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serafina20I wish this had a title. And that I had the time to write this AND Prison Break AND Supernatural AND my original novel.
Life sucked. He had half a hand, a mangled knee, and a brain that didn't work. Just perfect.
Whitney groaned to himself as he realized that, yet again, he'd lost track of what he was reading. He set the voluminous tomb on the table with a thump and dug his fingers into his temples, trying to ease the pounding.
"It's not you," a voice said above him. "It's the book. It's complete crap."
He opened his eyes. There was an unfamiliar man standing by the table, holding a cup of coffee and a briefcase.
"What?" Whitney said.
"That book. It is one of the worst books I've read in my life. I only read it because I took a class and it was assigned and, believe me, you talk to most social workers and you'll get the same story. I read that thing eating espresso beans and with a dictionary by my side for half the course before I gave up and faked it the rest of the course."
Whitney sat back and cracked a smile at the stranger. "Did you pass?"
The man shrugged. "The second time, yeah." He grinned, then held out his hand. "I'm Matthew Hadley."
"Whitney." He nodded at the empty chair at the table while slipping his left hand under it, hiding his hand.
Matthew sat. "You a social work major?"
"Naw, not yet. I plan to, though. When I start next year. Are you?"
He nodded. "I was. I just got my first job working for Lowell County Department of Family Services. It's definitely... something that college doesn't really prepare you for."
"Is it hard?"
"Emotionally draining. Back when I was an intern, there were days I wanted to give it all up, crawl into bed, find a new career, anything. I imagine that I'll have more of those days in the future. But, in the end, I really can't imagine anything else I want to do. Except win the lottery, retire to a tropical island, and drink beer all day."
"Well, of course. Who doesn't want that?" Whitney closed the book he'd been trying to slog through. "So. Why'd you go into the profession?"
Matthew looked sheepish. "Honestly? I chose the major because of a girl."
"Really?" Whitney tried not to show how unimpressed with that. This was a profession that he was really passionate about and this guy got into it because of a girl? Not cool.
"I know, but I really had no clue what I wanted to do with my life back then. The girl lived in the same dorm as I did, and was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. I couldn't talk to her, so I copied her major just so I could be close. And then I really got into it. She dropped out second year, and I never noticed."
"Oh." He was only slightly mollified. "But you like it?"
"I wouldn't do anything else. What about you? What got you interested."
He thought about how to answer the question when he realized that, ultimately, his reasons weren't much better than Matthews. He sighed and admitted, "I fell in love with this guy whose life was just falling apart around him. He didn't know who to turn to for help and I just started thinking that, if I was trained, I could be that guy." Whitney could feel how hot his cheeks were and knew they must be bright red. "I know I wouldn't make a good psychologist or anything, but I've always been good at leadership and stuff. I thought I would be good at using what I have to advocate for those who don't have the power to do it for themselves."
To Whitney's surprise, Matthew was looking at him with admiration. "Wow," he said. "Your story puts mine to shame. I should, like, but you a drink or something. Man, do I feel like a cad."
"You shouldn't. We've got basically the same story," he said, embarrassed.
"Uh, no. You got into it because you want to help people. I did because I wanted to get laid."
He blushed harder and said, "Well. So did I. I was kind of hoping that I could make the world a better place, and he'd dump the creep he was with and fall in love with me."
Matthew laughed. "Did it work?"
"No, but I ended up with someone... else." Oh. God he hoped no one had heard him stumble over that. It wasn't that he didn't love Mark with all his heart. It was just that, when it came down to it, he couldn't say Mark was better than Clark.
Of course, he couldn't say Clark was better than Mark, either. They were both sort of the epitome, really.
"That's good it worked out. I lost the girl, but I did and up with a great job, so I can't complain." He tapped the book. "So, how'd you choose this book?"
"I've just been reading any book on social work I could find."
"Have you read this one, I think it's called 'A Day in the Life of Fifty Social Workers' or something like that?"
Whitney nodded. "Yeah. I'm about halfway through that one. It's really good. Not boring at all, unlike this one."
Matthew nodded. "A professor recommended it to me back in my second year, when I was feeling completely lost and overwhelmed. It was my GEs that were killing me, I could only fit in one class related to social work, and it was statistics, which I can't stand. I ran into a professor from my previous semester and sort of just unloaded on him. So, he pulled out that book and recommended I read it before I gave up, which I was really close to doing. I found it really inspiring."
"Yeah, so do I." He took a drink of his coffee and made a face; it was lukewarm. "I'm afraid what's going to happen once I get to school. I'm not that great a student, and some of these books seem so incredibly difficult to get through."
"I was the same way. Jock in high school, parties ever weekend, and then, suddenly, I'm in college trying to succeed in something that captured my interest and feeling like I had cotton for brains."
He laughed. "You play football?"
"Naw, I was a water guy. Water polo in the fall, swimming in the spring."
"That's cool. I've got a friend who's interested in diving, which is funny because he's terrified of heights. But a friend got him into it recently, and he's thinking of joining the team." His heart sank, though, thinking about Clark and all the crap that was coming up. "Of course, he might not," he said. "He's got so much going on right now. Plus, if he did, he'd have to wear a bathing suit in public."
"He doesn't like to?"
Whitney shook his head. "Not really, if he can help it. He'll barely wear a tee shirt when it's hot without feeling self-conscious."
"That's unusual."
"Clark's had... problems."
Matthew narrowed his eyes, frowning. "Clark? Do you mean, Clark Kent?"
"Yeah, how..." Then it clicked. "You are kidding me!"
Matthew immediately threw his hands up, leaning back. "Look, I didn't know you were friends with Clark, I swear. Jesus Christ, I can't believe this. I grew up in a small town; you'd think I'd know better." He raked his hand through his hair. "I don't know... I'm just talking to you because of the book. I'm not, like pumping you for information or anything."
"Why would you think I would think that?" Whitney crossed his arms over his chest, not caring if this guy saw his hand anymore. "Unless you were trying to get me comfortable enough to tell you stuff about Clark."
"Because I know that Lionel Luthor paid off the previous social worker to make Clark uncomfortable. Michelle Hewitt had a long talk with me about the history of the case, and I read the police reports and excerpts of Clark's journal the DA had. I know what Clark thinks about Lionel Luthor and how power over everyone and everything. Shit, I'm trying to get the kid to trust me, and I fucked up already. Shit," he swore again.
What the hell was he supposed to do? The guy seemed decent enough, but what did Whitney know? He could be just telling Whitney what he wanted to hear: that he wasn't a threat.
"You talk with Clark?"
"I met with him today, yes. I'll be meeting with him again." The side of his mouth quirked up into a half-smile. "That is, if I pass whatever back-ground check that got run on my predecessor."
"Any reason you shouldn't?" A flash of black caught Whitney's eye as he said it, and he glanced up to see Lex, arms full of books.
Lex glanced over at him. Met his eyes.
Whitney held the gaze for a moment, glanced at Matthew, and then back at Lex.
He immediately changed directions and came toward them.
"Not that I know of," Matthew was saying, unaware of the exchange. "I have a DUI on my record and a couple parking tickets. Oh, and I had this dog a few years ago when I was living in Metropolis for college, and I took him for a walk without a leash, and was fined. Other than that, I don't see any problem."
"Whitney," Lex said. He carefully set his books on the table and smiled. "Thanks for saving me a space."
"Of course. Lex, this is Matthew Hadley. He's a social worker. Stopped by to talk to me about my book." Whitney showed it to Lex.
Lex glanced at the cover, then turned his gaze to Matthew. "Mr. Hadley," he said coolly. Polite. Distant. Very vaguely curious.
Matthew looked ill. "Mr. Luthor. Hi." He swallowed. "So. Do I just, what? Give you my fingerprints, or how does this work?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Look, I just came today to make sure Clark knew that things were progressing. And I have to call the Kent's and set up an appointment. I really don't want any trouble."
Lex smiled. "Neither do I."
Matthew didn't look like he was put at ease by the smile or the reassurance. And Whitney didn't blame him, because he knew Lex and he'd been on the other end of that smile and that stare before.
On the other hand, when he'd been receiving it, he was being thanked for getting Clark out of Lionel's crutches. So maybe Lex wasn't as scary as he seemed. Maybe he just really, really sucked at dealing with people who he viewed as a threat to Clark.
"I don't want to lose my job," Matthew said, voice gruff. "I've worked so hard to get here. I grew up in Granville, and I was able to get a job working for the county so I could move back home. I'm not here to hurt anyone. I don't want to leave or get money for something or anything. I just want to be able to do my job and help kids."
A little of the ice in Lex's expression melted. "That's good to hear," he said. He drummed his fingers lightly on the table. "If my father contacts you, though, maybe you should think about giving me a call."
"Or I could call the DA and tell them."
Lex's smile was genuine this time. "Yeah, I suppose you can do that, too. If you want to follow the law."
"I'd prefer to." Matthew smiled back. "Well, I should probably head back. I've got paperwork to do and... I actually still have the dog, and if I'm not home by a certain time, he pees on the bed and I don't think I have a change of sheets." He got up, grabbed his coffee. "Oh, Whitney. You know, I was thinking, I've got a bunch of books from my college classes that I won't be using any more. And, like, I could recommend other books, if you're interested."
He felt bad. Matthew seemed like such a decent guy, and Whitney had sicced Lex on him. And now, he was offering Whitney books. "Wow, really?" Whitney said.
"Yeah. There aren't enough people who want to be social workers, so, it's like, an unwritten rule that we have to grab those who do and keep them on the right path." Matthew grinned. "Anyway, I'll give you my card. Just give me a call if you're interested." He pulled a card out of his breast pocket and handed it to Whitney.
"Thanks," Whitney said, taking it. "It was good talking to you."
"Yeah, you. See later. Mr. Luthor."
Lex nodded, regally. "Mr. Hadley."
Matthew picked up his briefcase, gave one final wave, and left.
Lex sat in the chair that the social worker had just vacated and looked at Whitney. "You know he's not gay, right?"
Whitney rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know. Considering that he told me that he got into social work because of a woman, I figured."
"Just making sure you knew. Mark is my friend."
And, for some reason, that was about the funniest thing that Lex Luthor had ever said.
Life sucked. He had half a hand, a mangled knee, and a brain that didn't work. Just perfect.
Whitney groaned to himself as he realized that, yet again, he'd lost track of what he was reading. He set the voluminous tomb on the table with a thump and dug his fingers into his temples, trying to ease the pounding.
"It's not you," a voice said above him. "It's the book. It's complete crap."
He opened his eyes. There was an unfamiliar man standing by the table, holding a cup of coffee and a briefcase.
"What?" Whitney said.
"That book. It is one of the worst books I've read in my life. I only read it because I took a class and it was assigned and, believe me, you talk to most social workers and you'll get the same story. I read that thing eating espresso beans and with a dictionary by my side for half the course before I gave up and faked it the rest of the course."
Whitney sat back and cracked a smile at the stranger. "Did you pass?"
The man shrugged. "The second time, yeah." He grinned, then held out his hand. "I'm Matthew Hadley."
"Whitney." He nodded at the empty chair at the table while slipping his left hand under it, hiding his hand.
Matthew sat. "You a social work major?"
"Naw, not yet. I plan to, though. When I start next year. Are you?"
He nodded. "I was. I just got my first job working for Lowell County Department of Family Services. It's definitely... something that college doesn't really prepare you for."
"Is it hard?"
"Emotionally draining. Back when I was an intern, there were days I wanted to give it all up, crawl into bed, find a new career, anything. I imagine that I'll have more of those days in the future. But, in the end, I really can't imagine anything else I want to do. Except win the lottery, retire to a tropical island, and drink beer all day."
"Well, of course. Who doesn't want that?" Whitney closed the book he'd been trying to slog through. "So. Why'd you go into the profession?"
Matthew looked sheepish. "Honestly? I chose the major because of a girl."
"Really?" Whitney tried not to show how unimpressed with that. This was a profession that he was really passionate about and this guy got into it because of a girl? Not cool.
"I know, but I really had no clue what I wanted to do with my life back then. The girl lived in the same dorm as I did, and was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. I couldn't talk to her, so I copied her major just so I could be close. And then I really got into it. She dropped out second year, and I never noticed."
"Oh." He was only slightly mollified. "But you like it?"
"I wouldn't do anything else. What about you? What got you interested."
He thought about how to answer the question when he realized that, ultimately, his reasons weren't much better than Matthews. He sighed and admitted, "I fell in love with this guy whose life was just falling apart around him. He didn't know who to turn to for help and I just started thinking that, if I was trained, I could be that guy." Whitney could feel how hot his cheeks were and knew they must be bright red. "I know I wouldn't make a good psychologist or anything, but I've always been good at leadership and stuff. I thought I would be good at using what I have to advocate for those who don't have the power to do it for themselves."
To Whitney's surprise, Matthew was looking at him with admiration. "Wow," he said. "Your story puts mine to shame. I should, like, but you a drink or something. Man, do I feel like a cad."
"You shouldn't. We've got basically the same story," he said, embarrassed.
"Uh, no. You got into it because you want to help people. I did because I wanted to get laid."
He blushed harder and said, "Well. So did I. I was kind of hoping that I could make the world a better place, and he'd dump the creep he was with and fall in love with me."
Matthew laughed. "Did it work?"
"No, but I ended up with someone... else." Oh. God he hoped no one had heard him stumble over that. It wasn't that he didn't love Mark with all his heart. It was just that, when it came down to it, he couldn't say Mark was better than Clark.
Of course, he couldn't say Clark was better than Mark, either. They were both sort of the epitome, really.
"That's good it worked out. I lost the girl, but I did and up with a great job, so I can't complain." He tapped the book. "So, how'd you choose this book?"
"I've just been reading any book on social work I could find."
"Have you read this one, I think it's called 'A Day in the Life of Fifty Social Workers' or something like that?"
Whitney nodded. "Yeah. I'm about halfway through that one. It's really good. Not boring at all, unlike this one."
Matthew nodded. "A professor recommended it to me back in my second year, when I was feeling completely lost and overwhelmed. It was my GEs that were killing me, I could only fit in one class related to social work, and it was statistics, which I can't stand. I ran into a professor from my previous semester and sort of just unloaded on him. So, he pulled out that book and recommended I read it before I gave up, which I was really close to doing. I found it really inspiring."
"Yeah, so do I." He took a drink of his coffee and made a face; it was lukewarm. "I'm afraid what's going to happen once I get to school. I'm not that great a student, and some of these books seem so incredibly difficult to get through."
"I was the same way. Jock in high school, parties ever weekend, and then, suddenly, I'm in college trying to succeed in something that captured my interest and feeling like I had cotton for brains."
He laughed. "You play football?"
"Naw, I was a water guy. Water polo in the fall, swimming in the spring."
"That's cool. I've got a friend who's interested in diving, which is funny because he's terrified of heights. But a friend got him into it recently, and he's thinking of joining the team." His heart sank, though, thinking about Clark and all the crap that was coming up. "Of course, he might not," he said. "He's got so much going on right now. Plus, if he did, he'd have to wear a bathing suit in public."
"He doesn't like to?"
Whitney shook his head. "Not really, if he can help it. He'll barely wear a tee shirt when it's hot without feeling self-conscious."
"That's unusual."
"Clark's had... problems."
Matthew narrowed his eyes, frowning. "Clark? Do you mean, Clark Kent?"
"Yeah, how..." Then it clicked. "You are kidding me!"
Matthew immediately threw his hands up, leaning back. "Look, I didn't know you were friends with Clark, I swear. Jesus Christ, I can't believe this. I grew up in a small town; you'd think I'd know better." He raked his hand through his hair. "I don't know... I'm just talking to you because of the book. I'm not, like pumping you for information or anything."
"Why would you think I would think that?" Whitney crossed his arms over his chest, not caring if this guy saw his hand anymore. "Unless you were trying to get me comfortable enough to tell you stuff about Clark."
"Because I know that Lionel Luthor paid off the previous social worker to make Clark uncomfortable. Michelle Hewitt had a long talk with me about the history of the case, and I read the police reports and excerpts of Clark's journal the DA had. I know what Clark thinks about Lionel Luthor and how power over everyone and everything. Shit, I'm trying to get the kid to trust me, and I fucked up already. Shit," he swore again.
What the hell was he supposed to do? The guy seemed decent enough, but what did Whitney know? He could be just telling Whitney what he wanted to hear: that he wasn't a threat.
"You talk with Clark?"
"I met with him today, yes. I'll be meeting with him again." The side of his mouth quirked up into a half-smile. "That is, if I pass whatever back-ground check that got run on my predecessor."
"Any reason you shouldn't?" A flash of black caught Whitney's eye as he said it, and he glanced up to see Lex, arms full of books.
Lex glanced over at him. Met his eyes.
Whitney held the gaze for a moment, glanced at Matthew, and then back at Lex.
He immediately changed directions and came toward them.
"Not that I know of," Matthew was saying, unaware of the exchange. "I have a DUI on my record and a couple parking tickets. Oh, and I had this dog a few years ago when I was living in Metropolis for college, and I took him for a walk without a leash, and was fined. Other than that, I don't see any problem."
"Whitney," Lex said. He carefully set his books on the table and smiled. "Thanks for saving me a space."
"Of course. Lex, this is Matthew Hadley. He's a social worker. Stopped by to talk to me about my book." Whitney showed it to Lex.
Lex glanced at the cover, then turned his gaze to Matthew. "Mr. Hadley," he said coolly. Polite. Distant. Very vaguely curious.
Matthew looked ill. "Mr. Luthor. Hi." He swallowed. "So. Do I just, what? Give you my fingerprints, or how does this work?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Look, I just came today to make sure Clark knew that things were progressing. And I have to call the Kent's and set up an appointment. I really don't want any trouble."
Lex smiled. "Neither do I."
Matthew didn't look like he was put at ease by the smile or the reassurance. And Whitney didn't blame him, because he knew Lex and he'd been on the other end of that smile and that stare before.
On the other hand, when he'd been receiving it, he was being thanked for getting Clark out of Lionel's crutches. So maybe Lex wasn't as scary as he seemed. Maybe he just really, really sucked at dealing with people who he viewed as a threat to Clark.
"I don't want to lose my job," Matthew said, voice gruff. "I've worked so hard to get here. I grew up in Granville, and I was able to get a job working for the county so I could move back home. I'm not here to hurt anyone. I don't want to leave or get money for something or anything. I just want to be able to do my job and help kids."
A little of the ice in Lex's expression melted. "That's good to hear," he said. He drummed his fingers lightly on the table. "If my father contacts you, though, maybe you should think about giving me a call."
"Or I could call the DA and tell them."
Lex's smile was genuine this time. "Yeah, I suppose you can do that, too. If you want to follow the law."
"I'd prefer to." Matthew smiled back. "Well, I should probably head back. I've got paperwork to do and... I actually still have the dog, and if I'm not home by a certain time, he pees on the bed and I don't think I have a change of sheets." He got up, grabbed his coffee. "Oh, Whitney. You know, I was thinking, I've got a bunch of books from my college classes that I won't be using any more. And, like, I could recommend other books, if you're interested."
He felt bad. Matthew seemed like such a decent guy, and Whitney had sicced Lex on him. And now, he was offering Whitney books. "Wow, really?" Whitney said.
"Yeah. There aren't enough people who want to be social workers, so, it's like, an unwritten rule that we have to grab those who do and keep them on the right path." Matthew grinned. "Anyway, I'll give you my card. Just give me a call if you're interested." He pulled a card out of his breast pocket and handed it to Whitney.
"Thanks," Whitney said, taking it. "It was good talking to you."
"Yeah, you. See later. Mr. Luthor."
Lex nodded, regally. "Mr. Hadley."
Matthew picked up his briefcase, gave one final wave, and left.
Lex sat in the chair that the social worker had just vacated and looked at Whitney. "You know he's not gay, right?"
Whitney rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know. Considering that he told me that he got into social work because of a woman, I figured."
"Just making sure you knew. Mark is my friend."
And, for some reason, that was about the funniest thing that Lex Luthor had ever said.
