come on, you know the story of Pandora. She was given a box by Zeus and warned never to open it. She couldn't resist the temptation.

Lana: I'm not afraid of the truth, Lex.

Lex: Neither was Pandora. But once the box was opened, it could never be closed, and all the misery she released could never be put back.

Lana: I appreciate the warning, and anything you can tell me.

Act 2 Scene 4

Chloe is in the Torch typing. Day. Clark enters.

Clark: Hey, Chloe.

Chloe: Hey, Clark. Oh, Clark, you might want to disappear for the next hour or so.

Clark: Why's that?

Chloe: Because I'm about to interview your new best friend Principal Reynolds.

Clark: Ooh, thanks for the heads-up. Hey, what do you got there?

Chloe: Do you remember my buddy Chad that works at the M.E.'s office?

Clark: Yeah, the guy with the black fingernail polish and lipstick.

Chloe: Oh, it's hard being Smallville's only goth. Anyway, he sent me the autopsy report of Troy. It's amazing what lending someone your eyeliner can get you these days.

Clark: (Reading the report) So Troy didn't have progeria.

Chloe: No, but his pituitary gland, which by the way produces the hormone that controls the aging process, was completely drained. It's like someone just sucked the youth right out of him.

Mr. Reynolds enters.

Mr. Reynolds: Well, that's quite an assumption, Miss. Sullivan.

Chloe: Uh, Principal Reynolds, I was just, um, running through various scenarios, you know, wild theories and stuff. I'm shutting up now.

Mr. Reynolds: Well, don't. I like my students thinking outside the box. I've been reading some back issues of the Torch. I see a lot of creativity and insight there.

Chloe: You're kidding.

Mr. Reynolds: Well, unverified insight. But many a Pulitzer has sprung from the seeds of wild theories. Just make sure you can back them up, and that'll be the difference between writing trash for Inquisitor, and reporting for the Daily Planet.

Chloe: Wow. Uh, are you still up for that interview?

Mr. Reynolds: Well, give me half an hour. (Clark starts to leave) Mr. Kent, I was actually looking for you. I'd like to see you in my office.

[CUT TO Clark and Mr. Reynolds entering the office]

Mr. Reynolds: You look like you feel a little out of place, Mr. Kent.

He motions for Clark to sit.

Clark: I've never really been in the principal's office before. I don't know where to start.

Mr. Reynolds: Well, you can start by sitting and I'll cut right to the chase. (Clark sits and Mr. Reynolds closes the door) I think you're a slacker. Quit the football team before you played the first game, chronic tardiness, zero extracurriculars.

Clark: Well, I get very good grades and I write for the Torch... occasionally.

Mr. Reynolds: Retyping the cafeteria menu isn't exactly writing. I see a lot of untapped potential in you, Mr. Kent.

Clark: Mr. Reynolds, I don't understand. We just met. How could you judge me so quickly?

Mr. Reynolds: How do you know Lex Luthor?

Clark: Well, he's a friend of mine. Why?

Mr. Reynolds: A person is judged by the company they keep. In my experience, Lex Luthor doesn't have friends. He sees people as a means towards an end.

Clark: I don't think that's true.

Mr. Reynolds: Time will tell. But frankly, I'm more interested in your world. What are your goals?

Clark: Well, uh, I'd like to help people. Something like that.

Mr. Reynolds: Helping people is a noble aspiration. It's also rather vague. Where are you going to be five years from now?

Clark: To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure.

Mr. Reynolds: Well, I'm going to help you focus. I want you to write a five-page essay on where you're going to be five years from now, and I want it on my desk by the end of the school day on Friday.

Clark: Sir, why are you doing this to me?

Mr. Reynolds: This isn't punishment, Mr. Kent. Consider it a challenge.

He opens the door and Clark leaves.

Act 2 Scene 5

Clark is working on his essay in the Talon. Day. Chrissy comes down the stairs.

Chrissy: Clark, hey. Just in time to volunteer for the decorations committee.

Clark: Oh, actually, I got to finish my essay for Mr. Reynolds.

Chrissy: Oh, that's a bummer. What's it about?

Clark: What the future theoretically holds for me.

Chrissy: Who cares about the future?

Clark: Well, I'd like to think that there's life after high school.

Chrissy: Sure. Yeah, as in a job, responsibilities, getting old.

Clark nods, confused, and goes back to working on his essay. Chrissy gasps and holds up her hand. It wrinkles and turns into the hand of an old woman. She hides it behind her back.

Clark: Is everything all right?

Chrissy: Of course.

A guy, RUSSELL walks up.

Russell: Hey, Chrissy, I think we got the lighting the way you want it.

Chrissy: Great. Let's see what you got.

They walk away. Lex enters and looks over Clark's shoulder at the paper.

Lex: Let me guess. Reynolds wants to know where you see yourself five years from now? He made me do the same assignment when I was at Excelsior. He's nothing if not consistent.

Lex sits.

Clark: Yeah, well, I hate to break it to you, Lex, but he doesn't exactly have a high opinion of you.

Lex: Well, I wasn't a model student, but imagine being a bald 14-year-old in an elite prep school.

Clark: Must've been tough.

Lex: I had a major chip on my shoulder. But Reynolds saw through it. He challenged me to own up to my own actions, not just to assume the mantle of the spoiled rich kid. He was tough but fair, and I liked him for that.

Clark: Well, I wish the feeling was mutual. Whatever he has against you, I think he's taking it out on me.

Lex: I'm sorry being friends with me comes with such a high price. (Clark smiles) So exactly, uh, how long were you planning to work on this essay?

Clark: I'm just not ready to go home yet.

Clark takes his coffee cup to the bar for a refill. Lex follows him.

Lex: Something wrong?

Clark: No, just family stuff.

Lex: Come on, Clark. I'm the king of family dysfunction.

Clark: My father and my grandfather hate each other and I feel like I'm caught in the middle.

Lex: And you'd like to play peacemaker. The best way to do that is to put them in a room and let them fight it out.

Clark: So you're saying I should play hardball.

Lex: Well, that's up to you, but it sounds like it will take that sort of determination to bring your father and grandfather together.

Act 2 Scene 6

Chrissy and Russell are on the stage in the theater at the Talon. Day. He puts a gel onto a light.

Russell: What do you think?

Chrissy: Perfect. Thank you for doing this, Russell.

Russell: It's been a weird week. It feels good to be doing something.

Chrissy: I know you and Troy were friends.

Russell: I really miss him.

Chrissy: (She circles Russell slowly) Well, that's why I came to see you, Russell. For Troy. For the others.

Russell: The others... what are you talking about?

Chrissy: (Laughs softly and touches Russell's face) The ones who will live inside me forever.

Russell gives her a confused look and she kisses him. He goes along with the kiss at first, then opens his eyes, suddenly looking shocked as he begins aging rapidly. His skin starts to sag and his hair turns gray.

Fade to black.

Act 3 Scene 1

Jonathan drives up to the barn in his truck. Day. Clark comes out as Jonathan gets out of the truck.

Clark: Hey, Dad. Got a minute?

Jonathan: Yeah, son, you got to talk to me while we're working. We got a lot to do before it gets dark.

Jonathan opens the trunk, and pulls out a bag of feed, throwing it over his shoulder.

Clark: There's someone I want you to see.

Jonathan puts the feed down outside the barn as Martha's father steps out.

Jonathan: (To Clark) Your mother put you up to this?

Clark: No, this was all my idea.

Grandfather: Don't blame the boy. Whatever problems we have, they're between us. Martha says you need help. I'm here to give it.

Jonathan: So I haven't seen you for 20 years, and all of a sudden you want to be part of this family.

Grandfather: I don't want anything from you. I brought a check because I won't stand by and watch my daughter suffer.

Jonathan: You just couldn't resist turning that old knife, could you?

Clark: Dad, give him a chance. You two can work this out.

Jonathan: I don't think so, son. See, it's just like 20 years ago, same argument, same attitude.

Grandfather: Not quite, Jonathan. It has been 20 years, but everything I've predicted has come true. I knew Martha was making the biggest mistake of her life when she married you.

Clark: That's not true, Granddad.

Grandfather: You're going to have to swallow your pride if you're going to save this farm, Jonathan.

Jonathan: I don't need a lecture from you on how to take care of my family, thank you.

Grandfather: You're just as stubborn and pigheaded as you were the day I met you.

Jonathan: You get off my land.

Grandfather: Gladly.

Clark: Granddad, wait. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Jonathan: Just let him go, son. I know you had good intentions, but some things just can't change. Let's unload the truck.

Act 3 Scene 2

Clark is walking in the hall at school. Day. Pete catches up with him.

Pete: Clark, wait up.

Clark: Hey.

Pete: You all right? It looks like somebody knocked the wind out of you.

Clark: I'm just dealing with some family issues.

Pete: You want to talk about it?

Clark: Actually, the more I talk about it, the worse they get.

Chloe joins them.

Chloe: Hey, did you guys hear about Russell? They found his body behind the Talon.

Clark: I just saw him yesterday. What happened?

Chloe: He aged like 100 years. The police thought it was some old homeless guy until they found Russell's license in his wallet.

Clark: Two progeria deaths in two days. What are the odds of that?

Chloe: I don't know. Lana wanted to cancel the Spirit Week party, but Principal Reynolds asked her not to. He said he wanted to keep things as normal as possible.

Pete: He obviously hasn't had his normal-meter reset for Smallville.

Chloe: Yeah. (Clark sees Chrissy doing her hair at her locker) What is it, Clark?

Clark: I saw Russell with Chrissy at the Talon. And Troy was with her just before he went geriatric.

Chloe: It's not exactly a smoking gun.

Clark: It's worth a look. Maybe we could check out her old school records, see if there's anything strange in her background.

The bell rings.

Chloe: Okay, I'll get started and I'll tell you what I find.

Act 3 Scene 3

Lex enters Principal Reynolds' office. Day. Mr. Reynolds is sitting at his desk working.

Lex: (Pointing to a book) interesting choice. “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The classic tale of a man whose past comes back to haunt him.

Mr. Reynolds: (Putting his papers aside) Why are you here, Lex?

Lex: We're upgrading our computer system at the plant. I thought we might donate our old computers to Smallville High.

Mr. Reynolds: You are not an alumnus.

Lex: Call it a thank you. You pushed me, and in hindsight, I appreciate that. In some ways, you're responsible for the man I am today.

Mr. Reynolds: I'm not sure that's a burden I care to take on. Besides the tax deduction, what's the quid pro quo?

Lex: Now, why do you think I want anything in return?

Mr. Reynolds: Because I've learned there's always a price when dealing with the Luthors.

Lex: I want you to stop turning your antagonism towards me against Clark Kent.

Mr. Reynolds: Lionel has taught you well.

Lex: My father?

Mr. Reynolds: Yes. This meeting, it reminds me of the incident that almost got you expelled.

Lex: He had nothing to do with that.

Mr. Reynolds: No. Only later. After receiving notice of your expulsion hearing, he generously offered the school's trustees a new library with two conditions. That you were allowed to stay and I was allowed to go. History has an interesting way of repeating itself, doesn't it?

Act 3 Scene 4

Clark sits over his desk in the loft, with only one line written on his paper. Day. Lana enters.

Lana: Clark. I hope I'm not interrupting.

Clark: No, uh, I could use the inspiration. I thought you'd be swamped with party prep by now.

Lana: I was heading over to the Talon, but this arrived at my house. (She is holding a large enveloped) I asked Lex to look into those photos of my mother.

Clark: Do you think there's more to it than meets the eye?

Lana: I don't know. He sent me this, I haven't opened it yet. As badly as I want the truth, I'm afraid I won't like what I find.

Clark: Why the change of heart?

Lana: I guess the image of my parents the way I thought they were is all I have.

Clark: You don't want to lose that.

Lana: Maybe just by doubting I already have. How are things with your grandfather?

Clark: Disaster is an understatement. I took him to see my father, and it was like watching history repeat itself.

Lana: So what's next?

Clark: I hate to see it end like this. I can't control the way they act around each other.

Lana: Are you gonna try again?

Clark: I can't do anything about the past, but maybe there is something I can do about the future.

Act 3 Scene 5

Clark knocks on his grandfather's motel room. Day. The grandfather answers.

Grandfather: Clark.

Clark: I don't want our relationship to end before it ever had a chance to begin.

Grandfather: Well, you can come in if you want. But you'll have to excuse me. I'm running a little late.

He is packing his suitcase. Clark comes in and closes the door.

Clark: There's something I wanted to show you. (He has a small book) It's our photo album. School plays, camping trips, backyard activities. Stuff that families do together. (Grandfather takes his glasses out of his shirt pocket) I wanted you to see our family the way I do. We're more than old arguments and overdue bills.

Grandfather: (He takes an envelope out of his briefcase) I'd like you to give this to your mother. It's cashier's check. She can use it now or a year from now. Whenever she needs it.

Clark: (Angry) Why don't you give it to her yourself?

Grandfather: I'm sorry, Clark.

Clark: Well, I don't understand how a man who hasn't seen his family in 20 years can just walk away!

Clark leaves.

Act 3 Scene 6

Principal Reynolds catches up with Chrissy in the hall at school. Day.

Mr. Reynolds: Chrissy. I need to talk to you.

Chrissy: Is there a problem, Mr. Reynolds?

Mr. Reynolds: I left three messages for your parents. Still no answer.

Chrissy: They've been really busy. Is this, uh, is this still about my transcripts?

Mr. Reynolds: And you. I've been making an effort to get to know the students and their parents. Maybe I can come by your house this weekend when they're at home.

Chrissy: Well, they'll be joining me at the Talon for the Spirit Week party. You can meet us there before the party.

Mr. Reynolds: That'll be fine. See you there.

He continues to walk and she waves to him. Then she looks at her hand and sees that it has turned old again. She looks around, then goes up the stairs.

Act 3 Scene 7

Chloe is at the computer in the Torch. Day. Clark enters.

Chloe: Clark, where have you been? I just left you like six messages.

Clark: Sorry, it's been a very weird day.

Chloe: Well, it's about to get weirder. Take a look at this. (She has a newspaper article on the computer screen with the headline “Three Students Die Mysteriously”) Florida, 12 years ago, Piper High School. Three students died of the same mysterious uber-progeria.

Clark: All within a 48-hour period. Let me guess, Chrissy was involved.

Chloe: Try Missy.

Chloe pulls up a yearbook picture of Chrissy.

Clark: (Reading) Class of '90, Missy Parker. Different name, same face.

Chloe: Yeah, it gets better.

Chloe pulls up another picture of Chrissy with the name Robin Stroud.

Clark: Lakewood High, Class of ‘81. There she is again.

Chloe: You're not gonna believe this, Clark, but I matched Chrissy to triple progeria cases going all the way back to Hammonds School for Girls, Class of 1921.

Clark: It's like she's feeding off their youth to stay eternally young.

Chloe: It takes the Peter Pan complex to a whole new level.

Clark: Troy was killed almost two days ago, and Russell was killed yesterday. Chrissy's gonna need another victim.

Chloe: I'll call the police. (Chloe reaches for the phone and Clark super speeds out of the room. She looks up and sees that he is gone) Clark?

Act 4 Scene 1

There is dance music playing and flashing lights in the empty theater at the Talon. Day. Chrissy walks onto the stage. Principal Reynolds enters the side of the stage. He blocks his eyes from the light.

Mr. Reynolds: Chrissy? (She walks to the other side of the stage and he follows her) Chrissy?

Chrissy: (She picks up a stage light on the side of the stage, where her face is in shadow) Mr. Reynolds. So, what do you think?

Mr. Reynolds: I think you've taken Spirit Week to a whole new level. Are your parents here yet?

Chrissy: Actually, Mr. Reynolds, they died. Over a century ago.

Mr. Reynolds: What are you talking about?

Chrissy: See, I've seen the future, Mr. Reynolds, again and again, and I've learned one thing. (She walks into the light and we see that her face is starting to sag) These are the best years of anyone's life.

Mr. Reynolds looks at the stage light in her hand, and she hits him in the face with it.

CUT TO Clark super speeding into the theater. Pete enters behind him with a box.

Pete: Clark. I thought you were the band. If they don't show, we're stuck with a half-dozen MP3s and my boom box.

Clark: (He sees that the stage is empty) Have you seen Chrissy?

Pete: Yeah, she was... just here. (Clark looks through the backdrop on the stage with his x-ray vision and sees Chrissy kneeling over Mr. Reynolds unconscious body) What's going on?

Clark: Just go lock the door Don't let anyone in. (Pete goes to lock the door and Clark super speeds backstage) Chrissy, stop! I know what's going on. You need help.

Chrissy: (Turns around revealing an even more wrinkled face and gray hair) I need him.

She stands up.

Clark: I'm not gonna let you hurt anyone else.

Chrissy: I am saving them, Clark, from lives that will never be as happy as they are right now.

Clark: There's more to life than Spirit Week and cheerleading.

Chrissy: You're wrong. You will never be this young, this beautiful, or this perfect again. But I will.

She reaches out her hands to attack him, and he grabs her arms, pushing her back, sending her through the backdrop and onto the stage. There is a rotating mirror cube on the stage and she sits up next to it. With every rotation of the cube, we see her face getting older and older, her wrinkles getting deeper until her skin finally starts to turn black and decay. Clark runs onto the stage.

Clark: Chrissy!

She falls down and beams of gold light come out of her as what is left of her body disintegrate into ash and blow away.

Act 4 Scene 2

Clark comes down the stairs at his house and sees Jonathan with a handful of envelopes. Day.

Clark: More bills, huh, Dad?

Jonathan: Yeah. It seems like these darn things keep right on coming.

They join Martha in the kitchen.

Martha: Clark. You've had quite a week. Any more fall-outs from school?

Clark: Spirit Week is officially kaput.

Martha: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

Clark: The principal's gonna be okay. He actually warned me about being late when they were loading him into the ambulance.

Jonathan: Clark, listen, I know that the situation with your grandfather's bugging you, and it should, but--

Clark: I went to go see him. (To Martha) He asked me to give this to you. (He hands her the envelope) He said he tried to get involved in my life after the adoption. Why wouldn't you let him see me?

Jonathan: Well, it's complicated.

Clark: It can't be that complicated, he's my grandfather.

Jonathan: Clark, when you were a little boy, you couldn't control your abilities like you can now. And if he had spent any time with us, I think he might have found out your secret.

Clark: But he's family.

Martha: We had such a history of disagreeing on things. We just didn't know how he'd react. We couldn't be sure we could trust him.

Clark: So he's not a part of our lives because of me?

Jonathan: Son, every young man wants to have a relationship with his grandpa. But in your case, it just may not be possible.

Clark looks at them both sadly.

Act 4 Scene 3

Clark is working on his essay in the loft. Night. Lana enters.

Clark: Lana.

Lana: Working on something important?

Clark: I just finished my essay.

Lana: So where are you gonna be in five years?

Clark: In college, probably studying journalism.

Lana: You're kidding.

Clark: Don't tell Chloe, but I think it's growing on me. I like to find the truth behind things. I'm tired of having secrets in my life.

Lana: And personally?

Clark: (He stands up) I've decided I'm gonna find a way to have a relationship with my grandfather. (Lana nods distractedly) How about you? Is everything okay?

Lana: Clark, I read Lex's file. According to court papers, my parents filed for divorce in 1985. Irreconcilable differences.

Clark: But they worked it out, right?

Lana: Eventually. But they were legally separated for over a year.

Clark: So the guy in the picture with your mother...

Lana: Could be more than a friend. I was born right after my parents got back together. (Pause) My father could still be alive.

They both stand there as the shot backs up out of the loft window and up to the full moon.

Fade to black.

*************************************************************************

This Episode of Smallville featured music by:

"Mickey" by B*Witched

"Can I See You" by Buva

"All My Life" by Foo Fighters

"Ivanka" by Imperial Teen

"Somewhere Out There" by Our Lady Peace

"I Feel Fine" by Riddlin' Kids

"U Girl" by Sophie Agapois

"Be Aggressive" by The Jockjam Cheerleaders

"You Ugly" by The Jockjam Cheerleaders

"Boom Boom Boom" by The Outhere Bros

********************************************************************************

Transcribed by: Kerrplop

Betaed by: