The Fair

DJ Dubois

August 2012

Notes Part 1: This story happens in place of "Red" during Season 2.

Notes Part 2: Smallville belongs to DC and the CW.

Chapter 1 [Talon—Early September]

Smallville had begun to retreat from Summer's oven. Temperatures eased slightly. A cool breeze wafted out of the north. Puffy clouds jetted across the blue backdrop. A few plants perked in their pots. Flags billowed in front of public buildings.

In the town's center, the Talon bustled with business. As school had ended for the day, coffees, cappuccinos, snacks, apple cider and other treats flowed out from the counter to expectant customers. The wait staff rushed to fill every order yet be considerate of the individual needs involved. Pleasant conversation echoed through the area. Satisfied smiles abounded.

Lana finished mixing a cappuccino and setting on a tray to head out to the floor. She paused to take a breath. School would prove daunting that year. Her role as Talon manager would dominate time. Her fight against Nell's move to Metropolis frustrated her. Consequently she felt overwhelmed. I would love a day without this stuff! Just one! She took a deep breath and hid the frown behind a professional smile. She tried to imagine herself riding her horse, Buttercup.

Alas Buttercup languished in the stables.

She shot a quick look toward the corner table by the stairs. A group of freshman gossiped and gabbed there instead of her Plaid Knight. She'd been disappointed because Clark had taken on more responsibility on his parents' farm following the twisters. Every time she'd gone by the farm, he'd gladly taken a break and visited with her in the Loft. Some times they'd watch the sun set. Others he'd invite her to join him for a cookie break at the kitchen table.

However Clark's labors had kept him occupied…..

Sorry, Girl. Work first! You wanted this, Lana! She sighed and glanced at the bulletin board. After being empty since the twisters earlier that summer, a few ads and flyers now populated the cork board. Most of them related to town activities as well as SHS functions.

In the middle, a blue bordered poster announced the Lowell County Fair. A long standing tradition in that part of Kansas, the fair spanned the previous seventy five years. Each September, the long trucks would roll into the fairgrounds in Carver City and set up a small yet impressive gauntlet of rides. The fairgrounds provided a sizable midway and varied eateries for every interest and appetite. Some of the farmers participated in the horse pulls and tractor draws although more saved their resources for the big state fair in Hutchinson two weeks later. This year, the event would take place September 13th through the twentieth.

Wish I could go. I have the Talon though. Figures. She frowned while seeing a chance to be with Clark slip away.

At that moment, Lex sauntered into the café. He'd driven back from Metropolis where he'd chaired a successful LexCorp meeting. He was moving on past Desiree. The cooling of the temperatures and the smooth black top inspired him to set a new land speed record back from the big city. He had enjoyed a jaunt along the flower potted main sidewalk outside. Now he was in the mood for a coffee. Seeing the packed café boosted him further. "Hey, Lana."

"Hi, Lex. What's going on?" she wondered while trying to seem upbeat.

"Great day out there. Packed house in here. What else is there?" Seeing her expression flag momentarily, he could see the fair's poster and noted how her eyes had rested upon it a minute earlier. She's interested.

"Everything we want, right?" she supposed. "Profits are up."

"There's more to life than profits, Lana," he interjected. "Tell you what. I can get Miranda to run the shop for a Saturday afternoon some time if there's something you'd like to do." He shrugged suggestively.

"We can't afford it, Lex. Thanks for the thought though." She poured him his usual coffee and fixed it the way she knew he liked it. "Here you go."

"Love that service, Lana. Thank you," he expressed with a warm smirk. He put an extra three dollars in the tip jar. "Just remember what I said." He sipped from the Styrofoam cup as an idea came to mind. I think I know just what to do. "Life goes by outside and waits for no one." With that, he departed from the café and headed for his Ferrari.

Lana served three more patrons as her mind did wish for more. Maybe life goes by, Lex, but somebody needs to keep the ship going! With that she pressed on…..