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"Hereafter"
Original Air Date on February 4th, 2004
A young man, Jordan Cross, is in his sweat suit, running on a trail in the woods. Day. The morning sun shines through the trees in several places. Jordan eventually catches up with a group of students from Smallville High who are also running for gym class. Lana and Pete are at the head of the group, and they watch Jordan as he catches up with them, then runs past them.
Led by Jordan, the group comes off the wooded trail and back onto Smallville High school grounds. They cross first the track, then the football field where the cheerleaders are having practice. Jordan focuses on one cheerleader in particular, Megan Calder, who doesn't notice him as she cheers. He stops once he gets to the other side of the track where the gym teacher, Mr. Altman, is waiting. The group isn't far behind Jordan, who quickly steps out of the way once they get to the track.
Altman: Good run, everybody. Don't forget to stretch it out.
Altman starts to walk away. Lana comes forward.
Lana: Mr. Altman. I, uh, I wanted to come by. If there's anything I can do...
Altman: Well, there's nothing that any of us can do now. [Thoughtful, sad.] She really loved this time of year.
Altman walks away.
Cut to Lana catching her breath and wiping her face next to a table beside the bleachers. The table has a water cooler and plastic cups on it. Jordan comes to get a drink.
Lana: You were really focused out there. Speaking as one of the dozens you passed. [She laughs.] I'm Lana.
Jordan: Jordan Cross. I just started here a couple days ago.
They both reach for a plastic cup and they touch hands. There is a flash of light and suddenly we see an old woman with long gray hair lying in a bed with an old man standing next to her. She looks up at the man, who is holding her hand, and then her eyes close and the man puts her hand down at her side. The woman is wearing Lana's kryptonite necklace. The clear stone shines in Jordan's mind as he looks slowly at Lana, then comes completely back to reality as the cup of water they both reached for spills off the table.
Jordan: Sorry.
Lana: [Unaffected.] No, it's okay. There's a lot more where that came from.
Jordan walks away without saying anything, leaving Lana a little confused. As Jordan gets to the track, Altman walks up to him.
Altman: Hey, nice job out there today. When are you gonna join the ...
Altman places a hand on Jordan's shoulder and there is another bright flash. Then Jordan has a vision of Altman standing in the middle of the road with his eyes closed and his arms outstretched as a car heads straight for him and hits him, sending him rolling up onto the hood. The impact cracks the windshield, and Altman rolls over the top of the car and then down to the ground where he lies still with his eyes open, clearly dead. Another flash and we are back in reality.
Altman: ... team?
Jordan pulls away from Altman's touch, touching the side of his head.
Altman: You all right?
Jordan runs away.
Cut to Jordan leaving the front doors of school at the end of the day. Clark comes outside after him.
Clark: Jordan. [Jordan turns around.] The totally overwhelmed look gave you away. I'm Clark.
Clark offers his hand. Jordan doesn't shake it. He puts his hands in his pockets instead as they walk toward the parking lot.
Jordan: Right. The mentor guy. Hi.
Clark: Hey, we were supposed to meet in the gymnasium. They said you bolted. Is everything okay?
Jordan: I'm still trying to get used to all these people. I was home schooled up until now.
Clark: Allow me to be your lifeline. All new students are assigned a mentor, most importantly because they come with map. Let me give you a lay of the land.
Clark pulls a map out of his pocket, but Jordan cuts him off.
Jordan: Would you mind if I check with my dad?
Clark looks out into the parking lot where Jordan's father is getting out of his truck. He waves at Jordan.
Clark: Sure.
Jordan goes to his father and Clark stays where he is.
Mr. Cross: It happened again, didn't it? [Jordan nods.] Jordan, I know how much you want this to work, but I still think it's a mistake.
Jordan looks away, unhappily. Then he notices Mr. Altman walking away from the school just as a car comes speeding around the corner.
Jordan: No. Not today.
Altman notices the car coming closer, and Jordan starts running toward him.
Jordan: Don't be today.
Mr. Cross: Jordan!
Mr. Cross grabs Jordan, stopping him. Altman runs out into the road in front of the oncoming car, closing his eyes and spreading his arms exactly like in Jordan's vision. Clark sees all of this happening and super speeds out into the road, pushing Altman out of the way. They both fall to the ground as the car comes to a screeching halt.
Clark: Mr. Altman, are you okay?
Altman: Why did you stop me? I just, I just want to be with my little girl. [Crying.] My daughter is dead, and it is my fault.
Clark looks down at Altman pityingly as Altman continues to sob. Jordan comes running toward them and Clark turns around. Clark and Jordan make eye contact, Clark appearing confused while Jordan is completely stunned.
[Opening credits]
Outside shot of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Lana and her friend Megan from the cheerleading squad walk down the hall together. Lana sees Clark sitting in the lobby.
Lana: Megan, could you go and ask the nurse if Mr. Altman's ready for visitors?
Megan nods and goes into the nearby nurse's station. Clark stands when he sees Lana and Lana walks to him.
Lana: How's Mr. Altman?
Clark: He's pretty heavily sedated. They want to keep him here until they can do a full psych evaluation. I didn't know you and Megan knew Mr. Altman so well.
Lana glances through the window of the nurse's station where Megan is talking to a nurse.
Lana: It's, uh, really through his daughter. We were all on the cheerleading squad together back in junior high. Mr. Altman was never the same after she got hurt.
Clark: I remember she was hit by a car.
Lana: Yeah, walking home from our end of season party. The doctors said that there was no chance for recovery, but, um... [Sadly.] But Mr. Altman kept hoping for a miracle.
Clark: It sounds like that never came.
Lana: [Almost a whisper.] He took her off life support last month.
Clark: [Stricken.] I wouldn't wish that decision on anyone. [Pause.] It's hard when you blame yourself for everything that happened.
Lana: I'd better go.
Lana walks away and Clark watches her seriously.
Cut to Megan standing over Mr. Altman who is unconscious in his hospital bed. She is crying as she speaks.
Megan: If I could change that night, I would. I don't even remember why Julia and I were fighting.
Lana enters, hearing what Megan is saying.
Lana: Megan, don't do this.
Megan: Julia left that night because she was mad at me. If I had just stopped her...
Lana: [Putting a hand on Megan's shoulder.] I wish I'd gone after her too, but you know, neither of us could have known what was going to happen. You can't keep blaming yourself.
Megan: [Gazing at Mr. Altman.] I should've told him then.
Lana: He's under sedation, Megan. I'm not sure he's even hearing you. Come on. Let's go.
Megan: [To Altman, as she leaves.] I'm so sorry.
Megan leaves the room. Lana follows her, taking one more look back at Mr. Altman as she gets to the door, and then exits. In his hospital bed, Mr. Altman's eyes open and he looks at the doorway coldly. He has heard everything.
Outside shot of Smallville High. Day. Inside, Jordan walks down the stairs in between classes. The hallways are full of students. He weaves through them cautiously, dodging several people on his way down. As he is about to reach the bottom of the stairs, a hand reaches out and touches his shoulder.
There is a bright flash and suddenly Jordan is having a vision. There is a flowing red cape with a distorted hint of a yellow triangular logo on it. The cape flows out of the way and we are hurtling through space at a dizzying speed, through thick clouds and flashes of a bright light until finally the clouds part and a bright light like the sun is shining blindingly in the center of the shot.
Jordan comes back to reality and turns around, seeing that Clark is the one who grabbed his shoulder. Clark sees that Jordan is startled.
Clark: Hey, Jordan, it's just me.
Jordan: [Shaken.] Yeah. Hi.
Clark: I just want to apologize for dropping mentor ball yesterday.
Jordan: Mr. Altman's lucky you were there. I just wish my dad hadn't seen it.
Jordan continues down the stairs and Clark follows him.
Clark: Just tell him that Smallville High is rarely that exciting. Trust me, my parents wrote the book on being overprotective. You'll be just fine.
Clark reaches out to pat Jordan on the shoulder and Jordan darts away from Clark's touch.
Clark: You all right?
Jordan: Yeah. I just don't like being touched.
Clark: Fair enough.
A student walks by and accidentally bumps into Jordan. There is a bright flash and Jordan grabs his head. A young woman accidentally bumps into Jordan, causing the same reaction. A third student bumps into him, and he starts becoming out of breath. Clark watches all of this, confused. Jordan realizes Clark is staring and holds his notebook to his chest tightly.
Jordan: What?
Clark: Nothing. You just had that, uh, look yesterday just before Mr. Altman jumped in front of the car. It's almost like you knew he was gonna do something.
Jordan: [Uneasily.] I need some air.
Jordan walks away. Clark takes a few steps forward, watching Jordan go with interest.
Outside shot of the Talon. Night. Inside, Lana is putting chairs onto the tables as the other two employees leave for the night.
Lana: Good night.
Girl: Bye, Lana.
Girl #2: Bye.
The girls leave and Lana starts walking to the bar. She stops when she hears a muffled male scream and a thud. She listens carefully and the screams get louder. She looks up the stairs at the door to the room she rented to Adam. The thudding continues and she runs up the stairs, stopping outside the door to listen. Adam screams again and she goes inside.
Adam: Aaah! It hurts! Burns!
Lana finds Adam thrashing around on his bed. He is having a nightmare. Lana comes to his side.
Lana: Adam, are you all right?
Adam's arms are flailing, and he knocks a lamp off his bedside table.
Adam: Aah!
Lana: Adam, wake up!
Adam: Aah!
Adam accidentally kicks Lana hard in the stomach, sending her knocking into the wall and falling to the floor. Adam sits up in bed with a jolt, finally waking up. He is out of breath and his face and bare chest shine with sweat. He notices Lana on the floor as she gets up slowly.
Adam: Lana. What happened? You okay?
Lana: [Out of breath, holding her stomach.] I'm fine. You were having a king-sized nightmare.
Adam: I guess.
Adam gets out of the bed and goes to the sink to splash water on his face.
Lana: Do you want to talk about it?
Adam: To be honest, no, not really.
They look at each other intensely for a moment as Adam is still struggling to catch his breath.
Adam: I'll put some clothes on, clean up this mess.
He walks away, leaving Lana stunned.
Clark is printing an article in the Torch. Day. Pete and Chloe enter smiling.
Pete: Clark, we've been looking all over for you. [To Chloe.] Look who gets to do the honors.
Clark: What's going on?
Chloe: You ready to hear the latest news about Lana's houseguest?
Clark: Actually, no.
Pete: "No" as in you're not interested?
Clark: No. "No" as in it's none of my business. Lana and I finally reset our relationship to the friendship level. I'm not gonna blow it by getting between her and Adam.
Pete: [To Chloe.] Wow. Clark's taking one for the team.
Clark: From now on, consider me an Adam-free zone.
Chloe: Okay, now that we can scratch gossip off the discussion list, what's next on the agenda?
Clark leans over the desk, ready to discuss his own topic.
Clark: What have you guys heard about that new kid? Jordan Cross?
Pete: You mean Mr. "Pathologically Afraid of Human Contact"?
Clark: I guess he made quite a first impression. Look, this is gonna sound crazy, but I think he had a premonition about Mr. Altman.
Chloe: What made you take that leap?
Clark: Let's call it a gut feeling.
Pete: Well, maybe that's the same thing that Jordan had.
Clark: What do you mean?
Chloe: Some people believe that premonitions are just heightened intuition.
Pete: Yeah, maybe he overheard something or saw a look in Altman's eyes.
Chloe: Yeah, but still, given your track record with Wall of Weirdness, I think we should look into it.
Clark: [Pleased.] Thanks.
Chloe: No thanks required. It's kind of fun being Woodward to your Bernstein again.
Clark smiles as Chloe goes to sit down at her desk.
Lex is seated at his desk in his study working on his laptop. Day. There is a knock at the door.
Lex: Lana, come in.
Lana enters.
Lana: Your message said it was important. Something wrong?
Lex: I was hoping you could tell me. I understand there was an incident at the Talon last night. Apparently some neighbors heard your tenant screaming?
Lana: I think that "incident" is a pretty strong word. Adam had a bad dream. That's all. It's no big deal.
Lex: And if it had been the first time, I'd probably agree with you.
Lana: What do you mean?
Lex: [Holding up a file.] I can read an invoice.
Lex stands up and walks around the desk, reading from the file.
Lex: Let's see. Charges for repairing broken windows, replacing furniture. All in the last week. Is there a reason why you didn't tell me?
Lana: Maybe I thought you'd jump to conclusions.
Lex: You have to admit, Adam's behavior is unusual. [Lex walks closer to Lana. Gentle.] And when you're on the rebound, it's easy to let your emotions outweigh your common sense.
Lana: Look, this isn't personal. Adam's been a real help around the Talon. Putting up with his nightmares is a small price to pay.
Lex: Look, it's your call. But at the very least, you should be asking yourself how much do you really know about your new friend?
Lex goes back to his desk and Lana stays where she is with a troubled look on her face.
Chloe walks down the hall of Smallville High. Day. She enters an empty classroom and stops at the door when she sees Adam seated with his back to her. He is slightly hunched over and obviously doesn't know that he is being watched. Chloe watches as Adam stands up and drops something in the garbage can, then pulls down his sleeve and leaves the room through the other door.
Once Adam is gone, Chloe enters the classroom and goes to the garbage cane. She takes a handkerchief from the teacher's desk and uses it to reach into the garbage can and pick up what Adam left. She pulls it out, revealing it to be a syringe.
Chloe: Whoa.
Cut to Clark working at the computer in the Torch. Chloe enters.
Clark: Chloe, I think I found something.
Chloe: Yeah? You and me both. [Putting her bag down on the desk and taking off her coat.] I just had a mega "Real World" moment with Ad ... [Glancing at Clark, remembering his stance on Lana and Adam.] Never mind. Sorry. Anyway, looks like you're hammering away at the Jordan story.
Clark: Yes, I pulled this off the Ledger database.
On the computer screen is a newspaper article with a picture of Jordan as a young boy with his father. The headline says "Six Year Old Seer Foretells Coaster Crash."
Clark: Apparently when Jordan was six, he went ballistic outside of a roller coaster screaming that someone was going to be killed. His dad pulled him away, but when they restarted the ride, one of the cars broke loose.
Chloe: [Reading the article.] Killing the woman standing in line with him.
Clark: [Nods.) Mr. Altman wasn't Jordan's first premonition.
Chloe: All right, well, cue the spooky music... because Jordan was born on the day of the meteor shower. [Hands Clark a file.] I took a quick trip to the courthouse and asked them to pull up anything pertaining to Cross.
Clark: [Reading.] According to this, Jordan's mother died shortly after he was born... as a result of a direct hit from a meteor?
Chloe: As one life ends, another begins.
Clark: Well, that must be the connection.
Chloe: Yeah, mix that with the meteor rocks, and you could be entering John Edward territory.
There is a commotion outside the Torch office. Chloe and Clark look out the door and see students shouting and running outside to see what's going on.
Chloe: This can't be good.
They hear Jordan screaming outside.
Jordan: Just for one second! Megan, please!
Clark: That's Jordan.
Cut to Jordan outside the school with Megan. They are surrounded by students and Clark comes outside. Megan is trying to run away, but Jordan keeps blocking her path.
Megan: Stop it!
Jordan: You don't understand! I'm trying to help you!
Megan: Go away!
Jordan: Megan, stop! Please! I'm just asking you to let me walk you home. You don't understand! It's not what you think!
Megan: Leave me alone!
Megan runs away. Clark goes to Jordan.
Clark: Jordan, what's going on?
Jordan: I have to help her!
Clark: Why? Calm down! What's gonna happen to Megan?
Jordan: [Desperate.] She's going to die, Clark! Don't you understand? She's going to die.
Jordan runs away in the direction Megan went. Clark stays where he is, unsure of what to do.
Fade to black.
Jordan is running along the track around the football field of Smallville High, on his way to the wooded path that leads away from the school. Day. Clark super speeds up behind him, catching up.
Clark: Jordan, hold up!
Jordan stops and turns around.
Jordan: My father was right, Clark! This was a mistake. I should've never come to school.
Clark: Jordan, I believe you. You saw something when you touched Megan, didn't you?
Jordan: I don't know what you're talking about.
Clark: Like a premonition?
Jordan: [Screaming.] I don't know what you're talking about!
Clark: I know about the roller coaster. [Jordan's eyes shift.] When you touched Megan, what'd you see?
Jordan: [Slowly.] I saw fire... smoke. Megan was screaming. She couldn't breathe. Clark, I had to warn her.
Clark: [Thinking for a moment.] Maybe we still can.
Cut to Clark and Jordan walking down a quiet street together.
Clark: Megan's house is just around the corner. These visions, when they hit, what are they like?
Jordan: It's hard to describe. It's like a curtain's being pulled back just long enough for me to see the moment they die.
Clark: Have you ever been able to stop one of these visions from coming true?
Jordan: Never. My dad and I did everything we could. We called the police, the paramedics, begged people to take us seriously, but no matter what we did, the visions always came true.
Clark: That's how you knew Mr. Altman was going to kill himself.
Jordan: [Mystified.] Except he survived. Because of you. How did you do it? I had a vision of you too when you grabbed me in the hallway.
Clark: [Suddenly nervous.] What do you mean? What'd you see?
Jordan: Like you don't have an end like other people. It's like you live forever.
Clark: [Startled.] Come on, Jordan. You're wrong.
Jordan: No. Maybe that's why you were able to save Mr. Altman. [They stop walking.] Nobody's ever been able to stop one of the death's before. Maybe you can do it again for Megan.
They hear a CB radio and realize they are standing outside Megan's house. Sheriff Adams is on the front lawn consulting with Megan's mother and another police officer.
Adams: [To the mother.] Excuse me. [She comes to Clark.] Mr. Kent. Why am I not surprised?
Clark: Sheriff, what's happening?
Adams: We just found Megan Calder's car abandoned off the main highway. There were signs of a struggle. [Looking at Jordan.] Are you Jordan Cross? [Jordan nods.] I'm told you got into an argument with Miss Calder today?
Jordan looks at Clark, afraid.
Clark: I was there, Sheriff. It wasn't a big deal.
Adams: I got a missing girl, Mr. Kent. That makes everything a big deal. [Quietly to Jordan.] We better talk.
Outside shot of the Talon. Day. Inside, Lana is taking a tray of coffee from the bar to a table. Chloe enters and follows her.
Lana: I think it's a little early for your second triple cap, isn't it?
Chloe: Um, actually, I, uh, came to talk to you about something. Is-is Adam around?
Lana stops at a table and unloads her tray.
Lana: I don't know. I haven't seen him in a while. You okay?
Chloe: Well, I'm just ... I'm having one of those "it sucks to be a reporter" days. [Lana looks at her inquiringly.] I know you and Adam have been spending a lot of time together, but...
Lana: Chloe, what's wrong?
Chloe pauses, about to break the truth to Lana.
We see a pair of hands playing a beautiful classical piece on the grand piano in Lex's mansion. Day. Lex enters the room carrying a file.
Lex: They say music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.
Lex walks to the piano and we see that Adam is the one playing.
Adam: Don't count on it. You play?
Lex: [Shakes his head.] I never really had the patience for it.
Adam: My parents would have killed for a piano like this. [He stops playing.] I wound up learning on a secondhand junker.
Adam stands up and Lex sits down at the piano bench, placing his file on top of the piano.
Lex: It doesn't seem to have hurt your playing. That's one of Rachmaninoff's most complicated pieces.
Adam: You didn't ask me here to discuss music theory.
Lex: No. I thought we should meet.
Adam: If it's about the lamp, I'll replace it.
Lex: It's your behavior that concerns me, Adam. Lana's a friend.
Adam: For what it's worth, we both care about Lana.
Adam walks around to the other end of the piano, and Lex slides the file across the piano top. Adam catches it and opens it.
Adam: What's this?
Lex: Your colorful past.
Adam: These are my school records. They're supposed to be sealed.
He slides the file back to Lex.
Lex: I'm not sure why you'd care. They're exemplary. Straight A's across the board.
Adam: I was always a good student.
Lex: Actually, I spoke with your teachers. I believe the phrases they used were "a fine pupil" and "a joy to teach."
Adam: It's nice to be appreciated.
Lex: The strange thing is they all said it, word for word, almost as if they were told what to say. [Adam doesn't respond, looking away.] Don't worry, Adam. I'll keep checking. We all have black marks somewhere in our past.
Lex walks away and Adam looks at him angrily.
Clark and Jordan are still in front of Megan's house. Day. Jordan's dad drives up in his truck and gets out, running to Jordan.
Mr. Cross: Jordan! Are you all right?
Jordan: I had another vision. I thought I could help. [Mr. Cross glances at Clark nervously.] It's okay. Clark knows.
Mr. Cross: Wait for me in the truck.
Jordan: Dad, please.
Mr. Cross: [Warning.] Jordan.
Jordan walks to the truck, leaving Mr. Cross and Clark alone. Mr. Cross starts to pass Clark and walk toward Sheriff Adams.
Mr. Cross: Excuse me.
Clark: Mr. Cross. Jordan really wants to make a go of it at school. Will you just give him one more chance?
Mr. Cross: I really appreciate all you've done, Clark, but Jordan is... special. If he's at home, at least I can try to protect him. [Glances at the truck.] Jordan...
Jordan's backpack is on the hood of the truck and Jordan is gone.
Mr. Cross: Oh, my God. Jordan! [He runs into the road looking around.] Jordan!
Lana is putting things away in her locker at Smallville High. Night. The halls are silent and empty. Adam walks up.
Adam: I got your message. In case you didn't notice, school's out.
Lana: I was at the Torch doing some research.
They start walking together.
Adam: Hmm.
Lana: [Nervous.] Adam, there's-there's no easy way to ask this, but somebody found your needle in the trash today.
Adam: Technically, that's not a question.
Lana stops walking and faces him.
Lana: Look, I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. Are you diabetic? On some sort of medication?
Adam: [Sarcastic.] Was that the research you were doing? I mean that would explain it, right? Except diabetics are supposed to leave their syringes with the school nurse.
Lana: Believe me, I am not trying to accuse you of anything.
Adam: Yes, you are. You think I'm on drugs. The truth is you don't trust me. Never have.
Adam walks away angrily and Lana follows him.
Lana: That's not fair. You said you'd always be honest with me. Why can't you be honest now?
Adam: [Stops walking.] Look, I want this to work, but if you're not sure, just say the word and I'm gone.
Adam walks away again, and this time Lana doesn't follow.
Cut to Jordan walking down the hallway in another part of the school. He gets to the end of the hall just as Adam is turning the corner and they bump into each other. There is a bright flash and Jordan doubles over gasping. Adam stops to see what happened, then Jordan looks at Adam with a look of shock and wonder. Without a word, Adam turns away and keeps walking. Lana comes around the corner.
Lana: Adam!
Adam keeps walking and Lana notices Jordan.
Lana: Jordan. Are you okay?
Jordan: I'm fine.
Lana: What are you doing here?
Jordan: Hiding from my father. I think he wants to pull me out of school.
Lana: Running away isn't going to fix ...
Lana touches Jordan's shoulder and he is thrust into another vision. He sees Lana's face in excruciating pain. He sees a photograph of three young girls in cheerleading outfits. The photograph is on fire. The photo is among many of the same young girl set up like a shrine, and the whole thing is burning. Lana seems to be trapped in the flames and she screams.
Flash back to the present. Jordan pulls away from Lana's touch and holds his head.
Jordan: [Confused.] It's changed.
Lana: Jordan, what is it?
Jordan: [Urgent.] Lana, please don't leave here.
Lana: What's going on?
Jordan: I can't explain it. Something awful is about to happen. We have to go find Clark!
Lana: Clark?
Jordan turns to go and suddenly a figure dressed all in black and wearing a ski mask comes around the corner and punches Jordan in the face, knocking him to the ground.
Lana: What are you doing?!
The attacker puts a handkerchief over Lana's mouth and nose forcefully. She struggles against it, but her screams are muffled and eventually, she loses consciousness.
Fade to black.
Outside shot of the Talon. Night. Inside there is a knock at Adam's door. When there is no answer, Chloe enters.
Chloe: Adam? Hello?
She closes the door behind her and turns on a flashlight. She starts to look through the room, shining the flashlight over Adam's bed and then his bookshelf. Something shines on the floor beneath the bed, and Chloe gets down on her knees and tilts her head to look. She sees that it is an unlabeled medicinal vial filled with a clear liquid and picks it up. When she sits up straight, Lex is standing behind her.
Lex: Last I heard, breaking and entering were still against the law.
Chloe jumps and turns around, hiding the vial behind her back.
Chloe: I could say the same thing to you.
Lex: [Walking closer to Chloe.] Except I own the place. I take it you have some concerns about Lana's new friend.
Chloe: I think that's pretty obvious.
Chloe walks past Lex to the other side of the room, slipping the vial into her purse.
Chloe: So what caused you to go all Cloak and Dagger?
Lex: Rachmaninoff. [Picks up a slide picture and looks at it.] When Adam came to see me earlier today, he was playing one of his most difficult pieces.
Chloe: Is that a crime?
Lex: No CDs, sheet music. Not even a radio. [Hands the slide to Chloe.] According to his transcripts, he never took a single music class.
Chloe: So computers, kickboxing, and a master pianist. Wow. Adam's a regular renaissance man.
Lex: Like you said, that isn't a crime.
Chloe: Though it certainly piqued your interest.
Lex smiles slightly.
Lex: Lock up on your way out.
Chloe squints at Lex, realizing that she is being given permission to stay, and Lex leaves. Chloe pulls the vial out of her purse and looks at it closely.
Clark is looking through the tool chest frantically in the loft. Night. He finally finds a flashlight as Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: Clark? Clark, you've been looking for Jordan all over town. I think it's time you call it a night.
Clark: Dad, I was supposed to help him fit in. Instead, I take him to a crime scene, I put him on the sheriff's radar.
Jonathan: That is not your fault.
Clark: Well, he was a lot better off before he met me.
Clark starts to leave.
Jonathan: Clark, if he ran away, it's because he didn't feel like he had anybody at home to talk to.
Clark: His dad seemed like a good man.
Jonathan: I'm sure he is. And I'm also sure he feels like he's doing the best thing for Jordan. [He places a hand on Clark's shoulder.] Look, when ... when your son has a gift, your first temptation is to hide him away, to shelter him from everything.
Clark: You didn't.
Jonathan: I sure as hell wanted to. Look, your mother convinced me that you needed to experience the whole world. Not just this farm. Ultimately she was right. [Clark nods.] So Jordan will come home. But not until he's good and ready. Okay?
Clark: Yeah.
Jonathan: All right, why don't you come on inside, grab a bite to eat?
Clark: I'll be there in a second.
Jonathan: Okay.
Jonathan leaves. Clark walks back to the tool chest and puts the flashlight away. He puts on his backpack and starts to leave the loft when suddenly Jordan jumps out in front of him from a hiding place. His face is red where he was punched.
Jordan: Clark!
Clark: Jordan, what happened to you?
Jordan: I was in the school with Lana when somebody attacked us! I think they took her!
Clark: Who took her?
Jordan: I don't know, I didn't see him! Clark, I had another vision of Lana.
Clark: What do you mean "another"?
Jordan: I'm not sure. The other day, she touched my hand on the track. It was okay. She was peaceful, she was old, it was her time.
Clark: What, you're saying that's changed?
Jordan: She was trapped in a fire just like Megan!
Clark: Okay, okay, calm down. What else did you see?
Jordan: Stuff... on the floor. Photos burning. Lana and Megan were in one of them, but they were younger. They were in cheerleading outfits.
Clark takes off his backpack and opens it, pulling out a newspaper and handing it to Jordan.
Clark: Is this the girl?
He shows Jordan Julia Altman's obituary.
Jordan: Mr. Altman's daughter.
Clark: When I saved him, I changed everything. Even what's supposed to happen to Lana. [Suddenly afraid.] Okay, did you see anything that might tell us where she is?
Jordan: Uh, there was ... there was an old sign inside.
Clark: What did it say?
Jordan: It said "Wandering Hills".
Clark: I know where that is. [He starts to leave.]
Jordan: Clark, take me with you.
Clark: No way.
Jordan: I've seen the house. Maybe I can help you find it. Please.
Clark: [Short pause.] First sign of trouble, you back off. [Jordan nods.] Let's go.
Mr. Altman is in the basement of an old house carrying gas cans in each hand. Night. He puts one of the cans down and sets the other one down next to Lana who is sitting on the ground with her hands tied to a beam behind her. Megan is across the room from Lana, also tied to a beam. They are surrounded by gas cans.
Lana: [Afraid.] Mr. Altman, why are you doing this?
Megan: Please, you don't have to do this!
Altman: [Calm.] You're gonna pay for what you did to Julia.
Lana: What are you talking about?
Altman: I heard you at the hospital. Megan had a fight with her and you let her leave. You should've been looking out for her.
Lana: We didn't cause the accident.
Altman: You might as well have! My little girl was out there all alone because of you!
Megan: [Crying.] It wasn't our fault!
Altman picks up another gas can and starts pouring it all over a shrine to Julia against the wall, covered with pictures of Julia.
Altman: For years I blamed myself for not being there.
Lana: Mr. Altman, this is not the way.
Altman: But now I know I wasn't responsible. You two killed her.
Megan: [Frantic.] No, we didn't ...
Altman pulls a lighter out of his pocket and lights the flame. Lana struggles against the ropes holding her down.
Megan: Please, no!
Altman tosses the lighter at the shrine and it bursts into flames immediately.
Megan: Oh, no! No!
Megan and Lana continue to scream as the fire spreads from the shrine to the wall behind it. Altman kneels down slowly, almost ceremonially in front of the shrine as the fire swallows the pictures of Julia.
Megan: Aah! Help us! Please!
The picture of Lana, Megan, and Julia as little girls in the cheerleading outfits catches fire as Altman closes his eyes.
Clark and Jordan drive up outside the house and see smoke and flame rising from the windows.
Jordan: Clark, look!
Clark: [Stopping the truck.] Jordan, stay in the car.
Jordan: He's got Lana and Megan. You're going to need some help!
Clark: Stay in the car, Jordan.
Clark gets out of the car and runs to the house, bursting through the basement door. He sees Megan and Lana tied to the beams and the fire is consuming the room quickly. Lana and Megan both seem to be unconscious. He runs to Lana and lifts her head.
Clark: Lana? Lana.
Lana: [Weakly.] Save Megan.
Altman comes up behind Clark and grabs him.
Altman: Get out!
Clark pushes Altman hard and sends him flying into the wall. Clark kneels back down to help Lana and Jordan comes in.
Clark: Jordan!
Jordan: I'll get Megan!
Jordan runs to Megan and starts untying her. Altman crawls toward the shrine.
Altman: You stay away from me! I just want to be with my girl!
Clark: [To Lana.] Come on. Come on, let's go!
Clark helps Lana and Megan run outside.
Jordan: Coach? We've got to get out of here!
Altman grabs Jordan from behind and turns him around, shaking him. There is a series of bright flashes as Altman's touch causes Jordan to have several visions.
Altman: You! It's your fault!
Outside, Clark realizes that Jordan isn't with them.
Clark: Where's Jordan?
Lana: I didn't see him come out with us.
Clark looks back at the door into the house where the fire is getting higher and higher. He runs back toward the house.
Lana: Clark!
Clark: Run!
Lana and Megan run away from the house as Clark goes back inside. He finds Jordan unconscious on the floor and runs to him.
Clark: Jordan!
He throws Jordan over his shoulder and looks around for Altman.
Clark: Mr. Altman! Coach Altman! You got to get out of here!
Clark runs from the house with Jordan over his shoulder. Once he gets to the edge of the yard, he puts Jordan down on the ground and lies on top of him just as the house explodes sending fire and debris shooting in every direction. The fire engulfs Clark and Jordan. When it clears, Clark sits up. His face is smudged with black and his jacket is burnt, but Jordan is unburned. He shakes Jordan's shoulders and feels his neck for a pulse as Lana and Megan run toward him.
Clark: Jordan!
Lana: Clark! Clark, are you okay?
Megan: Oh, my God, is he okay?
Clark: He's not breathing.
Megan: Jordan!
Clark starts giving Jordan chest compressions.
Clark: Come on, Jordan. You can't die on me.
Lana and Megan watch fearfully until finally Jordan starts to choke and sits up. Lana sighs in relief.
Jordan: Clark.
Clark: It's okay. You're all right.
Clark puts a hand on top of Jordan's. Jordan flinches, expecting another vision, but nothing happens. He looks up at Clark questioningly.
Clark: You're gonna be okay.
Fade to black.
Outside shot of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex is seated in his study working on his laptop when Lana enters. Lex closes the laptop.
Lana: Lex?
Lex: Lana. How you feeling?
Lana: [Jokingly.] Between the fire and my leg, I've seen enough hospitals to last a lifetime.
Lex: Have a seat.
Lana: Thanks. [She sits.] Lex, I think you were right about taking a closer look at Adam.
Lex: Why the sudden change of heart?
Lana: Chloe caught him using some sort of drug at school, and when I confronted him about it, he almost lost it.
Lex: Lana, I've had people assume the worst about me all my life. Trust me, it's hard to respond when people always jump to the wrong conclusions.
Lana: Lex, the last time we talked, I was under the impression that you'd be happier if I kicked him out.
Lex: It's not my choice to make. But I've had a chance to ask a few questions. Adam hasn't been healing as well as his doctors had hoped. Apparently he's part of a clinical medical trial testing a new drug.
Lana: That might explain the needle. It doesn't explain why he was hiding it. I'm just beginning to wonder who I let into my life.
Lex: You should trust your instincts.
Lana: [Considers this.] Thanks, Lex.
Lex smiles. Lana gets up from her seat and leaves the room. Lex reopens his laptop and we see he has a file labeled "Knight, Adam" on the screen with a picture of Adam and a list of Adam's personal information. Lex studies the screen.
Outside shot of Jordan's house. Day. Clark and Jordan enter the house after coming home from school.
Clark: I promise your second week of school will be easier.
Jordan: The paramedics said if you hadn't given me CPR, I'd be... dead.
Clark: But you're not.
They go into the living room.
Jordan: I saw her, Clark.
Clark: Who?
Jordan: My mom. In that moment, right before you pulled me back. [Awestruck.] She was beautiful. I tried to run to her, but couldn't.
Clark: Maybe it just wasn't your time.
Jordan: When I woke up, they were gone.
Clark: The visions?
Jordan: Maybe I was destined to lose them when I met you.
Lana enters.
Lana: Mind if I interrupt? Jordan, I brought your homework.
Clark looks from Lana to Jordan.
Clark: Why do I get the feeling you've replaced me as your mentor?
Lana: I've offered to help Jordan get back on his feet, and he is going to help me become faster on mine.
Clark: [Smiles, to Jordan.] I think you're getting the hang of this high school thing.
Jordan smiles, a little embarrassed.
Clark: [To Lana.] How you doing? [Lana smiles half-heartedly.] I know that look. You sure you're okay?
Lana: [Quietly.] Yeah, I'm fine, Clark.
Clark: [To Jordan.] I'll see you tomorrow.
Jordan nods. With another look at Lana, Clark leaves.
Lana: So, we've got a lot of work to do.
Lana and Jordan sit on the couch and Lana takes a binder out of her book bag. Jordan looks at her awkwardly as if he wants to say something.
Lana: What's wrong?
Jordan: [Hesitantly.] Lana, it's about your friend. The one in the hall? Adam. [Lana turns to Jordan, giving him her attention.] He's from Oklahoma, right?
Lana: I don't know. He's never really said anything. Jordan, what's going on?
Jordan: I think something really bad happened to him.
Lana: Well, he's been in the hospital. He was pretty seriously injured a few months ago.
Jordan: [Nervous pause.] This is going to sound really strange, but... I think it's worse than that. I don't think he was just hurt. I think he died.
Lana is startled. Her eyes lower as she ponders Jordan's revelation.
Martha pulls a sheet of cookies out of the oven. Night. She carries them over to the counter where Clark is seated with a glass of milk.
Martha: You're awfully quiet today.
Clark: Having someone tell you you can change destiny is a lot to handle.
Martha: Jordan's visions really struck a chord.
Martha goes to the cupboard and gets a plate.
Clark: Or just brought up questions I had all along. Mom, by helping Mr. Altman, I put three other lives in jeopardy.
Martha: But you were there for them.
Clark: If it wasn't for me, he would've never had the chance to hurt anyone.
Martha: [Putting cookies on the plate.] Clark, what's this really about?
Clark: I'm just wondering if that's why I was really sent here. To change destiny. What if I make a wrong choice and I'm not there to make it right?
Martha: It's a huge responsibility. You have to concentrate on the good that you do. Think of all the people you've saved. Your dad and me and Lex. He's turned out to be a really good friend. Sweetheart, you just have to do the best you can. You can't save everybody. [Clark nods. Martha picks up the plate of cookies] Well, I'm gonna take some of these out to your dad.
Clark: I'll do it. [Stands up and puts on his coat.]
Martha: [Teasing.] Well, could you please make sure that at least a couple of them make it to the barn?
Clark: [Smiles.] Yes.
Martha: Thank you.
Clark: [Warmly.] Thanks, Mom.
Martha nods and Clark exits. As he goes, she smiles after him proudly.
Cut to Clark entering the barn, eating one of the cookies from the plate he is carrying. He hears the table saw whirring loudly and looks around for Jonathan, but doesn't see him anywhere.
Clark: [Yelling over the noise.] Dad?
Clark goes to the table saw and sees a board fall off. Jonathan isn't there. He goes to the saw and turns it off, causing the noise to die down. Clark walks to the other side of the saw and sees Jonathan sprawled on the floor. Clark drops the plate of cookies and it shatters on the ground as he kneels at Jonathan's side.
Clark: Dad... Dad!
He turns Jonathan over. Jonathan's face is sprinkled with saw dust and he is obviously in pain, groaning.
Clark: Dad?
Jonathan: [As if speaking to someone else.] Not now! Not yet. [To Clark.] I love you, son.
Jonathan grimaces in pain, then his eyes shut and he goes completely limp in Clark's arms.
Clark: Dad?! [Panicked, screaming.] Mom! Mom! Mom!
End
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