Thud. Bang.

This was the third time Mack had heard those sounds from the hall, followed closely by the sound of muffled curses. She held back a laugh, setting her book aside and getting up, deciding maybe she'd just check on her new neighbor. Knowing her landlord, it was likely another wacky retiree, like the cat lady or the dirty old man before her. Taking a moment to make sure she looked okay, Mack stepped out just as a young man did as well. He was cute in a nerdy way, with dark hair and think framed glasses covering his blue eyes. He reminded her of those romantic comedy movies, where the girl takes off her glasses and slaps on some make up and she looks magically gorgeous. He gave her a sheepish smile.

"Oh, hey. Are you...the one moving in?" He nodded, and she stuck out a hand, her smile becoming just a bit more genuine. "Nice to meet you. I'm Mack Jennings."

"Clark Kent." He took her hand gently, giving a single shake before dropping it. "Nice to meet you as well."

"I actually came out to see if you needed help." He seemed surprised at her offer. "At least, it sounded like you might need it." He gave a chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck, looking all the world like an awkward teenager.

"That obvious, huh? I would appreciate it, if you really don't mind." She nodded, following him back towards the elevator.

"So, new to the city?" She glanced at him as they rode down to the lobby, noting his own glance in her direction.

"You some sort of mind reader?" There was humor in his tone, but she could swear there was something else there, almost like fear. She gave a smile and shook her head.

"I wish. You know how much better my life would be?" They shared a chuckle as the doors opened, and she followed him out to a pickup truck out front. An older couple appeared to be unloading some boxes, and she could see another, larger box truck behind them that she assumed held his furniture. The older woman saw them approach first, and judging by the spark in her eye, Mack knew this was his mom.

"Here dear, take these." The woman pushed a bow into Clark's arms. "Your father will follow you up while we pull more out." He nodded and the men left, leaving Mack with Clark's mom. "Now, you dear, step over here." They moved to the end of the tailgate, with Mack climbing in to push more to the edge. "Sorry we can't make proper introductions, dear. I'm Martha." She gave a motherly smile that Mack returned easily as the last of the boxes were moved forward.

"Mackenzie. It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Kent." Mack hopped out of the truck, grabbing a box of what sounded like dishes.

"And you, Mackenzie." There was a pause as they started for the door. "Have you lived here long?"

"The city? My whole life." Mack nudged the button to the elevator, adjusting the box in her arms. "This place? Roughly two years." Martha nodded, seeming to think that over for a bit.

"I have a favor to ask, if you don't mind." Mack looked to the older woman as the doors opened, letting her enter first before stepping in and hitting the correct floor. "Could you keep an eye on Clark? Just make sure he stays out of trouble?"

"Out of trouble?" Giving a surprised look to the older woman, she waited for her to continue.

"Yes. We're from a tiny farm town and this is his first time being out in the world like this. I just want to make sure he'll be okay." Martha looked up at the younger woman, her gaze and tone both pleading. Without thinking, Mack nodded, even as the next question left her lips.

"Why me?"

"You seem like a good girl. Only known my boy five minutes and already you're helping him move in." That drew a smirk from Mack. "I'm serious. I can tell a lot about people and I know you're a good girl. Will you do this favor for me?"

"Yeah, sure. Though, I'm sure it won't take him long to get his feet under him." The doors opened and they both stepped out, greeted by the men who were clearly making a return trip. Clark's father moved to open the door for the ladies, quickly leaving with his son once the ladies were in. Martha set her box to one side and Mack followed suit.

"Now, may I ask another, smaller favor?" Mack arched a brow. "Would you mind helping me get things unpacked?" Another motherly smile that Mack couldn't resist, and the women began the unpacking process, focusing on the kitchen while the men bring up the last of the boxes and the furniture. Martha made pleasant small talk with Mack as they moved slowly from room to room until, finally, the apartment looked more homey. Mack looked around, feeling a sense of accomplishment at having helped, and was stopped by Martha as she turned to go. "Join us for dinner. As a thanks for helping today." Mack glanced to Clark, who gave an encouraging if nervous smile, and she nodded. Martha cooked a homemade meal, and Mack couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so full. She left at the same time as his parents, getting both his cell number and their home number, with instructions to call should she need anything. Most surprising was the hug Mack received from Martha before they all parted ways, and as Mack settled for the night, she couldn't help but think over how great her new neighbor was.