Original Air Date on November 12th 2003

Lowell County Fair in Smallville. Day. A roller coaster speeds through a series of spiraling loops as its passengers scream with delight. Nearby a live band is playing on a stage. A tightly packed audience stands before the stage yelling and waving their hands in the air.

Lana and Chloe are standing at a merchandise booth. Lana holds a snow globe that says "Smallville Meteor Capital of the World." Inside the globe is a house and the Smallville water tower. When Lana shakes the globe, small green meteor fragments float around.

Lana: How tasteless is this? I think they even used real meteor rock.

Chloe: The American version of closure. You can only get over your grief when you figure out how to merchandise your tragedy. [Looking into the distance.] Ooh! Cotton candy.

Lana: Ooh!

Chloe: Come on.

Chloe and Lana walk to the man selling cotton candy.

Chloe: Hi. One cotton candy, please.

Chloe pays the vendor and he gives her the cotton candy.

Lana: Sometimes I think it'd be nice to get away from all this. Maybe Clark was right, just leave it all behind.

Chloe: And we almost went through an entire day without mentioning our favorite farm boy.

Lana: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw a wet towel over our girls' day out.

Chloe: It's okay. I just feel I should take this moment to state something very obvious. Clark not dating you was his loss, not yours. Okay?

Lana: [Taking a piece of cotton candy, smiling.] Okay.

Working at a nearby booth called Hover Ball is a Smallville High student Seth Nelson. Behind him, balls are floating, suspended by air jets beneath them.

Seth: Lana Lang! Hey!

Lana looks at Seth.

Seth: Lana Lang, you want to show off your arm? Amaze and astound your friends?

Lana: Sure, why not?

Lana and Chloe walk to the booth.

Seth: [Quietly.] I'll let you in on a little secret, too. The game's rigged.

Lana: Hmm.

Seth: Magnets. Just get it close. I'll slip you a prize.

Chloe giggles.

Lana: Won't you get in trouble for that?

Seth: Oh no, it's the, uh, last day of the fair, you know? What are they gonna do?

Seth walks away to speak to another customer.

Chloe: [Leaning against the booth.] I rest my case.

Lana: Seth is my lab partner.

Chloe: Yeah, and he's also had a crush on you for forever. Isn't he the one that used to spell your name out with spaghetti?

Lana: [Laughing.] Yeah, that was in sixth grade. And now he's into, like, cars, comics, and Game Cubes. What exactly do we have in common?

Chloe: I don't know.

Chloe glances at Seth who stands out of the way as a man throws a ball, trying to knock one of the floating balls out of the air. He misses.

Chloe: He's cute, though. Why not? Expand your horizons. Go for it.

Lana: All right.

Chloe steps out of the way and Lana picks up a ball as Seth watches her. She throws it at one of the floating balls and misses.

Lana: Oh!

Chloe: Oooh!

Lana picks up another ball and Chloe laughs.

Chloe: Aim, aim.

Lana: I am aiming!

Lana throws the ball and misses again.

Lana: [Embarrassed.] I give up.

Seth: Here.

Seth goes to the shelf and picks up one of the Smallville snow globes which he hands to Lana.

Seth: For a fine effort.

He touches her hand as she takes it from him. The man who was playing earlier watches all of this happening.

Lana: [Reluctant.] Oh, Seth, I ...

Seth: You don't like it?

The man, who is large and rather intimidating, walks up.

Man: I'll take it.

Seth: Uh, I'm-I'm sorry, sir, but you have to win first.

Man: Oh, yeah? [Looks at Lana.] Like her?

Seth: [Nervous.] Um, I-I think you should-should leave.

The man climbs over the counter and into the booth, backing Seth into the wall.

Man: Yeah? I'd like to see you make me.

Lana holds out the snow globe to the man.

Lana: Here, just take it. Leave him alone.

The man takes the globe.

Man: [To Seth.] You gonna let your chick do your fighting for you? Come on, punk. What you got?

Seth looks at the man furiously, then pushes him into the shelf, causing it to collapse. The man falls down as several stuffed animals land on him. The surrounding crowd murmurs in surprise as Seth runs away. The man stands up, still holding the snow globe.

Man: I'm gonna tear you apart!

He runs after Seth through the crowd.

Lana: [To Chloe.] Get security!

Lana runs after the man. Seth keeps running, getting closer to the stage where the band is playing. The man follows him into the mass of people. Seth slows down, squeezing through the tight crowd, then stops and looks around. He doesn't see the man anywhere. The man suddenly pops out of the crowd and shatters the snow globe over Seth's head, knocking him to the ground. Everyone around gasps and the band stops playing as the man immediately walks away.

On the ground, Seth spits out water and a small piece of meteor rock. There is a bleeding cut on his forehead with several pieces of meteor rock imbedded in it. The sh*t closes in on the cut, then inside his skin where we see tiny pieces of meteor mixing with his blood. Lana finally gets through the crowd.

Lana: Seth. Oh, my God. Someone call an ambulance! [Kneeling next to Seth.] Seth?

Seth looks up at her breathlessly.

Cut to Seth lying on his back inside an MRI machine. The cut on his forehead has been stitched shut and he looks around nervously. He hears the voice of a doctor.

Doctor: Okay, Seth, just relax and try not to move.

Seth: I'm feeling a little claustrophobic in here.

Doctor: It's completely normal. I'm about to turn on the MRI. You're gonna hear some noises and we'll be done before you know it.

The machine starts to hum and there is a loud tapping.

Seth: What's that? What's happening? Is that normal?

The doctor watches from a booth.

Doctor: It's just the magnetic field being activated. Nothing to worry about.

The MRI machine starts to shake and Seth's cut glows a brilliant green as bolts of electricity dance over his face and neck, traveling down his body.

Seth: Aaah! Help! Help!

Doctor: Hold on!

Seth: Aah!

The doctor runs out of the booth and into the room. He reaches out to touch the machine and is thrown backwards into the wall and knocked unconscious. As the machine shakes more violently, an orderly enters the room. Seeing the machine and the unconscious doctor, he runs to the wall and unplugs the machine, finally stopping its shaking.

Orderly: I need a nurse in here now!

He wheels Seth out of the MRI machine. Seth reaches for the strap over his neck holding his head in place, trying to get free.

Orderly: Relax.

Lana runs to the door, looking inside the room.

Orderly: I need some help in here stat!

Lana comes to Seth's side.

Lana: Seth, what happened? Are you okay?

Seth's face is covered in sweat and he looks at Lana intensely. Her hand is resting on the table next to him and he rests his own on top of it. Small green currents of electricity jump from his hand to hers. Lana looks at him strangely, not noticing the electricity.

Lana: [Smiling slightly.] Chloe was right. You really are cute.

[Opening credits]

Lex is holding a file as he walks through the hall of his mansion talking to Mason, his private detective. Day.

Lex: [Angry.] T.B. records? I'm a little confused. I asked you to look into the tenement f*re that k*lled my grandparents and you brought me the history of my father's childhood inoculations.

Lex drops the file on the floor as he enters the study. Mason picks it up.

Mason: Hey, these things take time.

Lex: Especially when you're billing by the hour.

Lex sits at his desk. Mason puts the file on the desk in front of Lex.

Mason: Yeah, well, the information I pulled? It's not the records that are important. It's the list of the individuals who've accessed them. Turns out I'm not the only one looking into the Luthor family history.

Lex looks through the file and sees the name Chloe Sullivan on the list of people who have researched the file.

Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Seth is alone in his hospital room. He is sitting in bed with a tray of food on the table in front of him. He looks around and then concentrates on the metal spoon resting in his cup of Jell-O. The spoon starts to quiver, then rises into the air. It floats closer to Seth, but when he reaches out to take it, he loses concentration and the spoon falls down to the tray. He smiles nervously as Lana and Clark enter.

Lana: Hey.

Seth: Hey.

Lana: Either you're really excited about your Jell-O or you're felling a lot better.

Seth: I feel great, actually.

Lana: Yeah, your cut looks amazing.

Seth: Yeah.

Clark: You should see the MRI machine. It's a TKO.

Lana comes closer to Seth. Clark stays near the door.

Lana: Yeah, do they know what happened?

Seth: Um, I guess something interfered with the magnetic field. Must've just been an old machine, I guess.

Lana: Hmm.

Seth: Sorry for ruining your day at the fair, too. Thanks for bringing me to the hospital.

Lana: No, I was happy to help.

Seth: [Glances at Clark, then back to Lana.] Um... you know, I-I'd really like to make it up to you. Maybe take you out some time?

Lana: [Surprised.] Seth, you don't ... you don't have to.

Seth grabs Lana's hand and the green sparks of electricity sh**t between them. Clark doesn't notice.

Lana: Well, okay. How about tonight?

Clark watches, surprised. Seth smiles at Lana and looks again at Clark.

Cut to Clark walking out of Seth's hospital room. Lana follows him into the hall.

Lana: Clark, what's the rush? You're not upset that Seth asked me out, are you?

Clark: [Detached.] No. It's great.

Lana: I'm glad you think so because last time I checked, you and I were just friends.

Clark: [Pause.] Lana, it's fine. Really, it's not problem. I just ... I gotta go.

Clark walks away.

Cut to Seth in his hospital room. He looks at a metal supply cart across the room and reaches out his hand. The cart wheels forward until it hits the edge of his bed. Seth smiles at his new powers.

Clark opens the fridge in his kitchen and looks through it for something to eat. Day. Jonathan enters and goes to Martha who is arranging flowers in a vase.

Jonathan: Hello, sweetheart.

Martha: Hi, baby.

Jonathan kisses Martha on the forehead. Clark slams the fridge door shut.

Jonathan: Oh, something must be wrong if he stuck his head in the refrigerator and didn't eat the last piece of cherry pie.

Clark: [Quietly.] It's nothing. It's just Lana. Seth Nelson asked her out.

Martha: What did she say?

Clark: She said yes so fast it gave me whiplash.

Jonathan: Look, Clark, jealousy is a tough emotion.

Clark: Dad, I'm not jealous.

Jonathan: Ah.

Clark: Well, maybe a little bit. But... look, he asked her out on a date right in front of me. I just find it hard to believe she'd say yes.

Jonathan: Clark, you made a really tough decision, son. You didn't want to put Lana in any more danger, but you can't have it both ways. Now, if you're not willing to go out with Lana, then she's perfectly free to go out with whoever she wants.

Martha: [Gently.] I guess you have to accept it.

Clark nods.

Chloe is working in the Torch office. Day. The door opens. She doesn't look away from her work.

Chloe: Finally. I didn't think you were gonna show. Not that Clark Kent ever operates on the same speed as the rest of the world.

Lex: Interesting observation, Chloe.

Chloe turns around, surprised to see Lex.

Chloe: Hey, Lex. Uh, Clark's not here obviously.

Lex: Actually I was looking for you. It's come to my attention that you've been checking into my father. I saw your name on the Metropolis County Records log.

Chloe: [Casually.] Oh, yeah that. Um, I'm just writing a story on him for the Torch.

Lex: Oh, really? A story that involves obscure childhood medical records?

Chloe: Just trying to be thorough.

Lex: The mark of a good reporter. And you are a good reporter, Chloe. So good, apparently, that my father pulled strings to make you the youngest columnist in the history of the Daily Planet.

Chloe: What do you want, Lex?

Lex: I'm just curious. I'm wondering why a high school reporter is digging so deeply into my father's past. Maybe I'll just ask him about it at dinner tonight.

Lex starts to leave.

Chloe: [Smiling.] Go ahead. Since the only way you could've found out about those records is if you looked into them yourself.

Lex: At least I'm prepared for what I might find. I'm not so sure you realize what you've gotten yourself into.

Chloe's smile fades and Lex leaves.

Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside Lana is pouring sugar into the sugar bowls. Clark enters.

Clark: Lana. I owe you an apology. It did bother me when Seth asked you out. But I have to get used to the idea that you're gonna be dating other people.

Lana: I'm sorry too, Clark. I didn't mean for that to happen right in front of you. Truthfully, I don't even know why I agreed to go out with Seth. Maybe I was just subconsciously trying to make you jealous.

Clark: [Quietly hopeful.] So you're not really into him.

Lana: [Shrugs.] He's a nice enough guy... There aren't any sparks. He's gonna be here any second to pick me up.

Lana walks to the bar and Clark follows her.

Clark: Lana, I know I should stay out of it, but if you don't feel that way about Seth, it's not right to lead him on.

Seth enters.

Seth: Lana? Hey. Ready to go?

Lana: Seth, hi.

Lana glances at Clark, then comes out from behind the bar.

Lana: Maybe we should sit down.

Seth: Yeah.

Seth gives Clark a long look, then follows Lana to a table where they both sit.

Lana: I don't know how to say this. I know I said I could go with you, but I can't. I really am sorry.

Seth: [Hurt, but smiling.] It's not a problem. It's just that you're always so busy, you know?

Seth stands and walks closer to Lana.

Seth: You owe it to yourself to take a break. [Touches her shoulder with the green sparks.] Have a little bit of fun.

Clark tenses up when he sees Seth touch Lana.

Lana: You know what? You're right. I'd love to go out with you. [To a waitress.] Hey, could you cover me?

Waitress: Sure, no problem.

Lana: Thanks.

Lana barely gives Clark another look before leaving the Talon with Seth. Seth makes a point of looking back at Clark triumphantly as Clark watches them leave, confused.

Seth and Lana walk up to the closed fairgrounds. Night. They are holding hands as they come closer to the locked metal gate.

Lana: Seth, what are we doing here? The fair's closed for the season.

Seth: It is, but they don't take the rides away for a few more days.

Lana: And how are we supposed to get in?

Seth: Um, turn around. It's a surprise.

Lana turns away from the gate. Seth holds his fists together and electricity builds up between them, causing the lock on the gate to break. Lana turns around as the gate swings open.

Lana: How did you do that?

Seth: I guess the no-peeking rule wasn't really clear. [They start walking in.] Can you keep a big secret?

Lana: What do you mean?

Clark watches them from outside the park.

Seth: You know after that guy h*t me and I went to the hospital? I all of a sudden got these strange powers. It's like I can warp an electromagnetic field.

Seth and Lana continue walking through the park toward the Ferris wheel.

Seth: I don't know, it was after the MRI, and it was like, all of a sudden I could move metal objects like a magnet.

Lana: Can you do it all the time?

Seth reaches his hand out to the Ferris wheel, and it lights up. Lana smiles.

Seth: Only when I concentrate. Am I scaring you?

They walk toward the Ferris wheel.

Lana: Maybe in the past you would be, but actually I think it's kinda cool.

Seth: Thanks for not thinking I'm a freak.

Lana: Thanks for being honest with me. It really means a lot.

Seth holds his hand out in the direction of the lever that operates the ride, and the lever moves. The Ferris wheel rotates slowly until Seth moves the lever again to stop it.

Lana: [Excited.] You're amazing.

Seth: Let's go.

They go up the stairs to the seat waiting for them. Seth opens the bar across the seat and Lana sits down, laughing. Seth sits next to her and closes the bar. He puts his arm around her shoulders as the ride begins, carrying them slowly into the sky.

Seth: I love this ride.

Lana: Yeah, me too. It reminds me that there's a world out there beyond Smallville. I'm gonna leave one day.

Seth: I can't believe you're here with me. Even though I've always thought we've had a connection.

He sends a few sparks into her arm. Lana turns to Seth and he leans in to kiss her. She kisses him back willingly.

Lana: Yeah, me too. I never realized it was this strong.

Seth puts his hand in front of Lana's jacket and her zipper starts to lower seemingly by itself. Lana stops him.

Seth: I-I'm sorry. I'm moving too fast. I-I'll stop.

As they reach the top of the Ferris wheel, it jerks to a stop, causing their seat to rock.

Lana: Aah! Oh, my God! Seth, you're crazy!

On the ground, we see that Clark stopped the ride. Lana and Seth laugh. Clark starts pull on the Ferris wheel, rotating it so that Lana and Seth come toward the ground.

Lana: Aah! Seth, what's going on? You're making me nauseous. [She laughs.] Whoa.

They get to the bottom and see Clark.

Lana: Clark, what are you doing here?

Clark: Well, I heard screaming. Um, I thought you were in trouble so I pulled the switch.

Lana: What switch? I didn't hear the motor go off.

Lana and Seth get out of their seat.

Seth: Do you always come to the fair when it's closed, Clark?

Lana: Did you follow us here? [Steps closer to Clark.] Clark, are you stalking me?

Seth: Better find a new hobby, Clark.

Seth takes Lana by the arm and they walk away together. Clark watches them.

Seth: You actually dated that loser?

Lana: Yeah. [Laughs.]

Fade to black.

Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. In the hallway inside, Seth closes his locker just by pushing his hand through the air. Clark comes around the corner and sees this happen.

Clark: Nice trick.

Seth: Haven't you got anything better to do than follow me around, Clark?

Clark: You can control metal objects, can't you, Seth?

Seth: So what if I can?

Clark: And you've got some kind of hold over Lana.

Seth: [Snickers.] I hate to poke a hole in your little theory, Clark. Lana's not made out of steel.

Seth pats Clark on the arm and walks away. Clark follows him.

Clark: Well, I don't know how you're doing it, but I'm not gonna let you force Lana to be with you.

Seth: I'm not forcing her to do anything. I'm just a persuasive guy, and Lana's on the rebound. It's not my fault you blew it, Clark.

Clark steps in front of Seth, stopping him.

Clark: She's not into you, Seth.

Seth: Could've fooled me. Look, Lana's all I've ever thought about, okay? And now she's mine, and you're just gonna have to deal with it.

Clark: [Steps closer, thr*at.] I'm warning you, Seth. Stay away from Lana.

Seth: And I'm warning you. Leave us alone. You have no idea what I'm capable of.

Seth raises both hands into the air and waves them forward, causing all of the open lockers in the hallway to slam shut simultaneously.

Young man: Whoa!

Seth glares at Clark and walks away. Clark's expression remains neutral.

Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Inside, Chloe and Clark search through the medical records room.

Chloe: So you think that the meteor flakes from the snow globe plus the MRI equals magnet boy?

Clark: Mm-hmm.

Chloe: Okay, well, assuming we can prove that Seth can manipulate metal with his mind, what does that have to do with Lana's sudden Seth infatuation?

Clark: Her attraction to him has something to do with the accident.

Chloe: Or Lana could just think he's really hot. [Clark glances pointedly at Chloe.] Seriously, I mean, I know you don't want to admit it, but it's possible that Lana just really likes him.

Clark: [Loudly.] Chloe, they have nothing in common ...

Chloe: Ssh.

Clark: [Quieter.] He's always been around, but they barely know each other.

Clark sees a drawer labeled "Patient Files L-N" and opens it.

Chloe: Well, except for the past two years, you could be describing yourself.

Clark: I found it.

Clark pulls out Seth's file and flips through it.

Clark: Look at this. The electromagnetic activity in Seth's nervous system is higher after the MRI.

Chloe: Well, that explains the walking magnet theory. Why didn't the doctors flag it?

Clark: According to this, they chalked it up to an accident. They're gonna keep an eye on him for a few weeks.

Chloe: Well, uh, okay. Let's head back to the Torch so we can check up on the effects of electromagnetism on the body.

Clark: Okay.

Clark puts Seth's file back in the drawer and closes it just as a doctor enters the records room. Chloe sees the doctor and quickly grabs Clark, pushing him against the wall and kissing him hard on the lips.

Doctor: What's going on? What are you two doing in here?

The shock is evident on Clark's face as Chloe pulls his arms around herself. Then she backs away from the kiss and clears her throat.

Chloe: Nothing. Uh, sorry, we were just taking a break from candy striping.

Doctor: This is a hospital, young lady. Volunteering is about helping patients, not about make-out sessions in the file room, okay?

Chloe: Okay.

The doctor leaves.

Chloe: [Smiling.] A good reporter always thinks on her feet.

Chloe leaves the filing room, glancing back at Clark as she walks through the door. Clark stays behind for a moment, clearly still startled as he straightens his jacket.

Lana is seated on the stairs in Clark's loft. Night. Clark enters and sees her.

Clark: Lana.

Lana stands up and walks to Clark.

Lana: I heard you warned Seth to stay away from me. First you follow us to the fair and now this? Who do you think you are, Clark?

Clark: Lana, I had to. Seth is different. He was affected by the MRI. It somehow made him magnetic.

Lana: I know that, Clark. Seth showed me. He's been completely honest about his abilities and I think it's great.

Clark: Well, it's not just metal. I think he's affecting you too. He's using his powers to make you like him.

Lana: Don't be ridiculous.

Clark: Lana, your brain is like a circuit board of magnetic impulses, and Chloe and I think ...

Lana: You talked to Chloe about this?!

Clark: ... that it's like he's a giant magnet, and he's able to control those impulses, make your brain secrete the ... the chemicals that control your emotions.

Lana: That's crazy.

Lana starts to leave and Clark follows her.

Clark: Lana, the brain release chemicals that control depression and hunger. Why not attraction?

Lana: [Turning back to Clark.] Seth isn't touching me now. But I am beginning to care more about him than I have for any other guy. Ever. So how do you explain that?

Clark: I don't know. Maybe it's like metal. The longer a magnet stays in contact with metal, the longer the effects last.

Lana: Look, Clark, if you don't want to date me, that's fine. But to make up some crazy theory so I don't go out with anyone else ...

Clark: Lana, that's not it!

Lana: I came here to tell you that who I date is none of your business.

Clark: Lana, Seth is dangerous.

Lana: No, Clark, you are! We're not together anymore, and that was your choice. So let me go.

Lana leaves.

Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Inside Chloe enters the Torch office and turns on the lights. She is shocked to see that her office has been ransacked and her computer is turned on. She drops her bag onto the desk, frustrated.

Chloe: Great.

Mason: [From behind her.] Evening.

Chloe turns around to see Mason. Then she hurries to her desk to dial a number on her cell phone.

Mason: Go ahead, call the cops. The first question they're gonna ask is why would a person like me break into a high school newspaper? Whatever could I be looking for?

Chloe: Who are you? What do you want?

Mason: Let's just say that I'm working for someone who's interested in the same thing you are.

Chloe: Which Luthor sent you?

Mason bends over and starts disconnecting all the cables on the back of Chloe's computer.

Mason: Now, why would you jump to that conclusion, Chloe?

Chloe: Wait, what do you think you're doing?

Mason picks up the hard drive and walks to the door.

Mason: Something I doubt that you'll want to tell the police about. You have a nice night.

He leaves. Chloe watches him go with her mouth hanging open in shock.

Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, the Talon is completely empty except for Lana and Seth who are making out in front of the bar. Lana is wearing a tight sleeveless shirt and tight pants.

Seth: [Breathless.] I gotta say, I like the new Lana.

Lana: I took your advice and splurged on a whole new wardrobe.

Seth: I can't wait to see the rest later.

Lana: [Touching his face.] I'll give you a fashion show.

They kiss again.

Seth: You know how you said you wanted to get out of Smallville someday? Why not today?

Lana: Are you serious?

Seth sparks Lana's arm with his hand.

Lana: [Suddenly excited.] Where do you want to go?

Seth: I don't know. I figured we'd just see where the road takes us. What do you say?

Lana: I'd go anywhere with you.

Seth glances at the cash register.

Seth: You know, we're, uh, probably gonna need some money.

Lana: I think I've got that covered.

Seth: Right.

They kiss heavily, then Seth pulls away.

Seth: Meet me out back. I've got a surprise for you, okay?

He leaves.

Cut to Lana opening the cash register and taking out all of the money. Lex enters and walks up to the bar.

Lex: What are you doing? Cleaning us out?

Lana: Taking an advance on my share of the profits.

Lana slams the cash register shut and starts to leave.

Lex: Okay, joke's over. Put the money back.

Lana: I'm not joking, Lex. I need the cash. Seth and I are leaving Smallville.

Lana storms out of the building into the alleyway and Lex follows her.

Lex: Lana, you can't be serious.

Lana: I can't stay in Smallville for a coffee shop, Lex. Try to understand. My whole family's gone, my friends have changed. I found someone who really wants to be with me, who trusts me. For the first time in a long time, I don't feel like I'm alone.

They hear a car engine coming closer and a horn honks. Lana turns around to see Seth drive around the corner in a brand new yellow Mustang convertible. She laughs excitedly as he skids to a stop next to her.

Seth: Hop in.

Lana gets in the car.

Lex: Pretty sweet ride for a 16-year-old. [Leans down next to Lana's seat.] Lana, you're making a serious mistake.

Lana: Have a nice life, Lex.

Lana looks at Seth. He puts the car in gear and they speed away, leaving Lex behind to watch. Lex goes back into the Talon and Clark is inside.

Clark: Where's Lana?

Lex: Leaving town with her new boyfriend. [Opens the cash register.] She just cleared out the register. [Takes out his cell phone.] Don't worry, Clark. I'm calling the sheriff. They won't even make it out of town.

Lex turns his back to Clark and we hear a blast of air as Clark super speeds away. When Lex turns back, Clark is gone.

Cut to Clark super speeding down the road. He stops when he sees Seth and Lana driving toward him in the distance. He uses his heat vision to blast hot air onto the road, then super speeds out of the way. As soon as Seth and Lana h*t that patch of road, the car gets stuck in the melted asphalt, coming to a stop.

Lana: What happened? What's wrong?

Seth tries to drive the car forward, but the tires just spin uselessly in the hot tar.

Seth: We're stuck.

Seth opens his door and looks at the ground.

Seth: Look at it. It's like the road melted. I can't believe this!

They hear sirens in the distance behind them.

Lana: Oh, my God. Seth, it's the sheriff. What are we gonna do?

Seth looks back in the direction of the sirens. Then he looks forward and sees a large semi truck coming toward them.

Seth: Don't worry, okay? We're gonna be together.

Seth kisses Lana.

Seth: Trust me.

Seth stands up in the convertible as the semi truck speeds by. When the truck has passed, we see Seth clinging to the back of the metal t*nk, leaving Lana alone in the Mustang as Sheriff Adams pulls up behind her.

Adams: [Over a megaphone.] Lana Lang. Remain in the vehicle and put your hands on the dashboard.

Lana squeezes her eyes shut, afraid.

Fade to black.

Lana is in a prison cell. Day. Clark speaks to her from outside.

Lana: Clark you were right. I didn't believe you before, but now...

Clark: It's okay. Lana, we all make mistakes. Believe me. Sheriff Adams knows that you didn't steal the car, and Lex has a lawyer working on the other charges.

Lana: I was so mean to you. You still didn't give up on me.

Clark smiles.

Clark: Do you have any idea where Seth went?

Lana: Um, well, he's got a brother in Grandville, works at a diner. We were gonna stay with him.

Clark nods and starts to leave.

Lana: Clark.

Lana reaches her hand through the bars and Clark takes it.

Lana: Thank you.

Clark looks into Lana's eyes for a moment, then leaves the jail.

Lex is on the upper level of his study. Day. A buzzer sounds and Chloe enters the lower level angrily.

Chloe: You're a Luthor, so it's a given that you're unscrupulous, but I really thought that petty larceny was beneath you, Lex.

Lex: Can you be a little more specific with the charge?

Lex starts down the stairs.

Chloe: [Furious.] I caught some creep in my office trying steal one of my computers. I figured either you or your father hired him.

Lex: But you're accusing me.

Chloe: You're what they euphemistically call the lesser of two evils.

Lex: I admire your take-charge attitude. Barging in here and accusing me took guts... or sheer stupidity. What do you say we pay a visit to your, uh, intruder?

Lex starts to leave the study and Chloe watches him, confused.

Cut to Mason's d*ad body laid out on a table in a morgue. Lex and Chloe stand over him.

Chloe: [Quiet, nervous.] How did he die?

Lex: Natural causes. Apparently his heart just gave out.

Chloe: And you believe that?

Lex: Given what he was looking into, I doubt there was anything natural about his death.

Chloe: How do I know you're not just playing me here?

Lex: [Sarcastic.] You're right, Chloe. I could be. I often bring high school girls to the morgue to show them what happens when trained professionals cross my father.

Chloe: Well, there's nothing in my files worth k*lling for.

Chloe starts to leave.

Lex: We've got a corpse here that says you're wrong.

Chloe turns around.

Lex: Chloe, you're involved in a very dangerous game. I can protect you.

Chloe: Yeah. Like you protected him?

There is a long pause as Chloe glances at Mason.

Lex: Mason knew the risks of tangling with my father. You clearly don't. I'm the only choice you've got.

Chloe leaves Lex alone with the body.

Lana sits in her jail cell. Day. She stands as she hears several distant crashes of metal, then an officer's voice from the next room.

Officer: Hey, what are you doing in here?! You're not supposed to ... Ah! Aah! [Thud.]

Seth walks into the jail, pushing open the gate to Lana's cellblock by waving his hand in the air. He walks to Lana's cell.

Lana: [Excited.] Seth!

Seth holds his fists together and Lana's cell opens. She runs out and hugs him.

Lana: I'm so happy you're here.

Seth: Really? Because I just saw Clark leave and I thought maybe you were having second thoughts about us.

Lana takes Seth's hand and they start to leave.

Lana: Clark's my past. You're my future. Besides, I made up a story, told him that you were headed to Grandville. He's probably halfway there by now.

Another officer runs out behind them, pointing a g*n.

Officer: Put your hands in the air!

Lana and Seth turn to look at the officer. They raise their hands into the air. Seth jerks his hands backwards, causing the cellblock door to come slamming shut, hitting the officer in the back of the head. He falls to the floor unconscious, dropping his g*n. Seth grabs the g*n, keeping it pointed at the officer as he and Lana run away.

Seth: [To Lana.] Go on!

Clark enters his house. Day. Martha is inside.

Clark: Seth doesn't have a brother who works in Grandville. Lana was trying to throw me off his trail. She lied to me, right to my face and I believed her.

Martha: She's clearly not herself, Clark.

Clark: I know. I'm not angry. It's just I realize that that's what I've been doing to her all this time.

Martha: You're feelings for Lana are not a lie.

Clark: Did I make the right decision pushing her away?

Martha: I don't know.

Clark: I miss the days when your answers were yes and no.

Martha: [Laughs.] Me too.

Pete knocks on the door and enters.

Pete: Hey. Seth pulled a "Bonnie and Clyde" and broke Lana out of jail.

Clark: What?

Pete: Yeah. The sheriff's got all the roads blocked.

Clark: She's gonna ruin her life being with him. I've gotta find them.

Martha: Clark, they could be hiding anywhere. They're a needle in a haystack.

Clark: (Pause.) Depends on the needle.

Clark grabs a small wooden antique box from the table by the couch.

Cut to Clark on the empty fair grounds. He has the open box in his hands as he looks around. He stops outside of a ride called "Sea of Love." He looks down at the box and we see that inside is a compass. The needle is pointed straight at the ride. Clark closes the box and walks toward the building.

Inside, the room is decorated with exotic sea plants, pictures of sea creatures, and flashing green and blue lights, representing an underwater paradise. Lana and Seth are holding each other.

Lana: I can't believe you came back for me. You could've been caught.

Seth: I could never leave Smallville without you. You're all I've ever wanted.

Lana: Let's just go now and get out of here, just the two of us.

Seth: No, not yet. It's too dangerous. They take the rides out of here tomorrow morning, okay? We'll slip away on one of the trucks. Come here.

They kiss. Suddenly Clark grabs Seth's shoulder and pulls him away from Lana and pushes him to the ground. Seth drops the g*n.

Clark: You're not taking her anywhere.

Clark walks to Seth and grabs his jacket, pulling him to his feet.

Clark: I told you to stay away from her.

Lana: Clark.

Clark looks over at Lana and sees that she is pointing the g*n at him.

Lana: Let him go.

Clark looks at Lana desperately.

Fade to black.

Lana is pointing the g*n at Clark as Clark holds onto Seth by his jacket. Day.

Lana: Let him go, Clark, or I swear I'll sh**t.

Clark doesn't move.

Lana: Get away from him, Clark!

Clark steps away from Seth.

Seth: Lana, I can handle it from here.

The g*n flies from Lana's hand to Seth's. Seth points it at Clark.

Seth: [To Lana.] Just go. Just meet me outside, okay?

Lana runs from the room. At the door, she takes one more look back at Clark and Seth, then leaves. Seth continues pointing the g*n at Clark, backing Clark toward a wall.

Clark: You need help, Seth.

Seth: No, you're just saying that because you want Lana back. But you can't have her.

Clark jumps out of the way just as Seth starts f*ring the g*n. Clark lands behind one of the ride cars, crouching against the floor as Seth fires b*llet after b*llet. The b*ll*ts easily blast through the flimsy metal of the car and h*t Clark in the shoulder. Eventually, Seth runs out of amm*nit*on. Clark stands up and brushes the smashed b*ll*ts off his shoulder.

Seth: Looks like I'm not the only one with special powers.

Seth drops the g*n and turns away from Clark. He puts his fists together, generating energy between them, causing one of the cars across the room to break off its track and fly through the air toward Clark. It knocks against several lights as it flies near the ceiling and sparks shower to the ground. The car flies at Clark, and he catches it, straining against its weight as Seth pushes it toward him harder and harder.

Seth: Face it, Clark. You can't fight physics.

Clark backs into a painted curtain behind him, pulling the curtain down and revealing a back room. Next to Clark on the wall of the back room is a large fuse box with a thick electrical cord coming out of the bottom. He rips the cord out of the box and touches the end of it to the car, sending an electrical current through the car's metal.

Clark: Neither can you!

The current causes a magnetic reaction that pulls Seth through the air toward the car. He lands against the side of the car.

Seth: Aah!

Seth sticks to the side of the car as the current flows through him, shaking his whole body. Clark finally puts the car down and drops the electrical cord. He runs to Seth who is unconscious on the floor.

Lex steps out of the elevator and into the hall of the Smallville Medical Center. Day. He sees Lana mopping the floor. She is wearing a jumpsuit that says "Community Service" on the back. He walks to her.

Lex: Nice outfit.

Lana: It goes with the community service. Which is getting off easy after what I did. Lex, thanks for all your help.

Lex: What good are lawyers if they can't jump through hoops? Any word on your friend Seth?

Lana: He's still in a coma. Uh, they don't know what he'll remember if and when he ever wakes up. Lex, I'm sorry I let you down. I can't defend my behavior, magnetism or no magnetism. But I'd really like my job at the Talon back.

Lex: [Quickly.] Done. I'm serious. The place needs you. And I make a lousy latte.

Lana: [Surprised.] Lex ...

Lex: Lana, I did a lot worse things than steal a sports car when I was your age, and I'm the last guy to criticize someone for falling for the wrong person.

Lana smiles minimally, somewhat comforted.

Lex: But I'm sure the right guy is out there.

Lex grins at Lana and walks away.

Chloe waits in Lex's study with a servant. Day. Lex enters and Chloe stands up.

Chloe: Lex. I was thinking about what you said, and I-I need your help.

Lex motions for the servant to leave and the servant walks out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Lex: All right, Chloe. You have the floor.

Chloe: It all started with the Wall of Weird. Your dad was interested in the effects of the meteor rocks. He wanted me to start feeding him information about the more bizarre incidents.

There is a long pause as Lex thinks about this.

Lex: It's always been an obsession of his. [Walking to the bar.] But I can't imagine that's the extent of your arrangement.

Chloe follows Lex as he pours a drink.

Chloe: He wanted me to spy on a friend.

Lex: Who?

Chloe: Does it matter?

Lex sips his drink, waiting for Chloe to respond.

Chloe: Clark.

Lex: And did you?

Chloe: Of course not. I would never do that. Clark is my friend, and I told him that. But then he thr*at to f*re my dad.

Lex leads Chloe in front of the desk where they sit.

Chloe: So I-I figured that in order to get out of my agreement with him that I had to find something on your father. You know, something damaging enough so that I could blackmail Lionel Luthor.

Lex: That was a very dangerous decision.

Chloe: I know.

Lex leans forward in his seat.

Lex: I'll protect you, Chloe. You have my word. But in order to do that, I need to know what you found out about my father.

Chloe: Have you ever heard of a man named Morgan Edge?

Chloe slides a file across the coffee table to Lex.

Lex: Before he was k*lled, he was the biggest crime lord in Metropolis.

Lex opens the file and sees a newspaper article with a picture of Morgan Edge. The headline says "Morgan Edge - Metropolis Crime Lord Missing, Believed d*ad."

Chloe: [Nods.] He was also your father's closest childhood friend.

Lex looks at Chloe.

Clark is reading in the loft. Day. He puts his book away as Lana enters and comes up the stairs. Clark stands.

Clark: Lana.

Lana: I, uh, came by to say thank you for saving me from Seth. And to apologize. For real this time. I should've believed you, Clark. I'm sorry.

Clark: I know you weren't acting of your own free will.

Lana: Maybe. But even though I was under Seth's influence, part of me always new you were right. I just kept telling myself that you were jealous. I guess that's just the way I wanted you to feel.

Clark sighs uneasily, smiling as he sits down on the stair.

Clark: It wasn't easy for me to see you with another guy.

Lana sits next to him.

Lana: Are you still sure you don't want to be that guy?

Clark: [Resisting.] Lana...

Lana: It's all right, Clark. I just ... I wanted to make sure before I told you this.

Clark looks at Lana expectantly.

Lana: Even though my compass was way off with Seth... he still had the courage to be honest with me.

Clark: [Nods.] Then he used his abilities to manipulate you.

Lana: I am not condoning what he did. Believe me, I'm paying for it. It still felt good caring for someone and having my feelings returned. I want that again.

Clark: I don't expect you to wait forever for me.

Lana: Good. Because one of these days, someone's gonna come along that's right for me, and I'm going to want to be with that person. And you're gonna have to deal with that.

Lana stands up and leaves the loft. Clark leans against his knees sullenly.

End
{"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x07 - Magnetic"}