Kent Farm
Clark's truck slowed as he approached the Kent house. The sun cast a golden glow over the fields, and the breeze carried the scent of freshly tilled earth. Outside the house, three men were talking with Jonathan, who was gesturing animatedly.
VRUUUM.
The engine went silent as Clark turned off the vehicle. He stepped out of the truck, his eyes quickly scanning the unfamiliar faces. His father looked satisfied, which was already a good sign.
Jonathan clapped his hands, drawing the men's attention.
"This here is my son, Clark."
The three men turned at the same time. Simple men, their clothes worn from hard work. The first, a tall and strong man, removed his cap and smiled.
"John Halloway. A pleasure to finally meet you, kid. Your father speaks highly of you."
Clark shook his hand, feeling the firm grip. Calloused hands from labor. He's not lying when he says he needs this job.
The second, a middle-aged man with graying hair, stepped forward.
"Mark Simmons. Small-time farmer in my spare hours, but a hard worker. At least, that's what they say."
Clark smiled, shaking his hand as well. Honest. Just wants to put food on the table for his kids.
The third man, a sturdy-looking brunette, adjusted the strap of his backpack before speaking.
"Ben Carter. I'm here to work hard and earn enough to help my family."
Clark held the handshake a bit longer, analyzing the man's eyes. He's telling the truth. Just wants a fair shot.
Jonathan crossed his arms, pleased with the introductions.
Clark glanced at his father, a slight smile forming. "Good choices, Dad."
Jonathan nodded, tapping the side of the truck. "It's hard to find men willing to work hard and with good character. But I think these three will fit in just fine."
John Halloway adjusted his cap. "Can we start early tomorrow?"
Jonathan crossed his arms, thinking. "Tomorrow at dawn. I want to see if you can handle a full day at the Kent pace."
Mark Simmons chuckled. "So it's a test?"
"Let's just say I want to make sure you're as good as you claim to be."
Ben Carter stepped forward. "Give us one day, and we'll prove we're worth having around."
Jonathan narrowed his eyes, assessing them for a moment before letting out a satisfied sigh. "Alright, see you tomorrow then."
The men nodded and said their goodbyes, walking toward the road. Clark watched until they disappeared into the horizon before turning to his father.
"You finally agreed to hire help."
Jonathan rested his hands on his hips, gazing out at the fields. "After much insistence from you."
Clark crossed his arms. "You know we couldn't keep going like this. I'd have to split my time between the farm and other responsibilities, and you and Mom need more rest."
Jonathan sighed, looking toward the house. "Speaking of which, your mother wants to see you."
Clark narrowed his eyes slightly. "Did something happen?"
"No, but... you know. She's been more tired lately."
Clark nodded, feeling a slight tightness in his chest. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the house.
---
Inside the Kent House
The familiar scent of freshly baked bread and coffee filled the air as Clark stepped inside. The morning sun illuminated the kitchen, and Martha sat at the table, her hands resting on her slightly rounded belly.
Clark paused in the doorway, watching her for a moment. She looks tired… but happy.
"Hey, Mom."
Martha lifted her gaze and smiled upon seeing him. "Clark! I was waiting for you."
He walked to the table, pulling out a chair beside her. "Dad said you wanted to talk to me. How are you feeling?"
Martha gently ran her hand over her belly, an instinctive gesture. "More tired than usual, but that's expected."
Clark leaned forward slightly, his eyes locked on her. "Are you sure you're taking care of yourself? Do you need anything?"
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Clark, you and your father are already taking too much care of me. I'm fine."
He smiled slightly, but the concern didn't fade entirely. "You're important to me, Mom. I want to make sure everything goes well."
Martha reached out and squeezed his hand gently. "And I know that. But you also need to remember that not everything is under your control."
Clark lowered his gaze for a moment before nodding. "I know. But that doesn't mean I won't try."
She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "You have the kindest heart I've ever known, my son."
He took a deep breath, absorbing her words. "And you're the strongest person I've ever known."
Martha squeezed his hand one last time before letting go. "Now, do you want some coffee? I made cornbread this morning."
Clark smiled. "If it's your cornbread, I'd never refuse."
Martha got up slowly and walked to the counter. Clark watched her closely, making sure she didn't overexert herself.
She's fine. But I need to keep looking out for her.
He grabbed a mug and took a sip of the coffee she served. The warm, familiar taste brought silent comfort.
In that moment, he made a promise to himself.
He would do everything in his power to protect his family.
Always.
---
Smallville High - School Newspaper Office
The school newspaper office was quiet, except for the rapid clicks of Chloe's keyboard as she adjusted the final details of her interview with Joseph. Her eyes darted across the screen, focused.
The door burst open, and Pete walked in quickly, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets.
"I need to talk to you."
Chloe looked up, raising an eyebrow. "This is a miracle. You don't usually show up here without a reason."
Pete avoided her gaze, biting his lower lip.
"It's about the race."
Chloe's fingers froze over the keyboard. Her expression shifted from curiosity to skepticism in seconds.
"The race? What race?"
Pete hesitated, taking a deep breath before meeting her eyes.
"The street races. I… I've been participating."
Silence filled the room.
Chloe blinked slowly, leaning forward.
"You're joking, right?"
"It's not a big deal."
"Not a big deal? Pete, this is illegal!"
He scoffed, crossing his arms.
"Chloe, it's not like I'm robbing banks. It's just racing."
She stood up, staring at him firmly.
"Do you know how many people get hurt in this kind of thing? How many accidents happen? Pete, this isn't a game."
He frowned, feeling his chest tighten.
"You always have to be the voice of morality, huh?"
Chloe narrowed her eyes.
"Someone has to be. And you know Clark would never approve of this."
Pete felt a lump in his throat.
"Clark doesn't know. And I don't want him to know."
Chloe crossed her arms, exhaling in frustration.
"Great. On top of being dangerous, you're also hiding it from your best friend."
"I don't need a lecture, Chloe!"
She placed her hands on her hips, exasperated.
"Then why did you come talk to me?"
Pete sighed deeply, looking away.
"Because… Dante wants me to lose on purpose. To make money on bets."
Chloe's eyes widened.
"You're telling me that on top of racing illegally, now you're selling yourself out to these idiots?"
"It's not like that!"
"Oh? Then explain how it is! Because it sounds exactly like that!"
Pete clenched his fists, his blood boiling.
"I'm good at this, Chloe. For the first time, I'm someone! People respect me. I'm not just Clark's friend!"
She fell silent, seeing the anger on his face.
"So that's it? You'd rather be 'the race guy' than the Pete Ross I know?"
Pete clenched his teeth.
"Maybe the Pete Ross you know isn't enough for anyone."
Chloe's chest tightened.
"You know that's not true."
Pete turned abruptly, storming toward the door.
It slammed shut behind him, leaving Chloe alone, feeling the weight of the conversation.
She exhaled deeply.
"Pete… what are you getting yourself into?"
The newsroom felt emptier than before. The distant chatter of students in the hallway couldn't fill the silence that had settled around her.
She instinctively reached for her phone, ready to send a message to Clark, but the locked screen revealed an unread notification.
Her eyes narrowed when she saw Lana's name.
"What...?"
With a quick swipe of her fingers, she opened the message.
"Chloe, I'm going to Paris. I need some time for myself. I don't know when I'll be back. Just wanted someone to know."
Chloe's heart tightened.
Paris? She left without saying goodbye? And she's only telling me now?
Her fingers hovered over the screen, hesitant. A part of her wanted to call, ask for explanations, question what was really going on. But then she stopped.
Lana had always dreamed of going to Paris. She had always talked about it as a distant dream. Maybe now was her chance.
"This isn't about me..."
She lowered her phone, letting out a short sigh.
But still… She could have said something before just disappearing.
She closed her eyes for a moment, pushing thoughts of Lana aside. There was something more urgent.
Unlocking her phone again, she opened her conversation with Clark.
"Clark, I need to talk to you. Come to my house tonight."
She hesitated for a moment before hitting send.
Pete is getting involved in something big. And if I know Clark, he won't let this happen.
The message was delivered.
Chloe placed her phone on the desk, crossing her arms. The lump in her throat didn't go away.
Pete was changing. She could feel it. But was it too late to bring him back?
She bit her lower lip, anxiety creeping in.
Clark... I hope you get here in time.
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