Angel Next Door

[sandy]

Hey. So I guess you can say I’m back in town to write a fic. I don’t really know how long I want it, but I can promise you it will be very interesting. It takes place in season 1. But a bunch of stuff will be different. It’s a simple love story. Not a lot of mythology at all.

So please have some faith in me and read it. I won’t disappoint you.

And let’s begin.

______________________
Chapter 1


Lana carefully opened the drawer and pulled out a clean pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. She had to look casual and comfortable for her date, but not sloppy.

Yeah, her boyfriend wasn’t exactly Mr. Perfect. But he was the closest guy you could find in a place like Smallville who was anywhere near interesting. She was “the pretty cheerleader” and he was “the popular football captain.” As shallow as it may have seemed, Lana thought they connected well. In fact, it was Nell who had encouraged her to give Whitney a chance. Lana thought he would be a bonehead jock who would only be interested in telling his 'homeboys' in the locker room that they “hit it off”, but as it turned out, it wasn’t that way at all.

Sure they didn’t have too much in common. But who else could you find in Smallville that would be interested in Shakespeare and Robert Frost?

Lana had to leave the house a little early today. Before her date, Nell asked her to give a fruit basket to the new neighbors next door. She didn’t know who they were. All she knew was that they moved from Metropolis.

“Nell, I’ll see you at ten,” her voice rang through the house. She grabbed the basket and closed the door behind her. Lana drove the car to the neighbor’s house. She didn’t feel like walking a quarter of a mile.

Lana rang the doorbell. The basket was underneath her arm. All she wanted was to give them the basket so she could leave for her date that she was already a bit late for.

The door was opened by a giant. Well, sort of. He was probably over 6 feet tall. His hair was dark brown and a bit messy. But that was the style these days, wasn’t it? The apple in his hand was already half-eaten and he looked a bit surprised at first.

Wow. That word could only describe what was going on in her head. Not only was he “hot n' sexy” as her friends would describe him, but he could possibly be the most beautiful man Lana had ever seen with her own two eyes. He looked like a model you would see in the billboards in New York City. Only better.

“Is that for us?” he asked after she didn’t say anything for about fifteen seconds.

“Oh,” Lana said, snapping out of her mini daydream, “Of course. Welcome to Smallville.” Lana knew she probably sounded extremely stupid at that moment, but my God. He had the most flawless face. “I’m Lana Lang from next door.” She handed him the basket that was quickly slipping from her sweaty palms. “I think you’ll like it here.”

And then he smiled. Oh gosh that put the nail in the coffin as far as his beauty went. “I think I’ll like it here too.”

Did those words just come out of his mouth? Was he flirting with her? "Well uh..." she coughed to regain her voice. "I'll probably see you at Smallville High since, you know, there are no other high schools in Smallville," she chuckled, but quickly stopped when she accidentally gave a little snort. Wait, did I just snort? How much more pathetic can I be? I've never snorted before until now!

"Yeah, that's...true," he said, his face in a puzzled expression.

"So, you know, if you need help getting around, I'll be more than happy to help. I'm known to be a very good person in that area." She smiled shyly, hoping some charm rubbed off in this humiliating conversation.

"I'll be sure to remember that, Lana."

"Good." She shot him a genuine grin. "So I'll see you around..."

"Clark Kent," he quickly chimed in.

"All right, Clark," she warmly smiled. "Welcome to the neighborhood."

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

That's it for now. Thanks.:)

[clana_never_give_up]

Awesome story so far. It's a very interesting beginning.

Hope to see more!

[happycamper]

New to Smallville? Exactly how new?

Nice start and with many interesting possibilities...


:D :D

[NYC300Z]

ok funny meeting sounds like it should be good~! Keep it coming!

[SVsleuth]

Sandy's back! We've missed you! Welcome back! :)

I'm looking forward to another of your wonderful fics, sandy. It's been a while.

So the Kents lived in Metropolis? How did they get Clark, then? I wonder if they moved from Smallville to Metropolis after the meteor shower and the adoption, and now they've come back?

In any case, it's cool seeing Lana's reaction to meeting Clark for the 1st time as teenagers, instead of growing up with him in gradeschool.

PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Sandy! Hey hey, welcome back! :D We've missed you!

Promising start! Your fics are always lovely! :) Nice little "meet cute" scene between Clark and Lana. (And I loved the humor about her and Whitney...)

[Cardinal]

YAY! Sandy's back! :D :D :D :D :D


Robert Frost, huh? Would that make Clark, "The Road Less Traveled"? That would make all the difference! ;)

As long as it's not "Much Ado About Nothing."

[sandy]

Chapter 2

_________________


“I had fun tonight Lana.” Whitney held her close, entwining their fingers. Lana swayed a little bit, alternating her feet. She suddenly felt uncomfortable as she and Whitney stood on their front doorstep.

“Same here.” What was wrong with her? She couldn’t even look into his eyes as she replied.

Whitney shortly kissed on her on the lips. Lana didn’t even close her eyes as he did. She suddenly felt like all the passion they once had suddenly drained from them. The romantic sneak outs from her house now seemed like ancient history.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Lana walked inside her house, leaving Whitney at a loss.

Lana went inside and set her purse down on the table. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. What was going on? Everything was fine between her and Whitney, she knew that. Then what was the sudden loss of interest for him?

“You’re home early.”

Lana jumped. “Whoa Nell, you scared me.”

“I’m sorry, but….” She stopped mid sentence. Lana was…laughing? “Lana, what could possibly be funny right now?”

“I just realized,” she continued to cackle, “that I said ‘Whoa Nell.’ That sounds freakishly close to ‘Whoa, Nelly!’”

Nell was more confused than ever. “Hilarious, I know,” she replied sarcastically. What was wrong with her niece? She was acting…. “Wait, Lana, are you drunk?”

“Huh?” Lana quickly became serious. “Of course not, Nell. You know me. I wouldn’t do anything like that.”

“Then why are you acting so strange?” Nell crossed her arms.

“Never mind,” Lana groaned as she trudged upstairs.

“Well before you go upstairs and ignore me for the rest of the night, I just want to let you know that I invited the new neighbors for a visit,” she yelled from the bottom of the steps.

Lana quickly froze right where she stood on the step. “Wait, why didn’t you tell me that before?” Lana was facing Nell completely now, her face contorted into a mixture of shock and happiness.

“Well I just called them an hour ago. What did you want me to do? Call you on your date and aware you of it?”

“Yes!” Lana quickly replied but shut her mouth immediately. “No, of course not. Just…” Lana threw her arms up in the air and hurried up stairs. “My room is such a mess.”

“Well here’s your perfect opportunity to clean it up for the first time ever.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Lana shrugged. She closed the door behind her and began to pick up the mound of clothes on her floor. She usually kept her room spotless, but ever since she began high school two years ago, she never had time for her anymore. Her time was solely spent between cheerleading practices, work at the Talon, and time with Whitney. Nell never asked much from her, which she was grateful for. Ever since her parents died, Nell did nothing but take care of her and treat her like her own daughter. She loved Nell for that.

Lana sighed and collapsed on her bed. It was going to be a long day tomorrow.

[Cardinal]

Oooh! Now Clark gets to return her visit. Only this time, it will be an extended family get together.

Time to watch the sparks fly!

[clana_never_give_up]

Wow they're having a dinner together, sounds like this will be interesting.

Can't wait to see what happens!!!

[SVsleuth]

Oh, goody! Clark is coming to visit. Maybe Lana will realize that her attraction to Clark is what has dampened Whitney's appeal. PPMS!

[maitriniazngurl]

Wow! Great story! Welcome back Sandy! I've read most of your past story and I can't wait for this one!

[happycamper]

Lana is able to be attracted to Clark before all of Whitney's troubles begin - this is a good thing! Her reaction to the end of the date with Whitney was pretty telling!

But let me get this straight - Lana is a cheerleader, and works at the Talon (instead of not working at all or working at Nell's flower shop). So who got the Talon up and running?

Looking forward to the dinner!


:D :D

[sandy]

Chapter 3

____________


Lana effortlessly placed the bobby pins in her hair so it wouldn’t frizz from the humidity. Nell had another one of her ‘genius ideas’ that when the Kents came over, they would all eat outside. Never mind the sweltering heat and humidity. Eating outside brought people closer, according to another one of her silly magazine articles.

She examined herself top to bottom in her full length mirror. ‘Not bad,’ she thought while looking at her back, ‘not bad at all.’

“Lana, come down here and help me set the table,” Nell said from outside. Looking over herself one last time, Lana rushed downstairs.

“You know, Nell, I don’t think you’ve ever noticed this about yourself, but you look like a sweaty pig when the weather is at these kinds of temperatures,” Lana said with a smirk.

“Very funny, Lana,” Nell replied without so much of a smile. “I’m telling you, you will thank me afterwards. You’ll find yourself bonding with this family more if you’re out in good ol’ nature than in an air-conditioned environment.”

Lana snickered. “Nell, sometimes I think you really need to find yourself a man.”

“When the time is right, I will,” she replied coolly. “But until then, you’re stuck with my old fashioned personality.”

Lana beamed when she saw a car coming in the distance. “Ok, they’re coming. Try to look normal.” Lana quickly diverted her attention to the picnic table and fiddled with the silverware.

“What is the matter with you?” Nell saw that she began to sweat a little bit, and she had a feeling it wasn’t because of the 90 degree weather.

A red pickup truck pulled up to the drive soon after. Now Lana knew absolutely nothing about cars, but she was smart enough to observe that the truck was probably older than Nell. Probably Nell and her combined for that matter.

Clark was the first one to jump out. He was even taller than she remembered. Then what Lana guessed was his parents came out. They looked to be about in their 40’s, but they had a gentle air to them.

Clark ran his hand through his hair, and Lana took the opportunity to study him. Tall, dark, handsome...yep, he was pretty much the whole physical package. Everything about him made her flush with heat for a moment.

“Hey there. Good to see you again,” Lana greeted him politely. She tried not to act too sweet around him. For some reason, Lana wanted him to know there was an edge to her.

Clark nodded in reply.

“Martha, Johnathon, I’m so glad you could come.” Lana noticed Nell was acting especially chirpy. “Come, sit and eat.” She welcomed them to the chairs and they sat down. All except Clark.

“I’m not hungry,” he mumbled. Clark walked the steps up into the house and closed the door behind him, leaving a very baffled Lana at the table. Nell and the Kents merely ignored him and began to eat.

Lana wondered if Nell already knew the Kents. They talked like they were lifelong friends. There was nothing for her to say, nothing for her to do.

“Oh dear, I forgot the lemonade inside. Hold on, I’ll….” Nell began, but was quickly interrupted.

“No, no, you just sit down and talk.” Lana rose from her chair in a flash. “I’ll go get the drinks. Be right back.”

Lana jogged into the house and looked around. My, it felt good to be inside with the cool air conditioner. She skimmed the house and found Clark in the living room, holding a picture frame in his hand.

“That was at the Summer Carnival last year. That’s my friend, Chloe, and my boyfriend, Whitney,” Lana said, sneaking in from behind him.

“Boyfriend?”

“Yeah.” He said those words like it was impossible. And she wondered why. “So?”

“Just…doesn’t look like he'd be your kind of guy.”

Whoa. Did he just say that? "And you would know this how? You don't even know what he's like."

He shrugged and placed his fists in his pockets. "Oh, you mean Whitney? Me and him go way back." He smirked playfully. "We were both in junior football camp at Metropolis U two years ago. Haven't kept in touch with him. We didn't exactly click as best pals. Besides, just because I've only seen you once before doesn't mean I don't know what kind of person you are."

Lana crossed her arms. "I seriously doubt that. You can't judge me by one meeting."

"Believe what you want." He placed the frame back on the mantel.

Lana shook her head and started from another angle. "So do you want a soda or something?"

Clark shook his head. "You want to get out of here?"

Lana snickered. "You serious? This is Smallville. There's no where to bail to."

"Doesn't matter. We could just...I don't know. Take a walk, maybe."

Lana paused and drew a deep breath. "I have to be getting some lemonade for Nell. You should join us."

"Nope. Not my kind of thing. Thanks, though."

Lana looked at him once more as he walked past her and left the house. Not so much of a good bye.

It was strange. She never took him as the rebel type. Strangely...she liked it.

Lana sighed and carried the lemonade out the door.

[clana_never_give_up]

That was an awesome update.

I like the new Clark!

:D :D :D

[Cardinal]

At first I thought Clark ducking into the house might have been part of a bad reaction to Lana's old green-K necklace...but Clark's just got some 'tude. ;)

[NYC300Z]

Yeah what's up with Clark not the same old guy i'm use to oh well lets see wat's in store.

ppms!

[SVsleuth]

Hmm....I'm not sure what I think of this Clark. I'll have to see more... PPMS!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

this is good and is he an alien still cuz hes acting kinda wierd

[maru11]

awesome story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
can´t wait for more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[redraven]

I really like this story. Can't wait for more. :)

[happycamper]

Very un-Clark like. What I really can't believe is that Jonathan and Martha are just accepting his bad manners without chewing him out. :\

And I thought he was attracted to Lana - I would've have expected a better show for her?


:D :D

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

same here

[maru11]

update please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

yea please!

[sandy]

Chapter 4

______________


Lana set her books down on her desk. First period was the worst class of the day. She was doing well in the class, along with all the other ones, but the teacher was a drag.

She was about to lay her head down on the desk, but the sight of him caught her eye. Her breath caught in her throat as he quietly walked inside the room and sat in the only empty desk—the one behind her.

“Are you Clark Kent?” Mr. Forester asked him tiredly. Clark nodded.

Lana turned around and smiled at Clark. He looked burned out, and it seemed like his eyes changed from blue to green right in front of her eyes. His disheveled hair made him look like he didn’t get a wink of sleep in a week. Through all that, he still made the girls in the class stare and giggle. They all looked at each other in an understood silent agreement.

“I’ve been expecting you. Welcome to my English class, Mr. Kent. I can’t promise you that you’ll enjoy the class, but I can assure you that you will have to work very hard.” The teacher gave him his book as he spoke. His face seemed maniacally happy, almost like Clark was his next victim.

“Is he always this creepy?” Clark whispered to Lana when the teacher walked away.

“You have no idea.”

______________________


The last bell of the day rang and the students poured out of the school into the fresh air. Lana was placing her books in her locker, when she saw Clark open the locker next to her.

“We’re locker mates too?” he laughed. “Looks like we’re gonna be the best of friends.”

Lana grinned. “Don’t worry, you’ll probably get sick of seeing this face,” she pointed to her eyes.

“Hmm,” he pretended to contemplate. “Not likely, although it looks like Mr. Forester’s going to become tired of me quickly.”

Lana smiled. She never flirted this much before with anyone. Suddenly, she felt a tickle against the back of her neck.
“Baby, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you today,” Whitney said, his breath tickling her neck before he kissed her gently.

Out of the corner of her eye, Lana saw Clark’s uneasiness from the way he kept shifting his feet and looking down.

“I’m sorry,” Whitney said once he spotted Clark. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Oh, nothing much,” he smirked. “Just was talking to Lana, but it looks like I’m done here.” Clark began to walk away towards the double doors.

“Wait a second!” he shouted to Clark’s direction. Clark gave a small smile before turning around. “Yes?”

“Do I know you from somewhere?” Whitney asked. “I don’t know, you look familiar.”

“Well, most people say I look a lot like Cillian Murphy, so you never know.”

“Not that,” Whitney said impatiently. “I think I’ve seen you from somewhere.”

“Well then, I guess I better leave for you to have some time to think about that.” Clark smirked as he began to walk backwards a little bit before turning around to walk normally.

Lana looked up to Whitney as he racked his brain for an answer. His face lit up once he had it.

“Junior Football Camp!” he yelled at Clark before he exited the double doors to leave.

“My, my. Looks like it’s a small world after all.” Clark sneered. “I’ll see you later, Lana.” He walked out the building.

“Man, I really hate that guy.”

“Whitney,” Lana said, looking toward him. “he didn’t even say anything that could make you hate him.”

“It’s not that. Junior Football Camp was one of the most miserable things I’ve ever experienced because of him.”

“What happened?” Lana’s curiosity spiked.

Whitney shook his head. “I’ve been the quarterback for every team I’ve played in for as long as I can remember. Then he comes, with his massive ego, and gets the quarterback position.”

Lana’s jaw dropped. “That’s it? That’s what makes you so angry? Because he was quarterback and you weren’t?”

“No, it’s just…I love playing football. I mean, there are few things that I love doing more than playing a game and people in the stands cheering. You could tell right from the start that he didn’t have any passion for it. Almost like someone forced him to play. That’s what annoyed me.”

Lana shook her head. “And I thought women were the complicated sex.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lana looked him straight in the eye. “It means you’re being stupid about holding a grudge for that. It’s just unbelievable that you would still be angry about something that silly.”

“Whatever,” he mumbled. “Just…know that he’s not what he seems. Trust me. I know.”

Lana looked towards the door longingly. “I’m going home. Don’t try to call me. Nell and I have to go to the Kents house to help them unpack.” With that, Lana left the school and rode her maroon Explorer home.

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

Lana looked towards the door longingly. “I’m going home. Don’t try to call me. Nell and I have to go to the Kents and help them unpack.” With that, Lana left the school and rode her maroon Explorer home.


dont try and call me?!!!! lol

post more soon!

[clana_never_give_up]

That was great, I'm glad she blew off Whitney, he deserved it!!!!LOL

That guy needs some serious help!!!!LOL LOL

PPMS

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

yea he did

[NYC300Z]

wow Clark does seem to have some sort of ego problem lol I wonder what's up with him. Whitney sure hates him, but Lana seems to think it's his fault lol I guess we'll see!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

i guess we will

[maru11]

awesome update!!!!!!!!!!!!

[happycamper]

I still can't figure out what's up with Clark (or why Lana is driving as a freshman :lol: ).

But it looks pretty bad for Whitney - Lana seems very interested in Clark! :)


:D :D

[SVsleuth]

Nice update. Still need more to get a better understanding of Clark. Glad Lana is going to the Kents'. PPMS!

[sandy]

oh, happycamper, in this fic, she's a junior.

[treker]

Originally posted by sandy
oh, happycamper, in this fic, she's a junior.

I had my own car and was driving as a sophmore....

[maru11]

can´t wait for more!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

Originally posted by treker
I had my own car and was driving as a sophmore....

what do you mean had?

[NYC300Z]

Yeah I was driving my sophmore year too...

[clark&lanafan06]

Great Update! PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[happycamper]

Originally posted by sandy
oh, happycamper, in this fic, she's a junior.

Sorry! :( I just assumed with Whitney...

[C.A.chick]

When can we expect the next update. Can't wait. I'm lovin the story, although I wonder about Clark's attitude. PPMS!

[clana_never_give_up]

Ihope Clark goes back to normal Clark from the show, this Clark is very strange but it's still good!

[maru11]

update please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sandy]

umm..next update, anyone? lol sorry i'm late :)

______________________________


"Do you think this makes me look fat?" Lana asked as she emerged from her walk in closet with a hot pink summer dress on.

"Are you kidding me? Any sane guy would start drooling rabidly if they see a dress like that on a body like yours!"

"Chloe, I'm serious! I need to look stylish and comfortable, not have guys swarm around me. Besides, I only want Whitney to like it anyways. The back to school dance is the most important one of all this year."

"Trust me, Lana. That dress will work its magic tonight, I promise."

Lana sighed, and collapsed on her bed. "What are you planning to wear?"

Chloe chuckled. "You seriously think I'm going to that silly dance? No, Pete and I are gonna have some real fun."

"Where are you going?"

Chloe smirked. "Well, the Metropolis Sharks are playing against Wichita, and talk says it's supposed to be the biggest game of the year."

Lana quickly snapped her head in Chloe's direction. "Do you have any idea who's gonna be there?" After Chloe clearly showed she was clueless, she smiled. "Clark Kent is, that's who."

Chloe grinned. "You mean the guy all the girls go ga-ga for?" After Lana nodded, Chloe added, "I never took him as the type to enjoy football. Always thought he was the beer-slash-babes-slash-billiards kinda guy."

"That's not exactly true; he loves football," Lana smiled in remembrance. "Looks can deceive, Chloe. I think he's deep in a...rebellious...kind of way."

"Interesting," Chloe commented when she noticed the far-off look in Lana's eyes.

"What?"

Chloe ran her tongue over her teeth. "You, Lana Lang, have a thing for Clark Kent."

Lana tried to suppress her smile. "That's crazy, I'm with Whitney. Besides, our personalities wouldn't mesh well together."

Chloe's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me? The good girl and the bad boy wouldn't mesh well together? Haven't you heard of the little saying opposites attract?"

Lana nodded and dug her arms beneath her pillow. "Yes, but...Clark probably breaks hearts on a regular basis; he isn't a guy you can have a real relationship with."

"And you know this...how?"

Lana pointed out the window. "Because he lives right there."

Now Chloe's jaw really dropped. "You mean to tell me Clark Kent is your neighbor? How could you fail to tell me this?"

Lana stood up. "Like I said, I'm with Whitney now, so it doesn't even matter." Lana squatted down on the floor across from Chloe who was now seated on the leopard print rug and said in a soft voice, "But between you and me, you're right about me having a thing for him."

Chloe was bubbling on the inside. "That's it, you're coming to the game with me!"

Lana immediately jumped back. "Are you crazy?! No way, I promised Whitney a long time ago I'd be there at that dance. I can't miss it, Chloe, and you know that."

Chloe stood up nonchalantly. "Fine. I guess I'll be seeing Clark the beefcake all by myself tonight," she swayed from foot to foot. "What's a girl to do?"

Lana knew Chloe was pretending to be desperate, but somehow she was still persuading her. Lana grinned. "Please get outta here before I change my mind!"

Lana began to push Chloe out the door, the whole time Chloe bursting with laughter. "Fine, fine, but I'll be sure to mention your name tonight," she said coolly.

"Do that, and I won't serve you any more free espressos at the Talon."

Chloe faked repentance. "No, not the free espressos!" she exclaimed, holding her face.

Lana laughed, shaking her head. "Now beat it, blondie!"

As soon as Chloe playfully left, Lana closed the door and began to prepare for the dance. Chloe had been her best friend since first grade, and this conversation was a huge deal. Other than Whitney, Clark was the only other guy that she liked, even slightly.

Clark...wow, did he bring up images in her mind. She imagined him at the game with his giant foam finger and a box of peanuts in his hand. Lana knew absolutely nothing of football, but she'd enjoy it anyway if she sat next to him.

Suddenly, she felt as if she was cheating on Whitney, even though she barely talked to Clark ever since he moved to Smallville.

Whitney detested Clark, which was very childish on his part. Sure, Clark was a little rough on the edges, but inside she knew he was somewhat gentle. He had to be.

The doorbell rang. Lana knew it had to be Whitney.

[Cardinal]

Yay, Sandy's back!

Now I have to go back and reread EVERYTHING. :p

[clana_never_give_up]

That was great. But what a great place to leave.

Talk about a huge cliffhanger.

PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

It had to be Whitney??? Glad your back! What a cliffie it is!

PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Does not have to be Whitney. It could just as easily be a door-to-door salesman or someone running for office or, dare I say it, Clark Kent.

A young man who will get the first shot at seeing the luscious Lana Lang in that exquisite dress.

I'm drooling just thinking about it.

[kewl]

great fic! and i kinda like the egoistic clark too :D ppms!

[smallvillewolf17]

Great story!

PPMS!

[Smallville.Nerd]

I love this story and the rebel Clark!!!!

[clana1fan4ever]

just caught up wit ths story it is really good!!!

PPMS!!

[thmallville]

update!!!!

[superman's my hero]

I just read this story and I love it! I hope you find some time to update soon!

[smallvilleobsessor17]

Yes! Last night I read it, but you didn't post anything new today. :(

[kewl]

please update soon sandy. ;)

[smallvilleobsessor17]

AIYE!!! I'm dying here without an update!!!

[thmallville]

... update?

[sandy]

As you can tell, my updates don't exactly pick up right where I left off, but all will be explained!
___________________________

"Lana, I'm telling you, you should have been there!" Chloe said, lying down on her bed.

"Chloe was throwing peanuts at the back of his head until finally he came up to our row," Pete added, sitting on the rocking chair in the corner of her room.

"What? Why would you do something like that?" Lana asked, emerging from her closet with her pajamas on.

"To get his attention, of course. Then we talked."

"About what?" Lana wondered.

"Well, from what I could hear, the main topic was you, Lana," said Pete.

"Chloe, please don't tell me..." Lana began to shake her head.

"What, tell him you 'kinda sorta' like him? I wouldn't dare.." she said smugly. "Let's just say he doesn't think you're half bad either."

Lana tried to suppress a giggle, and fell on her bed. "Sometimes I don't know what I'm gonna do with you two."

"Hey don't say that about me, I'm completely innocent," Pete raised his hands in defense. "I was there to watch a football game. Oh, and we won by the way."

"Pete how can you be talking about football at a time like this?" Chloe asked in amazement.

Pete stared in astonishment. "Ok that's it, I'm outta here." He stood up and walked to the door. Chloe could hear him mutter to himself, 'I really need to get some guy friends,' and she smiled to herself.

Lana's train of thought was broken when the phone rang. "I got it!" she yelled, as she grabbed the cordless phone on her dresser.

"Hello?"

"Could this be the lovely Lana Lang?"

Lana could recognize that voice from anywhere. "Clark?!"

At the sound of his name, Chloe was now sitting up on the bed, attentive to every word.

Lana was now sitting cross-legged next to Chloe, with Chloe's ear glued to the back of the phone, trying to listen to their conversation.

"Clark, how did you get my number?"

"Well, I have your friend Chloe to thank for that. You know, I didn't think she was an avid football fan," he laughed.

"Well, I'll certainly talk to her about that," she glared at Chloe.

"So, did you have fun at the dance with Whitney?"

Lana stopped. How in the world was she supposed to answer this?

"Well...sure, I suppose. I mean I've had better, but it was a good experience."

Chloe was now bursting at the seams. Just to tell Clark that "she had better" was a major sign.

"Lana, do me a favor and come to your window."

Lana was astounded, and it was Chloe who ran first and opened it completely, making sure she wasn't seen.

"Lana, get over here!" she whispered.

With the phone still in her hand, she walked to her window to find Clark with a cellphone in his hand against his ear.

"Well I'd throw a rock at your window like they do in the movies," he said, still talking on his phone, "but I was afraid I'd end up breaking it."

Lana's smile was uncontrollable as she hung up her phone; he did the same.

"What are you doing here?"

Clark shrugged. "Can't a person visit his neighbor once in a while? I would've baked cookies for you, but I couldn't find my lucky apron."

Lana shook her head and giggled. She didn't notice how her laugh made him grin. Meanwhile, Chloe was on the floor next to Lana, unnoticed by Clark, completely absorbed in their conversation.

Lana rested her hands on the windowsill, and neither of them said anything for almost a minute. Finally, it was Clark who broke the silence.

"Remember when you and your aunt came over to help us unpack? And when you noticed our stable, you said that you loved horses."

"Yeah, so?"

"We just bought a new horse. It's supposed to be one of those Arabian dancing horses or whatever, but he's great for riding. I want you to be the first one to try him out." Clark stuffed his fists in his pockets.

Lana's mouth fell open, looking for the words she could say in return.

"Well...I'm not sure..," she began when she suddenly felt a slap on her leg from Chloe. Lana glared at Chloe at the floor, who was beckoning with her eyes to tell him a different answer. Lana immediately redirected her attention to Clark, who was smiling to himself, knowing exactly what was happening.

"Actually, I think that sounds great," Lana said, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear. "I can't wait."

"Me neither, trust me," he said softly. He had a warm smile that made Lana reject his 'bad boy' persona.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said, beginning to walk away.

"Bye," she replied. Lana slowly closed her window with happiness dancing in her eyes.

"Now don't you think that was a better answer?" Chloe asked as Lana walked to her bed, smiling.

"You're crazy, you know that?" Lana said as Chloe sat down on the rocking chair. "Did you ever think that maybe if Whitney found out, he'd probably put an end to our relationship?"

Chloe threw her hands up. "Bingo!"

Lana chuckled, "Chloe, that's not what I'm after. I had a nice time with Whitney tonight. He's very sweet."

"Why would you just waste your time with 'just a nice guy' when you can have so much better, Lana? I know you, and I know you couldn't picture the rest of your life with him."

Lana began to feel uncomfortable. "I don't even know Clark, and he makes me rethink a lot about my life."

"If that's not a sign, then I don't know what is," Chloe replied, standing up and walking to the door. "I'll see you in school tomorrow." Chloe left silently.

Lana immediately knew she wasn't going to have a very peaceful sleep that night.

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

that was way too short, Sandy. but it was good

[clana1fan4ever]

Great update!!! i liked it :D

PPMS!!

[linn]

great story so far!!!!!!:D PPSMS!!

[buddy232]

Just caught up! Nice story! Please continue!


Thanks!

[Smallville.Nerd]

good update but I agree to short... ugg what happens next!

PPMS

[kewl]

great update! like lana i just can't wait for the horse back riding day :D ppms!

[smallvilleobsessor17]

Ahhh... so wonderful! PPMS!

[Trent083]

Cant wait for the next update

[NYC300Z]

So they have a date well kinda...that's cool...can't wait to see how it goes!;)

[maru11]

update please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[superman's my hero]

Great update! PPMS!

[pacifichic]

aww cute story, PPM ASAP!

[thmallville]

this story is great, ppms!!!

[smallvilleobsessor17]

sandy, get your butt over here and update!!!

[buddy232]

Please update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kewl]

please update soon sandy!

[smallvilleobsessor17]

Sandy, I'm dying here! We desperately need an update!!!

[buddy232]

Please update!

[kewl]

need an update over here please?

[superman8s]

i just caught up! update! please!

[buddy232]

Please update!

[ClanaGirl]

come on you haven't updated since 2006! you must really not like this story if you really cared you'd continue so i highly suggest it!